V/A - Bloodstains Across California 1993

Weekend knocks, final day in November and I throw this colorless month out with twenty essential punk rock blasts, so let's wring the neck of California in this case and we travel back in time to the early 80s where all those rare sound documents were made in shabby little studios without a plan, out from the belly, pure emotion. Side A starts a bit lame and disoriented, a little soft whispering and I'm struggling to get not drunk, on the other hand, I have to buckle up at Side 2 so as not to fly through the windscreen. In a scale of ten points as top grade I would give 7,5. Well, in any case interesting mixture anyway.

1.American Society - EDDIE & THE SUBTITLES
2.Prison Walls - THE INJECTIONS
3.Waiting For The Bomb Blast - FUNERAL
4.Don't Blame Me - REIGN OF TERROR
5.Wasted - SILVER CHALICE
6.I'm Gonna Punch You In The Face - CHILD MOLESTERS
7.Stiff Love - THE INSULTS
8.Mean Boy - DESTRY HAMPTON & WOLVES FROM HELL
9.Laurie's Lament - VIDIOTS
10.Bloodstains - AGENT ORANGE
11.Midget - VKTMS
12.Tammy Wynette - THE MAGGOTS
13.Cuties Wrong Now - SEIZURE
14.Hard Rock - THE GEARS
15.Move It - PLUGZ
16.Slow Boy - CONTROLLERS
17.Class War - PLAIN JANE & THE JOKES
18.Criminals In My Car - JONESES
19.Tower 18 - CHIEFS
20.John Rock - THE DOGS

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COMPLETE CONTROL - Bricks Blood & Guts 1985

Only release by this interesting and vigorous four piece from Oswestry/Wales on Oi! Records. Complete Control were Lacoste (vocals), Brian (guitars), Roger (bass) and Ralph (drums) and the guys managed to be noted on the compilation This Is Oi! (A Streetpunk Compilation) from 1986 which included two live tracks. Pretty rare slab, hard to get and if only for a lot of money (some offers are extremely exaggerated)... anyway, that's what I'm here for to bring you ten classic Oisters in your home. And now: Euro-League!

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ZELTINGER BAND - De Plaat (Live) 1979

Tonight I'll introduce you to veterans from Cologne who've been playing their music since 1979, the Zeltinger Band, founded by Jürgen (vocals), Ralf & Peter (guitars), Norbert (bass), Jaki (drums) and Arno (guitar/vocals) and the first album De Plaat (Ariola) was recorded live at the Roxy & Bunker and Müngersdorfer Stadion was released as single and became their first hit. Twelve rockin' songs with some witty lyrics provide pleasant entertainment and I must confess, I was skeptical when buying but I can guarantee you this album kicks decently, just the perfect sound after a long hard day at work and should you have the opportunity to get the LP, buy!

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KESSY - Stilla Natt 7'' 1981

Next one is not really a punk single but it's rare and reason enough to post it. Kessy is a classic rock band, so I will describe their sound, from Stockholm and this is probably their debut record. Infos to the band itself I can't say a lot and google gives nothin' so only that Kent Kessy plays all instruments and vocals and he recorded both songs at 19 & 20 November 1981 in the OAL Studio, released of course via Kessy Records. He's a true selfmade man. Both songs rock quite fine and I would one of them, namely the title track, put on a KBD compilation. Interesting record, decide for yourself and leave your opinion in the comment section.

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LOST GENERATION - Never Work EP 1982

From Westport/Connecticut are the Lost Generation: Joe (vocals), Satch (bass), Bad Bob Bondage (guitars) and Lost Gen Glenn (drums) and this is their debut EP on Incas Records with four excellent numbers. Never Work is a clear message and moves in mid-tempo groove while the other three come short and dirty. They released four albums and two 7Inches and if anyone have one of the first two albums I would be glad about a message. B.t.w., they switched the style to thrash metal/crossover on their last album.

