Embracing the murderous rhythms and escape velocity of their former band, ex-Megadeth members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar) give thrash a modern edge with help from former Scar the Martyr vocalist Henry Derek Bonner, whose range veers from throaty roar to clean, clear singing—often in the same song. On their second album, Act of Defiance temper angry staccato riffing and scorching guitar solos with sombre acoustic intros and melodic choruses for a slick, contemporary take on one of metal’s longest-standing subgenres.