Liste des groupes Thrash Metal Crionic (DK) The Land Which Once Were

The biggest injustice that could ever happen to a band is when it is enroute to make a big name for itself, it either disbands or fails to secure a record deal. Crionic here too suffered a similar fate sadly and this pummeling and only demo of theirs gets covered by the sands of obscurity. Why this band didn’t go on to release a full length album is simply beyond me. Musically these guys were a lot more energetic, pretty much in the vein of early teutonic thrash as against the more technical approach adopted by their fellow countrymen Artillery and Invocator. These guys could have been heralded as Denmark’s response to Slayer and Dark Angel. Another welcome surprise here is the production work that makes it sound more like a fully financed EP than a demo despite the fact that this was independently recorded.

“The Land Which Once Were” as the demo is called contains four tracks that are an absolute staple for moshers and headbangers. Unfortunately for me, the copy I got my hands on was a vinyl rip and the first song “Dawn” was missing on it. I am sure a lot of you rarity diggers would recall coming across this band on the “Thrash Metal II” compilation that was released in 1988 which also included some cult bands like Angkor Wat, Darkness(Ger), Gammacide and also the speedcore kings from Canada, Soothsayer. The song these guys played on that compilation was “Sneaking Disease” which is also present on this demo not surprisingly and sounds even more insane and ripping with a main riff that sounds incredibly catchy. The title track on the other shows some moments of technical and progressive leanings but the opening riff with a versatile double guitar lead is bound to catch your attention. “Putrescent Deceit”, an incredible title for a thrash metal song starts off fast and slows down to accommodate a magnificent thrash break and an equally beautiful guitar solo that makes good use of even the Mohameddan scale in some parts, thus ending the demo.

For a band that were active for only a few years and yet managing to release a self financed demo, that showcased the immense potential the guys had, I would bow to them for every ounce of effort they put in on this. Not many bands are capable of pulling it off even with a record label support, including some big names back during their fledgling days. I would request all you thrash metal freaks out there to try and get hold of this demo at a second hand store or search for a mp3 rip online and I guarantee you, it would be worth the effort.