Mad Locust Rising

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 00:11:45
Although it is generally regarded as something of a companion piece to Agent Steel's 1985 LP, Skeptics Apocalypse (even sharing several cover art elements), the Mad Locust Rising EP deserves recognition on its own terms for providing an irresistibly bite-sized introduction to this underrated group. First there's the requisite sound effect intro, "Swarm Is Upon Us," forewarning of the imminent invasion force's arrival via the blistering title track, which is about as fine and timeless a speed metal anthem as anything ever produced -- by any band. A cover of Judas Priest's "The Ripper" sheds light on Agent Steel's key influence while giving listeners a few minutes to recompose their disheveled coifs (brought on by excessive and dangerously frantic headbanging, of course), but the ensuing "Let It Be Done" will soon have them in ragged disarray once again due to its light-speed assault on the senses. A fifth and final track taken from Agent Steel's first album also featured in most configurations of the Mad Locust Rising EP (the cassette had "Taken by Force," the 1999 CD reissue "144,000 Gone"), but this was merely window dressing for a brief but highly recommended glimpse into one of the great American speed metal bands of all time. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia