Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Aspid - Кровоизлияние (1993)
There are several American tech-thrash bands who have released classics in the late 80s that are hailed as some of the greatest thrash records in the world. However, Aspid (Аспид) came a bit late into the game and missed their fame. On top of that, this band is from Russia and their record label from Latvia has only released 1000 vinyl copies for one of only two albums released by that label. With all that, Aspid was overlooked, and a few years later, they split up. However, they've reunited recently in the 2010s and a cult following followed, along with a remastered and digital version of this album, Кровоизлияние (Extravasation), finally giving the band attention after two decades!
The reason Aspid was considered late in the tech-thrash game is because at that time, the more popular tech-thrash bands were either changing their style drastically for commercial success or just splitting up. This Russian band wouldn't let the genre die though, they're bringing back the sound popularized by their heroes from the late 80s. Technicality is all around without getting too progressive and putting their energy on...well, energy. However, some progressiveness remains with the lengthy songs that extensive instrumental passages. But despite the heavy amount of instrumentation, the vocalist adds raw anger to the Russian lyrics to make them interesting. All of this conjures a coherent vibe in the gritty yet great production and even the memorable artwork with greater details the closer you look.
The two and a half minute "Intro" is one of the best to appear in a metal album with vocalist Vitaly Kholopov playing spooky horror synth, sounding like a sequel to the outro of Coroner's No More Color, setting the mood for the album... Then comes one of my favorite songs of the album, the menacing groove of the thrashy ''Он пришёл (Аспид)'' (It Came (Aspid)), killer way to kick things off! Literally starting in a high note is the monstrous ''К цели одной'' (Towards One Goal).
"Give Me (Play for a Ballet)" is a long slow song similar to sludge metal for the most part, yet another magnificent highlight with nothing boring! The fast thrash would return in the second half of that song. Drummer Vasily Shapovalov (who suffered a stroke and passed a few days later this year, RIP) does interesting percussion in "Эй, ты" (Hey, You), having the most lyrical and instrumental sections while only 4 minutes long. "Там, где ночь" (Where, the Night) alternates between fast and slow, with the fast parts including one of the most thrashy solos I've heard and even blast beats.
"Коматозное состояние" (Comatose State) is another good song with different groove. Closing the album is the brilliant title instrumental where the entire band can shine without vocals. That's what I call the Russian tech-thrash Crusade!
It's too bad this band never really got as much of a breakthrough as their western peers, not even after their recent reunion. This should really make some "greatest thrash metal albums" lists online and in magazines. Not really a reinvention, but a brave heavy attempt to redefine the once-forgotten genre of tech-thrash, though the fact that all the lyrics are in Russian brings the score down a half-star short of perfection. The internet can really bring to prominence a nearly unknown offering from 3 decades ago!
Favorites: "Он пришёл (Аспид)", "Дай мне (Пьеса для балета)", "Там, где ночь", "Кровоизлияние"