UMUR
"Into the Halls of Extermination" is the first demo release by US, Illinois based thrash metal act Sindrome. The demo was originally released on cassette tape in December 1987. Sindrome formed in Highland Park in 1986, and got a break almost immediately after releasing "Into the Halls of Extermination" as they supported Whiplash on their "Ticket to Mayhem (1987)" tour and later Death on their tour supporting "Scream Bloody Gore (1987)". Lineup problems meant they didn´t release their second demo "Vault of Inner Conscience" before 1991. They disbanded in 1993 without having released an official studio album.
Stylistically the music on the 5 track, 18:56 minutes long demo is technically well played and pretty aggressive thrash metal (a 6th track titled "Brought to the End" was also recorded during the sessions, but was left off the demo. It was included on the 2016 compilation album "Resurrection: The Complete Collection"). Considering this was released in late 1987 it´s a fairly brutal thrash metal release (but not a raw and primitive one). It´s not terribly original music but it´s very well performed and Troy Dixler is a pretty unique sounding vocalist (although he has always reminded me greatly of Bruce Corbitt from Rigor Mortis). He has a very powerful, dark, and raw voice and his delivery is commanding. While the material doesn´t necessarily receive any points for originality, it´s still well written and relatively memorable.
Considering that "Into the Halls of Extermination" is a late 1987 demo release the production is very well sounding, and there´s nothing here which indicates that you´re listening to a demo and not a regular studio EP/album. It´s through and through a highly professional release and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is fully deserved.