REVIEW: EVIL ONE – Militia of Death

 

EVIL ONE – Militia of Death

Pervade Productions / Manitou Music

When thrash metal intersects with traditional heavy metal, the result often recalls bands such as Overkill, Annihilator, Hallow's Eve, Metallica, and Megadeth. In the current scene, Evil One operate within a similar stylistic framework. With their third release, Militia of Death, the French band present what can be considered their most mature and cohesive work to date.

From the outset, the album stands out for its balanced production and clarity. A key strength, noticeable from the first listen, is the band’s ability to transition naturally between aggressive thrash passages and more melodic, traditionally rooted heavy metal sections. These shifts feel fluid rather than forced, contributing to the album’s overall strong sense of flow.

The mixing and mastering, handled by Herman Frank, play an important role in shaping the album’s sound. The production enhances both the heavier and more melodic elements without allowing either to dominate excessively. The result is a clear, powerful sound that supports the band’s songwriting and performances throughout.

Militia of Death unfolds smoothly from the opening track to the closing moments, maintaining consistency in tone and energy. The album suggests that Evil One have the potential to move beyond the confines of the French underground scene and attract broader international attention.

Guest appearances further enrich the record. Jeff Waters (Annihilator) performs a guitar solo on “Militia of Death,” Betov of ADX contributes a solo to “Straight to Hell,” Herman Frank appears again with a solo on “Suicide Fanatics,” and Gerre of Tankard provides lead vocals on “Militia of Beer.” These collaborations add variety while remaining consistent with the album’s overall direction.

Among the standout tracks are “Evil Invasion,” “Baptized by Fire,” “Memories,” and the instrumental piece “Instrumetal,” each highlighting different aspects of the band’s sound—from driving thrash intensity to more melodic and structured compositions.

Overall, Militia of Death is a solid heavy/thrash metal release that balances aggression and melody effectively. Listeners seeking a well-produced, energetic, and musically coherent metal album may find this release worth their attention.

Nick Parastatidis