Turbo-One Way

Metal Mind
1992/2009

One of Poland's premier metal bands, Turbo had been going for over decade when they released "One way". After this they would surprisingly call it quits before reforming almost a decade later although a number of compilations would be released during the time when this were out of action. This band had started in the early 1980's playing a classic style of metal somewhat similar to early Iron Maiden, but they would soon switch gears and adapt a more thrash approach to their music. Indeed by this album they were full into a an American thrash sound similar to the likes of Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, post-crossover DRI and others. Turbo had their chops down and knew how to push forward. I can't deny that"One Way" is good thrash metal. The pace is brisk and the vocals are fittingly rough.However even by 1992 standards this album is a little dated and even one dimensional. If I had heard it without knowing the release date I would have guessed 1988 or 1989. It's quite possible that the band was running short on ideas by this point. It's a shame that they didn't exist for so long after this, but perhaps they needed time to recharge their batteries and they would return with the quite good "Awatar". This re-issue includes a lyric booklet.

Turbo-Awatar

Metal Mind
2001/2009



There have been several bands going by the name Turbo, but this Turbo hail from Poland and formed way back in 1980. They started out with a classic metal style, but quickly switched to thrash and stuck with that sound until they broke up in the early 90's. Almost a decade later they reformed and this was the first album after reuniting. Right away it's obvious that they chose to mainly skip the thrash style and go for a more mid-paced classic metal style which is actually closer to their roots. At times they remind me of John Bush-era Anthrax only with an even thicker sound and stronger bass lines. I know that some fans didn't openly embrace this album because of the change in style, but quite honestly they handle it very well. It's direct, heavy and to the point. Hearing this now it's a shame I didn't hear it when it first came out. It's also quite possible that Turbo are underrated for sure. Not everyone handles different styles well, but these guys are highly capable of handing differnt sounds. Even though it's primarily straigh metal here there are a few thrash moments tossed in for good measure. This re-issue includes four bonus tracks. Two of the four are cover tracks and they do a fantastic job of putting their own brand onto Deep Purple's "Burn" and Dio-era Sabbath's "Neon Knights". A fine album and a good job on the re-issue as well.