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Forward to Termination Reissue 2005
(Marquee Records)
- Living for Metal.com
(www.livingformetal.com)
Review Date: 3/9/2006
Rating: 10.0 out of 10
Link to the original page: http://www.livingformetal.com/reviews/review.aspx?reviewid=88
" Brain Dead Descending To Flame" The Opening
lyrics to Re-Animation by Canada’s Thrash Masters
Sacrifice. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of
Metal, especially if you are an "Old Schooler"
like myself has heard or probably owns the original
Sacrifice : Forward To Termination album (yes they
made albums back then). I bought the original on cassette
and a few years later I bought the CD version as well
on Diabolic Force/Fringe records.
Fast Forward To Termination (pun intended) and
Brazilian based Marquee Records has re-issued and
re-mastered the Sacrifice back catalog, with approval
and input by original Sacrifice members, Rob Urbinati:
Guitars and Lead vocals, Joe Rico : Guitars, Scott
Watts : Bass and Gus Pynn : Drums. Licensed by Rob
Urbinati and Joe Rico it is obvious that this re-issue
is a labor of love.
Forward To Termination by Sacrifice challenged
any other thrash album out at that time as one of
the best of it’s genre...even Slayer’s
Reign In Blood.
What makes this re-issue so special is that it
is value for money, as you get 2 CD’s worth
of classic Sacrifice. You have the demo’s
they recorded for Forward To Termination, over 25
Live tracks taken from various shows and last but
certainly not least is the re-mastering job that
was done on this...AMAZING...I’ve compared
this re-mastered version to the original that I
have as well, There is no comparison. Marquee Records
have done a fantastic job. This is so much Louder
and Heavier than the original...Go ahead compare
the two...This re-mastered version is sonically
superior , Finally a re-master the way it should
be done. Also included is roughly 15 pages of Sacrifice
info and lyrics to each song as well as a track
by track comment from each band member.
..:: Track By Track ::..
The First track is the self titled Forward To Termination
this one starts off as a mid tempo thrasher until
Rob Urbinati screams "Terminate Me!!!!"
then it kicks into an all out speed thrash instrumental.
Terror Strikes picks up where Forward To Termination
left off, a perfect lead in to another excellent
thrasher. The first thing you notice is how amazing
the Guitars and Vocals sound...mind you this was
recorded in 1987, Yet the sound and song writing
of Sacrifice has withstood the test of time and
sounds just as fresh today as it did back in 87.
Re-Animation quite possible one of the best thrash
songs of it’s time, definitely a song that
has become the anthem for Sacrifice. This song is
so heavy, so catchy as it gallops along. A song
that once you’ve heard it, you never forget
it...you’ll be singing along with Mr. Urbanati
on this one for sure.
Afterlife is the forth track on FTT. This one starts
out with some classic crunchy, chugging guitars
before Urbinati and Rico create new uses and sounds
with their Floyd Rose tremolo bars. Urbinati and
Rico prove that they are in the same class as Holt
and Hunolt of Exodus, and even Hanneman and King
of Slayer. They play perfectly off of each other
and have created an original sound and style as
well...a style that has influenced many guitarist
for years to come.
Flames Of Armageddon is the epic song on FTT many
time changes and tempo changes, yet not seeming
long despite being almost 8 minutes long. At the
halfway point we get a nice Maiden type of bass
riff from Scott Watts with some nice sound effects
thrown in as well. Drummer Gus Pynn really shines
on this song with all of the time and tempo changes.
The sixth song is The Entity which features some
very catchy guitars once again as well as a harmonic
type of scale that Urbinati and Rico play throughout
the song. This one is an up tempo thrasher, with
excellent guitar work and terrific double bass courtesy
of Gus Pynn.
Forever Enslaved starts off with yet again catchy
as hell guitars. Rob Urbinati’s vocals on
this one fit perfect over the guitar riff they are
playing, and I love how they again play ascending
and descending scales in this song.
Cyanide home of the awesome lyric "Your mind
has silenced now, Screaming souls await" It
is very obvious that Sacrifice put a lot of thought
and effort into not only the music but the lyrics
as well. Every songs tells a story and draws you
in. Some are based on Horror films(Re-Animation,
The Entity) others about science fiction. And no
more can touch Rob Urbinati’s screams...I
repeat..No One.
