The Plague cover

The Plague

Nuclear Assault · 1987

22 min · 6 tracks · thrash metal

Frenetic riffs and aggressive rhythms collide with raw, socially charged lyrics in this unrelenting thrash metal EP.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Game Over — This opening track sets the tone with its relentless pace and biting commentary on nuclear war, encapsulating the band’s signature sound and thematic focus.
  • →
    Butt F**k — A controversial anthem that challenges social norms while delivering blistering riffs; it showcases the band's willingness to confront taboo topics head-on.
  • →
    Justice — This track stands out for its powerful critique of systemic injustice, combining intense musicality with thought-provoking lyrics that resonate well beyond the era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP combines aggressive instrumentation with socially charged lyrics, creating a distinct thrash metal experience.

What we noticed

  • The EP features fast-paced, aggressive guitar riffs that dominate the sound, with rapid drumming that maintains a relentless energy throughout.
  • Vocals are delivered in a harsh, shouted style that aligns with the lyrical themes of social issues and censorship.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short energetic bursts of chaos
  • politically charged lyrical themes
  • front-loaded adrenaline rush
  • for quick workouts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, relaxed albums
  • seek melodic, gentle sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released as Nuclear Assault's second EP, The Plague followed their debut album, Game Over. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the thrash metal scene, building on the momentum generated from their earlier work and establishing a reputation for provocative themes and energetic performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Anthrax· Megadeth· Slayer

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Game Over 2:36
  • 2 Nightmares 3:56
  • 3 Butt F**k 2:54
  • 4 Justice 4:17
  • 5 The Plague 4:54
  • 6 Cross of Iron 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata