Vio-lence
Eternal Nightmare

THE REVIEW

Album: 'Eternal Nightmare'
Band: Vio-Lence
Year: 1988
Label: Mechanic
Genre: Thrash, Speed-metal

Line-Up:
Sean Killian (vocals),
Robb Flynn (Guitar),
Phil Demmel (Guitar),
Dean Dell (Bass),
Perry Strickland (Drums)

In '94, I bought the 2nd album from this band (Oppressing the masses) at a time when I was losing interest in Thrash and turning to Death and Grindcore, so that album and this band passed through my ears without causing much of a stir. Big mistake! This album is the most FEROCIOUS thing I've ever heard in the Thrash scene!

Contents:
The opening track of the album "Eternal Nightmare" immediately makes us realize that things are getting serious. The riffs rain down relentlessly, not allowing us to breathe, followed by rhythms with excellent fast and varied tempos. Sean Killian's voice will make many wrinkle their noses. It's not the usual acid scream we're used to in the genre; it sounds more like a mix between rap and hardcore (well, shouted obviously). The vocal lines are almost always out of sync with the music. Personally, after getting used to it, I consider his style fantastic and absolutely original, and it doesn't affect the overall ferocity of the music; indeed, it brings it to a different level compared to the "standard" Thrash made of demons, 666, and various nonsense.
Some of the tracks are truly among the most furious I've ever listened to (and read, given the lyrics present!), particularly "Bodies On Bodies", which I consider one of the best tracks on the album, and the closing track "Kill On Command". The guitar work is fantastic: fast and sharp riffs. A slightly lower step down is the bass and drums, which are still excellent.

How It Sounds (production):
Generally, all instruments are heard well, the sound is quite clear; perhaps a bit lacking in power. A bit of confusion during the frenzied moments; overall, though, the production aligns perfectly with the style.

References:
Robb Flynn (now Machine Head) founded this band after playing in Forbidden (then Forbidden Evil). I don't know if he's also responsible for the material of Forbidden's first album, but if so, well, hats off because he's one of the riff-minding brains that couldn't be better. The following album "Oppressing The Masses" sounds calmer, and I recommend listening to it after this one to avoid jumping to hasty conclusions. I haven't heard their latest album "Nothing To Gain" yet, but I will soon.

"Eternal Nightmare" had a re-release with the EP "Torture Tactics" as a Bonus (see the link at FreeDB). For all the fans of (similar): Forbidden, Testament, Razor, Whiplash, Defiance... and of course to all Thrashers.