Faith or Fear

The Profile

Faith or Fear is an American thrash metal band from New Jersey best known for the 1989 album Punishment Area and for featuring future Overkill guitarist Merritt Gant. Their material blends political lyrics, tempo changes, and raw production. A demo followed in 1990; the band later reunited in 1999 with founding drummer Dan Hansen.

American thrash band from New Jersey; debut full-length Punishment Area released in 1989; politically charged lyrics and frequent tempo changes; lineup highlighted by Tim Blackman (vocals), guitarists Chris Bombeke and Bob Perna, and drummer Dan Hansen; demo issued in 1990; reunited in 1999; guitarist Merritt Gant later joined Overkill.

A single review examines Faith or Fear’s 1989 thrash debut Punishment Area: politically charged lyrics, frequent tempo changes, and raw production. Standout tracks cited include C. D. S, What Would You Expect, and Shadow Knows. The vocalist Tim Blackman and guitarists Chris Bombeke and Bob Perna are highlighted, while the compositions are seen as solid but not outstanding. Post-album, the band issued a 1990 demo and later reunited in 1999 with drummer Dan Hansen.