NUCLEAR ASSAULT — Game Over (review)

NUCLEAR ASSAULT — Game Over album cover Album · 1986 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Game Over" is the debut full-length studio album by US, New York based thrash metal act Nuclear Assault. The album was released through Combat Records in October 1986. Nuclear Assault were formed in 1984 and released two demo cassette tapes in 1985 ("Back with Vengeance" and "Live, Suffer, Die") before being signed to Combat Records. Their first release on the label was the "Brain Death" EP from August 1986. The EP featured two exclusive tracks ("Final Flight" and "Demolition") while the 7:15 minutes long EP title track is featured in exactly the same version on "Game Over" as the album closer.

Stylistically the material on "Game Over" is thrash metal done the Nuclear Assault way. At this point the band had a slight old school hardcore twist to their thrash metal, which set their music apart from especially the contemporary San Franscisco, Bay Area scene. Their environmentalist and nuclear fear lyrics also point to the more socially aware hardcore scene. When that is said the music is still predominantly hard edged fast-paced thrash metal with the occasional nod towards speed- and traditional heavy metal. John Connelly has a rather distinct sounding voice and a raw delivery, which is one of the features in the band´s music, which made them unique sounding.

The material on the 12 track, 34:28 minutes long album (some versions feature the bonus tracks "Mr. Softee Theme" and "Lesbians", and some later reissues also feature the tracks from "The Plague" EP as bonus material) are generally well written and effective. Not all tracks are equally memorable but some of the highlights are "Sin", "Stranded in Hell", and "Brain Death". "Hang the Pope" also stands out, not only for it´s explicit lyrics, but also as a result of the 0:38 minutes long playing time and ultra fast hardcore style.

"Game Over" is well produced, and features a powerful and raw sound, which suits the material perfectly. The musicianship is generally solid too, and upon conclusion "Game Over" is a promising debut album by Nuclear Assault. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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Kingcrimsonprog wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I utterly love this album. Got a version with The Plauge EP on it.

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