Mourning High

Mourning High

Luck of the Draw (2024)

Big Bad Wolf Records / Headbangers Records (2026)

https://mourninghigh.com/home

We're in luck, because this year Heavy Big Bad Wolf Records and Headbangers Records is treating us to a reissue of Mourning High's thrash masterpiece Luck of the Draw.

 While thirteen is usually considered an unlucky number, the gentlemen of Mourning High wear it proudly on their sleeve. Luck of the Draw features no fewer than thirteen tracks. The album kicks off with the abrasive opener Vendetta. We're hit with raw thrash riffs while harsh and invigorating guitar solos come flying at us from all directions. On the following track, Twisted Steel Direct, we can almost feel the fiery breath of a young Metallica. It's pure headbanging thrash that sounds like it came straight out of the 1980s.

 This momentum continues on Royal Roulette. The band clearly goes all in on blood-red intensity, hammering away relentlessly. "Mourning High is here to change the game," they proclaim. Although the music occasionally plays it safe, it's obvious the band has plenty of potential. The future is calling. Yet while their eyes are fixed forward, Mourning High also looks back into history. They do so on a track dedicated to Charlemagne. Incidentally, that's also the name the legendary Christopher Lee once chose for his own metal project. One thing that stands out on this track is the rather hardcore-esque vocal performance. It fits perfectly between the drummer's tight, crushing assault and the guitarist's razor-sharp solo work.

A curious listener might wonder what the abbreviation in the song F.F.Y.L. stands for. The catchy chorus reveals the answer: Fight For Your Life. Lyrics like these burst powerfully from the throat and are perfect for crowds to scream along to at full volume. After all that shouting, the soul needs a moment of peace. And what better way to unwind than with a freshly packed bong? The thrashy soundtrack for this relaxing activity can be found on Smoke Out, a song dedicated to lighting up this green beacon. The track Monte Carlo draws inspiration from the rock 'n' roll artists of the past. Van Halen especially comes to mind when this song blasts through the speakers. The track is entirely instrumental, giving the other musicians plenty of room to showcase their skills. It leaves you wanting more. There's hardly any time to dwell on it, however, because Whisper of Time tears through our eardrums once again with energizing thrash and tortured vocals.

Toward the end of the album, we're treated to a cover of Misirlou by Dick Dale. It's a solid cover, though it feels a bit like filler on an otherwise excellent album. Mourning High closes things out with the Mourning High - Luck Of The Draw (European Reissue) (CD Studio Album) Mourning High - Luck Of The Draw (European Reissue) (CD Studio Album) tracks Mourning High and Crowd Control. These are the final left and right hooks delivered to knock out even the most battle-hardened thrash fanatic. Mourning High presents a strong album here that will certainly appeal to fans of the genre. Thanks to Big Bad Wolf Records and Heavy Headbangers Records for this fresh reissue!

We're in luck, because this year both labels treating us to a reissue of Mourning High's thrash masterpiece Luck of the Draw.

 -Tim X-