STREET
Gonz's Back
Gestunk are from Tokyo, Japan. They mix a blend of hardcore laced with metal in a unique Japanese fashion. A strong discography
represents Gestunk: the first Ep Shout," followed by an Lp "Dead Song" and then "Mr. Gazime" Ep, "Geronimo" Ep, "The Vanishing
Signs" 12", "For Fans" Ep, a 3-pack 7" set of individual efforts, and currently they are recording their second Lp. The members
of Gestunk plan to visit the US. in August, and at that time would love to play some gigs.
Perhaps the last thing Tim Bennett
of Children of the Revolution Records
did before handing it all over to
Shane and Manic Ears Records was
to start compiling this seventeen-
band compilation (which Shane
helped finish). And a good English
sampler this is, featuring all the
potentially insane and crazed U.K.
bands on one track apiece. It's sad
to see Tim's departure, but at least
he left on one whale of a maniac ex-
press. Some of the tracks here are
the best representation ever of each
band. With a roster of Disorder,
Chaos U.K., The Stupids, Concrete
Sox. Ripcord, Civilized Society,
Vicious Circle (from Australia), CCM
(from Italy), Extreme Noise Terror,
Generic, Depraved and more, the
vinyl is splattering everywhere in
bloody combustion. So long to Tim
and good luck to Shane. As it says,
"The children of the revolution have
manic ears." Not a dry sampler. Dig
ging In Water, Box 666, Full Marks
Book Shop, 37 Stokes Croft, Bristol,
BS2 3PY England.
Life Sentence comes across
sounding like the first two 7 Seconds
7" Eps; energetic, brash and ag-
gressive. Out of Chicago, Life
Sentence, has made us wait a long
time for a vinyl release, and it was
well wonti, it. This record proves the
band to be an impressive three-piece
that is driven and determined to
86
cavort a fast flailing sound that is in-
tense, fierce and full of raunchy
assaults in the brutal sound league.
Non-hesitantly hauling and quickly
punching through a song. Tom, Joe
and Eric charge with stampeding
speed, while keeping harmonies
alive and without losing definition.
That flavor tastes good and makes
these ten tracks quite fun. The head
is bashing against the chest in ex-
citement as the body runs rampant
across the room. Life Sentence's
approach to hardcore is not a new
one, but they sure deliver the thrash
goods in a proud fashion with true
desire and strong attacks, making
this debut a fine disc. It's a bit short,
but look for it on Walkthru Fyre
Records, PO Box 31292, Chicago, IL
60631.
Another band, existing for quite
some time and deserving some vinyl,
is Half-Life out of Pittsburgh, PA. On
this four-song debut, Under the Knife,
Half-Life arrives with some smart
lyrics and a graunched-out sound
that has a slight metal urge but still
favors that raw abrasive feel that
keeps the speed and 'core edge.
From the heavy lacings of "More of
the Same" to the excellent attack of
"Consider the Alternative," Half-Life
prove to be quite a creative foursome
that works well together and creates
quite a storm. With the harsh vocals
of Jeff Lamm out in the forefront and
growling with a passionate flair,
guitarist Vince Curtis grinds away
and harmonizes and Mike Lavella
provides thumping power as Damon
Che pounds it all out on drums. And
it's not all snare drum work; this guy
works up a sweat playing the whole
kil, rolls and all. Now that's a good
drummer with a creative mind. This
will definitely be an overlooked Ep.
so watch for Half Life on Mind Cure
Records. Write: Mike Lavella, PO Box
7558, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Now over to the Orient, where the
Japanese continue to release choice
material. As I was anxiously awaiting
this second Lp. I had no idea what
to expect. It's been quite a while i
since Detestation came out, so when
I received this second GISM Lp en-
titled M.A.N. (Military Affairs Neur
otic), I was quite thrilled. But at first
listen I realized a change had taken
place. Not a bad change, it just takes
you by surprise at first. And once you
catch your breath, this is perhaps
one of the strongest, most unique
metal Lps of 1987. Randy's guitar
work rings of Iron Maiden riffs, and
the sound pounds loudly. But when
Sakevi's voice enters the picture, you
know this is different. And from the
sonic chills running down your spine
and the smile on your face, you know
this attacks harshly. Intense lyrical
structures smash you in the face in
this uncommon metal composition.
After the first two tracks, "Start to
Forget" enters in an industrial vein
which is not annoying. Then "Na-
tions Prosperity" charges in the first
GISM Lp tradition-all the speed and
growling drives you mad. This is
great! No band does what GISM
does or shocks like GISM can. That
kind of brilliance people call insane.
If you must find one ultra thrash
Lp this year, then it must be the new
twelve-song slash and bash banzai
barrage from Osaka's Outo. This is
the best spastic album of 1987. This
12" hauls with so much fury and ag-
gression your eyes will pop out as
you scream in excitement. Ripping
is totally the word. This band has im-
proved so much it's incredible.
Butcher's voice yells in maniac ex-
pression as Katsumi fingers the
strings so fast the blood flies
everywhere. Each track has its own
charms and its own tempo and fires
with an extreme, untamed rage. The
Fahrenheit is rising and with good
reason; the momentum here is quite
brutal, bursting out in chaotic thrusts
and clamorous shouts. Outo sound
the alarm and don't back off. It's
wonderful to see the kind of
onslaught that bites so sharply and
with such a gonzoid rush. It's in-
vigorating. Fab! On Selfish Records,
Mac Seinan, Apt Room 401, 4-8-20,
Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
107 Japan.
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