|
Sadus - Chemical Exposure
(Metal Mind Productions) By: Joe Florez |
 |
These Bay Area death/thrashers made an impact in 1988 with a
raw and abrasive sound that was beginning to slowly change the
face of metal. This is the world renowned band that features
bass guru Steve DiGiorgio. The original title was Illusions
before being snatched up by Road Racer and they added a few
new cuts and re-titling it what you see now. “Certain Death”
is very raw and unsophisticated. The drum work of Jon Allen is
simply merciless as he just pounds away. Darren’s vocals are
gritty and ruthless while the axe work of one Rob Moore is
lightening quick and his highlight includes a sweet solo that
simply takes no prisoners. Just like a hit man, they get in
and get out. There is no messing around here. |
|
“Undead” immediately goes from barbaric to somewhat more
impressive. While the boys continue to bash away, the
composition in the beginning shows some maturity already.
These guys were doing what many in the death/thrash genre do
now. The guitar work is slightly more complicated. Steve’s
bass licks can be heard a bit clearer and you can see that the
band had an agenda and future. You can hear the progression as
you move from song to song. Each one was more vicious than the
next with some real talent thrown in. It’s not sloppy by any
means unlike some other folks in the said genre. Surprisingly,
it holds up to even today’s standards. It still sounds as
relevant today as it did almost 20 years ago. On this side of
the Atlantic, this was probably the fastest and most
intimidating band out there. If you listen closely, you will
hear a smidge of Sepultura, but to Sadus’ credit they were
going their own way and creating a path that future bands to
come would follow. This is essential if you like your music
nothing short of aggressive and harsh. If you are a fan of
Kreator, Destruction, and anything else in the primitive
genre, then you should soak this one up. It’s a MMP release,
so you can bet there are bonus cuts, new booklet with lyrics
and it’s re-mastered. Grab it now before it’s out of
print…again.
www.sadus.tk |
www.metalmind.com.pl |
| |
|
Sadus - Swallowed In
Black (Metal Mind Productions) By: Joe Florez |
 |
It’s round two for these Bay Area death/thrashers as MMP
unveils another reissue. This one comes from 1990 and the
music represented on here is faster, more abrasive and
intense. “Black” opens up with a more voracious assault on the
auditory senses as the gang throw in complex bass lines,
faster, tougher riffs that will melt the flesh off your face,
drums to make your ears bleed and vocals that will definitely
wilt the flowers. Already, you can hear a difference in terms
of musicianship as the guys actually improved quite a bit and
are now even tighter than before and it just gets uglier from
here on out. “Man Infestation” threw me for a slight loop as
it first starts out as a doom/death cut, but before you know
it |
|
the boys throw it into high gear and never looking back with
guitar riffs that absolutely fly and seminal blast beats
thrown into the mix. Despite the record coming off as one
dimensional, it’s really not. There is plenty of variety in
terms of tempo ranges and the technical musicianship is there
if you listen closely. This is normally not my cup of tea, but
I understand and appreciate what they have done for the scene.
It’s great to know and understand that Sadus is still current
today as it was 20 years ago. It’s funny though that in 1990
that while we had a band like this in North America, across
the Atlantic there was a hellacious scene brewing out of
Scandinavia that were giving us At The Gates, Entombed,
Unleashed and Grave to name a few. Once again, you get the
usual bonus demo cuts, updated booklet, liner notes and more
thanks to MMP who also re-mastered this for 2007. The
production is actually quite impressive and today’s kids who
are raised on a diet of bands on the Prosthetic and Listenable
label should found out their roots of death/thrash. I do love
the cover.
www.sadus.tk |
www.metalmind.com.pl |
| |
|
Sadus - A Vision Of
Misery (Metal Mind Productions) By: Joe Florez |
 |
This is album number three here that gets the re-mastered
treatment and the final album with this four piece line up
before flying off as a trio unit. This is by far their most
accessible mature offering. Sure, the vocals are still
scathing and the riff and drum work are a full on assault, but
it’s even more technical than before and I like it. Steve’s
fingers are nimble and float around the frets like nothing.
