Reviews on the Real: The Wrestlers

J. Heist

Aug 28, 2025

The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse with nostalgic sounds.

Hailing from Oristano, Italy, The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse. Combining the nostalgic sounds of classic thrash metal and heavy metal, this band is "A Fuoco" (on fire)!!! With driving bass riffs, intricate guitar work, hardcore metal vocals, and non-stop drumming, they transport you back in time. If you enjoy thrash music, such as Metallica, Testament, and Megadeth, combined with elements of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and hardcore punk, I highly recommend giving this record a spin. The Wrestlers' self-titled album gets two thumbs up from me.

The Wrestlers from Italy Mixed Alternative Magazine — Credit: The Wrestlers

The Wrestlers are Alex Murru (Guitar/Voice), Simone Mura (Bass), and Samuele Oggiano (Drums).

Necrophilic Woman

This song is a fantastic way to kick off the album. Fast guitar playing and a catchy vocal melody set the tone where the song travels at breakneck speed, offering a brief moment of peace with a melodic breakdown before overwhelming you with an incredible guitar solo. This track serves as a perfect introduction to what the rest of the album has to offer—great riffs, impressive harmonies, and an overall fantastic composition.

Look at the Dark

This song takes a more melodic approach throughout. The vocals showcase their range in the chorus, while the rhythm section brings it back down to Earth. This track has everything, from solid songwriting to music that perfectly matches the title. 'Look at the Dark' is one of my favorites on the album and will definitely have you contemplating the shadows.

Rapist Demon

This song brings hardcore punk vibes, reminiscent of Propagandhi but with a death metal twist. It has that old-school/new-school sound that will leave you wanting to press play again. It feels like a party anthem, and I can easily see it featured in a film. With its straightforward chord progressions, it epitomizes the concept of "less is more." You won’t know whether to get in the pit, headbang, or sing along.

Explosion of Skull

This track comes in strong with heavy guitars from the very start, reminding you that The Wrestlers didn’t come to play. The song is confrontational, featuring heavy metal and punk riffs along with a bass breakdown that leads into harmonized guitars and a stellar solo. If you're not in the pit by the end of this song, you might not be listening closely.

The Apocalypse of Blood

This song is a fast-paced beast that also offers some breathing room. Its breakdowns demonstrate that they came to both melt faces and woo you with metal, only to ramp up the speed again. This song has Slayer vibes, especially with a solo that would make Kerry King proud. 'The Apocalypse of Blood' perfectly encapsulates what The Wrestlers are all about.

After the Apocalypse

When a metal song starts with a bass line, you know it’s going to be good. This track is on the slower side compared to the others on the album, showcasing their ability to craft guitar harmonies and groove riffs. It serves as the first song on the B-side of the album and as a great way to kick off that part. 'After the Apocalypse' is as close to a ballad as metal gets.

Le Leggi Dell'Umanità

On this song, The Wrestlers utilize their multilingual skills to bring a taste of Italy to the mix serving up a drum intro, multiple time signatures, a bass break, and fast guitars. This track is an excellent representation of several of their writing styles combined into one. If you play this on a road trip, be sure to put it on cruise control.

Mr. Beer

This song brings back hardcore punk vibes. It differs slightly from the others, but still effectively represents their music. The bass player showcases his melodic talent with another catchy bass intro. This one's a bit of a happier version of their music but retains that metal edge. The Wrestlers indeed demonstrate their diversity with this song.

Metal Father

'Metal Father' introduces more hardcore punk sounds with great, simplistic yet effective guitar progressions and a sing-along-worthy chorus. The interlude strips things down a notch, offering a moment to catch your breath—if you have a lighter, this would be the perfect time to hold it up. It’s another example of the "less is more" approach, complete with superb dynamics.

Violent Storms

The closing track, 'Violent Storms,' is an excellent way to end the album. It features classic 80s thrash metal grooves and powerful vocals that light up the speakers. Even the lyrics are perfectly crafted to conclude the album. This song might even be my personal favorite on the record, demonstrating once again that The Wrestlers can do more than play fast.

Italian Thrash metal band The Wrestlers Mixed Alternative Magazine — Credit: The Wrestlers

Overall, this is a fantastic album from start to finish, with a good flow from song to song. Each track has its own identity and leaves you wanting to hear more. If The Wrestlers aren’t in your playlist, you’re definitely missing out. Spin this album at full volume. The Wrestlers' self-titled album is a must-listen.

Peace, love, and music,

- J Heist

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