Since Acid are now set to resume live activities almost 25 years after their premature exodus, High Roller reissue their back catalogue, including "Engine Beast" as one set with the 1983 "Lucifera / Rats" single on CD and LP respectively As for the vinyl edition, the extra tracks come on a separate 7" with picture sleeve whereas the album itself is available in different colours, all in 425g cardboard with lyric insert and poster. Patrick W. Engel restored and mastered the best lossless audio sources available at Temple of Disharmony, the LPs were cut at SST Germany on Neumann machines for optimal quality on all levels.
In 1985, when Acid released their third and final album, the band was already grappling with internal tensions that threatened to destabilize their lineup. However, this didn't mean that "Engine Beast" was a half-hearted effort. In fact, it stands out as the thrash pioneers' most refined and, dare we say, "polished" work. A significant factor behind this refinement was the contribution of the renowned Dutch sound engineer Erwin Musper, known for his work on stadium rock successes like Def Leppard's "Hysteria" and Scorpions' "Crazy World."
Nonetheless, the core duo of Acid, consisting of drummer Geert "Anvill" Ricquier and vocalist Kate de Lombaert, continued to shine. Their sound alternated between a more feminine Accept at their heaviest and many of the thrash acts they not only preceded but also greatly influenced. With enhanced songwriting skills and a heightened sense of melody, Kate's versatile voice took the spotlight. She brought to mind a powerhouse version of Warlock's Doro Pesch, especially in standout tracks like the energetic 'Warriors Of The Dark' and the innovative 'Big Ben,' which celebrated metal as a genre with the signature chime of London's Palace of Westminster.