Also, the drumming gets into some difficult time changes and
then some. Overall, it’s interesting work and quite frankly
it’s the kind of stuff you hear nowadays ten fold. The solos
are compelling and filled with intricate notes. This is all
very noticeable on “Through The Eyes Of Greed.” Instead of
speed, Sadus goes for a slower |
|
paced jam with “Slave Of Misery.” Well, at least to an extent
anyway. This one gets really technical on all fronts, but
during some of the breakdowns and solos the boys let it rip
and what comes out of their minds is nothing short of mind
boggling. By far, this is the most diverse product that had
come from this band which was a good thing because it was by
this time in 1992 when you had bands like Athiest and Death
change the spectrum of death metal and made everyone take
notice at how they were challenging the metal scene. The tempo
and time changes come quickly and will definitely keep you on
your toes. While some fans probably prefer the more primitive
sound, I believe Sadus found a way to make everyone happy and
the end result is another dead on record that would inspire
many generation of music bands to come. Classic!
www.sadus.tk
|
www.metalmind.com.pl |
| |
|
The 69 Eyes - Savage
Garden (Cleopatra Records) By: Joe Florez |
 |
This is album number two from these Finns, but what you may
not know is that they weren’t gothic by any means. This was
more or less glam/punk/rock that was equal parts Iggy And The
Stooges, New York Dolls and Faster Pussycat. I bought this
record not knowing what to expect. Well, off we go with “
Tang” which is high energy music that is filled with rocking
riffs that have a smidge of rockabilly in it. Jyrki’s vocals
were also very different as well. They had a slightly higher
range than what we are used to today. The drum work was
simplistic, but always slamming. Rock and blues riffs dominate
“Smashed ‘n’ Trashed” that comes complete harmonica, slide
guitar action and some Angus Young |
influence. Once again, this is jam packed with power and
tenacity. The first glimpse we get into what would soon become
their permanent sound would be on “Velvet Touch.” The vocals
drop a few octaves and are a bit drabby. The music would also
change a bit too. The pace would be slowed down just a bit,
but contain some really killer background vocal work and a
slightly darker vibe. It’s not quite refined yet, but the
feeling is more than there. Hints of Taime Downe, David
Johannson and Iggy Pop are very noticeable. The 69 Eyes were
pretty much in the early phase of their career and were still
finding their direction. The guys looks way different too.
Jyrki has the big sun glasses and cowboy hat and if you didn’t
know any better you would think that he was mimicking Ian
Astbury. Also, Jussi 69 looked way glammed out from the
jewellery and clothes to the excessive make up and frizzy
hair. The rest of the gang look the same as now.
This is a re-issue put out by Cleopatra Records for the North
American market which means cheaper prices for all. They have
also slapped on three bonus tracks to entice you to purchase
this. This is a rawer and different sound that the current
crop of fans may not enjoy. Basically, I recommend this to
completes and fans of the music mentioned above only.
www.cleopatrarecords.com |
www.69eyes.com |
| |
|
The 69 Eyes - Wasting The
Dawn (Cleopatra Records) By: Joe Florez |
 |
It
would be here where things would begin to really take shape.
After “Wrap Your Trouble In Dreams” this would be the record
where the band began to get noticed. “Truck On” is one
slamming number with some really low down and gritty guitar
licks that are tough. Jyrki’s vocals are low here and even a
little rugged. Jussi 69’s drumming got even better. Still,
it’s simplistic, but he can throw in some technical notes here
and there, but he for the most part pounds away in a fabulous
way much akin to Gas Lipstick from H.I.M. and even reminiscent
of Ian Paice a little bit from Deep Purple. This track is much
improved as opposed to the first two discs. “Lay Down Your
Arms” begins to get more dark and gothic |
with it’s romantic and melodic guitar work that is starting to
go for the catchy and memorable route. The vocal work moves a
bit away from the screaming and going for singing. Ville Valo
from H.I.M. will make the first of several appearances on here
doing back-up work for the gang. The title track hits the all
the right marks as this would be the sound that the boys would
follow from here on out. There are plenty of gentle keyboards
and plush rhythmic work along with the dreary vibe. Jyrki’s
voice is very croony here, a la Elvis meets Peter Steele meets
Johnny Cash. It’s somber, dark and quite appealing actually.
