About to Explode

Released in October 2010, About to Explode represents Nightmare's commitment to the foundational sounds of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and early American thrash. Hailing from Colorado, the band distinguishes itself from the more melodic Japanese visual kei act of the same name by leaning into a raw, unpolished aesthetic. The album is characterized by its high-velocity tempos and a production style that favors analog warmth and grit over digital clarity. Tracks like 'Leather, Studs and Rock & Roll' serve as a manifesto for their sound, blending the anthemic qualities of hard rock with the aggressive delivery of speed metal. Despite its 2010 release date, the record is a temporal anomaly, sounding as though it could have been unearthed from a 1983 tape trading circle. It has maintained a cult following among metal purists who value its 'no-frills' approach to the genre.