Californian-based thrash machine with a strange spaced-out sci-fi/alien/UFO-image. Their first lead singer and founder John Cyriss truly has one of the worst voices I've ever heard in metal. Drummer Chuck Profus and axeman Juan Garcia (of Abattoir "fame") are the only original members left. After Unstoppable force in '87, the band broke up due to internal problems. They reunited in three fifths recently, dropping a new album in the process. Also, they have two neat Judas Priest covers in their catalogue, which was how I discovered them - in my search for every Priest cover ever made. I haven't heard their first album (which is rumoured to be horrible), but I might consider it in the future. Funny band - and some quite nice thrash too. Latest news: The band has today changed their names to "Order of the illuminati", after legal problems with former member John Cyriss.
Discography
MAD LOCUST RISING
Alright, so this is not the most impressive of thrash EPs. As a matter of fact, it's not very impressive at all. Guitars are mediocre and John Cyriss is probably the most annoying castrato ever to soil the good name of OTT falsetto screams. A la King Diamond, there is no pattern in the random screaming, and no anticipation whatsoever on the behalf of the listener. But unlike the King, Cyriss doesn't have a good "main" voice either. Whiny and nasal, missing every key (seemingly on purpose). The main reason to get this album is of course the cover of Judas Priest's The ripper. This one's even more ridiculous and OTT than Mercyful Fate's version, which means a LOT. Pathetic overdubs and vocals in general (the only thing Cyriss caught from the 19th century London atmosphere, was a cold), shoddy musicianship and slightly changed lyrics (for the worse - "Armageddon town streets"?). Of course it's wonderful from start to finish. After Scary German Guy's version of Electric eye, this is the most hilarious Priest cover yet - and there are plenty of funny ones out there! Both Agent Steel originals are good, Let it be done/The day at guyana being my favourite of the two. Two stars, but that's about how much I will ever grant a twelve minute album (it's more than I gave Reload, and that one's over 75 minutes!). To make a very crude comparison, let's just say that whilst Reload was good about five minutes, this album is good about eight, and most average metal albums about, say, 20-25. All three songs here are ok, or conversely, this is an album with only three ok songs. That hopefully hints how I grade an EP of this pathetically thrifty nature. Oh well, The ripper's worth it - you're never gonna stop laughing! Note: This album was released in its entirety as bonus tracks on a reissue of Unstoppable force, but I can't answer if that was an American-only version. At any rate, you'll get more value for your dough through that channel. Keep watching the skies.
Best songs: The ripper; Let it be done/The day at guyana
OMEGA CONSPIRACY
So, the boys are back in town with a different singer and bass-player. New throat Bruce Hall is not quite as annoyingly whiny as Cyriss, but can also be pretty disturbing when singing in the higher registers (which happens often). I guess the whimpering is a part of their image, so I'll accept it for what it is (Hall actually can sing, and I really think he's superior to Cyriss, he just destroys the groove too often with senseless "AAAAH!"s), and at least he has good, late '90s production values on his side. On the plus side, this album is full of strong all-band-shouting a la Anthrax, which I have a special place in my heart for :). Opening Destroy the hush (or shall I say: "DEE-STROY-THE-HUSH!") for example...lovely. Fave is easily Know your master, again with a superb shouted chorus: "KNOW YOUR MASTER! YOU'RE NOT EQUAL!". He he he. Illuminati is machine has a great opening riff, slightly distorted in a way that reminds me of mid-period Megadeth, and is also one of the better. The music leans towards progressive thrash, in most cases not so memorable, but nonetheless with a solid banging quality throughout. First half definitely has the upper hand here. The other songs seem to float together, and not really standing out anywhere. Another thing I don't dig is the bass sound in some of the songs. Medina tries too much to be Steve Harris, with focus on the string sound rather than regular bass thumps. That is so corny. The bonus track and Priest cover is very well performed, and is of course bound to be the best song on the album, even if it only had been half the masterpiece of the '78 original (although I'd say it's about 80% :) ). I especially like how Hall's voice gets distorted and echoed in the chorus, which doesn't destroy the flow like most of his shrieking. Plus it adds a personal touch, which is the very purpose of covers, right? The long lead break in the original CAN NOT be topped, but Versailles-or-was-it-Garcia still does a very commendable job on this legend. Priest remains unmastered Priest, but this version is better than most other attempts. This song was also included on the crappy (but hilarious!) tribute album Hell bent for metal, and came up on top with a vengeance, since most of the other bands were indie-label death/black metal screwups with less talent than recording capital. Other than that, I'd say this album is pretty good.
Best songs: Know your master; Destroy the hush; Illuminati is machine
Bonus track on US version