Originally released in 1991 Psycho Savant was the third and to date final album from Nashville, Tennessee Thrash band Intruder. It’s an eight-track affair which sits on the technical and harmonic side of the genre. And if I were to compare their sound to anyone- it would be Anthrax, with maybe a few Death Angel touches- but with more soloing/ technical leanings.

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

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 89’s A Higher Form Of Killing.

For this album, the band were a five-piece of  Jimmy Hamilton- Vocals, Arthur Vinnett- Lead guitar, Greg Messick- guitar, Todd Nelson- bass, and John Pieroni- drums. With it originally been released on Metal Blade Records in June 1991.

We kick off with “Face Of Hate” This just over six-minute track moves from rapidly gunning chugs, onto mid-paced harmonic touched slug outs, though to widdling & slamming interplays. All finished with rather mid to high-ranged Belladonna-like lead vocals, and gang backing vocals.

As we move through the album we have the galloping stomp meets circling moshing of “It’s A Good Life” with Hamilton's vocals reaching almost power metal highs at points. There is the atmospheric chug of “Final Word” which features some neat cold clean guitar tones over the thrashing. The album plays out with “N.G.R.I” which features a mid to fast pace, with some creative reverb/ effects on some of the lead vocals, and an almost death metal breakdown topped with an eastern flavour guitar soloing.

As early 90’s Thrash albums go Psycho Savant still has enough flair & entertainment to be had. Sure the band’s sound is a little derivative, but not all bands can be up to the standards/ originality of the big four, and there are touches of originality here & there.