Great Awakening – Hit n Run (2009)

Jumping on the Trash revival bandwagon we have Great Awakening from the USA. Having formed in Florida in 2006, the band does a great job in bringing the good-old days of Trash back. Great Awakening’s music is very decent for a Trash Metal release, but they do not offer any edge that would allow us to consider them a force to be reckoned with.

Their 2009 demo titled “Hit n’ Run” showcase 3 very decent songs Trashy songs that have the old-school vibe, but are missing some soul and originality to them. While we don’t expect every band to re-invent the wheel, we do expect some level of originality when it comes to playing a genre that has been around for over 20 years.

Starting off with the album title track the band quickly establishes their no bullshit approach to Trash. With furious riffing, blistering drumming and decent vocals they remind us of all the greats from back in the day. While the riffing is powerful, it feels rehashed from countless albums that we have listened over the years.

The second song “XIII” features an intro that is eerily familiar (but not the same), from a Doom Metal release!!! (more accurately Lacrimas Profundere – Memorandum), that aside the song is a big step down from the pace set by Hit and Run, but shows a somewhat versatile angle from the band. We don’t quite like this song, but it has decent musicianship.

Finalizing this demo, we have “All Systems Fail”, probably the second best song in this demo. The band capitalizes on very well crafted riffs with some relentless drumming and Kreator style vocals. This song also features a slower pace than the title track, but maintains the Trash Metal essence the band is shooting for.

In general we love Trash Metal, but this release feels somewhat empty and un-inspired. We can only wait to see what else this band can bring to the table in future releases.

Release: 2009

Country: USA