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CYCLONE "Known Unto God"
CYCLONE "Known Unto God"
By Dr. Abner Mality
Storm warnings are out...CYCLONE has returned! This is one 80's band I always hoped would make it back. The Belgians' debut album "Brutal Destruction" has always been a sentimental favorite of mine with its no-nonsense thrash attack. But that was more than 40 years ago and it's been 35 years since the band's unheralded "Inferior To None" followup. Is this just another bunch of old farts trying to milk the nostalgia cow out of a few more dollars?
It sure doesn't sound like it. "Known Unto God" is a lean and VERY mean 5 song EP, crisp as an ice-cold cucumber and without an ounce of fat on it. The songs on "Inferior To None" tended to be way too long. Thankfully, this is more in the "Brutal Destruction" vein of sharp and chugging thrash mayhem. Singer Guido Gevels and guitarist Stefaan Daamen are all that remain of the original CYCLONE and they're joined by three new members. One listen to "Eliminate" and I knew I was in good hands. CYCLONE always came across as the European EXODUS and that hasn't changed here. The tracks are thrashy from the get go and get right down to business, with a nice snappy production. "Nothing Is Real" changes things up a bit with some very original sounding hooks. As for Guido, he doesn't have the "yelping" quality he used to, but he sounds focused and mean.
I don't think any fan of "Brutal Destruction" era CYCLONE will be disappointed with what they hear here. Welcome back and for God's sake, don't wait 35 more years for the next record!
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