I remember reading a magazine article about Slayer back in the 80's that basically said while Metallica was the more popular band Slayer was more influential. Specifically mentioned as being influenced by Reign in Blood were Possessed, Onslaught, Legacy (they changed their name to Testament) and Sacrifice. So, when I saw Sacrifice's debut, Torment in Fire in the bin at Record Theater, I bought it.
Recently I bought a new turntable. I've been without one for about six years. My old one broke when we moved and I never bothered to replace it. Finally, after watching a bunch of "Vinyl Community" videos on Youtube, I felt the need to explore the resurgence of LP's and buy a turntable. Torment in Fire is one of my old albums that I've listened to for the first time in over two decades. Did it stand the test of time? Not really.
That's probably a little unfair to say though. Standing the test of time would mean an album that I thought was great 25 years ago but now doesn't seem so hot. I don't think I ever thought Torment in Fire was "great." In fact, it's been so long that I can't really remember how I felt about it back when it was new.
Now? It's a second-tier thrash record from the mid-80's. It's not bad, but it's not great either. There are a few killer riffs on it ("Infernal Visions" and "Burned at the Stake" rock) but overall the album sounds "samey," as in it's hard to tell one song from another. I think a big reason for that is the bad production. But like I said, this is very much a second-tier thrash record from the mid-80's.
In the end, part of me feels "cool" for owning this (on vinyl!) and part of me wonders why I bought it in the first place.
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