Label- MNRK Heavy
Release Date- 1st April 2022
Words- Chris Fletcher
Sometimes a debut record comes along that really makes you sit up and take notice and it is no exaggeration that ‘Sympathy for the Ignorant’ debut full length from Chicago three-piece Misfire does just that whilst slapping you in the face for good measure.
Whilst thrash metal done well is always a mouth-watering proposition, it isn’t always easy to make it feel as forward-thinking and vital as Misfire manage to do here.
Roaring out the traps with 10 tracks of blistering thrash, the band have been able to capture the old school signature sound of the genre that will have you reaching for a six pack and your filthiest pair of high-tops in no time. However, despite the clear throwback evident in their sound, ‘Sympathy for the Ignorant’ never feels dated. Quite how the band are able to make it feel like 1986 and 2022 at the same time is an impressive achievement.
Misfire also make a lot of noise for a three-piece, following in the footsteps of metal legends like Motorhead and Venom in this regard, however, in terms of the sound of the band, they wear their thrash influences very much on their sleeves. Do you like Metallica, Anthrax and Death Angel? Of course, you do and so do these lads. These influences are clearly evident on tracks such as ‘Death Trap’ which happens to sound like the best Pantera song you’ve heard in years.
The record itself was recorded in what has been described as a small studio and engineered by vocalist/bassist Sean Coogan, the production job on display here is pretty much perfect for what the band are trying to achieve. Everything is clear and audible with nothing lost in the mix whilst retaining that sense that at some point beer may have been spilt in the studio.
It is also worth noting that the band have jammed together for years prior to this release, no doubt contributing to the chemistry that makes this record sound so accomplished for a debut.
Misfire have previously cut their chops touring with thrash legends like Sacred Reich but they are ready to forge their own path.
A debut record this good is a hell of a way to start and there’s no doubt that if the band can continue what they’ve started here then they are destined for the big leagues. We all need more quality thrash metal in our lives and Misfire have duly delivered.
9/10.
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