That was my initial thought after hearing this masterpiece from Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide. San Francisco Bay Area legends, pioneers, and innovators of the thrash metal genre.
Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide consists of three new studio tracks (2012), three live tracks with Leviathan and Above The Ashes recorded as one (2006). Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide is flawless and solid from beginning to end. I give Justifiable Homicide an edge over their debut, Above The Ashes. ULYSSES SIREN’s sophomore release brings forth a well blended combination of studio recorded tracks, live recorded tracks, line-ups, which sets the stage for a perfect mix musically.
Reminiscent of the 80’s Bay Area thrash signature, the first half of Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide introduces new studio material. Steve Heuser, drummer, who appeared on Above The Ashes, still lives up to the technical, speed, precision, and agility of Neal Peart on meth! Guitar solos and leads from axe men Jon Torres and Stone Clement bring forth crunchy guitar riffs which are sharp, acute, and precise, with no tremolo bars used. Bass rhythm and leads from Joe Jimenez that often remind me of Steve Harris, Lemmy, and Robert Trujillo. In addition, a perfect blend of backing vocals from Hells Choir, crossed with Paul Baloff and Zetro – a vocal similarity of Manuel Lopez.
The second half of Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide brings live material, one of these tracks being a cover of Destruction's - The Ritual. Guitarist Kevin Albert-Gorski licks out a blistering awesome solo. Note for note, spot-fucking-on! Ulysses Siren gives Destruction a mad dash for their money with their version. The drumming of Will Carroll pummels, pounds, explodes in nature to Gene Hoglan and Tom Hunting, hard hitting and very heavy. A bit of early Exumer sounding with the raw, gritty, unpolished production sound - that makes you feel this was recorded live in 1986, not 2006.
There is no downside or downfall to Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide. Thrash metal at it's very finest. No holds barred with purely superb, talented, seasoned, and weathered musicians. All thirty minutes of this release is very catchy and heavy. It will leave you repeatedly spinning the CD wishing there were more. Although nothing lacking from ULYSSES SIREN on Justifiable Homicide, they certainly achieve the "less is more" approach – a job well done. And really love the old school approach, sound, and production on this CD.
It's too bad Ulysses Siren have not released more material within their thirty two year existence. If they had with material such as Justifiable Homicide, as well as Above The Ashes, Ulysses Siren could have undoubtedly been an artist to contend within the thrash metal world.. Hands down would have very much been right up there with Slayer and Exodus! Whom would have, could have far exceeded either or Slayer or Exodus in terms of popularity, music, notoriety, and quite possibly talent; albeit raw, technical, or both. All in all though, end of the day, Ulysses Siren sound like no one other than Ulysses Siren themselves. Their brand of thrash metal and sound was an invention to say the very least about these San Francisco natives; (Circa 1983). Justifiable Homicide is a definite must have for the true die-hard thrash metal fans!
Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide was in remembrance to the untimely and unfortunate death of Jon Torres in September 2013, long time Ulysses Siren guitarist and bassist. Jon Torres was one of the driving forces behind Ulysses Siren for many years. Jon was both a brilliant and iconic musician.
Condolences go out to Ulysses Siren, the Torres family, fans, friends, and Malevolence Records. May you always be remembered and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Jon 1963-2013.
