In a time where American thrash ruled the underground and was starting to have bands signed to major labels, D.A.M. was across the pond putting out a solid record of accessible metal with a thrashy edge. Originally released on Noise Records (other signees included Kreator, Tankard, and Voivod) in 1989, Tribunal Records has remastered the record along with adding D.A.M.'s set from "3-Way Thrash" and the music video from the title track "Human Wreckage." Last but not least are interviews, articles, and reviews in the booklet so you can get up to speed as to where the band are after 20-some years.
"M.A.D." opens the record with an eerie acoustic guitar part accompanied by feedback and a haunting sample. The downtuned voice seems reversed, and is indecipherable until the last line "stay mad."
The first thing that is apparent to me is the obvious facelift in the artwork as well as the improved quality of the sound. The original LP sounded pretty well recorded especially for the time. However, the newly remastered tracks are louder, the guitars are warmer and crunchier, the bass boomier, the vocals clearer, and the drums more full-sounding.
As far as D.A.M.'s sound, it is clear they rely more on crunchy, memorable riffs and anthemic choruses rather than blinding speed or overwhelming technicality. Vocalist Jason McLaughlin has a gritty and commanding delivery that still soars when necessary and contributes to the melodic content of the band (in layman's thrash terms: comparable to Joey Belladonna). Guitarists Elly and John Bury keep it relatively simple as previously stated, but provide memorable riffs and melodic solos. They're also not afraid to change things up, as "Prophets of Doom" has a clean guitar into, and "Vendetta" has a beautiful acoustic intro. (This is ironic, as this track is the fastest, angriest, and shortest song on the album.) Rounding the group out are Phil Bury on drums and Andy Elliot on bass who provide a solid backbone of rhythm.
Lyrically, the album deals largely with different topics which corrupt humanity. This is depicted in the cover art, with different people hanged for various reasons (drugs, greed, war, corruption, etc.). Of course "Aliens" is about, well...aliens, and F.O.D. just has the lyrics "1, 2, 3, 4," F.O.D." But for the most part you have interesting and insightful lyrics conveyed by a versatile vocalist.
If you're into straight up thrash tracks, to me "Killing Time," "Terror Squad," "Total Destruction," and "Vendetta" are right up your alley. They vary it up a bit with differentiating tempos more in "Prophets of Doom," "Human Wreckage," and "F.O.D." The primarily mid-tempo songs include "Left to Rot," the sludgy and creepy "Infernal Torment," and "Aliens."
If you're a fan of any type of metal, you must check this record out. You might be familiar with this record if you're a fan of British thrash or maybe records that slipped under your radar if you were into thrash back then. This is a perfect way to rediscover the band or for younger fans of thrash to discover a band's classic material, as well as preparing them for what's in store.
This record has been out of print for around 20 years, but is now available here:
http://tribunalrecords.bigcartel.com/product/d-a-m-human-wreckage
Staff Rating
4.25/5
User Rating
4/5
