4ARM
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4ARM

Sunbury, Victoria, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | MAJOR

Sunbury, Victoria, Australia | MAJOR
Established on Jan, 2014
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"4arm live review (Slayer tour 2013)"

First up: 4Arm from Melbourne, Australia.
Sounds like: Huge, muscular thrash in the vein of Battlecross and Warbeast.
Immediate observation: These dudes are very much the children of Slayer—black-clad, heavy as fuck, vicious, but straddling many styles and trends at once.
Secondary observation: Their big swinging riffs are decent, but man, these guys are best when they go fast as fuck.
Highlight of the set: “I Will Not Bow.”
Warm fuzzy feeling: If these guys haven’t taken off here in the US yet—and I haven’t heard of them until tonight—they will now. - Revolver Mag


"Review of Submission For Liberty"

Australia’s thrash metal juggernauts 4 Arm debuted in 2005 with their release of “Empires of Hate”, and after opening for metal legends Testament, the band returns with their sophomore album “Submissions for Liberty”. Teaming up with producer Matt Hyde, who’s worked with notable acts including Slipknot, Trivium and Machine Head, he put his touch on “Submissions of Liberty”.

The opening track “Sinn Macht Frei” features subtle piano chords building into a crescendo that erupts into the white-knuckle mosh pit anthem “While I Lay Awake”, containing a razor sharp solo after a molten hot breakdown. The desecrating drum intro on appropriately titled “Raise a Fist” is backed up by ravenous guitar rhythms that sound like they were designed to accompany an army charging into war while the lyrics “Rise up and conquer” soar before a savage guitar solo. The closing track “Blood of Martyrs” would definitely make for an interesting change in dynamics with its acoustic intro that builds into the band’s signature brand of melody-driven metal madness.

Each song on “Submissions for Liberty” contains break-neck drum beats, high flying leads, skull crushing guitar riffs and vicious vocals. 4 Arm would definitely strike a chord with fans of modern metal like Avenged Sevenfold or Bullet for My Valentine that abide by the old school code of the thrash forefathers like Metallica or Megadeth. It’s honestly surprising that 4 Arm hasn’t begun North American metal audiences considering they could easily find a home on festivals like Gigantour or Uproar Festival.
- Lithium Magazine


"Thrash at its finest! 9/10"

Thrash at its finest! This is among the best, hardest and most brilliant thrash I've heard of a band from the 2000s. Submission For Liberty is 4ARM's third album, and since 2004 has, inter alia, shared the stage with Testament. After-designed with Rising Records and worked with producer Matt Hyde (Slipknot, Machine Head), the band has now unleashed his most beautiful and richest work to date! Few plates golvar me so hard that I finally have headbangat remove all brilliant words As with justice can describe the article. That's exactly what 4ARM succeed in Submission For Liberty bite hold of me. The opening track Sinn Macht Frei opens up nicely with the piano and carefully chosen words that humanity should unite and stand against all that dictatorship and greed drives. Piano The loop is then replaced by a 7-minute While I Lie Awake, one of the tile strongest track with such a deafening beautiful solo to blood clots in the veins! Guitarist Johnny Glovasa is a totally incredible guitarist who put a solo on the solo album igenom.Tyngden continues to rise as the Raise A Fist clatter up and overwhelmed with the disc's most vicious chorus, and when the title track starts you can hear the clear influence of the hands of the largest in thrashen. In the center focuses more on weight than speed and also the first part of the plate is unavoidable better than the other is Submission For Liberty one else enjoy unparalleled until the end of the sound wave has left the air. After all, frantically feeding also takes vocalist Danny's Tomb rispiga voice addressing another character on the last and more tranquil / melodious track, Blood of Martyrs. Or yes, quiet until the guitar solo once again started Michael Vafiotis heavy drumbeats. album is incredibly tidy produced and does not beat 4ARM great after this release, I am perfectly astonished! Best song: Rasie A Fist

- ROCKNYTT (Sweden)


"Thrash at its finest! 9/10"

Thrash at its finest! This is among the best, hardest and most brilliant thrash I've heard of a band from the 2000s. Submission For Liberty is 4ARM's third album, and since 2004 has, inter alia, shared the stage with Testament. After-designed with Rising Records and worked with producer Matt Hyde (Slipknot, Machine Head), the band has now unleashed his most beautiful and richest work to date! Few plates golvar me so hard that I finally have headbangat remove all brilliant words As with justice can describe the article. That's exactly what 4ARM succeed in Submission For Liberty bite hold of me. The opening track Sinn Macht Frei opens up nicely with the piano and carefully chosen words that humanity should unite and stand against all that dictatorship and greed drives. Piano The loop is then replaced by a 7-minute While I Lie Awake, one of the tile strongest track with such a deafening beautiful solo to blood clots in the veins! Guitarist Johnny Glovasa is a totally incredible guitarist who put a solo on the solo album igenom.Tyngden continues to rise as the Raise A Fist clatter up and overwhelmed with the disc's most vicious chorus, and when the title track starts you can hear the clear influence of the hands of the largest in thrashen. In the center focuses more on weight than speed and also the first part of the plate is unavoidable better than the other is Submission For Liberty one else enjoy unparalleled until the end of the sound wave has left the air. After all, frantically feeding also takes vocalist Danny's Tomb rispiga voice addressing another character on the last and more tranquil / melodious track, Blood of Martyrs. Or yes, quiet until the guitar solo once again started Michael Vafiotis heavy drumbeats. album is incredibly tidy produced and does not beat 4ARM great after this release, I am perfectly astonished! Best song: Rasie A Fist

