While all things toxic (waste; holocausts; um, waltzing) have long been a regular bedfellow for the lyric writers and album cover artists that inhibit the pungent worlds of Thrash and Death Metal, it also lurks in another sense; behind the scenes and pervading the environment of many bands relationships. Escaping the cryptic realms of one such biohazard of a relationship was a necessity for legendary bassist Terry Butler (Obituary, Death, Six Feet Under), guitarist Taylor Nordberg (Wombath, Ribspreader), and vocalist/drummer Jeramie Kling (Venom-Inc, Goregang, The Absence). 

The story behind the creation of Inhuman Condition begins with Butler’s attempts to revive a resuscitated, but not thriving Massacre with Nordberg and Kling brought in to write a follow-up to Back From Beyond (Century Media). Finding themselves in a poisonous situation, the trio left behind the prestige of the band name, whilst retaining the quality of a new chemistry and their creative output. So, the ties to Massacre are strong – which explains and provides a rationale for using the instantly recognisable font for the band logo – and are further enforced by an album of joyful and credible old school thrash-tinged Death Metal that really could have been the follow up to Massacre’s seminal and essential From Beyond (Earache), and with permission to live in that space in a way that isn’t an unnecessary throwback.

At its peak, Inhuman Condition’s debut is a lovingly crafted, quality affair. While there is a slight issue with consistency, this is mainly due to the high standards set by the better tracks on the album, such as early charges ‘Euphoriphobia’, ‘Killing Pace’, ‘Planetary Paroxysm’ and the brilliantly titled ‘Tyrantula’ (I can’t believe I wasn’t in a college Thrash band called that!), that sees Massacre and Death alumni Rick Rozz throw his weight behind some “whammy shenanigans”. 

An album that is the embodiment of late 1980s / very early 90’s Leprosy (Combat) influenced Death Metal, Rat God (Blood Blast / Black Serpent) is culled from the same stock and mind frame as the Butlerian era of Death, with a consvming impvlse to worship at the altar of Schuldiner with such diligence and reverence that you are ready to bellow “Practice what you preach” at the end of one particular build.

Buy the album here: https://www.inhumancondition.bandcamp.com

7 / 10 

STEVE TOVEY