UMUR
"Fact" is the second full-length studio album by US, Seattle, Washington based thrash metal/groove thrash act Panic. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in May 1993. It´s the successor to "Epidemic" (Metal Blade Records, June 1991). Panic formed in 1987 (and even existed from 1985 under the Cold Steel monicker) and spend quite a few years releasing demos (four in the years 1987-1990) before being signed by Metal Blade Records for the release of "Epidemic", which is one of the forgotten early 90s thrash metal gems swallowed up by the then new wave of death metal artists and heavy alternative rock/metal.
"Fact" is in many ways the consequence of "Epidemic" not faring as well as the band and label hoped it would, because Panic have opted for a more alternative and groove laden heavy/thrash metal style on "Fact". It´s still thrash metal and Panic still deliver an energetic and attitude loaded attack, and lead vocalist Jeff Braimes performs his "Fuck You" attitude raw shouting as he did on the predecessor, but the material is just a bit more loose, organic, and groove laden and lacks the sharpness, precision, and memorable songwriting of their thrash metal past. It is one of the early- mid-90s thrash/groove metal releases, which can´t decide which way to swing and as a result comes off a little undecided and unsatisfactory. They somewhat remind me of contemporary Flotsam and Jetsam, but without the memorable songwriting.
The album is relatively well produced although it lacks a bit of bottom, as a consequence of the high end register way the bass is produced. Upon conclusion "Fact" is not an album which followed up on the great promise of "Epidemic". On the contrary it ripped apart the musical foundation of the band and had they hoped for more commercial success with this album compared to the relatively low commercial success of "Epidemic", they were left disappointed. A 2.5 - 3 star (55%) rating is warranted.