Mercyful Fate - Melissa (1983)

I love the groove of the opener, it's almost a backbone bordering on normality, a bit of swagger which hides the ominous and evil soul of King Diamond's peculiar posse. You'll either love or hate the vocal delivery, but will simply have to marvel at some of the musicianship on offer. 'Melissa', in all its formidable black glory is often considered one of metal's finest records, and as a debut this is certainly one of those records to be cherished, but depending how you stand with the high-pitched vocals. Many have classed this as true black metal, a world away from Venom and their alcoholic rumble, this is almost clean-cut in its execution but the theatrics were even more dramatic than the UK trio. When I first got into metal I thought the mastermind behind it all, the masked in make-up master King Diamond, was a bit of a joke, but his impact on metal is without question, and when you hear some of the tracks on 'Melissa' you'll be left daubed with the Devil's mark. Grotesque, bewitching, wicked and downright devilish in its delivery, 'Melissa', despite its twiddly structures and immense shredding, is a mini-metal masterpiece. Thirteen-year old's everywhere were conducting rituals at the foot of their garden as the record faded into the blackness like a spooky will-o-the-wisp. Melodrama and fiery mayhem rolled into one.

8/10

Devastation - Signs Of Life (1989)

A sneakily good record this one. Upon viewing the sleeve you may expect something a little more dense sounding and deathly, but Devastation play a style of thrash akin to Evil Dead. Chugging, heavy, fast with a hardcore-style vocal delivery. The mid-section of 'Eye For An Eye' brings to mind the moshing prowess of early Anthrax, 'Desolation...' begins with a Slayer-style riff, and the title cut has elements of Metallica in its riffage. So, you know that Devastation play thrash metal, and quality it is too, something very cult about it, although the drums are a little left behind in the whirlwind. Whilst these Texan's don't have the spite of Violence, I'd sit them the Bay Area combo and Dark Angel, which is a pretty high compliment. A bit of a gem this one, and yet it doesn't try hard to be anything different from an aggressive thrash album.

7.5/10

Kreator - Coma Of Souls (1990)

When Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax and Metallica hit the big time, there were several bands loitering in the shadows who made for far more wholesome listening, and Kreator were one of those acts, proof also that Europe produced the more authentic thrash assault. I was already a huge fan of Kreator when they battered by eardrums raw on 'Pleasure To Kill' and 'Terrible Certainty', but just as Coroner matured through weirdness, Kreator grew into a strong and technical band. 'Come..' may lack the overall spite of say 'Extreme Aggression', and the pace often slows here, but it's still an album that marches into the brain leaving a terrible scar. More melody on offer but still some truly terrifying thrash work-outs, Mille on fine form as usual, his gravelled delivery biting at the flesh as Frank Blackfire whips us into a frenzy. Kreator were probably the most straight of all the finest Euro thrash acts, Voivod and Celtic Frost of course often took eerie steps into avant-garde landscapes, but with Kreator you kinda knew what you were going to get, but were still blown away by the music. Solid as a rock, riff after riff, Kreator will not let you down.

7.5/10

Heavy Load - Stronger Than Evil (1983)

To say a bad word against these true metal warriors would surely curse me forever more. Thankfully, bad words do not escape my lips as Heavy Load once against batter the senses, raise their swords and rise above metal melancholy with their brand of searing, epic metal. These Swedes are simply top class heavy metal warlords, although I've read elsewhere that the band weren't taken too seriously but those Spinal Tap goofballs never had the ability to churn out molten metal like this. Thin Lizzy legend features on the title cut and also 'Free', opener 'Run With The Devil' is a monster of a cut, Ragne Wahiquist is a great metal frontman, big on the voice, backed by the battalion of his brother on drums, and the heavy guitars of Eddy Malm and bomber bass of Ragnesjo. People have often mocked Manowar for their dramatic style of metal, but Heavy Load strip back the sensationalism and simply play it straight, passionate about what they do. Just like Cirith Ungol, Heavy Load drift into a magical land of wonder, darkness and monsters, leaving the chest pounding metaller more than happy with the purchase, and another cover to die for.

8/10

Helloween - Walls Of Jericho (1985)

I recall this band being heralded as the next big thing, and these German rockers certainly enjoyed some solid success. The cover of this record certainly earned it some Brownie points, and although the record starts in silly fashion, once it gets going it turns out to be a decent thrash record. Helloween were often described as a potent force resembling Iron Maiden, and their album covers most certainly appealed to many young metal fans. I admit to never being the biggest fan, but 'Ride The Sky' and 'Gorgar' are reasonable uptempo tunes, although there are some frailties in the vocal delivery. 'Murderer' is complex and galloping, complete with thrashy chanted chorus, but much of what's on offer is colourless, despite its speed and cheery disposition. Overlong as a debut album, and at times painful vocally, but always intellectual. Helloween were certainly different from many other European acts, and this reputation was bolstered even further by the next two albums from the 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys' saga, but I find the gothic groans and speedy greyness slightly dull.

6.5/10

Bang Tango - Psycho Cafe (1989)

Bang Tango were a league away from the status of Guns 'n' Roses and I must add that if anyone wants to check out a cool rock 'n' roll band, then instead opt for vocalist Joe Leste's Beautiful Creatures. However, Bang Tango deserve inclusion for their sleazy strut which was kinda like a homage to the whiskey 'n' shagging of LA Guns and Axl's boys. Unfortunately, this rather watered down imitation leaves me not only unfulfilled by yearning for more ballsy rock. Vocally Leste is Ax's distant cousin, the music attempts some kind of pompous and authentic groove but often fails to deliver. As debut albums go, and in the wake of other similar acts such as Faster Pussycat, making greater headway, 'Psycho Cafe' was lost in the crowd of tattooed love boys and sweaty Hollywood rockers. 'Psycho Cafe' isn't a lost gem, but merely a rather dated record from a good time in metal.

6/10

Exumer - Possessed By Fire (1986)

Absolutely brilliant thrash metal Exumer, alongside Exciter remain one of those thrilling yet underrated acts who probably shoulda made it bigger. 'Possessed By Fire' matches Metallica's 'Kill Em All' and Slayer's early efforts for speed, precision and unfaltering energy. Blessed with a cool album cover, 'Possessed...' is a frantic, chugging, pummelling and talented record with some great guitar work, crashing drums and vicious vocal attack. 'Fallen Saint' is a classic thrash record, a catchy riff, venomous chorus, this is up there with Metallica's 'Seek & Destroy' for intensity, and much of the album truly rips. To be filed alongside the already mentioned Exciter, and Nasty Savage, as a band who always lurked on the edge of brilliance but never quite reached the pinnacle, but then again, that cult status makes such acts far cooler. Gaze at the cover and thrash yer arse off...

8/10