Let the success begin. L-G Petrov and Alex Hellid from
Entombed managed to peel themselves away from their daytime
job just a little to jam out with the Finns. Their
contributions on here are just a little bit different than
what they are normally used to. A little bit of the past
manages to find its way on here, but for the most part they
are forging ahead and on their next album “Blessed Be” they
would strike oil.
Once again, this a re-issue at a reasonable price from
Cleopatra for the North American market. There are bonus cuts
on here. Three to be exact, but they are just remixes of songs
on here. No big deal. Anyone who doesn’t have this or has been
trying to hunt this down for a while should get this. Good
stuff.
www.cleopatrarecords.com |
www.69eyes.com |
| |
|
The 69 Eyes - Blessed Be
(Cleopatra Records) By: Joe Florez |
 |
Finally, after four records The 69 Eyes would begin being
noticed around the world outside of Finland and Europe.
Everything about them from their look to sound would be
refined and honestly…perfected. Jyrki’s vocals would be a
carbon copy of Peter Steele meets Johnny Cash in that low key,
drabby and crooning way. Jussi 69’s drumming is much tighter
and cleaner now and the rest of the band would soon follow in
terms of mastering their dark and atmospheric vibe. “Framed In
Blood” is a wallop upside the head. The riffs have bite to
them despite it being melodic and catchy as sin. The rhythm
section rocks here with Jussi slamming the skins perfectly and
Archzie’s thick bass lines run rampant on here in |
|
a controlled manor. The vocals are low, but can be heard loud
and clear. There is a touch of the gothic feeling, but for the
most part it rocks hard, but in a different way unlike in the
past. “Gothic Girl” I’m quite sure hit commercial pay dirt on
the radio overseas because it’s so accessible and loaded with
pop aesthetics. Haunting choruses dominate the song on here
and when you mix it all together, you get a smash hit. Long
before Bam Margera exposed them on his show and every rag mag,
zine and internet site said they were the next big thing, I
noticed the video for “The Chair” on Nuclear Blast’s “Beauty
In Darkness.” You’re talking about in 2000 here when I still
enjoyed the dark side of music and I told all my friends about
it and they too agreed that they were going to be as big as
H.I.M. if not bigger. “Brandon Lee, I’m sure was another hit
on the airwaves and just by listening to it you could tell
that they had another winner on their hands. This disc finally
got it right. No matter what the tempo was from up beat to mid
paced or mellow and ballad-esque a la “Stolen Season” you will
have no reason to hit the skip button. The band struggled for
so long to finally find their signature and it’s here where
they hit all the right notes. Jussi’s identity crises ended
here as he didn’t look glam any more and decided to dress in
all black like the rest of the bandits. This is an essential
album for pop/goth/rock fans that admire artists like H.I.M.
This is another re-issue from Cleopatra Recs and they also
throw in a bonus tune for your troubles. Wake up North America
and pick this up. This lives up to the hype that the mags
write about and myself included.
www.cleopatrarecords.com |
www.69eyes.com |
| |
|
Toxik - World Circus
(Metal Mind Productions) By: Joe Florez |
 |
I
remember seeing countless ads in RIP Magazine back in the day
for this one. I had no idea what this was and had no interest.
Originally released in 1987, this New York tech/thrash band
delivered an amazing disc that the underground craved. While
you can say that these guys are like Watch Tower, they are to
a point, but then they go on their own way. They were
technical like them and Mike Sanders hit the high pitch
falsettos, but that’s where it ends. WT’S compositions were
complicated to death which I loved, but Toxik were more
interested in dishing out consistent delivery meaning that the
solos were mainly the only point where the flash and pizzazz
would come into play. “Heart Attack” starts out |
in a mid paced manor with catchy riffs and a simple yet
rhythmic drum beat while Mike’s voice would go up slowly, but
after a minute or so things would kick into high gear. The
guitar licks would pick up plenty of momentum, but never get
too technical. Mr. Sanders lung work sounds like it could
shatter glass and annoy a few ear drums if you are not into
this sort of thing. What’s funny about this is that his ranges
were above Rob Halford’s. It would be during the solos where
the action is and you can be amazed by the six string action.