Review by: J Sinn
Edited by: Tricia Maddie
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ULYSSES SIREN / Blog
Marios Metal Mania
http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews.html Ulysses Siren is an oldschool thrashmetal band from the mighty Bay Area. Ulysses Siren formed in 1983 in South San Francisco when Steve Pickering and Manny Lopez got together in their senior year in high school and decided to form a band. Ulysses Sirens demo Terrorist Attack in 1985 became the No.1 selling underground demo at the Record Vault and radio play on KUSF Radio. The band reunited in 2002 when Relentless Records decided Ulysses Sirens 80s demos were worth pressing. The underground popularity grew and Ulysses Siren received strong reviews comparing Ulysses Siren to early Slayer. Justifiable Homicide consists of three "new" studio tracks (2012), three live tracks with Leviathan and Above The Ashes recorded as one (2006). The second half of Ulysses Siren's - Justifiable Homicide is filled with live material, one of these tracks being a cover of Destruction's - The Ritual. Musically Ulysses Siren reminds me most to the oldschool version of Exodus (Paul Ballof era) mixed with oldschool Death Angel. This is Thrash metal at it's very finest. Pity the band is not really productive with their releases but musically they could have been as huge as above mentioned bands!!! Their brand of thrash metal and sound was an invention to say the very least about these San Francisco natives; (Circa 1983). Justifiable Homicide is a definite must have for the true die-hard thrash metal fans! Justifiable Homicide was in remembrance to the untimely and unfortunate death of Jon Torres in September 2013, long time Ulysses Siren guitarist and bassist. Jon Torres was one of the driving forces behind Ulysses Siren for many years. Jon was both a brilliant and iconic musician. Rest in Peace Jon 1963-2013. I had the luck to see the band on stage twice in 2006; also live this band is killer!! Hope to hear from them in the near future!!! Recordlabel: http://www.malevolence-records.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ulyssessirensfmetal 85/100
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The Rock Pit - Australia
http://www.therockpit.net/2016/Ulysses-Siren-Justifiable-Homicide-Review-2016.php
Ulysses Siren was formed in San Francisco, California in 1983 and throughout the 1980's the band was an innovative hardcore thrash metal band. Over the years through different member changes and shifts in the worlds metal topography, Ulysses Siren 32 years later hasn't deviated from the original matrix. Justifiable Homicide is dedicated to and in memory of the late, great Jon Torres of Ulysses Siren. Hailing from the mecca of the "thrash movement", Bay area veteran's Ulysses Siren serve up another slab of full throttle mayhem in the form of 2015 EP "Justifiable Homicide". As soon as you put this CD on you are transported back to where it all began for those of you old enough to remember tape trading, that is what strikes you immediately and it is sort of comforting in a way. There is no hi tech wizardry, no pro tools in sight, just passion driven old school thrash and that to my mind seems to be missing from music these days - Am I wrong?
To put it into perspective the 1985 Exodus classic "Bonded By Blood" has the same sort of feel, large call I know! Track 2 "Bludgeoned Mass" is an absolute riff fest, unrelenting as you would expect and the drumming is also pin point and machine gun like. 4 of the 6 tracks presented here are studio based, the last 2 are live and have a real DIY feel about them and I wouldn't usually say this however this EP is strictly for old school fans only as it doesn't offer much beyond that.
The pro's here are immense if this is the type of album you're after, sitting with your mates on a saturday night with a few drinks, a real party album to crank past 11. The cons are that after a while it starts to sound the same, only a minor criticism as the bottom line is to have fun with it but only in measured doses.
TRACKLIST Justifiable Homicide Bludgeoned Mass Lethal Inception Leviathan - Above the Ashes (Live) The Ritual (Live) The Reich (Live)
Review by Steve Monaghan
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Metal Gods TV Review By Iron Mathew 9/10
ULYSSES SIREN “JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE” Album Review By Iron Mathew 9/10 http://metalgodstv.com/ulysses-siren-album-review-justifiable-homicide/ Ulysses Siren are a thrash/speed metal band from the USA formed in 1983 who have been dogged with in fighting, line-up changes, disbanding and the death of their vocalist Jon Torres (RIP 2013). Since their inception the band have released three demos and one compilation album (a collection of the first two demos). This E.P. contains three songs from their 2012 demo along with live versions of three other songs recorded in 2006. Will this E.P. be remembered as a Jon Torres epitaph or a memory of a great Bay Area thrash metal band that didn’t make it big, I’m not sure…but which ever way you view