CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER
"Convicted"
(Reprise; 1986)
Reviewed by Spudbeast
Hardcore punk/thrash legends Cryptic Slaughter debuted in 1986 with “Convicted.” Listening to this album, you’ll have a hard time actually believing that this brutal, insanely fast riffage came out the same year as Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet.”
With no hesitation “M.A.D.” starts off the CD with a frantic, take-no-prisoners pace including the earliest use of blast beats I can find. About fifteen seconds into the song, my girlfriend actually asked me if I was fast-forwarding the song.
Truly a step ahead of their time -- with non-stop riffs, floor rumbling drums and raspy angry punk vocals, spitting out lyrics at a speed that would make Tom Araya blush -- "Convicted" is truly a classic. Highlights of the album are “Lowlife” and “War of the Knife.”. I docked a point because the songs tend to blend together a bit, but you should definitely own this landmark masterpiece.
What they failed to refine here, they did so with their sophomore effort, “Money Talks.”
For more information, check out http://www.crypticslaughter.com.
"Convicted"
(Reprise; 1986)
"Money Talks" (Relapse; 1987)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Relapse Records has re-released two landmark albums from California's crossover metal act, Cryptic Slaughter, complete with live tracks, extra artwork and bonus demos. The real treat, though, is to actually hear the music and the impact it has had on our modern versions of hardcore and metal.
When you understand that no one except Cryptic Slaughter was doing this kind of thing back in 1985-1988, you realize how important this band really is, as they came up in the same ilk as Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, and DRI. Even though songs like "Hypocrite" and "Lowlife" may sound contrite today, bands such as Cryptic Slaughter truly paved the way for heavy music to evolve and thrive.
If you're game for a little old school learning, these two re-releases are a good place to start.
For more information, check out http://www.crypticslaughter.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
