Holy Terror

Mindwars – The Fourth Turning Review

Mindwars – The Fourth Turning Review

“There hasn’t been much thrash that really grabbed me over the last few years. Coming of age as I did in the 80s and having the opportunity to watch the genre born and reach its golden era made me fairly jaded. I appreciate the retro rethrash movement and enjoy a lot of it, but it’s rare a new thrash platter really blows my doors off. Being as Holy Terror was one of my favorite thrash acts, I hoped Mindwars, the band founded by Holy Terror guitarist Mike Alvord could spark the flame of speed in my rusted metal heart.” Turning the shrew.

Mindwars – Do Unto Others Review

Mindwars – Do Unto Others Review

Holy Terror was a special band. Though only active for a few short years, they released two of the best thrash albums of the 80s, mixing speed and real heaviness with both progressive and rock influences to create something truly unique. Those albums are among my most beloved and they never, ever sound stale. When I saw a band in the promo sump bearing the name of Mindwars (Holy Terror’s brilliant second album), with an album titled Do Unto Others (a song on that brilliant album), my curiosity was certainly piqued.” Psychic warriors unite!

Evil Invaders – Pulses of Pleasure Review

Evil Invaders – Pulses of Pleasure Review

“There was a time before the Bay Area thrash explosion where bands were playing fairly fast without it actually being what we now consider thrash metal. Acts like Exciter, Agent Steel, Attacker and even Razor were surely speedy and had the rudiments of thrash in place, but are now referred to as speed metal. Belgian upstarts Evil Invaders look to plant their flag right at the junction between speed and thrash, and tip their hand by using Razor’s best known ditty as their moniker.” Have you ever been screamed at by a crazy cat lady? Do you want to be?

Retro-spective Review: Holy Terror – Terror & Submission/Mind Wars

Retro-spective Review: Holy Terror – Terror & Submission/Mind Wars

Its time to defile the crypt of metal once again and Steel Druhm is the best defiler ever! Today, I present not one, but TWO classic releases from a time long ago that deserve a second look. I speak of Holy Terror, the Los Angeles based progressive thrash unit that featured former members of Agent Steel. During their all too brief existence, they released two excellent and unique thrash platters that received a fair amount of critical acclaim. While clearly a part of the 80’s thrash wave, they definately stood out due to their unique and compelling approach. Sure, they played fast but they had an intrinsic intelligence about them and veneer of class that most of their contemporaries entirely lacked. They didn’t really sound like anyone else so comparisons are pretty useless here. While both albums delivered excellently written songs with ample aggression, they also had that certain something that makes a band special. It can’t really be quantified, they just had “it.”

Steel Druhm’s Best Heavy Metal Songs of All Time 40-31

Steel Druhm’s Best Heavy Metal Songs of All Time 40-31

You know, I’ve had some quiet, introspective time to think about this whole “best songs list” thing. Maybe we’re wasting our time preaching about our metal cred. Maybe Gibson’s list is just as valid as Angry Metal Guy’s (50-41, 40-31) list or my list (50-41). I’m sure many of you out there have your own lists and they’re great too. As I mulled this over and over, I more I was forced to finally accept that my list is the one true list and superior to all others (except mine, of course – AMG). Now that we cleared that up, here’s more of THE List (that is right below Angry Metal Guy’s list on the pecking order – AMG).