INTRUDER — Psycho Savant (review)

INTRUDER — Psycho Savant album cover Album · 1991 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Psycho Savant" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US, Tennesee based thrash metal act Intruder. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in June 1991. It´s the successor to "A Higher Form of Killing" from 1989, although the two studio albums were bridged by the release of the "Escape from Pain" EP from 1990. "Psycho Savant" was the band´s last release before they disbanded in 1992. The lineup who recorded "A Higher Form of Killing (1989)" and the "Escape from Pain (1990)" EP are intact on "Psycho Savant".

Stylistically the material on the 8 track, 54:13 minutes long album continue in the same powerful US thrash metal direction as the material on the preceding releases. The music is firmly rooted in the 80s US thrash metal scene (artists like Lääz Rockit, Anthrax, and Forbidden are valid references), and although "Psycho Savant" was released in 1991, there is not even the slightest 90s influence on the album (no alternative type vocals, no groovy riffs/rhythms, no rap vocals or funk influences). This is about as pure as they come when describing what an 80s US thrash metal album sounds like. The main reason for mentioning the particular reference artists above, are because those artists feature lead vocalists who can sing both raw and more melodic type vocals, which is also true for lead vocalist Jimmy Hamilton. The vocals are generally strong and give the music the extra dimension vocals are supposed to add (the use of riot gang backing vocals is a great treat too), to an already strong instrumental foundation...

...and the instrumental part of the music also deserves a mention, because Intruder are a very well playing band. The riffs are thrashy and powerful, the guitar solos blistering and creative, and the rhythm section are well playing too, driving the music forward in a great energetic fashion.

The material is well written and quite catchy too, and although most tracks on the album exceed the 6 minutes mark, the songs don´t feel long or outstay their welcome. I won´t mention any particular track as a highlight as all tracks are consistent in quality and style and "Psycho Savant" is therefore an entertaining release throughout. The only minor issue with the album is the sound production which lacks a bit of bottom end, which could have ultimately made the album more heavy sounding, but it´s not a major issue, and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is still deserved.
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