UMUR
"Shellshock" is the second demo recording by Danish thrash metal act Artillery. The demo was independently released on cassette tape in August 1984. It´s the successor to the December 1983 "We Are the Dead" demo. There´s been one lineup change since the first demo as lead vocalist Per Onink has been replaced by Carsten Lohmann. It´s of some interest (probably mostly to Danes), that the demo was recorded and mixed at Ole Erlings Lydstudio in July 1984. Ole Erling was a pretty famous Danish "Suppe-steg-og-is-musiker" (organ playing, with programmed drums one-man act playing at widow bals, 80 years birthsdays...etc. you get the picture.).
"Shellshock" is a slightly darker, heavier, and more grim sounding release than the first demo, but it´s still a hybrid speed metal/thrash metal release, and while new lead vocalist Carsten Lohmann is a more interesting and raw sounding vocalist, he has a somewhat strained delivery and some unpleasant piercing screams, which aren´t always successful (he is a bit too theatrical at times, which makes me cringe). The playing is strong from all instrumentalists but it´s drummer Carsten Nielsen who steals the show, with his great organic and powerful drumming style.
"Shellshock" features a raw and grim sounding production job, which suits the music well, so upon conclusion "Shellshock" is a pretty well produced demo, which is also well performed, and decently composed. A 3 star (60%) rating is fair.