Viking - No Child Left Behind (2015)

01. 9:02 On Flight 182
02. By The Brundlefly
03. Blood Eagle
04. Debt To Me
05. An Ideal Opportunity
06. Eaten By A Bear
07. Wretched Old Mildred
08. A Thousand Reasons I Hate You
09. Helen Behind The Door
10. Burning From Within

Ron Eriksen - Vocals, Guitars
Justin Zych - Lead Guitars
Mike Gonzalez - Bass
Gene Hoglan – Drums

It took a reformation in 2011 by founders Ron Daniel Eriksen & Matt Jordan to resurrect Viking back from the dead. And since that time, the act has been playing live frequently with a remaining lineup featuring newcomer Justin Zych (guitars) & Mike Gonzalez (bass) of Dark Angel fame. Seasoned veteran Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Testament, Death, Forbidden, etc.) has also been involved with the group and handled the drum work here (although Matt apparently remains as the full-time drummer).

The result here would be an album that took 26 years in the making which was well worth the wait, as it burned from start to finish. Ron sounded better than ever on vocals (while including his notable falsetto screeches on occasion), as well as the Dark Angel rhythmic backbone of Mike & Gene pummeling everything in their path. Justin's lead guitar role has also been a godsend for the group as he managed to incorporate a reckless yet controlled style of blazing talent while bringing additional energy in order to keep the act true to their frenetic roots. The production was also clear as well as the lyrical content being exceptionally original (it doesn't get any better than songs like "Eaten By A Bear" & "9:02 On Flight 182"). Nothing ever gets boring here and the music is just as effective when pacing at warp speed or during mid-tempo segments.

The more I listen to this album, the more I get out of it, as this is Bay Area thrash of the highest order. "No Child Left Behind" sounds just as good as both Slayer & Testament in peak form with Viking obviously being no strangers to the hallowed halls of traditional thrash themselves. It's clearly apparent that a lot of time was spent with the whole process here, and I would think it being a matter of time before a notable label signs the group and picks up this release in the near future. It took quite a long time, but Viking are back and they mean business... --- Mickey Dee, metal-archives.com

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