Believer were formed in New York in early 1986 by Kurt Bachman and Joey Daub. Originally starting out playing a more melodic metal style they switched to thrash when "we realized that we could write thrash better than we could write anything else"- Bachman. Believer saw their share of controversy as many Christians had a problem with the fact that they wore "secular" band's t-shirts. They also did a lot of shows with acts such as Bolt Thrower and Sacrifice, causing even more controversy. Ironically Believer became very well received in the "secular" world, which gave ample opportunity to show people the Lord. They were also known for innovation. As a senior in high school, Bachman met Scott Laird, who was a first year music instructor. When it was time to record their first album, entitled 'Extraction From Mortality', they asked Laird to write and play the intro to the title track. They used violins and orchestral type arrangements. On the next two releases these elements were used and they brought in Scott's sister, Julianne Laird, a bona fide opera singer, and combined all this with thrash. These guys were way ahead of their time. Last heard Believer were working on some new material (around '94 or '95), not necessarily in the thrash style. However, nothing have been seen or heard, until it was announced in 2006 that 2 of the members were once again trying to belt something out.

EXTRACTION FROM MORTALITY (1989, 2007) METAL MIND (#75/2000)

Believer actually started out as a regular metal band, but found that they were better at writing thrash, so they changed styles! And that was a killer move, as 'Extraction From Mortality', the bands debut album, originally released on R.E.X. Records in 1989, is one of my all time favorite albums. Every song on this CD is phenomenal. The bands technical abilities are present here, but they are not as refined as is the case on latter album from Believer. The music is much more straight forward, and in-you-face. And I for one prefer 'Extraction From Mortality' over the 2 subsequent records. Delivering precise and blistering thrash metal, with a sharp and lethal guitar tone that will melt your face! Kurt's harsh vocals is another key feature in this bands overall sound. From the opening fake radio broadcast, and the church organ intro, to the relaxed ending of "Stress" (originally a bonus track on the initial CD release), this album never fails to amaze me.

I used to own the 2001 M8 re-release that included two bonus tracks. But I've replaced it with the 2007 Metal Mind reissue, with remastered sound. I own the bonus tracks from the M8 version on their respective original compilation albums. One thing that bugs me about the 2008 version is that there is no picket in the digi-pack cover to hold the actual booklet! Oh, and they could have added the bonus tracks to this reissue as well. But owning number 75 of the 2000 copies ever made, is a treat.

Killer tracks: All of them!!

Dave Baddorf, W Robertson, Kurt Bachman, Joey Daub

SANITY OBSCURE (1990, 2007) METAL MIND (#220/2000)

Believer went into a much more progressive style here, and 'Sanity Obscure, the bands second album, was for me much harder to get into than it's predecessor. I've owned this thing from when it was new, but it's only during the last couple of years that I've really started to enjoy it to the fullest. There is no denying that this is quality stuff!! Excellent technical progressive thrash metal, done in a way no other band have ever been close to. Just listen to the title track, and album opener. The way they make the song travel, going from thrash riffing, and then suddenly incorporating a second or 2 of an acoustic bit, only to return head first into the crushing thrash metal riffing with the greatest ease, is quite mind numbing. And the incorporation of orchestrations is another unique thing for Believer. At least back then. It certainly was inventive! And the guys in Believer are not ashamed to show which non-metal band has had the biggest influence on them. Because "Like A Song" is, something as obscure as, a thrash metal version of a U2 song!! I've replaced my Roadrunner original with the remastered reissue from Metal Mind.

Killer tracks: Sanity Obscure, Nonpoint, Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath)

DIMENSIONS (1993) R.E.X.

Believer's last album is certainly their most ambitious. What started with "Extraction From Mortality", evolved further with "Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath)", and now we get "Trilogy Of Knowledge". What I am talking about, is of course Believer's long, epic tracks (not sure epic is the right word, but you get the point). 'Dimension' is even harder to get into, than 'Sanity Obscure'. And I can't really seem to make friends with the album. Not yet anyway. I miss the style they had in the beginning, no frills thrash. I hear the good musicianship here as well, but I just don't like any of the songs enough to want to hit replay. Believer's weakest effort, in my opinion.

The alternative cover shown above is the Roadrunner version of this album. That is the one I used to own, before I sold it years ago.

Killer tracks: Trilogy Of Knowledge

Believer also appear on:  

V/A - 'East Coast Metal'

V/A - 'Metal Mission - The Sampler'

V/A - 'Classic Metal'

V/A - 'ARGH!!! The Official R.E.X. Sampler''