In the video below is a collection I bought from a collector in Arizona through the mail. Most of the records are newer pressings and reissues, but many out-of-print/limited edition gems are in there, and some are already worth decent money.
In the section below, I have included info about some of the standout pieces in this collection.
Beastie Boys – Polly Wog Stew 7″
Beastie Boys – Polly Wog Stew 7″ EP 1982 Rat Cage Records – MOTR 21 VG+/VG+ – This EP was by far the most expensive piece in this collection. When you see copies of this album, they are primarily represses that came out in the early 90s after the Beastie Boys were already famous. This 7″ is the original 1982 pressing and is worth a ton. The condition is excellent and on the high end of VG+.
Value = $395
Cryptic Slaughter – Money Talks LP
Cryptic Slaughter – Money Talks LP 1987 Restless – 72204-1 [Original Sealed!] – The second album from the Califonia thrashers that played so fast they heavily influenced grindcore. This copy is sealed with hype stickers and is in nearly perfect condition. Someone must have liked it because it sold instantly.
Value = $99.95 [Sold]
Polkadot Cadaver – Purgatory Dance Party LP
Polkadot Cadaver – Purgatory Dance Party LP 2021 Razor To Wrist [White & Violet] – Polkadot Cadaver formed from Serj Tankian’s Dog Fashion Disco remains. Everything by this band is sold out and is extremely hard to find. This sealed LP may be the only copy available for sale online.
Value = $149.95
Belphegor – Bondage Goat Zombie LP
Belphegor – Bondage Goat Zombie LP 2008 Nuclear Blast NB 2086-1 [Red] NM/NM *DE – Very rare 1st press on red vinyl, numbered and strictly limited to 1000 copies.
Value = $129.95
Rivers of Nihil – Where Owls Know My Name LP
Rivers of Nihil – Where Owls Know My Name LP 2018 Metal Blade [1st Press Sealed] – All copies of this album sold out in 2018 and have not yet been reissued, making the originals worth a pretty penny.
Value = $99.95
Devo – Freedom Of Choice LP
Devo – Freedom Of Choice LP 1980 Warner Bros – P-10803W [Japan] [Sealed] – Original Japanese copy sealed from 1980. How often are you going to see stuff like this?
Value = $99.95
Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip LP
Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip LP 2015 Music On Vinyl [1st Press Silver] NM/NM – Although this album came out in 1999, it did not appear on vinyl until 2015, making the silver edition the “first press.”
Value = $99.95
Do You Have A Collection Like This You Want To Sell?
I am constantly looking for new metal collections to buy. Hit me up at the information below if you have one to sell.
Iron Maiden – Wasting Love CD Maxi-Single 1992 EMI – 7243 8 80231 2 2 *NL [RARE] – Wasting Love is an incredibly rare CD Maxi-single with three live tracks and, like many Iron Maiden singles, is worth a pretty penny.
Price $79.95
19) Six Pack – Drunken Possession CD
Six Pack – Drunken Possession CD 2016 [Self Released] RARE! – This CD is so obscure it doesn’t even have a Discogs listing and is nearly impossible to find. Six Pack is an underground blackened thrash metal band from New Orleans, LA. They were in talks to sign with Killjoy’s Baphomet records at the time of his death.
Price $80.95
18) Obsequiae – Suspended In The Brume Of Eos CD
Obsequiae – Suspended In The Brume Of Eos CD 2011 Bindrune Recordings – BR013 – Obsequiae is a Melodic Black Metal band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the late 90s. Suspended In The Brume Of Eos is the band’s first effort after many years on hiatus.
Price $85.95
17) The Iron Maidens – World’s Only Female Tribute… CD
The Iron Maidens – World’s Only Female Tribute… CD 2005 DRZ Records – DRZ-1002 – The Iron Maiden’s are an LA-based all-female tribute to Iron Maiden, whose alums include Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss. This disc was their debut release and consists entirely of tracks written by Iron Maiden.
Price $94.95
16) Damien Black – Dead Of Winter CD
Damien Black – Dead Of Winter CD 2016 Arkeyn Steel Records – ASR CD-038 [Greece] – Damien Black is a power metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1990, with a sound very similar to classic Queensryche. This CD came out on Greece’s Arkeyn Steel Records and was limited to 500 copies.
Price $97.95
15) Exhorder – Slaughter in the Vatican CD
Exhorder – Slaughter in the Vatican CD 1991 Roadrunner – RO 93632 [First Press] – Like Forced Entry, Exhoder was a fantastic thrash metal band that showed up late at the party. Pantara has been accused of stealing their sound from this obscure New Orlean metal band that would release only one more album before taking a thirty-year hiatus and returning in 2019 with Mourn The Southern Skies.
Price $98.95
14) Analepsy – Atrocities From Beyond CD
Analepsy – Atrocities From Beyond CD 2017 Vomit Your Shirt – VYS016-3 [Slipcase] – A newer death metal band from Lison, Portugal, with some deathcore overtones. There’s only this version of the first press. It includes slipcase + color stickers and is manufactured in Portugal.
