Possessed By Fire - now there's a thrash metal album title, eh? And this German band's debut album certainly lives up to its name, from the moment it slams into the title track. The main thing to strike you, besides the titanic riffing and abundant aggression, is the quality of the production, for what must have been a low-budget recording. Exodus-esque guitars are crisply prominent, drums pound and Mem Von Stein's vocals set about you like a pack of rabid hounds. Fallen Saint with its Slayer-esque chorus and Xiron Darkstar (what an evocative title) deserve special mention. Perhaps the odd track on (what was once) Side Two isn't quite so memorable as others, but the overriding impression is of a storming arrival in the 80s thrash scene and a real gemstone in German thrash.
TRACKLISTING: Possessed By Fire, Destructive Solution, Fallen Saint, A Mortal In Black, Sorrows Of The Judgement, Xiron Darkstar, Reign Of Sadness, Journey To Oblivion, Silent Death.
AVAILABILITY: Like its follow-up Rising From The Sea, Possessed By Fire was quite recently re-issued on CD, with three bonus tracks and some nice sleeve notes written by band members themselves. Well worth picking up.
RATING: 83%
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