ARTILLERY — Terror Squad (review)

ARTILLERY — Terror Squad album cover Album · 1987 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Terror Squad" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Danish thrash metal act Artillery. The album was released through Neat Records in 1987. The album has been re-released several times. Some versions feature additional bonus tracks. Terror Squad has also re-released with Artillery´s first album "Fear of Tomorrow (1985)" as a double CD release (actually also on a single CD which omits two tracks from "Fear of Tomorrow (1985)"). The point is that there are many different versions available out there.

The album features 8 ripping old school thrash metal tracks. We´re talking raw yet powerful sound production, fast played riffs, screaming solos and a thunderous rhythm section. Somewhere between "Hell Awaits (1985)"-era Slayer and "Bonded By Blood (1985)"-era Exodus. However Lead vocalist Flemming Rönsdorf has a very distinct sounding voice and vocal style that ensure a unique sound. He can both sing some really raw thrash styled vocals and sing in a rusty screaming type of vocal style too. He is a great asset to Artillery´s sound. The pace is mostly high and the music energetic but there is room for more heavy mid-paced parts too.

Forget about polish, this is one of those old school thrash metal albums that will kick your teeth in and leave you bleeding on the ground. While the musicianship are generally on a high level and the the performances passionate and convincing, the tracks take a couple of spins before they settle. The energy and raw delivery were what caught my attention first but after a couple of spins I´ve come to the conclusion that there are some pretty great songwriting at play here too. Just take a listen to the catchy and fast-paced opener "The Challenge" or the crushingly heavy title track. Now that´s what I wanna hear on an old school thrash metal album.

"Terror Squad" is arguably a seminal Danish thrash metal album from the 80s but viewed upon in an international context I´d also mention "Terror Squad" among the better releases in the more raw yet technically well played end of the thrash metal genre. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.
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Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I've fallen in love with this album recently, I love the spitting rawness blended with Rönsdorf's melodic yet aggressive vocals.

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