JEWELS
DIGITAL RUIN
"Listen"
1997 Siegen Records (48:27)
You can provide yourself with the second and at once also distinct weaker opus “Dwelling In The Out“ (2000) of the band from Rhode Island/USA in just about unlimited quantity and also pretty cheap at Ebay. It turns out to be more difficult to search for the outstanding firdt cd “Listen“ from the year 1997. When I listened at that time at the “Powermad Sampler 1997“ (on which among others MYSTIC FORCE, LEVIATHAN, LETHATL, OPPOSITE EARTH and PSYCHO DARMA bustled) to the song “Listen“ for the first time I could hardly wait to finally hold the complete record in my hands. When it some day reached me by import it already awoke memories when first listen to it of the opus of the century “Operation Mindcrime“ of QUEENSRYCHE. Who liked FATES WARNING or DREAM THEATER in their 90-ies phases can go for it here unconsidered, too. The meanwhile unfortunately not anymore existing band had besides with Matthew Pacheco an absolutely exceptional vocalist in their rows. He even reminds in places strong of front siren James LaBrie of DREAM THEATER in his very best days.
Holger
WICKED LESTER
"Better Off Dead"
1998 Eigenpressung (40:57)
The risk of a “blind purchase” generally is rather high but somehow your addiction forces you to get it immediately. It cannot be shit every time. After some exciting days I finally held this baby in my hands and I nearly collapsed due to my greed. I tore the envelope to pieces like a ferocious beast and already got enthusiastic with the really simple packaging. I thought to myself that nothing could go wrong here. So I continued and finally the secret of this CD was blown out of my speakers. And what shall I say, this one’s a real gem of US Power Metal. As traditional as possible despite it was released in 1998 !!! Brilliant guitar riffs and even more brilliant melodies topped by a vocalist whose aggressive voice is the top of the cream. Sounds like he was born in hell. This band sounds like a mixture of old Savatage, W.A.S.P. and Wicked Angel (who should be known by every collector, don’t they?!). Hell, you will get addicted listeniong to this album. The main negative point about this album is that the vocalist died one year before its release (RIP). Thus it sounds like a obituary to him but it is a real KILLER. A MUST HAVE for every serious collector.
RONJACMETAL
THROES OF SANITY
"The Upheaval"
1995 Preserved Moose (67:21)
If LETHAL's debut album "Programmed" is one of your all-time-favourites you should try urgently to get this CD (but it won't be easy and will be rather expensive as well). Vocalist Scott King really sounds like Tom Mallicoat's twin and the songs tend to a QUEENSRYCHE-like slightly progressive direction. You can even compare them to the Swedish band HOLLOW even though THROES OF SANITY play in a higher league. Nevertheless, not one single song sounds similar to the bands mentioned before. The production sounds a bit thin at first but if you turn up the volume it will get better. Seems to be recorded a bit too soft. And don't get fooled by the playing-time for in fact it lasts ten minutes less. This gem was ignored back then totally unjustified thus it is now highly recommended to your Metal Hearts.
HOLGER
BANSHEE
"Take 'em By Storm"
1991 Snowblind Records (43:01)
This self-financed CD is the rarest
and thus most expensive BANSHEE output ever released on the band's own label
Snowblind Records with a fairly good production compared to other releases of
this era. If you know the brilliant "Cry In The Night"-EP and the full-length
album "Race Against Time" or even call them your own you won't regret buying
this gem. Songs like "Running Wild" or "Stand Strong" should be part of every
BANSHEE collection. Moreover, you will find a new version of the band's classic
track "Desire". This CD appears on eBay-USA or -Canada from time to time and
reaches bids of 25 to 30 USD (time: Summer 2005). That means you
can still get it for an affordable price. By the way: the grey border stripes
are really meant to be this way...
