What do you get when you have a band that consists of Billy Milano (M.O.D.) on vocals, Scott Ian (Anthrax) on guitar, Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera), and Dan Lilker (Nuclear Assault, Brutal Truth) on bass?? Why you get the band S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death) and that’s who’s on the Chopping Block!! Let’s take a look…….
Speak English Or Die- I mean, what can I say about this album that hasn’t already been said?? This is absolutely one of those classic albums, and for a good reason. Now they do have offensive song titles like “Kill Yourself,” “Fuck The Middle East,” and even the title track but it’s all very tongue in cheek. The opening song “March Of The S.O.D.” was the theme for MTV Headbangers Ball for a good number of years and it’s one of those perfect driving songs. Aside from that, though the songs are very very short, including some that are only 30 seconds. If you’re into thrash metal definitely check this album out. I’m giving this 10/10.
Standouts: Pussy Whipped, Pi Alpha Nu, Identity
Live At Budokan- so the title of this album is misleading obviously, it’s not at Budokan in Japan but rather at The Ritz in New York. This is also a reunion album and it’s basically just a live version of songs off of Speak English and a couple live cover songs from bands like FEAR. It’s a good live album and definitely does a good job of capturing the energy of S.O.D. I’ll give it 9/10
Standouts: March Of The S.O.D., Living In The City, Douche Crew
Bigger Than The Devil- this album feels probably like an actual album rather than them just sort of goofing around. Yes, it still does have the silliness that was on the first record, but this one just feels more cohesive and as I said like an actual album. It is too bad that this one would be there final full length because I would’ve loved another. When it comes to this band, I feel like this album gets overlooked and that’s really too bad because at the end of the day it really is a great album and I probably listen to it the most out of all their records. I’ll give this one 10/10.
Standouts: Kill The Assholes, Monkeys Rule, Make Room Make Room
Seasoning The Obese- this is just a two song EP that definitely feels like a tribute to Slayer. Even the album artwork makes fun of Seasons In The Abyss and it’s a perfect companion to Bigger Than The Devil.
Rise Of The Infidels- this is an EP with live songs. Sadly, this is the very last SOD album and the four songs are just fun. The live songs are also great but again they’re just live songs much like Budokan, they do a pretty good job of capturing their energy. I’ll give it 9/10.
Standouts: Java Amigo, Stand Up And Fight, Fuck The Middle East
It really is too bad that this band didn’t do more and that they won’t tour again. I know Billy Milano has MOD and if they ever come through town or if I get the chance to see them, I would go. Sadly, though there’s just too much animosity and I don’t think a reunion is in the cards anytime soon. I say never say never but I’m also not gonna hold my breath. This band is absolutely one of my favorite bands and definitely give all of these albums to listen because at the end of the day it’s all very tongue-in-cheek kind of dark humor.
Final Grade: A+
Album Rankings:
- Bigger Than The Devil
- Speak English Or Die/Seasoning The Obese
- Live At Budokan
- Rise Of The Infidels
Sinister Reviews 