Shortly before the end of 2009 I discovered Divebomb Records, a label run by Matt Rudzinski from Tribunal Records that is everything a label should be. The entire mission of Divebomb Records is to reissue out-of-print, overlooked, underrated material from bands of the 80's and 90's, and it's all about loving the music and getting it back out there at the best level of quality possible. How the existence of this label managed to elude me for some time is a mystery, but as soon as I learned of it I placed my first order, and this massive double-CD discography from Delaware thrash band Solitude was among my first picks.
"Poisoned Population: The Complete Collection (1987-1994)" compiles Solitude's entire discography (remastered, of course) in reverse chronological order—starting with their sole full-length, 1994's "From Within", followed by three demos: "Fall of Creation" (1990), "Sickness" (1988), and "Focus of Terror" (1987)—for damn near two hours of music. I'm not gonna sit here and pretend I've been a longtime fan of this band, as the reality is I'd never even heard of 'em prior to this, and that's why I appreciate reissues of this nature so much—'cause this material totally kicks ass and I never would've had a clue about it were it not for someone that cares taking the time to put together such an incredibly thorough release. Expect meaty, largely midpaced, at times technical thrash accented by some classic heavy metal tendencies (which are certainly helped along by the excellently raspy singing). You'll get plenty of those awesome, chunky breakdowns more associated with the east coast style of thrash, some really cool little melodic riffs/solos, occasional clean passages, the works. While all of the material's very solid (and very well recorded, even despite a hint of muddiness on some of the demos), the "Fall of Creation" demo is definitely my favorite. Probably the band's most technical outing, it's at times a bit reminiscent of Forbidden (responsible for my favorite thrash album of all time, by the way) in its overall quality of riffs and songwriting, so... I'm hooked there. The four-year gap between the demos and "From Within" ultimately yielded a slightly more groove-oriented approach, which could only be expected, really, given the 1994 time period, but... it's still a really cool album that I quite enjoy.
To top everything off, the packaging features badass unused cover art from back in the day (with small images of each original demo/album cover inside), complete lyrics, liner notes, and even a new interview with the band—not to mention the fact that both discs contain CD-Rom video content!? Amazing. This really puts to shame a number of reissues that I've encountered from much larger labels over the years. I'm impressed, and certainly consider myself a Solitude fan now. Here's a smattering of tracks to check out:
Solitude "Shroud of Silence"
Solitude "You Die"
Solitude "Tipping the Balance"
I can't recommend this, and numerous other Divebomb releases, enough. This has pretty much instantly become my favorite currently active label, and I'm anxiously awaiting their future output. If you like what you hear, buy this shit now, explore the label's back catalog, and support Matt's absolutely outstanding efforts!
Comments
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! Need to check all the albums of the label. This album is great. I need to listen to more thrash.
Btw Violator will soon release their new EP. Can’t wait!
Thrash on! :)
2.4.2010 | By Carlos
This band was great! Last summer I found the “From Within” CD in a local shop for like 40p, but weirdly it had Sonic Youth - EVOL in the case. I was bummed. Oh well, at least the artwork is cool as fuck and I found the album pretty easily via a google blog search, haha.
The world definitely needs more multiple CD collections of slept on bands like this.
2.4.2010 | By mark p.
Great to see someone taking an active effort to rescue lost under-appreciated bands like this. I’m also glad to see Divebomb is planning to re-release Uncle Slam’s “Say Uncle” LP, which is a great piece of music.
2.4.2010 | By Howard
Tryin to break a brother’s bank. I fully intend to invest the income tax refund in purchasing this label’s output in toto.
2.5.2010 | By Marcus Garvey
I’ll definitely need that Uncle Slam reish
2.5.2010 | By Avi
I want one!!
2.11.2010 | By jenn
My copy came today and i am totally floored by this release, from the music itself to the package. this is a fantastic label.
2.11.2010 | By Marcus Garvey
Was shocked to hear somebody would be re-issuing SOLITUDE (“THE” SOLITUDE!). I got my copy of “Poisoned Population…” a few weeks ago, and can’t stop listening to it! Regardless of the great re-mastering, it’s so cool to hear their old demo tapes again…raw & unpolished, the way they’re supposed to be. I was into SOLITUDE back-in-the-day and would catch ‘em live in the Philly area whenever I could, I even ventured to NYC and down to Baltimore to see ‘em. Their live shows sounded even better! If you’re a fan, old or new, of Thrash, and you can truly appreciate REAL Metal, buy this fuckin’ cd! They’re an undeniably talented band who deserve the new light being shined on ‘em.
Heard they’re doing a reunion show in the next coupla months. That’s a show that SHOULD NOT be missed!! I’m going out of my way to catch it… myspace.com/solitude302 is what I’ve been keeping an eye on.
2.26.2010 | By Drew