ANGEL DUST - Into the Dark Past 1986 #80sheavymetal #classicheavymetal #oldschoolheavymetal #heavymetal #heavy_metal #80s

UNDERRATED GERMAN SPEED/THRASH METAL - 97% Thrash Fanatic, February 6th, 2018 Written based on this version: 2016, CD, No Remorse Records (Reissue, Remastered) 🔘While bands such as Kreator, Sodom, Destruction and Tankard were getting all the praise and recognition, Angel Dust never got the attention and respect they truly deserved. They formed 1984 and released some demos not too long after, so it begs the question: “Why haven’t these guys gotten the same praise and attention as their peers?“ Their 1986 debut “Into The Dark Past was released on Disaster, the same label that brought us Exumer’s “Possessed By Fire“. Let’s take a look at one of the best German releases of the 80’s.. The title track opens the record, it’s a short instrumental keyboard intro. It sets the mood for what’s to come perfectly. After the intro, the fast guitar riff comes in and then BOOM! “I’ll Come Back“ is a fast and furious classic, with some killer riffs. Roman “Romme“ Keymer handles both vocals and guitar duties and does a awesome job. He has a gruff vocal approach and barks out the lyrics with great power. Andreas Lohrum is the other guitarist, and his solos are killer on this record. His solo on “I’ll Come Back“ is especially awesome. He along with Romme make for a excellent guitar duo. Bassist Frank Banx is audible in some parts. He stands out especially right before the solo on “I’ll Come Back“. His bass can be buried under the guitars at times however. Drummer Dirk Assmuth plays very fast on this album. His drumming isn’t anything mindblowing, but he does a decent job. “Gambler“ is the highlight of the album, it is 7 minutes of amazing speed metal riffage. The opening guitar melody is creative and original, and Romme’s vocals are fantastic. The solos are plentiful, and there isn’t a wasted moment to be found. This is an undeniable classic! The opening riff of “Victims Of Madness“ sounds like something Vivian Campbell would of played on Dio’s Holy Diver. The closing track “Marching For Revenge sounds strikingly similar to “Strike Of The Beast“ by Exodus. The hammer-on/pull-off riff in the intro sounds familar, even the vocal melodies are reminiscent of Baloff’s vocal on that song. Similarities aside, this track kicks major ass. Especially the lyrics... “I must do what you demand from me You give me orders and I have to obey But it can’t go on that fucking way Time has come for me to break the chains!“ This record is one of my favorite German speed/thrash metal albums of the 80’s. The riffs, the drumming, the bass, the vocals, everything is on point. The reason I don’t give this a perfect 100% is because a few songs aren’t as memorable as the others. These guys are talented and competent musicians though, so this is partially excused. I recommend this to fans of Vendetta, Deathrow, Iron Angel, and Agent Steel. Highlights: “Into The Dark Past“, “I’ll Come Back“, “Gambler“, “Victims Of Madness“, and “Marching For Revenge“ The greatest full-length debut in German speed/thrash metal history is no mean feat. (*ENCICLOPEDIA METALLUM) TRACKLIST_ 1. Into the Dark Past (00:00) 2. I’ll Come Back (01:22) 3. Legions of Destruction (06:23) 4. Gambler (11:45) 5. Fighter’s Return (19:19) 6. Atomic Roar (24:42) 7. Victims of Madness (30:31) 8. Marching for Revenge (34:32) LINEUP Romme Keymer - Guitars, Vocals Andreas Lohrum - Guitars Dirk Assmuth - Drums Frank Banx - Bass Video made non-profit and solely for recreational purposes. Copyright belong to their respective owners.