UMUR
"Rhythm of Fear" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US crossover thrash metal act M.O.D.. The album was released through Megaforce Records in November 1992. It´s the successor to "Gross Misconduct" from 1989 and there have been quite a few lineup changes since the predecessor. Actually the exact same thing which happened between the release of "U.S.A. for M.O.D. (1987)" and "Gross Misconduct (1989)" has happened again, which is that the entire lineup except for frontman/band leader Billy Milano have been changed. New in the lineup are guitarist Tim McMurtrie and drummer Dave Chavarri. Milano handles bass in addition to vocals, making M.O.D. a three-piece on "Rhythm of Fear".
The many lineup changes have not affected the quality of the musicianship in a negative direction. On the contrary "Rhythm of Fear" was by far M.O.D.´s most well performed album up until then. Milano is in top form performing assorted types of vocals from harsh hardcore shouting to rap vocals, to the occasional more melodic part. Riot gang shouts are also often used. The album features both fast-paced and heavy groove laden riffs and rhythms, and it´s generally a sharp and effective release.
I´m personally not too fond of rap vocals in my metal (with exceptions), and the rap vocal parts on "Rhythm of Fear" do not change that. Although I can´t help crack a smile when listening to "Rhymestein" (I love that songtitle), the rap vocals just don´t do anything good for that song or the album in general. Milano is best when he is angry and screams his lungs out bringing the venom to the people. As with the preceding releases there are both serious and humourous tracks on "Rhythm of Fear". The above mentioned "Rhymestein" are among the more silly ones, and "Get Up and Dance" and "Rally (NYC)" are also in that catagory. The former is actually a really great and energetic crossover track, while the latter is a New York City praise song.
Upon conclusion "Rhythm of Fear" is a step up in quality from the previous releases by the band. It features a much better sounding production job than any of the releases before it, overall better songwriting, and a very well playing band, so although it´s not a perfect release, a 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is still deserved.