- ROCKNYTT (Sweden)


"If these guys weren't hidden away Down Under they'd be big news 4/5"

A gently lilting piano intro ushers in the third album from these Aussie thrashers, before 'While I Lay Awake' kicks in, sounding like Annihilator with it's tight picking and clipped vocals, despite it's sprawling scope soon putting it firmly into Metallica territory. Then 'Raise A Fist' channels their recent touring partners Testament with its strident riffing and melodic leads, and it becomes apparent that 4 Arm are right up there with the most technically competent of modern thrash. 'The Opressed' injects some sombre crunch into proceedings, whilst the title track tears along with a 'Battery' like intensity, and its safe to say that if these guys weren't hidden away Down Under they'd be big news. 4/5 - Terrorizer


"Submission For Liberty album review"

Some months ago, I did an interview with an upcoming thrash band named 4ARM. At the time, I got to listen to one track off of their upcoming album, Submission For Liberty, and was blown away. Now months later, Submission For Liberty has been released and I still have that eye widening feeling.

So this album is basically filled with 9 tracks of thrashy goodness plus one of those epic build up intro tracks, "Sinn Macht Frei," which, if my German classes served me well, means "Makes Sense Without." So does that mean it makes sense to not submit for liberty? Well if my intuition is correct, then I approve of this message! Get ready, once this intro rolls into "While I Lay Awake," you won't be able to get off this ride.

Between "While I Lay Awake" and "Raise a Fist," I think I did a number to my neck. I don't know what it is about thrash metal that gets my head banging so damn hard, but 4ARM clearly knows how to do it well. Both of these tracks were in your face both musically and lyrically. Sure you get your basic thrash elements which include the fast paced drum beats and catchy as hell guitar riffs, but can we talk about the soloing on this album? Johnny Glovasa on just about every last track on this album, sets his fret board on fire with his lightening fast hands. Literally, I feel like every solo on this album is a giant grab bag of legendary thrash guitarists that had a child together and named it 4ARM. I always say stick to your guns, and these guys do just that.

The title track, "Submission For Liberty," hits next with another neck-injuring track. What made this track memorable to me was not only the beyond exceptional lead work, but the "out of left field" breakdown that literally had my jaw hit the spacebar on my computer. One of the most important ingredients to a successful thrash band is the vocalist. With powerful lyrics, you need that powerful voice to send the message across with a bang! This is where Danny Tomb steps in. Not only does he play a mean guitar, but Danny sounds like he's pretty pissed off in these songs. As bad as it sounds, an entire band can sound great instrumentally, but if they have a shitty vocalist, they probably won't get too far. Obviously Danny is doing something right if he is now releasing his third studio album and has toured with acts such as Testament and Destruction. Now only four tracks into the album, I could tell that these Aussies new what is supposed to be done in the thrash world and I was loving every minute of it.

For some people, thrash isn't very exciting because "every song sounds the same." Well "The Oppressed," is the track that kinda smacks you in the face for even thinking for a split second about cookie cutter type music. I wouldn't quite call it a ballad by any means, but this sounded like "South of Heaven" instrumentally speaking. This only adds to what I said earlier about a giant grab back of thrash musicians. Clearly 4ARM has a ton of influences in both new and old thrash bands alike, and they aren't afraid to show you that!

"I Will Not Bow," is one of my favorites off the album, and no it is not a Breaking Benjamin cover. This track is completely filled with everything you look for in a solid thrash song. I loved the riff, the beat, the flow, the solo, and then another "where in the Hell did this breakdown come from?" And no these aren't those annoying deathcore breakdowns that get old two albums before the song is even released. Oh and you know what was extra credit for me on this track to? Right before the build up to this breakdown, I most certainly caught a quick Dimebag Darrell-esque dive bomb on the guitar work. Any band that pays respects to my hero is solid in my book.

The last few tracks on the album remain original, changing, and most importantly, interesting. I can not stress how bad it is to come up with something original that is not interesting at all. Unfortunately, in today's heavy metal world, too many bands are like this. Not 4ARM though. Danny, Johnny, Andy, and Michael have created a team that has put the thrash world on notice, 4ARM is here and ready to set the bar even higher for modern thrash acts today. I look forward to these guys getting over to the States so I can experience a live showcase of what I have heard on Submission For Liberty. This only being the band's third release, they are only going to get better which speaks volumes in the world of heavy music. Get on this band wagon everybody!
- Thrash Mag


"PROMISING DEBUT FROM AUSTRALIA'S MOST EXCITING THRASH BAND"

PROMISING DEBUT FROM AUSTRALIA'S MOST EXCITING THRASH BAND
Australia isn't a place most metalheads associate with thrash metal but the quality of Submission For Liberty suggests we ought to.
4 Arm describe themselves as a 'pure, no gimmicks, straight up thrash metal band', and whils this isn't wrong, 'epic thrash' would be a more fitting label.
The meaty, virtuostic riffing is actually more similar to Jeff Loomis than Scott Ian and lead guitarist Johnny Glovasa delivers truly excellent, extended solos. The sense of size created by these solos, regular melodic introductions as well as Danny Tomb's vocals is what will ultimately set them apart from the over saturated neo thrash brigade. 4/5
- Big Cheese Magazine


"Submission For Liberty album review"

Melbourne based Thrash Metal band 4ARM are certainly not a new name in the Australian metal scene: their debut album 13 Scars having seen the light of day back in 2005, the band has been on the up ever since, pocketing a good few big endorsement deals, more airplay than some bands can ever wish for on Aussie radio stations, headlining tours and supporting international acts such as Testament and Destruction. Not only are these guys amazing on stage and have so far always blown me away, but are also perfectly down-to-earth, fun and…simply Aussie in person!

