Beyond The Gates (Limited Deluxe Edition)

This album is definately fantastic.That's the review over.Oh wait...This is the "ultimate" version of the album. It features the EP for Eyes of Horror too, as well as a poster for both the EP and this album (double sided).The difference between this album and the previous is that it's thrashier. Yep, that's it. If you're into death-thrash it's a great buy, if you're into death and thrash, it's a great buy. If you want a repeat of Seven Churches, it's still a good buy.

The problem with bands that have such strong debut albums is that they are expected to make the second album even better than the debut album, unfortunately this is rarely achieved. Beyond The Gates is the successor to The Seven Churches (the best death metal album ever, in my humble opinion)and unfortunately it is not as mind blowing as its predecessor however it is still streets ahead of most of the thrash pack that were on the scene in 1986. Beyond The Gates is a clearer album from a production point of view and is polished by comparison to The Seven Churches album. I believe that the raw ferocity of Beyond The Gates was polished out in the mixing and mastering processes and I believe that the album would have been better served by a rawer production. Musically the album is more advanced and the tempo is a lot more varied than Seven Churches, instead of a glorious hellride into the abyss at breakneck speed we are given a gentler ride into the realms of darkness. The vocals are much clearer than Seven Churches and the lyrics are not as menacing. Larry Lalonde (now of Primus fame) seems to have been more interested in experimenting musically on this album than sticking to the Death Metal formula that to all intents and purposes was cast by Possessed, a brave undertaking but I believe that it took away from the bands awe inspiring ferocity. Beyond The Gates is a great album but ironically it was superceded by its predesessor, you can't beat perfection. If you are buying this album on cd you will find that Possessed's third release is added as bonus tracks. The Eyes Of Horror was an attempt to recapture past Glory and as a release in my mind it is much better the Beyond The Gates. The E.P. was Produced by guitar wizzkid Joe Satriani and the production is fresh. The songs are faster and heavier than Beyond The Gates, the lyrics are more sinister and the lead guitar work is out of this world. Storm That's In My Mind is the standout track on the E.P. and is followed closely by Swing Of The Axe. All five tracks of the E.P. are better in my opinion than Beyond The Gates. If you love Death Metal or Thrash Metal you need to buy this cd. Beyond The Gates (Limited Deluxe Edition)

OK. It has to be said, this is no way near the quality of its predecessor. Seven Churches is the ultimate death/thrash record, which made peoples jaws drop in amazement of the guitar work and Jeff's ferocity on vocals that had never been heard before. It's hard to believe you're listening to a 17 year old. NOW, however, this just sucks compared to Seven Churches.