Description
Xentrix – Dilute To Taste – Compact Disc
Dilute to Taste is an EP by British thrash metal band Xentrix, released in 1991. Known for their aggressive, melodic sound and technical proficiency, Xentrix was one of the leading bands in the UK thrash metal scene, alongside acts like Sabbat and Onslaught. This EP followed their successful albums Shattered Existence (1989) and For Whose Advantage? (1990), showcasing the band’s evolving style and hinting at a willingness to experiment within the thrash metal genre.
Dilute to Taste includes a mix of new material, covers, and live versions, giving fans a more diverse listening experience and offering a glimpse into the band’s influences and live energy. The title itself is a playful nod to the band’s humor and willingness to add variety to their sound, moving slightly beyond the typical thrash metal approach.
Formed in 1985 in Preston, England, Xentrix quickly gained a reputation for their tight musicianship, fast riffs, and socially aware lyrics. By the time they released Dilute to Taste, they had built a following for their complex song structures and the unique combination of aggression and melody. This EP captures the essence of thrash while also allowing Xentrix to explore different textures and influences, showcasing both their technical skill and sense of humor.
Musically, Dilute to Taste remains grounded in thrash metal, with heavy, precise guitar riffs, rapid drumming, and aggressive vocals. The EP also reveals the band’s interest in incorporating diverse elements, from melodic passages to occasional nods to punk and hardcore. By including covers, live versions, and some unconventional tracks, Xentrix demonstrated their versatility and willingness to have fun with the genre.
Key Tracks
‘Ghostbusters’ (Cover) – A thrash metal version of Ray Parker Jr.’s pop hit from the Ghostbusters soundtrack, this cover is one of the EP’s highlights. Xentrix’s aggressive take on the song adds a playful edge, making it a fan favorite. The cover reflects the band’s humor and creativity, transforming a pop classic into a heavy, thrash-infused track.
‘Crimes’ – This original track is fast-paced and technically complex, featuring powerful guitar work and politically charged lyrics. “Creed” aligns with the band’s social and political themes, critiquing organized religion and conformity with intense riffs and a memorable chorus.
Dilute to Taste explores themes common in thrash metal—such as questioning authority, individuality, and social critique—while also showing the band’s playful side. The cover of “Ghostbusters” and the EP’s title suggest a lighter, humorous aspect that makes the release more approachable and diverse. However, tracks like “Creed” and “Interrogate” keep the EP grounded in the band’s typical lyrical focus, engaging with thought-provoking and rebellious themes.
The production quality is raw and direct, staying true to the thrash genre’s DIY ethos while providing enough clarity to appreciate the band’s technical skill. The guitars are thick and powerful, the drums are precise and fast, and the vocals cut through with an edge that captures the aggression of Xentrix’s sound.
Dilute to Taste was well-received by fans, particularly for its mix of serious and humorous tracks. The “Ghostbusters” cover became a fan favorite and is still remembered as one of the more unique thrash metal covers of a pop song. The EP allowed Xentrix to experiment and take a step back from their more serious material, offering a fun yet skilled addition to their discography.
While not as critically acclaimed as their full-length albums, Dilute to Taste remains a notable entry in Xentrix’s catalog, appreciated by fans for its eclectic mix and energetic delivery. The EP showcased the band’s versatility and sense of humor, and it is still regarded as a cult favorite among thrash enthusiasts.
Dilute to Taste reflects Xentrix’s unique place in the UK thrash metal scene, capturing both their technical prowess and their willingness to step outside of thrash norms. For fans of the band and 80s/90s thrash metal, the EP offers an enjoyable, varied listening experience that highlights the band’s talent and personality. Its mixture of original songs, a memorable cover, and live energy makes Dilute to Taste an essential listen for fans of Xentrix and an interesting exploration of the more playful side of thrash metal.
Roadrunner Records 9320
Track Listing
Balance Of Power
Kept In The Dark
Crimes
Ghostbusters
Pure thought
shadows of doubt
