UMUR
"Gross Misconduct" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US crossover thrash metal act M.O.D.. The album was released through Megaforce Records in February 1989. It´s the successor to "U.S.A. for M.O.D." from 1987, although the two studio albums were bridged by the 1988 "Surfin' M.O.D." EP. Except for frontman/band leader Billy Milano the entire lineup has been changed since the predecessor as guitarist Tim McMurtrie has been replaced by Louie Svitek, bassist Ken Ballone has been replaced by John Monte, and drummer Keith Davis has been replaced by Tim Mallare.
Lineup changes or not M.O.D. was always Milano´s baby and therefore "Gross Misconduct" sounds like a natural successor to "U.S.A. for M.O.D. (1987)". It´s slightly more mature in the writing style and the production values have also increased a bit, but it´s overall more of the same. Crossover thrash metal which is typically energetic and fast-paced, but also features heavier groove laden sections, and Milano´s aggressive shouting vocals on top. Some lyrics are serious enough social/political criticism, while others are a bit more silly and obviously written for fun. It´s Milano´s vocals and voice which define the band´s music, because the instrumental part of the music could have been written and delivered by many other contemporary US crossover thrash metal acts and you wouldn´t have noticed. In other words it´s fairly generic and not instantly recognisable as M.O.D..
"Gross Misconduct" is a decent quality crossover thrash metal release, but it´s not exactly an album which makes my blood boil. On this release M.O.D. come off just the way many of their critics describe them. A pale version of Milano´s former act S.O.D. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.