HOLGER
RAISING CAIN
"Hell On Earth"
1994 Celestial Records (17:45)
Because every True Metal collector has been thrilled by CD reviews of bands like CRILSON, THROES OF SANITY etc. recently here is another one of the same quality. Even though the cover artwork is unimpressive this one’s a true US Metal gem. Once listened to it you won’t want to live without it any longer running around like a dog with rabies. The first track is already a kind of revelation.Attention, you’ll get addicted to it. I can’t remember how many times I have cleaned my ears by blasting them with this track. This CD is the perfect combination of power, melody, vocals and...pure goose-skin. Guess these guys have been given birth to as quadruplets celebrating Metal in their mother’s womb already. I don’t want to compare this band to others, you have to make up your mind for yourself. What a pity that this CD including only five tracks is very short. But that’s the problem with all nice things in life I guess. So listen to it at least three times in a row. 1000 times „Metal Rules !!!“.
RONJACMETAL
IMPACT
"Take The Pain"
1991 Avanzada Metalica (49:16)
Band: Darren Abad (lead guitar), Dean Kendziera (bass), Nathan Kane (lead guitar), Glen Schroeder (drums)
Asked for my personal all-time
favourite Thrash Metal album I immediately answer "IMPACT - "Take The Pain".It's
not really pure Thrash Metal but a heavy load of Speed Metal on board of this
colossal manowar IMPACT from Milwaukee,Wisconsin as well. "Kill On Kommand" or "It's
The End Of The World" belong to the best tracks ever released on CD.No hype at
all ! IMPACT released this CD on the Mexican label Avanzada Metalica that was
nearly taking its last breath already back then. Border-crossing releases
weren't that seldom in those days,also the brilliant SAVAGE THRUST chose this
way. This always hellish rare CD nearly can't be found nowadays, so prices from
50 to 70 Euros are reasonable. If you should come across it be willing to reach
deep into your purse. It is worth it !
P.S.: Do not confuse this band with the one from The Netherlands that released
two LPs (82 and 87) on BMR !!
HOLGER
SINDROME
"Sindrome"
199? Brutal (43:59)
This CD contains the two demos "Vault
Of Inner Conscience" (1991) and "Into The Halls Of Extermination" (1987) of one
of Chicago's best and most promising Thrash bands. Unfortunately they were never
released officially and the original demo tapes are highly sought after
nowadays.Aggressive Thrash Metal in the vein of FORBIDDEN makes your ears bleed,
SACRED REICH's glorious days can be heard as well. Technically, the guys around
former HAMMERON guitarist Mick Vega delivered first-class quality. The
production of "Vault..." is definitely as good as the one of other regular
releases of this kind of Metal. Despite two brilliant demo tapes they couldn't
manage to get a deal with some record label and so they split up in 1991.
Guitarist Ken Savich recorded LAAZ ROCKIT's album "Nothing'$ $acred" in 1992 and
afterwards disappeared without a trace. Bassist Shaun Glass joined BROKEN HOPE
later on and now plays with SOIL. This CD is a gem for every Thrash-lunatic.
Special characteristic: The Matrix number has been erased on all
delivered CDs so you can easily draw the conclusion that it is a bootleg.
HOLGER
SORCERER
"Sorcerer"
1995 Brainticket (70:10)
A real insider clue for Doomsters.If you're into CANDLEMASS
or,even better, old TAD MOROSE this one's a MUST HAVE ! Unfortunately the band's
only release. This CD contains recordings of their 92 demo and regular tracks
but you won't notice
any differences concerning quality. A well-done cover version Of the
RAINBOW-classic "Stargazer" is included as well. Vocalist Anders Engberg is even
well-known for he joined LION'S SHARE later on who released four albums with him
yet. Bassist Johnny Hagel joined TIAMAT and drummer Richard Evensand has been a
member of SOILWORK since recently.
HOLGER
ORACLE
"Selah"
1992 Independent (31:47)
One thing right away:This is NOT the band which released "As
Darkness Reigns" in 1993. This one's the Christian Power Metal band which was
totally overlooked back then despite their very good music. 12 years later I am
still overwhealmed by this quartet's heaviness and pleasure in playing their
stuff. 7 songs of hard, progressive Power Metal of the best kind. Heavy riffing
and a vocalist mostly ranging in normal scales but with several high-pitched
screams in between. Some of you might know Shawn Pelata for his vocal
performances for K-OCTAVE or TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT. Every time I listen to this CD
the brilliant
LETHAL come to my mind... yeah, that's it. If you love LETHAL's "Your Favourite
God" try to get this one as well. Fortunately, Magdalene Records (M 8) have
re-released "Selah" together with EMERALD's (US) "Armed For Battle" on one CD.
