Band:	Bombarder
Album:	Sa Dna Groba
Style:	Speed metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	January 2024

01. Sa Dna Groba
02. Bombarder III
03. Bezubi Osmijeh
04. Unutrašnji Vapaj
05. Aveti Iz Sjenki
06. Goli Strah
07. Na Svoju Vagu Život Stavi
08. Mrtva Straža
09. Zima
10. Flag Of Hate [Kreator cover]

Bombarder are still bombarding us with high-quality speedy thrash after nearly four decades.

Since their formation back in 1986, Bombarder have remained a relatively unknown thrash/speed act, despite releasing material during a time when speed and thrash was flourishing, so one can only wonder as to why that was? Well, part of the reason may be geographical; the band originally formed in Sarajevo (at-the-time still part of Yugoslavia), where they went on to release their debut Speed Kill (1989), which was then followed a year later by their sophomore Bez Milosti. The band then disbanded two years later due to the erupting wars in the region (during which guitarist Maho Šiljdedić lost his life), before re-emerging in 1996 after a 4-year absence. Now currently residing in neighbouring Serbia, the band led by founding member and vocalist Nenad Kovačević unleash their eighth full-length release to date, Sa Dna Groba.

Now, after 38 years on the scene, what do these seasoned thrashers offer this time with Sa Dna Groba? The answer to that question is actually fairly straightforward; to put it simple, the album is short, frantic, energetic, and groovy as hell. It's a combination of traditional speed and thrash, so you likely get the drift. This latest output is also a relatively short album, with a running time of only 32 minutes in length, with the two longest of the 9 featured songs, "Unutrašnji Vapaj" and "Zima", barely clocking over the four-minute mark.

Starting things off is the opening title track, and the instrumentation delivers ferocious high-end quality traditional thrash, driven by an exhilarating, adrenalising galloping rhythm section, classic groovy breakneck riffs, and of course, a frenzied thrashy solo (which smacks you right in the face due to its remarkably high presence in the mix). Although Kovačević's vocals may be starting to show minor signs of deterioration as of his age (which happens to us all), he doesn't in any way lack energy, drive, and passion, something he can be greatly admired for.

From here on, the flow and tempo is simply unrelenting; from track-to-track and throughout the half-hour duration, the rhythm section powers along ferociously, the riffs are deliciously groovy and considerably memorable throughout, and the blistering solos continue to exhilarate. Now, the standout element above all is clearly the riff department; let's face it, the entire album can be seen as an outrageous breakneck riff-fest if nothing else, and if they don't excite you then I'm not sure what else will. There is, however, one particular track seemingly different from the rest, "Na Svoju Vagu Život Stavi". This particular songs stands out for several different reasons: firstly, due to the striking whining lead guitar tone, and secondly, for the introduction of what seem to be violin strings, which gives an odd hint of classic European folk. This certainly breaks the mould from what is otherwise a repetitive structure.

It might not matter to some metalheads if the riff melodies have been done countless times before; if all you're looking for is an uncontrollable and enjoyable headbanging session, then I highly doubt originality would be a major priority. Still, the repetitive nature of the album's structure and similarities between tracks may come as a downside for other metalheads. Another grey area is in the production, with the most obvious issue for me being where the solos and vocals are positioned in the mix; I'd argue that they're too highly placed, and thus overshadowing the riffs, bass and drums.

Overall, I'd say the issues I've pointed out are minor in the grand scale of things, and for what this album lacks in production value and originality, it certainly makes up for with its tremendous flow, unrelenting rhythm and tempo, and of course, the excellent riff work. Bombarder may not be held in as high regards as many big-name traditional thrash or speed acts, but what they've released here should be a testament to any band from the golden era that still believes they have the spirit and drive to continue thrashing the old-school way.