APPENDIX - Money Is Not My Currency 1983

For breakfast, I serve gentle Nordic dance music from beautiful Finland and invited are: Mikki (vocals), Jaska (guitar), Tomi (bass) and Vesku (drums) = Appendix. Hailed from Pori, a small town in the western coast of Finland, and although they were not as raw, fast or chaotic as most of the other Finnish hardcore bands at the time, they undoubtedly deserve their place in the Finnish 1980’s hardcore punk history. Ei Raha Oo Mun Valuuttaa is their debut record and was released via Propaganda Records (the label for exquisite Finnish hardcore) and in Germany via Rock-O-Rama, one of the wiser decisions of the Cologne. Sixteen melodic straightforward mid-tempo punk & hardcore songs guarantee lots of wet ear orgasms. The second album, Top Of The Pops (1984), continues seamlessly with more catchy crackers and in autumn the same year the band split up. In the mid 90s Appendix has reformed and made new records/gigs but they can't reach the level of the early days... now it's time for a warm shower!

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STRESS* - s/t LP 1982

RRR 10 is STRESS*, founded 1979 in Schleswig by Thorsten (vocals), Wolfgang (bass), Carsten (guitars) and Jürgen (drums) and it's not easy to describe a review. Well, for all those who like the early punk slabs of the Cologne Rock-O-Rama label (me too but there is also crap) is this album worth listening, good lyrics and musically okay. Others say the record is only boring and I quote: This record is positively laid back, the worst possible attribute for a hardcore release, the songs themselves don't show much promise, either. There are rare glimpses of potential, but they never develop into anything substantial (KFTH). I mean, the songs were recorded thirty-five years ago and don't have to hide behind today's shit called D-Punk. I think the spirit of the early days is missing and sure, I can't compare that to today, I know that too, but I think punk today has become too commercial and the music often sounds the same. Well, I'm not interested in it anyway and who gives a shit about my thoughts? Enough stupid words: the wimpy recording is fantastic, the songs nasty & refreshing, cool cover = galactic album! - For risks and side effects contact a toilet, a psychiatrist you trust or a well-tempered drink, your choice.

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VORKRIEGSPHASE - Auf In Den Tod 1983

An incredible fast & hard carnage are the only slab by this four piece from Kaufbeuren with fifteen bloodbaths, released via Rock-O-Rama. Founded by Mad (vocals), Frank (guitars), Georg (bass) and Kurti (drums) sometime in the early 80's. Presumably they sent their demo to H.E. and he produced their plate in the usual ROR sound. Partly a bit exhausting, not comparable to today's stuff, but still good and intense. In the same year appeared the 'Scheiss Krieg' EP with three pieces and a demo from 1984 was the last life sign by the band. The original record is traded extremely high and in 2006 a bootleg found the way to light with all recordings. Now enjoy this rush of fast attacks, complete with the rare insert, Prost!

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VOMIT VISIONS - Punks Are The Old Farts Of Today EP 1980

Sorry for the delay but I was looking a bloody long time for this shit but here it is, the first Rock-O-Rama release: the Vomit Visions EP. "Very good punk of the Vomit Visions of Germany: ultra-fast, ultra hard, absolute rubbish music, of which there are now really too little." (Sounds 1/1982). To me just only cult! Because they come from my hometown, so it's my damn must to post this on wdthtc. Four excellent low-fi smasher and the best German punk record ever, I still have one more 7inch which I post sometime.

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VAURIO - A Shout From The Night 1984

From Turku are Vaurio and they were founded 1981 by Sauke (vocals), Masa (guitar), Sidi (bass) and Brando (drums) but Brando left one year later the band and new drummer Minni came in and this line-up formed the band's standard composition and also played on all Vaurio recordings, while other band members were either visiting or just being there for a short time. The group was active until summer 1985 after which it re-assembled only on May 11, 1990, at the six-year anniversary celebration of the turkish Aura brewery. Vaurio is part of the Finnish hardcore punk movement from the early 80s and recorded one EP, Sortoa Ja Vainoa on Propaganda Records in 1983 and this full length which was released via Rock-O-Rama, the German label we all love... and two tracks on the great Finnish Spunk/Hard Beat compilation (coming soon), also on the Cologne label. Vaurio's sound stands for short fast songs, not so aggressive as Terveet Kädet or Riistetyt, rather slight melodic mid-tempo songs and in between, of course, short catchy numbers, fourteen nuggets in twenty-five minutes. Fuck info at the end: singer Sauke died at the age of 38 in 2003. - In his honor: A Shout From The Night!

