Viking was one of many thrash metal bands in California in the late 80's. The band was formed in Los Angeles in the spring of 1986 and held the same personnel until the band broke up in 1990. The band signed a record contract after completing their second live appearance and then went on to record two albums. The band actually had a six album deal with Metal Blade Records but since Ron and Matt has recently become Christian believers they felt that it would be best to leave the band.

MAN OF STRAW (1989, 2006) LOST AND FOUND

What a thrill to finally have this gem on a proper CD release! Viking's second effort has been one of the most sought after thrash metal CD's for many years now, obtaining hefty prices on eBay the few times it has appeared there. But now Lost And Found Records, under license from Metal Blade Records, have remastered it, added some interesting bonus material, and made it available to all fans once again. And I have to say that this is the way re-releases should be done; plenty of pictures, all the lyrics, and cool song-by-song liner notes. And the music? Well, this is some punishing thrash metal, with lots of speed, but also enough tempo changes to keep it interesting. Can you imagine a mixture of Exodus, Testament, Vio-Lence and Slayer? There are no real stand out cuts here, but rather the entire album is very good. It also helps to have a distinct thrash metal sound and production. Viking should have become a big band in their genre, but called it quits shortly after this release. A third album was in the making, but it never got released. Ron Eriksen and Matt Jordan became Christians only 4 months prior to recording third album, and some of the lyrics was rewritten to better suit their new beliefs. I can also imagine that the lyrics on their first album is the reason why 'Do Or Die' have yet to se a release on CD. "Hell Is For Children" is a cover of a Pat Benatar song. Brett Eriksen went on to join Dark Angel.

Killer tracks: All of them.

Related artists:

Dark Angel