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If it weren't to educate, I wouldn't be reviewing this. It is the kind of album I don't like reviewing because I don't know what else to say but "this is total fucking ruleage." I mean, seriously, just buy the damn thing.

Unfortunately, I need to go on, for the heathens among you. :) I don't know what was the deal with Mausoleum Records in the 80s, but every band they signed back then was excellent, and Warhead is no exception. This CD re-issue contains both of their full-length albums: "Speedway" and "The Day After". Frankly, I don't really know where one ends and the other begins: The material is very much in the same vein on both albums, both equally excellent. Warhead (this is the one from Belgium, not Germany) plays (played...) some pretty convincing speed/thrash and it's a damn shame that they disbanded because this is some top notch musicianship and it would have been interesting to see what they could have come up with next. You'll overdose on speedy solos, razor-sharp riffs and bewitching guitar melodies, this is what you get from beginning to end (hmmm except for the motorcycle starting in the intro.. :)) The vocalist has a voice that's very fitting, very raw and he doesn't go into high notes (that wouldn't be appropriate and I get the feeling he probably can't hit the high notes - but that's just a guess.) Only complaint, sometimes the choice of vocal melodies such as on the opening track of "The Day After" (Legions of Hell) is a bit pedestrian and gets annoying after a few listens - the music still rocks beyond belief, so I can live with that. ;)

Better yet, this stuff hasn't aged a bit (well, you'll always find some idiot to claim the contrary) and could very well have been released today (if you don't look at the band's picture, that is.) Fans of early Metallica (first three albums) or other speed/thrash bands of the time will sure find something to like here. Not a recommended listen after sustaining a neck injury, this would send you back to the hospital in no time.

Additional Information

- Speedway originally released in 1985
- The Day After originally released in 1986

- The Day After album cover: