Fatal Influence Show Information

Snakepit Magazine: Aug. 1999
(Europe)

"Florida's Metal diversity shines with this five-piece out of Orlando. FATAL INFLUENCE, who have put out an explosive thrash attack on this 4 song CD. Emphasis on THRASH- not the Power Groove trend that PANTERA begat and has infected American acts like the plague, but the Bay Area bashing a la EXODUS, FORBIDDEN and the rumbling bass/rhythm strike associated from East Coast pioneers OVERKILL. Each song clocks between 4-6 minutes featuring an assortment of mid-tempo and speed riffs, longer solo sections (which Jason Woods excels at tasty melodic fretwork) and an intensity that brings back the great feelings of the early Thrash times. Lyrically FATAL INFLUENCE tackle social ills from technological burdens on humanity in "Shades of Grey" to the struggle of life in "Visions of Decay"- all are intelligent subject matter for the listener to grab on to.... Overall "World Unbalanced" succeeds in not succumbing to fashionable trends and sticking to pure, pissed off Thrash that will gain many followers. Recommendable to all..."

Metal Maniacs Magazine: June 1999
(International)

"...Fatal Influence is a band not afraid to wear its '80s influences on its collective sleeve, and that's rarely a bad thing. The quintet plays speedy thrash with a touch of grove, the sort where tempos will be switched at least five times in each song, and it must be said that the performance is tight and keeps the listener challenged. Vocally, Jon Cole has a harsher delivery than most bands of this ilk, sharing some similarities with the likes of Phil Anselmo, with a bit of James Hetfield's vocal grit thrown in. And when it comes to more scorching tracks like "Visions of Decay" with its fast Slayeresque riffing approach, the adrenaline turns up yet another notch...."

Vae Solis webmagazine: June 1999
(Germany)

FATAL INFLUENCE “World Unbalanced” Migraine Records rating: 5, 5 of 6

"In fact, this CD really surprised me! You see, I just didn’t expect to
see a band playing such splendid thrash metal nowadays. The music
stays highly attractive. It’s very powerful in terms of production, as
well as perfect when it comes to performance. This MCD doesn’t
feature any hackneyed ‘ala thrash metal’ stuff (which is very popular
now, I believe), no, it’s rather complicated though extremely brutal
thrash, in the same time very well throughout, with brilliantly crafted
structures and harmonies. Also, there’re two more interesting facts
here to mention: firstly, three guys out of seven are brothers (singer,
guitarist and drummer) and, what’s rather strange (and once again
reminds me of METAL CHURCH), the songs are quite long. Anyway,
this is highly recommended!
P. S. “Darkness (Red Death)” and “Infanticide” are the best tracks here…
[Herr Stalhammar] "

Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles Magazine: April 1999

"The three Cole brothers on vocals, guitars and drums make
Fatal Influence a family business. Along with guitarist J. Woods
& B. Carr on bass, F.I. are a brilliant young band. Taking the
early thrash styles of Metallica, Megadeth, & Testament and
bringing them up to date in '99 is no easy task. "Darkness
(Red Death)" sounds as fresh and vital today as "Seek & Destroy"
did back in '83. Innovative, exciting & technically proficient, this
four song EP kicks you in the head with a mighty metal boot.
The bay area was obviously a big influence but originality
screams forth in an aggressive, sonic assault."

Buzz Magazine: December 1998

"Old School Overkill! But the singer, Jon, isn't annoying like
Bobby Blitz. This CD has me thinking about the old days,
back in high school, waiting to see my favorite bands live.
I checked these guys out when they played live at the
"Underground Madness" show, and they were great. My
favorite track, off of their 4 track CD, is "Infanticide". It
starts off sounding almost 'Deicide-ish'. This is the heaviest
track on the CD.

Metal Brothers Unite!! They've got a great website too. You
can hear bits from each track over the computer.
www.fatalinfluence.net or contact them."

Connections Magazine: September 1998
(5 Stars)

"4 tracks of sonically explosive metal mayhem that thrash with
the best of 'em. Available at all Orlando Peaches locations, this
CD/EP is a must-have for fans of Slayer, Overkill, early Megadeth
and early Metallica. Rabid vocals and furious riffs throughout.
You won't be disappointed." * * * * *