After talking to the guys from Hatchet recently, their laid-back yet intense vibe really stuck with me - and that energy is all over their latest release, Leave No Soul. This EP feels like a condensed blast of what makes Hatchet stand out: unapologetic Bay Area thrash, with just enough polish to show how far they’ve come without losing any of their raw edge.
From the first riff, it’s clear that Hatchet is sticking to their roots, but with a sharpened focus. The band has matured musically, yet they’ve kept the core thrash sound alive, with those fast, aggressive riffs that pull you right in. When I spoke to them, they mentioned how each member had a hand in the songwriting this time around, and that collaborative effort really shows. The guitars are as precise as they are brutal, and the solos are well-placed - technical but never too flashy. The rhythm section backs it all up with a relentless energy that keeps the pace tight and driving.
The vocals? Exactly what you’d expect from Hatchet - gritty, angry, and perfectly suited to the heavy themes running through the EP. I couldn’t help but notice how the lyrics reflect a lot of the frustrations we touched on during the interview. “Leave No Soul,” for example, really digs into the futility of the daily grind, questioning whether there’s any real point to all the struggle. It’s dark, but there’s an honesty in it that fits right into the chaotic times we’re living in. You can feel the weight of that in the delivery.
One thing that stood out to me after the interview was their decision to go for an EP instead of a full album this time. It’s not often you hear bands openly admit they didn’t want to stretch things out for the sake of it. They wanted every track to hit hard, and they definitely succeeded. This EP is lean - there’s no filler, just a few tracks that get right to the point and leave you hungry for more.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the pace is pretty relentless throughout. While that’s exactly what you expect from a thrash release, a little variation in tempo might have added some extra dimension. But honestly, that’s a minor point, because Leave No Soul does exactly what it’s supposed to - hit fast, hit hard, and leave a lasting impression.
In short, this is Hatchet doing what they do best. They’ve stayed true to their Bay Area thrash roots but have grown as musicians in a way that keeps things fresh. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, this EP shows that Hatchet still has a lot to say, and they’re saying it loud and clear.
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Thanks to Grand Sounds PR.