Price $99.95
13) Analepsy – Dehumanization By Supremacy CD
Analepsy – Dehumanization By Supremacy CD 2018 Vomit Your Shirt VYS012 Portugal – Dehumanization By Supremacy is the second CD from Portugal’s Analepsy was released in May of 2018 by Miasma Records and Vomit Your Shirt. It was a strictly limited edition of 500 copies. In recent years, the band has become a cult favorite on the deathcore circuit, which makes this CD very sought after.
Price $99.95
12) Descendent – Degeneration CD
Descendent – Degeneration CD 1995 Self-Released – This rare self-released CD from this death metal band from Toledo, Ohio, active from 1993-1996, is almost impossible to find. The band’s short tenure has attracted a cult following in recent years.
Price $102.95
11) Black Tongue – Nadir CD
Black Tongue – Nadir CD 2018 Self-Released [Digipak] RARE! – This self-released digipak from up-and-coming deathcore act Black Tongue is almost impossible to find. Though released just five years ago, it is entirely out-of-print. Nadir is the third self-released album from this band.
Price $105.95
10) Morgue – Eroded Thoughts CD
Morgue – Eroded Thoughts CD 1993 Grind Core – 89818-2 – The debut release from this death metal band from Illinois, active from 1990 to 1995, has been reissued many times by labels like Dark Descent and Headsplit Records. The original pressing on Grind Core records is the one that is worth big money, though.
Price $109.95
9) Moonblood – Blut & Krieg / Sob A Lua Do Bode CD
Moonblood – Blut & Krieg / Sob A Lua Do Bode CD 2014 Misanthrophia Discos *DE – This CD is a reissue and compilation of material recorded in 1996. This reissue is from Misanthrophia Discos from Germany and is strictly limited to 500 copies.
Price $119.95
8) Forced Entry – As Above, So Below CD
Forced Entry – As Above So Below CD 1991 Relativity – 88561-2024-2 [1st Press] – A rare gem from Seatle’s Forced Entry comes from a promising thrash metal band that appeared on the scene too late. As Above So Below and the band’s debut Uncertain Future would have been genre-defining classics had either come out in 1986.
Price $121.95
7) Sepultura – Morbid Visions CD
Sepultura – Morbid Visions CD 1990 New Renaissance Records – NRCD43 [Original] – This album originally came out on Brazil’s Cogumelo Produções but would never appear on CD until this reissue on the now-defunct New Renaissance Records. Note the primitive and very plain typesetting on the back tray card can often be a harbinger of an expensive first-edition CD.
Price $124.95
6) Slayer – Hell Awaits CD
Slayer – Hell Awaits CD 1986 Combat – 88561-8020-2 [Rare First Pressing] – This Japanese press for the US market of Slayer’s second full-length album is distinctive by its orange tray card. It comes from an era when only major labels could get music out on CD. In this case, Metal Blade outsourced the manufacturing to Japan.
Price $129.95
5) Cemetary – An Evil Shade Of Grey CD
Cemetary – An Evil Shade Of Grey CD 1992 Black Mark Production – BMCD 20 GERMANY – Cemetery is a cult death metal band active from 1989 to 2005. In 1992, they signed with Quarthon’s Black Mark Productions. Like many early CDs on Black Mark Production, this release is bootlegged heavily and hard to find.
Price $132.95
4) Gutted – Gutted CD
Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2 – This CD is a very rare compilation of this Toledo, Ohio, death metal band’s first EP and early demos. It was released on the one-off “Loud N Local Music Group.” Gutted was a legendary band that released sadly too few recordings.
Price $139.95
3) Enslaved – Vikingligr Veldi CD
Enslaved – Vikingligr Veldi CD 1994 Deathlike Silence – Anti Mosh 008 [EARLY] – The first press from this Norwegian death metal band has no white space on the back cover, which is about the same size as a bar code. The subsequent repress has this. Regardless of which version you have, they are both worth a ton. Enslaved is still active, tours, and is releasing new material.
Price $149.95
2) Dawn – Nær Solen Gar Niþer For Evogher CD
Dawn – Nær Solen Gar Niþer For Evogher CD 1994 Necropolis – NR 006 ORIGINAL – All of the 90s albums, Sweedish melodic-death metal band Dawn, are extremely expensive. Even the reissues cost quite a bit and sell out immediately. If you have never listened to Dawn, I highly recommend you do.
Price $159.95
1) Weakling – Dead As Dreams CD
Weakling – Dead As Dreams CD 2000 tUMULt – tm 17 – American Black Metallers Weakling released only one studio album besides a rehearsal recording. Weakling became quite popular posthumously due to their early 2000s breakup. This CD is a cult classic and is damn near impossible to find.
Price $169.95
Do You Have Rare Metal CDs Like This You Would Like To Sell?
It has been a while since I have done one of these posts; this is a countdown ascending of the most expensive Punk metal and rock albums I now have from lowest to highest. I did not differentiate between genres, size of the records (12″ Vs. 7″), and length (LP, EP, single).