It was definitely furious and ahead of its time. The bio says
that this track hit 268 bpm. It may have been quick back in
its day, but sounds pretty slow by today’s standards. “Social
Overload” sees the Toxik crew trying to construct a bit of a
more technical sound along with their thrashing ways. Plenty
of fretwork is showcased and if you weren’t into it then, you
probably moved on to something easier like Metallica.
Some of the Watch Tower comparisons can easily be heard on
“Voices” from the writing skills to the vocal delivery. Things
get very progressive here with a lot of tricky bass lines and
the overall composition musicianship has been upgraded. As the
tracks go on, you can hear the difference as the musicianship
goes from one dimension to multi dimensional with a lot of
twists and turns. Judging by the cover and titles such as
“Pain And Misery”, Victims” and the title track, you weren’t
dealing with songs about stupidity. Rather, they were socially
conscious dealing with drug abuse, violence in the media and
so forth. It’s too bad that they never got a chance to make an
impression amongst the metal community. I think that they were
too advanced for its day as most people wanted watered down
music that was or wasn’t an insult to their intelligence. I
think that if Toxik existed today that they would do well. For
whatever it’s worth though, this is a must have for all
techies. The voice may work a few nerves, but it goes away
after a while. This was once on the Roadracer label and now
Metal Mind Productions have decided to re-release this in a
re-mastered format with bonus tracks. It’s limited to only
2000 so act fast. Worth your time and money.
www.tadleger.com |
www.metalmind.com.pl |
| |
|
Toxik - Think This
(Metal Mind Productions) By: Joe Florez |
 |
This is the second and final release from the New York outfit
back in 1989. There were some changes made and it was actually
for the better. Original vocalist Mike Sanders left and
Charles Sabin entered the realm. Also, a new guitarist was
thrown into the mix. For starters, Chuck had more range than
Sanders therefore the vocals wouldn’t be consistently in the
falsetto mode. Also, there was more maturity in the song
writing adding new depth and adventure to their sound. The
title track would begin with an acoustic guitar that was
playing a sophisticated intro that was classy and even
slightly complex complimented with a somber atmospheric vibe.
However, that wouldn’t last long as the heavy pounding and |
strong guitar riffs would begin to take over. Charlie’s voice
goes through the paces as he goes from mid-range to higher
registers and back again. Even though there is plenty of
consistency with the composition, you can hear the awkward
time changes and complex break downs that would slightly
resemble more of Watch Tower feeling than their previous
effort, but this would be easier to handle. A smoking solo
manages to find a home here as it’s filled with technical
chops, but flashy as hell and impressive. Speed and
flexibility is the name of the game on “Greed.” Things get
more difficult here and intriguing. During the solos for
instance, you get some out of place, yet beautiful acoustic
guitar work thrown in with the aggressive amped up axe work.
You can tell that these young minds were constantly thinking
of way to fuck shit up and add new dimensions to their already
lush sound even though it was out there. “There Stood A Fence”
threw me for a loop because it’s a mild song that is kind of
ballad-esque, but still finds a way to incorporate some
intricate riffing. The vocals also go more for a crooning
sound that is soothing to the ears. One track I wasn’t
expecting was a progged up version of Led Zep’s “Out On The
Tiles.” It’s a pretty twisted cover, but fun nonetheless. I
think many folks would agree that this is a better record
overall. The production is beefier and slicker and the
musicianship is tighter. The song writing skills also improved
tell fold. You can tell that they were trying hard to compose
better songs and they did successfully. It’s too bad that the
scene turned its ugly head on this genre back then. The music
on here contain many layers of diverse and dynamic sounds that
one listen isn’t enough. I hope people take the time to see
this one out because it deserves to be in your player. It is
records and bands like this that paved the way in the future
for artists like Spiral Architect and anyone who could perform
in this manor. This is thinking man’s music for sure and every
bit worth a listen. Once again, this is limited to 2000 and
comes with bonus cuts, new booklet and fresher sound thanks to
the re-mix.
www.tadleger.com |
www.metalmind.com.pl |
