Various Artists
Demolition
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This bright idea sampler (to release nine of the hottest underground Metal tunes) is a very hot collection of Thrash-o-matic/Alternative vibration Rock 'n' Roll ear salad. Thresher starts things off with a mean and beefy Metallica-like power thrasher called "My Reality." If the band's prior exposure on the Underground Metal 2 album years ago didn't win them fans, this tune surely will. Vocally, lyrically, sonically and musically the band scores high. Mortal Enemy keeps the album's energy going with a doomy intro and rapid-fire snare-driven tune called "Exodus of Life," intelligently and creatively telling the saga of one despairing and taking of life. The BGV's here also sound like the reigning kings of ungodly Thrash--Metallica. Dodavahu takes the album in a different direction with its pouting and urgent vocals and Alternative riffings. Hot effect. Consecrator is one of the toughest underground Thrash outfits I've heard in a while, and "Free From Death," I think, confirms my belief. The rhythm section is extremely tight and the guitar tones achieved are deliciously crunchy. The Unknown stakes its claim at recognition with "Graphic Nature," a Believer-like tune dressed up with some creative percussion sounds that screams that "salvation (is) the only hope for this insane world." Abhor Evil make some silly noise with "Zone Zong," which starts off with all the guys sounding like they're caught in a whirlwind of insanity. Then the band jumps into a thick groove that begs your head 'n' body to move. Hot Pink Turtle grooves 'n' moves out of the speakers with "Glide," a slippery tune with tasty portions of Funk and gritty Alternative stylings. Sardonyx places a cut from its debut album, "Puppet of Beauty," on here, balancing out the album with a definite push in the Power Metal (yet still thrashy) direction. Last, but not least, Immortal ends the collection with a tight 'n' gnarly ditty called "Senseless Abandon" about the idiotic, willful decision to abandon faith in Christ. What else can I say, but this is a great collection. Fans of Thrash will eat up all nine tracks and have nine new bands to rave about.