Nifelheim – Devil’s Force LP 1998 Necropolis Records – NR022 VG+/VG+ w/ Inner is the second album from Swedish black metal vets Nifelheim. Discogs has a median value of $167. However, no copies are available at the time of publishing for less than $333. I have my copy valued slightly lower.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $249.95
19. Queens Of The Stone Age LP [2010 Reissue]
Queens Of The Stone Age – Queens Of The Stone Age LP 2010 Rekords Rekords - The 2010 reissue of Queens of The Stoneage’s debut album already goes for a pretty penny. Early pressing of the album can fetch 1000s. If past performance is an indicator, I would grab a first pressing of whatever Queens does next. It should be more valuable than Bitcoin. Discog has a $167 media value, which is more or less correct. This copy is slightly more expensive because it’s in perfect condition.
Condition NM/NM Value $269.95
18. Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers – 400 Fascists
Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers – 400 Fascists 7″ EP 1981 Cessofonya IRS 56 Italy – This rare 7″ by obscure Italian hardcore band named after but not containing Dead Boy’s guitarist Cheetah Chrome was a discogs has $222 – 250. One could be excused for thinking this was a side project of Cheetah Chrome himself. I guess punk rockers don’t believe in lawyers.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $279.95
17. Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick LP
Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick LP 1991 White Label Test Pressing VG+/EX UK – This classic sophomore Morbid Angel album production test press has a median value of $190, but none are available and haven’t been for some time, making this copy more expensive.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $289.95
16. Dissection – Somberlain LP
Dissection – Somberlain LP 1996 Nuclear Blast NFR 006 EX [PICTURE DISC GERMANY] – This is the second album from Dissection. Discogs has a $169 median value, but none are available for less than $300. The standard non-picture disc pressing was not released until 2006 on The End Records. This was the last studio album the band would put out until 2006, after Jon Nödtveidt got out of prison.
Condition VG+ Value $299.95
15. Krisiun / Violent Hate – Curse Of The Evil One LP
Krisiun / Violent Hate – Curse Of The Evil One LP 1993 Dynamo Brazilie – DYN005 – This split was Brazil’s Krisiun’s first appearance on vinyl. It featured the original lightning-fast guitar shredder Porto Alegre who died in a motorcycle accident in 2002.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $299.95
14. Watain – The Essence Of Black Purity 7″ Single
Watain – The Essence Of Black Purity 7″ Single 1999 Grim Rune VG+ Sweden LTD 300 – This single is a limited run of only 300 numbered copies by one of the biggest black metal bands on the scene right now. Condition VG+/VG+ Value $299.95
13. Rudimentary Peni – Death Church LP
Rudimentary Peni – Death Church LP 1983 Corpus Christi – CHRIST IT’S 6 EX/EX UK – This original classic by British anarcho-punk / deathrock/art punk band has been reissued many times, but originals like this fetch a pretty penny.
Condition EX/EX Value $329.95
12. Amorphis – The Karelian Isthmus LP
Amorphis – The Karelian Isthmus LP 1993 Nuclear Blast – NB 072 [Green] VG+/VG+ – While discogs has a $222 median value for this, none are available for less than $444 at the time of publishing. This blue vinyl first-pressing is limited to 3500 copies,
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $349.95
11. Poison Idea – Pick Your King EP
Poison Idea – Pick Your King EP 1985 Fatal Erection Records – NO. 1 Blue VG+ – This 7″ EP has 14 songs on it and is one of the greatest hardcore punk albums ever recorded. It has a discogs median value of $200, but none have been available for less than $400 for many years. This transparent blue vinyl is the second pressing and was limited to 1000 copies housed in a hand-printed paper sleeve.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $389.95
10. Sarcófago – I.N.R.I. LP
Sarcófago – I.N.R.I. LP 1987 Cogumelo Produções – COG007 VG/VG+ [Brazil] – One of the most influential metal bands ever, Brazil’s Sarcofago was a bridge between death metal and black metal and heavily influenced the grindcore movement. This copy has a bit of tape on the jacket, but the vinyl is in solid VG+ condition.
Condition VG/VG+ Value $389.95
9. Vader – The Ultimate Incantation LP
Vader – The Ultimate Incantation LP 1992 Earache – MOSH 59 VG+/VG+ [1ST PRESS] – Vader started as a thrash metal band in the mid-eighties and has blossomed into one the most successful death metal bands in the game that is still active today. Discogs has a $153 median value, but none are available for less than $464, except for the one pictured here.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $399.95
8. Beherit – The Oath Of Black Blood LP
Beherit – The Oath Of Black Blood LP 1991 Turbo Music – 354.00.11.1-28 VG+ *DE – This was Beherit’s fastest/heaviest album before they adopted a more atmospheric black metal sound. This LP has a $164 median value, but are is available for less than $666. My copy is actually much less.
Condition VG/VG+ Value $399.95
7. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II LP
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II LP 1982 Mobile Fidelity Sound – MFSL 1-065 VG+/EX – This LP has a Discogs Median of $300, which is more or less right. I’m not sure I need to hear any song on Led Zeppelin II again, but seeing as the vinyl is pressed from the original master tapes, it won’t sound better anywhere.
