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Protector of Death (1986)
Released in November 1986, the Protector of Death demo is the first release from the German death/thrash band Protector. Consisting of just two songs, this short recording beats the hell out of most things that were unleashed that year, especially in terms of raw savagery. The music is straightforward and primitive, while the vocals are evil as hell.
These songs capture everything that is right about this kind of music, from the punishing intensity of the playing to the dark vibe it creates. Compared to what a lot of the bigger bands were doing, this is like a steel-toed boot right to the teeth. The blistering solos, hateful vocals, fierce riffs, and blasting drums are enough to kill posers on contact. Compared to Protector of Death, an album like Reign in Blood was absolutely neutered. This has the kind of raw edge and violent execution that the likes of Slayer, Razor, Sacrifice, and others totally lacked. If you like early Messiah, Poison, Sepultura, Possessed... definitely listen to this!
These songs capture everything that is right about this kind of music, from the punishing intensity of the playing to the dark vibe it creates. Compared to what a lot of the bigger bands were doing, this is like a steel-toed boot right to the teeth. The blistering solos, hateful vocals, fierce riffs, and blasting drums are enough to kill posers on contact. Compared to Protector of Death, an album like Reign in Blood was absolutely neutered. This has the kind of raw edge and violent execution that the likes of Slayer, Razor, Sacrifice, and others totally lacked. If you like early Messiah, Poison, Sepultura, Possessed... definitely listen to this!
(8 May 2025)
Misanthropy (1987)
In September 1987, Protector released the Misanthropy E.P. The first time I saw this, I passed over it. From the name of the band to the big shining cross on the cover and a couple of the song titles, I mistakenly assumed that this was some kind of christian metal. Thankfully, encountered it again some time later after realizing what an idiot I'd been. While not as raw as Protector of Death (since it was a demo), Misanthropy maintains that feel while expanding the band's sound a bit.
While others in the German scene were streamlining their sound and wimping out, Protector went in the opposite direction. Much like their previous demo, the music here is savage and primitive death/thrash. While not as harsh and demonic, the new vocalist still sounds evil as hell. The new vocalist At times this seems like a precursor to The Awakening from Merciless. This time out, they incorporated some slower riffs into the chaos, adding a slight touch of doom. That said, the best parts of this recording are the more aggressive and chaotic fast parts. In a sense, Misanthropy sounds like more of a descendant of Endless Pain or In the Sign of Evil than what those bands were doing by this time, just faster, tighter and heavier. If you're into the darker side of '80s metal, definitely give this a listen.
While others in the German scene were streamlining their sound and wimping out, Protector went in the opposite direction. Much like their previous demo, the music here is savage and primitive death/thrash. While not as harsh and demonic, the new vocalist still sounds evil as hell. The new vocalist At times this seems like a precursor to The Awakening from Merciless. This time out, they incorporated some slower riffs into the chaos, adding a slight touch of doom. That said, the best parts of this recording are the more aggressive and chaotic fast parts. In a sense, Misanthropy sounds like more of a descendant of Endless Pain or In the Sign of Evil than what those bands were doing by this time, just faster, tighter and heavier. If you're into the darker side of '80s metal, definitely give this a listen.
(10 May 2025)
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