VIBRATIONS OF DOOM
ISSUE #4
BY: STEVEN CANNON (SLAYER)
Welp, welcome back to yet another music filled "installment" of the 'zine. For
those of you who have been reading, thanks for the support and thanks for all
the help. Special thanks go out to the crews at Taang! Records, Roughage, Metal
Blade (especially Marco, thanks for the Diamond Head cassettes!), Century
Media, Nuclear Blast, Def Jam, Columbia, Roadrunner/Third Mind, and all the
other demo bands and especially to Dane Kurth for keeping me informed as to
what Running Wild and X-Wild are doing these days. In case you missed the
numbers last issue, you can download the magazine from the E-Pages bulletin
board system here in the United States at 1-912-927-4825 and 1-912-927-6428.
This is a slight change from the last issue, as the two lines above are for
low speed callers. High speed callers (9600 baud and above) can use the
1-912-927-4857 number instead.
Well, with the year 1993 gone and the year 1994 coming in full force, we have
some VERY exciting news for all of you: We now have a CD-ROM drive online!
So, you say, what is the point? Well, you are now able to hear new music from
bands while you're online to the bulletin boards! That's right, when you call
the E-Pages BBS to download the magazine, there will be several files saved in
WAV format that you can download and listen to with MCS Stereo, Windows, or any
other WAV player! And, I am told that WAV files can be used with Amigas, IBM's,
and even Macintoshes! Already up are clips from songs by Candy Machine, Kyuss,
and 3 from bands on the Heralds of Oblivion CD! So go grab 'em, they are in the
IBM music/art sub!
Sorry for the 1 1/2 month delay getting the third issue out, but there were
serious problems with our hard drive and printer. That coupled with the fact
that I had no interviews last issue really messed things up. BUT, we are most
definitely back on track, and I'd love to hear what ya have to say! SO: Send me
your letters, reviews, bio's, etc. OR, if you DON'T have a computer but want
to read the magazine anyway, drop me a line at:
Vibrations of Doom magazine
c/o Steven Cannon
1133 East 53rd Street
Savannah, GA USA 31404.
And now, on to the 'zine!
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ALBUM REVIEWS:
Various Artists "The Heralds of Oblivion" (Roughage Records)
This compilation, from brand new label Roughage Records, boasts some of the
darkest and heaviest death metal I've ever heard. There are five bands featured
here, Brainstorm, Demolition, Mutilage, Catalepsy and Decomposed. Each band
has three cuts on the CD, and they are all quite brutal. The sound production
is quite muddy, though, but that reminds me of the Dark Angel epic masterpiece
"Darkness Descends" and helps to give it a heavy yet brutal sound. The majority
of the band members are either black or hispanic, and display a very ferocious
style of death both lyrically and musically. One of the bands, L.A.'s legendary
Decomposed, even has a few tunes in Spanish! (Brujeria, anyone?) Quite a fine
disc, I had a hard time deciding which bands were better than others! Look out
for full length releases from these bands soon, this up-and-coming label shows
tremendous potential!
SEPULTURA "Chaos A.D." (Roadrunner Records/Epic Records)
Well, THIS is the one we've been waiting for! The new Sepultura album also
features a video for the song "Territory" and the video is very impressive!
Possibly the best cut on the entire album, "Territory" is a vicious song, and
most of the album deals with the wars, violence and hostility currently being
(at the time of this writing) dealt with in the Middle East and also in their
homeland of Brazil. But, for all their hostility, it comes off sounding a bit
like a Hardcore album, especially in their use of repetition with chorus lines
and riffs. Although very heavy, it seems to loose a little of the punch that
brought us "Beneath the Remains" and "Arise." Their sound seems to be changing,
another battle cry recently heard by the almighty Morgoth, but there is still
a vicious and powerful sound throughout the disc. Max's vocals are in top form,
and the playing is still trademark Sepultura. It's a good album basically, but
it differs slightly from what we're used to hearing. It sounds as if their past
and present albums are all mixed into one, proving that fast or slow, Sepultura
is definitely a band to watch out for in the near future!