Condition VG+/EX Value $399.95
6. Dødheimsgard – Monumental Possession LP
Dødheimsgard – Monumental Possession LP 1996 Malicious Records MR010 *DE VG+ *DE – This was the only pure black metal album from Dødheimsgard, who eventually moved on to a more industrial/ progressive sound. It has a media value of $177, but none are available for less than $564 at the time of publishing.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $499.95
5. Dissection – Storm Of The Light’s Bane LP
Dissection – Storm Of The Light’s Bane LP 1998 Nuclear Blast VG+/EX Blue Vinyl – While this LP is an early reissue and not a first pressing, this 1998 press from Nuclear Blast mailorder was limited to 500 copies and is very rare! Discogs has a $410 median value, but you can’t get one for less than $560
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $639.95
4. Beherit – Drawing Down The Moon LP
Beherit – Drawing Down The Moon LP 1993 Spinefarm Records – SPI 14 VG+ [Finland] – This second release from Beherit is a cult-classic black metal masterpiece and has a $425 Discogs Median value, but you can’t find one online for less than $570.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $649.95
3. Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 White Label Test Press VG+ UK – While Discogs will tell you this test pressing “only” has a median value of $127, you can’t find one besides the one pictured here for $2000. Very few of these still exist, nevermind will be found for sale.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $699.95
2. Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 Peaceville – VILE 28 UK VG+/VG+ – This album was the second release from Darkthrone and their first after abandoning their early death metal style. This LP has a discogs median value of $388, but you can not find one for less than $833 at the time of publishing.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $699.95
1. Necrophagia – Season Of The Dead LP
Necrophagia – Season Of The Dead LP Test Pressing 1987 [Killjoy’s Personal Copy] – This was Killjoy’s personal copy from the band Necrophagia (who died in 2018). Discogs has a median value of $77; however, because of who this belonged to and their importance in the music industry, I have placed the value of the copy to be much higher.
Below are some highlights from an incredible collection of metal, hard rock, hardcore punk, and classic rock vinyl I just bought from a collector in Los Angeles.
Unlike many collections I have been buying recently from collectors living out of state or even out of the country, I picked this one up locally from a lawyer moving out of town. He found my ad on the Internet and contacted me. I drove down to Orange County from Los Angels and quickly appraised the collection; we agreed on a price, I sent him a Paypal, and I left with the collection that night.
In addition to the vinyl in the video, his collection included:
Here are some of the highlights and rare albums it included:
Motörhead – Another Perfect Day LP 1983 Bronze 811 365-1 M-1 [FULLY SIGNED] VG+ – The album is a gold-stamped promo and very rare autographed copy – signed by all three musicians that played on it (Lemmy, Phil, and Bryan). Autographed at the Canyon Club outside of Los Angeles around 1984 by this lineup that was only together for one album, two members are sadly no longer with us.
VG+/VG+ Value: 300$
Metallica – Master Of Puppets LP 1986 Elektra 9 60439-1 VG+/EX [RARE WL PROMO] – Very rare white-label promo with a hilarious hype sticker that reads, “THE ONLY TRACK YOU PROBABLY WON’T PLAY IS “DAMAGE, INC.” DUE TO MULTIPLE USES OF THE INFAMOUS “F” WORD. OTHERWISE, THERE AREN’T ANY “SHITS”, “FUCKS”, “PISSES”, “CUNTS”, “MUTHERFUCKERS” OR “COCKSUCKERS” ANYWHERE ON THE RECORD.” This sticker is more evidence of how much times have changed since 1986.
VG+/EX Value: 200$
Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction LP 1987 Geffen – GHS 24148 VG+/VG+ – The original uncensored Robert Williams cover of “Appetite For Destruction” later changed to the more known version of the artwork.
VG+/VG+ Value: 200$
Cro-Mags – The Age Of Quarrel LP 1986 Profile Records – PRO-1218 VG+/VG+ – A hardcore classic, the original release on Profile Records is unusual, considering Profile Records is mainly known for hip-hop.
VG+/VG+ Value: 200$
Megadeth – Killing Is My Business & Business Is Good! LP 1985 Combat MX 8015 VG+ – The album is the first pressing with the dark green label. For all albums on Combat Records, the first press is the dark green labels, and the second is the camouflage label, although both were often released in the same year.
VG+/VG+ Value: 179$
Slayer – Show No Mercy LP 1984 Metal Blade – MBR 1013 VG+/VG+ w/ Insert – The record is the second pressing of “Show No Mercy” with the silver label and was issued the same year as the first. The first pressing has the tan labels and is worth almost twice what this copy is worth, even though they both came out in 1984.
VG+/VG+ Value: 179$
There were also many outstanding classic rock records in this collection from bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Roling Stones that I did not include in the video because this is a heavy metal-themed blog.
Do You Have A Collection Like This You Would Like To Sell?
