Massacra
Signs Of The Decline (Re-Issue+ Bonus)

What we've got here is basically German thrash metal on overdrive mixed with primordial death metal. There are some passages that are similar to the chunky death/thrash grooving Pestilence had done on their first 2 albums. There are blistering thrash parts which can be described as way more dangerous sounding Kreator. This album also is quite similar to the material Merciless produced around the same period, except this album is a step or 2 more unhinged and reckless. Unhinged and reckless is a bad thing right? No, it is in my eyes an absolute positive trait for raging death/thrash like this. This album is a perfect example of how great a riff salad can be. The riffing is not the only positive aspect. The drums pound and smash. At times it seems like you are listening to a drum kit getting violently demolished. Frederick Duval (RIP) delivers vocals which are quite typical for the initial wave for death metal style wise. However a crucial addendum he was also one of the best vocalists of this era. He is a bit more guttural and more clearly understandable than most of his peers. Partly due to his French accent his vocals are quite recognizable. The main reason why I think this is the best Massacra album is that this is their best sounding album. The guitars have a superb tone. The drums sound punchy and angry, the vocals are at the right place mix wise. The bass provides the low end and creates very much a full sound. Signs of the Decline is basically an essential classic. Literally everything on this album is absolutely top notch. Completely Khrushchevian in terms of throwing riffs at you. Get this album in some way if you haven't done so yet and join me in mourning that we will most likely never see this band live...