Thrombus – Mental Turmoil – Album Review

Unearthing a semi-lost / semi-forgotten death metal release from the genre’s golden age is always a wonderful thing……which brings us neatly to Thrombus‘ 1993 demo Mental Turmoil, a 6 track album (more of an EP really) which has remained lost to the annals of time, until La Caverna Records saw fit to unleash it on the world once again!

Now officially reissued on CD, Thrombus’ tape from 1993 was originally self released with just 100 copies produced and you could be more than forgiven for never knowing of its existence. Which would be a shame, as these deathly American’s held considerable promise!

A flawed – yet interesting – footnote, Mental Turmoil was home to future members of Yob, Aldebaran, Shadow of the Torturer & Omnihility and their youthful pedigree is writ large over the course of 6 tracks of well-constructed, well-executed, old school death metal in the vein of Autopsy, Cause Of Death-era Obituary and God Macabre.

With groove, elements of doom, and high speed thrashing stamping the early 90’s all over it, there’s enough variance on Mental Turmoil and enough skill to suggest Thrombus may have made a name for themselves had they released a follow-up. As it stands, collectors should relish the opportunity to get their hands on this missing piece of early 90’s death metal. 7/10

Nip over to Thrombus’ bandcamp page and grab a copy!

Thrombus:

Mike Brown – Guitars, vocals
Isamu Sato – Guitars
Karl Fowler – Drums, vocals
Darren Baker – Bass Guitar