NUCLEAR WINTER - s/t 12'' 1997

Finally Saturday and finally time to post again. It's simply not possible for me to find time here after a tiring day at work during the week, so stay tuned anyway. Today now a Crust Trash Metal combo from Athens which formed in 1995 and disbanded in 2003 and later eventually turned into Dead Congregation. The band consisted of Anastasis (vocals), Kostas (guitar), Army (bass), Vagelis (drums) and this is their only release which came first as CD on Live Records, re-released as 12Inch on Necroterror Records/Rusted Lock in a limited edition of 300 copies. Such music doesn't affect me as much these days, that was my world fourty years ago, but Πυρηνικός Χειμώνας brings me together surprisingly well and their sound isn't 'crust' as people describe it. Check it out and you'll see it's not strenuous at all.

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BEYOND POSSESSION - Is Beyond Possession 1986

Calgary's Beyond Possession with their debut album on Death Records/Metal Blade Records which is a bit louder and heavier than their Tell Tale Heart EP in my opinion and I regret having sold this slab many years ago. Fifteen amazing Thrash/HardcorePunk goodies have come together here with a slightly metallic touch like I liked to hear back then and rediscover today. Unfortunately they stuck to only one album, because after various line-up changes (particularly on guitar) they recorded demos for a second album in 1989 which indicated a more whimsical metal direction, but broke up without completing it. But 1996 a CD with all their recordings (Repossessed 1985-1989) were released on Melodiya Records. Solid stuff for breakfast I think, and maybe a little lunch later... Bon Appétit!

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PERZONAL WAR - Different But The Same 2002

Some time ago I brought you closer to the debut of the PowerTrashMetal band Perzonal War and today I give you their third album which was released via AFM Records. You can clearly see their development and their songs captivate with hard, powerful, catchy rhythms and melodies. The reviews of this album are mixed and the band is largely unknown, although they work at a high level and don't have to hide behind any big bands from overseas but they had their chance and blew it (some opinions). Of course, there are also weak tracks among them, but overall you can listen to the album, even as non-Metaller, without hesitation and you don't have to become a fan of them, but listen to goes always, right!

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THE KRIXHJÄLTERS - Hjälter Skelter 12'' 1988

Second release by this four piece from Stockholm on Chicken Brain Records (541 handnumbered copies) and was the debut Guineapig Assasinator more in the Hardcore/Punk sector at home is now the sound clearly slipped into the metal/crossover genre and all lyrics are performed in English. There are five songs for your ears and a saxophone can also be heard which is an interesting acoustic addition, I don't know any metal band that uses this instrument. Check this out.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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VOÏVOD - Killing Technology 1987

The time for cuddling is over and I'm stepping up four gears and treating you to some loud & brutal noises on this fucking Monday!! And it's not just Speed/Thrash Metal maniacs who get their money's worth. Killing Technology is the third album by Canada's four piece Voïvod, released again via Karl Walterbach's label Noise Records and it is clearly more "melody" in the seven songs. Info: After the release of the previous album Rrröööaaarrr, the tour to the album followed, which should end in Berlin to record the next studio album. Because of this, guitarist Piggy wrote the album's songs before the start of this tour. Harris Johns' work with Einstürzende Neubauten had sparked an interest in industrial music among Voïvod's musicians. During recording and mixing, bassist Blacky brought his ideas to Piggy's composed tracks. For the first time, the texts formed an overall concept for the further development of the band's character, which is about a journey through the Voïvod with a spaceship. The Voïvod stands for the inability of mankind to control the increasing mechanization of the world. Killing Technology represents an advancement of the bands skills on their instruments as well as in stylistic direction. I say this record is one of the band's best albums and when I ripped the slab, I started Pogo around my apartment like I'm at a concert, ecstatic and carefree, and this music push me away from all the daily shit that's always present.

Believe me, if you want to clear your head or have emotional differences, put this music on and you're alive for a brief moment and you know what really matters!

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WARFARE - Metal Anarchy 1985

Evo (vocals/drums), Gunner (guitars), Falken (bass) or better known as Warfare released their second blast via Neat Records and it's one of my absolute favorite records. I listened to the ten eruptions many times and I can say, this sound pushed myself in the direction of Hardcore & Punk. Here's a splendid review: "To the casual observer, Warfare's second album, Metal Anarchy, would seem like nothing more than a carbon copy of their first. But the welcome presence of heavy metal icon Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister in the producer's chair was just the first of many subtle difference-makers on hand. Besides putting his personal imprint on the material by giving it a distinct crunch and Motörhead-like echo, Lemmy may have also had a hand in helping Warfare fully embrace their metallic tendencies while putting their Punkrock habits behind them once and for all. Its two-faced title may have hinted otherwise, but the lyric choices and consistently ferocious attack inside were dead giveaways to this new focus. 

