FAITH OR FEAR — Punishment Area (review)

FAITH OR FEAR — Punishment Area album cover Album · 1989 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Punishment Area" is the debut full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Faith or Fear. The album was released through Combat Records in July 1989. Century Media Records picked "Punishment Area" up for a reissue in 1999. The early origins of Faith or Fear can be traced as far back as 1982.

The music on the album is US thrash metal but with an occasional groove edge. Something pretty much unheard of in the 80s. It´s punchy, aggressive, and for the most part effective. The vocals are raw and delivered in classic staccato thrash metal style. The musicianship is generally on a high level and it´s certainly not skill these guys are lacking. The sound production is pretty good for the time, but could have been slightly more powerful. The songwriting is decent, but it´s not like the material leave an ever lasting impression and while "Punishment Area" is enjoyable while it plays, I don´t remember most of the tracks after it is finished. The title track stands out a bit though.

I understand my above description of the music isn´t the most flattering, but upon conclusion "Punishment Area" actually is a pretty strong release and a very enjoyable US thrash metal album. It´s just not spectacular but a 3.5 star (70%) rating is still deserved.
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Time Signature wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Enjoying it so far. The vocals remind me a bit of "Child of Darkness"-era Dickie Peterson.
Time Signature wrote:
more than 2 years ago
That's exactly what caught my attention.
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I think you´ll like it. Pretty Classic US thrash metal sound, but with a groove edge, which as you know wasn´t the order of the day in 1989.
Time Signature wrote:
more than 2 years ago
interesting. I might check that one out.

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