DIAMOND HEAD "Death and Progress" (MCA Records)
Well, they're back! From the classic NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal)
band that was responsible for bringing you "Am I Evil," "Helpless," and "The
Prince" comes a new album, Death and Progress! And lemme say it's a refreshing
change of pace from these boys! Mixing mellow, melodic chords with power riffs
and sometimes aggressive parts, these guys are still "making good music!" As I
said before the ten cuts are all very good, but the one track that stands out
in my mind is "Damnation Street," clearly Diamond Head's HEAVIEST song to date.
The drumming is tight and solid, and there are moments when it sounds like a
ballad is coming on, especially in the song "Starcrossed," but they soon get
into the right frame of mind. "Wild in the Streets," however, sounds like a
song that might be heard by a band such as Skid Row, or even Warrant, but it
somehow sounds different coming from the hands (or should I say the throat) of
Sean Harris. His vocals are not too harsh, but at times can be quite soothing
yet powerful (witness the "Get on your knees" riff displayed by the song
"Damnation Street" to get a feel of what I'm talking about.) Newly reformed
again, I hope to hear more from these guys, in the meantime, pick up "Borrowed
Time" and "Canterbury" by the boys from England also available (I believe) on
MCA Records.
COMECON "Converging Conspiracies" (Century Media Records)
Straneg name for a band. Strange album title. Strange band, PERIOD! Yes, it's
classic death metal of a fast and brutal nature, although the vocalist reminds
me a BIT of that other death metal band from California, Epidemic. BUT, there
is where the similarity ends. They do utilize some interesting twists and
turns on their latest disc yet the riffs are not your traditional grunge and
sludge death. The majority of the riffs are fast and furious, but they DO slow
it down once in awhile, and the arrangements are quite complex and very
refreshing at times! And, I could have SWORN I heard a Jew's Harp on a couple
of the tracks! Such songs as "Democrator," "Pinhole View," and "Dipstick" show
me that they indeed have power and the brutality needed to stand out in this
field. The lyrics are very well written and sometimes humorous, witnessed to
by their references to "Deutschneyland" in most of their songs. Dealing with
political, religious, and scientific issues, it kept me interested for quite a
while. Get it and when yer done banging your head for a bit, sit down and read
into a most enlightening experience!
TALISMAN "Genesis" (Dino Music)
I received this CD from Sweden, and it's overdue for a review! Why I waited to
do this had a LOT to do with deadlines and space, but here it is, the project
that features former Yngwie Malmsteen bassist Marcel Jacob and also from
Malmsteen vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. While this is not hard 'n' heavy, it is
very well done, and the record is fantastic in my opinion! The vocals are nice
and melodic, the guitar riffs and solos are intricate and incredibly varied,
and most of the songs are catchy and very likeable on first, second, heck even
through repeated listenings! It kinda reminds me of some of our local bands
that were popular in the early to late 80's, like Genesis and Journey, and even
some of our lighter metal bands. Some of the best cuts are "Coming Home,"
"I'll Set Your House on Fire," (which by the way features a funky, groovy set
of riffs coupled with the hard rock anthem tradition.) and "All or Nothing."
The lyrics are standard love/rock fare, but as I said before, some of the
lyrics and especially the chorus section are especially catchy. Even though
this is an import, if you're a fan of Malmsteen's work, you don't want to miss
such excellent guitar work!
FUDGE TUNNEL "Creep Diets" (Ccolumbia/Earache)
One of the first things I received from the newly formed Columbia/Earache
merger, this is one that's being given a good deal of recognition these days.
Although no stranger to the music scene, this disc gives a good idea of what
the band is all about. Though they claim there's no lyrics (no lyric sheet was
enclosed or ever mentioned!) you might be able to pick SOMETHING out! Anyway,
it's kinda like the grunge thing you've been hearing about lately, and not a
bad effort at that. The problem is that a lot of the songs sound the same after
awhile, and there doesn't seem to be enough variety injected here to warrant
repeated listenings. Lyrically, it's nearly impossible to judge, but the
vocals are definitely cool! He goes from a brash singing voice to a potent
yell, and he is a good vocalist. The guitars are quite crunchy, but as I stated
before there needs to be a bit more variety and they might want to work on
harmony and riff structure a bit more. However, it has its moments, especially
on the track "Grey," which made a video, and also a few others. It's not a bad
effort, but it could be better, and I think these guys know that.
