Punished By The System

Damage SFP

DAMAGE SFP is a thrash metal trio who were formed in Finland in 1989. They […]
By Phil Tyler
June 16, 2023
Damage SFP - Punished By The System album cover

DAMAGE SFP is a thrash metal trio who were formed in Finland in 1989. They released some demos, disbanded and then reformed back in 2018. After releasing their debut album in 2019, formed from the best songs of their demos, they have now created their sophomore release Punished By The System which is released by Samsara Records.

"Betrayal In Your Eyes" opens up the album with a furious punchy riff (one of my fave on the album) that delivers a kick ass slab of thrash with a wonderful melodic chorus and a nice solo before the chorus returns. It's a very well produced track and a promising start.

Punchy is a word I'll use a lot to describe this album as it delivers 9 tracks in 32 minutes with all but one clocking in around 3-4 minutes (some less) and none outstay their welcome.

"Exiled From Paradise" is an absolute banger and at less than 3 minutes it roars out of the speakers on a MEGADETH-like riff with once again an excellent chorus and a blistering solo. Glorious stuff.

"Face Your Demons" also roars out of the speakers on another fab slice of thrashtastic punchy riffs with another melodic chorus and a chunky production.

"Punished By The System" doesn't divert much from the thrash template but it's an excellent song with another great sing-along chorus and has a punkish vibe.

"Track, Load & Change" opens up with some furious powerhouse drumming and has a more Viking Metal feel and a slower rhythmic punchy riff in the chorus. The vocals are gruffer than before and suit the mood of the track well.

"Fallen Star" has some excellent furious riffing before it slows down, with the bass line carrying the verse before the guitar joins in and culminates in the explosive chorus. There's some nice melody here which differs from a solo (which they could have inserted) and adds a different feel to the track.

After the 2 minute "Iron Fist" we come to "Unfreeze Me" which heads firmly into Power Ballad territory but again has a superb powerful chorus and differs completely from what has come before. At 6 minutes long it doesn't seem bloated and is a superb song with some nice backing vocals and some great melodic riffing. I thoroughly enjoyed this track from start to finish and a definite highlight.

Overall, this really is a tremendous album and at a mere 32 minutes, to be honest I would have liked to hear more. Each track stands on its own and the musicianship is superb. The songs are hugely memorable, and it's well produced. It gives your ears a sound thrashing (pun intended) and it's an album I'll listen to for a long time to come.

9 / 10

Almost Perfect

Songwriting

9

Musicianship

9

Memorability

9

Production

9
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"Punished By The System" Track-listing:

1. Betrayal In Your Eyes
2. Exiled From Paradise
3. Face Your Demons
4. Punished By The System
5. Track, Load & Change
6. The Greedy And Selfish
7. Fallen Star
8. Iron Fist (Motorhead Cover)
9. Unfreeze Me

Damage SFP Lineup:

Jarkko Nikkila - Vocals, Guitar
Antii Remes - Bass
Tero Lipsonen - Drums

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