Cripper - Freak Inside (2007)

   For those who missed the feeling of the old school Teutonic thrash attacks with some fresh blood included, Cripper may have been served as some relief.
   The band's debut was a bit more aggressive of course than what was usual in the '80s, since a lot of time has passed, but that was mostly represented in the sound and not in the intensity of their songs. The old competition of playing so fast as possible is history, and even though nobody can judge the band that they've nearly fell asleep while playing, cause naturally the album is intense as a thrash album should be; compared to the oldies, "Freak Inside" counts as a middle speed thrashing album. Simple, but rigid themes dictating the tempo for the march and the final charge. At the end of the album the band tried to involve some plus by more melodies and diverse themes. These tryings can be sensed earlier too, and it sounds like if they've tried to be careful, or they just wanted to hold their surprise card for the final; but things got revealed at the end and they showed what they've got. The other reason why Cripper counts more rough is Britta Görtz as their charismatic vocalist. The rude, aggressive style of Frau Görtz can cause some nostalgic impression if the listener may think about the golden age of the German thrash scene... but it's a different story now. May the "Freak Inside" kill your thirst!