Blind Illusion-The Sane asylum

Metal Mind
1988/2010

The Bay area's Blind Illusion formed back in 1979 and went through different style changes before eventually settling on thrash.The band went through numerous line-up changes too as vocalist/guitarist Mark Biedermann was the only long term member left by the time they recorded the Sane Asylum. Joining Biederman for this album was bassist Les Claypool before his Primus fame, guitarist Larry LaLonde after Possessed and before Primus plus drummer Mike Miner. Even though Blind Illusion had formed before most other thrash bands their album came out at a time when the thrash movement was in full swing and many other Bay Area bands had already released albums. Still that didn't matter because it was instantly obvious that this was not just another thrash act trying to cash in on the rising trend. The album uses thrash riffs, but the straight ahead gallops are mixed in with various other pieces and the approach has different levels rather than just one speed. As a whole thrash in 1988 wasn't seeing a great deal of growth, but this was one band who were right away showing that the genre could be expanded upon. I first heard this album the year it came out and it took me a few spins to get into it because I was big on the charge ahead type of thrash. This album had more to give you just had to listen a little longer to soak it all in. Unfortunately the new re-issue doesn't have any bonus tracks and has the same packaging as the vinyl. On the other hand it's good to see it on an affordable CD. Also the music holds up very well twenty-two years later. Reportedly the band was working on an album around 1989 called "The Medicine Show" apparently also featuring Claypool and LaLonde as well as Biederman, but it was never released. The band just released "Demon Master" this month. I have not heard it yet, but need to. So for those new to the band you can now check out the re-issue of the debut and their recently released and long awaited sophomore release.