Misfire – Product of the Environment
Review by: James Thomas
Review Score: 9
Calling all thrash maniacs! Stand at attention and listen carefully – do you hear that thunderous sound? Chicago outfit, Misfire, have returned with their brand new album, “Product of the Environment” – set for release on May 2 on MNRK Heavy! Having experienced changes in the band’s lineup – namely the vocalist and bassist – the band has forged ahead over the past couple of years as they made the journey from the debut album, “Sympathy for the Ignorant” in 2021 to this colossal beast of a sophomore offering. New vocalist Tim Jensen employs a unique blend of melody and aggression as he injects further energy into each track. Let’s take a more detailed look at each of the twelve fresh tracks on this release, shall we?
After a brief, soft, instrumental intro called “Borrowed Time” (the only point of respite on this ferocious effort), we are treated to the first proper track on the album – “Day to Day”. A short, softer intro gives way to a mid-paced chugging riff before becoming a fast thrash attack, and as the listener, you know you’re off and running! Mr. Jensen does a great job with his vocals – unmistakably a thrash tone. The song slows the pace down about midway through, and a great solo blazes forth. The song features perhaps the most “thrash-y” lyrical expression: “Life doesn’t last forever – I hope death treats you better.” In perfect fashion, this track leaves the listener thirsty for more!
The next track, “All Over the Place”, sees double bass drums pervade the beginning of the song as the pace picks up very quickly. There is an especially fierce vocal performance from Tim Jensen on this one, along with another great solo that’s more melodic this time around. The drumming continues to be a highlight throughout the track as well. As Jensen proclaims, “All over the place – executing our one and only escape!”, one can picture the mosh pit circling with violent intentions.
“We Went Through Hell” continues the tour de force, as a menacing intro accomplishes its unquestionable intention to build up anticipation in the listener. As the drums come in, you get the feeling the song is building to something great, and it does just that! Employing more of a mid-paced style, this song adds a nice change of pace, providing variety that keeps the album engaging from track to track. The vocals are reminiscent of Angelripper from Sodom here on this track, which is never a bad thing! The last 90 seconds represent the true climax of the song, bringing it to a fantastic conclusion with a nice groove-laden breakdown that leads into another killer solo. This one is a major highlight on the album.
Track number five, “Born to Die” (has there ever been a more fitting thrash title?), fades in with a fast thrash-y feel immediately. The chorus continues in more of a groove vein that will have the listener headbanging in no time – better go ahead and have the chiropractor on standby. The listener is treated to yet another fantastic solo with a fast groove backing it up. The breakdown comes back in as the song prepares for its finale – “DESTROY ME, DESTROY YOU, DESTROY EVERYTHING!” Jensen shouts as the song ends.
Here we come to perhaps the best track on the album – “Living the Dream”. It’s a shorter track here in the middle of the album, but oh baby, does it pack a punch. There is a bit of a different-sounding verse that kicks things off with just the bass pounding in the background, while Jensen employs more of a gruff singing style. And here is where Jensen shines the brightest – deftly balancing melody and aggression in his delivery. He sounds as if he could break into a hard rock croon at any moment (although he never quite does). The listener is treated to another tasty groove throughout this track, which continues as the solo melts the faces of all in its wake. This one is a treat!
“Left for Dead” continues the trashing – another shorter track that begins with some mid-paced strumming. The pace remains upbeat but not blindingly fast; in fact, this track wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Exodus’s widely heralded “comeback” album, “Tempo of the Damned” in 2004 (anyone a fan of the track, “Blacklist”, from that opus?). Once again, no fan’s neck is safe, as headbanging is unavoidable. The listener may conjure images of the insane as Jensen shrieks “GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” We get a very fast solo as the song hits its climax. But don’t hold your breath, thrash maniacs! The next track, “End of an Age”, allows no rest for the weary. Time to run to the freezer and grab a fresh bag of ice for the back of your necks!
This one brings pure thrash from the very start. The drumming is ferocious, and the guitar picking is done at breakneck speed for the majority of the song. As the vocals come in initially, the pace slows a bit, and a breakdown makes itself comfortable, although it doesn’t pervade the song – speed is never far from the main focus. We get a slow “bridge” to the solo, during which the pace picks up considerably once again. “Variety” continues to be the name of the game, and this is a very well executed song.
“Privacy” sees a nice heavy riff kicking the song off in grand style. A ferocious vocal shout prevails – the vocals are slightly more melodic but still fierce. There is more of a mid-paced tempo here, but we do get some double bass drumming as the song approaches its final minute. Fans of mid-paced thrash will surely find this to be a satisfying track to experience.
Did you really think the mid-paced groove would last forever? Think again! “Twist of Fate” is a high-octane ride that blasts off immediately – this one is a full-on thrash attack in the truest sense of the phrase. The vocals have an almost black metal quality in some spots, which are sure to please fans of Vektor and Hellripper in certain spots. The listener is also treat to some gang vocals here, which give the song a nice touch. The drumming deserves another shout-out, as it is a major highlight. Just past the midway point, the song slows a bit as it launches into a great solo. The conclusion to the song is excellent, as Misfire have a real knack for bringing intrigue at the end of each track, giving you a reason to desire the next one.
The penultimate track, “Artificially Intelligent”, initially gives the impression that another tasty, groove-laden feel will rule the day. However, the sound fairly quickly gives way to lightning speed. The lyrics deserve a bit of attention, as the lyrical concept about A.I. and how it has dumbed down society and allowed people to present an artificial version of themselves to the outside world is incredibly pertinent to these times in which we live – does anyone long for simpler times? The chorus in this one is fantastic, and this track is another big highlight.
We’ve now arrived at the final track on this beast (does it have to end?), and fittingly, it’s the title track and is longest track on the album. Thrash fans everywhere rejoice as a great, fast pace carries on during the verses of the song. And this one is sure to stir up the mosh pit – Jensen proclaims “I am who I am, NOT who you want me to be”. This a great lyrical concept that listeners will likely relate to quite easily. Even when the pace slows a bit, the song remains fast throughout, with bass and drums holding down the rhythm faithfully. A killer solo only adds to the vibe of the song, and somehow, the song gains even more steam as the final minute plays. This is simply a fantastic closer and another high point on the album.
If you were a fan of Misfire after hearing the debut, you won’t want to miss this one! “Product of the Environment” takes everything the band did so well on the debut, and it ratchets up the intensity and presents a more mature sound without sacrificing a single bit of ferocity. Those who are new to the band can’t go wrong in the choice to begin with this sophomore release. The “new wave” of thrash can admittedly be a crowded field, and if not done right, it can sound uninteresting and unengaging. No such worries with Misfire, though. Contrary to what the name might suggest, this band fires on ALL cylinders. So, grab some ice, heating pads, painkillers, and whatever else you may need to prepare yourself, because this is a breakneck experience sure to level everything in sight!