“Awaking under Dogs” is already the third full-length album of this German quintet. Since the founding in 1995, The Company has undergone slight line-up changes. Nowadays the band consists of experienced musicians who have been around in the thrash scene for quite some time and the music on this album reflects that; very straightforward thrash metal with some minor hardcore influences. Although the music on this album reminds of thrash bands like Prong during the early nineties, The Company uses synthesizers to create a slightly more modern sound. However their role is very small and limited to some techno melody in the background. Thrash metal has been in decline since the early nineties and good thrash metal bands are nowadays almost non-existent. Bands like Nevermore and Testament are trying to keep the scene alive but only by the skin of their teeth and the contribution of this album unfortunately won’t do the scene much good either.

Most thrash bands have become too predictable and The Company is no exception to the rule; repetition quickly leads to boredom. And repetition, sadly enough, is the keyword of this album. Most of the songs seem to drag on a bit too long and the whole album suffers from predictability and lack of originality. On the positive side however, The Company’s music hits you in the face like a bomb and it is obvious these guys have been around for quite some time. If you are looking for typical aggressive old school thrash metal, then this might be the album for you. However, don’t expect anything innovative or original.