Sorry to say but this CD meanwhile is hard to find as well. So get it if you can.
It's totally worth it.
RON
LEATHER NUNN
"Take the night"
CD Metal Reunion Records (2003) / Original LP-Release: Key Records (1986)
Spielzeit: 56:05 Min
Band: Wade Williams (lead vocals), Jerry Brever (guitar), John
Gouchnour (guitar), Jungle Jim Mehm (bass, vocals), Jimmy Evens (drums)
This highly sought-after and selling for horrible
prices LP is finally available as re-issue for every CD freak. Also included are
four bonus tracks taken from the only demo I know, another incentive to buy this
CD, even for vinyl freaks, I guess. The CD presentation is okay including all
lyrics. There's a band photo printed on the backcover that makes me smile. Back
then it was fashionable to wear a lot of coloured clothes and other stuff. But
fortunately, the music is totally different from what you might expect when
judging by the
band's outfit. Pure US Metal is delivered here conjuring up a broad smile on
every US Metal freak's face during the whole playing-time. These guys definitely
know their jobs. Great double guitar work with brilliant riffs and the vocalist
also knows to use his voice
well. So what else could you wish for? The song "Leather Nunn" is an absolute
ear-catcher. I personally could listen to this one for
hours, you'll get addicted to it somehow. So if you were in search of the music
but you couldn't afford to buy the LP yet, get it now. But
you should hurry up for the CD is limited to 1000 copies.
RONJACMETAL
SWORD
,,Metalized"
1986 Aquarius Records
Band: Rick Hughes (Vocals), Mike Plant (Guitars), Mike Larock (Bass), Dan Hughes (Drums)
This Power Metal band was founded back in 1980 in Montreal / Canada. But despite their debut album reviewed here is a real killer these guys never received the attention they actually deserved. Driving songs ennobled by a voice being rough and high-pitched at the same time. The songs are very powerful but still no Thrash Metal. This one should be a part of everyone's collection. If you shouldn't call it your own yet be strongly reminded of getting it as soon as possible for it is rather simple to get, be it the vinyl release or the CD re-elease. Moreover, you should get their second release "Sweet Dreams"(1988) as well. Not as great as "Metalized" (more commercial influences) but nevertheless a far above average album.
RON
BLOODCUM
"Demo EP"
WILD RAGS RECORDS 1987
Band: John Araya - Bass, Guitar, Joey Hanneman - Vocals, George Hierro - Bass, Guitar, Jimmy Sotelo - Drums, Bobby Tovar - Guitar
Reading the band members' names you'll find two well-known ones:Araya and Hannemann. Ooops, sounds like a quite familiar thing ,right? Yes, indeed, this "thing" is called SLAYER from Los Angeles. BLOODCUM are based there as well and the younger brothers of the SLAYER veterans have joined them. Musically orientated at their "big relatives" they nevertheless try to set several own accents.The vocals are much more Hardcore-influenced and the music mostly is much faster than most SLAYER songs. Could be compared to older D.R.I.or GANG GREEN (but without the "fun-factor"). Even the vocals slightly resemble Kurt Brecht. If you were made enthusiastic by the Thrash Metal- and Crossover craze of the late 80ies (just like me) you won't do anything wrong here. BLOODCUM relesed a full-length album called "Death By A Clothes Hanger" one year after this EP including the five EP songs and five additional tracks. But this EP is more enjoyable because of its pleasant playing-time. Ten songs in a row are too exhausting for me. I only can stand this when listening to their big brothers...