Borrowing a page from Accept's book of tricks (their classic tune "Fast as a Shrak," to be precise), Warfare kicked off Metal Anarchy with a misleading snippet of the Sound of Music soundtrack before rudely interrupting it with their most vicious thrasher yet, the apropos-named "Electric Mayhem." Ensuing standouts like "Death Vigilance," "Living For The Last Days," "Wrecked Society," and the title track never waver in intensity, yet they remain surprisingly accessible thanks to their clear, uncomplicated arrangements. All of which helped ensure that this record would go down as Warfare's finest album, but would also make it an impossible act to follow." (Eduardo Rivadavia)

Fucking Great Record!!!

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IRON MAIDEN - @ Sun Plaza/Tokyo 24.05.1981

Today to a band that has accompanied me since their third album and that I appreciate very much: Iron Maiden - Founded in Leyton/East London in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris and they're still traveling the world to date. The band's discography has grown to forty-one albums, including seventeen studio, thirteen live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations (who can keep up with that?). My last Maiden album which I bought was the sixth one, the first with guitar synthesizers and it was kind of strange to me at the time so I didn't feel much enthusiasm, furthermore Punkrock moved into my veins and brightened my spirit and changed my life. Nevertheless, I attended the Somewhere On Tour and it was more of a coincidence. I was sitting at home with buddies and we thought about what to do with the evening, Maiden played on November 20th, 1986 in Offenbach, in the small Stadthalle, together with W.A.S.P. from Los Angeles. Unfortunately, I don't have any more pictures in my head, but we went there spontaneously (at that time you could still get tickets at the box office) and enjoyed the evening.

Now after more than thirty-five years I bought the latest work by the British, Senjutsu, and I'm blown away; but not because of the mostly positive reviews, no no no... I rather have the feeling that they never left, they still sound powerful, solid joy of playing and you can tell that the gentlemen want to and still can do it, the new epic shoots me back into my youth like a time machine, and I'm feeling great. The only difference, the songs are a bit longer. I think the success is because it's their first album in almost six years.

Well, I want to bow & out of gratitude for all the fantastic emotions, now a little tribute post in form of a live recording from their Killer tour in 1981 (still with Paul Di'Anno on the mic who was allowed to leave the band in September '81). In their early days they sounded a bit harder and rougher, which reflects the special charm of the songs, and an experience for everyone who doesn't know Maiden at this time. Top sound quality and strong overall. Enjoy the show and the quality and quantity of this historic recording, especially in fuckin' times like these. Up the Irons!

The Ides Of March/Wrathchild/Purgatory/Sanctuary/Remember Tomorrow/Another Life/Genghis Khan/Killers/Innocent Exile/Twilight Zone/Strange World/Murders In The Rue Morgue/Phantom Of The Opera/Iron Maiden/Running Free/Transylvania/Drifter/I've Got The Fire

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BEYOND POSSESSION - Tell Tale Heart EP 1985

I put the metal label here, although the band started out as solid Hardcore/Punk maniacs and I also had their first full length from 1986, but had to give way due to financial resentments (really annoyed me) and now rediscovered and before the SGE hopefully get three points against Bochum today, here & now their first EP with six smashin' cocktails on Rooter Records and I coerce you with littles info from somewhere: Beyond Possession is a band of conviction, and its members refuse to have their names published. Their leader fears it would detract from the group’s identity. The group’s name is taken by man to imply an association with Satan and the demonic hype with which heavy-metal bands often flirt. Not so, say the members of Beyond Possession: rather, they claim they are beyond being possessed by ego and material goods. An American and a Soviet flag hang in the band’s house. “We don’t lick anyone’s boots,” says one. A skateboarding tune they wrote and recorded has been distributed on a Skaterock album. Band members say they oppose both the NeoNazi sentiments of Punk and the blatant commercialism of heavy metal; their music is a hard-core-punk-&-heavy-metal fusion, a compromise that can be appreciated by both the thrashers and the headbangers.

