UMUR "Lights, Camera, Revolution" is the 4th full-length studio album by US, California based crossover/thrash metal act Suicidal Tendencies. The album was released through Epic Records in July 1990. It´s the successor to "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today" from 1988 although the two full-length studio albums are bridged by the 1989 "Controlled by Hatred / Feel like Shit... Deja Vu" EP. There´s been one lineup change since the predecessor as bassist Bob Heathcote has been replaced by Robert Trujillo.

The addition of Trujillo and his considerable playing skills have provided Suicidal Tendencies with another dimension, which they opt to explore on several tracks on the album. Trujillo´s funk influenced slap-bass is especially audible on "Lovely" and on "Send Me Your Money". Overall "Lights, Camera, Revolution" features a much more mature sounding Suicidal Tendencies than heard before. Everything from the songwriting, to the level of the musicianship, to the quality of the sound production have been given a lift since the predecessor. The music style is still at its core crossover thrash metal, but the hardcore influences have decreased, and the band have incorporated more melodic heavy metal elements and more "regular" (non-hardcore punk influenced) thrash metal riffs and rhythms to their sound. Lead vocalist Mike Muir has also increased his vocal style repetoire, and proves how versatile a vocalist he actually is.

"Lights, Camera, Revolution" is an album loaded with quality material. Highlights include "You Can't Bring Me Down", "Lost Again" (the main riff is such a tasty and heavy thrash metal riff), and "Send Me Your Money", but tracks like "Get Whacked" and "Disco's Out, Murder's In" also score high in my book. There´s actually not a single sub par track on the album, which also features a well constructed tracklist ensuring a good album flow.

As mentioned the musicianship is on a high level on all posts. I´ve already discussed the skills and performances by Trujillo and Muir, but guitarists Mike Clark and Rocky George need a mention too. The former for his strong rhythm guitar playing and the latter for his many incredibly well played and melodic guitar solos. George has often been celebrated for the great guitarist he is, but I´ll still give him one more deserved praise here. Drummer R.J. Herrera is probably the most regular musician on board, but he gets the job done well too.

To my ears "Lights, Camera, Revolution" is the peak of Suicidal Tendencies career, although they had/have released great albums both before and since. It´s their masterpiece and through and through a high quality release. It´s a combination of a band with a unique sound, who are technically skilled, and who can write music and lyrics which leave a lasting impression on the listener. If I was to name some classic thrash metal albums from the 80s/early 90s to a thrash metal newbie as mandatory listening, this would definitely be one of them. A 5 star (100%) rating is deserved.

Warthur You say the revolution will not be televised? Suicidal Tendencies beg to differ! This album finds the band having evolved far from the skate punk of their debut and so deep into crossover thrash territory that, depending on exactly where you draw the line, they risk busting out the other side into straight-up thrash territory, with Mike Muir's vocals retaining a bit more of a hardcore punk style to them as a reminder of the band's origins.

As far as what kind of thrash we're looking at... imagine if peak-era Anthrax (singalong moments and all) went substantially darker with their lyrics, and you'll be somewhere in the right region. On the whole, a hell of a fun album. I'd say any thrash metal fan will find plenty to enjoy here, but if you come at crossover thrash from the hardcore punk end of the spectrum, you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly.

Unitron Suicidal Tendencies - Lights...Camera...Revolution!

'Lights...Camera...Revolution!' is the fourth studio album by thrash metal/hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies. Suicidal Tendencies is a band I've known about for quite a few years now, but for whatever reason never checked them out until this year. While I have listened to quite a few of their albums since finally checking them out, none of the albums I heard I find to be as great and solid as their fourth offering right here.

One thing I love about Suicidal Tendencies and some other thrash acts such as Anthrax, are their sense of humor. It's difficult for me to not laugh a bit when listening to songs like 'Lovely' with lyrics like: 'Screwed up people everywhere, but I ain't got time to care. I feel lovely, lovely...Ha! La la lovely, oh-oh..'. Not only are the lyrics funny, but the mix of thrashing guitar and the funky bassline make this a real treat. The song 'Send Me Your Money', while having a good message, is pretty funny just hearing vocalist Mike Muir singing 'Send me your money' with his unique voice. Speaking of 'Send Me Your Money', the song starts out with a very catchy bassline before the catchy hop of the guitar enters in. Like with 'Lovely', this song has some pretty catchy bass throughout.

My favorite song on the album though is the song 'Lost Again', which is pure thrash goodness. It's crunching guitar and Muir's punk-y vocals fit perfect. The end of the song changes, with a bit more of a jumpy beat. Muir has a very unique voice, fitting very well with the pulsating guitar. His voice has a punk-y edge to it, but I suppose you could also compare him to a more melodic Dave Mustaine tone. It's honestly hard to explain how is voice sounds, he certainly has one of the most unique voices I've heard.

Overall, if you want some fun thrash metal, this is a perfect album to satisfy that need. Hope you found this review helpful.

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