Originally written by Patrick Dawson
If you are one of the idiots who paid through the nose for a copy of this much celebrated…thrashterpiece…it is my pleasure to point out that patience once again returned positive gains for the discerning metal fan. Modern vendor prices, though they may be steep, have nothing on the dollar amount an original copy of Eternal Nightmare fetches in the darkest corners of online auction houses. Quickly children, if you still have one of the pressings from Mechanic Records, get it listed with all haste before the chumps realize this more robust version is now widely available. The aforementioned version made possible by Megaforce Records is damn fine on its own but the bonus live disc is really what makes this worth owning.
While I certainly appreciate both bands, Vio-lence sits next to Exodus on the bus in my world. They both have stellar riffs and headbanging goodness stuffed into every ounce but the vocalist manages to distract me every time. Sean Killian, despite the new packaging, still sounds like he is falling out of a different building each time he opens his mouth. I swear on Odin’s beard that I imagine a Disney cartoon involving goofy every time I hear this album. Fans of his nutty ranting style will find it perfectly intact and in full effect on this punishing live performance. As musicians, the band are tighter than ever and aside from the odd drum fill confusion, they rip through all the classics with bestial vigor.
Live albums that come out sounding this pristine are few and far between. Encouraged by the positive reaction to the Chuck Billy benefit show, this second reunion performance was recorded at Slim’s in San Francisco late in 2001. With the exception of the cheering during breakdowns or ranting banter between songs, one could easily mistake this for a studio recording. The guitars are right up front with a killer buzz n’ crush tone that totally compliments the thundering bass perched comfortably between them in the mix. “Calling in the Coroner” and the ancient “Paraplegic” are easily my two favorite tracks amongst a dozen or so belted out with an uncommon energy during the show. The roaring of throats and amplifiers is nicely rounded out by a nostalgic sounding drum kit that while natural comes off as full and punchy due to masterful microphone placement. There may be something here that other bands should consider testing out. Release a few good albums then quit for about a decade; it has a rather drastic affect on the power and enthusiasm of the live performance.
It’s clear to all enthusiasts that if you don’t know Vio-lence then you know dick about thrash. Another recurring theme seems to be the need to educate all the Machine Head fans out there where their boy Rob Flynn cut his teeth. Myself, I have never met a fan of Burn My Eyes who did not already own at least Oppressing the Masses if not also this fine album. Wizened old burnouts, if thine bullet belt doth dig into thee beer-belly, consider picking up of this fantastic reissue. The energy and perfection of the live disc may not bring back your hair but it will certainly motivate you in the gym to get back into those classic fit black Levis.
