Sunday, August 31, 2008

Cauldron (US) - Driven By Hate (Ep/Demo) (192)


















Line-up :

Matthew Barlow - vocals (Iced Earth, Pyramaze)
Bill Swentor - guitar
Jim Barlow - guitar
Adam Evans - bass
Dave Breazeal - drums (Trokar, Unholy Ghost)


Parts of this song were later used by Iced Earth after Matt Barlow joined.


1.Driven By Hate
[view lyrics]
2.Extinction Prevalent

3.Entry Number 161914

4.Behead The Deathless
[view lyrics]

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Amorphis - Disment of Soul (Demo) (256)



























Line-up:

Esa Holopainen - Guitar
Tomi Koivussaari - Guitar, Vocals
Olli - Pekka Laine - Bass
Jan Rechberger - Drums


Only available as a tape.

Review :

Although you can hear the Abhorrence influence brought in by the guitarist (and some of the guitarwork), I like this demo a lot more than Abhorrence's work. Both are typical early old-school death metal (that is: brutal old school death metal lacking clear thrash influences). But this demo has a lot better sound/production. The guitars are heavy as lead, and the vocals are gurgled deep as a demon's, as opposed to Abhorrence's fuzzy guitarsound and screams.

The songs are actually semi-memorable, mostly because they have a sort of vibe. Because the guitars are low and heavy, the music impresses more. It isn't the epitome of originality (although I can't really judge lacking knowledge of deathmetal chronology), but it does have something most other death metal bands lack: keyboards. They're typical 'sinister' synths, but they add atmosphere nonetheless.

Funny this band would later make progressive doom metal; there isn't much of a trace of that on here.

1.Disment of Soul04:02
2.Excursing from Existence03:27[view lyrics]
3.Privilege of Evil04:05[view lyrics]
Total playing time11:34

Download Link


Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Hell (UK) - Save Us from Those Who Would Save Us (7" Single) (224)














Line Up :

Dave G. Halliday - Vocals & Guitars (R.I.P. 1987 - suicide)
Sean Kellen - Guitars
Kev Bower - Guitars (Paralex)
Tony Speakman - Bass (Paralex, Rainbow's Rising)
Tim Bowler - Drums (Paralex, Overdrive (UK))

Notes :

notesHell signed to the Belgian label Mausoleum, but two weeks prior to the recording of the album, the label collapsed. This led to the split-up of the band, and the suicide of Dave Halliday (by carbon monoxide poisoning).

Dave Halliday taught Andy Sneap of Sabbat (UK) to play guitar and Sneap mentions Hell as one of his main influences.

The remaining members of Hell have reunited to finally record their album. Dave Halliday's vocal recordings will be used where possible. Sabbat (UK) members Martin Walkyier and Andy Sneap will play on the album to replicate Dave's vocals and guitar tracks respectively (Kev Bower has stated they are considered full members of the band). Sneap will also be the producer.

1.Save Us from Those Who Would Save Us03:53[view lyrics]
2.Death Squad04:51
Total playing time08:44

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Friday, August 29, 2008

Metallica - Ride the Lightning (Demo) (320)


















Line Up :

Kirk Hammett : Lead guitars
James Hetfield : Guitar, vocals
Cliff Burton : Bass
Lars Ulrich : Drums

"When Hell Freezes Over" was later retitled "The Call of Ktulu".

Review :

After the release of the famous Kill 'em All debut from Metallica, they recorded this demo, Ride the Lightning. Ride the Lightning is by far one of the best of Metallica albums, and on this demo you will be pleased to hear the infancy of song of the material. Musically, the album is similar for the most part. There are some parts I recognized that were different from the album, Ride the Lightning, but overall it's pretty similar compositionwise.

This demo features 4 early versions of some of the most popular songs from Lightning: Fight Fire With Fire, Ride the Lightning, Creeping Death, and When Hell Freezes Over (Later titled The Call of Ktulu) in the immature form. Some of the differences noticed on this demo though are the production and vocals. In the production matters of this demo, it's pretty raw and sloppy. Not as polished as the later releases of Metallica, but still very well production, especially for a demo tape.

The vocals on this release are very different from what you hear on the Ride the Lightning album itself. Sometimes can get annoying as well. You can tell that James didn't polish his vocals on this demo due to the very weak delivery through this demo. Probably one of the most horrid experiences is hearing his attempt at screaming on this release.

The guitars and drums on this release sound fucking great when raw. When these songs are played raw like on this recording, you can tell how special these songs are. In some cases the intros (Especially on Creeping Death and Ride the Lightning) sound even better on this demo version with the raw sound. The harmonics feel even more power fun throughout this release with the difference in production. Giving the demo much more life.

Overall this is a really good demo to pick up if you can find it. Shows a rawer version of the famous ride the lightning demo and definately worth a good listen or two if you can find it.

1.Fight Fire with Fire04:44[view lyrics]
2.Ride the Lightning06:23[view lyrics]
3.Creeping Death06:50[view lyrics]
4.When Hell Freezes Over08:16[view lyrics]
Total playing time26:13


Download Link


Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Darkthrone - Thulcandra (Demo) (192)













Line-up:

Ivar - Guitar
Ted - Guitar
Dag - Bass
Gylve (Fenriz) - Battery

This demo also apears on the Mayhem/Darkthrone split bootleg cd.

Review :

Evil, Dark, Grim. Thoes are the 3 essential words for describing this demo. Very nice and raw guitar riffs, the drum beats are coordinating with the music, the instruments are really spreading an evil and raw attitude, very good blast beats, althought the vocals are very black-ish, they turn to be more like death vocals in this demo.You really enjoy the music, the sound is not that good but the quality of the songs are good and interesting to hear...

1.Eon03:45
2.Thulcandra05:48[view lyrics]
3.Archipelago04:53[view lyrics]
Total playing time14:26

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Metallica - One (Ep/Demo) (320)

















Line Up :

Kirk Hammett : Lead guitars
James Hetfield : Guitar, vocals
Jason Newsted : Bass
Lars Ulrich : Drums

A Japan-only EP. The live tracks were recorded on February 5th, 1989, at
Reunion Arena, Dallas, Texas.

1.One07:24[view lyrics]
2.Breadfan (Budgie Cover)05:44[view lyrics]
3.For Whom the Bell Tolls (live)04:48[view lyrics]
4.(Welcome Home) Sanitarium (live)06:06[view lyrics]
5.One (demo)07:03[view lyrics]
Total playing time31:05

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Theatre of Tragedy - Demo 1994 (Demo) (192)


















Line Up :

Raymond I. Rohonyi - Vocals
Liv Kristine Espenæs - Vocals
Pal Bjastad - Guitar
Tommy Lindal - Guitar
Eirik T. Saltrø - Bass
Lorentz Aspen - Keyboards
Hein Frode Hansen - Drums


1.A Song by the Hearth?!04:52[view lyrics]
2.A Hamlet for a Slothful Vassal04:13[view lyrics]
3.Dying – I Only Feel Apathy05:30[view lyrics]
4.Soliloquy02:45[view lyrics]
Total playing time17:20

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Battleroar - Dragonship (7" Single) (128)


















Line-up:

Vagelis Krouskas - vocals
Kostas Tzortzis - guitar
Manolis Karazeris - guitar
Chris Remoundos - bass
Nick Papadopoulos - drums

1.Dragonship05:05[view lyrics]
2.Swordbrothers07:04[view lyrics]
Total playing time12:09

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Graveland - Following The Voice of Blood (Demo) (320)


















Line-up:

Darken - vocal, guitar, bass, keyboard
Capricornus - drums (session)


The lyrics for "White Hand's Power" are written by JFN of German band Absurd.

1.White Hand's Power08:33[view lyrics]
2.And the Horn Was Sounding Far Away11:58[view lyrics]
Total playing time20:31

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/

Friday, August 1, 2008

Blind Guardian - Demo IV (Demo) (320)















Line Up :

Hansi Kürsch - vocals, bass
Andre Olbrich - guitars
Marcus Siepen - guitars
Thomas Stauch - drums

1.Time What Is Time05:15[view lyrics]
2.Theatre of Pain04:16[view lyrics]
3.Ashes to Ashes06:00[view lyrics]
Total playing time: 15:18

Download Link

Pass : http://demo-series.blogspot.com/