heavy-metal-darkness: Cyclone |Known Unto God |High Roller Records

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Cyclone |Known Unto God |High Roller Records

Release Date February 6^th, 2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Thrash Metal
Country Belgium

The roots of Cyclone from Belgium, who eventually became one of the most popular European thrash metal bands, go way back to 1981. They were originally formed in Aalst under the name of Centurion. As their music was getting harder and harder, it was decided to use a more cutting-edge moniker. A variety of demos was recorded before Cyclone signed a deal with Roadrunner Records where they released their now legendary debut album "Brutal Destruction" in 1986. This was followed by "Inferior To None" on Justice Records in 1990. After that, the band disbanded. Ending a long hiatus, Cyclone decided to reform in 2018 and has appeared live regularly since then (playing on their own or at prestigious festivals like Headbangers Open Air in Germany). Now, High Roller Records releases Cyclone’s comeback mini album "Known Unto God", with five brand-new compositions.

It has been thirty-six years since Cyclone dropped new material, and usually, when a band returns after three decades, it ends in embarrassment. That is absolutely not the case here. "Known Unto God" is a massive kick in the teeth that proves these Belgians still have plenty of fire in the tank. The energy here rivals their output from the mid-80s, screaming with aggression and speed. High Roller Records picked up a winner here, as this EP delivers pure, unadulterated thrash metal without any modern nonsense or digital trickery ruining the vibe.

The guitar work from Maxime Deschamps and Jesse Van Den Bossche drives this release. They churn out riffs that demand you bang your head until your neck snaps. It sounds loud, rude, and aggressive. The production strikes a great balance, keeping the dirt and rawness of the 80s intact while ensuring the drums and bass punch through the speakers. Guido Gevels sounds fantastic on the mic, spitting out lyrics with venom. The whole band plays like a unit that has been touring for years, locking in tight on every tempo change.

One distinct aspect of this release is how it incorporates classic heavy metal influences from NWOBHM in tracks like "Nothing Is Real". It adds a layer of melody and structure that keeps the speed from becoming monotonous. The songwriting is smart, keeping things memorable and catchy while maintaining high velocity. It is refreshing to hear a thrash band that remembers how to write actual songs instead of just stringing fast parts together.

This mini-album is a serious statement. Twenty minutes of music flies by instantly, leaving you reaching for the replay button immediately. If this is just a teaser for a full-length album down the road, then the European thrash scene is in for a treat. Cyclone has returned to reclaim their territory, and "Known Unto God" is the weapon they are using to do it. Dig it, crack a Belgian beer, and play it loud.

Score: 8.3