Stormtroopers of Death - Speak English or Die (1985)

Stormtroopers of Death (commonly abbreviated to S.O.D.) came into existence in New York City back in 1985 when Anthrax was in the studio recording their sophomore release, 'Spreading the Disease.' Bored and waiting for the final results of the album, Scott Ian and Charlie Benante began writing random riffs inspired by their love for hardcore punk music, which was a thriving genre in New York at the time. Eventually Scott drew up the concept of Sargent "D" (the bands mascot) and former Anthrax bassist Dan Lilker joined up as well Billy Milano (former Anthrax roadie) was added as the bands vocalist and in August of '95 their debut, 'Speak English or Die' was released.

Speak English or Die effectively blended the aforementioned hardcore punk music with thrash metal and while D.R.I. & Suicidal Tendencies are considered the godfathers of the genre, its probably safe to say this recording served as extra inspiration for bands like Cryptic Slaughter, Agnostic Front and C.O.C. to create music in this style. However the big difference between S.O.D. and the aforesaid founders is that S.O.D. was all about hilariously offensive lyrical content whereas everyone else wrote serious lyrics about politics, society and the daily trials of life.

Although twenty one songs grace the album the whole thing is said and done in just twenty eight minutes and during that duration S.O.D. hits the listener with a high octane delivery of pummeling fast drumming, thrashy punk influenced riffs, heavy bass work and Milano's angry loud mouthed shouts, which cover such topics as suicide, moshing, immigrants not speaking English, united music scenes, war as well as a great deal of overall humor and silliness, none of which was probably meant to be taken seriously, but since it was in the 80's around the time of the P.M.R.C. some folks probably took it deadly serious.

Regardless of its effect on religious fuck asses, politicians and good for nothing overly sensitive parents, I've always really loved this album. Seriously how can you resist the head banging thrashfest that is, 'Sargent 'D' & The S.O.D.' & 'Kill Yourself' or the eight blasting seconds of 'Anti-Procrastination Song.' If you've ever wished people around you would just shut up and speak English you'll totally love, 'Speak English or Die' as well, 'What's That Noise' is an all out hilarious romp where Milano loses his cool due to some weird tape scratching sound in the studio while, 'Fuck The Middle East' should be our new national anthem and the six second tribute to rock legend Jimi Hendrik titled, 'Ballad of Jimi Hendrix' is just great too. The two other super short fast grindy numbers, 'Hey Gordy!' & 'Diamonds and Rust (extended version)' make me smile as well, especially the latter since its actually only six seconds, but all in all the whole album is a fun time.

The various re-releases of the album are a good time too since they feature live songs from a gig in Japan, and Milano proves right here if he wasn't a vocalist he'd be one fine stand-up comedian since he makes fun of the Japanese culture during his stage time though unbeknownst to the non-English speaking Japanese crowd who respond with a friendly cheer after each thing he says.

Being just a side project and joke band, S.O.D. eventually got back together in '99 and recorded, 'Bigger Than the Devil,' but it lacked just about everything that made this debut such a blast. A world tour followed, but sometime in 2001 things went sour between Scott and Billy and eventually S.O.D. was buried, forever, but their label still cashes in on the bands name by releasing DVDs, live albums and compilations.

If you've never experienced the crossover genre then consider, 'Speak English or Die' as its surely one of the finest entries and definitely not one to be missed!