Canada’s SLAUGHTER is rightfully considered one of the absolute titans of proto Death Metal and influenced many acts in the wake of its glorious demos and the quintessential “Strappado” album. To the very day absolute faves of mine! STRAPPADO were basically a short lived continuation of this cult act and “Fatal Judgement” covers the 10 tracks recorded during a session for the EP giving name to this comprehensive 2 disc compilation which also offers the entire “Not Dead Yet” (1990) album, the “Paranormal” (1988) demo plus various live recordings of good to disputable quality. STRAPPADO headed for a bit more technical, thrashing approach close to the Bay Area sound in contrast to SLAUGHTER with their insane “1,2…fuck you” attitude, chainsaw guitars and 2 minute song massacres. So, while comparing SLAUGHTER to STRAPPADO feels a bit like comparing HELLHAMMER to CELTIC FROST around “Vanity / Nemesis”, anybody interested in mandatory Canadian Metal carnage should feel tempted to get this amazingly done collection. I personally like SLAUGHTER’s “Surrender Or Die” demo or “Strappado” album more due to its punkish, brutal approach and STRAPPADO often feel a bit forced especially during the “Fatal Judgement” tracks due to some awkward almost spoken passages, some rather forgettable riffs and lengthier songs with less violence and murderous intensity and a more “thought out” approach. Maybe that’s part of the reason why the early SLAUGHTER material has been re-issued to death whereas the recordings featured on here just occasionally surfaced and so far only were presented under the SLAUGHTER banner. However, even if it is just for nostalgia’s sake I would buy it straight away since I love SLAUGHTER even in their more “mature” incarnation and think it’s a good move to compile it properly again under the right moniker. The overall sound quality is also absolutely fine and consistent, so “Fatal Judgement” is a stunning release closing the entire history of these two tightly linked bands and the fascinating end to these tales of the macabre. Sleep well in a “Coffin Of Ice”… www.marquee.com.br