December 7th, 2022 - STS = Sworn To Secrecy

 

Hello and hails thrashers and hop freaks!  Today I'm pairing "Sworn To Secrecy", the kick-ass, sophomore album by California thrashers Mindwars and a crisp and tasty STS Pils from the fine folks at Russian River Brewing Company!  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: Russian River Company (Santa Rosa, California)
• Website: http://russianriverbrewing.com/
• Brew: STS Pils
• Style: Keller Pilsner
• Serving: 16 ounce bottle
• ABV: 5.35%
• Pour: The STS Pils pours a fairly clear, golden yellow hue with a frothy and billowy, bright white, 2+ finger head with great retention and lots of sticky, intricate spider web lacing.
• Nose: The nose is grassy, grainy, slightly herbal, and slightly fruity.  There are aromas of freshly cut hay, summer grass, toasted sourdough bread, wildflowers, lemon zest, and a hint of apple.
• Taste: The taste of the STS Pils follows the nose with grassy, grainy, biscuity flavors.  There are notes of crackery biscuit, fresh bread, Noble hops, light herbs, and a hint of tart apple.
• Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied and well-carbonated, the mouthfeel of the STS Pils is very crisp, refreshing, and smooth with lower bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Overall Pairing: The well-balanced, smooth, yet punchy flavors of the STS Pils 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!

And if you haven't done so already, check out my interviews with Mindwars members: 

• Mike Alvord: https://youtu.be/lalanROeddI
• Roby Vitari: https://youtu.be/CiExf_FY4_A

Cheers and hails!!