UMUR
"240.25 'Actual Reality'" is the debut full-length studio album by Swedish groove/thrash metal act Slapdash. The album was released through MNW Records in October 1996. Four out of the five members of the lineup played in Swedish thrash metal act Rosicrucian (and released two full-length studio albums under that monicker before forming Slapdash), and only lead vocalist Jens Mortensen is therefore new in the lineup since the Rosicrucian days (which actually isn´t entirely true as he performed vocals on stage with the band at their last show before changing their name).
Stylistically Slapdash is groove oriented thrash metal and it´s contemporary Machine Head, Pantera, Meshuggah (before they went completely nuts with time signature changes), and similar artists which are the source of inspiration. I also think the contemporary groove oriented releases by Forbidden and Testament are valid references. Slapdash are obviosly skilled musicians and they deliver a both tight and convinving performance. Mortensen is audibly influenced greatly by Phil Anselmo and there are several moments throughout the album which are in a similar style to the American band. Slapdash don´t quite reach the quality or uniqueness of Pantera though, but that doesn´t mean this isn´t some relatively entertaining groove thrash.
"240.25 'Actual Reality'" features a pretty well sounding production, and there is a good balance between clarity and power. Upon conclusion "240.25 'Actual Reality'" probably isn´t more than a footnote in the history of groove thrash, and I can´t say that I feel much different about the album, but it is pretty enteraining while it plays, and a 2.5 - 3 star (55%) rating isn´t all wrong.