William_the_Bloody

Suicidal Tendencies

Crossover thrash pioneers and hardcore legends that were mired in controversy in their early years for their alleged ties to Surenos gangs in LA, which of course was reflected in their wardrobe. The band would eventually rise to prominence by riding the thrash metal wave of the late 80's before slowly fading out in the 90's.

Suicidal Tendencies album 1983

My reviews of this band will probably piss everyone off because fans of this band seem to fall heavily into camps. The hardcore fans, reflected in this album, and the metal fans reflected in How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I can't even Smile Today. I have a different take on this band, so I don't fall into either camp, and just go with my musical ear.

This album is remembered for two reasons. One, it was one of the fastest selling hardcore albums of its time, and two, it contains the legendary song Institutionalized, which would be featured in films and numerous video games for years to follow.

All that being said, I don't think the album is all that groundbreaking or legendary. There is...as there always was with this band, some great guitar playing, but overall it fails to produce any real memorable riffs outside of You'll be Sorry, which would be redone years later as the riff for Send Me Your Money...a far better song may I add. So take away Institutionalized and you've got a handful of decent hardcore songs, but nothing to write home about.

**1/2 stars plus a little more.

Institutionalized



Suicide's An Alternative / You'll Be Sorry



Subliminal