UMUR
"Terror Squad" is a the fifth demo recording by Danish thrash metal act Artillery. The demo was independently released on cassette tape in 1986 and bridges the gab between the band´s debut full-length studio album "Fear of Tomorrow" (August 1985, Neat Records) and "Terror Squad" (April 1987, Neat Records). It´s a rehearsal demo recorded as preperation for the recording of the "Terror Squad" album. All four tracks from the demo would be re-recorded and included on the "Terror Squad" album.
Stylistically Artillery had on this demo developed a more aggressive and thrashy style with less nods toward their speed metal past and the material is a good indication of the music style found on the forthcoming album. Considering that this is a rehearsal demo, it sounds surprisingly professional and sharp. It´s certainly not a lo-fi recording with a muddy/noisy sound quality. Sure it´s not a polished and professional studio recording either, but it´s a both raw and powerful sounding demo sound production, and I wouldn´t have guessed it was a rehearal demo if I didn´t know it.
The material is powerful, aggressive, and memorable thrash metal and delivered by the skilled Artillery fronted by the raw screaming Flemming Rönsdorf the tracks come to life in a glorious raw fashion. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.