Liste des groupes Heavy Thrash Vendetta (GER) Go and Live...Stay and Die

Vendetta were fairly unknown in the metal community and sadly still are, except to the intense eighties metal diggers. There are a couple of factors that played a significant role for this. Firstly, they hailed from Germany which had already launched an endless number of speed/thrash metal bands namely the Teutonic trio (Sodom, Kreator, Destruction) and the four powerhouses (Helloween, Rage, Grave Digger, Running Wild) and were still spawning many a band. Secondly their label was not being too supportive of them terming them as yet another band that owed much to the Bay Area thrash than their own hometown. The actual fact is these guys were awesome and this debut album speaks for itself. It’s highly surprising why this band did not make it to the big leagues.

Musically, as mentioned earlier they draw favorable comparisons with the West coast thrashers such as early Metallica and Heathen and at the same time, there is also a slight hint of crossover in the vocals department reminiscent of Suicidal Tendencies and Hirax. Having said that, it at times also sounds like a pre dated version of Wargasm’s monster debut that created a huge buzz a year after. The production is crisp and perfect for its time, as is the musicianship which is highly effective and very well done. The guitars churn out razor sharp riffs whereas the drums and bass add the perfect backing. The vocal work is basically a split work between the two guitarists Daxx and Micky who do a laudable job.

As for the tracks this one ain’t got no fillers. All songs fit well and portray a high deal of consistency. The starter “Suicidal Lunacy” kicks off the thrash fest with a riff similar to Metallica’s “Whiplash” and goes full throttle after a few seconds. Next up is the title track with a powerful bass solo intro and a catchy chorus, and is perhaps one of the better songs on this album. “Traitor’s Fate” is the fastest thing here full of unrelenting riffs and incredible solos. Now comes the best track “Systems Of Death” which is full of insane riffs and lead guitar fills and above all excellent double bass drumming by Samson who even goes Wehrmacht like Beercore in the mid section. The chorus is infectious and sticks to your head for days or even weeks like a tapeworm. There is also a folksy lead guitar solo about a minute and a half from the end of the track that adds to the diversity of this mosher.

The fifth track “Drugs And Corruption” is a short blast not unlike a Cryptic Slaughter song. The follow up “Revolution Command” can be labeled as one of the most amazing metal songs of all time. The intro guitar solo is the best thing one can ever hear accentuated by the heavy riffs that lay the foundation for this thrasher. The closer “On The Road” finishes things in an uncompromising fashion with the bonus track “And The Brave Man Fails” lending a handy support.

Thrash metal freaks are in for a feast here, especially for those who only swear by Metallica and the rest of the Bay Area fraternity. Wargasm fans would definitely want to give this a listen if the craving for more of that stuff still sticks inside your iron heads. Highly recommended!!!!

Picks: Systems Of Death, Traitor’s Fate, Revolution Command, Go and Live…Stay and Die