2011, Overall this is really classic Speed/Thrash, Exciter-style, without sounding exactly like Dan Beehlers former band, but close enough to bring their legions of fans on board. When it's not blazingly fast, it's really heavy, the combination of Dan's drumming and the heavy guitars being a lethal combination of sheer heaviness that reminds of the good old days. The guitar playing is not as remarkable as what Ricci did and still does, but the guitarists here certainly deliver the speed and heaviness required for the style. MESSAGES TO THE DEAD marks the official return of one of Heavy Metal's greats, and it's one hell of a slab of old school Speed/Thrash that doesn't disappoint.