Welcome to The Saw’s Butcher Shop. It’s your Master Butcher, The Saw, and I’m reaching back a few weeks to review a new EP drop from Plague Years, All Will Suffer (MNRK Records). This four song EP dropped on July 8, 2022 and it is an excellent example of ‘Crossover’ genius, further expressing the direction of extreme music in this era.

First Things, First

So, the term ‘Crossover’ is unfortunate (IMO), and unnecessary. What is meant is that bands like Plague Years have a Thrash/Death Metal sound, with the music being Thrash-based and the vocal delivery stylized as more Death Metal. Most old school Death Metal evolved out of Thrash, where a lot of today’s Death Metal is earmarked ‘Post-Metal’ because of the use of atmospheric guitar styles rather than riffs.

I think Plague Years’ work is genius! The riff is everything, obviously, to the band (and, also, to The Saw!). It’s the riff (the Thrash aspect) which drives their sound, distinguishing them from other bands, and the vocal delivery is used as another instrument to accentuate the riff (Death Metal). It IS difficult for a categorical thinker (like The Saw) to catalogue Plague Years, but live they can be aligned with Thrash bands, Death Metal bands, Hardcore bands (because of vocal cadence and style), and etc.

All Will Suffer, the EP

This EP is an absolute banger! Each song is distinct, with wicked riffs on each which range from slow grinding crunch to mid-to-quick paced time stamps. The greats of Thrash history are clearly the influences, here; especially Slayer. It’s awesome! However, the vocal delivery – a modified, more holler than gutteral style – sets this record off. I really like the cadence, the timing, and the rhythm of the delivery. This is a real pleasure to listen to.

1. Make You Mortal
2. Suffer
3. Reality of Filth
4. Cursed

Plague Years, the Band

From Detroit, MI:

Tim Engelhardt – vocals

Eric Lauder – guitars

Rian Staber – bass

Mike Jurysta – drums

Discography:

Unholy Infestation (EP) – April 5, 2019 (Entertainment One)

Play the Victim (single) – March 5, 2020 (Entertainment One)

Incantation (single) – July 24, 2020 (Entertainment One)

Circle of Darkness (LP) – September 18, 2020 (Entertainment One)

All Will Suffer (EP) – July 8, 2022 (MNRK Records)

Plague Years have been nothing if not consistent throughout their short career. Their stylized brand of Metal is Thrash, with crunchy, chunky, crushing riffs that really mark them as unique. The vocals (Death Metal/Hardcore) also distinguish the band and set them apart. The Saw predicts that you WILL be seeing a lot of Plague Years! And you WILL be seeing them live in an array of differing sub-genres where they can really set the tone, regardless.

Rating – 10/10!! Excellent! Great groovy riffs and vocal prowess!

Favorite Song – Suffer

Stay Metal,

THE SAW