Album: Speak English or Die by Stormtroopers of Death (1985)
Genre: Thrash Metal | Style: Metal
Format: Album

Description: Speak English or Die is the debut studio album by the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.), released in December 1985. After Anthrax finished recording Spreading the Disease, there was still some studio time left, so members Scott Ian and Charlie Benante called some friends, practiced some songs, and recorded it all within a week.

The album was re-released by Megaforce in August 1995 and a platinum edition of the album was released in February 2000. Speak English or Die has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. The album had some controversy due to the politically incorrect lyrics. Dan Lilker stated, "The lyrics were never intended to be serious, just to piss people off."

Artist Background: Stormtroopers of Death (abbreviated to S.O.D.) were an American crossover thrash band formed in New York City in 1985. They are credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes referred to as crossover thrash. The band is also known for reuniting Anthrax members Scott Ian (guitars) and Charlie Benante (drums) with their former bassist Dan Lilker. The song "Chromatic Death" from their 1985 debut album, Speak English or Die, was the Headbang... Part of the New York music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Thrash Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Music Scene: Part of the New York music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Thrash Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Thrash Metal, Metal, 1980s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Speak English or Die is the debut studio album by the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death (S.O.D.), released in December 1985. After Anthrax finished recording Spreading the Disease, there was still some studio time left, so members Scott Ian and Charlie Benante called some friends, practiced some songs, and recorded it all within a week.

The album was re-released by Megaforce in August 1995 and a platinum edition of the album was released in February 2000. Speak English or Die has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. The album had some controversy due to the politically incorrect lyrics. Dan Lilker stated, "The lyrics were never intended to be serious, just to piss people off."

Speak English or Die

Stormtroopers of Death

Track List

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