Today in 1996 Katatonia released the album Brave Murder Day
Stockholm,Sweden Doom/Death Metal (early), Depressive Rock/Metal (later)
Status:Active
Years active: 1987-1991 (as Melancholium), 1991-1994, 1996-present
Katatonia have come a long way since the slow, sorrowful doomdeath sounds of Dance Of December Souls. Like others in the doomdeath field, the progression has been toward clean vocals and a less heavyhanded (though still metallic) songwriting style, with the new material such as Tonight's Decision and Last Fair Deal Gone Down bordering on alternative metal (albeit a darker, heavier version) at times. What increasingly sets this band apart from others is the guitar work, a melancholy yet quite tuneful style that is distinctive, interesting, and unique.
Avantgarde Music
Jonas RenkseVocals (clean), Drums, Lyrics
Fredrik NorrmanGuitars
BlackheimGuitars, Bass
Guest/Session
Mikael ÅkerfeldtVocals (harsh)
1.Brave10:16
2.Murder04:54
3.Day04:28
4.Rainroom06:31
5.1208:18
6.Endtime06:45
41:12
Note: This album originally went to the pressing plant completely unmastered, hence the low output of audio and lack of various EQ/FX enhancements. It was finally mastered for the first time in 2006 when Peaceville Records re-released it.
The initial cd pressings had a purple logo, but it was hardly visible, so Avantgarde Music changed the logo to black/white on the later pressings.
Trivia:
Track 5: "12" is a re-recorded version of the Song "Black Erotica" from the "W.A.R. Compilation Volume 1".
Track 6: The sample in "Endtime" is: "Because, for some people solitude and isolation can, of itself, become a problem. Not for me", from the movie "The Shining".
Today in 1995 Necromantia released the album Scarlet Evil Witching Black
Athens, Attica,Greece Black Metal Status:Active Years active: 1989-present Necromantia is probably Greece's most well-known black metal bands, as well as the main home for Magus Daoloth, arguably the most popular Greek metal figure of all time and who seemingly has had his hands in practically every other Greek band of note, as well as being of the guys in charge of the Black Lotus record label. The band essentially exists as a duo with various session players filling out the album lineups. Osmose Productions Magus Wampyr Daoloth – Bass, Vocals Baron Blood – 8-String Bass, Bass Solos Session: Inferno – Synth, Piano Divad – Solo And Acoustic Guitar Yiannis ”The Worshipper Of Pan” – Sax, Percussions George Panou – Drums 1. Devilskin (5:49) 2. Black Mirror (6:30) 3. Pretender to the Throne (Opus I: The Usurper's Spawn) (5:27) 4. The Arcane Light of Hecate (4:20) 5. Scarlet Witching Dreams (5:27) 6. The Serpent and the Pentagram (5:21) 7. Pretender to the Throne (Opus II: Battle at the Netherworld) (7:50) 8. Spiritdance (6:25) Total Time: 47:13 Recorded and mixed at Sin Ena Studio during March - June 1995. Digitally mastered at Zircon Mastering House. Produced by NECROMANTIA and Chris Hajistamou. Executive producer: Osmose Productions. - No rhythm guitar is used on this album - All music by NECROMANTIA. All lyrics by NECROMANTIA except The Arcane Light Of Hecate written by Andea Meyer Haugen. Released on CD in 1995. Osmose Productions. (OPCD-036) (SPV 84-20542 CD) Released on Gatefold LP (300 red and 700 black copies) in 1995. Osmose Productions. (OPLP-036) (SPV 08-20541 LP) Released on MC in 1995. Osmose Productions. (OPCS-036) Released on Digipak CD (with metal pin / handnumbered to 1000 copies) in 1996. Osmose Productions. (OPCDL-036) (SPV 84-20542 CD) Released on MC in 1996. Morbid Noizz Productions. (MNP 118) Re-released on Gatefold LP (300 copies) in 2005. Osmose Productions. (OPLP-036) Re-released on Digipak CD (1000 copies) in 2005. Black Lotus Records. (BLRCD104) Demon’s Whip (Manowar cover) bonus on Black Lotus version. At least one more cover circulate for this release Scarlet Evil Witching Black is the second album by the Greek black metal band Necromantia. It was released in 1995 on Osmose Productions and in 2002 it was re-issued as part of the Cults of the Shadow double CD. In 2006 the album was re-issued with a bonus track by Black Lotus records as part of a boxed set titled Necromantia containing the three full lengths and the Ancient Pride EP.
