I don't consider first album ST to be metal at all.

Join The Army was their "crossover" album, and the personnel had completed changed, other than Mike Muir (correct me if wrong here).

But yes I agree that ST became a mess. When I think or talk about them, I'm usually thinking of their first album. I remember the first time I heard Institutionalized (John Peel show naturally), what a great song.

its a classic, like Orgasm Addict or Anarchy in the UK or Six Pack, and probably more relavent than ever. Drudge has some story about a kid being suspended for doodling a laser gun in school.

the first ST album is all hardcore

join the army had a new guitarist and more metal sound
after that it was straight metal
but it all still rules compared to INFECTIOUS GROOVES
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yLetfd4oLSE

fuck, even in infectious grooves I like Mike's voice.

No way!! Crossover and DRI rule. Well, early DRI anyway

come on, spooky!! you don't have to go far, there's the galloping riff in the verse of spiritualized, the lead guitar in the same verse...i mean, it's not super polished and technical, but it's very metal in spirit.

forget it, the rest of the record is filled with bits and pieces, later, from join the army on, it became more obvious the metal sounds.

besides, look at the video for that song, pretty much half the crowd is slamming and half the crowd is headbanging.

yeah, "institutionalized" is one of the best songs ever.

ps: i do have to say that i own suicidal for life, i bought it years ago, and i like some 5 or 6 songs there, even though they are pantera ripoffs.