This has got to be the absolute worst collection of thrash-metal caterwauling ever recorded (regurgitated?)! Sixteen almost identical, non-melodic, non-rhythmic, tracks further insulting themselves by typical death-defying, monotonous vocals delivered in a deep-throated growl, with only slight variations in the tempo, makes it extremely difficult to find any redeeming qualities. That being said, a fan of this medium (I refuse to call it music) would probably love it.
I find it fascinating that so many thrash-metal performers are actually quite intelligent, with a sharply-defined sense of what makes great poetry, but choose to employ such a one-dimensional means of conveying some very political and emotional insights. I much prefer the dynamic productions of Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, D.O.A., Metallica and Motorhead (included in the thank-yous), if only because they actually cared that people could discern their lyrics while hearing them rather than reading them.
That being said, the band does have some words of wisdom to impart, notably on "We Still Fight", an acknowledgement and nod of appreciation towards war veterans (and anyone else who fights for what they believe in) as well as being a shot at those who won't stand up for anything. Lines like "Every day is a different crusade; you revolt from the safety of your fantasies. Privileged, you've never fought for a thing; you'd be the first to go if there was real anarchy" would probably be lost on the people to whom it's directed, as there isn't a chance in hell they'd be listening to this CD any time soon. While it might impact on their fans who don't mind the method of delivery and who would gain some social and political awareness, anarchy versus fascism is still a dangerous thing.
Among the multitudinous list of thank-yous is American Head Charge, whose CD, "The War of Art" I reviewed several months ago. While I basically slammed that effort as well while praising the occasional bursts of actual musicality, I would have to say that, if faced with a preference of these two if none other were available, I would pick AHC, but solely on the basis of the vocal diversity. I'm probably one of many people who would look at the title of the CD in a different light than what was intended.
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