When the Slint decided to reform in 2005 after thirteen years apart and again in 2007, fans of the highly influential Louisville based post/indie rock outfit waited with bated breath in anticipation at the possibly of a new album from them.

Unfortunately, the much hoped for Slint return didn’t eventuate. But that’s not to say that nothing came out of the band’s return to the stage, as guitarists David Christian Pajo and Michael McMahan and touring bassist Todd Cook continued to work together long after Slint had come and gone, albeit under the new name of Dead Child.

Alongside vocalist Dahm (The Phantom Family Halo) and drummer Tony Bailey (Lords), Dead Child debuted their self-titled five-track EP on Cold Sweat Records in 2007. But what surprised most was the new direction that emerged from Dead Child. Instead of acting as a continuation of where Slint left off, Dead Child was instead rooted deep in traditional old school metal/thrash, with more than a hint of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal in their overall sound.

Now returning with their debut full length effort Attack (which is their first for Quarterstick Records), Dead Child have once again paid homage to straight up metal.The opening track “Sweet Chariot” is fairly indicative of what you can expect from the whole album. While “Sweet Chariot” is an energetic anthem that is quite simplistic in terms of its song writing structure, it succeeds in terms of providing memorable choruses, catchy riffs and a vocal presence out front that can be clearly understood, but still adds an edge of aggression to proceedings.

“Never Bet The Devil Your Head” (which originally appeared on the band’s previous EP) and “Screaming Skull” are stand out cuts with their late ‘80’s thrash vibe courtesy of the combined static riffing and drumming, while “Twitch Of The Death Nerve,” “Rattlesnake Chalice” and the doom-like “The Coldest Hands” rely heavily on stoner-like grooves, but with a distinct metallic edge.

“Angel Of The Odd” once again returns to the high energy feel of the opening track with great results, while “Wasp Riot” and the lengthy “Black Halo Rider” finish up the album in truly classic fashion.

Like many retro/old school metal acts, Dead Child isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel with their latest effort. But what the band does have in their favour over most is a sound and production that is truly authentic, and more than enough songs in their repertoire that could very well be classics in time to come. All up, Attack is a great listen, and an album that will comfortably sit amongst the other classics you have in your collection.

www.deadchild.net