UMUR
"Final Solution" is the 2nd demo release by US metal act Realm. The demo was independently released in 1986. It´s the last release by the band before they were signed by Roadrunner Records for the release of their debut full-length studio album "Endless War (1988)". They went on to release "Suiciety" in 1990 and then disbanded. In the years between this demo and "Endless War (1988)", Realm changed lead vocalist as Doug Parker left the band and was replaced by Mark Antoni. So although some of the demo tracks would also appear on "Endless War (1988)", the change on the lead vocalist spot makes the versions from the demo and the album quite different.
The music on the 7 track, 31:07 minutes long demo is a technical type of thrash metal with US power metal leanings and the occasional nod towards progressive metal. For 1986 this is highly technical metal, and while Realm doesn´t exactly reach Watchtower tech level, their playing is generally very impressive. Lead vocalist Doug Parker has a raw delivery that is sometimes spiced up by higher pitched screams. A very suiting vocalist for the style. But everyone involved actually deserve a mention. The rhythm section is exceptionally well playing and adventurous for the time, and the two guitarists play varied. Harmony sections, blistering solos, heavy riffs, melodic riffs, the whole palette.
The production is pretty much professional sounding, and considering this is a demo from 1986, it is in fact very well sounding, and I´d go as far as to say that it is more well sounding than a lot of studio releases that came out that year.
"Final Solution" is upon conclusion a very impressive demo release by Realm and it´s not hard to hear why Roadrunner Records picked them up after listening to this. Realm probably isn´t the most unique sounding act from those days, but what they deliver is of such a high quality that it should convince most fans of technical US thrash/power metal with progressive leanings. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.