Next up is Light Of The End a thrasher full of
different time changes and chock full of those classic
Sacrifice riffs, as only Urbianti and Rico can do
them.
The last song on Forward To Termination is the
excellent Pyrokinesis. This one starts out with
some Mosh inspired guitars before all hell breaks
loose. Excellent lead work on this one by Urbinati
and Rico yet again. This closes out Forward To Termination
proper.
As a bonus also included is the demo’s for
FTT in their raw demo state, but still excellent
sounding.
The Live tracks vary in quality, most are soundboard
recordings and are taken from various shows. A nice
addition to the excellent re-issue.
I have rated this re-mastered version of Forward
To Termination 10 out of 10...and just like Spinal
Tap said "Our Amps go to 11" I would have
given this reissue an 11 if I could. have.
All record labels who do reissues should take notice
to what Marquee Records have done and have not only
vastly improved the sound of an already classic
thrash album, but have added in a ton of extras...
Listen to it for yourself... and thrash away...Hail
to Canada’s Sacrifice and a big thank you
for re-releasing these excellent thrash milestones.
\m/
SteveSaks
- Voices
from the Dark Side - Germany:
(www.voicesfromthedarkside.de)
Marquee Records did it again! After their
ultimate re-issue of SACRIFICE's debut full length
"Torment In Fire", here's album numero duo
of one of the finest pure Thrash Metal acts ever!
Just like the re-release of "Torment In Fire"
also "Forward To Termination" is limited
to 1.000 copies only, but filled to the max with lots
of SACRIFICE goodies. The double CD set comes in an
additional slip case (which only features the SACRIFICE
logo and title) while the original cover art was used
inside on the real booklet. Logo and title got re-worked
a little here, so that it looks more professional
now. You're furthermore once again getting liner notes
from Laurent Ramadier (historical part) as well as
all the original band members (track by track) and
all the lyrics and old photos, plus several bonus
tracks. The "Forward To Termination" demo
(for some strange reason lacking in the band's cool
DISCHARGE cover) plus 26 live tracks, from four different
shows in Canada and the US - and all of them in very
good quality (considering that it's just private tape
recordings). When I bought the vinyl version of "Forward
To Termination" back in those days it not only
easily lived up to my personal high expectations,
it even showcased a band that (despite its still very
young age) musically had matured in a very massive
way! While "Torment In Fire" was basically
a rather low budget re-recording of their classic
demo tunes, "Forward To Termination" finally
did offer a proper production and incredibly improved
songwriting and musical skills. The songs had gotten
longer and more complex, offered several breaks and
clever arrangements now, yet maintained the band's
original rawness and energy. While "Torment In
Fire" still used to be heavily influenced by
a lot of the early Hardcore / Crossover stuff, "Forward
To Termination" was definitely more Metal and
in that respect it often pretty much sounded like
a jam session of members from MERCYFUL FATE / IRON
MAIDEN on one hand and SLAYER / EXODUS on the other.
Add to all this the rawness of early DISCHARGE and
lyrics that were mostly dealing with horror movie
topics and you'll get a pretty clear vision of what
SACRIFICE anno 1987 were all about. To me the album's
kick off double (consisting of the short but lethal
instrumental 'Forward To Termination' and the furious
outburst 'Terror Strikes') already made up for every
single penny that I had spent on the record for being
so incredible intense and well written! What a perfect
way to begin a Thrash Metal album with and therefore
to be mentioned in the same league as alltime classics
such as 'Darkness Descends' or 'Hell Awaits'! As most
of the material on "Forward To Termination"
was already in the band's live set for quite a while
this probably helped them in the studio later on to
nail their best versions possible down to tape. So,
to cut the crap: just like its predecessor, also "Forward
To Termination" is without a doubt an essential
Thrash record not to be missed out on! Make sure to
order yourself a copy of this incredible re-release,
cause you will never ever get a better version of
this great record again afterwards! For all further
info and ordering details head to www.marquee.com.br.
P.S.: "Soldiers Of Misfortune" will be taken
care of next... can't wait!
