Well, it's clear that at some point after Living Death's second full length, Metal Revolution, the band decided that they wanted to start getting serious about thrash. The common thread in this four-song EP is speed; vicious, relentless speed. Vocalist Thorsten Bergmann screams along in a register probably only reserved for Overkill's Bobby Blitz at this point, and the rest of the band screams along right with him. The songs themselves aren't exactly all that memorable or groundbreaking, but the aggression the band shows here is definitely a step in the right direction. 1. Nuclear Greetings 2. Bloody Dance 3. The Way (Your Soul Must Go) 4. Child of Illusion Score: 6.5/10
If Deathrow's Riders of Doom (originally named Satan's Gift, which was banned or something so they renamed it) was as good as the crushing, dynamic instrumental that opens it, "Winds of Death", it would be one hell of a debut! Unfortunately, these Germans are a little overzealous and most of the album sounds as if it's in danger of becoming unhinged. There is a clear influence from bands like Slayer and Kreator, and there are parts of this record that actually sound fucking vicious, but the band has trouble putting it all together without sounding kind of ridiculous at times. Overall, a pretty enjoyable, albeit flawed album. 1. Winds of Death 2. Satan's Gift 3. Riders of Doom 4. Hell's Ascent 5. Spider Attack 6. Slaughtered 7. Violent Omen 8. Dark Tales 9. Samhain Score: 6.5/10
It's not like Cyclone's debut album is without merit. I mean, depending on what you heard first, maybe you like it better than Feel the Fire, or Eternal Devastation, but I doubt it. This is not a groundbreaking release in any way, and while it may be a pretty spirited affair, the over-the-top vocals and pedestrian songwriting make sure it becomes nothing more than an also-ran in the great 1980's thrash race. 1. Prelude to the End 2. Long to Hell 3. Fall Under His Command 4. The Call of Steel 5. Fighting the Fatal 6. In the Grip of Evil 7. Take thy Breath 8. Incest Love Score: 4/10
