Description
Xentrix – Scourge – Compact Disc
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Heavy Metal Records
Scourge is the fourth studio album by British thrash metal band Xentrix, released in 1996 through Heavy Metal Records. This album marked a significant shift in the band’s lineup and musical direction, embracing a groove metal style that was gaining popularity during the mid-1990s.
Following their 1992 album ‘Kin,’ Xentrix underwent notable lineup changes. Vocalist Chris Astley departed, leading to the recruitment of Simon Gordon as the new frontman. Additionally, guitarist Andy Rudd joined the band, replacing Astley on guitar duties. Bassist Paul ‘Macka’ MacKenzie and drummer Dennis Gasser remained from the previous lineup, with Kristian ‘Stan’ Havard continuing as lead guitarist. These changes brought a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound, steering them towards a groove-oriented metal approach.
Scourge showcases Xentrix’s transition from their earlier thrash metal roots to a groove metal style, characterized by mid-tempo rhythms, downtuned guitars, and a heavier, more groove-laden sound. This stylistic shift aligned with the trends of the mid-1990s metal scene, influenced by bands like Pantera and Machine Head. The album was recorded between 1995 and 1996 at Revolver Recording Studios in Wolverhampton, England, and was produced, engineered, and mixed by Mark Stuart.
Track Listing
The album comprises ten tracks, all written by Xentrix, with a total runtime of 52 minutes and 34 seconds:
’13 Years’ – 6:01
‘Scourge’ – 5:21
‘Incite’ – 3:22
‘Caught You Living’ – 3:41
‘Strength of Persuasion’ – 6:07
‘Never Be’ – 4:26
‘The Hand That Feeds Itself’ – 5:06
‘Blood Nation’ – 6:59
‘Creed’ – 4:45
‘Breathe’ – 6:46
Each track reflects the band’s exploration of groove metal elements, with heavy riffs and a focus on rhythmic intensity.
Scourge received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some appreciated the band’s evolution and adaptation to contemporary metal trends, while others preferred their earlier thrash metal style. The album holds a rating of 7.0 from Rock Hard magazine. Notably, ‘Scourge’ was Xentrix’s final studio album before a lengthy hiatus, with the band disbanding shortly after its release. They would not release another studio album until ‘Bury the Pain’ in 2019, marking a 23-year gap between albums.
Scourge represents a pivotal moment in Xentrix’s career, highlighting their willingness to experiment with new styles and adapt to the evolving metal landscape of the 1990s. While it marked the end of an era for the band, it also set the stage for their eventual return and continued contributions to the metal genre.
