D.A.M.'s second offering, 1991's Inside Out showcased a natural progression of the band. New lead guitarist Dave Pugh helped bring out a more technical and varied version of D.A.M. than what was given on their debut Human Wreckage. The band's timing was unfortunate, as thrash was on its last leg of popularity at the time of this album's release. However, that does not take away from the fact that this is an incredibly consistent and enjoyable underrated album.
They waste no time getting right into the album, with a speedy opening riff and a ripping solo to "Man of Violence." This is a great opening track, it really sets the feel of the record. Once again, we see D.A.M.'s comfort zone in crunchy memorable riffs and catchy choruses. This time around, there seems to be more melody in the guitars, which adds to the hooks and accessibility to this record. That said, it is definitely a more aggressive and abrasive release compared to their first.
"House of Cards" follows in similar fashion formula-wise, but for me is probably the best song on the record. The riffs are downright evil and incredibly catchy with a groove to them, every member of the band is given a spotlight at some point, and the gang vocals are downright awesome. There's also what sounds like a synthesizer that gives an eerie aesthetic to the already creepy song. "Appointment With Fear" can be grouped along with this song too. Similar to "House of Cards" songwriting and length-wise, it can hold its own with vocalist Jason McLoughlin's vocal power ranging up to a King Diamond-like wail during the chorus.
"Thought For The Day" and "Winter's Tear" are the epics if you will on this album, both clocking in at over 7 minutes. Each have the ability to keep those with short attention spans such as myself enthralled throughout the duration. "Thought For The Day" for its many changes and "Winter's Tear" more for the incredible use of dynamics and the story conveyed through the lyrics. For example, the song ranges from very slow-paced mysterious clean riff in the opening to an all-out thrash passage in the middle.
A bit of variation is offered up with the primarily bass-driven "The Innocent One." It also changes drastically about halfway through, sounding like a totally different song altogether. It again builds up from clean picked guitars to distorted power chord progressions. It goes right back into the track, picking up where it left off which fits together somehow seamlessly.
As far as this record goes, I think "My Twisted Mind" would've fit on Human Wreckage the best. Simplicity when executed well, makes for incredibly memorable songs as proven by this group. Huge power chords, some great melodies, and a simple yet effective main riff make this one of their better songs and could rival any song on Human Wreckage.
For me, the only song I was even relatively disappointed with was "Circles." They lyrics are rather lackluster, and there's no really stand-out parts.
"No Escape" starts out with some sweeped arpeggios and ups the tempo. This is definitely a nice change of pace after a few mid-tempo songs. A ghastly bridge with McLoughlin speaking maniacally leads into a drum break with a speedy solo.
"Beneath Closed Eyes" starts off very slow and again creepy with an added keyboard, giving the feeling you're tip-toeing through a dark alley or something. It picks up about halfway through again with a vocal wail, and then some wailing on the guitar. The full range that was D.A.M.'s new arsenal is shown, going back down into a clean passage before a last beefy chord progression. An acoustic guitar leads the song out, while "Inside Outro" is a bass solo that signs off for a more-than-memorable record.
Production-wise, the remixes are top-notch. Not to mention the originals from 1991 sounded great for their time.
This is a must-listen for any fan of under-the-radar bands and underrated albums. A more serious effor lyrical
Staff Rating
4.50/5
User Rating
5/5
