BAT
Axestasy
(MLP)

Simply put, there’s no stopping BAT! This hard-charging, hard-touring American speed metal cult have been slaying any stage they step on since the release of their critically acclaimed debut album, Wings of Chains, in 2016. Naturally, that’s no surprise given the power-trio’s pedigree: both vocalist/bassist Ryan Waste and guitarist Nick Poulos hail from Municipal Waste and Volture while drummer Felix Griffin played on D.R.I.’s first four, classic albums.

Nevertheless, BAT have become a thundering force in their own right, and the brand-new Axestasy mini-album proves it further. Taking all the same sterling qualities of Wings of Chains and the pushing ’em into the red, Axestasy is the sound of a well-oiled machine charging forward with boundless confidence and style for miles; their onstage charisma is conveyed to its fullest here. Comprising a re-recorded version of “Ritual Fool,” four dynamic new tracks, and an ominous interlude, Axestasy is 14 wild minutes of prime BAT.