Deathrow ~ Germany

Raging Steel (1987)

I'm a huge fan of the last two Deathrow albums, a wonderful example of tech / prog thrash. I didn't personally discover this German band until the mid 90s, and don't really remember them from college. I never bothered to go further back in their discography because I was informed these albums were more simplistic. But I didn't want to pass on the original LP especially since it was right in front of me. Well it's certainly true that Raging Steel isn't a dizzying array of riffs and tempo changes like Deception Ignored. But it isn't brainless either, as there are plenty of shifts and turns. Some of the tracks are too fast for their own good, calling on their Teutonic heritage of Sodom and Kreator. It's also not as heavy as the Destruction album I just posted about, but the guitar solos are much better, perhaps as a result of focusing more on musicianship. The vocals are more "metal standard" without the histrionics you often get with the 80s groups. I think the production could have used a boost of oomph. I found it interesting the album gets more complex as it goes, foreshadowing their next move. I really like this band.

Ownership: 1987 Cobra (LP)

12/27/24 (review)

Deception Ignored (1989)

I was a little late to the party regarding Deathrow. It wasn't until the mid 90s that I got a hold of Deception Ignored on CD. But once in possession, I knew I had a lasting winner. There's a type of progressive (or technical, if you prefer) thrash that I truly enjoy, and Deathrow play it. Very much in league with the early Psychotic Waltz albums. Incredibly dense, yet still melodic, and freaking batshit crazy on the rhythms. It's a nonstop assault on your senses. It wasn't until recent years that I purchased their 4th album Life Beyond (which is relatively similar to Deception Ignored). And to this day, I have yet to hear their first two albums, though I understand them to be more straightforward thrash. I'm sure I'll hear them at some point (ED: see above)

Ownership: 1989 Noise (LP); 1989 Noise (CD)

1996 (first listen); 5/13/12; 4/15/20 (review)

4/15/20 (new entry)