Year: 2020
Total Time: 46:47 
Label: Steamhammer

VICIOUS RUMORS come from the Bay Area which, from time to time, has given birth to many great metal bands. Τhey have been active for a long time, since they released their debut album in 1985. Over the years there have been many changes in their line-up, leaving in the end only Geoff Thorpe from the original members. Although he joined the band in 1985, drummer Larry Howe has been a member of the band for most of his life. Although described as Power Metal, there is more influence from Thrash Metal than in usual Power Metal band.

VICIOUS RUMORS recruited a new singer and guitarist for the last tour, then used the chemistry they gained from this tour to coordinate better with each other. Gunnar Dügrey is a 21-year-old-wonder on guitar and also the singer Nick Courtney matches the sound the band wanted.

The album starts with the title track and it really does a great job introducing us to what is going to follow. Full and dynamic guitars are here, while Nick Courtney does a great job on the vocals. The melodic-twin guitars are great in “Death Eternal”, while the gallop of “Pulse Of The Dead” is a great addition to a beautiful ensemble. “Any Last Words” is an excellent example of a Thrash / Power balance and has a menacing riff, while “Cold Blooded” seduces you despite the silly lyrics.

It is clear that Geoff Thorpe and his company have worked hard to present the best possible effort they could. You feel the album is dynamic and, at the same time melodic, rough as also technical. Most importantly, it sounds like VICIOUS RUMORS! Being by far their best album since 2006, “Celebration Decay” is an ode to the best days of USPM with a touch of modern style. It will surely please any metalhead who listens to it!

Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: VICIOUS RUMORS – Official Page