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"Headbanger's Open Air"

DETÈNTE played finally in Europe with a nearly original line-up; nearly ofcourse because original singer Dawn Crosby died years ago (in 1996, due to a acute liver failure). The band found a replacement in Ann Boleyn (ex-Hellion). Ann was doing a good job even if she doesn't fit in perfectly. Why? Ann's voice is much more melodic than Dawn's voice ever was. Still they convinced me live and I have to be honest that they could have picked out a worse substitute for Dawn! Personally I didn't expect to much of this reunion but I was positive surprised by the band musicianship and Ann's performance! Some of the songs from their setlist: "Holy War', 'It's Your Fate', 'Life is Pain', 'Vultures In The Sky'. Good show!!
- Metal Mania


"DETENTE Decline Germany in German"

DETENTE waren eine der ersten Bands, die 1986 mit "Recognize No Authority" eine bis dahin nicht bekannten Mischmasch aus Punk, Hardcore und Thrash mit extremem, weiblichem Gesang und sozialkritisch/politischen Lyrics veröffentlichten. Sängerin Dawn Cosby gründete nach der Auflösung von DETENTE einen weiteren Kultact: FEAR OF GOD.
Doch zurück zu Lück ähm ich meine zu DETENTE. Das Album bietet einen knalligen Trashmetal Bastard, brutal, wütend und entsprechend fett produziert. Die größte Erneuerung dürfte die neue Sängerin Tiina Teal sein. Diese ersetzt Ann Boleyn (Ex-HELLION), die noch vor kurzem bei der Band das Mikro schwang. Eine gute Entscheidung, denn Tiina macht da weiter wo einst Dawn aufhörte. Ihre Stimme ist genauso abgefuckt wie die Originalstimme. Man höre nur „Degradation Machine“, FEAR OF GOD lassen grüßen!
Es wird eine gnadenlos angepisste Stimmung verbreitet, das Album reiht einen Knallersong an den Nächsten, macht keine Gefangenen und dürfte sowohl die Old School-Fraktion als auch jüngere Fans modernerer Hardcore-Attacken (nicht Metalcore!) zufrieden stellen bis begeistern. Das Manko des Albums ist allerdings die unverschämte Spieldauer noch unter der „Reign In Blood-Grenze“. Wen das nicht stört, kann bedenkenlos zugreifen.



Ralf, 10 Punkte
- Ancient Spirit


"Recognize No Authority"

Recognize No Authority
Roadrunner/Cognitive
Actual thrash metal from 1986Given my undisguised fondness for all things red-capped, it must have been with the email equivalent of a chuckle, on both ends, that I was assigned to review this reissue of a lone album by a little-known, but apparently cultishly-appreciated mid ’80s thrash metal band, featuring on guitars none other than Ross Robinson. Funnier still then, that there’s more of what you’d correctly identify as straight-up, no-bullshit, t*gasp*r00 thrash metal here than anything a major’s put out since metal became the I-is-truer-than-you-is competition it is today.

Sure enough, they all look like girls on the back—Robinson’s a spitting image of Mustaine—and singer Dawn Crosby (later in Fear of God, then dead of liver failure in 1996) actually is female, thus genetically entitled to raspingly scream her lungs out like she has no balls, but plenty of balls, if you know what I mean. Musically, Recognize No Authority, all 34 and a half minutes of it, is full-on thrash with lashings of punk sauce, chugging away to the likes of Exodus, Sodom and Kreator, and notable mostly for its consistent, rewardingly adrenalized “they’re coming to get us” or “we’re going to get them”—it’s never really clear, or important—ominous Cold War march into nuclear meltdown, rather than any particular stylistic quirk. In other words, this reissue is one for the kind of people who braved the cold to check out Hirax on their latest comeback tour, as much as for Trivium fans entitled to a taste of the real thing for once. A minor victory for true metal from the man who helped make the Infredible D a household name? What can the world be coming to? —Daniel Lukes
- Decibel Magazine June 07


"Recognize No Authority"

This album is a re-issue originally released 1986. Unlike many re-issues that have been re-mixed, re-mastered or even re-recorded, “Recognize No Authority” was not altered in any way from its original release.

