Cryptic Slaughter - Convited (Death Records) 1986
1. "M.A.D." (1:22)
2. "Little World" (1:36)
3. "Sudden Death" (1:45)
4. "Lowlife" (2:25)
5. "Rage to Kill" (1:40)
6. "Rest in Pain" (3:02)
7. "Nuclear Future" (4:11)
8. "State Control" (1:45)
9. "Hypocrite" (3:00)
10. "War to the Knife" (1:52)
11. "Nation of Hate" (1:23)
12. "Black & White" (2:06)
13. "Reich of Torture" (2:55)
14. Convicted" (1:31)Fast and furious punk meets heavy metal, Cryptic Slaughter were an early version of what became known as urban hardcore, or some may even say thrash crossover. Regardless, the speed and attitude is what was important here, rather than showing off any sort of musicianship or technical songwriting. Not bad production which actually helps to make this disc a bit more enjoyable many years after it's release. However, heed my warning, this is a bad disc to listen to while driving in your car unless you don't mind getting pulled over for speeding.
Cryptic Slaughter - Speak Your Peace (Metal Blade) 1990
1. "Born Too Soon" (5:24)
2. "Still Born, Again" (2:42)
3. "Insanity By The Numbers" (2:47)
4. "Co-Exist" (4:18)
5. "Deathstyles Of The Poor And Lowly" (2:05)
6. "One Thing Or Another" (3:21)
7. "Divided Minds" (3:53)
8. "Speak Your Peace" (3:07)
9. "Killing Time" (5:38)"Speak Your Peace" is the fourth and final recording from thrash/punk band, Cryptic Slaughter. Released in 1990 on Metal Blade Records, hitting the streets nealy two years after the band's '88 release "Stream of Consciousness". The band split up soon after that release in '88 but Les Evans, relocated from California to Oregon and reformed with three new members – including former Wehrmacht drummer, Brian Lehfeldt. "Speak Your Peace" is what resulted, moving them away from the more punk influenced sound to a crossover thrash sound that is both tighter, more controlled and heavier than anything from the past. However, Cryptic Slaughter were sort of known for that fast, chaotic sound, so whether or not a tighter thrash sound is better is purely a matter of opinion. As usual, the band doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humor. "Lifestyles of the Poor and Lowly" is a perfect example of the band's humor. This song also sporting a more hardcore edge than much of the rest of the album.