FATAL OPERA "Fatal Opera" (Demo)
Ever wonder what happened to Gar Samuelson? WHAT!? You mean to tell me you
aren't familiar with one of the most brilliant drummers this side of the
metal/thrash spectrum? Remember the Megadeth album "Peace Sells..." which is
STILL one of the best 'Deth albums of all time? "Oh, THAT guy," you say! Well,
he's back and better than ever in this demo, which reminds me a LITTLE bit like
Megadeth. The classic riffs and complex solos by are all here. A 10 song
affair, it ranks as very original and classy too, check out the brilliant cover
of Jimi Hendrix' (Moon Turns The Tides." Overall, it is an interesting demo,
the lyrics are very thoughtful and intelligent (I just love bands with a bit
more to say than the usual satanic spew!) dealing with political, social, and
otherwise generally cool subject matter. (Gee, doesn't this sound like
something I said about another band's release a while ago?) The vocalist does
a good job of portraying the mood and feeling of each song, from the song
"Beaten Path" to the agressiveness and power of "Dead By 1998." Other good
songs are "Kill 'em," "Overshadowed," "Sphere of Glass," and of course my
personal favorite is "Dead By 1998," which could have easily been a Megadeth
song, which in my opinion may be the band's only weak point. The one thing I
remember when I think of the album "Peace Sells..." is the wonderful guitar
work, it was so crisp and clear and right out in front of you. Well, it sounds
like the guitarist here graduated from that same school of thrash, but it
still retains a hint of originality. So: do yourself a favor and order this
demo! Address is in the contact ads and addresses section.
TYPE O NEGATIVE "Bloody Kisses" (Roadrunner Records)
You might remember the review I did in Good Times Metal on them when they did
their album "Slow Deep and Hard." Well, they're back and more bizarre than
ever! This time around it's the gothic theme, complete with vampires, crosses,
and all out mayhem! There is a video for "Black #1," which is easily the best
cut on the album! The lead singer even sounds like the mighty Dracula himself.
Basically it's the perfect album for a Halloween evening, or just a dark night
with a full moon! The rest of the album contains interesting, bizarre, and at
times very moving pieces. "Kill All The White People" is their answer to
charges of racism, and "A Death in the Family" is a bizarre song about a man's
lover who kills herself. Finally, there is a very cool cover of Seals & Croft's
"Summer Breeze," which in my opinion is better than the original! Not quite all
out thrash, yet not too mellow, it is a very unusual release to say the least!
Grab it up and check out the video for "Black #1" if you haven't already seen
it! Gothic rulez!
BELIEVER "Dimensions" (REX Music/Roadrunner)
This record is being distributed by two different record labels, mainly
because one deals with the Christian market, the other deals with everyone
else. Oops! I said "Christian" metal didn't I? Well, fear not, because it could
very well be a story taken straight from the Bible as well, (sorta like a
musical storybook) but I had to mention these guys because they have done
something no other band has done for thrash: Combine an opera style with
thrash metal! Yes, that's right, and before you start thinking of fat ladies
with high pitched screeching, let me tell you that the young lady's voice is
very soothing and quite pleasing! You'll hear a new meaning to the word thrash
opera, and the cellos and violins are quite heavy yet they retain a moody
operatic feel. The first side of the disc is an all out thrash fest, and they
prove that they are quite adept at both fields. Sadly, this disc may all but
pass unnoticed by the rest of the world, but it is rather brilliant. The opera,
by the way, is in three parts with an intro to boot. Songs like "Dimentia,"
"Singularity," and "No Apology" are quite heavy and brutal, and when you're
ready to change pace you can flip to the other side! Quite an original release,
this is a truly remarkable feat! They plan on bringing the operatic showcase
on the road with them as well! I can't wait to see 'em live!
GNOME "Fiberglass" (C/Z Records)
This is kinda strange. Sort of an alternative style with a fun, punkish
attitude. The vocals are kind of annoying in parts, especially on the first
track "Pictures." The guitar work is interesting, at times it goes from brash
and heavy with not too much distortion to just keeping a steady riff going.
Some cuts like "Superstar" and "Popcorn" show that these guys might have some
appeal if they ever get more publicity. It seems to be just straightforward
playing, nothing really outstanding here but still a slightly above average
work. It will probably appeal to many alternative fans, mainly those that don't
like the heavier works of other alternative bands.