Today in 1992 Psychotic Waltz released the album Into The Everflow
San Diego, California Progressive Metal
Status:Active
Years active 1985-1986 (as Aslan), 1986-1997, 2010-present
Over the course of their four-album career, Psychotic Waltz firmly established themselves as an outstanding and unique progressive metal band. The band's discography is rather neatly divided into two eras, with their first two albums engaging in a more adventurous, technical form of prog metal while the latter two albums toning down the complexity for a more relaxed, spacey, psychedelic edge. Throughout their career, though, they kept it original, with odd time signatures, interesting riffs, and the unique vocals of Buddy Lackey forging a sound that some have likened to early Fates Warning or even Jethro Tull at times. The majority opinion is that the debut, A Social Grace is their best effort, though the personal opinion here is for 1994's Mosquito. Since their original breakup in 1998, several of the guys have stayed active in the metal scene, most notably Lackey (now going by his real name Devon Graves) who fronted Deadsoul Tribe for some time. After more than a decade away from the scene, a largely original lineup has reformed in 2010, with a tour in place and writing for a new album underway.
Dream Circle Records
Buddy Lackey Vocals, Percussion (track 8), Lyrics
Dan Rock Guitars, Keyboards, Piano, Percussion (track 8)
Brian McAlpin Guitars
Ward Evans Bass
Norm Leggio Drums, Percussion
1. Ashes 05:09
2. Out of Mind 04:46
3. Tiny Streams 05:05
4. Into the Everflow 08:22
5. Little People 04:05
6. Hanging on a String 03:37
7. Freakshow 05:41
8. Butterfly 09:21
46:06
European release: March 1993
All arrangements by Psychotic Waltz.
Cover concept by Mike Clift & Psychotic Waltz.
Re-released together with Bleeding and the demos in 2004.
Re-released by Metal Blade Records in 2004 with different cover art, and with a bonus disc containing the Into the Everflow demo (1-6) and the Aslan demo (7-10):
1. Into the Everflow (8:09)
2. Tiny Streams (5:00)
3. Little People (4:00)
4. Hanging on a String (3:32)
5. Freakshow (5:28)
6. Butterfly (8:44)
7. To Chase the Stars (4:43)
8. No Glory (5:45)
9. Spiral Tower (5:32)
10. The Fry Tape (7:15)
Recording information:
Recorded August 25th, 1992 - October 17th, 1992 at Phoenix Studios, Herne, Germany.
Today in 1989 Rostok Vampires released there debut album Transylvanian Disease
Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Crossover/Hardcore
Status:Unknown
Years active:1986-1993, 2001-2006
ROSTOK VAMPIRES is a crossover hardcore punk/ thrash metal act from Germany (Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) formed in 1985. The band released their debut full-length studio album "Transylvanian Disease" in 1989.
Nuclear Blast
Christian Vocals
Thomas Supe Bass
Thomas Laube Drums
Cebulla Guitars
Andy Million Guitars
Side A
1. No Friends 02:47
2. Shoot Dead 01:31
3. Better Never (Cross My Way) 02:45
4. No More Problems 01:40
5. Tragic Fate 03:17
6. Last Kiss 02:52
7. Take Them Back 02:15
8. Wish You Where Dead 02:59
Side B
9. Transylvanian Disease 03:11
10. Jim Go Home 02:06
11. Faith 02:32
12. Ignorance 04:02
13. 4/30 01:32
14. Gun 02:00
15. Force Yourself 03:08
38:37
Issued on black, blue, and transparent orange vinyl.
Recording information:
Recorded and mixed at Masterplan Studio on October 1st-3rd and 14th, 1988.
Today in 1988 Kiss released the album Smashes, Thrashes & Hits
New York City, New York Hard rock, heavy metal
Status:Active
Years active 1973–present
Rooted in the campy theatrics of Alice Cooper and the sleazy hard rock of glam rockers the New York Dolls, Kiss became a favorite of American teenagers in the '70s. Most kids were infatuated with the look of Kiss, not their music. Decked out in outrageously flamboyant costumes and makeup, the band fashioned a captivating stage show featuring dry ice, smoke bombs, elaborate lighting, blood spitting, and fire breathing that captured the imaginations of thousands of kids. But Kiss' music shouldn't be dismissed -- it was a commercially potent mix of anthemic, fist-pounding hard rock driven by sleek hooks and ballads powered by loud guitars, cloying melodies, and sweeping strings. It was a sound that laid the groundwork for both arena rock and the pop-metal that dominated rock in the late '80s.