The video above is a walk-thru of some rare golden-age of death metalLPs, EPs, and singles I picked up in a by-mail transactionfrom a collector in Texas. This purchase is a small collection of 18 records in total. However, some of these are rare and expensive. I will highlight the top gems below.
Impaled Nazarene – Ugra – Karma 1993 Osmose Productions – OPLP 018 – This copy is the rare first cover artwork lifted from Madame Koslovsky’s “Mother Durga riding on her tiger carrier offers prayers to Lord Vishnu”. The artist sued Impaled Nazareneand Osmose Productions for using this art without permission and had to settle out of court, making these first pressings extremely rare and expensive.
Demigod / Necropsy – Unholy Domain / Necropsy 1992 Seraphic Decay Records – SCAM 028 – This split LP is a compilation of exclusive tracks from Necropsy and a previously unreleased demo from Demigod. It is rarer than a coherent thought from Joe Biden.
Value: 200-400$ average
Master’s Hammer – Klavierstück 7″ EP 1991 Poserslaughter – PSR 004 [Green] *DE – Master’s Hammer is a weird band with a sound that is not easy to define. Unfortunately, limited pressings of this colored vinyl are not cheap either.
Value: 100$ average
Immortal Fate – Faceless Burial 7″ EP 1992 Drowned Productions DS-002 VG+ Spain – This rare gem from the short-lived Immoral Fate is quite sought after by collectors and henceforth not cheap.
Value: 100$ average
Vomitory – Moribund 7″ Single 1993 Witchhunt Records – 9309 VG+/VG+ [Sweden] – This 7″ was the first music the world would hear from the still-active Vomitory and is not cheap.
Value: 80$ average
Wombbath – Several Shapes 7″ EP 1992 Infest Records – THIN 001 [France] VG+/VG+ – This EP is only one of three of Wombbath’s 90s recordings before taking over 20 years off and returning to active status in 2015.
Value: 80$ average
Monstrosity – Burden Of Evil 7″ Single 1991 Relapse Records – RR-011 VG+/VG+ – Not the most expensive compared to other early Monstrosity vinyl, but featured because you can see George Corpsegrinder’s neck was already like a treetrunk even at the tender age of 19!
Value: 80$ average
Sinister – Putrefying Remains 7″ EP 1990 Witchhunt Records WIHU 9103 VG+/VG+ *SW – I included this EP because I was surprised at how not expensive it is. Released in 1990, even before the infamous Cross The Styx album, I’m shocked it’s not worth more.
Value: 50$ average
Do You Have A Collection Like This To Sell?
I am always on the hunt for new heavy metal collections to buy and pay top dollar! Use the info below tpo get in touch with me!
On May 19th, 2023, the killer triple bill of Obituary, Immolation, and Blood Incantation came to the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, a fantastic venue. I would love it if they hosted more metal shows there. Unfortunately, the concert started exceptionally early, so I missed the fourth band on the bill.
Blood Incantation
I got there just as Colorodo’s Blood Incantation took the stage. It was my second time seeing them (the first was Psycho Vegas), and I got there early to catch their set as they are one of my favorite “new” death metal bands. So if you ever get to catch Blood Incantation, you absolutely should. Even though their most recent experimental ambient album, Timewave Zero, was a misstep, their previous efforts are top-notch.
Live, this quartet is even better than recorded and much heavier than you’d expect. Blood Incantation’s music has a lot of dynamics, and the fact they are not blaring at ten through the set and splitting the brutality up with guitar harmonies, cleaner sections, and psychedelic parts makes the neck breaker riffs hit much harder.
I can’t say enough good things about this band, and they should have been higher on the bill.
Blood Incantation Setlist
Starspawn
Chaoplasm
The Giza Power Plant
Slave Species of the Gods
Hovering Lifeless
Immolation
New York’s Immolation has been around forever and, in my opinion, has never been much more than a third-tier death metal band. I had seen them previously opening for Exhorder as a three-piece. Sadly, their performance that night did little to change my mind.
Their riffs got the crowd going, but their set was still boring, aside from a few songs they played from Dawn of Possession. The band has an awkward stage presence, with one guitar player looking like he’s falling asleep, flanked by another with some of the most ridiculous stage moves I’ve ever seen.
Immolation Setlist
Abandoned
An Act of God
The Age of No Light
Harnessing Ruin
Despondent Souls
Blooded
World Agony
Destructive Currents
Providence
Under the Supreme
Let the Darkness In
Obituary
Obituary took the stage early, around 9:30. The Fonda had the sound dialed perfectly. Unlike many death metal bands with blast beats and riffs with a million notes, Obituary’s music is meat and potatoes, almost bordering on punk. Still, when mixed correctly, it is devastating.
John Tardy’s voice was as brutal as usual. It’s incredible at 50+; the guy can still deliver as he does. There were a few points when he missed a line or two, but the fact that he pulls extreme vocals like this off is miraculous, although it’s worth noting he does so with a lot of reverb and delay.
As always, the band played like a juggernaut, with Donald and Terry holding down the rhythm for Kenny and Trever to assault the crowd with their signature guitar twin attack. In addition, Kenny Andew’s guitar solos improve as his tenure in the band continues.