HOLGER
SULTAN
"Check and Mate"
ZAR MUSIK 1990
Band: Marc B. (guitars), David Paria (guitars), Dragi Majstorovic (vocals), Andy Pasker (Bass), Fabian Ranzoni (drums, keyboards)
SULTAN from Switzerland only have average stuff to offer. Despite this fact I listen more often to this album than to other average European bands. The unbelievably melodical guitar solos make this one very interesting. There are several killer riffs as well but all in all -as already said- just an average release that is parted into a "White Side" and a "Black Side". Marked by different labels both sides differ musically and lyrically as well. On the "good side" you'll find song titles like "Pictures Of Heidi"(Cult !!), the instrumental "Whizzing" (reminding me of MSG's "Into The Arena")or simply "Mary". The "evil side" offers more metallic song titles like "Darkness" (great song, by the way), "Night Knights"(including a great intro) or "Shout In The Fight". Technically there's nothing to complain about and the vocalist belongs to the better ones as well. If the complete album would offer such stuff as on the "Black Side" with a slight US Metal edge, it might have become a classic nowadays. All in all a good and very rare Metal-LP.
HOLGER
BISCAYA
"Biscaya"
Electra Schweden 1983
Band: Mats Clausen Lead vocal, Hans Johansson Bass, Taurus Magnus Stroemberg Keyboards, Paer Edwardson Guitar,
Birger Loefman Drums, Kristian Bredin Guest keyboardist
translation coming soon ...
HOLGER
DRIVE
"Charakters in Time"
Rampage (US) 1988
Band: David Taylor (voc.), Rick Chavez (guit.), Mercy Valdez (guit.), Michael Anthony Guerrero (bass), Valentine San Miguel (drums)
translation coming soon ...
HOLGER
PORTRAIT –s/t
C 1990 Portrait (Stonecross)
Gordon W. Chapman All vocals, guitar, bass
John Garett Gorman Drums, Percussion
Special guest: Chris Olsen Bass on (You are) my only angel
Time: 43:33 min
translation coming soon ...
RONJACMETAL
AMETHYST
"Flames To Eternity"
(56:11)
2000
Eigenproduktion CD
Besetzung: Liz Galea (Vocals) , Georgie Lariu (Guitar) , Evan Harris
(Bass) ,
Nestor Melone (Drums) , Endel Rivers (Keyboard)
translation coming soon ...
RON
TYTON
"Mind Over Metal"
USA 1987 LP
Medusa / Enigma
Band: Vocals: Shawn Damien-Barusch, Guitars: Joey Scott, Guitars/BV: Ronnie Mitchell, Bass/BV: Scott Swan, Drums: Bobby Tait
Songs: 1. Fanfare, 2. The Warrior, 3. Legacy, 4. Castle Donnington, 5. Destiny Calls, 6. Arcadian, 7. Will You Follow, 8. The Valiant, 9. Mind Over Metal, 10. Musical Maze
translation coming soon ...
HOLGER
DEFENDER
"A Symbol of Devotion"
Deutschland 1989 LP
Songs: 1. Intro (The ffinal Condom), 2. Senseless Discriminations, 3. Bright Glare, 4. Ghostrider, 5. Relentless Dominion, 6. N.Y.C.
Band: Dirk Bender (vocals), Andreas Schmitt (guitar), Josef Pomponio (guitar), Daniel Herbert (bass), Thorsten Kalbhenn (drums)
A German band among the gems? Surely a rarity but this one kicks fucking ass ! Old school Speed Metal reminding me heavily of VENDETTA (from Germany as well) although the vocals are much more extreme. High-pitched screams prevail making your eardrums burst. If you can imagine a faster version of EXUMER you know what to expect here. The song material doesn’t offer much variation though but if you’re greedy to listen to a load of Teutonic Speed Metal with class you must not miss this EP.
HOLGER
V.A.