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THE LAST WORDS - s/t LP 1980

This nugget is a damn highlight on vinyl in my opinion, the only full length by the Last Words - an early punk band from Sydney/Australia - which was released via Armageddon records. They played + recorded in Sydney and London from 1977 to 1980. The band comprised Malcolm Baxter (vocals), Andy Groome (guitar), Leigh Kendall (bass) and John Gunn (drums). The band's first single, 'Animal World' had a cult following. The band were among the first who experiment with dub music, recording with Adrian Sherwood in 1980. Discover thirteen excellent mid-tempo punk tunes with dirty guitars, clean voice, simple chords and in an reasonable length and so should punk sounding, it must not always fast & aggressive... the absolute killer track at the end of the record is the circa nine minute cover of Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit', simply delicious, you must listen to this... Perhaps to mention: In 1979 Kendall played guitar on the Punks Are The Old Farts Of Today EP (Rock-O-Rama Records RRR 001) by German punx Vomit Visions (could post it if anyone is interested) beginning a series of collaborations between members of the two bands... real obliquely! Well, enough useless words. Interesting: a retrospective album called The Last Words 1977-1980 was released in 2007 on Retro Records.

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OHL - s/t EP 1981

Shitty coldy weather here, it seems as if it's raining now. So let's go on and fill the blog with more rarities. Here is the first OHL record which was released on the now scum Rock-O-Rama label and you could praise this as a crazy German-punk classic, a bit mushy and with calm guitars but melodious songs (the back cover says "Take" recordings, hmmm..). Three unpolished and rough lovesongs from Deutscher W & Co. and they show how brute the early years of OHL were before they went into a more darker sound (listen to their Jenseits Von Gut & Böse album for example). Nevertheless, the hatred in the voice of the singer Deutscher W (W stands for resistance or wealth?) is fuckin' impressive and the style is consistently continued on the following albums. Not everyone's cup of tea I think, but for me are OHL as well one of the important bands of German punkrock and their stuff is still worth listening to, perhaps out of date but zappy.

- Huge Thx to Reinhard -

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TERVEET KÄDET - Black God 1984

Want wild fast short loud songs? Now the opportunity has come: Terveet Kädet (Healthy Hands) were Finnish hardcore punx, the first in Finland and the band was founded in Tornio, January 1980 by Läjä (vocals), Tiimo (guitars), Piäsky (bass) and Peedro (drums). They have had a major influence on bands from all over the world, especially in Brazil (which some have claimed was because of a member from the leading band Olho Seco and his enthusiasm and connections to that country's scene). Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Soulfly has mentioned Terveet Kädet as one of his all-time favourite bands. The band's line-up changed several times, and the singer Veli-Matti "Läjä" Äijälä was the only permanent member. The four are guests on numerous compilations. Black God was released via Rock-O-Rama records with a studio and live side, twenty-one killers in just under seventeen minutes. Any questions?

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MASSACRE - s/t LP 1985

Finnish three piece from Kuru, alive from 1984 - 1989, got back together 2006. On their rare debut at the start: Pete (vocals/guitars), Minnie (bass), Make (drums) and recorded for Propaganda Records, distributed by Rock-O-Rama. It is known that Finnish bands have a large following, fan base or at least enjoy a high status. From the far north of Europe comes great musical enjoyment in form of extreme hardcore, melodic ramonespunk, powerful punkrock and dark heavy metal, something for everyone. Massacre confirm this impressively with their eleven varied blasts. The record is hard to get and is all too often offered at overpriced Euronen, so enjoy every song as I do. Two more albums followed, four singles and lots of compilation contributions, some can be found in the blog. Great Stuff! 

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INDECENT EXPOSURE - Live In Hildesheim/Germany 2008

Let's get to a band that certainly polarized, especially since they also released their records on Rock-O-Rama (1985) when the label was released only a Nazijunk, but I don't think they are, patriots rather, no matter, the music is okay and so I post this little CD which comes via Index Records with nineteen Streetpunk Oisters! Indecent Exposure were formed in late 1981, with Britain in a deep dire recession, three million on the dole and then Southall, Brixton & Toxteth along with many other towns & cities kicking off, it was now time for IndEx to make their mark through their own brand of Oi! Music!!! - More info in the file and I keep going with another vinyl rip.

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CHAOS Z - 45 Jahre Ohne Bewährung 1995

When this new album of my favorite band from Stuttgart Chaos Z was announced that time, I was absolutely excited. Ohne Gnade, the hardcore masterpiece from 1982 on Rock-O-Rama (the best record of this label) was an eternity ago and everyone knows that the band is now called Fliehende Stürme. 45 Jahre is complete written & recorded by Andreas Löhr, brother Thomas unfortunately died during this time, and has the fresh energy of which other bands of the 90s can only dream about. Critical statements packed in thirteen hits. As far as I can remember, the CD was released first because otherwise I would have the vinyl, 100%ig. As a small bonus, I added the two goodies from the Punkinvasion II compilation in this file. Now I have to open a beer... Salute!

