Review Summary: This is one the greatest albums ever.
Thrash metal is a genre known for having a myriad of obscure bands that have released classic material, and this album is no exception. Aspid, a Russian metal band, released Extravasation in 1992. I have never heard better technical thrash and this album is, from my point of view, one of the greatest albums ever released.
This band has acquired something of a cult following from this album. The album is ridiculously rare; I cannot find any copies of the album and do not know of any website or store currently carrying it here in Canada. Luckily, the entire album can be found easily on youtube.
The band opens the album with "Intro", a song quite unlike the rest of the album. It is much more peaceful than the rest of the album. After the two minute intro, however, you are subjected to some of the fastest, most complex, and most intense metal ever.
What I liked:
The entire band is extremely skilled. Many bands are known for their skilled drummer, guitarist, etc. With Aspid, every member stands out. They all play more than adequately. The vocalist has a unique, almost impish voice, and can hit extremely high notes (opening of Towards One Goal, anyone?). The bass is clearly audible (a clear problem with many metal bands) and the bass lines are all beautifully intricate. The guitar riffs are always inventive, dynamic, and complicated, and the drumming - well, the drumming is probably the greatest I've ever heard. The drummer sounds like he has more than two arms - that is how quickly he is playing. Every band member is given time to shine in the album.
What I didn't like:
...
Recommended Tracks
All of the songs are great, but these stood out the most for me:
Towards One Goal
Give Me (Play for A Ballet)
Hey, you!
Extravasation
Comatose State
Verdict
Everybody who reads this view that hasn't heard this album needs to look this album up.