SACRIFICE "Apocalypse Inside" (Metal Blade Records)
Ah, yes. The newest release from Canadian thrashers has LOTS of promise! From
the first heavy and thrashing riffs on the song "My Eyes See Red," I knew that
this was a release worth waiting for! I still remember the vicious vocals of
their second album "Forward to Termination," and while this disc is not as all
out chaotic, it retains a heaviness all its own! While they've forgone the
occultic lyrics and brutal imagery, tracks like "Incarcerated," "Flesh," and
"Beneath What You See" show that their songwriting potential has not diminished
over the years. The vocalist reminds me of that style presented by Believer
frontman Kurt Bachman, brutal and controlled. In other words, he doesn't let
his pitch get out of hand. Everything here is very well controlled, very
thoughtful, and very tight and intricate. It's obvious that they spent a lot
of time coming up with good hooks and riffs to their songs. Rarely do I hear an
album where I could honestly sit and listen to every song, but this is it!
This is one band that is keeping thrash alive!
MONSTERLAND "Destroy What You Love" (Seed Records)
This disc was quite a pleasant surprise, and a bit of a shock to boot! First
off, the style is hard rocking alternative, with vocalist Thom Monahan giving
a very competent performance. The songs are pretty much in a straightforward,
alternative style, but some are quite good, such as "At One With Time," and
"Lobsterhead." I could actually see myself cruising down the streets with this
going! However, when I got to "Car on Fire," it reminded me of the Dead
Milkmen, complete with repeated lyrics and a fast playing time! Then there was
"Crashing Teenage Crush," which was a blazing punk/hardcore/alternative sound!
And that was quite awesome! I figure that these guys should go for the louder,
aggressive sound displayed in those last two songs I mentioned. Thom's vocals
are in top form here, he is even able to display a brash, angry punk sound
reminiscent of, say, Black Flag or early Suicidal. Nice release, though I hope
to see their next release capitalize on a heavier punk/hardcore influenced
sound that they are very capable of doing.
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INTERVIEWS:
SLEEP: Al, Bass/vocals; Chris, drums; Matt, guitars.
Sleep: One of the newest and heaviest bands to sign with the Earache label.
According to Chris, "We've been playing since about 8th grade together, and we
finally developed our style about two years ago into what you hear today on our
newest release 'Holy Mountain.'" And, while their music sounds a bit like early
Black Sabbath and capitalizing on the heaviness that Cathedral uses today, they
openly admit "We're not specifically doom metal, and we're not really trying to
capitalize on the psychedelic end of the spectrum. While we DO like a lot of
music from the 60's, and even the 40's and 50's, especially stuff like Hendrix,
Creedence, most of our music comes from the heart. We've even been influenced
by bands like Venom and Celtic Frost." Such a wide range of influences will
definitely give this group an edge in the mass market of bands today.
This current tour with Nik Turner's Hawkwind is their second outing to promote
their "Holy Mountain" release. I currently had a chance to see them live, and
to put it in their words, "We actually try to play slower live than how it is
on the album, it sounds MUCH heavier that way. Believe it or not, it's harder
to play slower than at regular speed. Also, we use a lot of reverb in the
microphone for vocal effects, so the whole atmosphere is very heavy." Heavy
indeed, not to mention their stage show, which, as Al explains, "It consists
of a movie projector that shows clips that we got from friends of ours from
all over the place, mainly people like ourselves who are into outer space a
lot. Our main theme is that of science fiction, someday we hope to be the first
band to play on the moon!" So, how realistic are they in terms of success? Once
again, they claim "We are NOT a doom band, rather we are somewhat of a 'stoner'
band, one that you can just sit back and really mellow out to, maybe take a
couple of bong hits, and just relax! Categorize us next to bongs and pipes!"
Speaking of everyone's favorite drug, the band actually could care less whether
marijuanna is legalized or not, "We'll smoke it anyway! It really doesn't make
much of a difference to us either way, it would be easier to grow and use if it
were legal, but it may never happen. Besides, we're really more interested in
outer space themes!" Fair enough!