The only downer was much of the set consisted of songs on the new album, which is top-notch, but the new songs are more verse/chorus structures and get a little boring live. On the other hand, the older material was extraordinary because, at times, it didn’t even make sense other than it was one riff heavier than the last.
But this is just a minor complaint. Come see this tour if it reaches a city near you!!
Obituary Setlist
Redneck Stomp
Sentence Day
A Lesson in Vengeance
Visions in My Head
The Wrong Time
Barely Alive
Slow Death
Find the Arise
Weaponize the Hate
My Will to Live
Chopped in Half
Turned Inside Out
War
Dying of Everything
I’m in Pain
Slowly We Rot
Cat Scratch Fever
Tour Dates
Apr 28 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground Apr 29 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 May 01 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage May 02 – Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl May 04 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza May 05 – Boston, MA @ The Middle East May 06 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount May 07 – Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre May 09 – Chicago, IL @ Metro May 10 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line May 11 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room * May 12 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre * May 13 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex May 15 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon May 16 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre May 18 – Berkley, CA @ UC Theatre May 19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre May 20 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater May 22 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk May 23 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre May 24 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall May 26 – St. Louis, MO @ Red Flag May 28 – Louisville, KY @ Headliner Music Hall
I recently purchased Killjoy’s personal vinyl and CD collection. Before I get into how I acquired this collection and what’s in it, let’s first devote some time to the man himself. “Killjoy Desade” was born Frank Pucci in 1966 and was best known as the lead vocalist for the death metal band Necrophagia. Killjoy was a legendary figure in the underground music scene. He stepped away from music for several years in the early 90s, only to return with a vengeance in 1997.
From 1997 to his death from unknown causes in 2018, Killjoy would be one of the most prolific figures in the underground metal scene, not only rebooting Necrophagia with Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo, he would form several other bands that included members of Autopsy, Sigh, SOD, and many others. In addition, he was a very active businessman and played critical roles in two underground labels (Housecore and Baphomet Records).
Killjoy was an avid horror fan, and his music crossed many extreme metal genres, from death metal, black metal, punk, and even some experimental ambient sounds you can hear in projects like Enoch. Although I did not know him personally, he seemed like a very humble/chill guy in his interviews, and his passing at the age of 53 was a massive blow to the metal community.
Album Unboxing Video
How I Found This Collection
In late 2022, I was contacted by someone in Ohio who had bought Killjoy’s music collection intending to sell it but realized it would be too much work and wanted to unload it all in one shot. He found me through this website and some YouTube videos. I buy collections professionally from all over the world, so he approached me to see if I had an interest, which of course, I did.
I am based in Los Angeles and had just returned from a run to Ohio. I wanted to avoid another cross-country trip, so he sent me videos of him flipping through the records, photos of the CDs, counts of each, and a basic idea of the condition (more on that later).
After a few phone conversations and a bit of haggling on the price, we arrived at a deal. I sent him the money, and four days later, the collection showed up at my door in fourteen separate boxes.
Upon inspection of the records, it was pretty clear that they had been picked over; for example, there were no first pressings of Necrophagia’s “Season Of The Dead”, which would be something you would definitely expect to see. Sadly, the records had been poorly stored; many were warped and smelled of mildew. The same went for the CDs, as many were scratched and water-damaged. However, these issues did not make this a terrible deal. It took some time to go through and pull the gems from the trashed stuff. Nevertheless, the haul had enough heavy metal gold to make my money back. I’ve included many of the gems in the pictures at the end of this post.
Controversy
After I published the video of this collection’s unboxing on YouTube, I got messages from Killjoy’s family indicating the collection was stolen. Not wanting to have purchased stolen merchandise unknowingly, I gave them the contact info for the guy who sold them to me. I never heard anything after giving them this, so they were not likely stolen; just someone must have been unhappy with the chain of custody. Regardless, if they sat in a damp basement for any longer, the entire lot would be worthless in a very short time.
Now, let’s do a rundown of some of the better pieces in there…
Record Highlights
Necrophagia – Season Of The Dead LP Test Pressing 1987 [Killjoy’s Personal Copy] – This is my favorite piece in this collection. “Seasons Of The Dead” was an important album; some metal fans argue it was the first real death metal album. It came out just weeks from “Scream Bloody Gore,” and first pressings sell for a mint. The copy pictured was Killjoy’s personal test pressing; as you can imagine, it is quite valuable.
Fabio Frizzi – L’Aldilà Colonna Sonora Originale Del Film LP Beat [Signed] *IT – Extremely rare and expensive 80s movie soundtrack. This copy was signed, but I couldn’t tell by whom, even after hours of research. It must have been someone good because this sold within hours.
Speed Metal Hell – Volume Three LP Test Pressing 1987 New Renaissance NRR29 VG+ – The first compilation Necrophagia appeared on. This one is extra cool with some awesome handwritten 80s marketing notes.
Plasmatics – Meet The Plasmatics LP 1979 Vice Squad VS-106ESP [ORIGINAL SEALED] – Very rare debut from Wendy O. Williams and The Plasmatics; normal copies are quite valuable, but this is a sealed original in pretty nice shape.
