Get ready to bust out your skateboards and vandalize your neighborhood, because after hearing D.I.S., you won’t be able to do anything else. That’s right, Critical Failure contains 25 minutes of non-stop classic thrash action. If you’re a fan of Discharge, Wolfbrigade, Toxic Holocaust and the like you should probably go right ahead and purchase this record. If you’re not, may I politely ask why? D-Beat/Crossover bands have recently been receiving a good amount of recognition by metal fans lately and I suggest that you jump on the bandwagon as well.
I’d like to imagine that D.I.S.’s songs are what thrash legends D.R.I. would have produced if they were constantly injecting massive amounts of steroids into their bloodstream during recording sessions. Omitting none of the awesomeness of 80’s thrash, Critical Failure hovers directly over the crossroads of punk and metal. Although every second of this album is aggressive as hell, it also delivers all sorts of musical variety. For example, Sean Vahle’s drum fills greatly enhance the album’s versatility. Where the thrash bands of old were notoriously known for filling their albums with individual songs that were interchangeable from album to album, D.I.S. does an excellent job of using each song to add character to the entire album as a whole by keeping the overall atmosphere of Critical Failure in mind. This allows for a consistent blend of punishing tracks, all of which constantly remind you who it is you’re listening to.
One of D.I.S.’s strongest attributes is the ease at which they constantly utilize many different styles of guitar distortion. Solos such as the one in the album’s opener sound much different from the more traditional ones in “Lamentations” and “C.F.”. Even Critical Failure’s three sub-two minute songs contain as many variations as was possible for D.I.S. to squeeze into them. From musicians to people such as myself who simply wish they had a mini-ramp in their backyard, this album should be enjoyed by all. The reason is this: D.I.S.’s songs are not difficult to access, yet if one listens closely, they will realize that the subtly complex nature of each song is what makes Critical Failure such a distinct release. That, along with all the other obvious reasons, is why this powerhouse from the city of angels just put themselves on the map big time. It’s thrash or die motherfuckers! You’re about to get Destroyed In Seconds.