Their nameless and energetic leader works hard to keep alternative music alive in community halls around town. They’ve got day jobs and sink all their money back into the band. They travel. They just got back from an 18-state tour on which they peddled a few home-spun records and made a few waves. Insulted by a condescending announcer on a San Francisco radio show, the DJ had had the audacity to ask inane questions about Canadian weather, the band was forced to fill the mike with rude noises. Beyond Possession confide that “he didn’t ask us about our music.” So dear folks, just a quick fuck and then let's go!

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VAMPA - Plugget EP 1982

Weekend and something special now from the Wanted-List and a joy for all Heavy Metal maniacs. Ultra rare Swedish D.I.Y. nugget from 1982 by Vampa from Stockholm and allow me to give you a little bit of infos about them from the re-release: They were just kids, thirteen-fourteen years old when they recorded and released their raw and very Iron Maidenesque piece of vinyl over forty years ago. The band were Robert & Ola (vocals/guitars), Robert (bass), Per (drums) and they made this all by themselves. The lyrics (sung in Swedish) is the ultimate hate for school-anthem. The boredom and frustration of (barely) teenage kids totally sick of school and its teachers has rarely been captured in a better and more enjoyable way. Even though the lyrics are in Swedish the language that grabs the listener as the needle is dropped into the groove is universal. The original EP is near impossible to find. On The Dole Records found the members and re-released this goodie in a limited edition of 500 copies in orange vinyl with new artwork by Swedish artist Oscar Nordblom, Filed under: ”beyond essential to any serious Rock’N’Roll fan”. Always nice to encounter such lost treasures, tack så mycket! 😗

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V/A - Mad Trax II (Beyond Metal Zone) 1987

At the end of July a little compilation for my metal friends out there and this is the Yugoslav publication by PGP RTB (Produkcija Gramofonskih Ploča Radio Televizije Beograd) and this version has entirely different tracks than the UK double vinyl edition. Renowned American metal bands that made their first albums at this time are gathered here, plus a British combo whose album I once had, and we enjoy trash metal at its best. I have to say, I can still identify with this music, after all, this sound was an elixir of life for me in the mid-eighties and even if some bands get on my nerves nowadays, I'm sometimes not averse to devoting a little time to the trashers. And on this little record are exactly the ones, which reflect this perfect. That brings memories, I can tell you, Kutte an and off to every concert, of which there were more than enough back then and getting old is such a fucking shit!

1.Unstoppable Force - AGENT STEEL

2.Creeping Death - METALLICA

3.A Lesson In Violence - EXODUS

4.Break Down The Walls - EXCITER

5.Rattlehead - MEGADEATH

6.Metal Forces - ONSLAUGHT

7.March To Die - POSSESSED

8.Brain Death - NUCLEAR ASSAULT

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PERZONAL WAR - The Inside 1998

Mon Dieu, washing and chopping the berries is exhausting and arduous, but the shake is yummy. But enough of the toil. Now a little trip to the Metalzone and I got to know about this band through a friend; "check this out, interesting band from Germany, they sound like a famous US metal combo which everyone knows, you will gonna like it." Said and done. And he was right! A bit info about the band: PowerThrash Metal band from Troisdorf and founded 1996 under the name Personal War by Matthias (vocals/guitar) and Martin (drums). Together they recorded a first demo. A short time later, Martin's brother Frank (bass) and Sascha (guitars) joined them and after a second demo the band appeared on Rock Hard's compilation Unerhört. As a result, the group reached a contract with Gernhart Records in 1997. They then recorded their debut and released it in early 1998 as The Inside. Over the next two years the band changed their label and signed a contract with B.Mind Records and released their 2nd album Newtimechaos in May 2000. For legal reasons the band had to change their name to Perzonal War in early 2002. More records and countless shows followed (including Chicago Powerfest USA, Sziget Festival Hungary, Summerbreeze Open Air, Rhein-Kultur Festival) and the youngsters never get tired and still wanna know and underline their independence, uncompromising songwriting, brute riffs, filigree guitar work, pushing drums and self-confident, aggressive vocals, which never lack the necessary portion of melody, have always been the hallmarks of the band. These attributes - combined with their twenty years of stage and studio experience - ensure that Perzonal War kick asses live and give the scene new impulses. Perzonal War stay at the forefront of the German underground metal scene and that's a good thing. And now on to a long EM day... enjoy!

