Intoxicated's third LP, 'The Dome', is a thrilling return to the glory days of thrash and death metal. This album showcases the band's masterful ability to weave together classic references with their own unique flair, creating a fresh and vicarious listening experience. The album's 30-minute runtime is packed with high-octane cuts like 'Carved in Stone', 'The Dome', 'War Club', and 'Drowning the Weak', each oozing with vitriol and a raw, unfiltered energy. Sole original member Erik Payne's raspy barks and serrated growls add a significant measure of personality to the album, while John Sutton's riffs and Mike Radford's drumming steal the show with their innovative ideas and tight runtimes.
However, the album is not without its flaws. The production is very clean and modern, which can detract from the band's brutish delivery, and the bass lacks prominence, making it harder for listeners to fully appreciate Gregg Robert's unholy magic. Additionally, some songs lack punch and unique riffs, leading to a slight loss of momentum in certain tracks. Despite these minor setbacks, 'The Dome' is a wholly enjoyable and easily repeatable record, and it would be a shame for it to go unnoticed.
In my opinion, Intoxicated's ability to find and exploit their references is their strength. They draw from the bloodied piles of Destruction, Death Angel, Dark Angel, and Sodom, infusing their music with the deathly wiles of Death and the speed and extremity of Anthrax. This influences their current sound, which might make the album seem unoriginal or derivative to some. However, the band's good taste in references and their ability to create a fresh and vicarious listening experience make 'The Dome' a fun, raucous, and feisty little gem.
Overall, 'The Dome' is a must-listen for fans of thrash and death metal, and it is a testament to the band's skill and dedication. With its catchy riffs, high-energy delivery, and masterful use of references, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.
