Various Artists
Metal On Metal

March 2005
Released: 2005, Self-released
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Luxi Lahtinen

I rarely find any compilation CDs or albums worth reviewing because to me, they are nothing but the labels pathetic effort to make some extra cash for themselves. But sometimes, probably 1-2 times in a year, a few rare compilations become an exception. One of the most positive surprises recently has undoubtedly been this 20-song compilation CD that introduces us to 10 Finnish underground Speed/Thrash/Death/Black Metal bands. The main stress being on the word “Thrash”. I would like to point out that every single penny to get this tiny noiseblaster out, has been invested from the pockets of the bands that are featured on this CD, very aptly titled METAL ON METAL. No one is making any money from this, nor can this be considered a commercial release. Even the booklet of this CD says the following: “All bands on this special compilation hare not only the deep love for this amazingly powerful form of expression called ´underground Metal´ but also the same kind of attitude towards the commercial music of today and the big business behind it. That´s why METAL ON METAL was executed totally as a DIY –project by the band members themselves...”. So there you got the straight answer without any fancy mumbo-jumbo bullshit involved at all.



And then to the content of the CD… Jumalation, my favorite, unsigned, Finnish Thrash Metal act these days, couldn´t be a better choice to kick off this over 60-minute cavalcade straight to the heart of some of the finest moments in the Finnish underground Metal today. The two songs that are featured have been ripped out from Jumalation´s latest 3-song promo CD, and yes, they are both excellent choices. The band´s furious and very aggressive old school Thrash Metal is so addictive and unmatched that it always makes you beg for more. I am sure the bands potential as bringers of old school Thrash Metal, will certainly not be unnoticed- mark my words for that… ;)



Malicious Death come next. They are classic old school Speed/Thrash Metal. Malicious Death is yet another favorite act of mine from Finland due to their somewhat uncompromising and razor-sharp Hellwitch-Sacrifice-Dekapitator –tinged Speed – and Thrash Metal style that is obviously meant to take no prisoners or show mercy. Once you hear them, you cannot forget them and start craving for more.



Pyöveli sounds like a filthy mix of early sounds of Sodom´s IN THE SIGN OF EVIL and Destruction´s SENTENCE OF DEATH albums. Their sound is raw, unpolished, primitive, and yes, even very out-dated, but they have definitely got the right attitude. They appear to have fun when they get together and make some irresistible noise. For all those people who are curious about the meaning of the Finnish word ´pyöveli´, it means ´babysitter´ in English.



Wengele (ex-Mengele; they had to make a name change for a rather obvious reason) is the most technical, and longest running combo on METAL ON METAL (they formed the band in the late ´80s already). They have made their comeback after being on hiatus for over 10-years. “Pi”, the 1st track taken from their 3-song promo which they released last year, proves that the guys are in full strike. Wengele´s strongly riff-based Speed/Thrash Metal has a lot of effortless flow in itself, and I am so glad the band hasn´t gone through any drastic musical change over the years. They still sound as much like Mengele as they ever did. They are absolutely a very good choice to be one of the 10 candidates to represent the METAL ON METAL –compilation.



As for the next 5 bands on this well put together compilation of the Finnish underground volumes from the deepest bowels of Hell, Hellbox, Evoked Curse, Death Thrashers Kuopio, Evil Angel and Flame all represent the dirtiest, ugliest and most primitive forms of old school blackish Thrash Metal. Listening to any of these bands you cannot avoid getting such band names in your mind such as Venom, Bathory, Sodom, Order From Chaos and Destruction in their earliest prime. Even if the sound quality with these 5 bands is only a tad better than on some certain rehearsal tapes, it is still a lot of fun to spin these bands songs. With the power of beer, it´s even funnier, I can assure you that, ha! ;)



As the icing on this superbly heavy, metal-covered cake (w/ 10 black candles), Slugathor churns out a lethal injection of brutal Death Metal for real Death Metal lunatics, reminding me some sort of a violent breed of Demigod´s dynamics and Bolt Thrower´s groovier moments. “Legions of the Undead” closes the 1st chapter for METAL ON METAL somewhat perfectly and there is every reason to wait for a continuation of this in the future.



Pretty darn awesome collection here with 10 probably not the sexiest, but most definitely truest and most devoted underground Finnish Metal gems!! Now LET´S GET THRASHED STRAIGHT HELEWETTIIN…!!! ,,/