Mercury
Paul Stanley – vocals, rhythm guitar, bass on "Let's Put the X in Sex", "(You Make Me) Rock Hard", "Love Gun", "Tears are Falling", "I Was Made for Lovin' You"
Gene Simmons – vocals, bass
Bruce Kulick – lead guitars on "Let's Put the X in Sex", (You Make Me) Rock Hard", "Crazy Crazy Nights", "Tears Are Falling" and "Reason to Live"
Eric Carr(R.I.P.1991) – drums on "Let's Put the X in Sex", "(You Make Me) Rock Hard, "I Love it Loud", "Lick it Up", "Heaven's on Fire", "Tears are Falling", "Crazy Crazy Nights" and "Reason to Live", Vocals on "Beth"
Additional Personnel
Ace Frehley – lead guitars on "Love Gun, "Detroit Rock City", "Deuce", "Calling Dr. Love", Strutter", "I Was Made for Lovin' You", "Rock and Roll All Nite", "Shout it Out Loud"
Peter Criss – drums on "Love Gun, "Detroit Rock City", "Deuce", "Calling Dr. Love", Strutter", "Rock and Roll All Nite", "Shout it Out Loud"
Vinnie Vincent – lead guitars on "I Love it Loud and "Lick it Up"
Mark St. John (R.I.P.2007)– lead guitars on "Heaven's on Fire"
Anton Fig – drums on "I Was Made for Lovin' You"
Vini Poncia – keyboards on "I Was Made for Lovin' You"
Dick Wagner (R.I.P.2014)– acoustic guitar on "Beth"
Bob Ezrin – piano on "Beth"
Phil Ashley – keyboards on "Let's Put the X in Sex" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard"
North American Edition
No. Title Writer(s) Original album Length
1. "Let's Put the X in Sex" Paul Stanley, Desmond Child 1988 ~ Previously Unreleased 3:48
2. "(You Make Me) Rock Hard" Stanley, Child, Diane Warren 1988 ~ Previously Unreleased 3:26
3. "Love Gun" (Remix) Stanley 1977 ~ Love Gun 3:31
4. "Detroit Rock City" (Remix) Stanley, Bob Ezrin 1976 ~ Destroyer 3:45
5. "I Love It Loud" (Remix) Gene Simmons, Vinnie Vincent 1982 ~ Creatures of the Night 3:48
6. "Deuce" (Remix) Simmons 1974 ~ KISS 3:20
7. "Lick It Up" Vincent, Stanley 1983 ~ Lick It Up 3:53
8. "Heaven's on Fire" Stanley, Child 1984 ~ Animalize 3:19
9. "Calling Dr. Love" (Remix) Simmons 1976 ~ Rock and Roll Over 3:38
10. "Strutter" (Remix) Stanley, Simmons 1974 ~ KISS 3:38
11. "Beth" (Eric Carr vocal) Peter Criss, Stan Penridge, Ezrin 1988 ~ Re-recording. Original from Destroyer 2:46
12. "Tears Are Falling" Stanley 1985 ~ Asylum 3:54
13. "I Was Made for Lovin' You" Stanley, Child, Vini Poncia 1979 ~ Dynasty 4:29
14. "Rock and Roll All Nite" (Remix) Stanley, Simmons 1975 ~ Dressed to Kill 2:56
15. "Shout It Out Loud" (Remix) Stanley, Simmons, Ezrin 1976 ~ Destroyer 3:07
Total length: 51:54
United Kingdom Edition
No. Title Writer(s) Original album Length
1. "Let's Put the X in Sex" Stanley, Child 1988 ~ Previously Unreleased 3:48
13. "Tears Are Falling" Stanley 1985 ~ Asylum 3:54
14. "I Was Made for Lovin' You" Stanley, Child, Poncia 1979 ~ Dynasty 4:29
15. "Rock and Roll All Nite" (Remix) Stanley, Simmons 1975 ~ Dressed to Kill 2:56
16. "Shout It Out Loud" (Remix) Stanley, Simmons, Ezrin 1976 ~ Destroyer 3:07
Total length: 56:18
Smashes, Thrashes & Hits is a compilation album by the American hard rock band Kiss. It was the fourth hits album overall but the second album released by the band in the United States (Killers and Chikara were not released there originally). Of the 15 songs on the album, two were new compositions, and three were released after the band's unmasking in 1983. The remaining 10 were all released during the band's years in make-up.
The two new songs on Smashes, Thrashes & Hits were "Let's Put the X in Sex" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard," which featured a similar polished production style as 1987's Crazy Nights. They were both produced and co-written by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, and were accompanied by videos that received moderate airplay on MTV. Unusual for Kiss videos, Paul Stanley never plays a guitar in either video for the new songs.
Nearly all of the songs recorded by the band's original lineup were altered in one way or another. "Beth" was re-recorded with lead vocals by drummer Eric Carr, who had replaced the original drummer Peter Criss in 1980. It was Carr's first lead vocal on a Kiss album. The cover was designed and art directed by Mitchell Kanner.
