Out of Order

As suggested by its title, 1991's Out of Order is an innately dysfunctional album. Things may not seem so desperate at first listen, as the opener, "Sign in Blood" (recounting the band's unhappiness with their record company), and the comical "Preaching to the Deaf" (containing much mayhem and including a few screams from Anthrax's classic "I'm the Man") have their moments. But from this point forward, Out of Order descends into utter oblivion, mostly delving in uninspired, by-the-numbers thrashing and revealing the irreversible communication breakdown already tearing through the group's ranks. Side two is especially a complete wash: most of the songs sound like they were thrown together at the last minute, and the band's misguided cover of Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" only serves as a final insult. Avoid at all costs.