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WARFARE - Noise Noise Noise (Lost Demos) 2015

Powerful record of one of my favorite bands and I'm really happy that some lengthy relationships implement such an idea and make it possible. Raising money is really not the reason, but for us maniacs as a thank you for beeing loyal fans. Warfare were Heavyypunx from Newcastle, founded in 1982 and disbanded in 1993. Their first line-up was Evo (vocals / drums), Gunner (guitars), Falken (bass) and this formation recorded the first two albums, which in my opinion are damn great and nowadays put some so-called hardcore bands in the shade. For High Roller Records Evo has now opened his vast archive of rare and unreleased Warfare recordings. The first release in the “vaultage series” is called "Noise Noise Noise (The Lost Demos)", a compilation of thirteen “lost” Warfare demos. “The source of those demos are first generation analogue cassettes,” explains Evo and features alternative versions of numerous early Warfare classics such as Burn Down The Kings Road, New Age Of Total Warfare or the wild Two Tribes (originally by Frankie Goes To Hollywood) as well as a plethora of completely unreleased material." I can only recommend you to buy this slab and don't be satisfied with cheap mp3s... the Total Death EP and a little compilation are required as well. More infos on HHR and now enjoy the furious and passionate ecstasy of the three.  

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WHIPLASH - Power And Pain 1985

At an early hour I ring the weekend in with a metal slab from Whiplash, a classic American thrash metal band, formed 1984 in Passaic/New Jersey. The original power trio line-up was comprised of the three Tonys: Tony Portaro (guitar, vocals), Tony Scaglione (drums) and Tony Bono (bass). They appeared on the "Speed Metal Hell" compilation from New Renaissance Records in 1985 with the track Thrash Till Death after which they signed with Roadrunner Records which then released their debut masterpiece Power And Pain with nine blasts.

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V/A - Death Metal 1984

A little treat for my Metal friends is for sure the fourth compilation of the Berlin Noise Label, whose Metal Attack Vol.1 has a surprisingly large number of downloads. just a pity that you don't say anything at all, well ... my metal days are long gone but now and then I have the feeling to pull out one of my few remaining slabs and sometimes I have to laugh at some songs how bad they are. Well, thirty years ago, my clock went different but even these times stay unforgotten. 

A bit info: Death Metal is a mini album by Helloween, Hellhammer, Running Wild & Dark Avenger. It contains the only recorded material of the German band Dark Avenger. The album offers an interesting snapshot of the ebullience and creativity of the Central European metal scene during the end of the early 1980s. At that time Running Wild had yet to develop their "Pirate Metal" schtick and considered themselves a black metal band. Helloween were more of a thrashy speed metal act rather than the melodic power metal vehicle into which they would soon develop. Hellhammer were the darker and heavier band of the foursome and would later be regarded as pioneers and inspiration for generations of European extreme metalers. This album is a perfect example of that sound. It's fast, heavy, dark, and far from mainstreem. A detailed review can be found on metal-archives. So, in one hour is kick-off in Vaduz.

1.Iron Heads - RUNNING WILD

2.Bones To Ashes - RUNNING WILD

3.Revelations Of Doom - HELLHAMMER

4.Messiah - HELLHAMMER

5.Black Fairies - DARK AVENGER

6.Lords Of The Night - DARK AVENGER

7.Oernst Of Life - HELLOWEEN

8.Metal Invaders - HELLOWEEN

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VENOM - @ Hellfest, Clisson 20.06.2015

The Gods of Black Metal and to date the undisputed #1 are Venom from Newcastle which were formed 1978 and with some breaks still active. Fifteen albums (I only have two left) appeared during this period and with their extreme music they enthrall countless fans all over the world. In 2015 they played at the Hellfest which went three days and here is their gig in a fantastic recording quality. So join the Venom's Legions, pick up the double album From Hell To Unknown as well and have a sunny Easter Monday. Now I have to ride with my bike to Heike's brunch in the heart of Offenbach.  

Rise/Bloodlust/Die Hard/Long Haired Punks/Grinding Teeth/Buried Alive/The Evil One/Welcome To Hell/1000 Days In Sodom/Countess Bathory/Warhead/Black Metal/Witching Hour

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V/A - Metal Attack Vol.1 1985

