The first time I heard Stalag 13, it was a demo track on a compilation CD full of raw, fast, abrasive HC punk bands... a great song that stood out as a killer Straight Edge anthem called "In Control."
Well, this album here, reisued for the first time in... sheesh, years, I don't know, though it's been bootlegged tons of times, is a lot different. This has some of the best, cleanest, beefiest production of any of the Nardcore bands.
The band's earlier material tended to be on the sloppy and raw side, but on "In Control," a real studio and more complex songwriting really brought Stalag 13 into their own. Sounding a bit more like a New York HC band (a more simple YOT, for example) in places than a SoCal band, Stalag tears through their tracks with viciousness and technical prowess.
This is almost TOO clean for me. I'm a fan of the RAW side of HC, and Stalag is pretty well-cooked on this album. However, some great songs more than make up for it. A great idea for an official reissue. Good job, Dr. Strange.