For those not familiar with Détente (eventually renamed Fear Of God), they defined 80’s thrash metal. If you close your eyes while listening you can see the ripped acid jeans, huge teased manes head banging, and classic flying V guitars.

What made Détente different from any other thrash band circa 1986? Female vocals. Dawn Crosby was one freakin’ awesome screaming chick. And she was hot, in a tear your face off and feed your entrails to the wolves kinda way.

Détente had the art of thrash under their mesmerizing control. Blazing fast and piercing: piercing vocals, piercing guitar work, and piercing lyrics. If for some reason you didn’t get one in 1986, go out and get a copy today.


Key Tracks: Catalepsy, Blood I Bleed, It’s Your Fate

Reviewed by Dan Walter
- 1340 Mag


"Thrash is back"

I picked this up as a semi-blind purchase ("semi" because I first checked out a 30-seconds sample on The End Records' web shop.) Well it turns out the album lives up to the sample. This is lo-fi thrash from the mid-80s, with female vocals that have nothing to envy most male vocalists - very aggressive, raspy and screamy style that fits this catchy, fast-paced thrash perfectly. The songs sound a bit disorderly at times, but I like my thrash to be somewhat on the messy side. Worth noting is Ross Robinson on guitar. That's right, that guy who would later become a well-known nu-metal producer. The good news is that back then he didn't cater to the suck and serves us with some wickedly good solos, and the riffage to go along with them. This is not an album for a quiet Sunday afternoon - when it's not fast, it's crushingly heavy and if like me you tend to tap your foot following the beat of a song, you're in for a damn good workout.

"Recognize No Authority" is not exactly earth-shattering material, but it has aged pretty well and is still enjoyable nearly 21 years after its release. If you like unpolished thrash, this one's for you.

Web site: www.detenterna.com

- Metal Crypt


"DÉTENTE - Recognize No Authority"

Roughly a generation before vocalists Angela Gossow and Rachel Heyzer pushed the extremity envelope in metal, Détente emerged from the obscurity of the 1980's L.A. scene with a thick, punishing slab of vitriol, Recognize No Authority.

Although the presentation on this album is undoubtedly metallic, Détente adopted the ferocity of their city's punk scene and made it their own. Their riffing shared some similarities with early Slayer's Judas Priest worship, and the song writing was dynamic enough to allow for pounding, headbanging passages while retaining a good element of technicality. However, the most notable element was vocalist Dawn Crosby. Her voice, although heavily effects-laden on this album, is a unique mixture of Lemmy's rasp and King Diamond's declining wails (without the falsetto). Her like has not been seen since (Crosby died of liver disease in 1996).

The production by Dana Strum (then of Vinnie Vincent Invasion) is an additional asset to this record, because each instrument comes through so powerfully in the mix, it could hold up as a "how-to" lesson for recording metal. Cuts such as "It's Your Fate," "Holy Wars," and "Losers" are notably anthemic with their repeated backing growls and jagged syncopation. They occasionally toy with brief samples on "Russian Roulette," "Widows Walk," and the album's closer, "Vultures in the Sky," but only by way of introduction. The results are more haunting than obtrusive, and lend a uniquely narrative element to the music.

Recognize No Authority received favorable press, most notably from then-relevant British magazine "Kerrang!," and although Détente were obvious contenders in the burgeoning American thrash metal scene, they were plagued by terrible fortune. Apparent friction between founding member Crosby and her bandmates (Guitarist Ross Robinson went on to produce the likes of Korn and Slipknot) crippled the band in mid-stride. An alleged act of sabotage had taken place, whereby Détente had tried to record the song "Vultures in the Sky" with a different singer. Who knows what they had hoped to accomplish with that cabal (melodic vocals? fie!), but it amounted to nothing but the destruction of this promising band. It's quite a shame, because although Recognize No Authority stands out as a crown jewel in Roadrunner's back catalog, it has been out of print for years. But it is worth adding to your fetish list on eBay.
- Maelstrom


"Detente - Recognize No Authority (9,5/10) - USA - 1986/1990"

The only album by Thrashers DÉTENTE, „Recognize No Authority“, never received the attention it deserved. This band was formed in 1984 in L.A. and released its debut on Roadrunner Records two years later. What was special about DÉTENTE was the fact that there was a woman behind the mic in Dawn Crosby. There weren’t a lot women in Thrash Metal, and I can’t think of too many of them except for Sabina Classen (whom Dawn Crosby was friends with) and maybe Lynda (Tam) Simpson of England’s SACRILEGE.