Submission For Liberty is what every Thrash Metal loving gal like myself has been hoping for: JP’s gut-wrenching guitar riffs that range from more subtle melodies to bold aggressiveness, forcing your head- or the very least your foot- to bop along. Drum beats that are making your blood pump just that much faster by relentless battering of the skins and infallible accuracy by Mickey on his “throne”(as he likes to call it) behind the drum set and thanks to Matt Hyde(Machine Head, Slipknot, Trivium) making sure that the drum takes were not disappearing in the background muffling them, but being very much in focus the whole time. Andy’s bass is steadily building the rhythmic line and has me at times convinced that he is just a little bit too rough on his strings. Even though I usually refrain from comparisons when talking about an album…I cannot help myself to this one: Danny’s menacing and spiteful vocals, the way they’re rough yet sound effortless, he does remind me of a young James Hetfield of the Ride The Lightning-era.

In seamless continuation from their 2009 piece The Empires Of Death, this impressive 4-piece has somehow managed to not only keep true to their Thrash roots without trying, but have also been able to prove with standout songs such as “I Will Not Bow” , “The Warning” and-my personal favourite- “Blood Of Martyrs” that you don’t have to add any crazy, fantastic elements to songs in order to achieve perfection. Every single one of the 10 songs on the track list has its own, genuine feel and story to tell, but as a whole, Submission For Liberty is sticking it to ‘The Man’, standing up for integrity, truth and tells about destruction and how they will never give in.



Speed, volume, anger, lyrical and vocal ability and skilful handling of strings and skins has had me turning up the volume constantly(now why don’t we have the whole Spinal Tap “up to 11” setting?), headbanging in the car(do not try this at home kids!) and not being able to stop taking this album off repeated shuffle mode ever since I have received it to review. This album makes you clench your teeth, pull your lips into a wicked smirk and lift that little – or large- fist into the air and show that middle finger proudly!

- Kill Your Scene


"Album review of Submission For Liberty"

Translated to English - "Rising Records boss Mark Daghorn once again proves a good hand for bands of high quality: The Australians of 4ARM open up their Thrash round dance with the German-titled 'Sinn Macht Frei", which truly poses a surprise.Technically versed, with plenty of 'oomph' the band presents their sound whilst pressuring ahead. From time to time a little decorated(but certainly not squiggly), but all in all straight forward with immense foot-tap and mosh-factor. The third album of these Aussie Thrashers was mixed by Matt Hyde- who previously worked with Machine Head, Trivium and Slipknot- which certainly explains the strong pressure of the drum sound. Those of you who dig the first two of above named and Bay Area Thrash itself can't go wrong with "Submissions For Liberty". 3.33 out of 5 - Metal Hammer (Germany)


"Submission For Liberty album review"

Translated to English - Let me be clear, if you do not swear by the black and only black, chronic changes ... During the passage and buy yourself a brain at Lidl! If, against names like Heathen, Grip Inc., Mortal Sin or the new generation know instantly you get this characteristic tingling in the neck area, as your noggin will sketch an irrepressible and forth a crescendo, then no doubt about it: 4Arm is for you. Are Australian, but the style they practice is a pure thrash juice all there is to American. Their riffs ... it is not riffs, rather circular saws flying in squadrons to you like seagulls swoop down on the voracious poiscaille. The drummer pounds-will to all, the impression of wandering in a forest in a storm with massive trees that fall apart all around you under the force of the strikes. A super aggressive thrash with no time to mourn death with the combination guitar / drums that défouraille, but one who knows how to thrash melodic also use a lot of dark melodies, choruses of killers ... a brief collection of real songs specific to thrill any fan of thrash at the base. The singer is perfect, on "The Oppressed" he goes into flights limit hardcore worthy of a Billy Milano, but be aware that this is the only piece in question. Elsewhere simple and natural voice sounds just terribly powerful (at Hetfield) by bringing the key changes needed. The solos are well licked, lively and nervous, at least with the drummer who lays his massive tree trunks in the chain from behind, never falling back energy. This is their third album at the kangaroos which I had never heard before caused, however I can tell you that their washer monopolizes my turntable since the day the envelope landed in my box to innocent letters. Because it has beautiful melodic stay, the nia is constantly visit the 9 tracks here (+ a piano intro). Random, it is "While i Lay Awake" with its paraphernalia of riffs to die of jealousy gratouilleux any apprentice (and what about the lull felt good that falls in the middle?), Or the sublime "Raise Your Fist "(too enjoyable), 4 Arm we actually just a demonstration of c'que be a thrash cardboard, varied and intelligent. So obviously the skeud adds nothing in terms of evolution, but damn are we a damn when it is so well executed, when the science of muscular headbanging reached that perfection rank. All you have to insert the appropriate disc into the drive and let you fellows blow the speakers, I looooooves! "4/5 - In Extremis (France)


