SACRILEGE – “Behind The Realms Of Madness” (1985)

Описание: I feel a bit troglodytic even mentioning that Sacrilege is fronted by a woman - let alone talking about it straight away. I can just imagine your eyebrow raising at a sardonic angle, tacitly saying "Tanuki, you mossback weeaboo, what does it matter if Sacrilege is fronted by a woman? Their debut LP Behind the Realms of Madness would be an amazing example of thrash/crust either way!" Except, I'm not so sure about that.

Behind the Realms of Madness seems to have begun as an experiment in pragmatism. Six tracks amounting to a very brisk twenty-six minutes all feature a formulaic approach of unremitting riffs that hit harder - not necessarily stronger. Oppressively swampy and humid, these riffs forsake elegance for raw, crushing power. What's something of a double-edged sword is their propensity to make the most of very little. 'At Death's Door' is a five minute slugfest boasting perhaps only three or four unique riffs. But what seems repetitive on paper proves to be a constantly engaging essay. Why?

I'm glad you asked, Chekhov. It's because exquisite vocalist Tam Simpson delivers a barrage of such gritty, resolute shouts; fresh, original, and unburdened by modesty. While 'Shadow from Mordor' demonstrates the greatest degree of both riff and solo intricacy, it's Simpson's vocals tying the entire package together. Her ferocity is a welcome step-up from Chastain's Leather Leone, as well as a welcome step-down from Znöwhite's Nicole Lee. To resume my earlier conversation with your eyebrow, I don't think Sacrilege would enjoy the same cult status it has now, had it not been for the tremendous vocals of Tam Simpson.

Though, that's not to say her fellow bandmembers aren't pulling their weight. Original drummer Andy Baker supplies rhythms that are satisfyingly consistent and dependable, with breakdowns frequent and accentuating of the guitar's violent toiling. 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' asks the most out of him, with fast blastbeats and sudden breakdowns. Original bassist Tony May, for how audible he can hope to be in this muddy, lo-fi environment, contributes to the depth of these tracks well enough.

Though these two batons were recently passed to Spikey T. Smith and Frank Healey, respectively. Among the many goodies included with the recent reissue of Behind the Realms of Madness are Sacrileges' two most recent recordings, 'Feed' and 'Dig Your Own Grave'. Although the former is more in keeping with the slower-paced doom direction the band took with Turn Back Trilobite, the latter is startlingly committed to their earlier style, following their winning formula almost verbatim. And though the live and demo tracks plumb new depths of sordidness I thought were explored by the LP tracks, they're still well-worth a listen. If you're interested in obscure, quality thrash from the 80's - especially those with frontwomen - this classic demands a place in your collection.

Standout tracks:
Flight of the Nazgul (1986 Demo), At Death's Door

Related listening:
Blessed Death - Destined for Extinction
Battlefield - We Come to Fight

Beware the Sacrilege! - 89%
Tanuki, February 23rd, 2017
Written based on this version: 2015, Digital, Relapse Records (Remastered)
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