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D.I. - Richard Hung Himself 12'' 1983

A quick post with short info from wiki: D.I. was formed in 1981 after the Adolescents' first break-up. Their original line-up consisted of Casey Royer (vocals), Tim Maag (guitar), Fredric Taccone (bass) and Derek O'Brien (drums). The band combined the Orange County hardcore punk sound with a decidedly surf and new wave style on their debut self-titled EP. The 12'' featured five songs, including "Richard Hung Himself" (originally written by Steve Roberts while he played for the Adolescents, recorded with the Adolescents and later re-recorded with D.I.), "Venus De Milo", "Reagan Der Führer", "Purgatory", and "Guns". This EP was later reissued as Team Goon with extra tracks including versions of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part II" and Devo's "Uncontrollable Urge". The band's first studio album Ancient Artifacts was a more straight ahead Orange County-sounding album that included a new version of "Purgatory" from the EP. Not long after the release of Ancient Artifacts, D.I. returned to the studio to record their second album Horse Bites Dog Cries, which was not released until 1986 (although the album itself has copyright date of 1985), this is generally considered their best studio album. Since forming in 1981, D.I. has had many line-up changes over the years and Royer has been the only constant member of the band. The rotating line-up usually consists of former members of the Adolescents and Social Distortion (including brothers Rikk and Alfie Agnew). The band has continued to work, although they have had inactive periods, which include the band going on hiatus between albums. During their years of touring and recording albums, D.I. have never gained a huge mainstream success, but they have influenced many of the mostly formed in the 1990s melodic hardcore punk and punk rock revival bands.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE - As Fate Would Have It... 1985

Now a band I didn't know until today but a piece is on the tape compilation Where The Wilder Things Are which I posted six weeks ago: The Only Alternative, Neil (vocals), George (bass), David & Roland (guitars) and David (drums), London punkers gathered in the early 80s and playing good traditional old school melodic punkrock and in 1985 they released their first longplayer on Midnight Music "As Fate Would Have It ..." with twelve solid short rockin' songs and it's unmistakable that they are rooted in the 50's American Rock'N'Roll. The second album had to wait no more than at least fourteen years, "File Under Anti-Government" saw the light only in 1999. Moreover, only vocalist Neil Thompson remained from the first line-up in the group. Whether the band is still active eludes my knowledge.... time for breakfast. 

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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D.R.I. - Crossover 1987

With their third album D.R.I. set new standards and the term crossover has since established itself as a new genre in the punk world. I remember exactly when I first heard this and thought, what the fuck is this? If you know the first two albums and expect one hardcore piece after the other, you'll be surprised at first, but Crossover immediately captivates you and you're just gone. In the same year they came on tour and it was a must, no matter in which condition and it was great. Thirty years and not a bit quiet, still a fantastic album. Don' miss the legendary concert at CBGB'S in New York 1984 and enjoy the sunny cold sunday with a cup of tea.

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DUESENJAEGER - Schimmern 2006

So far busy with a new special compilation which will I post soon, you may be curious. We come now to the second record by Duesenjaeger, at home in Osnabrück, and Schimmern is E minor, melancholic, impulsive and angry with terrific stories from life, wrapped in intelligent words that speak exactly my language and even any moron should understands but I'm not sure in this country. Anyway, As with the debut Las Palmas OK, the slab shine with a fat production and thirteen dynamic stimulations, alive also a real pleasure and if you're living in Rhein-Main area come to Frankfurt into the Exzess and enjoy them on stage.

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RAMONES - Rocket To Russia 1977

Yesterday I saw a brilliant docu on arte called London's Burning Campino in the footsteps of punk and definitely worth seeing and I thought it's time to post another classic by the Ramones and again I think, unbelievable, all four already dead and I realize what an old sack I am. Well, I guess in punkrock heaven is more party then here and we also get the invitation .... someday. Rocket To Russia is the third album on Sire Records and is more surf and bubblegum pop influenced. But similar to their previous releases, the lyrics integrated humor, specifically black comedy with themes circling mental disorders and psychiatry, further fourteen 1-2-3-4 nuggets from the New Yorks who knew no breaks. I bought the record in Hamburg at a flea market for twenty German marks and is still great!

