Suicidal Tendencies--How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today (1988)
Rating--8.2
Long an underground favorite, this was one of Suicidal's more promoted releases--but that doesn't keep it from absolutely
thrashing. Tremendous incorportation of solid bar chords, mixed together with tinges of punk, and you have a slightly bottom-heavy
resemblance to Metallica's 'Kill 'Em All'. Both polished and abrasive all at once, and made for the mosh.
The manic-induced riff of opener and lead cut "Trip at the Brain" is intoxicating, as the entire song is pure sonic energy. "Hearing
Voices" has one of many driving rhythms on the album; other similar moments include "Pledge Your Allegiance" and "If I Don't
Wake Up".
When the title track picks up half way through, you have one of the songs (and specific moments) that helped
define the methodical madness of pits back in the late '80s. Pure energy.
"One Too Many Times" has great background
guitar work, and "The Feeling's Back" is an old school metal churn. "Surf and Slam" is mostly instrumental, but also one of the
more intriguing cuts on the disc; fast, but strangely melodic--and conjures visions of....Maiden?!? A solid
album all-around.
TRACK LIST: Trip at the Brain/Hearing Voices/Pledge Your Allegiance/How Will I Laugh Tomorrow/The Miracle/Surf and Slam/
If I Don't Wake Up/Sorry?!/One Too Many Times/The Feeling's Back
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