"Metal Gon"
AZRA Records 1987
Picture Shape LP / 500 copys
Bands & Songs: 1. AXEMASTER "Slave to the blade", 2. MARS "Ash Tuesday", 3. CODA "She", 4. TRIAX "Us Against Them", 5. LEGEND "Stormbringer"
Actually, I was in search of JAG PANZER LPs as AZRA Records pressings when I came across the „Metal Gon“ sampler by chance. Unusual shape, culty knight cover motif and moreover a Picture Disc LP by the AZRA label ? Arrested immediately ! And what shall I say? It was worth buying. The opening track by Ohio’s AXEMASTER is worth the money already. But this was the only band featured on this sampler I knew before. The others were totally unknown and obscure to me but that makes it much more interesting, doesn’t it? MARS from Pennsylvania (don’t confuse them with PROJECT:DRIVER) are much more moderate, some kind of US Melodic Metal. CODA from Virginia are the opening act of Side B. US Hard Rock with a good vocalist reminding me of Vince Neil sometimes. TRIAX from Texas are not my cup of tea. Hey you guys, the guitar sound is total shit so I’d rather like to run away. Simple Rock’N’Roll with a shitty production. Not even demo-tape quality. But the closing track by LEGEND reconciles the listener. This band from Georgia wields the Power Metal club and makes me forget the predecessing track quickly. Recommended to every US Metal collector. AXEMASTER and LEGEND are worth purchasing this sampler. I’ll put it on the turntable once again, hargh hargh...!
HOLGER
PHARAO
"Bad Boys from East"
1991 Musicolor LP / CD
Songs: 1. Bad boys of rock'n roll, 2. Cry of crusader, 3. Fire of the night, 4. Say "Hi" to Metal maniacs, 5. When the night begins, 6. Pain and pleasure, 7. Soldier of the future, 8. Bastard, 9. tyrant of the airbase, 10. The book of ibon
Prehistory: I first met PHARAO from East Berlin during the gloomy era of the German Federal Republic. Guess it was in Halle/Saale in 1987 approximately. Although I already expected something good (thanks to the famous „bush radio“) before this gig my jaw bone fell downwards during the first song already. These guys were simply great. If I remember correctly they even played cover versions of OZZY’s „Shot In The Dark“ and „Chain Gang Woman“ of the legendary MALICE in addition to their own song material. Until that evening my national heroes were MCB, FEUERSTEIN, BIEST, REGENBOGEN and COBRA actually but this immediately changed then. Vocalist Jackie Lee Man (former REGENBOGEN) to my mind was one of the best Metal vocalists our „Eastern Metal Universe“ ever brought forth. Guitarist Michael Jurischk (former REGENBOGEN as well, just known to me as „curly Mike“ back then) nearly played everybody into the ground (including a culty „Blackmore solo“ standing on his guitar with his sports shoes). But now the actual surprise: I listened to „Bad Boys From The East“ for the first time. Recorded in Stuttgart after the downfall of the GDR I expected some kind of „Eastern Metal“ while putting this CD into my player. BIG ERROR ! The opening track couldn’t arouse my interest for it obviously was meant for radio airplay and sounded like „Eastern Rock“ to 100%. But then ! „Cry Of Crusader“ made me think of an above average release for the first time. Pah, just above average? From the third song on all dams burst. First class Power Metal, I cannot say more. I refrain from listing the album’s highlights for otherwise I’d have to list them all. The killer tune „Bastard“ is followed by an instrumental some Western bands would be proud of. But the best was yet to come. The closing track „The Book Of Ibon“ (nearly 11min. playing-time) is a gem for the followers of KING DIAMOND (ME !!!) or MERCYFUL FATE (once again ME !!!). Not only the vocals but even the guitars sound damned similar. Nostalgians should try to get this one, even though it will be a very expensive purchase. But there’s still hope because a „Best of...PHARAO“ will be released expectedly later this year.
To my mind it is the top of the cream that this band is alive again. You can get further information via the band’s homepage (www.pharao-rockband.de). We’ll surely meet at a gig of these pharaohs !
HOLGER
CommandeR
"The High N' Mighty"
Iron Works USA 1987 / LP
Songs: 1. Knights Of The Round Table,
2. Wizard,
3. High'n Mighty,
4. We're Ready,
5. Terror,
6. Return Of The Goths,
7. Kill The King,
8. Die By The Sword,
9. The Blade Shines On
Band: Ron Avila (?), Dave Macias (?), Jon Natisch (?), Richard Mejia (?)
