Description

2011 release on double album on blue vinyls with gatefold cover and two bonus tracks

Formed circa 1985 in the city of Dusseldorf by vocalist Robert Gonnella and guitarists Dinko Vecic, Assassin were one of Germany’s first thrash metal bands. In 1988 the band released their second album. ‘Interstellar Experience’, all but Gonella and Vecic had departed, making way for new members Michael Hoffman (guitar), Markus Ludwig (bass), and Frank Nellen (drums). When Assassin is discussed it’s always ‘The Upcoming Terror’ this, ‘The Upcoming Terror’ that. ‘Interstellar Experience’ is even bashed by people for not living up to the debut. I wonder why. Maybe because ‘Interstellar Experience’ has far less traditional metal influences and shifts a bit towards crossover sometimes? Not being ‘The Upcoming Terror’ doesn’t imply being bad per say. Interstellar Experience sounds immediately noisier and rawer than Assassin’s debut. The average pace is high. Extremely high at certain points even (‘a Message To Survive’) reaching a critical point reminiscent of Wehrmacht. A lot of choruses are catchy, like the gang shouts on ‘Abstract War’. Plenty of great thrash breaks as well, often leading to the solo section. No, I can’t say there’s much to really complain here or give me reason to bash them.

Track listing:
1. Abstract War
2. A.G.D.
3. A Message To Survive
4. Pipeline
5. Resolution 588
6. Junkfood
7. Interstellar Experience
8. Baka
9. Strange World
10. Low Intensity Warfare-Casbah Cover