A Higher Form of Killing was recorded at Treasure Isle studios in Nashville, TN with producer Tom Harding at the helm. The lyrics, penned by drummer John Pieroni, were critically lauded for their exploration of themes such as gene manipulation, gas warfare, Middle East terrorism, among others. Amongst all the seriousness, they have a tongue-in-cheek send up of The Monkees gem, '(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone'. 30 years after it's release, the album garners new fans every year and has cemented it's status as a thrash classic. Intruder became the first Heavy Metal band to get signed out of Nashville to a major label when Metal Blade Records signed the band in 1988. A HIGHER FORM OF KILLING was released in 1989 to critical acclaim and an extensive North American tour with label-mates Helstar was done in support of the release. Also that year, Intruder swept the Metro Music Awards, winning, among others, Band of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Singer of the Year and Guitar Player of the year.
