Epidemic of Violence


Epidemic of Violence is the second album by New York City thrash metal band Demolition Hammer. It was released in early 1992 to critical acclaim and is considered a cult classic in the thrash metal genre.
Epidemic of Violence uses a Michael Whelan painting for its cover artwork. In this case it was Lovecraft's Nightmare B. The first half of the painting, Lovecraft's Nightmare A was used for Obituary's Cause of Death.

Reception and legacy

In 2017, Loudwire placed Epidemic of Violence at #49 on their Top 50 Thrash Metal Albums list. Eduardo Rivadavia noted how Demolition Hammer managed to sustain their thrash metal sound during the rise of grunge, comparing them to other bands in the thrash genre who were going for a more commercial sound. Loudwire also named Epidemic of Violence the best thrash metal album of 1992, naming it a cult classic. On June 24, 2017, Demolition Hammer performed Epidemic of Violence in its entirety at the Gramercy Theater in New York City in celebration of the album's 25th anniversary.

Track listing

2008 re-release live bonus tracks

Credits