THANATOS — Speed Kills (review)

THANATOS — Speed Kills album cover Demo · 1984 · Speed Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
2.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Speed Kills" is the first demo recording by Dutch speed/thrash metal (later death metal) act Thanatos. the demo was independently released in December 1984. Thanatos formed in 1984 and they are widely accepted as one of the first extreme metal acts from The Netherlands and a huge influence on artists like Pestilence, Aspyhx, and Gorefest. Unfortunately history shows that Thanatos weren´t able to capitalize on their underground popularity and therefore didn´t get a label deal until 1990 when they finally released their debut full-length studio album "Emerging from the Netherworlds" through Shark Records. They were hoping to be signed by an American or UK label, but that didn´t happen and they finally were left with no other opportunity than to sign with the relatively small Shark Records, and as a consequence they are not as widely known as artists like Pestilence and Gorefest.

while not being death metal in any type or form "Speed Kills" is still a relatively harsh, aggressive, and brutal sounding speed/thrash metal demo greatly influenced by artists like Venom, Bathory, Slayer, Destruction, and Hellhammer. It´s fast, it´s grim, and it´s savage. Thanatos are a pretty well playing band and lead vocalist/guitarist Stephan Gebédy has a raw snarling delivery (also performing the occasional high pitched scream). The tracks are often spice up with something as unusual as classical influenced acoustic guitar sections, which is in great contrast to the violence of the speed/thrash metal attack that the band otherwise produce (which also includes a lot of screaming solos and lead guitar themes). But they were still a very young band at this point and probably just wanted to show off all their skills.

Featuring 7 tracks and a total playing time of 30:26 minutes you get plenty of time to get to know Thanatos and while "Speed Kills" isn´t the most focused or consistent release it´s still a good quality demo. As the sound quality is also pretty decent for a 1984 demo, a 2.5 - 3 star (55%) rating is warranted.
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