G.I.S.M. - M.A.N. (Military Affairs Neurotic) (1986)

Genre: Hardcore Punk / Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) [Not Metalcore, assholes]
Country: Japan

Japan has a reputation for putting out some weird shit. Whether it's Gonin-Ish, one of those thrash metal bands who were infatuated with Nazi-ism, or the poster band for Japanese-weirdness, Sigh, G.I.S.M. combined punk music, heavy metal, and had their stints with Industrial soundscaping which was unheard of at the time.

After releasing “DETESTation” in 1984, G.I.S.M. returned with the more metallic sounding M.A.N. There are 3 things that make a G.I.S.M. release, Sakevi's vocals, Randy's guitar playing, and the album's production. Each are in top form in this release. While the production on the previous release made the guitar sound like it was channeled through a Nintendo, this album gives it new life with a proper sound. Of course, we're talking about a punk band in the 80's, this thing isn't a cleanly produced piece of art. This album has a very hallow sound. The drums and the vocals are at the head of the mix, but it sounds distant and empty as a whole. Randy's guitar is buried underneath and isn't too loud, making it a chore to pick it out and listen.

When you are able to listen to it, it's a real treat. It's almost as if he forgot he was in a punk band and was a part of an Iron Maiden tribute. Riffs whirl, solos flutter, it all just comes together in a perfect circle. It's hard to choose something as a standout example when all of the songs are of an equal quality, but if I had to, I'd say that the opener “Good as It Is” is the prime example. The vocalist, Sakevi, is also a big part to the G.I.S.M. sound. His use of harsh vocals gives the music a new, dare I say, unique sound. It's a very throaty kind of bark, something similar to what Mirai of Sigh does now, but more of a lower end. Unfortunately, I can't understand a damn thing he's saying. I don't know if it's because he is speaking in Japanese, or I suck at deciphering harsh vocalists, but I can't pick out any iconic broken english commandments. Sorry guys, no “Endless Blockades for the Pussyfooter” or “Tear there syphilitic vaginas to feecees” here!

Closing note: G.I.S.M. Were a pretty special band. At the end of the day, I feel these guys established a better bridge between punk and metal than Discharge ever could. Still, while the G.I.S.M. Discography might not be as essential as any Discharge works (at least before their Glam era), it's one of those albums that is a must listen if you have any remote interest in extreme music whatsoever.

Enjoy!

Villain - Only Time Will Tell (1986)

For all the fans of US metal

What do i need to make you get this one (if you did not yet acquire it)?
Tell you the facts that...
...they play typical American power metal (which is rarely anything worse than great)?
...this one features some great heavy metal riffs that can compete with those of other classic metal bands?
or that this band's singer was called Carl Albert!

Vicious Rumors fans love him for enriching the band's post Saint Pierre era with his stellar voice. If you do not know the essential VR yet you should get their Digital Dictator and their Welcome to the Ball asap.

Download

Shub-Niggurath [France] - Les morts vont vite (1986)

This ain't the Mexican death metal band, but an actually quite awesome Avant-Prog band from France. This album is all kinds of amazing, featuring tons of strange quasi-melodies, unearthly chanting vocals and some great percussive sections. It has a shitload of atmosphere, the demented, Obscura-esque kind atmosphere that gives the album a strangely alluring aspect. Highly recommended for progheads, but it's also a great transition record (at least for me it was).

Megaupload (sorry for the lix.in, not my idea)

Oh, and thanks to Adam (AGreenman) for giving me the rec ;)

Onslaught - The Force (1986)

1986 is considered the hiatus of thrash metal especially concerning the American way. Both albums which are known to every fan of rock music and beyond were released one by Slayer the inventors of occult, straight and merciless thrash, the other by thrash originators Metallica who lifted the genre to the next level. This evolution served as a base for many other bands to come like Forbidden, Testament and Dark Angel, additionally thrash became a serious business displayed by the afore mentined Metallica who would become the worlds best selling rock music act besides the Stones.

But there were still bands practicing the ancient, occult and dark art of thrashing metal:
Onslaught among them started as a punk band and quickly turned into one of the most relentless thrash acts. Their first LP Power from Hell was a piece of harsh and savage thrash assaults and showed their potential and foreshadowed what was yet to come - The Force. Easily standing its ground against the strongest releases of compareable bands from all over the world (Possessed by Fire, Seven Churches etc) unleashing heavy riffing attacks upon mankind this is pure worship of raw thrash like Exodus' Bonded by Blood, Slayer's Show no Mercy and Metallica's Kill'em all. Likewise the vocals are done in the tradition of the godfathers Exodus, ranging from raw singing to catchy falsetto chorusses which will stay in your mind till the chorus of the next track replaces it. Definitely one of the best and throughoutly catchiest albums you will ever enjoy in thrash metal!

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