Band:	Vio-lence
Album:	Eternal Nightmare
Style:	Bay Area thrash metal
Release date:	1988
Guest review by:	Nosurper

Disc I
01. Eternal Nightmare
02. Serial Killer
03. Phobophobia
04. Calling In The Coroner
05. T.D.S. (Take It As You Will)
06. Bodies On Bodies
07. Kill On Command

Disc II [2005 Reissue] [Live at The Slim's]
01. Liquid Courage
02. Ageless Eyes
03. Calling In The Coroner
04. World In A World
05. Officer Nice
06. Subterfuge
07. Kill On Command
08. Phobophobia
09. Bodies On Bodies
10. I Profit
11. T.D.S. (Take It As You Will)
12. Parapalegic

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the quintessential thrash album. If you thought that Kill 'em All was relentless, then you obviously haven't heard this adrenaline-pumping masterpiece yet. Not even the pure speed and intensity of Reign in Blood can touch the fury of Vio-lence's 1988 debut album Eternal Nightmare. Led by present Machine Head guitarists Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel, along with the unique vocal contributions of Sean Killian, Eternal Nightmare is an album that will live on in thrash circles forever.

Now when I say quintessential thrash album, I'm not talking about an album with an inclusion of ballads or mid-tempo numbers. What I'm talking about is an album with the brutal crunch of overdriven guitars quickly slamming tremolo-picked, palm-muted riffs through your ears, one after another, with surprising fluency. I'm talking about an album with vocals that would make any singer on Broadway cower in fear. And of course, I'm talking about an album with lyrical content that is both terrifying and grotesque. With those credentials in mind, this album fits the bill better than any other thrash album.

From the opening track, it is clear that these credentials are met on Eternal Nightmare with an onslaught of powerful thrash and a twisted tale of the onset of insanity. "Phobophobia" is my personal favorite, as it contains an array of truly infectious riffs, along with a maniacal delivery of vocals by Sean Killian, who at times barks out the lyrics with impressive speed and ferocity on the track. "Kill on Command" wraps up the album well and brings it home with an all out speed metal assault in the final minute. But to be honest, words can't really do the songs justice. No properly placed adjective can truly encapsulate their power.

What really sets this album apart from others is the vocal performance by Sean Killian. At first listen, it might be enough to garner a chuckle out of the wildest metal lunatic. However, when the power of the production and songwriting come together, it truly makes for a unique experience. Killian does well to not only deliver the lyrics, but to deliver their essence. With all his heart and soul he spills out a truly insane and original performance that is worth noting even after an incidental laugh or two.

So once again, if you're looking for an album that defines the thrash genre, look no further than Eternal Nightmare. It is truly one of the more underrated metal albums ever made and a thrash classic that no metal fan should overlook.