In reality, "Spectrum Of Death" is the same age as me. It was first released back in 1988, and while considered a Thrash classic, for some reason MORBID SAINT never got big. They are one of those bands that everyone should know, but not many do. Well, thanks to the amazing people at Relapse Records and the recent resurgence in popularity of Thrash Metal, MORBID SAINT is back to the forefront of Metal.

Deep from the pits of hell (aka Sheboygan, Wisconsin) comes MORBID SAINT.What set them apart from the wave of other thrash metal bands in the late 80's was their truly unique-to-thrash sound. Pat Lind's vocals were unlike anyone else's. The intense riffing and trade-off solos from Jim Fergades & Jay Visser give them the intensity of SLAYER and the technicality of MEGADETH. Lee Reynold's insane double bass and sheer speed would make even Dave Lombardo gasp. Tony Paletti, who was the recording bassist for "Spectrum Of Death", beefs up the sound with his rhythmic bass lines.

This album is a complete Thrash-terpiece! It has everything Thrash Metal should have: speed filled riffing, intense solos, powerful drumming, and lyrics that are just pure evil. The final track, "Beyond The Gates of Hell" stands out to me as possibly their most evil song. The solos at the beginning set up the insanity, while the main riff is just so heavy! And the lyrics, describing a prison-like hellish afterlife, round out the brutality. "Scars" is another song that seems incredibly personal with stories of abortion, suicide, abuse, and rape. Of course there are some thrash standards, like songs about witches ("Burned At The Stake") and the Antichrist ("Damien"), but this doesn't take anything away from what is quite possibly one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. This is a definite Must Have for any true thrasher! For fans of early SLAYER, VENOM, and KREATOR.