Anyway, let’s go on to the music. DÉTENTE offered Thrash with class, there’s no other way to describe it. The songs batter you like a sea storm, yet they offer a good deal of really cool breaks and tempo changes. This can best be heard on the neat instrumental “Catalepsy”. The straight, fast guitar assaults often remind me of early WHIPLASH, even though they are somewhat less accessible. That’s why the music stays more interesting, though. And the guitar department knew how to create lots of mighty riff mountains, that’s for sure! Add to this the furious, impeaching voice of Dawn and you have another underground classic that still deserves your attention, especially as the CD version has been reissued and re-mastered for the third time by Cognitive Records, among others.


Disagreements would soon cause the band to split up, the follow-up combo CATALEPSY of bassist Steve Hochheiser and guitarist Ross Robinson failed. DÉTENTE didn’t stay alive for too long either with new members (Ex-ABATTOIR guitarist Mike Carlino, among others). Afterwards, Dawn Crosby formed FEAR OD GOD, which she released two albums with, though she is not among the living anymore. Rest in peace, dear Dawn!

- The Metal Oberver


"DETENTE Decline"

I was exposed to Détente in a roundabout way. To be honest, I hadn’t known about the band until 2007. I happened to be looking something up on Dawn Crosby, and saw that not only was she in a band prior to Fear of God, but that the release was being reissued. That was Détente’s Recognize No Authority. I went on to review that album, which originally appeared in 1986. Here was a great thrash release with the added unusual factor of a female lead signer. Female vocalists (or musicians, for that matter) in this style of music were few and far between. They still are, as a matter of fact. Since I was hearing it for the first time in 2007, Recognize No Authority sounded to me nearly like a time capsule. This is one of the albums I should’ve gotten back in the day when I first got into thrash.

Now I know it’s not totally on target to compare Decline with Recognize No Authority and the two Fear of God albums, Within the Veil and Toxic Voodoo (because Fear of God didn’t have members of Détente), but I will just for the sake of a comparison of the new vocalist for Détente, Tiina Teal (the double “i” indicative of a Finnish name, but still pronounced “Tina”). Recognize No Authority was a very good thrash release. Fear of God’s Within the Veil, which was how I first heard Dawn Crosby, was a lot more metal, yet a favorite album of mine with the ghostly overlay of vocals. Toxic Voodoo had Dawn Crosby almost sounding like death metal. Gone (sadly) were the banshee-like vocals.

Détente seemed to be on the lookout for a new vocalist around the time of the re-release of their 1986 debut. They did some shows with Ann Boleyn of Hellion, another 80’s metal band with a female vocalist. In the end, though, they went with Tiina Teal, who more than comfortably fills the role as a powerful lead vocalist. And based off the descriptions above, if you were to chart where Decline falls, it’s definitely on the harder side. There’s some old school pounding thrash, as well as a bit of nearly death metal riffing and grooves. If you liked the harder edge that Testament got at the close of the 90’s, this one’s for you.

The more I listened to the album, I was trying to isolate what other styles were at play. It’s no wonder Bill Metoyer produced this one alongside the band. Bill has also produced albums by Slayer, D.R.I., and Scared Reich, among others. We’re talking music in the same ballpark. In a time when this style of music isn’t being played as much, it’s refreshing to hear it done, and done well. With Tiina’s vocals, it’s also fresh. I tried to imagine how it would sound with a male singer as vocalist… very competent, but not as good as it sounds with her at the helm, growling and shouting the lyrics. And by the way, Decline provides another nice throwback to a time when bands actually wrote songs about societal issues.

As for standout tracks, the release starts on an intense note, with “In God We Trust.” My personal favorites are “Genocide” (I love the pause between, “genocide!…. of my kind!”) and “Degradation Machine,” the latter of which is the only moment where Decline goes a bit soft, with its acoustic intro and outro. One thing I’d like to hear more of is Tiina ghostly overlapping or harmonizing her voice. That’s something that Dawn Crosby did, which sounded quite interesting. Tiina does it on two occasions, a little on “Degradation Machine,” and also a bit on the closing track, “Ashes.”

