For a few months now I've been trying to get back to writing about older gems again (at least once a week), and I've finally pulled it off! Artillery formed in Denmark in the early-80's and released two decent albums of relatively rugged, aggressive thrash before unloading "By Inheritance" via Roadrunner Records in 1990, when all of a sudden—BAM—it's almost like they became a different band. The production values, the riffs, the solos, the vocal performance, everything took a step up and gelled together perfectly on this absolute masterpiece of thrash. I know a lot of people think that the early- to mid-80's was the height of the thrash wave, but I find it extremely hard to argue against the top-notch quality of 1989—1991, and albums like "By Inheritance" play a big role in that. This kind of material proves that thrash can be loaded with completely badass riffs but still be just ridiculously catchy. Expect tons of palm-muted gallops, atypical dual guitar harmonies that almost have a Middle Eastern feel to 'em, super slick clean passages, and the fucking vocals are so great on this album, I can't even tell you. The dude blends traditional metal wailing with a weird, raspy edge that initially feels like it might be irritating, but really it just beefs things up and makes for some incredible choruses. Pretty much every time I listen to "Beneath the Clay (R.I.P.)" it gets stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
I never say enough about the music anymore, but that's because I don't think it matters. You can listen to a couple of songs and make up your own mind. I feel like the real "service" that I offer is pointing you in the right direction to hopefully discover music you might not have heard otherwise, so... see what you think!
Artillery "Beneath the Clay (R.I.P.)"
Artillery "Bombfood"
Artillery has reformed a couple of times since originally calling it quits in 1991, but to be honest I haven't checked out any of their albums since "By Inheritance". If that's a mistake, someone please let me know, heh.
"By Inheritance" is one of the many classics that has been rightfully reissued by Polish label Metal Mind Productions, so it's still relatively easy to get your hands on the CD. And you should...
Comments
i love this record!
5.6.2011 | By Poney
Woah, Artillery!!! This is a good album. I really have to track down their early stuff again. I remember the first two albums coming out on one split tape back in the early 90’s. That was some dirty, heavy, down-tuned stuff for Euro thrash. Unique band.
5.6.2011 | By Justin
Classic album from a severely underrated band. “Terror Squad” (their 2nd album from 1987) is an all-time favorite of mine.
5.6.2011 | By Wolfhammer
YES! Great post Andrew, more of these please!
5.6.2011 | By xBenx
I actually thought By Inheritance was weak in comparison to Terror Squad… which is fucking Godly! Who’s heard the later stuff?
5.9.2011 | By jim fucking winters
the 3 new albums they have ar solid…..
5.9.2011 | By Lron
Great music! The vocals aren’t completely to my taste but with every listen in like the music more! Bring it on!!!:)
5.10.2011 | By Carlos
Good music but like Carlos I’m not a big fan of the vocals. They lean too much toward some kind of heavy metal vibe, with the falsettos and such, not a bit fan. The music shreds though.
6.4.2011 | By Fred
Dude, they’re a HEAVY METAL band!? Of course the vocals have a “heavy metal vibe”!
6.4.2011 | By Andrew Aversionline