Crucial Old-School Death/ Thrash
John W. Rethamel | Lansing, MI | 04/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This review is for the remaster/ reissue by Displeased Records which was originally reissued in 2000 and again in 2006.
While not up to the volcanic heights of Consuming Impulse or Testimony Of The Ancients, Pestilence's 1988 debut is definitely on the right track directly out of the gate. It is very much in line with its spiritual brothers (namely Possessed's Beyond The Gates and Sadus' Chemical Exposure) and is a strong contender in the ring of straddling death and thrash. The lyrics are by no means remarkable but avoid the usual gory pitfall of traditional death. A worthy purchase for fans of extreme metal and a no-brainer for fans of technical thrash or Pestilence in general. An album that Pestilence has every right to be proud of. I own the 2000 Displeased Records remaster which includes both of their demos. The demos are extremely muddy but nearly impossible to find which makes them both a historical curiosity and a must for Pestilence fans."