•
Rating:
The average listener approaching a Vendetta album for the first time is unlikely to help but think, “...oh! ...can these guys actually play!?! ...how come?”
Without wanting to generalize too much, it is almost a well-known fact that, for those seeking technique, execution skill, respectable productions and, let's be honest, some neuron activity in the composition phase, mid-80s German thrash represents a sort of nightmare... But considering that nothing grows from diamonds and flowers grow from manure, here rise, from the “untouched forests of Franconia” (as the band’s official site says...) four young men ready to prove that what prevented Mr. Angelripper and associates from going to music lessons was certainly not being born in Beerland.
Formed back in 1984, Vendetta debuted precisely with “Go & Live.. Stay & Die,” released in 1987 by Noise: an excellent debut album which, for multiple reasons, stands decidedly above the average releases of the period. Among the noteworthy elements, as previously mentioned, is the technical factor. Let's be clear: nothing that makes you shout a miracle when compared to more recent (or overseas) productions, but if you think back to the years of “Riders Of Doom” by Deathrow, “Obsessed By Cruelty,” and “Pleasure To Kill,” it becomes evident even on a first listen that among the characterizing factors of the band's sound is a definitely greater compositional effort compared to the aforementioned “milestones.”
Although the result, taken as a whole, doesn't come off as extremely original (many references to the Bay Area sound of well-known groups such as Exodus and Metallica), the care and refinement of the arrangements pleasantly surprise, as do the variety and quantity of riffs proposed in each song. The songwriting is quite varied: the aggression typical of the genre, still present in massive doses (especially in the very fast “On The Road” and “Traitor’s Fate”), is softened – but not weakened – by an intelligent use of melodic openings and sounds far from the uncompromising thrash standards. See, for example, the acoustic intro to "Systems Of Death", the widespread catchiness of the vocal lines or the use of particularly catchy harmonizations.
The rhythm section, featuring the excellent Klaus “Heiner” Ullrich (bass) alongside the outstanding drum master Andreas "Samson" Samonil, does not hide an almost concerning adoration for stop&go (the opening of the title track is a little gem!), tempo changes and accelerations, but above all, - and this is incredible – enjoys at least a decent production! Even the solos, distancing themselves from the Hokuto-Hanneman school, show imagination, variety and, while not miraculous for execution difficulty, are pleasant to listen to, not limiting themselves to usual chaotic bends or classic anti-Malmsteen pentatonics.
Finally, the vocals (entrusted to the two guitarists Micky and Daxx) seem distant from the style of their fellow countrymen Petrozzoni and almost appear to be inspired by the less falsetto moments of Russ Anderson: definitely cleaner than the average, yet still bearing the aggression the genre requires.
Overall, then, “Go & Live... Stay & Die” proves to be an excellent product, well played and arranged, far from the trope of “what the heck is this?!... guitars?!... well... let's see if we can make some noise!”, penalized, however, by a sense of “déjà vu” that affects some of the solutions: a pinch more originality and it would have been a masterpiece of the genre! In 1988, the band would release the second and last full-length of its discography: “Brain Damage” (again for Noise) which, according to many, represents the real productive peak of the band. In my opinion, it is on the contrary slightly inferior to this reviewed debut: I personally always found it a bit “cumbersome” and, above all, lacking that freshness and fluidity of sound that characterizes “G&LS&D.” Not a trashing, heaven forbid, but, in my opinion, they had already shown their best...
Needless to say, shortly after the release of “Brain Damage”, Vendetta too would soon face the canonical fall into oblivion, and the consequent breakup, destined for 85% of the late 80s thrash bands. The many (...20?!? ...30?!?) fans of the group should not despair, however: official sources (their site...) speak of a recent reunion (well... not so much... out of 4 original members, 3 are new...) which already led to the release of a demo (“Dead People Are Cool” from 2003) and participation in various tours and summer festivals!
Go see them and you'll live!
Loading comments slowly
