German Thrash Metal!
Blackend - Sloth (MDD) 1998
1. "Harmonies in Black"
(5:43)
2. "No More Confidence" (3:07)
3. "Regression" (5:47)
4. "Not to Deny" (5:24)
5. "Separate" (4:52)
6. "Retaliation Breed" (5:31)
7. "Parts of Peril" (5:23)
8. "Virtual" (6:10)
9. "Streams of Perfection" (6:02)
"Sloth" is a raw, heavy thrash metal CD by Germany's Blackend. If the name of the band didn't give it away, these guys are highly influenced by the Bay Area bands, especially Metallica. Vocalist/guitarist Michael Goldschmidt has an interesting and unique melodic voice with a heavy German accent. I suppose this could be viewed as a band thing, but I actually think it sounds distinctive and helps set the band apart. I actually checked out this disc after checking out their second CD "Mental Game Messiah." I must admit that I like the songwriting on the second disc a bit better, but the music on "Sloth" is just as tight.
Blackend - Mental. Game. Messiah. (Massacre) 2000
1. "The Eye of the
Observe" (6:08)
2. "Detect the Crack" (3:02)
3. "Mental Game Messiah" (6:22)
4. "Burn the Fuse" (4:24)
5. "Beyond Forever" (4:51)
6. "Liquid Surroundings" [instrumental] (1:05)
7. "Freezing the Skin" (5:01)
8. "Save Our Souls" (4:06)
9. "Scars Canít Tell" (5:24)
10. "As the Sun Remains" (4:22)
German thrash that is heavily influenced by American Bay Area bands like Testament, Exodus, and especially Justice for All-era Metallica. The music is tight and heavy, the vocals are unique and catchy, and every song has a decent hook. If this band had been around in 1990-91, they would have ruled the scene, but since we live in a musically depressing time, Blackend shall be relegated to underground status. Fits in well in my thrash collection. Thrash is on the rise again!
Blackend also appears on the Jump in the Pit A Testament Tribute CD.
Blackend - The Last Thing Undone (Massacre) 2001
1."The Last Thing
Undone" (4:17)
2."I Am The Chosen One" (4:13)
3."The More I Lie" (4:00)
4."Long Now" [instrumental] (5:28)
5."Excluded the Included" (3:24)
6."Darkest Day" (6:14)
7."The Dice is Cast" (3:33)
8."Battle Between Minds" (3:25)
Disc number three from Germany's Blackend has the band continuing in the same (Justice for All-era) Metallica meets Testament mode of the past two, but once again with improved production. One thing that may hold this band back from ever gaining a large US following is the thick German accent of the vocals. To me, however, this gives the music a certain charisma and charm. Overall, another stellar release from a band still flying a banner for thrash metal. More power to 'em. Unfortunately, this disc is not available in the U.S. except as an import from a few mail order places.