UMUR
"Wage of Mayhem" is a demo release by US, Florida based thrash/heavy metal act Nasty Savage. It´s the band´s second demo, "Raw Mayhem" being their first. Both demos were released in 1984 and precede the band´s eponymously tited debut full-length studio album from 1985. The original cassette tape version of the demo featured 4 tracks, while the 2003 CD reissue features 6 tracks.
The music on the demo is heavy metal with early thrash metal leanings. It´s raw, heavy, and occult themed. Lead vocalist Nasty Ronnie sings in a rough voice, but also delivers the occasional high pitched scream, and a couple of times during the playing time I´m reminded of Mercyful Fate, but Nasty Savage are generally a bit harder edged and not quite as original. I have the 2003 reissue version of the demo, and I´m guessing it´s been remastered, and that the original version of the demo featured a more raw and unpolished sound production, because the 2003 version features a very well sounding production considering that this is demo material from 1984.
The two additional tracks are new recordings from 2003 as the band reformed in late 2002. So this is a taste of how they sound a decade after they first split-up. Nothing has really changed much though, and the two new tracks are in a very similar style to the material from 1984, although the sound production is slightly more contemporary sounding. The quality of the material and the performances are relatively high and "Wage of Mayhem" is a worthwhile release for fans of the band´s 80s material and fans of raw thrashy heavy metal in general. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is deserved.