ZNOWHITE på CD
- by Eternal Terror Admin
- Posted on 12-07-2007
Znowhite – one of the fastest speed metal bands of the 80's returns with the re-release of their debut album "All Hail to Thee". Among other speed metal bands, Znowhite definitely had style and character. Formed in 1982 in Chicago, Illinois by three relatives (Ian Tafoya – guitars, his brother Sparks – bass and cousin Nicky – drums), the group concentrated on the fastest and wildest genre of metal. Their music gained much popularity – it only lack a good singer. Surprisingly, the band's manager – Nicole Lee – revealed skills as a metal vocalist. Their first demo released in 1983 was sent to record companies. It enchanted Brian Slagel of Metal Blade, who added the song "Hellbent" to the world famous Metal Massacre compilation. Being listed next to Tyrant, Bitch, Virgin Steele, Warlord and Slayer gave the band definite recognition and helped them to sign a record contract.
And today Metal Mind Productions presents first ever CD release of the "All Hail to Thee" album expanded with bonus tracks from EP "Kick'em when They're Down" and live album "Live Suicide" (from 1985). Classic material from Roadrunner Records archives in a new digipack edition limited to 2000 copies digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on gold disc. It will be released on 6th August in Europe & on 3rd September in USA (via MVD).
Znowhite
"All Hail to Thee"
Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD DG 0969
Barcode: 5907785029279
Format: CD Digipack (limited edition of 2000 numerated copies)
Genre: speed metal
Release date: 06.08.2007 Europe / 03.09.2007 USA
Tracklist: 1. Sledgehammer
2. Saturday Night
3. Somethin' for Nothin'
4. Bringin' the Hammer Down
5. Do or Die
6. Never Felt Like This
7. Rock City Destination
8. Live for the Weekend
9. All Hail to Thee
10. Run Like the Wind
11. Too Late
12. Turn Up The Pain
13. Hell Bent
14. Bringin' the Hammer Down
15. There's No Tomorrow
16. Too Late
17. Rock City Destination
18. Night on Parole
19. Rest In Peace
Bio
Among other speed metal bands, Znowhite definitely had style and character. Formed in 1982 in Chicago, Illinois by three relatives (Ian Tafoya – guitars, his brother Sparks – bass and cousin Nicky – drums), the group concentrated on the fastest and wildest genre of metal. Their music gained much popularity – it only lack a good singer. Surprisingly, the band's manager – Nicole Lee – revealed skills as a metal vocalist. Their first demo released in 1983 was sent to record companies. It enchanted Brian Slagel of Metal Blade, who added the song "Hellbent" to the world famous Metal Massacre compilation. Being listed next to Tyrant, Bitch, Virgin Steele, Warlord and Slayer gave the band definite recognition and helped them record their second demo tape. The record company Enigma was clearly aware of their popularity, when releasing debut LP All Hail to Thee. Soon after Nicky Tafoya left Znowhite and was replaced by Amp Dawg. The band began intensive touring. After an unfortunate deal with Enigma, who pretty much neglected the group's promotion, Znowhite signed a contract with Erika Records and in 1985 released their first and only live EP. "Live Suicide" introduced the band's new bass player, Scott Shafer. After that Znowhite focused on recording a new demo. The effect gained interest of the American department of Roadrunner, Roadracer, which offered a record deal in 1986 for the band's next full-length release. Act of God was finally launched in 1988, with another change in the line-up – Scott Shafer switched from bass to drums, being replaced by Alex Olvera. The new album definitely presented Znowhite at its best – full of insanely fast guitar riffs and fiery solos conjoined with Nicole Lee's characteristic vocals, the record was a speed metal masterpiece that appealed to each and every heavy music fanatic. After the release of the album the band focused on live performances and all was going great until the controversial decision by Nicole to leave the group… Numerous interviews suggest 'musical differences', other sources point out Nicole's fading dedication to the metal scene. Znowhite reached the peak of their possibilities and Ian Tafoya knew that without a charismatic singer such as Nicole, the group was sure to eventually dissolve. He searched for a replacement, not wanting to change the concept of the band too much. Only two names met with his expectations – Debbie Gunn of Sentinal Beast and Dawn Crosby (R.I.P.), at that time playing with Detente. The job eventually went to Debbie. Another line-up change considered the drummer, Scott Schafer, who decided to return to the bass. From now on the drums were played by John Slattery (ex Tools of Ignorance). Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Debbie couldn't match with Nicole's singing and soon left Znowhite to join Ice Age. Znowhite's end was unquestionable. After the official dismissal, the band's musicians along with vocalist Sonny De Luca formed Cyclone Temple, often compared to thrash giants like Testament, Anthrax and early Metallica. It released three full-length albums before it finally disbanded in 1994.