Abracadathrash - F.T.W. [Demo] [Swiss]

One of the things that makes metal intriguing besides the music, is the sheer number of bands that are involved in a given scene/genre. The sheer number of albums/demos/EPs/splits/whatever  is staggering to say the least. The other by product of this proliferation is the fact that fans hang on to EVERYTHING. Whether it be demo tapes from a buddies thrash band that recorded it in their basement, to bigger regional acts; to major label touring bands. Fan's horde this stuff, and share it with the world. This has been going for ages, back in the 80s/90s tape trading was the way back then, now a days we have the internet to share music. It is absolutely amazing to be able to obtain a demo from a completely unknown act all the way back from 1989 from a completely different continent, every time I find/listen to one of these obscure demo's it blows my mind every time. Anyways enough blathering, this time i bring you ...



's only release F.T.W.

Despite the ridiculous name, this isn't joke thrash.

Anyway, the overall production on this is actually pretty nice. Everything is clear and mixed well, although you can tell at times that this was produced on a low budget; it still really doesn't hurt the overall sound.

In 1989, thrash was winding down; and was beginning to take on a more groovier sound. You can see this fact with this demo clearly. The riffs are nice and fast, and sound like something you'd expect from '86. But you can see that this was a release on the heels of a new page for thrash metal, and the groove is clearly seen throughout the songs. Mind you; this isn't a bad thing. The riffs are pretty damn nice and creative. There are many times where you get a case of involuntary headbanging. I'm actually kind of shocked given the caliber of the riffs found throughout FTW; that it never created a stir. The riffs really are top notch.

I'm not sure if it's due to the quality of the mp3's or the production overall but the bass is mixed kind of low, and the guitars have a bit more crunch to them. This is kind of disappointing; I think the bass should of been much higher, to give the songs an over all bigger sound. The overall tone of the guitar does make up for the lack of bass in the mix. So no major complaints, more of like "this could be improved upon ..." kind of situation.

Ah thrash drums. Thrash drumming is always very simplistic in nature, and draws major influence from punk. I'm quite fond of them. Throughout FTW you will find ... very basic thrash drumming. *shrug* There isn't too much to say about it. The drumming works, it compliments the riffs like all drumming should, but it's not something that catches your ear whatsoever.

The vocals are actually one of the high points of this demo, they remind me of Hefield in both style and sound; when he was in his heyday. They sound absolutely great. Nice and high in the mix, clear, and extremely well executed. These are really top notch.

Overall I found myself listening to this a few times over, and threw one of the songs on my mp3 player. I really liked it. It's not the most groundbreaking stuff you've ever heard, but it's defiantly worth being in the regular rotation.

I give



a solid 8/10

Stay Brutal!

-Fritz

Contact me at: osiriswebzine2011@gmail.com