AGONY - THE FIRST DEFIANCE

CONTROLLED THRASH METAL

Aaah, here we have a truly nice piece of thrash annihilation from Sweden. Released in 1988, "The First Defiance" by Agony is the first Swedish full length (so no, all you cultists out there, Raving Mad's 7" does NOT count!) thrash release that I know of. A popular mention as the first swedish thrash album is Midas Touch's overrated "Presage of Disaster", but as it was released in 1989, "The First Defiance" predates it with an entire year.

Anyway, this is great stuff. Agony plays aggressive but yet controlled thrash metal, reminding of late 80's Testament, with light shades of Exodus as well. I also get some technichal vibes of Artillery at times. The songs for the most part are mid paced, but when the guys thrash they really do it with grace. Lots of crushing riffs here. All eight songs are great, but as favourite cuts I would mention the entire A-side, along with the devastating "Night of the Emperor". This is an excellent release, and, next to Mezzrow's "Then Came the Killing", the best thrash metal album to ever come out of Sweden as I see it.

Rating:

INFO

Label: Combat
Year: 1988
Country: Sweden
Duration: 44:43
Tracks: 8
Genre: Thrash Metal
Reviewer: Per-Ola Nilsson
Rating: 4/5

TRACKS

LINEUP

Storm of the Apocalypse
The First Defiance
Execution of Mankind
Mass Manipulation
Night of the Emperor
Shadow of Fear
Madness Reigns
Deadly Legacy

Pete Lundström - Vocals
Magnus Sjölin - Guitar
Pelle Ström - Guitar
Nappe Benchemsi - Bass
Tommy Moberg - Drums