Frank Stöver
Torment in Fire Reissue 2005 (Marquee
Records)
- Laermbelaestigung Zine -
Germany:
Aaarrgghhh! It’s done! Finally the
first album of SACRIFICE is available again in a mega
deluxe package! Rio based label Marquee Records will
also re-release next to “Torment In Fire”
some other excellent albums which have already been
sold out for a long time (“Forward To Termination”,
“Soldiers Of Misfortune” and a Live CD/DVD
entitled “Live Termination”). So all Thrashers
out there can look forward to the ultimate blast.
It’s not necessary to tell to many words here
as SACRIFICE belonged with out any doubt to the best
Thrash Metal outfits of the 80s and influenced a lot
of bands back then. Even nowadays many bands mention
these Canadians as one of their main influences when
it comes to brutal Thrash Metal. “Torment In
Fire” has been thrown lately on the market again
in form of a 42 track double CD (in words: forty two
tracks!!!). Disc one features the regular album set
(12 tracks) as well as “The Exorcism”
Demo which includes 8 songs. Several Live shows and
takes are banned on disc two like “Toronto Canada
‘86” or “Quebec Canada ‘86”.
A total of 22 merciless Live assaults. I don’t
need to tell you much about their music as most of
you are aware of their violent and relentless stuff
which hit straight to the core and has the same effect
than a wreckers ball on duty. Tracks like the violent
“Warriors Of Death”, “Sacrifice”,
“Necronomicon” or “Beyond Death”
still have not lost their magic and will leave a dirty
smile on every old school bangers face. Due to the
remastering all the Demo tracks have now a much more
dynamic sound and which guarantees a nice listening
experience (so forget the crappy and cheap bootlegs
which are circulating around). The packaging and booklet
is absolutely tremendous! It’s total killer
like. Besides countless band photos, flyers and demo
cover pictures and all lyrics you will get detailed
liner notes for all tracks by Rob Urbinati and Joe
Rico. In addition there’s also a in depth biography
included which was done by Laurent Ramadier (Snakepit
Magazine). And to top everything: The first 1000 copies
will be released in a noble slip case. So that’s
really value for money and you will get a total killer
release for your hard earned bucks. I only can recommend
this mega great release to everyone who is seriously
into Thrash Metal. To make it short: BUY OR DIE!
- Voices from the Dark Side
- Germany:
(www.voicesfromthedarkside.de)
The fact that this re-issue already marks its 20th
anniversary now really makes me feel old... But my
memories on this incredible debut full-length by Canada's
SACRIFICE are still surprisingly fresh. I actually
easily recall how excited I was when I took the vinyl
import-version home for the first time back in those
days, which in fact wasn't as easy as you might expect...
There weren't any specialized mailorders, let alone
the possibilities of the internet... So, every fuckin'
Friday I met up with a couple of local friends of
mine to check out record stores for the lateast Metal
releases. And one of them in particular was very special
to us, because it was the only one to carry imports
as well. Unfortunately only in very small quantities
though... That always meant, first come, first serve
on that particular day! Anyway, on one of those Fridays
it was "Torment In Fire" that caught the
interest of one of my friends, but he wanted to give
it a listen first, along with a couple of other albums
he had found. When I noticed the band's name (which
was still unknown to me at that point), saw the very
intense looking live pics on the backcover and read
songtitles such as 'Turn In Your Grave' , Burned At
The Stake', 'Sacrifice', 'Necronomicon', 'Warrior
Of Death' or 'Decapitation' I immediately knew that
I wanted that record very badly without even listening
to it. I simply knew that I was gonna like it! So
as soon as the friend of mine had the headphones on
I hoped he wouldn't like it enough, so that I could
go for it instead. But he DID like it, yeah even handed
the headphones over to me and told me to listen to
it as well... And as already expected, what I heard
blew me away completely, to say the least! But I tried
not to come across too enthusiastic (for obvious reasons)...
Luckily (for me) he also found a couple of other records
that day that he liked as well, but he couldn't afford
them all... So he had to make a decision and as soon
as he told me he would not buy "Torment In Fire",
I took over, went to the till and paid it right away
– which really saved my day! Needless to mention
that I played "Torment In Fire" to death
and never regretted the import price I paid for it.
