«By Inheritance» is the third album by Artillery, released in 1990 by Roadrunner Records. The band from Denmark, the same country as Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, put out one of the most underrated thrash albums of its time. The line-up features Flemming Rönsdorf on vocals, Michael and Morten Stützer on guitars, Peter Thorslund on bass and Carsten Nielsen on drums.
“`Country: Denmark
Style: Thrash Metal
For fans of: Megadeth, Coroner, Forbidden
The album combines speed, melody and technical skill. The two guitars weave intricate melodies over heavy riffs at the same time, the drums hammer away without stopping and Rönsdorf’s vocals carry a raspy, high tone full of intensity. Every track builds towards a peak, without dropping off anywhere.
«7:00 from Tashkent» opens the album with oriental touches. The standouts are «Khomaniac» with its melodies, «Beneath the Clay (R.I.P.)», the title track «By Inheritance», «Life in Bondage» and «Back in the Thrash». There is also a cover of Nazareth’s «Razamanaz».
What makes the album stand out is the way it ties melody to weight: the riffs are not simply fast, they carry recognisable lines that stay in your head, and the solos of the two guitars are sharp and precise. It is one of those records you appreciate from the first listen, with no second thoughts needed.
«By Inheritance» went relatively unnoticed when it came out, but over the years it gained a reputation and is now considered one of the best thrash albums of the early ’90s. Artillery achieved here something few bands managed: weight, speed and melody on the same album, which is why many place it next to the best of the European scene.
See also
The old school thrash albums that laid the foundations of the genre and Vendetta – Brain Damage: The Underrated Technical Thrash Album of 1988.