So, where do Sleep go from here? "Well," explains Al, "our contract with
Earache records is for two more albums, right now we've got some stuff that we
are working on for our next release, and we might play some dates in Europe
when we're done with the Nik Turner's Hawkwind tour. Hopefully we'll just find
another band to jump on a tour with in the states. We just played an unreleased
song tonight, mainly just to keep in practice, it's not even finished yet."
So, look for the finished product from these guys sometime soon, and try to
catch the tail end of the Nik Turner's Hawkwind/Sleep tour which should wind
down sometime in Mid February (and WELL after the release of this issue of the
magazine! -Ed.)
NIK TURNER'S HAWKWIND. Nik Turner, Vocals.
After many years of absence, Hawkwind has once again returned to these
shores! Well, sort of. Nik Turner, one of Hawkwind's founding members, has
split from the band, but along with Del Detmar, the only other Hawkwind member
touring with Nik, has tried to re-create the spirit of Hawkwind on his "Space
Ritual 94" tour. He explains: "Hawkwind today is not what it used to be.
Basically there are some bad feelings between myself and the 'other' Hawkwind
band. We are trying to do a tour that recreates the feeling and the spirit of
the Hawkwind tours that we used to do back in the late 70's. Although we aren't
using the laser technology and expensive props, we do have an elaborate stage
show to accentuate the music with." And what a stage show it is! As if a 7
piece entourage wasn't enough, with Nik playing both flutes and saxophone,
there are psychedelic lava lights, black light, strobes, and stage costumes!
He further explains, "Although we went with a semi-low budget, our main purpose
was to bring Hawkwind's show to small towns, especially ones that may never
have had a chance to see Hawkwind live." While he tells us in the middle of his
show that this is HIS version of Hawkwind, you can't help but feel like he
really connects with his audience. Judging by the set I saw, they try to
combine numbers from Nik Turner's self titled band, Hawkwind songs, numbers by
Helios Creed and PressureHed. Quite a bit of material for one show!
Nik tells us a bit more about the "other" Hawkwind band: "Hawkwind today are
only playing large cities in Europe and the US, whereas we are trying to get
Hawkwind to many cities. They are basically "selling out" for a higher price.
The music they play today sounds NOTHING like what we did back when I was still
in the band. It's very hard for us to book tours as well, because they have
tried to threaten us by saying we shouldn't be using the name Hawkwind, when
I feel I have every right to use that name to promote my shows. I feel that if
you compare the other Hawkwind band today to yesterday, it's a totally
different sound, you wouldn't recognize them, whereas with us we sound like
Hawkwind." It gets even trickier when it comes to album sales, where he tells
us, "Royalties from Hawkwind CD's we still get, but not from the 13 or so other
albums that have come out since I was in the band."
Nik Turner's career spans not only Hawkwind, but also, as he states, "I also
played with a band called Inner City Unit, and input from Helios Creed and
Pressurehed helped me with my newest release 'Prophets of Time.' We are also
working on a video for this tour, and that should be finished a couple of weeks
after this tour winds down, probably about February 22nd. It should be released
on Cleopatra records." So, be on the lookout for that, and check out the tour
currently going on with Sleep until February 22nd! "Prophets of Time," and
Nik Turner's other album "Sphynx," along with two other Hawkwind releases
"Lords of Light," and "Psychedelic Warlords" are available on Cleopatra
Records, see contact ads and addresses section for more details.
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NOTEWORTHY ITEMS:
Well, it's official: The three former members of Running Wild, along with new
lead singer Frank Knight, will release X-Wild's new album, which will be in the
style of "classic Heavy Metal." The official release date for the CD is mid
February, but Dane Kurth (formerly of the Running Wild fanclub) assures me that
all who order the CD before January 25th have a chance to get the CD sometime
in the beginning of January 94, and all who order by this date have a chance to
win Axel's burgundy red SG guitar from the 1993 "Pile of Skulls" tour! The
address and ordering information is in the contact ads and addresses section.
Diamond Head's "Lightning to the Nations" has FINALLY been released! On Metal
Blade Records, the tracks (there are seven) are basically the raw mixes you
will find from the "Behold the Beginning" release, with one track "Lightning
to the Nations" added that is NOT on the Behold release. Thanks to Marco for
getting me this one!
New from Century Media are releases from Comecon, Unleashed, and French death
metal band Mercyless. See the contact ads and addresses section for info on how
to get cool merchandise like T-shirts, hats, albums, etc.
