I was in my early teens when I discovered Children of Technology. It was one of those seemingly endless nights of clicking the random button on TShirtSlayer. I can’t remember if I came across a shirt or backpatch, but it looked cool enough for me to check out. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was “hooked” from that point on, but CoT have occupied a space in the recesses of my metal mind since.
These Italian maniacs have been living out their post-apocalyptic Mad Max wet dreams since 2007 and appear to enjoy doing so. Their thrashy brand of retro metalpunk hits the spot on a drunken Friday night, especially if played between Discharge and Venom. So if you’re looking for a band that’s “cutting edge”, “innovative”, and “reinventing the wheel”, x out of this review now. There’s none of that to be found on CoT’s third full length album, Written Destiny.
What CoT may lack in hooks and memorability, they make up for in uniqueness. The metallic d-beat of “Creation through Destruction”, “Desert City”, and “Warpainted Nightcreatures” is not cut and dry Discharge worship alone. They’re possessed by the spirit of classic motörcharged metalpunk. Think Discharge gets into a bar fight with Tank and Warfare. It’s an ugly scene, but it makes for some great noise!
There’s also songs that lean more on the metal side of things, particularly 80s thrash and specifically east coast thrash. There’s something about the title track that reminds me of early Overkill. The riffs have that primal intensity of something you’d hear on Feel the Fire. And holy Bobby Blitz, what a mosh worthy breakdown! “The New Barbarians” carries on this east coast vibe, sounding like a lost song from Anthrax’s Spreading the Disease.
If you’re looking to quench your thirst with a thrash/speed/d-beat smoothie, fetch yourself a glass of Written Destiny. Just don’t come complaining to me if drinking such a brutal brew keeps you up all night.
6 out of 10
Label: Hells Headbangers Records
Genre: Thrash Metal/Punk
For fans of: Discharge, Warfare, Inepsy