Vol. #220: Vindicator – “Whispers of Death”
Rustbelt Rock Review
By: Z.M. Delgado
Rustbeltrockreview.com
Volume #220: Vindicator – “Whispers of Death”
August 22nd, 2025
Hello, my friend! Welcome back to the Rustbelt Rock Review, your source for all things Heavy here on the North Coast. This week we’re gonna turn the clock back quite a few months and check out a record I really should have gotten to sooner. It’s not that I overlooked it. In fact I’ve been rocking it since it’s release. The simple fact is I’ve had a busy summer, a busier fall and as such I’m only just getting around to writing this bad boy up now. So where to begin? How’s about a basic introduction. This week we will be looking at Vindicator’s newest offering: “Whispers of Death.” This is the follow up to 2021’s “Communal Decay” and if my count is correct, this is the bands sixth album. Vindicator is a Thrash Metal Band from Cleveland, Ohio. This new album is wildly anticipated and in my humble opinion, well overdue. (The world needs more Thrash!) Now before I say too much, lets take a peak at some of my favorite tracks from this new collection.
The first song I want to talk about is the album’s opener, “Whispers of Death…Anxiety’s Grip.” This song is about as close to a perfect opening track as you can get. It starts with a strong riff that picks up as the Drums come in. The tempo is honestly pulse pounding as it sets a brutal tone for the whole record. The Vocals are an animalistic growl that separates this album from some of the bands early recordings. Nice Gang Vocals on the chorus punch up the intensity and a beastly breakdown set up a fantastic ending. All in all it’s a fire track that raises the bar pretty high for the rest of collection.
Next I have to shout out “Thirst for Violence.” This one rips for sure. It opens with some rumbling percussion and a bitchin’ riff. The verse then sets a brutal tempo and simply demands the formation of an immediate Moshpit. The chorus is 100% badassery. It sports some nice back and forth between the lead and backing Vocals and throws in some nice “whoas” for good measure. I love the solo on this track and I feel obligated to acknowledge the absolutely thunderous Drum work. Without a doubt this is one of the strongest tracks in the collection.
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The third song I want to acknowledge is “Your World Dies in Flame.” Opening with some blistering riffage, then dropping immediately into a blazing verse, this song is not fucking around in the least. The Vocals are like a woodchipper, and the lyrics come with rapidity. It’s all speed and aggression; pure food for the knuckles to fly to. The ripping speed works up to an epic slow down about halfway through. At that point the chorus, kicks in and it’s like a bomb exploding in slow motion. As the saying goes… Slower is Heavier, and when this track slows down it gets very heavy indeed. As they chant the songs title repeatedly, it absolutely slams skulls and breaks bones. The speed kicks back in after and the song takes off again in a blur. For all these reasons, and many more that I just can’t convey, this is an obvious stand out track.
The last song I want to highlight is “Battle Box.” This is a Thunderdome level song of violence and bloodshed. The riffs and speed are divine as it screams for movement. Now I’ve labeled other songs in this collection as Mosh worthy tracks, but none of them demand a circle of spinning madness quite the way “Battle Box” does. The riffs and Drum patterns are punishment and pleasure in one. This song is a shot in the arm and a kick in the ass. It is not just what you want to hear from Vindicator, but it is text book, case study, lead by example Thrash perfection.
So in the end, how do I feel about Vindicator’s new album, “Whispers of Death?” Well, I have to tell you without any question, this one is explosive. From front to back, this is Thrash at it’s best. It is heart stopping, gut wrenching, heavy as steel, tougher than nails Thrash. This record has it all. Bone crushing riffs? Check. Earth-quaking Drum work? Right there. Nasty ass Vocals? You’re damn right. Dark visceral lyrics? Absolutely. It has all these crucial ingredients mixed up with the veteran song writing of some dudes who have been in this game for a long time and know exactly what they’re about. Now I’m not gonna be that guy who says the new shit is the “Best they’ve ever done.” for what it’s worth, I am partial to their debut album, “There Will Be Blood.” With that being said this may be their best shit they’ve done in a long time. There is no denying the strength of this record, no matter how you want to rank it in the very impressive Vindicator catalog. So here’s my final verdict: This is a must listen album. If you are like me and you love a good Thrash album, then you simply must give “Whispers of Death” a listen right away. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. So that’s all for this week. Thank you for reading and Rocking and for being awesome in general. Hoist your horns, Bang your head and always wear your earplugs!
Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,
-Z.M. Delgado
Rustbelt Rock Review
Rustbeltrockreview.com
10/4/2025
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