UMUR
"Fear of Tomorrow" is the fourth demo recording by Danish thrash metal act Artillery. The demo was independently released in March 1985, only 6 months prior to the release of the band´s debut full-length studio album also titled "Fear of Tomorrow" (August 1985, Neat Records). The demo was recorded and mixed at Elsound Studio in January 1985. It was produced by Freddie Wolf and Artillery. There´s been one significant lineup change since the October 1984 "Deeds of Darkness" demo, as lead vocalist Carsten Lohmann has been replaced by Flemming Rønsdorf.
The change on the lead vocalist spot has a great impact on Artillery´s sound because Rønsdorf is one of those worldclass singers who elevates music to a higher state. His performances would be even more impressive on the subsequent album releases, but it´s obvious already on this demo, that he is a much better and more distinct sounding singer than the two Artillery singers who came before him.
Stylistically this is a raw and powerful type of speed/thrash metal with Rønsdorf´s screaming raw voice in front. The demo features 6 drafts of tracks which would be re-recorded and included on the August 1985 debut album plus "Hey Woman", which at the time was exclusive to this demo. It was however included on the various artists compilation album "Speed Metal Hell" (1985, New Renaissance Records).
Other than a more raw and unpolished sounding production, these early versions of tracks, like "Deeds of Darkness" and "Out of the Sky", are both well performed and effective speed/thrash metal tunes and this is definitely a demo recording worth investigating. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.