Napalm Death, who blinded our eyes and deafened our ears about a year or so
ago with their "Utopia Banished" album, is currently working on a new disc!
They entered the studio sometime in October, and it should be ready by January
of 1994. Some of the tracks that will be on the album (tenative) are:
"Territory Underule," "Fasting on Deception," "Living in Denial," "More Than
Meets the Eye," "Armageddon Times Seven," and "Throwaway."
Coming up in January, (although they're not signed to Metal Blade anymore) we
will see a re-release of four, count 'em FOUR classic albums on CD. Guess who
they're from? That's right, the allmighty SLAYER! "Show No Mercy," "Haunting
the Chapel," "Live Undead," and "Hell Awaits" will ALL see a re-release on
January 11th. Can't wait? Well, they're probably out by the time ya read this!
As of this writing, both Epidemic and Cannibal Corpse are in the studio working
on new albums. Epidemic will release their second for Metal Blade, and tenative
titles include "Void," "Institution of Ignorance," and "Written in Blood."
Cannibal Corpse will be working on their fourth album for Metal Blade, which
is tenatively titled The Bleeding. The release date is slated for March.
GWAR! GWAR! GWAR! Huh-huh. Yeah, those little sickos are working om another
album due out in late February which will be called "Toilet Earth." (How
appropriate -Ed.) Also expect a full length feature film which will be released
around the same time and is called "Skulhedface." The movie, incidentally, was
shot on 35 millimeter film.
Remember the legendary Death Angel? Welp, they have returned, this time as a
"new" band, The Organization! Armed with new moniker, and now a new album
on Metal Blade which is self-titled, they're back and stronger than ever! They
have a new singer, and their drummer Andy is fully recovered from his tour bus
accident and ready to play!
According to the P/R people at Def Jam Records, both Slayer and Danzig are
about ready to do follow up releases. Both are slated for an April release,
Slayer is in the studio as we speak, as for Danzig, right now it's still under
speculation as to when they will begin their newest disc and follow up to the
EP "Thrall/Demonsweat Live." More info as it becomes available.
According to Griffin Music, that label responsible for bringing you the classic
Hawkwind releases, and also for such artists as Marillion's Fish, Nazareth,
Deliverance (NOT the Christian band!) and Pendragon, has cut an exclusive deal
with Cyclops Records in the UK. Cyclops, a brand new label dealing with rock
and progressive rock artists, will have complete distribution through Griffin,
who will carry the COMPLETE Cyclops catalog. Three titles are planned for a
February release, with two titles being released per month for the next six
months. The first of the groups to be featured are Grace, Epilogue, Grey Lady
Down, and Primitive Instinct. Negotiations are also in the works for Far East
distribution.
While we're on the subject of Griffin music, they also have plans for a
COMPLETE line of videos available, most of which will be concert footage. One
of the first bands scheduled for a full concert video release is Motorhead!
Plans in the works include a Hawkwind video and several others by Nazareth,
Blue Oyster Cult, and many others! Stay tuned.
And back to a related subject, due out in EARLY '94 are three classic Hawkwind
titles: Church of Hawkwind," "Chronicles of the Black Sword," and "Live
Chronicles!" I'm so excited about these three releases I can hardly contain
myself! We also have an interview with the mighty Hawkwind planned soon, heck
it may be in this issue! (You'll have to read on and see!) On Griffin Records,
of course!
Okay, last Griffin topic: New releases! Due out, besides the Hawkwind CD's, are
the following:
Roy Harper "Unhinged"
Stranglers "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning"
Wakeman and Wakeman "No Expense Spared"
Rick Wakeman "Double Live"
Brian Eno "BBC Live"
Hugh Cornwell "Wired"
Wishbone Ash "Twin Barrels Burning"
Uriah Heep (back catalog, titles to be announced.)
The Troggs (featuring REM. Huh?-Ed.)
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CONTACT ADS AND ADDRESSES:
If you want to order the X-Wild CD, or just want more info on the band, write
to: Dane Kurth (XWCD), Langgassee 51, CH-3292 Busswil, Switzerland. The prices
for the CD (including postage and packaging) are as follows: Japan: 2500 Yen.
