Arkeyn Steel Records have a limited 500 number re-release of Chicago's LORDS OF MEAT material from the early 90's. Arkeyn Steel have made it their specialty to release long-lost promising, mainly American, acts from the late 80's to early 90's. These are mostly bands with demo's, one album or maybe a couple of EP's to their name. Many of these bands were certainly decent but possibly got lost in the changing musical trends of the period. They tried to change their Power Metal or Thrash Metal style but ultimately got engulfed by the Grunge wave.

The name LORDS OF MEAT sounds like the band maybe in the style of PRIMUS. In fact, they are more like a cross between ANNIHILATOR and ANTHRAX. Sort of Melodic Thrash Metal with a touch of funky bass and some choppy Scott Ian riffs. This is a five track EP with some extras bolted on. Opener "A Mind A World Away" is a second wave of Thrash sound typical of the way the style had evolved to keep thrash interesting. So, nice Thrashy riffing but with some added bass fills in a funky style similar to how bands like FAITH NO MORE developed. Plus, Joey Belladonna style vocals. Second track "Winds Of Deception" is good, starting with acoustic guitar then a great melodic guitar solo before the vocals kick in. The riffing is pretty groovy with a solid vocal and good Metal composition. This is a mid-paced track, more traditional Metal with a touch of the sound of ARMORED SAINT.

"Meat Hook" is altogether more Thrash with staccato riffing and breakdowns. The vocal is faster and Punkier. This is a good track but really nothing new and could have been on the first two ANTHRAX albums. This was the dilemma with Thrash bands once the decade turned into the 90's. How do you keep original and true to the sound without repeating what others had done before you? Either slow down and become something else or change completely. Maybe funky Rock or full on Grunge or more hard-core? Difficult.

"Wicked Wonderland" is a better riff with a stomping groove and feedback guitar licks on top. The rhythm on this track is good and heavy and the guitars really shred. Nice breakdown section too. This is a style taken up so successfully by PANTERA. Best is saved for last on the original EP with "The Flames Eternal Light" . The acoustic intro and impassioned vocals are reminiscent of "Beyond The Realms Of Death" by JUDAS PRIEST. This works as it's a good execution of a traditional Heavy Metal power ballad. The solo is tasty. This is the best track on the EP.

In addition, there are four live in the studio bonus tracks on this re-release. All decent thrash-outs with a couple of standouts. "In Your Blood" has a monumentally pounding riffing section that is totally head banging. Also, you've got to like a song called "Pulled Pork Bazooka".

A decent thrash-out of a release by these Chicago metallers. They have all the right ingredients for the discerning Thrasher but maybe not quite good enough to be elevated to the major leagues.