In an era where overkill and cramming releases full of b-side tracks has become the norm, Decline also goes old school by issuing a tight album of 8 songs at a little over 35 minutes. Well, there is a hidden track, which I’m not particularly a fan of, because ultimately, those tracks get less mileage, because you just don’t always want to fast forward your CD to the hidden goodie. All and all, though, fans of 80’s and early 90’s thrash, hardcore, and death metal will enjoy this one, and thumbs up to the guys in Détente, original members, for finding a powerful female voice for this very good release.


the Professor's Grade: B+

- Audio Tavern


"DETENTE Decline"

Fans of 80's thrash metal may have to dig deep into their black memories to remember thrash pioneers Detente from Los Angeles. Detente's approach had some novelty with a female lead singer Dawn Crosby (d. 1996), who could shred her lungs every night, nuances of punk, and lyrics focused more on sociopolitical commentary rather than lust and hate. Their seminal, and only, recording Recognize No Authority is an obscure, but underground thrash favorite among connoisseurs (currently re-released). Following the reissue of this classic, the band returned to the studio with new vocalist Tiina Teal to record Decline.

True to their roots, Decline revives Detente vigorous thrash/punk style. Teal's screaming vocals are matched equally by a breathless pace and blistering, finger bleeding guitar solos. Additionally, listen for some expressive bass lines on Predator and Kill Rush. Never to be pigeon-holed Degradation Machine underscores the thrash with some classic 80's heavy metal. The single flaw, however, is that the work is too short with only eight songs. Nevertheless, if you're a longtime fan of thrash metal's roots or simply want to discover the heart and soul of the genre from its earliest days, then you should put Detente's Decline on your recommended listening list.



- Dangerdog


"DETENTE Decline Netherlands in English"

DÉTENTE was formed in 1985 by vocalist Dawn Crosby, drummer Dennis Butler, guitarists Ross Robinson, and bassist Steve Hochheiser, with the addition of guitarist Caleb Quinn the line-up was set. The group was becoming a favorite with fanzines around the world and such notable publications as Kerrang and Rock Hard and also began garnering much attention on various college radio programs quickly catching the attention of the various labels including Combat, Music for Nations, Metal Blade Records, and Roadrunner. After signing their record deal with Roadrunner, DÉTENTE recorded “Recognize No Authority” a classic masterpiece in its genre! Instead of the typical lust and hate lyrics that were offered by many of the 80's thrash metal bands DÉTENTE focused on the political and social edge of metal and searched for meaning by asking unpopular questions. Sales where good in Europe but the band was licensed to Metal Blade in the USA where virtually no marketing was put into the album; resulting in weak sales. DÉTENTE plays a few more gigs, ending with a show at the Country Club in Reseda. Then the band decides to take a break. In 2007 after the successful reissue of “Recognize No Authority” the band reformed and continues to play live and write new material. I had the luck to see Dawn Crosby live once with her band Fear of God but as far as I know she never played with Détente in Europe. Dawn Crosby died of liver failure from substance abuse in 1996.
A few years ago I, again, had the luck to see the band finally at the mighty Headbangers Open Air in Germany with Hellion vocalist Ann Boleyn. They gave an incredible show that day! Now, after again 2 years, Détente is back with a new singer named Tinna Teal. At the end op April 2010 I saw the band at our local metal pub Little Devil in Tilburg, The Netherlands. My expectations where very high and I have to be honest when I say that I was a bit disappointed that evening. Tinna was not singing that bad but her stage performance didn't look very professional. Nevertheless bassplayer Steve Hochheiser gave me their latest release for reviewing on MMM. Well, here it's finally is! Luckily I was shocked positive by the first notes of the band; musically the band stays true to it roots and on CD Tinna sounds very aggressive even if her sound is more modern than Dawn's voice ever was. The album is full of crossover metal with a few modern thrash influences. Personal fav. songs are; “In God we Trust”, “Predator”, “Decline” and the remake of “Blood I Bleed” as a hidden track. The only weak song on this album is to my opinion “Degradation Machine” which sounds to boring. Nevertheless a well produced (by legendary Bill Metoyer) album with a lot of energy!! Check them out; even if you didn't like the older stuff of the band…..good album! - Mario's Metal Mania


"DETENTE Decline Germany in German"

Adrenalinkick Deluxe. Mit Frauenpower.

