Sadus - Illusions (Chemical Exposure) (1988)

There's few things in life that are as exciting and addictive as 80's extreme metal. Ya know, the bands that paved the way for bigger more sonic extremeness; Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Possessed, Bathory, Mayhem, Sarcófago, Sepultura and Death, to name but a few. In '88, who would have expected, amongst all the fast and mostly fun thrashers from California, that there would be four lads from Antioch who'd make a pummeling niche in the 80's extreme scene that was faster and more insane that just about anyone before them. Their name, Sadus!

Formed in '84, while the members were still in high school, Sadus would produce the, 'Death to Posers' (or D.T.P.) demo in '86, followed by the 'Certain Death' demo in '87, before appearing on a compilation called, 'Raging Death,' which also featured some other dudes called, Xecutioner, who later on became Obituary. The bands self financed debut, 'Illusions' followed in '88, produced by John Marshall, then guitarist of Metal Church, and went on to sell over 7,000 copies. Subsequent pressings did however rename it Chemical Exposure, but never mind such smalltalk, let's discuss this beast, regardless of what you wish you call it.

From the get go, 'Illusions' utterly explodes out of your speakers! I mean, ridiculously fast riffing, hammering drumming, intricate bass work and some of the most hastily screamed vocals and deranged howls at the time. Like some sort of evil, mean mother fucking, bastard three-way wedlock of Sepultura's 'Schizophrenia,' Sarcófago's 'I.N.R.I.,' and Death's 'Scream Bloody Gore,' 'Illusions' doesn't quite get the credit it rightly deserves. Honestly, its far more intense than anything else that was being called death metal at the time, and the fact that even within all the raging chaos there's balance and intricacy within, which really makes it one of the most important records within the development of the genre. Then again, there's plenty of thrash to be found, mostly a Kreator influence, which will infinitely have this record labeled as a thrash/death record.

Nevertheless, 'Illusions' just freakin' kills. Steve DiGiorgio, who'd eventually be known as a bass god, is simply amazing here. His explosive fretless bass work stands out dynamically amongst such speed and aggression, and all the technicality that would later show up with his stint with Death is on display, as well. Heck, there's even a bass solo, which was just unheard of at the time. Darren Travis and Rob Moore's guitar work is pushed to the limit, easily being some of the fastest thrash riffing of the time, yet much like the bass, has more than enough thrill behind it and some damn pleasing riffs and solos to boot. The same goes for Jon Allen's drum work. Yes, he beats the bejesus out of them skins during the duration of this record, but the technical percussive massacre that is his was again, just not heard of at the time. And of course, Darren's vocals are beyond insanity, just spittin' fast shrieks and long winded howls that just send shivers down your spine and even sound intense all these years later.

It would be hard to pick a favorite as the whole album stands its ground mightily, but 'Undead,' 'Sadus Attack' and 'Torture' really hit home with me and just get me all the more excited every single time I listen to this destructive creature. I'm talking about total head banging, fist pumping, toe tapping, screaming in your own apartment by yourself fun right here. Yes, 'Illusions' fucking kicks ass. Atttttttttttttack!

Sadus would go on to sign a deal with Roadrunner Records and release 'Swallowed in Black' in '90, which is equally impressive, though not nearly as chaotic, but furthers the technicalities of their music greatly. Its a rocky downward slump from their as 'Visions of Misery' was just a lot of showing off, I never heard 'Elements of Anger' and the comeback album, 'Out for Blood' just plain sucked.

Regardless of their shaky career, you owe it to yourself to hear this debut. I'm quite convinced you'll be surprised that this monster is faster, more raging and generally just better than almost any other extreme metal record in the 80's.