Misfits – Famous Monsters LP Picture Disc 1999 Roadrunner – RR 8658-1 [Sealed] – The sole sans-Danzig Misfits album with singer Micheal Graves, this copy is a sealed picture disc. In my opinion, this album is pretty good!
Nasty Savage – Nasty Savage LP 1985 Metal Blade – MX8028 [Autograped] VG+/VG+ – Very cool piece autographed to Killjoy by Nasty Ronnie and members of Nasty Savage.
Mercyful Fate – Black Funeral 12″ 1983 Music For Nations - 12 KUT 106 VG+/VG – Very rare early Mercyful Fate single – the cover looks great, but the vinyl was a little beat up.
Celtic Frost – To Mega Therion LP 1985 1985 Noise – N 0031 VG+/VG+ w/ Poster – The second album from Celtic Frost and an essential metal album. This copy survived in the basement much better than many of the albums pictured here. It included the poster and was also in excellent shape.
From Dusk Till Dawn LP 2016 Brookvale Records – BRK-267 [CLEAR] NM/NM – This copy survived its time in the basement quite well and was still close to near mint.
CD Highlights
Danzig – Danzig 5 Blackacidevil CD Evilive [Limied Edition Sealed] – Very rare and out of print Glenn Danzig. This copy is factory sealed.
Arckanum – Fran Marder CD 1995 Necropolis Records – NR008 [Original] – Very sought-after and rare black metal CD. The back tray card had minor water damage but sold in minutes.
The Spooky Kids – Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows CD 2004 Empire – 545 450 609-2 – Very rare Marylin Manson group.
Coil – …And the Ambulance Died in His Arms CD 2005 Threshold House – Very rare original pressing.
Cronos – Hell to the Unknown: Anthology CD 2006 Castle Music CMQDD1398 – Two-disc UK compilation of Venom frontman’s solo material, very rare.
Jay Chattaway – Maniac Soundtrack CD 1997 SouthEast – SER 289 B05S *NL – I don’t know much about Jay, but his shaped CD is very cool and collectible.
Iron Maiden – Live at Donington CD 2002 Sanctuary [Limited Digipak] [Sealed] – Limited edition vinyl replica; these CDs are sought by collectors – sealed copy.
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The 80s thrash legends Dark Angel sold out three nights in a row at the Teragram in Los Angeles when they announced they would be playing their 1986 classic “Darkness Descends” in its entirety. The album is considered by many (including myself) to be one of the finest thrash albums ever recorded and still stands up today. But, unfortunately, these shows were already booked when the universe threw a giant wrench in the mix with the passing of founding member guitarist Jim Durkin.
As the date drew nearer, Dark Angel announced the shows would still go on, and Gene Hoglan’s wifeLaura Christine would cover Jim Durkin’s guitar duties. I didn’t know how this would work out, but I decided to withhold my judgment.
We got to the show just before Dark Angel and missed Evil Dead, which I was OK with because I’ve never considered them better than a third-tier thrash band. The Teragram was packed but not oversold, which is nice. The Teragram is a fantastic venue, and I wish they would book more metal shows there.
The band opened with “We Have Arrived”from their debut album of the same name. Unfortunately, this song is from a period of the band’s history when they still needed to find their groove, and it sounds pretty dated now and was an odd choice. They followed with “Time Does Not Heal” from the very disappointing/unlistenable album of the same name, which also missed its mark with the crowd, but all of that changed when they ripped into “Never To Rise Again”, “No One Answers”, and “Death Of Innocence” from the album Leave Scars. At this point, the mosh bit grew, foreshadowing what was to would come.
They began playing the Darkness Descends album in track order, starting with “Darkness Descends”. Interestingly, one of the first beats would be copied almost note-for-note by Metallica two years later on the song “One” on Justice For All. So go back and listen to both songs side-by-side if you don’t believe me.
Three of the musicians onstage (Gene Hoglan, Eric Meyer, and Mike Gonzalez) had all played on Darkness Descends, but singer Ron Rinehart joined the group on the next album. While I much prefer original vocalist Don Doty to Rinehart, Ron did a great job holding down vocal duties and took nothing away from the show, and neither did Laura Christine. Both musicians held their own as consummate professionals.
The band ripped through the seven songs on Darkness Descends like it was still 1986, and the crowd responded accordingly with manic thrashing, moshing, and stage diving. Some of the highlights included “Hunger of The Undead” (which the band had never performed live till now), a smattering of the heaviest riffs from the instrumental “Older Than Time Itself” to break up some songs, and perhaps the most excellent thrash song of all time “Black Prophecies” to drive things over the top.
All things said, this is 80s thrash as good as it can possibly be done, and if you were there, consider yourself lucky, and if Dark Angel ever decides to take this on the road, this show is a must-see!