"Submission For Liberty album review"

Translated to English - Let me be clear, if you do not swear by the black and only black, chronic changes ... During the passage and buy yourself a brain at Lidl! If, against names like Heathen, Grip Inc., Mortal Sin or the new generation know instantly you get this characteristic tingling in the neck area, as your noggin will sketch an irrepressible and forth a crescendo, then no doubt about it: 4Arm is for you. Are Australian, but the style they practice is a pure thrash juice all there is to American. Their riffs ... it is not riffs, rather circular saws flying in squadrons to you like seagulls swoop down on the voracious poiscaille. The drummer pounds-will to all, the impression of wandering in a forest in a storm with massive trees that fall apart all around you under the force of the strikes. A super aggressive thrash with no time to mourn death with the combination guitar / drums that défouraille, but one who knows how to thrash melodic also use a lot of dark melodies, choruses of killers ... a brief collection of real songs specific to thrill any fan of thrash at the base. The singer is perfect, on "The Oppressed" he goes into flights limit hardcore worthy of a Billy Milano, but be aware that this is the only piece in question. Elsewhere simple and natural voice sounds just terribly powerful (at Hetfield) by bringing the key changes needed. The solos are well licked, lively and nervous, at least with the drummer who lays his massive tree trunks in the chain from behind, never falling back energy. This is their third album at the kangaroos which I had never heard before caused, however I can tell you that their washer monopolizes my turntable since the day the envelope landed in my box to innocent letters. Because it has beautiful melodic stay, the nia is constantly visit the 9 tracks here (+ a piano intro). Random, it is "While i Lay Awake" with its paraphernalia of riffs to die of jealousy gratouilleux any apprentice (and what about the lull felt good that falls in the middle?), Or the sublime "Raise Your Fist "(too enjoyable), 4 Arm we actually just a demonstration of c'que be a thrash cardboard, varied and intelligent. So obviously the skeud adds nothing in terms of evolution, but damn are we a damn when it is so well executed, when the science of muscular headbanging reached that perfection rank. All you have to insert the appropriate disc into the drive and let you fellows blow the speakers, I looooooves! "4/5 - In Extremis (France)


"Album review of Submission For Liberty"

Received from Gordeon Music promoteam and releashed through UK based label Rising Records, “Submission For Liberty” is album number 3 from the Australian band 4 Arm, consisting of four well trained members. Fairness discussed, I never heard of these guys before so the hunt for some background history took place a couple of days ago. What I discovered were facts like the band was formed back in 2004, debuted albums called “13 Scars” (2005) followed by a second piece “Empires Of Death” (2009), they built up a strong live reputation (shared the stage with Testament during their The Damnation Tour 2011) as time passed by and also worth to mention is the signing of a national endorsement deal with Randall (amplifiers), ESP (guitars), Dean Markley (strings) to name only but the biggest ones. This is the proof 4Arm were noted for their outstanding, musical skills. So far my short overview about the band’s early years of existence, all read on the Internet which means I have to take it for what it’s worth you know. Truth or not, I checked out their new album “Submission For Liberty” laying my critical ears based on every member’s technical skills and music style…

First on, the production is outstanding – mixed by Matt Hyde (Machine Head, Trivium Slipknot), about the style of 4 Arm I can be pretty concisely and decisively: The band plays their stuff in a Technical Thrash Metal mode and sounds fantastic! Very good vocalist, powerful and yet well understood – he sings in the vein of many others did before him back in the good old Bay Area Thrash Metal scene. Yeah I like it! Based on the musical parts, they know how to keep my attention razor sharp. Excellent worked out thrashing guitar riffs and coming from there, numerous effluent solo’s appear in full glory. All bass and drum lines bear me no worries at all, this is a puzzle that fit perfectly into each other.

Better take a deep breath for a lethal dose of technical, high-speed velocities but occasionally, you will get the opportunity to gasping during brilliant breaks. In what genre I would put 4 Arm? I’d like to describe the band as modern Thrash Metal players with a heartfelt nod to the one and only Bay Area Thrash Metal scene and believe me that all sounds very attractive. Really had a fantastic time listening to “Submission For Liberty” from the band 4 Arm! This is an album that ‘undoubtedly’ must be heard by every Thrash Metal fanatic no matter what. A good singer surrounded by top-notch musicians able to keep my attention up high while delivering very nice compositions, “Submission For Liberty” by 4 Arm is a real good effort, highly recommendable for technical thrashers mainly!
- Metal To Infinity


"4ARM live review Destruction tour (Sydney)"

The Melbourne quartet matched the eagerness of the audience with thei r own, unleashing a barbaric assault of classic Slayer-styled thrash. Making the most of this opportunity in front of good crowd in a new city, 4arm slayed the early-comers with a rigourous attack of catchy, rhythmic metal peppered with cross-fire leads and steered by the precision of Mickey Juice’s drumming. Previewing some songs from their Loud-recommended forthcoming album, 4arm proved themselves to be a rising new force tonight with a rigourous and vicious opening set .

- Loud Online


"4ARM live review Destruction tour (Sydney)"

The Melbourne quartet matched the eagerness of the audience with thei r own, unleashing a barbaric assault of classic Slayer-styled thrash. Making the most of this opportunity in front of good crowd in a new city, 4arm slayed the early-comers with a rigourous attack of catchy, rhythmic metal peppered with cross-fire leads and steered by the precision of Mickey Juice’s drumming. Previewing some songs from their Loud-recommended forthcoming album, 4arm proved themselves to be a rising new force tonight with a rigourous and vicious opening set .

