Intruder — A Higher Form Of Killing

First released in the late 80s A Higher Form Of Killing is the second album from Nashville, Tennessee Thrash band Intruder. It’s a ten-track affair that blends the speeding & the breakneck, the meaty & the mid-paced, with a few more atmospheric moments, and a decidedly odd/ puzzling cover.

Here from Punishment 18 is a recent CD reissue of the album. The disc comes presented in a see-through jewel case-  with a glossy six-panel inlay, with lyrics, track credits, and a band picture.  But unfortunately, no new write-up, or interview with the band members now- which is a bit of a pity.

The band first formed under the name of Transgresser in 1984 as a six-piece, switching to the name of Intruder in 1987- with a lineup shifting between four & six on their initial tenor of 1987 to 1992. They released two other albums aside from this one- taking in 87’s Live To Die, and their final album 1991’s Psycho Savant- which has also got a reissue on Punishment 18

The line-up for the album was Jimmy Hamilton- lead vocals. Arthur Vinnett- lead/ rhythm guitars. Greg Messick-rhythm guitars. Todd Nelson-Bass, and John Pieroni-Drums. It was first released in 1989 on Metal Blade Records.

The album opens with a selection of moving through the radio mocked-up news reports of suicide bombings, shootings, and other violent crimes. Then we’re into  “Time Of Trouble” which feels like a blend of Slayer and Anthrax- with its lead-speeding riff, a blend of high lead & gang vocals, and moshing/ chugging breakdowns.

The track “Second Chance” opens with a mix of mellow clean /solo electric guitar tone & rather wavering lead vocals. Before we kick into a mid-paced galloping riff- with some nice darts & twists in it, and once again the blend of soaring leads & gang vocals.

Right in the centre of the album at track number five, we have the most puzzling track- a cover of "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone"- which largely( aside from a speed-up/ searing solo break) sounds nothing like the rest of the album. Firstly we have drummer John Pieroni doing lead vocals, who has a rather billowing gruff/ overly expressive voice, then the riff sounds like an L7/ Green Jelly castoff- truly what were the band thinking put this on here, especially in the centre of the record!.

Anyway/ thankful normal Thrash service is resumed for the rest of the record- as we move on we have the gunning  & malevolent chug of “The Sentence Of Death” with its urgent gang chorus vocals, and searing to weaving/prime evil lead work. Or the manically speeding/ crossover vibes of “Agents Of Dark (MIB)” with its hissing ‘n’ battering drums, fast bounding bass & guitar, and rapidly spat mid to high lead vocals. 

All in all, A Higher Form Of Killing is a decent enough late 80’s Thrash album, with flare and memorability to many of the tracks. It’s just a pity that the god-awful cover is dropped in the middle of the thing.