Now a little trip back to my Metal days with this nice compilation from Noise Records. Six bands and we kick off with Grave Digger from Gladbeck, formed 1980 and they're still alive, Running Wild were formed 1976 in Hamburg. They were part of the German metal scene to emerge in the early to mid-1980s. Over the course of their career, they have released sixteen studio albums, three live albums, five compilation albums, and six singles/EPs. Although their earlier releases contained Satanic themes and imagery, Gerald "Preacher" Warnecke, the guitar player of the band, was studying theology at the time and is now a pastor in Cologne. Helloween's a power metal band also from Hamburg, founded 1984 by members of bands Iron Fist and Gentry. They released fifteen studio albums, three live albums, three EPs, and twenty-seven singles, and has sold more than eight million records worldwide. Warrant were formed 1983 in Düsseldorf by Jörg (vocals & bass), Thomas (guitar), Oliver (guitar) and Lothar (drums). Also Thomas Franke played all drums in 1985 studio recordings of both EP and LP and in 1999 recordings as well. They went on tour with Warlock in 1985, after releasing an EP and an LP the band soon split up. Sinner was formed by vocalist and bassist Mat Sinner in 1982, based in Stuttgart the band released their first album, Wild'n'Evil in 1982. This album, along with the next two (Fast Decision and Danger Zone) were raw affairs, having little in common with the melodic metal they would later become known for. Celtic Frost were a Swiss extreme metal band from Zurich. They are known for their strong influence on the development of extreme metal. Formed in 1981 as Hellhammer, the band became Celtic Frost in 1984 and was active until 1993. Their music included elements of various extreme metal styles. Their earlier music was classified as thrash metal and death metal and their later work was classified as doom metal. The level of experimentation on albums such as Into the Pandemonium led certain journalists to describe the band's direction as avant-garde metal.

1.Shine On - GRAVE DIGGER

2.Tears Of Blood - GRAVE DIGGER

3.Diabolic Force - RUNNING WILD

4.Murderer - HELLOWEEN

5.Scavenger's Daughter - WARRANT

6.Danger Zone - SINNER

7.Dethroned Emperor - CELTIC FROST

8.Morbid Tales - CELTIC FROST

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HALLOWS EVE - Tales Of Terror 1985

It's time for another Metal record and let's listen to the debut album by Atlanta thrash maniacs Hallows Eve on Combat/Metal Blade Records and with a bit more gruff as on the second longplayer Death & Insanity. I have not many metal records left, but Hallow's Eve is still one of the top ten bands for me and I remember with the first listen this is right for my ears and a lot of really good bands exist in the 80's, from overseas or Europe, charmed me with their fast-paced guitars and live shows. It was a wild time, with a frock and patches and lots of alcohol and many funny memories come up. Get intoxicated with their sound and enjoy the coldy evening.

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WARFARE - Total Death EP 1985

I'm ripping at the moment the first solo album by Evo which is called Warfare and was released via High Roller Records and it's a nice appearance and Evo is probably better known to you as drummer/singer of the Newcastle Metalpunx Warfare, which made in the 80's some great records on Neat Records and that's why I choose this little four track EP as next post. What should I tell you? I always like to remember a festival with four bands in a gym in Frankfurt 1986 and it was fantastic, Warfare was the last act and thirty people were left, simply the real Hardcores. The band threw cucumber juice and the pogo usually ended up on the ass, I never experienced anything like that and I was young and enjoyed it very much. Those who were there at the time can remember what I'm talking about; yes yes, the good old days. Don't miss the Crescendo Of Reflections compilation with old songs in a new dress ('91). And now off to the weekend!

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S.O.D. - Speak English Or Die 1985

A long time since the last Metal post although the debut album of the Stormtroopers Of Death (S.O.D.) is more a Hardcore/Trash/Metal slab and they formed 1985 in New York by Scott Ian (guitars), Charlie Benante (drums), Dan Lilker (bass) and Billy Milano (vocals). "They recorded a 63 song demo called Crab Society North and set to work on an album for Johnny Zazula's Megaforce Records. The album, titled Speak English Or Die, was recorded and mixed over three days and has since been hailed as a landmark album that was among the first to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal. They toured in support of the album in 1985, opening for Motörhead and The Plasmatics, among others. Their music served as the theme of the '80s incarnation of MTV's Headbangers Ball. They planned a follow-up titled USA For S.O.D. which was ultimately scrapped and never recorded." I heard a lot of Metal & Hardcore in the 80s and then came this album in and I was immediately excited, the intensity and dynamic which play the four their twenty-one songs is just awesome. Let yourself be intoxicated by this brilliant record.

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MOTTEK - Fatal Violence 1990

I'm a bit limply so a quick post today with Mottek, originally founded as a hardcore/punk band 1981 in Hildesheim and they released two pretty albums in the eighties and in 1990 they change their sound and became more metal on their last album Fatal Violence (Sucker Records) which is a solid record with nine Trash attacks. Wanted by a friend and now finally there. Thirty degrees today and after three coffee I'm still not fit, maybe a Jever helps. Do something beautiful wherever you are, Aloha!

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