- Loud Online


"4ARM live review Destruction tour (Brisbane)"

Melbourne’s 4ARM visited Brisbane almost twelve months ago (almost exactly to the date as well) touring on the back of their sophomore album “The Empires of Death”. With their muchly-anticipated third record “Submission for Liberty” only inches away from release, 4ARM returned to Brisbane again as part of the national support for Destruction, and all I can say is… wow. In the twelve months between drinks, they’ve definitely upped their level of quality since the last time I saw them. A blistering concoction of classic thrash metal with a light touch of modern groove, and a healthy juxtaposition of heaviness and melody, all compounded with a ferocious energy; definitely a band worth seeing live. The band performed the title track from “Submission for Liberty” which sounded punchy and raw as hell; a nice teaser for what’s to come.

- The Metal Review


"For those who like it fast, loud and hard - 8.5 out of 10"

A truth in advance: I do not hear a thrash metal. I've heard this music has never been and can therefore normally start anything. All the more amazing that I now present a thrash metal plate for evaluation. And what makes things even more interesting is that the four guys from 4ARM (only now I realize how appropriate the name for a quartet) from Australia. I did not even know it at the other end of the world is a metal scene. Quite a few surprises at once. Let's see if the album Submission For Liberty can be classified as. First, I will of an intro to the German title meaning outdoor power welcomed. As it turns out this is only the calm before the storm because of the subsequent track While I Lie Awake it's going straight right. Guitars and drums get going at full speed and I'm amazed. The Australians of 4ARM really understand how to deal with their instruments and the loudest and the fastest and most beautiful sound out of them. Even singer Danny Tomb should be mentioned, for his strong and sometimes very scratchy voice is to the whole thing really rounds out and turns into a successful business. The whole album is consistently strong, fast, brutal and highly recommended. So I certainly would not have expected. Conclusion:
As the saying goes?
Exceptions prove the rule.
I can hear no thrash metal, but
4ARM
are definitely a surprise, which is still often end up in my playlist.
The third album by the Australian
Submission For Liberty
is simply more than successful and manages to even die-hard Melodic Death metal fans like myself to convince.
If you like it loud, fast and hard, should this access.
- Time For Metal


"4ARM bring brutal energy and intelligent imagery to the battlefield of thrash"

Last summer I received a package from Melbourne, Australian based thrashers 4ARM and it quickly became one of my favorite summer releases. I set it aside to do a full article on the band and somehow it got lost in the shuffle. Now some six months later, the wise men over at Rising Records have picked up the band’s Submission For Liberty for a February release. Well deserved, and long overdue.

Submission For Liberty is the band’s third full length, but arguably its best, and most aggressive to date. Led by the throat and crunching guitar of Danny Tomb, along with skins crusher Michael Vafiotis, bassist Andy Hinterreiter and lead guitarist Johnny Glovasa, 4ARM bring brutal energy and intelligent imagery to the battlefield of thrash. The band tapped Matt Hyde (Machine Head, Slipknot, Trivium) to mix the album.

The record kicks off with a haunting piano piece, “Sinn Macht Frie” that is overlaid by portions of Charlie Chaplin’s speech from the movie, The Great Dictator. “…and so long as men die, liberty will never perish…”. A brilliant opening salvo by the quartet.

This breaks into the album’s longest track, the blistering “While I Lie Awake”. A lyrical treatise on the ambivalence and narcissism of mankind. The track begins with a slow-rolling sonic preparation for battle, and then as the tension builds the band begins its charge about a minute in. The attack is merciless.

The ferocity continues, and in fact picks up, on the rib-cracking, “Raise A Fist”. Vafiotis gets simply unhinged behind the kit on this one. The song seethes with anger and frustration.

That feeling of rage is a dominant factor throughout the album’s 10 crushing tracks. The title track is a beast which encapsulates all the bitterness and fury the band is unleashing.


The pace finally slows, but only marginally, for “The Oppressed”. A track about bringing war mongers and dictators to ruin.

The pummeling continues anew, on the defiant and almost hardcore-tinged, “I Will Not Bow”. This segues into the foreboding intro to “Taken Down”, which offers just a brief respite before the cacophony rains down. There really isn’t much of a let up in the caustic aggression on this record. It’s invigorating, yet draining. If I had a complaint here, it would be that the band needs a touch more variance spread throughout the album. Still, it’s a small grievance.

By the time the album winds down to the seven-minute closer, “Blood Of Martyrs”, your body and mind are absolutely aching for it. This track is full of melody and mid-tempo groove. That may be why it is one of my preferred tracks on the record. It’s dark and moody, and a nice change in flow.

Thrash music in general felt quite an uprising and resurgence in 2011. 4ARM was a quiet part of that. This year, with their third album going global, they could be a huge part of 2012. 4ARM‘s brand of thrash is pretty straight forward, at times menacing, and almost always rocketing along at breakneck speed. Submission For Liberty is staunchly aggressive, full of unchained rage, and packed with thick rhythms and tasty solos, and abundant shredfests. Murderously powerful, this is the band’s calling card to the world. The only con, as mentioned above, is sometimes the band’s momentum can make the tracks seem to run together.