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THE SAINTS - (I'm) Stranded 1977

After tasteful pop, followed by a good dose of hardcore/punk I finish postin' for today with the debut record by The Saints, formed in Brisbane 1973 with original members Chris Bailey (vocals, later guitarist), Ed Kuepper (guitars) and Ivor Hay (drums). Info: (I'm) Stranded was released by EMI on 21 February 1977 and their debut 7Inch, "(I'm) Stranded", was issued ahead of the album in September 1976, which Sounds magazine's reviewer, Jonh Ingham, declared was the "Single of this and every week". "Erotic Neurotic" was the second single, which was released in May 1977 and the group relocated to the UK. In June, bass guitarist Alasdair "Algy" Ward replaced Bradshaw and the group issued a single, This Perfect Day in July, which peaked in the Top 40 on the UK Singles Chart. Contemporaneous with Ramones, the group were employing the fast tempos, raucous vocals and "buzz saw" guitar that characterised early punk rock. Kuepper explained that they played faster and faster as they were nervous in front of audiences. According to Australian rock historian, Ian McFarlane, they had developed their "own distinctive sound as defined by Kuepper's frenetic, whirlwind guitar style and Bailey's arrogant snarl".In May 2001, Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) celebrated its 75th anniversary and named "(I'm) Stranded" in its Top 30 Australian songs of all time. In 2007, 'I'm Stranded' was one of the first twenty songs added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry. Their debut album was listed at #20 in the book, 100 best Australian albums, in October 2010. Have a great weekend and I'll go back to bed.

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V/A - Varning!! För Punk 3CD 1994

Holy Shit, Warning!! Punk is exactly what it is: two hundred and ten minutes, spread on three CD's with over fifty Swedish bands, a mammoth marathon attack that comes in excellent layout with detailed informations about all songs/bands. Lots of rare stuff on board from tapes, 7Inches or anywhere else. I think together with the English and German bands, Sweden is the country with one of the largest and most variable punk culture in Europe, this is reflected in the large number of publications then and now, the current doesn't want to demolish. I hope you have enough seatmeat and be ready for hardcore/punk of the finest quality. Time for the 13:20 tea!

1.I Wish I Woz An Animal - SIXTEN REDLÖS

2.Jag Är Ett Problem - MESK

3.Ni Fattar Ingenting - MESK

4.Mänsklig Tristess - ROLF & REVOLTÖRERNA

5.Pressad Stressad - ROLF & REVOLTÖRERNA

6.Jugend - P-NISSARNA

7.Plastic - P-NISSARNA

8.En Polismans Ord - P-NISSARNA

9.19 At 2 - SUBWAY ARMY

10.Proud Punk - SUBWAY ARMY

11.Nitad - MODERAT LIKVIDATION

12.White Rastas - MODERAT LIKVIDATION

13.Proggerebell - MODERAT LIKVIDATION

14.Pensionär - SWANKERS PMS

15.Anti OI - SWANKERS PMS

16.Dom Ljuger - MOB 47

17.Rustning Är Ett Brott - MOB 47

18.Res Dej Mot Överheten - MOB 47

19.Religion Är Hjärntvätt - MOB 47

20.Sjuk Värld - MOB 47

21.Kärnvapen Attack - MOB 47

22.Ingen Framtid - MOB 47

23.Robotar Lever - PRODUCT ASSAR

24.Anarkistisk Begravning - PRODUCT ASSAR

25.Nakes Ass In The Paradise - PRODUCT ASSAR

26.Bristles Song - THE BRISTLES

27.Sick - THE BRISTLES

28.Tilltro - KURT I KUVÖS

29.Reagan - THE PAST

30.Russian Boy - THE PAST

31.I.R.A. - THE PAST

32.United States Of Coca Cola - THE PAST

33.Politikersången - ARROGANTA AGITATORER

34.Lönlöst Krig - ARROGANTA AGITATORER

35.Tre Ton Trotyl - ARROGANTA AGITATORER

36.Hemvärnet - ARROGANTA AGITATORER

37.87 - STREG-BÄNK

38.Disarm - DISARM

39.Too Late Home - DISARM

40.Lammkött - KATASTROF

41.Blöjraggare - KATASTROF

42.AF - KATASTROF

43.Messias Barn - PUKE

44.Staten - PUKE

45.Krossa - LOBOTOMI

46.Meningslöst Liv - SVEA RIKES HJÄLTAR

- Stort Tack Till Fredrik -

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TALK TALK - The Party's Over 1982

