5. Prophecy - Whom Gods Destroy - Demos
1985-1986 (Majesté 2015 LP)
This LP compiles both demos released in
1985 and -86 by Denmark's Prophecy. Seven tracks of dark and ominous
heavy metal, on the borderline to doom. Judging by the quality of
these recordings, they could definitely have become Denmark's
equivalent to Candlemass, but unfortunately things didn't really turn out that way. But with this fantastic release you've got the chance
to put your hands on some of the best heavy metal to ever emerge from
this country, along with Mercyful Fate and Witch Cross.
4. Heathen's Rage – Knights Of Steel
– The Anthology (No Remorse 2015 DCD)
Their legendary MLP, originally
released in 1985, finally available for us who can't afford a copy of
the original pressing, along with lots of unreleased demos. Very high
qualitative classic US metal. Feels a little bit unnecessary to
include every version of each song they've done though, in some cases
there's actually up to three different recordings of the same song.
But that's a minor problem, nothing that should stop anyone from
getting this historical piece of US steel.
3. Sarcasm – Burial Dimensions (Dark
Descent 2015 DCD)
Enormous compilation that includes
everything this band ever recorded. Honestly, I've spent most time
listening to the unreleased tracks from what was supposed to be their
debut album, but for some reason never got released. It's definitely
a very impressive work of traditional Swedish death metal with a
touch of blackness. Bands like Dissection, Dawn and Evocation comes
to mind. I definitely expect to find some gold whenever I find the
time to listen through the demos as well!
2. Stone Vengeance – s/t (HTH
Productions 2015 DCD)
Now this is some of the most
interesting stuff I've come across in a long time. This is yet
another compilation that I assume features more or less everything
they recorded, and like the Heathen's Rage comp, there's a bit too
many versions of the same songs. But just the To Kill Evil-demo makes
this an absolutely must-buy. This completely insane trio was formed
in 1978 in San Fransisco, and was active during the glorious thrash
metal days that we all know about. It almost seems impossible that
something as unique as this could even exist among all the
trendfollowing and genericness that was going on there and then. I
don't even know how to describe it, maybe as a mix between Slayer's
Show No Mercy and Judas Priest's Defenders Of The Faith. Do
yourselves a favour and don't miss this for all that you're worth.
1. Silver Mountain – Before The Storm
(Buried By Time And Dust 2015 LP)
Shakin' Brains, Silver Mountain's debut
album is a record that most people who has got the slightesst
interest in Swedish heavy metal from the 80's probably own. Now
Buried By Time And Dust has re-issued the rather more obscure demo
they recorded in 1980. Four of the songs later also appeared on the
LP, and one was on the B-side of their '79 single, but otherwise
there's lots of killer previously unreleased tracks to be found here.
Some of them insanely fast and heavy to be released as early as 1980.
overall, I'd say that this is just as good as their first LP, maybe
even better.