Thrash fans, unite!!!

- Metalholic


"Album Review of Empires Of Death"

Melbourne’s 4arm are set to cause an epidemic of wet pants amongst groove fans with their sophomore album ‘The Empires of Death’. With a good 5 year gap between this and their debut, the band have clearly spent a great deal of time ensuring every single track is as powerful as the next.

In a somewhat similar manner to Pantera, 4arm alternate between thrash ferocity and stoner grooves, with a fairly good balance all the way through. “Lead The Way” has a chorus that Down fans will go nuts over while the earlier half of “Peace In Hate” heads into Machine Head territory. You’ll find hints of Electric Wizard and Orange Goblin when things slow down again, and Motorhead and Anthrax when it speeds back up again. Each end of the spectrum complements the other well here, and the band seamlessly blend the two with ease.

While most of the album sticks with the heavy, chunky material, there are a few breaks to keep things interesting. The first minute of “Bring Me Back” features quiet, almost country sounding clean guitars with vocals beginning at a whisper but growing with power. And the title track takes a completely different direction, with spoken vocals and the type of drum focus more common amongst Tool material.

Vocalist Danny Tomb (with a last name like that, how could he not be in a metal band?) has the perfect amount of grunt, staying easily understandable. Imagine James Hetfield, but with a bit of that relaxed stoner vibe, and you know what to expect. Instrumentally it’s all hard to fault; with a such great production and every instrument having some serious power to it, it would sound killer no matter what they’re playing.

If you’re partial to groove-laden rock with a thrash injection, then go and get this album. You’ll enjoy it, I promise. 8/10

For fans of: Frankenbok, Dreadnaught, Down, late Anthax

Band: 4arm
Album: The Empires of Death
Year: 2010
Genre: Groove/Thrash metal
Origin: Melbourne, Australia
Label: Independent - Metal Obsession


"Album Review of Empires Of Death"

Melbourne’s 4arm are set to cause an epidemic of wet pants amongst groove fans with their sophomore album ‘The Empires of Death’. With a good 5 year gap between this and their debut, the band have clearly spent a great deal of time ensuring every single track is as powerful as the next.

In a somewhat similar manner to Pantera, 4arm alternate between thrash ferocity and stoner grooves, with a fairly good balance all the way through. “Lead The Way” has a chorus that Down fans will go nuts over while the earlier half of “Peace In Hate” heads into Machine Head territory. You’ll find hints of Electric Wizard and Orange Goblin when things slow down again, and Motorhead and Anthrax when it speeds back up again. Each end of the spectrum complements the other well here, and the band seamlessly blend the two with ease.

While most of the album sticks with the heavy, chunky material, there are a few breaks to keep things interesting. The first minute of “Bring Me Back” features quiet, almost country sounding clean guitars with vocals beginning at a whisper but growing with power. And the title track takes a completely different direction, with spoken vocals and the type of drum focus more common amongst Tool material.

Vocalist Danny Tomb (with a last name like that, how could he not be in a metal band?) has the perfect amount of grunt, staying easily understandable. Imagine James Hetfield, but with a bit of that relaxed stoner vibe, and you know what to expect. Instrumentally it’s all hard to fault; with a such great production and every instrument having some serious power to it, it would sound killer no matter what they’re playing.

If you’re partial to groove-laden rock with a thrash injection, then go and get this album. You’ll enjoy it, I promise. 8/10

For fans of: Frankenbok, Dreadnaught, Down, late Anthax

Band: 4arm
Album: The Empires of Death
Year: 2010
Genre: Groove/Thrash metal
Origin: Melbourne, Australia
Label: Independent - Metal Obsession


"Album Review of Empires of Death"

Earlier this year, 4arm released 'The Empires Of Death'. When I asked them about the inspiration for this album they responded with, "Societies willingness to accept anything and everything that is anything but good and its readiness to so quickly discard the things that are important." Their bio states they create an aggressive form of metal, so let's now venture into their realm of aggression.


Carnal - The introduction to this album is set with a spiel about scorpions and death. It is an interesting sample to begin with. The music kicks in and is blissfully explosive; it amps the senses straight up. You can feel the strength behind the vocals which make the music seem even more confronting. This is a great track to start the album off with and makes a great first impression for this band.

"So here we are to do it again, But where the hell do I begin? On a guilt free life or a selfish pride? Or the path that I was treading full of sin and didn't know it..."

Lead The Way - This is the shortest track off the album at 02:43 and it has elements of Pantera within it. It is very heavy and powerful structurally making this a very masculine style of metal. It is just like how Pantera have that strength in their sound, 4arm too have managed to create it. They've made the music simply explosive and confronting. The aggression lies behind the music, but it relays more of an intimidating aspect.

"You're nothing but a vessel of deceit, An impure propagation of beliefs, Head strong there is no compromise, A turning point to never recognize..."

An Old Man Dies - The music is really easy to get into and harbours a good metal groove. It is pretty hard to tell these guys are Australian as they have such an American sound. 4arm have managed to create a good musical structure allowing for various changes without obstructing the flow. It sounds very professional like they are all ready one of the top US label bands. I don't think these guys have a label yet, so let the negotiations begin!

"My poison is my skin and the lust that I so crave, Have my visions lost in darkened places I'm naked and ashamed..."


