UMUR
"Certain Death" is the second demo cassette tape by US, California based thrash metal act Sadus. The demo was independently released in 1987. It features 2 tracks and a full playing time of 9:54 minutes. "Hands of Fate" would make it unto Sadus debut full-length studio album "Illusions (1988)", while "Number One" is exclusive to this demo. The tracks from the demo are also available in remastered versions on the "DTP Demo 1986" compilation released through Hammerheart Records in May 2003.
Stylistically the music on "Certain Death" continues the raw and fast-paced aggressive thrash metal style of the "D.T.P. (1986)" demo. "Hands of Fate" is a classic Sadus track with fast pounding rhythms, fast breaks, frenetic guitar riffing and screaming solos, and Darren Travis high pitched raw voice and an almost hysterical delivery on top. "Number One" is a bit different as it´s a fully instrumental track. Both tracks are well written and effective.
The sound quality is not as high as on the preceding demo, which is of course slightly disappointing, but it still has a raw charm and powerful sound, which suits the material well. Upon conclusion "Certain Death" is not as interesting as the "D.T.P. (1986)" demo, and two tracks aren´t that much to judge by if this was meant to be send to labels shopping a deal, but it is still a pretty good quality release and a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.
