Armageddon Rev 16:16

As pointed out on several occasions both on this site and elsewhere, the Cypriot metal scene was surely a late-bloomer. While currently hosting a number of well-respected bands, Heavy Metal in 1980s Cyprus was nearly non-existent. Note ALMOST, because there was indeed one band that practically inaugurated and kept the Cypriot Metal scene alive, and that band as ARMAGEDDON REV 16:16 (frequently abbreviated as ARMAGEDDON). Originally founded as HEAVY DUTY way back in 1985, ARMAGEDDON remains to this day not only the undisputed harbingers of Cypriot Heavy Metal but also the longest running Metal group on the island.

Having built a solid fan base through live appearances in every place possible all across the country (including a high-profile opening slot for SPITFIRE in 1987), ARMAGEDDON released their first demo tape in 1987. Included among the songs were the all-time Cypriot metal classic “Raiders of Steel”. A second demo followed in 1988, featuring eight tracks of which four were older songs presented in rerecorded and rearranged form. Two years later, the band’s first “proper” release was unleashed in the form of a four-track EP entitled “Rev 16:16” (or habitually referred to as their self-titled EP) – a cornerstone for the local scene and – along with the debut 12” EP of ACCIDENTALS released the same year – the golden grail of Cypriot Heavy Metal, fetching fairly high sums on the secondhand market.

Now, there are many so-called hidden gems, golden grails, diamonds in the rough, cult treasures or whatever you choose to call them that can hardly measure up in quality to the monetary value invested in them. “Rev 16:16” on the other hand, must be regarded as a genuinely impressive and important piece of Heavy Metal history. After several years of working on their material (composing, rearranging and testing it in live situations) ARMAGEDDON managed to create a nearly perfect EP. Some may complain about the primitive production values and lack of technical finesse, but really… it’s hard to imagine these songs presented in any other way. The guitar riffs and leads show a remarkable power and economy, being instantly memorable yet surprisingly endurable after multiple listens. And lest not forget the Klaus Meine-like vocal timbre and graceful melodies of singer Jimmy Mavrommatis – the crowning work of the music that comes across as a characteristic blend of classic European and US Metal.

(to be continued…)

Compilation appearances:
* Bloodbrothers – A Compilation of Recordings by Rock Bands from Cyprus [CD, Comp: Laughing Stock Disks, 1997]
* Bloodbrothers II – A Compilation of Recordings by Rock/Metal Bands from Cyprus [CD, Comp: Pitch Black, 2013]