Just One Fix is a name synonymous with the NZ metal scene, having been around for the better part of two decades in various incarnations, and opened for the likes of Megadeth. This is the Auckland band’s third full length and offers an uncompromising selection of songs showcasing their brutal yet technical and accurate approach to the genre. Opening track Gladiator echoes the album name in the lyrics, and first hints at Sharne Scarborough‘s immense technical chops on the guitar, before expertly executed shifts between thrash and groove from the rhythm section (Martin Kemble – drums, Lee Steele – bass) build on the melodically charged riffs, and are akin to a performance sports vehicle changing gears. Lead single Proxy God is politically charged and aggressively spells out its intent. Metalmorphosis tells the story of a man-turned machine laying waste to the world, and Succubitch (with vocals from Riccardo Ball reminiscent of Lemmy) describes, enthusiastically, the date from hell. Sons of Cain‘s doomy riffing gives way to a rare patch of clean, articulately orchestrated instrumental before it is stomped out emphatically by prolific and purposeful riffing, and City Of The Damned features more clean instrumental to introduce, which highlights the control of melody that the band keeps in the pocket between brutal, blazing riffage. By the time the eight rhythmic, scarcely relenting and entertaining tracks come to a finish, the listener gets a sense that Just One Fix has, with the help of producer Zorran Mendonsa, distilled the messages they wanted to deliver with efficacy on ‘Let Them Hate… So Long As They Fear’. The guitar riffing, groove shifting and lyrical content will keep even the casual metaller interested, while hardened fans will be rewarded thoroughly. A must to check out for fans of genuine metal, Kiwi style.