Boston, Massachusetts Hard Rock / Glam Metal / Proto-Metal
Status:Active
Years Active 1970 – present
Aerosmith is no longer a metal band, and haven't been for a long time, but they were certainly considered metal back in the seventies. They were big news back then, lapsed into obscurity in the early 80's, burst back into the rock spotlight with 1987's Permanent Vacation, and are now amazingly still active and quite popular as their career comes close to the thirty-year mark. Personal favorite songs would have to be "Nobody's Fault", "Back In The Saddle", "Toys In The Attic", and several others from those first few albums.
Columbia
Steven Tyler – lead vocals, harmonica, piano, producer
Tom Hamilton – bass
Joey Kramer – drums, percussion
Joe Perry – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Brad Whitford – rhythm and lead guitar
Additional musicians
Jimmy Crespo – lead guitar on "Jailbait"
Rick Dufay – rhythm guitar on "Jailbait"
David Woodford – Saxophone
Richard Supa – Piano
Scott Cushnie – Piano
Uncredited guitarist on some songs.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Rats in the Cellar" (from Rocks, 1976))Steven Tyler, Joe Perry4:06
2."Lick and a Promise" (from Rocks)Tyler, Perry3:05
3."Chip Away the Stone" (previously unreleased studio version, live version released previously on Live! Bootleg, 1978)Richard Supa4:01
4."No Surprize" (from Night in the Ruts, 1979)Tyler, Perry4:26
5."Mama Kin" (from Aerosmith, 1973)Tyler4:27
6."Adam's Apple" (from Toys in the Attic, 1975)Tyler4:34
8."Round and Round" (from Toys in the Attic)Tyler, Whitford5:03
9."Critical Mass" (from Draw the Line, 1977)Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Jack Douglas4:52
10."Lord of the Thighs" (from Get Your Wings, 1974)Tyler4:14
11."Jailbait" (from Rock in a Hard Place, 1982)Tyler, Jimmy Crespo4:39
12."Train Kept A-Rollin'" (from Get Your Wings)Tiny Bradshaw, Howard Kay, Lois Mann5:41
Gems is a compilation album released by Aerosmith in 1988 under the label Columbia. It was the first compilation of studio material since 1980's Greatest Hits. Concentrating mainly on heavier material than the radio-friendly singles output on Greatest Hits, the album is noted for the inclusion of the 1978 studio version of "Chip Away The Stone" – previously released as a single from 1978's Live! Bootleg, only a live rendition of the song was released at the time. Originally scheduled for release on November 8, 1988, the album was delayed one week and issued on November 15, 1988.
In 2007 The album was released by Sony BMG as part of their 'Collections' series entitled 'Greatest Hits' and reissued the following year by Sony in their 'Steel Box' series
Today in 1971 Grand Funk Railroad released the album E Pluribus Funk
Flint, Michigan Hard rock, blues rock, boogie rock
Status:Active
Years active:1969–1976, 1981–1983, 1996–1998, 2000-present
One of the 1970s' most successful hard rock bands in spite of critical pans and somewhat reluctant radio airplay (at first), Grand Funk Railroad built a devoted fan base with constant touring, a loud, simple take on the blues-rock power trio sound, and strong working-class appeal. The band was formed by Flint, MI, guitarist/songwriter Mark Farner and drummer Don Brewer, both former members of a local band called Terry Knight & the Pack. They recruited former ? & the Mysterians bassist Mel Schacher in 1968, and Knight retired from performing to become their manager, naming the group after Michigan's well-known Grand Trunk Railroad.
Capitol
Mark Farner – organ, guitar, harmonica, keyboards, vocals
Mel Schacher – bass, vocals
Don Brewer – percussion, drums, vocals
All songs written by Mark Farner.
Side one
"Footstompin' Music" – 3:48
"People, Let's Stop the War" – 5:12
"Upsetter" – 4:27
"I Come Tumblin'" – 5:38
Side two
"Save the Land" – 4:14
"No Lies" – 3:57
"Loneliness" – 8:47
Bonus Tracks – CD Release
"Live Medley"
"I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)" – 5:57
"Hooked on Love" – 2:46
"Get It Together" – 2:53
"Mark Says Alright (Live)" – 4:2
E Pluribus Funk is Grand Funk Railroad's fifth studio album and was released in November 1971 by Capitol Records. Like previous Grand Funk Railroad albums, it was recorded at Cleveland Recording Company and is the final album produced by Terry Knight. The title is a play on the former motto of the US government, E pluribus unum. The original release cover (designed by Ernie Cefalu) was completely round and covered with a silver-like film to resemble a large coin. The back side of the cover of this album included a die cast picture of Shea Stadium to celebrate Grand Funk beating The Beatles' Shea Stadium attendance record by selling out in just 72 hours.
