Artist: Nuclear Assault
Country: USA
Label: Steamhammer / SPV
Formats: CD
Year: 2003
Well, do I even need to introduce Nuclear Assault? This New York thrash band has made its mark in the metal world in the past. The band was founded by Danny Lilker after he left Anthrax, and the idea was to combine hardcore and metal. Danny Lilker and John Connely both came from hardcore and joined forces with Anthony Bramante and Glenn Evans who had their roots in heavy metal. This proved to be a golden combination, and they soon found themselves at the top of the thrash metal movement. Their lyrical themes also contributed to this, quite a few political issues are raised including religion, environmental pollution and the American system. A legendary band…
Now the gentlemen are back together in the original lineup, and have already done some try-out performances in 2002 and in 2003 they made several appearances at the No Mercy festivals. And to reinforce their reunion, here is a live CD with recordings from those 2002 try-outs. After 9 years of silence, finally some new Nuclear Assault material! It is quite the trend these days to organize reunions, but in this case Nuclear Assault shows how it’s REALLY done. By their own admission, the reunion is for the kids who think Linkin Park is metal. So here we go!
As already mentioned, the band certainly does show with some merit how thrash metal was supposed to be played again. It is equally clear that Nuclear Assault has lost none of their energy. The power of the guys is still there, even though they are now well in their forties. The speed is still there and even the vocals of Connely is still as fierce and sharp. The disc typically begins with ‘Rise From The Ashes’, after which classic after classic is worked through. We get to hear yummy versions of ‘Critical Mass’, ‘Sin’, ‘Game Over’ and finally the more than awesome neck breaker ‘Hang The Pope’. Production-wise it is all nice and crisp as well, conveying a real live atmosphere. Thrash fans can get this live album without hesitation.
Long live the thrash metal revival!
