When Squealer vocalist Andy "Henner" Allendorfer passed away in 2005, I was honestly convinced the band would cease to exist -- his vocals were so recognizable and charismatic, combined with the stunning melodicism of the compositions. However, his bandmates decided otherwise and, renaming the group to SQUEALER A.D., recorded a tribute album. The material became significantly heavier -- this is now hard thrash with no melodic detours or hit-oriented hooks whatsoever. Gus Chambers, known from GRIP INC., was brought in as vocalist, and he fits the band's new image quite well. It's difficult for me to evaluate the quality of this material because I loved an entirely different Squealer, one where the intensity of speed metal coexisted with stunning power metal melodiousness. All of that is gone. And perhaps it was a mistake for the guys to keep a reference to the past in their name -- nothing of that past remains. For fans of old-school thrash, this album can be recommended without reservation, but for those who loved the band's former sound... it's still worth a listen. If only as a tribute to Andy Allendorfer, to whom this album is dedicated. P.S. The guys say that the style change was planned by Andy himself while he was still alive, and there seems to be no reason not to believe them... Yet somehow, it's precisely that belief that's lacking.