Let's come to quieter sounds this morning and attentive followers know that Talk Talk began as the Reaction and released a splendid powerpop 7Inch in 1978 which also found its way onto the great Streets compilation. I came first, as probably many, in touch with the band with their '84 hit 'Such A Shame' and from then my interest was aroused and the album It's My Life belongs to one the best of the 80s pop culture. Talk Talk began as a quartet consisting of Mark Hollis formerly from The Reaction (vocals/main songwriter), Lee Harris (drums), Paul Webb (bass guitar), and Simon Brenner (keyboards) and their influence upon musicians has exceeded the band's visibility among the general public. Along with the band Slint, Talk Talk are credited with inventing "post-rock" in their last two albums, Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock. Guy Garvey of the band Elbow said: "Mark Hollis started from punk and by his own admission he had no musical ability. To go from only having the urge, to writing some of the most timeless, intricate and original music ever is as impressive as the moon landings for me." A tribute album and anthological book, both titled Spirit of Talk Talk, were released in 2012. The book includes all the artwork James Marsh did for the band, and hand-written lyrics (by the band). The album includes covers by various artists, proceeds going to the conservation organization BirdLife International. Hollis and Talk Talk continue to be praised as artists who did not cave in to the pressures of corporate and commercial interests. Says Alan McGee, "I find the whole story of one man against the system in a bid to maintain creative control incredibly heartening." This is their debut album with nine beautiful poppies.

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OHL - Oktoberrevolution 12'' 1983

Exhausted, dull & with a cold I sit here with a delicious tea and wonder why the purchase and sale of OHL records is locked at discogs, does anyone know? I think that is a bit exaggerating and can't understand this. Anyway, this is the 3rd 12 inch slab and its a mini-album with eight smasher and was released in two different versions, mine is as you can see on the cover, the second one. From this album the band spoke in songs such as Russen In Afghanistan and Roter Terror against the real socialism and stressed on the back of the record that after the debate against old and new nazis, also against the extreme left is necessary. Since then, the band has repeatedly distanced itself from left-wing as well as right-wing political extremism and religious fanaticism. Ultimately, the music is crucial and everyone who has a bit of sense will know if he likes it or not. Don't miss Verbrannte Erde and more stuff.... and now back to bed and cure myself, Amen!

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THE BUZZ - Asylum 1981

Let's come to another rare nugget of English music with the Buzz from Shrewsbury, formed 1978 and they released their first awesome Insanity EP on Redball Records with three splendid cuts one year later. Their only album was recorded with a different line-up, Chris Bellingham (vocals/synth), Nic Evans (guitars), Chris Hill (bass) and I.R. Davis (drums), and their sound moves away from the simple 1-2-3-4 punk of the 7'', are getting longer and have more atmosphere and depth in my opinion, New Wave I could say. They really did their own thing and no record company was interested so they just released the record with fourteen sunbeams on their own, a good decision! On important compilations represented, for example Bloodstains Across the UK 4 and more in the Blog. Enjoy!

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UNIPLUX - 1981 2016

Late in the evening and while I ripping vinyl a quick post in-between and we visit Rome and meet Uniplux which formed in the early 80s. Before disbanding in mid 80s (the band will reunite later on and continue up to these days) Uniplux released two 7"s. Both records are very hard to find and sought after, mainly because Uniplux offered a unique vision of melodic Punk Rock. While at the same time heavy and melodic, the sound of Uniplux always carried along a certain dose of melancholy, notably underlined in their lyrics and dramatic vocals by two different female singers that sang on these two 7"s.