Unchanged - The vocals in this track expel words like they are fists. You will find yourself being repeatedly slammed. I can see their moshpits being quite the stress reliever. It is necessary for man to have an aggression outlet where it can all be released. It is for this reason that metal makes such a perfect, natural consort. This is a great band to exorcise your inner demons with.

"The making of pain, The dreams that were in vain, And if these hands could stop shaking for a moment I'd be feeling safe..."

Bring Me Back - Slowing the pace now, but not lightening the mood, a sombre sound crawls through this track. It explodes in parts and manages to control your blood pressure levels allowing you to implode at just the right moment.

"I know it's hard now and it feels like it's been so long, The minutes waste the hours the sun goes down another day I'm losing..."

Peace In Hate - As expected, the uplifting pace returns. The overall feel to this track is much like storming down the road with much built up aggression and trying to find some way to release it. The drums pound out some good beats throughout this album and the guitars do well at keeping you entranced and leading you through each piece. This is overall another good, moshable track.

"Time to crawl inside an iron wall, And find the secrets of a sacred place, Caught in a razor but what is expected? You see their minds search for clarity..."

Little Doll - A groove metal piece leads us into this next track. It's hard not to notice the intense Pantera influence and likeness throughout this album, even though there is no mention of it in their bio. Basically, if you like Pantera you're going to like this as it's right up there on par with them.

"Little doll, Tainting your lips in sin, Everything you touch just turns to gold in the eyes of men..."

1260 Days - Beefy guitars yank us by the neck and drag us through this heavy track. Much like the rest, it is comprised with strength and aggression. This band are a very tight group that have created a musical stronghold.

"The stone is calling us back, We shift attention to it, The stars had fallen to Earth, Long before our time..."

Burn It All - The sheer intensity within this track is brutal. The drums set a crushing pace for the guitars to sever over. The guitars simply grind through this track with ease. There aren't many noticeable leads throughout this album so when one comes up, however short, it is a nice and welcome addition.

"My stain, That I've left this time, Is buried in dirt and covered in lime..."

Spent And Bled - Outdoing the previous tracks pace is this carnivorous piece. The pace has definitely picked up whilst retaining its heavy essence. I see can this one being a knockout blow in the moshpit. The guitars are chomping through this track like a chains - Mystic Metal


"Album Review of Empires of Death"

Earlier this year, 4arm released 'The Empires Of Death'. When I asked them about the inspiration for this album they responded with, "Societies willingness to accept anything and everything that is anything but good and its readiness to so quickly discard the things that are important." Their bio states they create an aggressive form of metal, so let's now venture into their realm of aggression.


Carnal - The introduction to this album is set with a spiel about scorpions and death. It is an interesting sample to begin with. The music kicks in and is blissfully explosive; it amps the senses straight up. You can feel the strength behind the vocals which make the music seem even more confronting. This is a great track to start the album off with and makes a great first impression for this band.

"So here we are to do it again, But where the hell do I begin? On a guilt free life or a selfish pride? Or the path that I was treading full of sin and didn't know it..."

Lead The Way - This is the shortest track off the album at 02:43 and it has elements of Pantera within it. It is very heavy and powerful structurally making this a very masculine style of metal. It is just like how Pantera have that strength in their sound, 4arm too have managed to create it. They've made the music simply explosive and confronting. The aggression lies behind the music, but it relays more of an intimidating aspect.

"You're nothing but a vessel of deceit, An impure propagation of beliefs, Head strong there is no compromise, A turning point to never recognize..."

An Old Man Dies - The music is really easy to get into and harbours a good metal groove. It is pretty hard to tell these guys are Australian as they have such an American sound. 4arm have managed to create a good musical structure allowing for various changes without obstructing the flow. It sounds very professional like they are all ready one of the top US label bands. I don't think these guys have a label yet, so let the negotiations begin!

"My poison is my skin and the lust that I so crave, Have my visions lost in darkened places I'm naked and ashamed..."


Unchanged - The vocals in this track expel words like they are fists. You will find yourself being repeatedly slammed. I can see their moshpits being quite the stress reliever. It is necessary for man to have an aggression outlet where it can all be released. It is for this reason that metal makes such a perfect, natural consort. This is a great band to exorcise your inner demons with.

"The making of pain, The dreams that were in vain, And if these hands could stop shaking for a moment I'd be feeling safe..."

Bring Me Back - Slowing the pace now, but not lightening the mood, a sombre sound crawls through this track. It explodes in parts and manages to control your blood pressure levels allowing you to implode at just the right moment.

"I know it's hard now and it feels like it's been so long, The minutes waste the hours the sun goes down another day I'm losing..."

Peace In Hate - As expected, the uplifting pace returns. The overall feel to this track is much like storming down the road with much built up aggression and trying to find some way to release it. The drums pound out some good beats throughout this album and the guitars do well at keeping you entranced and leading you through each piece. This is overall another good, moshable track.

"Time to crawl inside an iron wall, And find the secrets of a sacred place, Caught in a razor but what is expected? You see their minds search for clarity..."

Little Doll - A groove metal piece leads us into this next track. It's hard not to notice the intense Pantera influence and likeness throughout this album, even though there is no mention of it in their bio. Basically, if you like Pantera you're going to like this as it's right up there on par with them.

"Little doll, Tainting your lips in sin, Everything you touch just turns to gold in the eyes of men..."

