In 1987, thrash metal was a headbanging hurricane tearing across the globe. Metallica had unleashed the genre-defining
"Master of Puppets,"
Slayer was fresh off the heels of
"Reign in Blood,"
and Exodus was about to drop
"Pleasures of the Flesh."
Enter Artillery, Denmark's answer to the sonic brutality, with their sophomore album, "Terror Squad."
Released on the independent Neat Records label, "Terror Squad" wasn't adorned with the mega-budget production of its American counterparts. But who needs bells and whistles when you have pure, unadulterated aggression? The cover art is a testament to that: a simple, stark image of a skull with glowing red eyes, set against a black background. No monsters, no explosions, just pure, metallic menace.
Musically, "Terror Squad" is a masterclass in thrash. The Danish crew lays down a foundation of lightning-fast riffs, courtesy of guitarists Michael Stützer and Jørgen Sandau. Vocalist Flemming Rönsdorf snarls his way through tracks like the title cut and "The Challenge," his voice a perfect counterpoint to the sonic assault. Tracks like "At War With Science" delve into more progressive territory, showcasing Artillery's ability to weave intricate instrumental passages into their thrashing framework.
While not as overtly controversial as some of their contemporaries, "Terror Squad" did push boundaries. Songs like "Decapitation of Deviants" hinted at a darker side, and the album's relentless energy was sure to raise a few parental eyebrows.
Recorded at Elsound Studio in Denmark, "Terror Squad" benefitted from the production talents of Lars Overgaard and Lars "Schlachterbummel" Christensen. They managed to capture the raw power of Artillery's live performance, resulting in an album that feels both immediate and timeless.