Incredible but true, but your fave label discovered an entire unreleased punk rock album from the land of spaghetti and mandolino! Uniplux were one of the few bands of 1977 roman punk scene that included bands such Trancefusion, Elektroshock, Luxfero, Ulster Punk Group, Apologia Di Reato, Bads, Stigma, Ddt. This scene is well documented on the magnificent Claudio Pescetelli’s book “Lo stivale e’ marcio” (rave up books 2014) that talks about those pionieristic days. This band released two singles, the first, released for a major label RCA and entitled ‘Chi Siamo Noi?’ came out in 1982, the 2nd one Maledetto Rock, (Pogo Records), came out two years later in 1984. both records are very hard to find and sought after, mainly because Uniplux offered a unique vision of melodic punk rock. in 1997, a bunch of european punk collectors compiled Killed By Death #201, dedicated to Italian 1977/82 punk rock scene, selecting the track “U.X.” to represent this band. After over thirty-six years, RaveUp Records unearthed from the tomb eleven killer tracks amazing Italian punk with female vocals, for fans of Generation X, Buzzcocks, Penetration and all early UK punk rockers, limited to 500 copies!, first 100 on orange vinyl!

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V/A - Danger: La France A Peur! 2016

As on Shielded, this fantastic compilation is as well full with rare and far more unknown bands, most for the first time on vinyl, from our French neighbors, made by Danger Records, this volume called "La France A Peur" is dedicated to late 70s French punk rarities, NEVER released before. There were great and well-known punk bands like Gazoline, Olivensteins and Guilty Razors and there were also unknowns degenerated teenagers, now give them a name with this compilation!, so the info. Listen via bandcamp, comes with liner notes in french. Voilà! 

1.Alone - LOOSE HEART

2.Subway Sect - DENTIST

3.Aucune Excuse - E 330

4.Rasoirs Coupables - HEMARAGIE

5.Seul - GARE DU STADE

6.Rebel - LÉ FRACAS

7.Here We Go Again - SINGLE TRACK

8.Back To Magneta - NICOLAS CRUEL

9.Strike Up - STRIKE UP

10.Mal - STRYCHNINE

11.All I Want - BREAK UP

12.On Veut Pas Crever - CHAOS

13.Stop Danger Teenagers - CURLIES

14.Dorothée - ULTRAVIOLET

15.13 - STRIDEUR

16.Plaire Puis Déplaire - ESCALATORS

17.I Don't Wanna Be A Jerk – ELECTRODES

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V/A - Shielded By Death #3 Exit Stage West 2003

Last Volume by this little serie from Bacchus Archives and we have sixteen rare tracks by from mostly bands which have made a record here and there or just only a demo and you can find the corresponding stories on the back cover which the creator gives in detailed liner notes. I like the presentation and the selection of songs and I believe the spirit of the early days is spraying effectively out of your room and every passing pedestrian have to stop and listen and neighbors are upset, believe me, I know what I'm talking about, hahaha... The German label Incognito Records released in 2000 Busted At The Lit Club and I think it's the predecessor of the first part of this series but I'm not sure. Wherever, this is excellent stuff, more please!

1.Nothing Is Sacred Anymore - LAST SUPPER

2.Screw The Crew - S.V.O.E.

3.Record Burning Party People - 8TH ROUTE ARMY

4.Flag Day - HOT BODIES

5.The Blue Wash Room - THE DISPOSSESSED

6.The Signal - THE VERTEBRATES

7.Pain Is Pain Is Pain - SEIZURE

8.Trix Are For Kids - PSYCHO

9.Suicidal Tendencies - THE TRANSPLANTS

10.Hey (Not Another Face In The Crowd) - THRILLS

11.Lead Us To The Grave - TARGET CELLS

12.Number - CANCEROUS GROWTH

13.8 Hour Countdown - THE STRATFORD SURVIVORS

14.Microwave - DADA BANKS

15.Wide Awake - WIDE AWAKE

16.Pushing Buttons - T.V. NEATS

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ACAPULCO GOLD - Rock In Einer Sprache, Die Jeder Versteht 1980

