CD Review : Atrophy – Violent By Nature

Reviewed - 02.05.07

On this 1990 follow up Atrophy certainly up their game from the debut. While still offering much of the same approach, there’s an even tighter, more streamlined thrash approach here, with more confident staccato riffing and less reliance on constant pace. Group backing vocals are also in evidence, especially on the solid title track, as employed by other gritty thrashers such as Vio-lence.

There seems to be more cohesion and intent of purpose on this album, surely a product of experience and road work. The mix on this album, courtesy again of Bill Metoyer (DRI, Slayer) seems warmer, the drums are thudding and the guitars up in the mix. Almost an odd observation as Metoyer produced the debut, perhaps intervening years helped all round.

It’s telling of the quality of music that came from the thrash field that an otherwise great work of heavy music as this can still seem to suffer from a lack of x-factor in comparison to the greats of the genre. I guess it’s just the familiarity of the riffing and arrangements; as with many thrash bands, sections can be referenced back and forth through Bay Area bands such as Testament or New Yorkers Overkill. The Bay Area feel is much in evidence here, and while being no bad thing, also by it’s nature it has to compete with classics of the genre.

That said, tracks like Slipped Through the Cracks offer variety in arrangement, vocal phrasing and chorus whilst still retaining the heavy sound. It also has a rather tasty middle eight solo section which would stands up next to any of their peers. Unfortunately next track Forgotten But Not Forgotten is a happy enough but rather ploddy track which tends to symbolize the pedestrian nature of bands like Atrophy. When albums as vital as those recorded by the likes of Slayer and Metallica many years previously were in our consciousness, it’s no surprise that by 1990 and albums like this, the wear was beginning to show. It’s no shame on Atrophy, or others, as this is a very good thrash album, but it is just the way of things.

All in all a more interesting and intense record than their debut and recommended for the thrash completist or for those discovering the original genre via the nu-thrash wave, but I’m loathe to say, not a ground breaking record.

I should also note that it appears the first track on the CD is eight minutes of silence before the next track starts. This is a bit confusing as the track list on the CD differs from what the player says. A pressing mistake I assume but not one that should concern the listener as the mix is fine and bonus demo tracks and a video make up for any inconvenience.