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.

Time Signature In the trash...

Genre: thrash metal

"Terror Squad" is somewhat of an underrated album. True, it is not up there with "By Inheritance" or "When Death Comes" (a lot of fans do not consider "B.A.C.K." a 'true' Artillery album, so, for political reasons, I will refrain from comparing it to "Terror Squad"), but it's still a damn fine album which certainly measures up to many of the first generation thrash metal albums which have attained status as classics.

"Terror Squad" offers all out thrash metal tracks, many of which should have been, instant classics, such as "The Challenge", "In the Trash", "Let There Be Sin", "Hunger and Greed", and the aptly titled "Decapitations of Deviants". Musically, Artillery have become considerably more technical on this album that they were on "Fear of Tomorrow".

As usual, my problem with this album lies in the production, as I think there is way too much reverb - especially on the vocals.

Anyway, if you're a thrasher, do yourself a favor and buy "Terror Squad"... and how about that cover art? How cool is that?!?