Pain of Mind is the first album of Neurosis, one of the most interesting band in the Sludge Metal’s scene, even if it is perhaps too simplistic define their sound “only” Sludge.

This recording, that introduces us to the band’s origins, is a beautiful Punk Hardcore piece. Although heavily influenced by Black Flag,  Discharge and the Californian punk in general, it has also the force to go beyond itself resulting totally personal and not simply a copy of the sacred monsters above mentioned.

In addition to the noted influences from the biggest hardcore bands, the Californian group has drawn their sound from other sources, feature that will become increasingly evident in Neurosis’ sound evolution throughout their career and that will lead them to develop numerous side projects, making them what is today one of the best band in circulation.

In any case if you love Hardcore Punk this album is definitely for you, but I wanna suggested to everybody in order to understand the path pursued by this excellent band.

A must have.

Mario (maggio 2007)        translation by Barbara Burgio

Pain of mind uscì in origine per la Alchemy Records, fu poi ristampato dalla Alternative Tentacles di Jello Biafra nel 1994 ed infine è stato ristampato nel 2000 dalla Neurot Recordings che è la casa discografica fondata dai Neurosis.

Tracks:

1. “Pain of Mind” 

2. “Self-Taught Infection” 

3. “Reasons To Hide” 

4. “Black” 

5. “Training” 

6. “Progress” 

7. “Stalemate” 

8. “Bury What’s Dead” 

9. “Geneticide” 

10. “Ingrown”   

11. “United Sheep” 

12. “Dominoes Fall” 

13. “Life On Your Knees” 

14. “Grey”