Goldencore records 80S GERMAN METAL BOX VOL. 2 (3LP) [VINYL]

The early 1980s were a very special time for harder rock from Germany. Progressive rock and so-called Krautrock were on the wane, punk had to give way to new wave, and heavy metal was beginning to gain momentum. Some bands were caught between two stools between 1980 and 1983 and can even be described as 'the missing link'. This box set contains three gems and insider tips that sound even more exciting today than they did back then. MORBID JESTER's "Until The Battle Is Won" first appeared on CD in 1994, produced by S.L. Coe at Dust Studios. Coe will be familiar to devoted metal fans as the vocalist on ANGEL DUST's second LP, as well as his work with SCANNER. Around 2,000 CDs of this self-produced release were sold, including many copies in Greece and, notably, Japan, where the band became something of an underground sensation. The cover artwork was created by none other than Ken Kelly (Manowar, Kiss). Appearances alongside bands like SAXON were a natural consequence. On "Until The Battle Is Won", MORBID JESTER blend elements of German metal with a US-metal precision, creating a unique hybrid. The transparent yet powerful production, with a natural drum sound that's often missing today, allows the material to shine. The careful remastering for this reissue further enhances all these qualities. The band's fusion of progressive rock and heavy metal was cultivated by groups like Dream Theater, but certainly not invented by them. In their consistency and execution, SPHINX in 1981 were several years ahead of their time. Formed in 1977 in the Stuttgart area, the band mostly consisted of sons of Italian guest workers, giving the group an international flair. "Rock Made In Italy", as seen on the original "Here We Are" sleeve, was more of a promotional gag—or only half the truth. Particularly notable is guitarist Thomas Metzger, who is in fact Tommy Newton, later known for his work with Victory and as a producer. "Here We Are" was first released in 1981 on Peak, a label under the then-new GAMA company, which was not yet able to fully promote such a top-tier product. The LP was reissued in 1985 as Burning Lights. Both Mausoleum and Camel (also GAMA labels) attempted to give the album a second chance with typical heavy metal cover artwork and a reordered tracklist. In 1984, STARSTRUCK from Karlsruhe released their sole statement: the LP "Thru' To You". Recorded at Spygel Studio with engineer Batze Kramer, who also polished iconic releases from Tyrant, Stormwitch, Bloody Six, Vampyr, Gravestone, Restless, and Necronomicon, the album is pure zeitgeist. Its cover, upon closer inspection, reveals a good dose of humour. Stylistically, it moves cleverly between hard rock and heavy metal.