Demolition Hammer

Published: 3 Sep 2024

Necrology

Necrology Demo Cassette Cover

A demo mainly notable for album-tier production, and arguably better production than the album this would evolve into on Tortured Existence. I actually prefer this demo’s production, more of a straightforward, raw thrash sound - but honestly the songs here are just plain good, and the package does little to affect their good-ness. Definitely notable that Demolition Hammer had their heavy Death-influenced Thrash all figured out even at this relatively early stage.

Best tracks: Crippling Velocity, Infectious Hospital Waste

Tortured Existence

Tortured Existence Album Cover

Some good, if unspectacular thrash, somewhat hampered by the Scott Burns sound unfortunately (the too-loud kick drum and the too-quiet snare really makes this Thrash sound very pedestrian at points), given the actual performances are as rock solid, if not better than on Necrology. The vocals are razor-sharp and super aggressive, and the guitar-work carries (or at least, tries to!) an awful lot of the sonic thrash aggression.

The album is also somewhat one-dimensional, so it doesn’t quite carry its own weight throughout an entire album, but .44 Caliber Brain Surgery is still a fantastic opener.

What happened to the production of Crippling Velocity? Are we sure this isn’t the demo?

Best Tracks: .44 Caliber Brain Surgery, Gelid Remains, Infectious Hospital Waste

Epidemic of Violence

Epidemic of Violence Album Cover

Demolition Hammer’s super aggressive, unhinged and heavy Thrash sound perfected for 39 minutes and 48 seconds. Makes you want to commit unspeakable violent acts, which is the real mark of quality in an album.

Best Tracks: Skull Fracturing Nightmare, Pyroclastic Annihilation, Carnivorous Obsession, Omnivore, Aborticide

Time Bomb

Time Bomb Album Cover

The passage of time and fickle human tastes can quickly shift what’s perceived as “cool” and “uncool”, and the new hotness of Groove in the mid-90s made the pressure for Thrash bands to change with the times or face irrelevancy. However, musical change is quite often traumatic and for the few bands that successfully navigate a changing music scene, many more crash, burn or slide into mediocrity. Demolition Hammer didn’t even want this released under their name at first, so clearly knew where they stood.

The single-minded violent, aggressive mindset is still present here, however without the Thrash energy all we get are the mundane midtempo sections, and simply not enough interesting rhythmic ideas to keep it from stagnating into mediocre, if well produced, sludge. Except Mongoloid. Mongoloid is absolutely terrible.

Best tracks: Mindrot, Time Bomb