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Mass Genocide (1985)
Savage Death formed in 1985 and soon after recorded and released their first demo, Mass Genocide. This is raw, visceral death/thrash in the same vein as early Slayer, Possessed, and most notably Death. The comparisons to the latter cannot be overstated, from the opening riff of “Evil Dead” echoing “Infernal Death” to the vibe of “Bring Me the Guts of the Priest,” a song whose riffs mirror the ferocity of “Beyond the Unholy Grave”. The lead guitar solos are chaotic, searing, and very Slayer-esque, adding to the violent energy.
The sound here is the kind of rawness that feels like a cheese grater dragged across your face, from the sharp riffs to the vicious vocals, which at times unleash blood-curdling screams. There is a harsh, abrasive quality to the recording that suits the dark and feral atmosphere of the material. Despite the obvious inspirations, Savage Death still managed to create something vile, ugly, and memorable. “Bring Me the Guts of the Priest” stands out not only for its sheer aggression but for how instantly it resonates with anyone who shares a hatred for the Great Lie. It feels like the kind of thing Sacrifice tried, and failed, to achieve. Another highlight is “Legions of Doom”, driven by hellish tremolo riffs that pierce straight into your brain.
Mass Genocide shows a band that had all the tools to earn a place among the legendary names of the time, yet they followed it with something so weak that it led to their demise. It is one of countless “what ifs”, but this still stands as a grim artifact of that special time when death and thrash were still firmly joined together and clawing from the primordial depths, soon to spread like a pestilence. If you’re into violent, aggressive death/thrash from the mid-'80s, and hold albums like Haunting the Chapel, Seven Churches, and Scream Bloody Gore sacred, this demo is essential.
The sound here is the kind of rawness that feels like a cheese grater dragged across your face, from the sharp riffs to the vicious vocals, which at times unleash blood-curdling screams. There is a harsh, abrasive quality to the recording that suits the dark and feral atmosphere of the material. Despite the obvious inspirations, Savage Death still managed to create something vile, ugly, and memorable. “Bring Me the Guts of the Priest” stands out not only for its sheer aggression but for how instantly it resonates with anyone who shares a hatred for the Great Lie. It feels like the kind of thing Sacrifice tried, and failed, to achieve. Another highlight is “Legions of Doom”, driven by hellish tremolo riffs that pierce straight into your brain.
Mass Genocide shows a band that had all the tools to earn a place among the legendary names of the time, yet they followed it with something so weak that it led to their demise. It is one of countless “what ifs”, but this still stands as a grim artifact of that special time when death and thrash were still firmly joined together and clawing from the primordial depths, soon to spread like a pestilence. If you’re into violent, aggressive death/thrash from the mid-'80s, and hold albums like Haunting the Chapel, Seven Churches, and Scream Bloody Gore sacred, this demo is essential.
(19 July 2025)
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