Desolator – ‘Spirit Of Speed’

Speed/Thrash Metal

Independent Release

Released – April 26th 2025

Desolator hail from Southampton and were formed in 2010. They didn’t hang about and released a demo in 2011 then a full length in 2013 and an EP in 2014 as well as having a track on a Sony compilation ‘Speed Kills 7’ in 2016. They have toured with the likes of Crisix and Nervosa, Anvil and Gama Bomb. Not bad, eh? But what do they offer?

It’s a messy intro that starts ‘Maniac Attack’ then develops off of Felix Dock’s bass noodle before they career into a Venom like bruiser. A simple riff and Docks vicious vocal attack plus his bass fills drive this along like a battered old Capri, billowing acrid smoke and making a hell of a noise. ‘Eye Of The Night’ is rough, raw and rabid then ‘Call Of The Void’ rattles along on a head’s-down-see-you-at-the-end vibe. Things ease up on ‘KIA’ for a while before they rip into another rapid riff fest with drummer Sam Talbot leading the way with some proper Olympic sized slamming and guitarist Jamie Brooks carving and slicing with some nasty lead breaks. Things get even faster on ‘Rapid Force’ before ‘Midnight Leather’ brings some NWOBHM and Brooks again shows he ahs the gift of the riff. ‘Brain Decay’ is slower and malevolent then the pace builds, and they develop into a proper head banger in a Slayer vein then we get another NWOBHM trip on ‘Prison City’ with a messy bass thing from Dock before they fly into another vicious speed metal ride. It’s raucous, unpretentious and raw as is the title track. Album closer ‘Back On The Road’ gets the head nodding again with a great choppy riff from Brooks before they up the pace again.

If you’re looking for polished perfection, then look elsewhere because this is as rough as a badger’s arse and as loose as Katie Price’s morals but that’s where the charm lies. It harks back to the early 80’s when bands knocked out demo recordings which were traded then became the stuff of legend. It’s three mates who are playing for the fuck of it. Forget technical ability and song writing craft it’s about the energy, the sweat and the beer. I hope they tour coz I want to see these maniacs live. I reckon they will be awesome.

Track List –

Maniac Attack

Eye Of The Night

Call Of The Void

KIA

Rapid Force

Midnight Leather

Brain Decay

Prison City

Spirit Of Speed

Back On The Road