Unfortunately its original CD version was more and
more difficult to find in the years to come, which
(considering the still very strong demand for it)
of course resulted in a bootleg (that came out last
year or something). But now we finally have the ultimate
official re-issue on Brazil's Marquee Records! In
this case the definition of "ultimate" is
definitely not exaggerated, cause this version's got
everything you could ask for as a diehard SACRIFICE
fan! A very impressive booklet (with tons of old pictures,
flyers, covers, lyrics, short liner notes to each
song by Rob and Joe and a very detailed biography
courtesy of Snakepit editor and Voices contributor
Laurent Ramadier), an additional slip-case and of
course tons of bonus tracks in surprisingly good sound
quality! Apart from the original album you additionally
get the classic "The Exorcism" demo on disc
one, which features original versions of seven of
the album tracks (and gained them the record deal),
while disc number two comes up with no less than 22
live tracks, recorded at four different shows between
1984 and 1986. The one song from December 1st, 1984
('Turn In Your Grave') actually is from the very first
SACRIFICE show ever and was the only original tune
they performed back in those days, while the two shows
from 1986 already introduced a couple of new songs
that later appeared on their second album "Forward
To Termination"! At the beginning of their career
SACRIFICE probably weren't the best musicians yet,
nor did they have a clue about a proper production,
BUT their energetic, totally aggressive Thrash approach
and freshness totally made up for it. If more bands
would have stuck to this pissed off attitude and intensity
(often heavily inspired by the Hardcore and Punk scene
at the time) classic Thrash Metal would probably be
still as big as Death Metal became in the years to
come. Needless to say that your extreme music collection
is incomplete without "Torment In Fire",
so make sure to get your hands on a copy of this deluxe
edition, which unfortunately is limited to 1.000 handnumbered
copies only, so hurry up!!! More info and ordering
information at www.marquee.com.br,
a killer SACRIFICE website (with tons of detailed
info) can be found here www.sacrifice.com.br.
Frank Stöver
- That so Metal - USA:
(www.thatssometal.com)
Marquee Records have done a nice job reissuing
several albums from these rather underground, and
unknown to most, bands from the early 80’s,
with some of the more well known names being Nasty
Savage, Germany’s Iron Angel (similar sound
and style to early Helloween, “Walls of Jericho”
era), and Speed Metal from Assassin. Sacrifice were
from Canada and played classic style Speed Metal similar
to early Slayer “Show No Mercy”, Dark
Angel, and Possessed’s first album “Seven
Churches”. In the music I draw parallels to
both Slayer and Possessed but the voice is more so
similar to Possessed. The production of this 1985
release “Torment in Fire” (also included
is “The Exorcism” demo) is ruff, still
clear, but tingy in the drum sound and a bit fuzzy
in the overall, but expected for the time. Marquee
Records has put time and effort into the remastering
and cleaned things up nicely. With song titles like
Sacrifice, Turn in Your Grave, Warrior of Death, Burned
at the Stake, Necronomicon, The Exorcism, and Possession
you can see that this is old school Speed Metal. Booklet
included has informative liner notes on the bands
history, lyrics, and band member comments for each
track. You also get a second disc with 22 live tracks
from four different shows. All the demo and live tracks
are repeats of the material found on “Torment
in Fire”.
Rich
Apocalypse Inside Reviews (Metal
Blade Records)
- Vibrations of Doom
issue #4:
Ah, yes. The newest release from Canadian
thrashers has LOTS of promise! From the first heavy
and thrashing riffs on the song "My Eyes See
Red," I knew that this was a release worth waiting
for! I still remember the vicious vocals of their
second album "Forward to Termination," and
while this disc is not as all out chaotic, it retains
a heaviness all its own! While they've forgone the
occultic lyrics and brutal imagery, tracks like "Incarcerated",
"Flesh," and "Beneath What You See"
show that their songwriting potential has not diminished
over the years. The vocalist reminds me of that style
presented by Believer frontman Kurt Bachman, brutal
and controlled. In other words, he doesn't let his
pitch get out of hand. Everything here is very well
controlled, very thoughtful, and very tight and intricate.
It's obvious that they spent a lot of time coming
up with good hooks and riffs to their songs. Rarely
do I hear an album where I could honestly sit and
listen to every song, but this is it! This is one
band that is keeping thrash alive!
