David Halbe 
“The Ultimate Weapon” is a performance offering which emphasizes Havok’s need to get back to their thrash metal roots.
I’ve been a fan of the Colorado based thrash act Havok since I saw them back in 2011 (Time Is Up) supporting Malevolent Creation (Invidious Dominion).
Having grown up during thrash metal’s era of dominance, I was pleased to hear a revival was underway.
Havok became a big part of my musical rotation. My worship of the group seemingly culminated back in 2017 when I sat down with band during the Conformicide (2017) tour.
I concluded the interview with the thought that guitarist Reece Scruggs was more important to the band than I had previously thought. Back in 2015, founding lead guitarist Shawn Chavez died unexpectedly at age 30. The official cause of death has never been revealed. I had always thought David Sanchez (Vocals/Guitars) had assumed the role of undisputed leader, but the interview changed my mind. Havok’s success was the result of intense teamwork, not solely the personal drive of vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez as I had previously thought.
In 2020 Havok released, V, it’s last studio record with Reece Scruggs, who went on to join Machine Head. Many thought this marked the beginning of the end of Havok, but I’ve always looked at it positively. Havok has been offering us the same stale recipe for the last 8 years, something needs to change. The song structures, vocals and production became boring, the music was devoid of interesting ideas. It was time for Reece to move on. Fresh blood has resurrected the career of many a moniker, why not Havok?
The band announced a new line up in 2024 and released a four-song EP, New Eyes, that contained cover songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Commotion” and Metallica’s “Eye Of The Beholder”.
So far this year, the band has released two singles and accompanying videos. An official lyric video was unveiled for “Fifth Generation Warfare” in May.
A black and white performance offering for “The Ultimate Weapon” was released in September. Havok has not yet announced an official release date for their yet to be titled upcoming new record on BLKIIBLK Records.
“The Ultimate Weapon” is a performance offering which emphasizes Havok’s need to get back to their thrash metal roots. The music is swift and intense.
Lyrically, this is the same type of political offering we’ve come to expect from Havok.
A question of authority and an attack on the motives of modern establishment. I thought the incorporation of sunglasses was an interesting addition. Seemingly blinding us, obscuring our imaging of the ultimate weapon, the visible truth to be found all around us.
Havok is on the rebound. Check out “The Ultimate Weapon” and let the thrash attack of Havok become musical ammunition for you! \m/
HAVOK is:
- David Sanchez – Vocals, Guitars
- Pete Webber – Drums
- Nick Schendzielos – Bass
- Brett Rechtfertig – Guitars
