This refutes my theory about there not being any unsigned Metal bands
from Holland in the 80's. Let's face it, with so many labels, zines, festivals
and other heavy scene-activity going on in this country at the time, it
is quite a revelation to find a series of compilations of almost exclusively
unknown and unsigned underground bands. It just goes to show what an infinite
ocean of bands that were out there.
It was the reviews on
Kusare
Metal that first opened my eyes to this series of EPs a few years
back. My knowledge of the Japanese language is rather weak to say the
least, and even after having found 3 of the supposed 5 volumes to date
I'm not that much wiser about their origin. It's the mystery as much as
the simplistic graphics that got me excited in the first place, and when
finally hearing the music I didn't feel let down by a longshot, even if
it's somewhat uneven. I've learned as much as that the man behind them
was a certain Tiny "Iceman" V. Stiphout, who also played in
some of the bands included, in this case the opening act
BLACK OUT.
Their "Burn Like Hell" contribution is a nice enough nwobhm-like
standard with raw, twangy guitars reminding me of MYTHRA. The demented
spoken part in the middle of the song sound extraordinary silly though.
Please don't do that again!
SHELTER's "Low Spirit" is
a whole lot more enjoyable, sporting some really fine Maidenesque leads
and harmonies and ends in a haunting, almost HAWKWINDy space rock fade
out. Quite interesting once you ignore the weak production, which is sadly
ever-present throughout the EP.
FRESH MEAT blend some late 70's
heavy rock with some SAMSON-like harmony soloing
. Not total Heavy
Metal balls, but they fit in nicely with their other proto-Metal buddies
here, and some diversity isn't a bad thing, is it?
DISTORTION lives
up to both their name and title, really gut-kicking HARD Rock power. Once
again a more powerful mix would have strengthen the feel of their material,
but you'll just have to let your imagination fill in the blanks. Even
though there might not be any revolutionary, outstanding stuff here, "Metal
Power" is still enjoyable and could be the perfect soundtrack when
you're lying on the sofa, eyeing through those early 80's fanzines in
an attempt to rekindle the spirit of the underground HM-scene of yore.