In the mid-1980s, thrash metal was rapidly becoming the vanguard of the heavy metal scene. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth were reshaping the landscape with their aggressive riffs and unrelenting speed. Amidst this surge, a band from Los Angeles, Abattoir, unleashed their sophomore album, "The Only Safe Place," on Noise International. This 12" vinyl LP stands as a significant, albeit often overlooked, milestone in the annals of thrash metal history.
Historical Context
By 1986, thrash metal had firmly rooted itself in the musical zeitgeist. The genre was a rebellion against the polished and commercial sounds of glam metal dominating the airwaves. It was raw, aggressive, and unapologetically loud. Abattoir, having established a foothold with their debut album "Vicious Attack" in 1985, sought to build on this momentum. "The Only Safe Place" was released at a time when the thrash scene was hungry for new material, eager to push boundaries both sonically and thematically.
Musical Exploration
"The Only Safe Place" is a robust amalgamation of frenetic guitar work, relentless drumming, and visceral vocal performances. The album opens with "Bring on the Damned," a track that sets a blistering pace with its razor-sharp riffs and galloping rhythms. Abattoir’s musical prowess is evident as they navigate through complex time signatures and intricate solos, particularly in tracks like "Under My Skin" and "Nothing Sacred."
The title track, "The Only Safe Place," showcases the band’s ability to blend melody with aggression, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final note. The album’s thematic content delves into the dark and dystopian, exploring themes of existential dread and societal collapse. This is particularly evident in "Night of the Knife" and "Temptations of the Flesh," where the lyrics paint vivid pictures of a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
Music Genre
Firmly entrenched in the thrash metal genre, Abattoir’s sound on this album also flirts with elements of speed metal. The band’s technical proficiency and rapid-fire execution align them with contemporaries like Exodus and Overkill. However, they manage to carve out a unique niche with their distinct lyrical themes and atmospheric undertones, which occasionally verge on the eerie and the macabre.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"The Only Safe Place" was brought to life at Westlake Recorders, a studio renowned for its top-tier recording facilities. The production team comprised Chuck Rosa, Steve Sinclair, and Barry Kobrin, whose collective expertise ensured the album's powerful and polished sound. Their production work captured the raw energy of Abattoir’s performance while providing the clarity needed to highlight the intricacies of their musicianship.
The production on "The Only Safe Place" is noteworthy for its balance of raw power and polished execution. The guitars, handled by Danny Oliverio and Mark Caro, are front and center, their riffs slicing through the mix with razor-sharp precision. Drummer Robert Wayne and bassist Mel Sanchez provide a thunderous rhythm section, driving the songs forward with relentless energy. Vocalist Mike Towers’ commanding presence ties everything together, his voice ranging from guttural growls to piercing screams.