A merciless
great US Metal gem that’s totally underrated and thus has fallen into oblivion:
COMMANDER’s „High’N’Mighty“ from 1987. If you’re into classical US Metal like
HELSTAR, MALICE, SWORD, RIOT etc. played in the mid-80's should try to get this
one. It will be very difficult to discover it on Metal Markets but it is
definitely worth your efforts !! It starts off with a mythical keyboard intro
leading to „Knights Of The Round Table“ already showing the band’s talents.
Great Metal riffs, an ass-tight rhythm sectionand a shouter who performs
everything between midranged and high-pitched tones without any problems !!! The
title track marks the outstanding highlight of the nine tunes included on this
album. It starts with a drum solo, continues with a rocking and pounding part,
the middle-section is nearly balladical and finally it develops into a real US
Metal classic ! Pure madness !! A cover version of RAINBOW’s „Kill The King“ is
included as well. To my mind the best cover version ever made of this song. And
there are many versions existing ! Look at the cover artwork and the song titles
and you will see that it is impossible to be more classical (NO: „Die By The
Sword“ is no SLAYER cover !!!).
To put it short: such US Metal gems should be rereleased on CD !!!!
RON
THUNDER RIDER
"Tales of Darkness & Light"
Dance Planet Records Canada LP 1987 / CD 1991
Songs: 1. Death To Death, 2. Electric Chair, 3. Executioner, 4. For Christ's Sake, 5. Rain Dance, 6. Blackwing, 7. Galaxy, 8. Preacher
Band: Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Flute : Skull Blackwing, Guitars : Arion Axmun, Bass, Keyboards : Nick Stilldream, Drums : Pat Hammer
translation coming soon ...
HOLGER
LEVIATHEN
"Onward thru the fog"
Land: USA
Year: 1993 / CD
Label: Leviathen (Eigenpressung)
Upper-class Power
Metal once again. Amazing what this three-piece has created here. If you’re into
this musical direction you’ll get frozen with delight. The complete range
between slow, melodical and slightly thrashy parts is offered here. These guys
play their music with dedication. It’s a pleasure to listen to this CD and it’s
disappointing when this dream comes to an end after 48 min. The vocals shared
between Joe and Jimmy are simply great and contribute to the variety of the song
material. Joe’s voice sounds like a rasp, guess he takes a good portion of
high-proof drinks for breakfast, whereas Jimmy’s voice is clear as glass. The
most interesting songs are those where both take turns with each other. Simply
great. Everything fits perfectly here. This CD never gets boring thus a second
spin is a must.Thumbs up ! Highly recommended !!
Attention:There are several bands using a similar moniker. So take notice of the
fine difference: These LEVIATHEN are spelled with an „e“,not an „a“ .
RONJACMETAL
INVADER
"Same" (CD)
Land : USA
Year: 1992
Label: Chateaux Studios
Time: 45:29 min
Band: Gary Cobb (voc), Jeff Olsen (git), Dan Hulford (bs / key), Scott Kasper (dr)
Songs: 1) Master Of Suspense, 2) Living Scared, 3) Victims Of Terror, 4) Infinite Quest, 5) Imaginary World, 6) The Fool's Masquerade, 7) Light Me Up, 8) Glass Castles, 9) The Uncontrollable Fire, 10) Legends
Great !!! 45 min. of first class Metal. This CD haunted me in my sleepless nights. One of the best private pressings of the 90s in times when Grunge reigned supreme. All virtues of traditional US Power Metal are united here and created this mega-killer album. Brilliant guitar work and vocals... I’m simply speechless. Incredible what these guys are playing here. The very varied songs and great melodies avert any boredom. Lots of fine minor details (like the sparely used keyboard) even enhance these compositions. Comparisons are a difficukt thing but if you’re into HALLOWEEN (US) you won’t go wrong here. To my mind a Must Have for any collector of great US Metal. What a pity that such gems stay unknown to most people. But this won’t ever change, I guess. Perhaps the very restrained cover artwork is another reason for the obviously low incentive to purchase this CD. All in all: Search, search, search... get and worship it !!!
RONJACMETAL