The Japanese thrash scene has never been held in quite the same regard as those in the Bay Area, Germany, or even the U.K., but thrash metal's influence most definitely spread to the Land of the Rising Sun in the early-'80s. Bands like OUTRAGE, UNITED, and AION began making waves in the late-'80s; while Osaka's NARCOTIC GREED—whose origins also date back to 1989—finally released their first demo, Absurd War, in 1991.
Channeling American acts like Forbidden, Toxik, and Nuclear Assault, NARCOTIC GREED released two more demos between 1992 and 1993—tirelessly sharpening their teeth in preparation for what would become their debut full-length, Fatal.