UMUR
"Live to Die" is the debut full-length studio album by US thrash/speed metal act Intruder. The album was released through Iron Works Records in 1987. Intruder was formed in 1984 (under the Transgresser monicker) and released a couple of demos before releasing "Live to Die". "Live to Die" was originally a vinyl only release, but saw a release on CD in 1990.
Stylistically the music on "Live to Die" is a combination of relatively technically well played thrash metal and more melodic and heavy metal tinged speed metal. It´s old school alright, but not in a primitive way and these guys often show off some pretty impressive skills. The rhythm section is solid, lead vocalist Jimmy Hamilton has a commanding raw delivery, but is also capable of hitting the higher notes, and generally sing with quite a bit of melodic sensibility, and guitarist Arthur Vinnett plays both faster paced thrashy riffing and more melodic riffs and harmonies. His solos deserve a special mention too as they are incredibly well played.
While the material aren´t especially original and Intruder doesn´t have the most unique sound/style, the tracks are for the most part instantly catchy and memorable. And there´s absolutely nothing wrong with the delivery either as Intruder deliver their music with both passion and conviction. The sound production is pretty raw and unpolished, but it´s suits the organic delivery of the music well.
While Intruder only had limited success before they split-up in 1992, after releasing 3 full-length studio albums, "Live to Die" is a debut album that´s quite promising. Both in terms of musicianship and songwriting but also in terms of being packed in a relatively well sounding production. If they had created a more original sound my rating would probably have been higher, but a respectable 3.5 star (70%) rating is still deserved.