Hier haben wir das neue Album der Semi-Legende DETENTE vorliegen, welche anno 1986 mit "Recognize No Authority" eine bis dahin ungekannte Mischung aus Punk, Hardcore und Thrash heruas brachte. Neben der extrem ruppigen Musik und den sehr sozialkritischen Texten, fiel die Band natürlich in erster Linie durch ihre sehr extreme Frontfrau auf: Dawn Crosby hatte ein extreme Stimme, eine mehr als extreme Stageshow und wohl auch einen sehr extremem Lebenswandel. So extrem, dass sie am 15.12.1996 leider aufgrund eines Leberversagens verstarb. Ein herber Verlust für die Musikwelt. Und genau dieser offensichtlich sehr extreme Background, führte in ihrem Fall auch zu extremer Musik. Aus musikhistorischer Sicht wird man später sicherlich mehr über den Gitarristen Ross Robinson reden, da dieser unter anderem SEPULTURA, LIMP BIZKIT, SOULFLY und natürlich SLIPKNOT produziert hat und damit maßgeblich am Nu-Metal-Sound "schuld" ist. Aber lassen wir das.

Er ist auch der einzige, der sich nicht an der Reunion beteiligt, bei der die ehemalige HELLION-Sängerin Ann Boleyn eine recht amtliche Figur hinterm Mikro abgibt. Sie versucht erst gar nicht, Dawn Crosby zu imitieren und bekommt es hin, die alten Klassiker gesanglich mehr als ordentlich darzubieten. Auf dem neuen Album aber singt mit Tiina Teal eine völlig unbekannte Dame. Bereits das geschrieene Intro macht aber klar, dass Tiina mehr als passend für DETENTE ist. Sie klingt wütend und angepisst. Erinnerungen an Dawn werden wach. Aber auch musikalisch lassen die alten Herren nichts anbrennen. In etwa dreißig Minuten wird der Hörer akustisch zuerst vermöbelt, nur um danach wieder mit Adrenalin voll gepumpt zu werden. Eine Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle. Saftige Gitarren hacken rasierklingenscharfe Riffs in die Hörmuscheln, ohne dabei eine Sekunde lang stumpf zu wirken. Das ist wie ein Chili Con Carne: Feurig, würzig, heiß und scharf. Dazu knarzt ein amtlich pumpender Bass die ganze Zeit Stakkato-Rhythmen als Sockel auf die Festplatte und der Ex-Mann von Dawn hackt dazu hektisch klug taktierte Beats in seine Percussionsmaschienerie. Dabei sitze ich unterm Kopfhörer und wippe zuerst mit dem Finger, bevor ich mit der ganzen Hand auf der Tischplatte herum klopfe. Bei 'Kill Rush' rotiert dann der Schädel. Was für ein Monster! Danach ist man eigentlich schon platt – zumindest in meinem Alter – aber DETENTE legen mit 'Degradation Machine' noch ein paar Schaufeln drauf. Nicht in Sachen Geschwindigkeit, sondern in Sachen Emotionalität. Hier beweist Tiina ihre wahren Gesangsqualitäten, denn in den mystisch ruhigen Momenten erzeugt sie bei mir ähnliche Schauer wie Dawn auf der ersten FEAR Of GOD. Und Klampfer Caleb Quinn hat sie immer noch im Ärmel, diese Gitarrenstrudel, die den Hörer ins unendliche Nichts saugen. Man ist beinahe hilflos, so magisch anziehend ist dieser Song. Unfassbar.

Bei 'Genocide' muss ich kurz schmunzeln, denn hier gibt es am Anfang ein schönes Zitat als Tribut an die alten Zeiten. Toll. Das abschließende 'Ashes' hinterlässt mich innerlich aufgewühlt, körperlich ausgelaugt, aber glücklich. Denn: DETENTE ist mit diesem Album mehr als würdig zurückgekehrt und ich hoffe, dass die Band nun endlich die Beachtung bekommt, die ihr seit zwei Dekaden zusteht. Killerteil.



