### At War: Infidel

#### 28/09/09 || HailandKill

Living proof that metal dreams never die, At War were once an up-and-coming trio from the second wave of 80’s American thrash and managed a coupla solid albums. Then they disappeared for reasons unknown, their music swept into the dustbin of history… until now. (Thanks Heavy Artillery Records for digging these guys out of their graves.)

Almost a decade removed from 9/11, these right-wing punters still have a bone to pick with terrorists and enemies of freedom in general, hence this mighty comeback “Infidel”. The cover: A nude He-Man flexing his biceps in front of Osama bin Laden’s legions, who’re prolly staring at his all-American nipples. Note the exhibitionist undertones of the stallion haired homoerotic He-Man as he proudly displays his masculine virility. That eagle tattoo on his back also suggests sadomasochism in the face of conservative militants garbed from head to foot.

It’s pretty obvious by now HailandKill can’t think of much to write about this album except dumb commentary. Sure, there’s a slaying opener in the tradition of yer best Kreator titled “Assassins” that compels thee to lurk in dark corners and pounce on unsuspecting family members. As if they hadn’t started things on a nihilistic note, At War go political with “Want You Dead”, a particularly vitriolic tune aimed at Islamic fundamentalists bent on tearing down the West. The American soldier is also given his due with the bipartisan message of “Deceit” (during the intro’s buildup, a hunky baritone goes “If I’m killed in battle, do not use my death to advance your political agenda.”) and the United States Marine Corps get their own my-rifle-is-my-best-friend-anthem “Semper Fi”. Fueled by the spirit of “Aces High”, those who won the Battle of Britain are also paid tribute on the rollicking “RAF”. Wholesome, right?

Yet despite brilliant glimmers of Motorhead attitude, Sodom’s militarism, and Neanderthal decibels, At War are hard pressed to seriously impress considering the competition out there. Want another similarly styled band? Try Nocturnal Fear. Or Deadnight. Or Warbringer. While it’s cool that the killer music league has new contestants, will the metal world at large truly dig these guys? Let it be put this way: If you’re into guns, war, and violent delusions like HailandKill, then fuck yeah, At War can be lotsa fun. If you crave a different species of visceral music, however, then “Infidel” is hit and miss at best.

Here’s a low score for these warfreaks.

- Information
- Released: 2009
- Label: Heavy Artillery Records
- Website: At War MySpace
- Band
- Paul Arnold: bass, vocals
- Shawn Helsel: guitar
- Dave Stone: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Assassins
- 02. Semper Fi
- 03. Make Your Move
- 04. At War
- 05. Want You Dead
- 06. RAF
- 07. Deceit
- 08. Vengeful Eyes
- 09. Rapechase