it, the E.P. is a barnstorming listen. With heavy shredding guitars and a rough and tough rhythm sound, ‘Justifiable Homicide’ is a ferocious blast of energy. With its snarling, throaty rasp of a vocal delivery and screaming guitar solos, this is exactly the down and dirty style of thrash that evolved from the Bay Area of San Francisco. Picking up the pace and intensity ‘Bludgeoned Mass’ rockets like, well, like a rocket. Buzzsaw sounding guitars chop and weave, vocals growl and Ulysses Siren are a band that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the (early) efforts of the “big four” that came out of the Bay Area evolution. https://youtu.be/Vv0Cb5z9_Uo?list=PLlmT8G_ny46CgTLj9WlfOEgWZZhaPdul3 ‘Lethal Inception’ carries on the feeling of old school thrash metal and is a very heavy, chugging style song. Sparkling guitar work and cracking vocals ‘Lethal Inception’ is infectious and one of the most catchy style thrash metal songs you are likely to hear. The live songs were recorded in 2006 and while the recordings aren’t of the best quality they do capture the raw energy of a band that plays with passion and for the fans. ‘Leviathan/Above The Ashes’ is raw, brutal and a heavy mid tempo foot stomp. Close your eyes and imagine the mosh pit, the sweat, the bodies jumping up and down fists in the air, boy those are the good memories. A sparkling cover of ‘The Ritual’ (by Destruction) sees the band play with versatility and adaptability to a slightly different style. The final song is ‘The Reich’, typical of the Bay Area thrash metal sound and a bludgeoning end to a great collection of songs. Overall, old school thrash metal from the (famous) Bay Area. The future of the band is still in doubt, but if it is the end, then this E.P. is a fitting tribute to a great band. TRACKLIST Justifiable Homicide Bludgeoned Mass Lethal Inception Leviathan/Above The Ashes [Live] The Ritual [Live] The Reich [Live] http://www.ulysses-siren.com https://www.facebook.com/UlyssesSirenSFmetal https://twitter.com/UlyssesSirenSF
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Bilibaldus - Malicious Death / Metal Rules
I saw Ulysses Siren in Germany last summer and I gotta say that even Slayer would grow pale in comparison to them after that particular show! http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/2007/06/25/malicious-death-tormenting-grip-on-the-bass%c2%b4-neck-bilibaldus/
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A HUGE ROUND OF DOUBLE BASS KICK TO YOUR HEAD - 100%
That was my initial thought after hearing this masterpiece from Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide. San Francisco Bay Area legends, pioneers, and innovators of the thrash metal genre.
Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide consists of three new studio tracks (2012), three live tracks with Leviathan and Above The Ashes recorded as one (2006). Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide is flawless and solid from beginning to end. I give Justifiable Homicide an edge over their debut, Above The Ashes. ULYSSES SIREN’s sophomore release brings forth a well blended combination of studio recorded tracks, live recorded tracks, line-ups, which sets the stage for a perfect mix musically.
Reminiscent of the 80’s Bay Area thrash signature, the first half of Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide introduces new studio material. Steve Heuser, drummer, who appeared on Above The Ashes, still lives up to the technical, speed, precision, and agility of Neal Peart on meth! Guitar solos and leads from axe men Jon Torres and Stone Clement bring forth crunchy guitar riffs which are sharp, acute, and precise, with no tremolo bars used. Bass rhythm and leads from Joe Jimenez that often remind me of Steve Harris, Lemmy, and Robert Trujillo. In addition, a perfect blend of backing vocals from Hells Choir, crossed with Paul Baloff and Zetro – a vocal similarity of Manuel Lopez.
The second half of Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide brings live material, one of these tracks being a cover of Destruction's - The Ritual. Guitarist Kevin Albert-Gorski licks out a blistering awesome solo. Note for note, spot-fucking-on! Ulysses Siren gives Destruction a mad dash for their money with their version. The drumming of Will Carroll pummels, pounds, explodes in nature to Gene Hoglan and Tom Hunting, hard hitting and very heavy. A bit of early Exumer sounding with the raw, gritty, unpolished production sound - that makes you feel this was recorded live in 1986, not 2006.
There is no downside or downfall to Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide. Thrash metal at it's very finest. No holds barred with purely superb, talented, seasoned, and weathered musicians. All thirty minutes of this release is very catchy and heavy. It will leave you repeatedly spinning the CD wishing there were more. Although nothing lacking from ULYSSES SIREN on Justifiable Homicide, they certainly achieve the "less is more" approach – a job well done. And really love the old school approach, sound, and production on this CD.
