Band:	Drifter
Album:	The Demos: 1985 & 1986
Style:	Thrash metal
Release date:	October 23, 2006
A review by:	Jeff

01. Dark Kingdom (Intro)
02. Fire Of Dragonia
03. Drifter
04. Inquisition
05. Land Of Fantasy
06. The Elder
07. Banners On The Battlefield
08. Burning Circles
09. Drunken Drifter (Outro)
10. Live Bonus 18.03.2006
+ We Can't Be Beaten [Rose Tattoo cover] [video]

"The Demos: 1985 & 1986" is a compilation of the three first demos of the Thrash/Heavy Metal band from Switzerland Drifter. This band only released two albums "Reality Turns To Dust" in 1989 and "Nowhere To Hide" in 1989 but it seems that they found the way to have a good fan-base and above all, recognition. Lately, the young label StormSpell Records decided to re-release their demos in a re-mastered version, and well after all, it can be a good way to discover this band, especially if you like "old school" music.

To be honest ,"The Demos: 1985 & 1986" is not a displeasing release. Well evidently you have to know that this release sounds a bit "old", you see what I mean, but if you like "Speed Metal" and a good mix of Thrash and Heavy with classic and high pitched vocals (a bit like with Mercyful Fate) I think that you'll enjoy this CD. It's really "rock "n" roll" on a side, with this cool and carefree musical attitude that we got in the 80's. Plus, the music of Drifter was a bit like some Hard Rock too, hyper melodic with nice heavy but catchy riffs a bit like a thrashy Thin Lizzy (especially on "Land Of Fantasy"). I will not say that it's something legendary but if you to listen to old band and if you're not disturbed by a music which can sounds a bit out of date, you should try this release, I'm sure that you'll have some good surprises. Plus, it's a good way to see the evolution of Thrash Metal during the 80's with a pure Heavy spirit at the beginning to a darkest one at the end.

For demos, the recording are really good. No perfect maybe but it's easy to listen to all the instruments and the voice of the singer. Plus, StormSpell Records released a nice CD with a cool booklet and a nice but maybe a bit classic cover.

The band is still active so who know, maybe that we will have a new album one day. If you don't know them, at least now you have an easy way to listen to their music. If you like Heavy and thrashy melodic music, please have a look on this release. Without any pretension this album will be a good way for you to pass a good moment.