Peaceful Death and Pretty Flowers

Brute force goes with the territory in thrash and alternative metal — no one who is knowledgeable would acquire a thrash or alternative metal CD in the hopes of hearing gentle, hushed easy listening. But there are different ways to use brute force. A band can indulge in sonic assault for its own sake and steer clear of melody, or it can combine its brutality with a fondness for melody and song structure. Very much an example of the latter, Peaceful Death and Pretty Flowers was among the more melodic and musical thrash/alternative metal CDs of 1991. Make no mistake: these guys don't shy away from sledgehammer aggression. But "Like Asrielle," "Eulogy," and other tunes on this CD aren't just about sonic brutality — they are fairly musical by thrash standards. Especially interesting is the metal makeover that Dead Horse gives the B-52's' "Rock Lobster." Because Peaceful Death and Pretty Flowers has as much melody as it does, Dead Horse avoids becoming one-dimensional and predictable. Not perfect, but appealing more often than not, this CD is worth searching for if you're a headbanger.