Note: 9.0 / 10
Holger Andrae, 15.5.2010 - Powermetal.de


"DETENTE Decline Italy in Italian"

La reunion dei Détente è nata quasi per gioco, a seguito della decisione di ristampare il classico Recognize No Authority e di salire sul palco per un paio di live, tanto per vedere che effetto faceva ritrovarsi insieme dopo il burrascoso scioglimento e la tragica scomparsa di Dawn Crosby.

Da quelle date è nata la voglia di ritrovarsi anche in sala prove e di scrivere nuovi brani, ben consci del pressoché nullo appeal commerciale di una formazione che suona thrash virato hardcore (ma non bandana thrash) e tratta scomode tematiche socio-politiche. Piuttosto, le motivazioni vanno cercate nella voglia di portare a termine qualcosa di interrotto ormai troppi anni fa, schiacciato dai problemi e dalla prematura scomparsa della cantante. Per questo Decline, nel bene o nel male non va considerato il classico reunion album per batter cassa (quale cassa?) o per riappropriarsi di una fama ormai dimenticata (i Détente non hanno mai riscosso il dovuto e sono sempre stati una formazione di nicchia). Questo, in breve, il biglietto da visita del parto dei nuovi Détente, con tre quinti della formazione originale (mancano Ross Robinson e, per ovvi motivi, Dawn) e la cantante Tiina Teal a portare su di sé il peso di una posizione a dir poco scomoda. Decline è la perfetta via di mezzo tra il classico stile del debutto e la voglia di proseguirne in maniera attuale il discorso, senza tentare la facile carta del Recognize No Authority II: il songwriting porta impressa a chiare lettere la firma dei suoi artefici, ma è anche influenzato dalla personalità di Tiina, che con la sua voce sa alternare il rispetto dovuto alla cantante scomparsa e al suo stile con fondamentali digressioni nel proprio universo personale. I brani sono rasoiate thrash di chiara scuola anni Ottanta, seppure non impermeabili alla necessità di attualizzarne la portata e, al contempo, ben lontane da patetici tentativi di suonare come dei quindicenni “alla moda”. Da questi elementi nasce un lavoro onesto e diretto, incazzato al punto giusto e, soprattutto, segnato da testi fortemente critici nei confronti dell’attuale società americana (e mondiale), un deserto in cui potere politico e interessi commerciali vanno sempre più a braccetto, tanto da schiacciare ogni principio etico o morale di sorta. Si potrà obbiettare che, in fondo, si tratta dell’ennesima reunion di un nome storico degli anni Ottanta e che a pensar male si fa sempre bene, ma per questo rimandiamo a quanto detto dai Détente in sede di intervista. In fondo, ciascuno può giudicare per proprio conto.



A cura di: Michele Giorgi [michele.giorgi@audiodrome.it]

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Gruppo: Détente
Titolo: Decline
Label: Cognitive
Distribuzione: Frontiers
Anno: 2010

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Voto: 4/5 - Audiodrome


"DETENTE Decline"

Detente returns after a two decade break with an extremely ferocious comeback! Fronted by new member Tiina Teal, Detente is as strong as ever. This is what all female fronted thrash metal bands should sound like, Tiina does such a great job displaying her vocal chops with this release, she is definitely the highlight of this album. The albums got a handful of tasty riffs but nothing mind blowing. The production is pretty killer, the raw feeling is very evident but doesn't get in the way at all. One of my new favorite 2010 releases, Detente's "Decline" presents itself as a raw and ferocious compilation of pure thrash. - Savage Thrash Attack


"DETENTE In God We Trust selected a Decibel Clip of the Month August 2010"

The video for In God We Trust has been selected a Decibel Clip of the Month for August - Decibel Magazine


"DETENTE Decline"

Decline is DÉTENTE's third release since their debut "Recognize No Authority" in 1986 followed by "History 1" (original DÉTENTE demo, as well as a Catalepsy demo) in 2008. Decline picks up where "RNA" left off, now fronted by vocalist Tiina Teal, Decline is every bit as politically charged as "RNA" and this album is being released just in time to coincide with a time when we (as Americans) should all be voicing our "concerns" with our big business run government. The first Track "In God we Trust" pretty much sums up the current state of the country. You can view the video for "In God We Trust" below.

Now I have been rambling on about political views, what you have to understand if you're not familiar with DÉTENTE, is that while you'll find them listed all over the internet as a Thrash band, I have always considered them as more of a crossover band, while it is Thrash, there is also a very strong punk mentality behind a lot of what DÉTENTE does musically, not to mention their DIY attitude.

