Holy Terror - Terror and Submission (1987)

Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1986 by Kurt Kilifelt after his departure from Agent Steel, Holy Terror's debut, 'Terror and Submission' is a greatly overlooked aggressive thrash/speed metal gem from '87, released through Combat Records.

Holy Terror was a bit different in style compared to say, Metallica, Slayer or Exodus, as they had a fair balance between fast, hostile and crushing thrash metal and a more melodic mid-paced guitar driven sound that at least to my ears sounded different by 1987 thrash standards. 'Black Plague' opens calmly enough, but after a demonic voice and light ambiance Kurt Kilfelt and Mike Alvord's pounding riffs hit hard rendering the listener nearly unconscious with killer, though somewhat strange leads, while Keith Deen's vocals are delivered in a harsh wailing sort of tone. 'Evil's Rising' is somewhat slower in overall speed, but makes up for it with a very catchy chorus as well as some breathtaking solos and grand melodicism throughout, whereas, 'Blood of the Saints' opens mid-paced, but unleashes all the fury around the minute mark with a cascade of brilliant riffs and once again boasts a memorable chorus and sharp solo.

Holy Terror: Cool and calm thrashers

'Mortal Fear' curiously kicks off with a stolen Iron Maiden riff, but charges onwards at a fast pace, while, 'Guardians of the Netherworld' is much more mid-paced with an old school heavy metal vibe to it. My favorite song however is, 'Distant Calling,' as it starts out destructive, but within a few seconds the listener is hit with a beautiful and mighty fetching melodic lead and some of Deen's best and more focused singing as well yet again this one is not really a thrash song, but nevertheless is incredibly catchy throughout its duration. The following three songs are all great too, especially the title track and the albums closer, 'Alpha Omega - The Bringer of Balance.' A total thrashers paradise!

'Terror and Submission' is definitely a classic, that's generally fast and hard hitting without sacrificing great song writing or talent, though its one that seems to have been somewhat forgotten in history, perhaps since the band was finished by 1989 when they relocated to Seattle and decided to play punk rock under the Shark Chum monicker instead. Nevertheless both their debut and sophomore album, 'Mind Wars' have seen re-released through three different labels, which means it should be easy enough to track them down. Do it!