“Probuzhdenie is a compact and energetic piece that offers an appreciable level of excitement and originality.”
The process of bringing a project to life can be especially protracted and arduous, so it is no wonder that strange and wild things can happen. The same can be said for the Kazakhstan-born band Turbothrash and their 2024 release, Probuzhdenie, or Awakening – For the Sake of What Is Dear to You.
A recent interview revealed that the recording period for the four-track EP was a tumultuous time in the band’s history, with several members either planning to leave or having already departed. The original singer parted ways with the band before recording was completed, essentially thrusting bassist Mikhail Mametyev into the role of vocalist for the EP. Needless to say, the finished piece is a labour of love that looks very different from its original concept.
Clocking in at just over ten minutes, every song is precise and hard-hitting. The tracks end abruptly and never overstay their welcome, as is the case with many of the band’s songs. Despite the generally volatile environment in which it was recorded, the EP maintains a decent level of consistency and quality throughout its short running time. Every track has a distinct identity, while sharing a common character as a high-energy romp. The thrashing speed and intense riffs make the EP feel like a shot of adrenaline. ‘Ataka Mertvesov’, my personal highlight, thunders to life with vigorous blast beats.
Probuzhdenie is a compact and energetic piece that offers an appreciable level of excitement and originality. Despite the many changes and challenges the band faced, I am relieved that Turbothrash lives on, hopefully with more releases that embrace its new identity.