My understanding is that Teal was pretty much auditioned in the studio for this album and she has done an excellent job. For those of you who are DÉTENTE "purists", and refuse to listen because it's not Dawn Crosby (I know you're out there, I've seen you), you're missing out. I'm not going to attempt to compare their styles, similarities, or differences. I will only say Teal's style fits just as perfectly as Crosby's ever did. Teal unleashes hell with every shredding syllable.


Dennis Butler (Drums) and Steve Hochheiser (Bass) provide a strong backbone throughout the entire album, with Hochheiser providing some catchy "oldschool" galloping basslines as well.

Caleb Quinn (Guitars) is still riffing like a mad man, and showcasing solid leads without going too over the top with them, which I personally appreciate, I have never understood, or been a fan of never ending "squeals and dive bombs".

All in all, this is a great album in the vein of old school thrash / crossover, some of my personal favorite tracks include "In God We Trust" "Predator" "Decline" "Kill Rush"... you know what? Fuck it, I love the whole album.

- Metal Assualt Radio


Discography

Music

Widow's Walk- Metal Massacre 7
Recognize No Authority -1986: Reissued 1990, 2000, 2006
Best of Metal Blade 2
History of DETENTE 1
Decline

Books

Punk is Dead: Punk is Everything
New Wave of American Metal
Thrash

Photos

Bio

DETENTE was formed in 1985 by vocalist Dawn Crosby, drummer Dennis Butler, guitarist Ross Robinson and bassist Steve Hochheiser. Upon the addition of guitarist Caleb Quinn, the classic DÉTENTE line-up was set. The group recorded a demo which included the very popular songs “Widow’s Walk” and “Holy War” while working the clubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Here they played with such bands as D.R.I., Corrosion Of Conformity, Legacy (Testament), Vio-lence, Megadeth, Dark Angel and many others. During this period, the band quickly became a favorite with fanzines around the world, including notable publications Kerrang and Rock Hard. They also began garnering much attention on various college radio programs, which caught the attention of record labels like Combat, Music For Nations, Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner.

After signing their record deal with Roadrunner, DETENTE recorded their first album, Recognize No Authority. But while in the studio, cracks in the band began to develop due to personality differences as well as an extremely tight schedule. The near constant turmoil between Dawn Crosby and producer Dana Strum endangered the project, but they finished the record and it was released to much critical praise. Hitting record stores in 1986, Recognize No Authority was highly unique for its day, featuring some of the most frantic speed/thrash metal with rebellious punk overtones. Their style was strongly characterized by heavy, searing yet stylish guitars, pounding bass lines and the totally unrestrained vocals of Dawn Crosby, who practically screamed her lungs out on tracks like “Holy War” and “Shattered Illusions”. Unlike many of their peers, DETENTE also offered a unique perspective of the world. Instead of the typical lust and hate lyrics that were written by many of the 80's thrash metal bands; DETENTE explored the political and social edge of metal, searching for meaning by asking unpopular questions. “Blood I Bleed” focused on the exploitation of women while “Holy War” questioned the Middle East conflict.
Recognize No Authority sold extremely well in Europe, but the band’s support in the USA, Metal Blade, had put virtually no marketing behind the album which resulted in weak American sales. DETENTE played a few more live gigs and ended with a show at The Country Club in Reseda, California. Afterwards, the band decided to take a much-needed break while Dawn went to Europe on a promotional tour. During this time, Dennis had a tragic work-related accident with acid, getting burned over a large part of his body. These events along with personal reasons culminated with the individual members of the band parting ways in 1985. Eventually, Steve and Ross formed the group Catalepsy, while Dawn and Dennis went on to create Fear Of God.

With the successful reissue of Recognize No Authority in 2007, DETENTE reformed and headed back out on the road with singer Ann Boleyn (Hellion) replacing Dawn Crosby, who sadly passed away in 1996. In November of 2009, the band amicably parted ways with Boleyn and brought in vocalist Tiina Teal. They have since released the successful compilation History 1 and will release the highly anticipated follow-up album, Decline, recorded with legendary producer Bill Metoyer due June 8, 2010 (US), May 21, 2010 (EU)