Let sleeping dogs lie is one thing that comes to mind when listening to this CD. As much as I love it that all these good old songs finally are made available I think it's a shame that the quality is as poor as it is. It requires a lot of fantasy to actually make out what's going on from time to time. So no, if you think this will be as other re-released (and sometimes re-recorded) demos with a decent sound, re think before you listen...

On the other hand, there's a lot of decent music coming from this band, "Disturbing Your Peace" and "Trial By Fire" sure hold such high standard it's a shame they've been kept in the closet for 25 years. But again, it's very frustrating to just almost be able to make out what's going on in the music. The first of the two CD's "Released From The Crypt" shows a clear line towards SANCTUARY, it sure is a natural continuation from this album to "Refugee Denied". Warrel Dane's (or Wally as he's referred to in the booklet) characteristic voice can clearly be recognized. Here, in his early 20's his voice is really unpolished and rough but still has a lot of spirit in it. Musically it is "Released From The Crypt" that appeals to me.

The music isn't too far from SANCTUARY either, quite technical US-Power with a touch of Thrash Metal. "3000 Degrees In The Shade" is the second incarnation of SERPENT'S KNIGHT with a new vocalist, Mark G and even if the sound has improved a lot for the second CD in this pack it's not the same band. Not the same feeling in the music any more. The music is far simpler and more towards Bay Area Thrash, really nothing special. But sure, if you can accept the sound, this sure is a nice look back in history. The package is actually really cool. Besides the two CD's there's a 20 minute live video from 1984 and a very thick booklet which includes the complete Biography of the band with loads of pictures from the time.

The story is more "The Dirt"-like (MÖTLEY CRÜE-Biography) rather than a band portrait perhaps but it's fun reading. To me, that alone makes it worth buying. Even despite the sound this is a cool release that more than me have sought after for ages. There have been poor mp3 tracks flourishing on internet before, also some clips on Youtube. This sounds about the same, apart from that squeaky mp3 sound, as those files and clips. Still it's ok if you can take it, I just was hoping for a little more though.