USA: $24. Greece: 5000 Drachm. Sweden: 170 SKr. Norway: 150 NKr. Great Britain:
14 Pounds. Spain: 2800 Pta. Portugal: 3'500 Esc. France: 120 FF. Belgie: 750
BFr. Holland: 35 Gld. Italia: 33'000 Lit. Denmark: 140 DKr. There are a few
requirements for ordering the CD. First, COD is not possible to Greece. Second,
if you wish to send cash in any of the above currencies, make sure you register
the envelope. Third, if you are paying by enclosed cheque, please add $6.50
bank charge, payable to Dane Kurth. Finally, if the order is going by
International Bank Transfer, please add $5 postbank charge, enclose copy of the
receipt, to Swiss Bank Corporation, CH-3292 LYSS, Switzerland. Account number
is 56-304-152.4 Account holder is Kurth, Dane. If the order is going by COD,
please add a $8 COD charge. These prices are MUCH better than what it would
cost you to buy them from an import shop. In the US, I know that most import
CD's run about $30 bucks if ordered from Germany or Switzerland, so this is a
good deal.
Roughage Records can be contacted at P.O. Box 39439, Los Angeles, California
90039-0439, USA. Their "Heralds of Oblivion" CD can be ordered, also they may
have other merchandise available by the time you read this.
Griffin Music, the ones responsible for Hawkwind and several other bands, have
a newsletter available (monthly) called "Giblets" and ordering info on any of
their products or merchandise is available by writing to them at Griffin Music,
P.O. Box 664, Lombard, IL 60148 USA.
You can reach the band Fatal Opera at P.O. Box 740422, Orange City, FL 32744
USA. Their 10 song demo, which is self titled, is available for $8.00 US or
$9.00 outside the US (all prices include postage.)
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EDITORIAL NOTATIONS:
Well, once again we're trying to expand this little 'zine. Getting into techno
as I have lately, I have noticed a lot of interesting tunes pop up and to my
surprise, most of them are YEARS old! Especially the one by Orion called "Star
Trek" which is an interesting variation on the Next Generation theme, done up
with laser sounds and strong techno beats. And as much as I despise Madonna, I
was VERY surprised to learn that the local clubs were playing her songs to me
and I wasn't even aware of it!
Anyway, on to some metal interests, like Diamond Head. Now, there are certain
bands that you're going to notice that I rave about quite frequently, and
Diamond Head is one of them. It's basically what New Wave of British Heavy
Metal is ALL about, and one of the BEST NWOBHM bands in existence. They
currently have four albums out, NOT counting Behold the Beginning (since all
that is is a re-release and remix of the album Lightning to the Nations, which
was re-released on Metal Blade anyway.) Okay, so what are the four albums they
have out? Borrowed Time, Canterbury, Lightning to the Nations, and Death and
Progress. I've been keeping everyone (or trying to) informed as to their
"progress," and it looks like they may still be making music for some time to
come, although their albums are few and far between.
Another band that I rave about constantly is Running Wild. What Rock 'n' Rolf
and the remaining members of Running Wild are up to these days, I know not.
I DO know that Dane Kurth has been a GOOD source of info on that band for me
for quite some time, maybe one day I'll send her a copy of the zine just so
she can get a boosted head! But seriously, she was responsible for me getting
ahold of their latest discs, including Blazon Stone and Pile of Skulls, both
of which are imports and both of which cost around 30 bucks apiece if I had had
to buy them myself. But since I had a computer program she wanted, she
considered it an even exchange, 3 CD's of my choice for MS Access.
Some bands I wonder about. What ever happened to Cirith Ungol? They released
three albums that I know of, Frost and Fire, King of the Dead (which I never
got to hear,) and One Foot in Hell (Which I have and is pretty good!) also,
what ever happened to Iron Angel, the band from Germany that released a few
demos and two great albums, Hellish Crossfire (definitely a metal masterpiece
if ever there was one!) and Winds of War? Writing them proved a fruitless
effort, as did any other methods of tracking down the band. Also on my "where
are they now?" list are Cardinal Sin (from Puerto Rico, never seemed to make it
past the demo stage,) Onslaught (I heard the vocalist has a new band now,) the
legendary Possessed, Bulldozer (last time I heard they had a live album out)
and Anvil. Anyone know anything about these bands, drop me a line.
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