Debut album by this German rock combo on Folksmusik. Acapulco Gold starting their mission in a pub in the heart of southern Cologne, which was characteristically called Delirium. From the first record the song 'Ich Törn Lieber An' has become the identification song of a broad mass. Since the band by their appearance and their name didn't get a contract with a record company so they were among the first who pressed their own plates and sold them themselves. With their 12" Sodom & Gomorrha" (from the second LP "Zeitlos" 1981), the music was rather an untypical song of the band, made Acapulco Gold known by the radio beyond the borders of Cologne. So hundreds of gigs were played and a third album was which remained unnoticed, partly because the distribution collapsed. The band broke up in 1986. Marcus Neu went with his family for a year to the Andalusian mountains. Tanned and burnt back from the hermitage, he put together a new band with keyboarder Wolfram Binder from the last formation, who had been on the road for eight years and released a CD in 1993 that contained almost all of the songs written during that time. The old records are out of print and cost three-digit at the flea markets. It was time to dig out the old Acapulco Gold tapes and release a best of CD in 1996. I heard a song from them + put it, among with other rarities, on the great compilation Alles Wieder Auf Anfang. Enjoy eleven decent rock goodies with a solid punk background!

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VON GAM - 1 Gen Punk 2018

There is a lot to do in my business now and I need a solid balance in the evening and this little compilation from Ken-Rock records is exact the right stuff, eleven rare songs by Von Gam from Hovmantorp, Fripps (vocals + bass), Plast (guitars + vocals), Tjup (drums) and in detail: their 7'' from 1979 on Klippan, three cuts recorded 28. January 1980 at Radio Kronoberg/Växjö, two live goodies recorded on 8. April 1983 @ Lady Jane/Lessebo and four from the "Ung & Söt" cassette recorded 14-15 marrch 1981 @ Studio Allton/Liatorp, comes with an insert with the stories behind the songs, consistently qualitative recordings and a proper record and worth a listen. Represented on some nuggets frolicking here in the blog.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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PINK PARSONS - Search 1992

We stay in a melancholy mood with the following unknown band for me and I can't really say much about them. What I know is they were probably formed 1990 in Berlin when the Die Skeptiker split up for a short time and this record is their only release. Original members were Anne (vox), Nico (vox), Max (bass), Andreas (guitars) and Marcello (drums) and as guest Sebastian (trombone). Search is a solide punkrock album with two-part singing, sometimes Anne other times Nico on the mic, sometimes both together and I like both voices, musically the sound is full with fat guitars and melodic powerful tempo. Good production all in all, eleven songs. My favourite song is the last number on the album called 'Heavenly' which is a almost seven minutes ponderous ballade, beautifully played. The band existed not for long and I guess in the same year (or maybe 1993) they broke up and disappeared in the darkness.... until now!

- Great Thx to iNgo -

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SERENE FALL - The Long March 1999

Open up November, the month I hate most, with this excellent example of melancholy gloomy punk nugget, Serene Fall are for me at the top of all and after their great '92er debut Oh My Prophet Oh My Liar I asked Maul on every gig when finally comes the second sun and he always told me the shots are in the box but the search for a label was difficult, and since I already knew some songs from the '95 demo I could hardly believe it because there are some of their best songs on it which made it to part on the second album. So the young Major Label realized the potential of the band and seized the opportunity and brought the masterpiece at last to the people. You can imagine how happy my heart was when the CD was in my hands, promptly inserted and the long wait was worth it. Thirteen amazing, sometimes very personal, stars flashing down on you and wrap yourself in a thoughtful coat and take you to the darker side of life. The last album with a four line-up: Nico (drums), Udo (bass), Rainer (guitars), Maul (voice & guitars). Further pieces which didn't make it on vinyl I put together on this little compilation called Rares & Demos 1994-2008. Get in and travel for a while!

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