1260 Days - Beefy guitars yank us by the neck and drag us through this heavy track. Much like the rest, it is comprised with strength and aggression. This band are a very tight group that have created a musical stronghold.

"The stone is calling us back, We shift attention to it, The stars had fallen to Earth, Long before our time..."

Burn It All - The sheer intensity within this track is brutal. The drums set a crushing pace for the guitars to sever over. The guitars simply grind through this track with ease. There aren't many noticeable leads throughout this album so when one comes up, however short, it is a nice and welcome addition.

"My stain, That I've left this time, Is buried in dirt and covered in lime..."

Spent And Bled - Outdoing the previous tracks pace is this carnivorous piece. The pace has definitely picked up whilst retaining its heavy essence. I see can this one being a knockout blow in the moshpit. The guitars are chomping through this track like a chains - Mystic Metal


"4ARM live at Billboard supporting Testament"

Testament
w/ Dreadnaught and 4arm – Friday 6th August 2010
Billboard, Melbourne

US thrashers Testament definitely aren’t strangers to our shores, with three tours over the past few years with only one new release between them. Usually that would mean less excitement amongst fans by the time yet another tour comes around, but when a band is this good live, that isn’t the case.

After a short wait in a relatively large line, I made my way straight to the bench in front of the sound desk and secured one of the venue’s prime viewing spots. Now sure, I admit, hanging further back isn’t exactly what thrash gigs are about, but after moshing fairly hard (and ending up on stage a few times) during the last two Testament tours, I thought I’d experience this one a bit differently. Half an hour later and the Pantera-esque openers 4arm hit the stage. First opinions; kudos to the band for having a big, good quality banner behind them. It might seem like a small matter but not only does it make your band look a lot more professional, it also means late-comers (which, that early in the night, is most people), don’t miss the name of the band. Keeping the talking to a minimum, the band blasted through a very strong set of groove-laden thrash, playing a good chunk of their new-ish album The Empires Of Death. With a nice, thick mix, the band replicated the tracks with ease and despite the crowd not having built up too much, the response was fairly positive. Like I said back when I reviewed said album, this is a band that groove fans don’t want to miss. - Metal Obsession


"4ARM live at Billboard supporting Testament"

Testament
w/ Dreadnaught and 4arm – Friday 6th August 2010
Billboard, Melbourne

US thrashers Testament definitely aren’t strangers to our shores, with three tours over the past few years with only one new release between them. Usually that would mean less excitement amongst fans by the time yet another tour comes around, but when a band is this good live, that isn’t the case.

After a short wait in a relatively large line, I made my way straight to the bench in front of the sound desk and secured one of the venue’s prime viewing spots. Now sure, I admit, hanging further back isn’t exactly what thrash gigs are about, but after moshing fairly hard (and ending up on stage a few times) during the last two Testament tours, I thought I’d experience this one a bit differently. Half an hour later and the Pantera-esque openers 4arm hit the stage. First opinions; kudos to the band for having a big, good quality banner behind them. It might seem like a small matter but not only does it make your band look a lot more professional, it also means late-comers (which, that early in the night, is most people), don’t miss the name of the band. Keeping the talking to a minimum, the band blasted through a very strong set of groove-laden thrash, playing a good chunk of their new-ish album The Empires Of Death. With a nice, thick mix, the band replicated the tracks with ease and despite the crowd not having built up too much, the response was fairly positive. Like I said back when I reviewed said album, this is a band that groove fans don’t want to miss. - Metal Obsession


Discography

13 SCARS - 2005 (GREENDISTRIBUTION)
THE EMPIRES OF DEATH - 2010 (GREENDISTRIBUTION)
CARNAL (SINGLE) - 2010 (GREENDISTRIBUTION)
SUBMISSION FOR LIBERTY - 2012 (RISING RECORDS)

Photos

Bio

From the featureless backwater suburbs of Melbourne, at a time of abandoned hopes for metal, when once-defiant stalwarts of the genre were surrendering to the mainstream and succumbing to the forces that they once rallied us to rise against, a band called 4ARM would emerge to arrest the descent. In 2004, holding fast to the belief in metal without boundaries, 4ARM snatched modern thrash from the jaws of oblivion.

4ARM's bloody toil and supercharged attitude is represented across three studio albums, culminating in the critically-acclaimed Submission For Liberty (2012). With the mixing talent of Matt Hyde (Slipknot/Machine Head/Trivium/Kreator), 4ARM's high-energy hooks, soaring chorus lines, pounding drums and monster riffs would render Submission For Liberty a modern thrash classic, as attested by leading industry media such as Terrorizer Magazine and Metal Hammer Germany.

Despite their brief history, 4ARM's mark on the world stage is already significant. Driven by rising global demand, recent touring has focused extensively throughout the USA, UK and Europe. The hallowed turf of Donington Park and the hordes of metal pilgrims it summons - welcomed the group in 2012 for Download Festival, as if to confirm 4ARM's arrival in the annals of metal history. 2013 saw the band join forces with Testament and Overkill on the aptly-titled "Dark Roots of Thrash" tour, fulfilling the mission to keep thrash roots alive with a modern direction. Seeing out the year the band went on a 23 show tour of Nth America with "Thrash" legends Slayer. 

Undeterred by a line-up change in 2014 the writing and completion of a new album is set to continue the trajectory of Submission of Liberty and promising to break new ground for the band.