February 16th, 2022 - Sworn To Secrecy In A Secret Spot

 

Hello and hails thrashers and hop freaks!  Today I'm pairing "Sworn To Secrecy", the kick-ass, sophomore album by Mindwars and a hoppy and punchy Secret Spot Pacific Pale from Worthy Brewing Company that I picked up from my friends at Salt & Hops Beer Boutique!  Hell yeah!

Album Info:

• Artist: Mindwars
• Title: "Sworn To Secrecy"
• Recorded: 2016
• Release date: April 26th, 2016 (2nd full-length studio album by Mindwars)
• Record company: Punishment 18 Records
• Production: Mike Alvord
• Album cover art: Mario Estuardo Lopez Morales
• Personnel: Mike Alvord (guitars and vocals), Danny "Z" Pizzi (bass), and Roby Vitari (drums)
• Musical style: Thrash metal
• Sound: Channeling the raw thrash aggression of Alvord's old band Holy Terror, but with a fresh approach and today's production capabilities, the sound on "The Fourth Turning" is pure California thrash metal!  It is fast-paced, aggressive, and filled with lots of wonderful hooks, riffs, solos, and drumming! 
• Major themes: Socio-politically charged, lyrical themes on the album include secrecy, deception, violence, death, greed, freedom, control, power, corruption, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "Sworn To Secrecy"
2. "Cradle To Grave"
3. "Lies"
4. "Twisted"
5. "Helpless"
6. "Scalp Bounty"
7. "Rest Now (For Tomorrow Comes)"
8. "No Voice"
9. "Prophecy"
10. "Release Me"
11. "Transporting"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Worthy Brewing Company (Bend, Oregon)
• Website: https://worthy.beer/
• Brew: Secret Spot Pacific Pale 
• Style: American Pale Ale (APA)
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV: 4.9%
• IBUs: 33
• Ingredients: Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Ekuanot, Perle, Simcoe, Sterling, and Strata hops
• Pour: The Secret Spot pours a slightly hazy golden-amber hue with an off-white, billowy, 1+ finger head with great retention and lots of sticky, intricate doily lacing.
• Nose: The nose is citrusy, dank, herbal, earthy, and malty.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, tangerine, pine resin, fresh herbs, light onion, herbal tea, and sweet caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Secret Spot is characterized by citrusy, herbal, sweet malt, and earthy flavors.  There are notes of grapefruit juice, tangerine, pine, crackery biscuit, caramel/toffee, and a zesty white pepper finish.
• Mouthfeel: Medium in body and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel is very crisp, slightly bitter, yet smooth with crisp, dry finish. 

Overall Pairing: The well-balanced, smooth, yet punchy flavors of the Worthy Secret Spot Pacific Pale make it the perfect beer to throw back whilst rocking the hell out to the crunchy, raw, sonic metal blast of the amazing Mindwars!  'Nuff said!

Cheers and hails!!