CELTIC FROST - Vanity/Nemesis (1990)

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Often described as 'too little, too late', this is actually the sound of a confused band running dry of ideas. Celtic Frost were a band who thrived on being 'different' throughout their career and so for them to make an album this dry, conformist and, frankly, dull is a sad epitaph to a great outfit. It's all oh-so mediocre and weak that it's a struggle to get through the whole thing. Taken in isolation a few of the tracks might pique your interest, but by the end of this album you'll not want to listen to it again for a very long time. I can only assume that after the debacle that was 'Cold Lake', the record company demanded a straightforward Metal album. And whereas with 'Into the Pandemonium' CF got away with making a crazy album because it was succesful, this time the boot was on the other foot. The band split up a few dates into an unsuccessful UK tour to support the album.

KREATOR - Coma of Souls (1990)

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Much maligned for being too similar to the previous album (Extreme Aggressions), in my humble opinion this one is much better. The title track is easily one of Kreator's best songs and new guitarist Frank Blackfire (the man who brought Sodom credibility) adds a sprinkling of class all over this album. 'Terror Zone' for instance has an excellent harmonized guitar intro and the whole album is much more memorable than it's illustrious predecessor.

ANNIHILATOR - Never Neverland (1990)

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It's a game of two halves here, side one presents an extremely strong brace of songs while side two lets the show down, a shame really. On side one the stand out cuts are 'Stonewall' and 'The Fun Palace' and new vocalist Coburn Pharr fits in well (although like Randy Rampage before him, he will be replaced soon enough). A strong album overall which shows the potential to rival the debut, but doesn't quite manage it in the final analysis.

EXODUS - Impact is Imminent (1990)

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It seems a little harsh grading this album a '3', but the sad fact is that apart from some inspired moments it is a bit lacking overall. What makes it harder for me to give such a indifferent score is that the title track is probably my favourite Exodus song of all time (and Gary Holt's favourite riff apparently, so why don't you play it live you tit?). But leaving that aside, this album is short on classics, with only 'Only Death Decides' really troubling the old school favourites. Despite the equal rating, this is still far superior to 'Force of Habit', but no competition for 'Bonded by Blood', 'Fabulous Disaster' or even 'Tempo of the Damned'.