It's too bad Ulysses Siren have not released more material within their thirty two year existence. If they had with material such as Justifiable Homicide, as well as Above The Ashes, Ulysses Siren could have undoubtedly been an artist to contend within the thrash metal world.. Hands down would have very much been right up there with Slayer and Exodus! Whom would have, could have far exceeded either or Slayer or Exodus in terms of popularity, music, notoriety, and quite possibly talent; albeit raw, technical, or both. All in all though, end of the day, Ulysses Siren sound like no one other than Ulysses Siren themselves. Their brand of thrash metal and sound was an invention to say the very least about these San Francisco natives; (Circa 1983). Justifiable Homicide is a definite must have for the true die-hard thrash metal fans!
Ulysses Siren’s - Justifiable Homicide was in remembrance to the untimely and unfortunate death of Jon Torres in September 2013, long time Ulysses Siren guitarist and bassist. Jon Torres was one of the driving forces behind Ulysses Siren for many years. Jon was both a brilliant and iconic musician.
Condolences go out to Ulysses Siren, the Torres family, fans, friends, and Malevolence Records. May you always be remembered and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Jon 1963-2013.
Review by: J Sinn Edited by: Tricia Maddie
Reply
Brutal Existence Radio
As promised here is the mp3 download link of the show as well as full playlist w/links and wanted to say thanks again for letting me feature your bands :) for 12/12/15. Download link at: https://mega.nz/#!NJVAHDgS!F8MmaHZnU6TRUvEJZbqvl70FNBpfOiT78IpTnlsl5kk Playlist: Sadus-Aggression Swarming - The Hideous Incantation Inner Sanctum(India) - Realms of Oblivion Fall - From Ashes Absentia - The End of the Line Septagon - Ignite the Apocalypse Septagon - Revolt Against the Revolution Ulysses Siren - Justifiable Homicide Kaos - United We Kill Septic Christ - Guilty As We Were Born(intro) Septic Christ - Starstruck Grief of War - Hatred Burns Sacrificial - Trespass Maceration - A Serenade Of Agony Maceration - Pain And Pleasure Incarnate T.C.F. - Face the Truth T.C.F. - Slave of the Suit Talamyus - Raven's Call to Annihilation Talamyus - Inner Turmoil Wrathrone - Carnal Lust Wrathrone - Dead End Battlecreek - Dealing Death Wargrave - A Damaged Fortress Demenseed - Cold Winds Demenseed - The Shores of Styx Stalwart - The Karma Circle Stalwart - Rise of the Ninth Wave Endless Recovery - Storming Death Endless Recovery - Leather Militia Swarming - Reeking Of The Bowels Inner Sanctum(India) - Wake of Destruction Fall - Ever Hollow Absentia(Spain) - Dead Winter Ulysses Siren - Bludgeoned Mass Kaos - Blood Red Eyes Septic Christ - Screwed and Ill Grief of War - Rat Race Sacrificial - Mass Conduct Night Gaunt - Persecution Night Gaunt - Black Velvet Bedowyn - Rite to Kill Bedowyn - Leave the Living for Dead Pedophile Priests - Crush, Kill, Destroy Kadar - Spider Moves Pokerface - Age of Terrorism Pokerface - Killed by Me Spine Crown - Hellish Screams Spine Crown - The Evil Next Door Spine Crown - Empty Vessel Wargrave - Delusions Of Grandeur Wargrave - Mutual Enemy Wargrave- Tortured By Recognition Battlecreek - Redneck Riot Battlecreek - Blood For The President Septagon-Exit....Gunfire Septagon-Ripper Saxon - Wheels of Steel [*][Live] Wild Dogs - Metal Fuel (In The Blood) Damn Chili - The Ballad Of MachoMork Sacred Steel - Metal Underground Omen-Premonition/Termination www.brutalexistenceradio.net
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Headbangers Zine & Gigs - NL
http://headbangerszineandgigs.com/ Ulysses Siren Justifiable Homicide malevolence-records www.ulysses-siren.com Ulysses Siren was formed in South San Francisco in 1983. Throughout the 1980's it was an innovative Hardcore Thrash Metal band. Over the years through different member changes and shifts in the worlds Metal topography, Ulysses Siren 30 years later hasn't deviated from the original matrix. Ulysses Siren plays pure fucking Thrash Metal with great riffs and a lot of power and good melodies. Featuring 3 studio tracks and 3 live recordings. Underrated and No compromise Thrash Metal for old school fans of Hirax and Exodus! Justifiable Homicide is dedicated to and in memory of Jon Torres 1963-2013. Rest In Peace. - Limited Edition to 500 copies pressed- -Patchman Marco-
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Infernal Masquerade
87/100 http://www.infernalmasquerade.com/?q=reviews/003012-ulysses-siren-%E2%80%93-justifiable-homicide-2015
As one of the most underrated Bay Area Thrash Metal band in the scene, today we have Ulysses Siren and their EP “Justifiable Homicide”. Featuring some songs of their 2011 demo and three live songs, this release was slated for a couple of years back but the loss of Jon Torres derailed all the band’s plans. A few line-up changes and a couple of years later, we are finally able to get our hands on a few songs from the demo and some live goodies.
Opening with the title track, the band delivers an intense punch of old-school Thrash brilliance. The guitars are quite vicious and the drumming delivers the perfect tempo for this great piece of period music. The band’s experience allows them to deliver their timeless sound with an unspoken authenticity that only the real Bay Area Thrash bands have. “Bludgeoned Mass” keeps things nice and heavy with some killer guitar acrobatics and very tight drums. Paired with a very upbeat tempo, this track is quite enjoyable.
Closing the ‘studio’ tracks of this release, “Lethal Inception” instantly reminds us of bands like Destruction and Exodus, and their very violent and straightforward approach to the genre. The live onslaughts open with the crushing “Leviathan – Above the Ashes”, a track that delivers a very melodic and mood setting opener before going into full-on Thrash-tastic mode. Recorded in 2006, this live recording does a great job in making the listener want to see the band live, especially with their crushing “The Ritual” and hearing people go crazy on the background.
Closing with the demolishing “The Reich”, Ulysses Siren manages to leave us wanting a lot more… once again. For a band with such a sound and years of experience, it is a shame that there is no complete full-length release from them. While the compilations/demos are a good source, we would love to hear a fully cohesive release written to be played in sequence. If you like KAOS, Heathen, Exodus, and any other Bay Area Thrash Metal band, this will make you fee right at home.
Band: Ulysses Siren Album: Justifiable Homicide
Label: Malevolence Records Release: February 7th, 2015 Official Site Social Media
Genre: Thrash Metal Country: USA Rating: 87/100
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White Room Reviews - NL
http://www.whiteroomreviews.nl/cdreview/justifiable-homicide-ep
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MetalCore
ULYSSES SIREN/Justifiable Homicide (Malevolence Records) I had a bootleg copy of this band’s debut called (see review below) ‘Above The Ashes” and it was some wicked bay area thrash and now here is the bands follow-up. Was sorry to read about the death of guitar player Jon Torres. Well he would be proud of this 6 song release of pure thrash metal. Just pure thrash metal through and through. There is 3 studio tracks and 3 live tracks and no groove metal to be found or tough guy singing neither. Those gallop like riffs are so damn catchy and the speed and intensity on this just crushes the weak. Jon would be proud of this release and a worthy follow up to their debut. Info: www.malevolence-records.us ULYSSES SIREN/Above The Ashes (Relentless Records) This band’s debut gets a proper re-release and god this is a thrash metal masterpiece. Just godly thrash metal with riffs and speed that will have you making a mosh pit in your living room. Everything about this is an A plus. The riffs will bury you, vocals from the pits of thrash metal hell and speed and intensity that will give you and your neck more than just a simple workout. One of the best thrash metal albums I have ever heard in my life and yeah it is that damn good. Info: www.relentless-records.us and www.ulyssessiren.com http://metalcorefanzine.com/
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