The Classic Metal Album Review:
Title: First Blood
Artist: Ryker's
Label: Lost & Found Records
Release Date: 1995

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Equinox's Review:
    You know, sometimes bands from overseas do not get the respect they deserve here in the States. German thrash/hardcore powerhouse Ryker's is a perfect example of this undue lack of notoriety. Ryker's were a dominant force in the German scene throughout the 90's, and they put out their fair share of releases, but many of them never seemed to hit it big in the US. First Blood is my personal favorite disc from these guys, and I think it represents the band at their peak. This is about as hard-hitting and relentless as an album can be, and it's hard not to get riled up while listening to this little silver disc of compressed aggression.

    The first title track "First Blood" is scathing from the start, beginning with a nicely placed Taxi Driver sample and continuing with pummeling drumming courtesy of Meff, pounding bass from Chris and crunching guitars provided by Iggy. The tom buildup is immense, and the breakdown hits hard and heavy. The angry scowling vocals of Kid-D is the extra special ingredient that puts the band's sound completely ahead of all their contemporaries. The action stays intense through to the next track "Stranglehold," which starts off with a slow, heavy riff before bursting into a chaotic metalcore fury. The bass is particularly tough in this track high in the mix, and this creates a very thick feel. These two songs are followed by two more speedy, thrash-influenced numbers, namely "Slowly" (definitely a misnomer) and "Ricochet," and these two tracks keep the energy superhigh and don't give the listener any chance to catch their breath. "What We Once Said" finishes the disc quickly and sharply, with the band's tight playing taking center stage, reminding you that these guys mean business and leaving you to wonder what a spectacle they must have created live.

    Ryker's really outdid themselves with First Blood. This one is still the benchmark release from the band, and still sets a bar that most other hardcore bands have not yet reached. This is a nonstop adrenaline rush from start to finish; a nice caffeine boost that will stick in your head long after you've turned off the CD player. Well worth revisiting.
    4 out of 5

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