If you’ve been craving a return to the reckless energy of mid-’80s crossover thrash, Denial of Life is here to scratch that itch—and then some. Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, the band channels the chaos and attitude of Suicidal Tencencies’ Join the Army and How Will I Laugh Tomorrow… eras, complete with Rocky George-style dive bombs, snarling guitars, and a raw, street-level swagger. Add a modern edge reminiscent of Power Trip and early Slayer, and you’ve got a potent mix.
The EP kicks off with Witness the Power, a tight, two-minute instrumental that sets the tone before launching into the ferocious “God’s Favorite.” What follows is twenty minutes of pure crossover warfare—six blistering tracks that blend groove, speed, and attitude with the same intensity that made bands like Excel, Cryptic Slaughter, and DRI underground legends.
Frontwoman Brenna delivers a feral, commanding vocal performance that cuts through the mix with grit and authority—eschewing tired “Cookie Monster” growls or over-processed effects. Her voice brings to mind Justice Tripp’s work in Sai Nam.
While the Suicidal Tendencies influence is unmistakable—perhaps a bit too on-the-nose at times—there’s enough personality and momentum here to suggest something bigger on the horizon. If Denial of Life pushes further into their own identity on future releases, they’re poised to carve out a unique space in the ongoing thrash revival.
Bottom line: Denial of Life delivers a fast, furious shot of crossover adrenaline—short, sharp, and gloriously unpolished. If you’ve been missing that dive-bomb-laden madness of 1986 Los Angeles, Tacoma just brought it back.
Witness The Power was released on November 7, 2025, via Creator-Destructor Records.
Witness The Power track listing:
01. Witness The Power
02. God’s Favorite (Slave To The Blade)
03. Circle The Drain
04. Sword Of Fire
05. Love Sting
06. Not The One
Rod Orchard is a veteran music journalist and photographer with 35+ years documenting metal, punk, and hardcore. His work has been featured in publications, films, documentaries, and record artwork worldwide, capturing the raw energy of live shows and backstage life.