In 1991, Californian thrash metallers Death Angel lost their vocalist Mark Osegueda, when he decided to move to the other end of USA. Rest of the guys decided that it was time to move on, also, in a different way: They continued as a four-piece under the new name, The Organization. 'The Organization' is a song by DA featuring on the band's third full-length album, 'Act III' (1990). So, DA was discontinued, and there was room for new view for The O.

DA never stood on the pure thrash metal track after the 1987 debut album 'The Ultra-Violence', and the change of name was a true opportunity for The O to explore new territories without boundaries. And they did, at least to some extenct. The self-titled debut album was kind of a shy foray in general, unlike more alt-rocking sophomore album. My guess is that some of these songs, or at least parts of them, were written for new DA album, before Mr. Osegueda's decision to leave. Or then the guys just followed their hearts... Anyway, 80% of the DA line up is here: Guitarists Rob Cavestany and Gud Pepa, bass player Dennis Pepa and Andy Galeon on drums. The vocals are handled by Rob and Andy; their softish and youthful yet powerful voices perfectly mingle together, lifting up the originality level a lot. The vocal duets are great here.

The album opener 'Free Burning' began to roll on MTV's "Heabangers Ball" and it kick me in the head, no matter if it's a groove metal song. I really do not know if there was this term "groove metal" back in 1993! So, it was time for a trip to a local records shop and my order was in. When I got the CD, the first spin was a definite disappointment; this isn't all like 'Free Burning'! Nope, because the ghost of DA haunts this album rather heavily, even though there's quite a lot of something else on offer here. This took many spins to click with me. I am glad I did not give up, because this turned out to be a small gem.

'Policy's longish lead guitar opening reminds me of Suicidal Tendencies' more melodic path that they chose in late 1980s. However, The O continues with more hard rocking song, which still carries some heavy metal ethics. The songs fluctuates finely, and I am amazed by its tempo changes. This all sounds like it was recorded live. Funky, grooving 'Lift' has a saxophone solo, which is rather rude, so I give it a pass. 'Bringer' is closest to heavy metal The O ever got. It's like post-thrash Metallica jamming with Queensrÿche style piece. From atmospheric opening to heavy-handed riffing, the song is fucking cool, like a suit-wearing mobster next to a street gang guy. Streetwise, but in another way.

A bit too jazzy and artsy 'Brainstorm' is the first bottom dog of the album, while the second one, another funky piece, 'Bottom Dog', contains some bad-ass Corrosion Of Conformity style rough groove too, but it gets has a bit too much of "let's jam" vibes for my liking. Talk about front-loaded album, uh..? Thankfully NOT!

Because the album truly lifts off again, as the second real highlight, fittingly titled 'Wonder', is a very beautiful and emotional acoustic-turns-into-electrified ballad-ish song, which I like to take as 'A Room with a View' part 2. Highlights are not over, as the illustrious and heavy instrumental 'Withdrawal' comes as absolutely mental. Magnificent lead guitar work here. Check out the Flotsam And Jetsam Easter egg it contains in vein of sound effects... 'The Past' is the catchiest song after the opener, but more metal and I bet it was in the making during the DA times. Kicking ass but still having that melancholic side. 'Been Nice' is here to kick melancholy's butt with infectious gang vocals and straightforward attack. It all was nice, mostly.

Okay, so, the album is not very well balanced or coherent at all. However, it beats DA's 1988 album 'Frolic Through the Park' by a million miles, if you ask me. Sometimes things get a bit too jamming for my liking, but often it works like a fucking freight train; there's no time for falling asleep. Mostly this is very catchy and simply darn good music here. It has that familiar trait, but still is something very much different to the past work of the guys. The skill levels are on astonishing magnitude on every instrument and this is loaded with neat tricks throughout.

The album might not be a bonafide classic, but it deserves to be heard if you enjoy groovy and even funky metal/hard rock. Especially, if you enjoy waywardness of Death Angel of yore, then there's no excuse not to check this mofo out!

Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/01/2022 18:49