Obliterated is a death and thrash metal band from Italy. Racking up 30 minutes of music in just 4 tracks, their new release 'Fragments of Infinity' has a progressive side as well; pooling influences from Vektor to Death to Megadeth. With tracks running anywhere from 5 to 12 minutes, Obliterated are not shy about displaying the range within their thrash-based sound. So what can be expected upon pressing play?

The aforementioned variety is put to the test from the very beginning with opener, Creator of Void. This lengthy track takes 2 minutes just to get past the opener; and in that time we are already treated to moody symphonic atmosphere, gloomy old school death chords, and ripping thrash hooks. Once the vocals kick in, things really go into high gear on a The Haunted-esque fusion of melodeath and thrash. The singer even reminds me a bit of Marco Aro in his no-frills, barked delivery.

But like I said, this is not your straight thrash release either. When speed is a factor, these guys do it amazingly well. But they are a band who prefers to play with dynamics in compositions, at times drifting into quiet interludes before taking it back to 11. In this way, I feel that 'Fragments of Infinity has something for everyone and will particularly be eaten up by fans of the latest Vektor release. Personally, I actually find Obliterated's sound to be a hair tighter than that of their peers.

Everything comes together quite nicely, expecially on the last two tracks, The Shores of Chaos and Wings of Macrocosm. Admittedly, these are more standard thrashers, but they aren't without their own larger contributions to the EP. The drumming is full of vitality and keeps my head bobbing like it's 1989 and I'm at my first Slayer concert. The riffs are fast, fun, and fierce. Certain hooks and solos are also reminiscent of NWOBHM in addition to the Gothenburg touches.

If you are into any of the bands or genres I have listed thus far, 'Fragments of Infinity' should already be in your bandcamp wishlist. Obliterated is a band that knows how to play to its strengths while exploring more progressive territories. More importantly, these guys know how to play off of each other to produce something that is in the best interest of the group. With a little tweaking in the studio, more resources, and time to practice their craft; I see them going quite far.