• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Another 80s underground Thrash album re-issued, Splended Deed is somewhat entertaining but not particularly remarkable.  This is on the "clean" side of 80s Thrash, with a lyrical content that some call "CNN Metal" - mostly revolving around political and social themes, with a couple of exceptions.  The music is mostly mid-paced, but with a good number of passages that are halfway between mid and fast-paced.  Things flow pretty well, with only the last song sticking out as "out of place"; it is a demo version added as a bonus track on this reissue.  What distinguishes most songs is the vocal work, which ranges from "alright" to "annoying" (see the chorus on "Mirror Never Lies" - I want to beat the living crap out of the vocalist every time I hear it.)  This guy has a voice that is both somewhat annoying but also addictive at the same time - it's a bit unruly, not really following any "standards" (if there really is such a thing.)  It does fit the music, but at the same time it sticks out as one of the most remarkable features of the album.

This is rather standard late 80s Thrash - even back then this didn't really have anything to make it stand out in the crowd.  Don't get me wrong - it is good overall, with a few catchy parts here and there and enough headbangable moments to make it enjoyable and worth checking out - it's just nowhere near essential.  But with that said, this is a sound that many - including me - can't seem to get enough of, and for this warrants at least a quick look by die hards of the genres.