Vio-Lence — Eternal Nightmare

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

35 years ago today, one of my favorite Thrash albums of the late 80’s was released!

On this day (June 27) 1988, San Francisco Bay Area Thrashers Vio-Lence released their debut full-length studio album, “Eternal Nightmare” via MCA Records sublabel, Mechanix Records.

A limited 10" promo single was released, with two tracks "Eternal Nightmare" and "Phobophobia"; the release was quite unique, as it came in a sealed plastic cover, containing (fake) vomit. Shortly after, Thrash Metal innovators Slayer released a single in a similar format but with fake blood, and rock band The Revolting Cocks released a single with fake semen.

Background:

From February to April 1988, Vio-lence recorded their debut album, “Eternal Nightmare”, at two studios: The Music Grinder in Los Angeles and Alpha & Omega in San Francisco.

Vio-lence toured throughout 1988 and 1989 in support of “Eternal Nightmare”, with bands such as Testament, Voivod, Death Angel, Sanctuary, Nuclear Assault, D.R.I., M.O.D. and the Cro-Mags. The underground success of the album also caught the attention of several labels, including Megaforce Records (then-home to bands such as Testament, M.O.D., Anthrax, and Overkill), who eventually signed the band.

Critical Reception:

The album received mostly positive reviews upon its release in the summer of 1988, and peaked at number 154 on the Billboard 200, becoming the band's only album to enter that chart; this can be attributed to the album selling over 30,000 copies.

In retrospect, AllMusic’s John Franck gave a somewhat backhanded review of “Eternal Nightmare”, stating; “Vio-lence is a classic case study. Although never as talented as peers Death Angel or Testament, Vio-Lence survived by being one of the scene's most pro-active underground acts and a much better live act than your run of the mill Forbidden or Heathen (I do not agree with this sentiment — E.N.). But with the glaring vocal shortcomings of vocalist Sean Killian cramping their style (nor do I agree with this comment — E.N.), committing their Exodus-inspired mosh anthems to vinyl on 1988's “Eternal Nightmare” would prove to be a greater challenge. Still, guitarists Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel manage to spark some excitement into the propulsive title track, the vicious "Kill on Command" and the raging crowd favorite "Serial Killer."

While, in his review for the Megaforce Records re-issue, Keith Bergman at Blabbermouth.net stated; “Truth be told, Vio-Lence was never an innovator, but their volatile attitude and the sheer sardonic anger they could stuff into every song made them a top-tier outfit almost from the start. And they rarely got credit for their musicianship — drummer Perry Strickland in particular could always be counted on for a crushing performance.”

Re-issues:

The 2005 re-release of the album includes a bonus CD of the Thrash of the Titans concert (benefit for Testament singer Chuck Billy), recorded August 11, 2001.

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “Eternal Nightmare” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/eternal-nightmare/1617570558

Click this link to listen to “Eternal Nightmare” via Spotify: Eternal Nightmare https://open.spotify.com/album/5ic4HBPEewDrDTWQ2I8oHc

Click this link to follow the Vio-Lence on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vioofficialpage

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Vio-Lence — Eternal Nightmare

Background:

Critical Reception:

Re-issues:

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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