The polar opposite of their British poseur counterparts, Wrathchild America were the very definition of "thrash" metal. Boasting excellent guitar work, complex rhythms and completely juvenile lyrics, Climbin' the Walls serves to remind why the late eighties were the peak (thus far) of thrash. Songs about the gates of hell, groupies vampires and the perils of the recording business (along with a decent cover of Pink Floyd's Time) still cannot obscure the true reason for Wrathchild America's existence, which was to provide some really catchy, galloping kick-ass metal. Even though he was destined to play for Ugly Kid Joe, Shannon Larkin does a really good job of keeping what could have been pure cacophony in check. Although (due to legal problems with the aforemention English Dogs) this was released just past the apex of thrash, Climbin' the Walls ages well in my opinion, however, and is an excellent representation of what metal used to be. Out of print but worth getting if you can ever find it.

3-D finds Wrathchild America changing only by growing up and slowing down a little. The same sardonic view is prevelent in the lyrics, which, combined with the guitar wizardry of Terry Carter and Jay Abbene, forms a complex album full of surprises. The band's influences have obviously expanded, as there are overtones of both blues and jazz in the rhythmic structure. Brad Divens' spoken word style vocals stay true to form, as does the " follow the guitarist" drumming of Shannon Larkin. The band is incredibly tight as a unit, which is damn impressive, as they write highly technical songs which keep things interesting throughout the album. The lyrics have also improved here, showing a glimpse of the introspection which would be the crux of Souls at Zero. Again, this album is unfortunately out of print, but does appear in the cutout section occasionally. More progressive than CTW, but not as heavy as what they would become, 3-D is a good stopping point for the band (they completely changed their image when they renamed themselves Souls at Zero) and another album worth having in the collection.