Cyclone “Inferior to None” CD

Cyclone was a thrash band from Belgium that formed in the early-80's and spent a few years releasing demos and a couple of compilation tracks before their debut full-length, "Brutal Destruction", was released in 1986 by Roadrunner Records. It seems that many (Most?) fans of the band largely prefer their debut, perhaps because it's been much easier to find over the years, or simply because it was released by a prominent label, I'm not sure. What I can tell you is that anyone who prefers "Brutal Destruction" over the band's second and final album, "Inferior to None", is completely fucking wrong in every way. "Inferior to None" was released four years later in 1990 by a small Belgian label called Justice Records, after the band underwent several lineup changes and a shift towards a much crunchier and more in your face sound that completely destroys every single song on their first album without question. Apparently Justice Records was undergoing financial trouble and this ended up being a very limited edition release without much promotion, which is just criminal given the band's progress. Admittedly the production's a tad on the muddy side, but not to the point that it detracts from the listening experience (I actually love the almost over the top guitar tone), so the entire album's packed with thick, churning thrash that has more of a Bay Area thing going on in terms of the style (and quality) of the riffing. But the vocals are solid, the songwriting's stronger than many comparable American bands of the time period, and when all is said and done this is probably one of the most underrated and overlooked thrash metal records of all time as far as I'm concerned. Only nine tracks in a little over 45 minutes, but it's all gold. I just can't understand why this album hasn't been discussed more often what with the whole "thrash revival" that's been going on for several years now!?

Cyclone "Neurotic"

Despite having allegedly been bootlegged at one point, getting your hands on this CD won't be easy. There's one lone copy on eBay right now for an insane and offensive $75.00 (plus shipping, because, you know... that really matters when you're charging $75.00 for one fuckin' CD), but it doesn't seem to be listed on Amazon.com or anywhere else that I can find. Such a shame. "Brutal Destruction" was most recently reissued by Metal Mind, but I can't fathom why the far superior (pun only mildly intended) "Inferior to None" hasn't been properly reissued since the band's demise.

That being said, the internet will, of course, allow you to enjoy this outstanding material through other means. I'd still love to see this gem receive a proper reissue, though. Metal Mind should start looking further beyond the Roadrunner back catalog!