Abyss of Agony by Vexed: A Thrash Riot Straight Outta Italy
Alright, buckle up, because Abyss of Agony is one wild ride that’ll leave your ears ringing and your brain scrambling to process the chaos. Released in 1999 under their own self-released label (props for the DIY hustle), this Italian thrash quartet came out swinging like a pissed-off boxer with nothing left to lose. The band—Mik on vocals, Jex shredding guitar, Kyle thumping bass, and Mike pounding drums—deliver an unapologetic smackdown of raw energy. It’s not perfect, but damn if it doesn’t feel alive.
Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk. First off, there’s “Dirty Disaster.” This tune hits you like a freight train covered in rusty nails. Mik’s vocals are raw and unhinged, like he’s screaming about every bad decision he ever made all at once. Meanwhile, Jex’s riffs are so sharp they could cut glass. You can practically hear the sweat dripping off these guys as they tear through the track. What makes it memorable? That breakdown halfway through—it’s nasty, groovy, and feels like falling down a flight of stairs while headbanging. In other words, pure thrash perfection.
Then there’s “Demoniac War,” which might as well be the soundtrack to a demon army marching into battle. The drumming from Mike here is relentless, like machine-gun fire set to double-time. And those lyrics? Darker than your ex’s soul. There’s something gloriously over-the-top about how theatrical yet brutal it all feels. By the time the solo kicks in, you’re either raising devil horns or questioning your life choices. Either way, mission accomplished, Vexed.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going with tracks like “Warbattle” and “Death Justice,” though none quite hit the same high notes as the first two I mentioned. Still, the whole thing has this gritty charm, like finding a hidden b-side tape in your uncle’s attic and realizing it slaps harder than half the stuff on Spotify.
What’s wild is how Abyss of Agony feels frozen in time—a snapshot of four dudes letting loose in a basement somewhere in Italy, probably surrounded by empty beer cans and dreams of metal glory. Sure, the production’s rough around the edges, but that only adds to its authenticity. It’s the kind of record that reminds you why thrash exists—to blow off steam, scream until your throat hurts, and maybe scare your neighbors a little.
So yeah, give this one a spin if you’re craving some old-school thrash vibes without any frills. Just don’t blame me when “Dirty Disaster” gets stuck in your head for days. Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: if this album were a person, it’d probably have a black eye, a killer grin, and a story you wouldn’t believe. Cheers to Vexed for keeping it real.
