"Vio-Lence are never gonna get that much recognition, as they were unabashed followers, but I say it's better to perfect an already existing genre than to innovate a mediocre one. No, Vio-Lence aren't one of the very best thrash bands around, but when it comes to just straight up, unrelenting thrash, they're about as good as it gets. Or, they are at their best. Though the common position is that 'Eternal Nightmare' is their best work, I easily prefer 'Oppressing the Masses'. But this is still a very good, totally worthwhile album. As far as just being totally driving and energetic, 'Eternal Nightmare' is just about the best thing out there, but it's not as catchy as OtM. (Though it's still got some instantly memorable stuff, specifically 'Calling in the Coroner', 'Kill on Command' and 'Serial Killer'.) Lotsa people out there hate Killian, and while he is undeniably about the worst singer ever, from a technical standpoint, I think he totally works with them. He's just so wild and unhinged, that he's a lotta fun. Futhermore, they use gang vox better than any other thrash band.(And, it's not overdone here, production wise, as it is on OtM.) This album isn't much for variety, as it has no ballads and every song is either fast or extremely fast, but this is a method they use better than just about anyone else, and it never seems forced, as it does with many others.
This re-issue comes with a live disc, which is totally great, and a fine reminder as to why thrash is the best metal subgenre around. Excellent performance, fabulous production, and a great set list, and all with out adding any to the price. Even if you have an old copy of this album it's definitely worth getting for the live disc.
It's great that their stuff is finally getting to be in print again. 'Burn My Eyes' my ass, this is when RRRobbbbbb Flynnnnnn really knew how to rock. Get it."
Kill on command
music forever | troy, oh | 04/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit I was thrilled to get this gem on cd. I belive it has always been difficult to find and most of my enjoyment came by way of tape. This is a fantastic speed metal album with some of the most insane solos ever. To me this is as good as anything. I did favor this over oppressing the masses those being the only two i owned. I understand its tough to find fans of violence but trust me this is one to be proud of having in the cd rack.I highly recommend this album it is very unique and has a very special flow to it. The lead singer has his own style that i think most metal fans will love."
17 Years later....!!!!
Mark R. Waldron | Butler, PA United States | 06/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a genre defining album if I have ever heard one. Any fan of late 80's bay area thrash should own this and now you can for much less than the $70-$100 the original pressing would cost you. I have seen so many message boards with people wishing for this re-release and always looked at my copy on the shelf with a smile, but I am happy to see that so many peoples wishes have finally been answered.
I saw Vio-Lence on tour with Testament and again with Voi-Vod. Any one who was into the scene back then already knows enough about this band, but if you are younger and just getting into the older thrash stuff or collecting, this is a solid CD and a must have. Kinda nice that they threw in the bonus stuff which comes from this and their sophomore LP 'Oppressing the Masses'.
Unfortunately I haven't picked the re-release up yet and could not tell you if it has been remastered...as with any of the late 80's stuff (especially for debut's) the production on the original pressing is not the best. But even if it hasn't been remastered it is still recommended to all. I still listen to it 17 years later and will be buying a new copy as mine has been affectionately worn out...and if you like it...check out 'MACHINEHEAD' which showcases both Rob Flynn (guitar and backup vocals for vio-lence and guitar and vocals for machinehead) and Phil Demmel (guitar for violence and guitar for machinehead).
THRASH OUT..."
I Paid $50 For The Original Pressing... Twice!
Demented D | The Middle Of The Pit | 05/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I also purchased the re-release. The good thing about having two original copies, is that when I went to go see them live, I got them to sign all three of their CD covers (Eternal Nightmare, Oppressing The Masses, and Nothing To Gain).
This is a thrashterpiece. This is, hands down, one of the best thrash albums of all time. Crushing riffs, brutal lyrics, and all the aggression you can handle. I break out this CD more than I do any other thrash metal album. I cannot get tired of it. I used to own it on tape, and wore the tape out. That's how good this album is.
It's just too bad that they called it quits... again. These songs are way too sick to let them lie dormant like they are now. I wish someone would start a tribute band, with a vocalist that sounds exactly like Sean Killian, and keep these songs alive. That's how good these songs are.
If you do not own this album, you are not a true thrash metal fan."
Thank God for the Reissue
Butch Williams | South Jersey | 09/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vio-lence's "Eternal Nightmare" album is one of the top thrash metal albums of all time. Notice I said album. I owned this on vinyl and cassette the first time around and have been waiting for years for a CD to be reissued. Furious drums, intense lyrics, insane guitar work...this CD is the best of the best. And to top it off it comes with a killer live CD as a bonus!!! Sweet!!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1