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SISTE DAGERS HELVETE - The Hell 1984

Fuckin' rainy today, first class blog weather and I'm digging out another classic record by Siste Dagers Helvete (freely translated Last Days In Hell) from Moss, just south of Oslo, and the band consisted of Oskari (vocals), Morten (guitars), Knut (bass), Rune (drums) and were active from 1981 to 1986 and their album "The Hell" had landed on Rock-O-Rama because the famous Finnish label Propaganda Records went bankrupt and H.E. grabbed with his greasy fatfingers for the masters, the band writes today: "[...] it was released without the band's approval, with wrong song titles, no royalties and worst of it all: the label did a radically different mix, destroying the master tape that originally had a depth and punch very unusual for a hardcore band at this time." Nevertheless are thirteen fast, catchy, irresestible smasher are left at its best. In 2010 appeared a splendid compilation called Hele Helvete 83-09 via Fysisk Format with all their recordings plus live material.

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CHAOS Z - Ohne Gnade 1982

RRR.13 is by far the best record of the Brühler label Rock-O-Rama and if the three, Thomas (vocals/guitars), Andreas (bass), Michael (drums), would have known at the time that Egoldt is a damn profit-oriented bastard and is not a niche for underground bands in the DIY sense, they would certainly choose another label, but the times were different and labels were rare. Chaos Z were founded in summer 1980 by the three above as the Zeroes. In October of the same year they renamed their band Chaos Z. At the same time, they started to write their lyrics in German. Their first vinyl appearance is the awesome Abmarsch EP on Mülleimer Records 1981. They rarely play gigs and there was no indication of the line-up on the records. Only with releases on samplers did it become known that the brothers Thomas & Andreas Löhr were the main members of the band. They existed from 1980 to 1983 and then merged into the band Fliehende Stürme with the same line-up. In 1995 Andreas recorded in single-handedly (Michael had left the band and Thomas died after the recordings for third Stürme CD Fallen) another Chaos Z album. 45 Jahre Ohne Bewährung took up the hardcore of the early 80s. In 2002, Weird System released the double LP Dunkle Strassen (1981-1995 complete), a compilation of all Chaos Z pieces that had been released so far, which contained all the lyrics (apart from that to Rocker Billy) and a summary of the band's history by Andreas. However, as with the sampler Schlachtrufe BRD, the intro for war is missing (however, it was cut out incorrectly on Dunkle Strassen), which was originally included on this album. Chaos Z's music is initially pure hardcore punk that may have been influenced by bands like Discharge. According to their own statements, they also felt inspired by New Wave groups and so more and more elements from the Dark Wave were used which then ushered in the change. With this album the three have produced a real universal classic and in my opinion, the best German HardcorePunk record ever and the original (appeared with a lyricsheet, which was rather unusual for the shitty label) is every damn price worth. Unequaled, still topical and great after almost forty years!!

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THE SKEPTIX - ...So The Youth 1983

A great politically charged band, not as heavily political as Crass, but great well thought out meaninful lyrics are there. The Skeptix originally formed 1980 in Stoke On Trent by Snotty (vocals), Fish (guitars), Usher (bass) and Chig (drums) and they signed to Zenon Records and release their debut 7'' Routine Machine in 1981. Between 1981 & 1983 the band released five singles & an album via the German label Rock-O-Rama Records which was not a good decision, the album went down in nothing and received little response. A split with OHL, The Kids Are United EP, followed and they said goodbye to H.E. and in 1985 the Skeptix split up. In December 2001 the band, with the original band line-up, reformed & started to rehearse for the Holidays in the Sun Festivals in the UK & USA. Their first album in twenty years, Hate & Fear, was recorded & released in 2003. In the same year the Skeptix toured the USA to promote the album. The recording of their gig at New Yorks CBGBs became their next album for release. A DVD of the CBGBs gig, including additional footage from the tour, was also released. So now enjoy fast, brash UK eighties hardcore punk.

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ABOVE THE RUINS - Songs Of The Wolf 1984

All right my dear followers, now a record that can/will certainly be a subject for discussion, but I like the songs and that's why it's okay to post the music here on wdthtc. Nevertheless, I quote a little facts/background as you are used to from me and tell me your opinion if you have any criticism or anything else to say about the record: "After being asked to leave Death In June in 1984 due to his membership in the British Fuckin' National Front, Tony Wakeford formed Above The Ruins. None of the group's releases name any of its members. Wakeford never said which other persons were involved in the group. The band released one cassette in 1984 which was issued on vinyl 1986 (First Floor Records) and CD in 1996. The album's sound was similar to the dark post-punk of early Death In June. They contributed a track on the No Surrender compilation which was released via Rock-O-Rama alongside with fuckin' nazi bands but I think this happened without the band's consent because Egoldt was a damn money-hungry bastard. The music's post punk sound bears resemblance both to early Death In June and his future project Sol Invictus. The anonymity of the band members, the lyrics (dedicated to subjects like patriotism, anti-Marxism, anti-egalitarianism and anti-multiculturalism) and Wakeford's political affiliations of the time led to on-going controversy and speculation surrounding the project. Wakeford formed Sol Invictus shortly after this project was abandoned. In 2007, he stated that he had had no connection to or interest in such ideas for twenty or more years." This copy is the re-release from Infinite Fog Productions which came out in a limited edition of 500 copies. Take it or leave it, but don't talk about it until you've heard it.

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