- Remnants of Reezon:
This is hailed as the greatest Sacrifice
album, and it's easy to see why. To my ears, the biggest
improvement is in the drum department, where new addition
Michael Rosenthal just reigns supreme! Production
is also crystal clean (courtesy Dave Carlo of Razor)
and accents the superb chops these guys have acquired.
Music is still good ol' fashioned speed metal, just
done to perfection here. A little jazzier than their
prior releases (again, thanks to Rosenthal), this
album just kicks. If Time-Life ever creates a Speed
Metal Series, the title track will be song number
one, guaranteed! Unfortunately, a Swan Song for the
band, as they would split into Interzone and Hunnytruck
after this tour. Again, worth getting before they
all disappear, check Metal Blade for availability.
7 1/2 out of 10 - Evan Howell
Well, well, well, haven't we grown up nicely. Good
sound, great production , excellent writing and
song composition. Even a drummer change has helped
one of my favorites spin a good one. Urbinati continues
the excellent vocal work, especially on the opening
and title tracks. It is obvious that the band has
matured nicely, sticking to their guns by working
on their sound that started back in '85. I was especially
enthused with the intertwining of guitar licks and
lead parts. Good album, yes! So what's the problem?
I wish they had done more. By this time Death Metal
is up, running, and needs a shot in the arm. From
past efforts I believe Sacrifice could have helped
us all in the '90s where bands like Hexx failed
. Thus, Apocalypse Inside is proof that someone
was takin' a leak when the call went out for a good
band to save us from Pungent Stench. This is all
beside the point of the music, but may shed some
light on why we have not heard from them since.
Sacrifice gets an A for the album, a C for paying
attention, and flunks right out for not showing
up since hen. Come home Sacrifice, your mother and
I miss you.
8 for 10 - Rob Howell
Forward to Termination Reviews
(Metal Blade Records)
- Remnants of Reezon
Ahhh, Sacrifice. This is the album which first introduced
me to these guys way back in 1987. For weeks after
this came in the mail I could be heard on the subway
chanting "Feel the rush, destroy the mind, saved
from hell, CYANIDE!". Needless to say, that was
unfortunately all that I remembered about this little
gem until Rob picked it up again last week. The first
thing that impressed me again was the excellent guitar
work, and the suprisingly crisp production for the
time. Of course, this was released in the heyday of
speed metal, where chops were king, and guitars were
standard tuned for your listening pleasure. Sacrifice
essentially created a time capsule, capturing all
that was there for us in the late 80's era of metal.
Some similarities to countrymates Razor, but it's
Urbinati's unique voice and searing riffs that set
this apart. Standout tracks Re-animation and Cyanide
are just killer chunkage, ready to tear your head
off and accompanied by some really sweet leads. The
album does tend to sound a bit "dated",
but in a time where bands who try to imitate this
sound are being signed by the dozen, it's refreshing
to hear once again where it all came from. If you
can find this I definitely recommend picking it up.
A solid release for those who miss speed metal like
I do.
7 out of 10 - Evan Howell
I won't be the first one to liken any genre of
music to food, but on the table of the Metal feast
Sacrifice is a distinct treat. For 1987 Sacrifice
is arriving right on time for the party, and they
came very prepared. Crushing drum and guitar work
highlight every thrashing track. Bass is totally
pronounced behind ever riff and solo expanding the
bands ability to keep punching even when the sixstringsmen
are off plucking the high ones. Urbinati has one
the most distinct voices in Metal leaving a thrashed
haunting feeling echoing in your head. His vocals
(and writing) on Re- Animation bring back picture
perfect memories of the film Re-Animator, demanding
a place on the soundtrack of any remake! Bangers
beware! Sacrifice is not run of the mill speed/thrash.
Sacrifice is not your fathers bowl of popcorn. On
top of the choppy riff work and head banging beats
lies a coating of a different flavor. Sacrifice
obviously approached writing the tunes differently
than Kreator or Exodus by adding just a twist of
sweet horror, not sick horror, and make it melt
in your brain. This may be somewhat of a disappointment
to those who are looking for an unfettered speed
attack. Metal Blade picks another winner, and I
pick one that's not from my nose.
8 for 10 - Rob Howell
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