Setlist
We Have Arrived
Time Does Not Heal
Never to Rise Again
No One Answers
Death Of Innocence
Darkness Descends
The Burning of Sodom
Hunger of the Undead
Merciless Death
Death Is Certain (Life Is Not)
Black Prophecies
Perish in Flames (with Older Than Time Itself riffs)
This post was edited on 4/30 to correct some mistakes in the setlist that were pointed out on Facebook here:
I just bought a crazy black metal collection from France with numerous “Holy Grail” records that collectors dream about owning and some of the most expensive pieces I’ve ever acquired. Starting in late 2022, I’d been talking to a French black metal musician (who shall remain unnamed) about acquiring his black metal records and CDs. It took a few months to work out the deal. Next, I appraised and made an offer on the collection based on a series of photos sent to me over WhatsApp. Finally, we agreed to a fair price and made shipping plans after I issued him the money through PayPal.
As always, I agreed to pick up the shipping charges. We chose DHL France as the shipping service. Unfortunately, post-pandemic shipping prices have increased dramatically, almost double what they were previously, and some new security restrictions made this transaction section a bit more complicated. Once shipping issues were sorted out, the records arrived quickly (in less than five days).
I had some concerns about the condition of some of the vinyl, but once I started sorting through the collection, my fears were assuaged. While the stuff in it was far from “near mint” it was average VG+; there were numerous scarce titles I have never had before and may never have again.
Video Of The Insane Collection
Breakdown Of The Gems
Here is a breakdown of some select gems, and there are many insane ones, starting with…
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 White Label Test Press – Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 White Label Test Press – Original copies of “A Blaze In The Northern Sky” are rare enough, but how about this test pressing? At this point, very few of these still exist, nevermind are for sale. This piece is a true rarity.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $1000 USD
Darkthrone – A Blaze In The Northern Sky LP 1992 Peaceville – VILE 28 UK – While this record has been repressed and reissued hundreds of times, the initial run by Peaceville Records was relatively small, making the first pressing of the album quite pricey.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $800 USD
Beherit – Drawing Down The Moon LP 1993 Spinefarm Records – SPI 14 – The original run of this cult-classic black/death metal masterpiece was also relatively small, making it quite pricey.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $700 USD
Hypocrisy – Osculum Obscenum LP 1993 Nuclear Blast NB 080-1 – Hypocrisy – Osculum Obscenum LP 1993 Nuclear Blast NB 080-1 – Extremely rare transparent yellow first pressing of this album was strictly limited to 1000 copies and very rare.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $700 USD
Dissection – Storm Of The Light’s Bane LP 1998 Nuclear Blast [Blue Vinyl] – A true Holy Grail if there ever was one. While an early reissue and not a first pressing of this black metal classic, this 1998 press from Nuclear Blast mailorder was limited to 500 copies and is mega-rare! Even more recent reissues of “Storm of the Lights” bane can fetch $200-$300 a week after they sell out. The first pressings now will run you about $1000.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $700 USD
Nifelheim – Nifelheim LP 1996 Necropolis Records – NR 007 – This was by far the best album from this band. Original CDs can average around $60; as you can see, the vinyl isn’t cheap either.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $600 USD
Dødheimsgard – Monumental Possession LP 1996 Malicious Records MR010 – While I am not totally familiar with this band, it doesn’t stop their records from costing an arm and a leg.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $600 USD
Beherit – The Oath Of Black Blood LP 1991 Turbo Music – Beherit’s debut album was a very limited run and is almost impossible to come by.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Deicide – Legion LP 1992 R/C Records – RC 9192-1 – The fact that this album is fully autographed by the lineup that played on it certainly adds to the value of this one. Considering the animosity between Glen Benton and the Hoffman brothers, you will never get the four of them in a room to sign another copy like this.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Vader – The Ultimate Incantation LP 1992 Earache – MOSH 59 – A great album by a great band; even recent represses of this get expensive.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Sarcófago – I.N.R.I. LP 1987 Cogumelo Produções – COG007 – In my opinion, one of the most influential metal bands ever. Brazil’s Sarcofago has been credited by many as the inventor of grindcore and the bridge between death metal and black metal — another “Holy Grail” for sure.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Dismember – Like An Ever Flowing Stream LP 1991 Nuclear Blast – NB 047 – This album is an essential from the Golden Age Of Death Metal (1990-1995), and the first pressing is hard to score.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $400 USD
Amorphis – The Karelian Isthmus LP 1993 Nuclear Blast – NB 072 – Another offering from the Golden Age of Death Metal – this limited run of 1000 colored vinyl is highly sought after by collectors.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $370 USD
Sodom – Tapping the Vein LP 1992 Steamhammer – SPV 008 – You can argue that this is far from the best album by Sodom, but like many albums from the 1990s, the limited runs make it quite rare and high-dollar.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
Krisiun / Viollent Hate – Curse Of The Evil One LP 1993 Dynamo Brazilie – DYN005 – This Brazilian split LP would be the first time the world would hear the brutal black/death metal attack of Krisiun and make it another “Holy Grail” album.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
Dissection – Somberlain LP 1996 Nuclear Blast NFR 006 – Picture disc version of Dissection’s second album and a huge deal.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
Morbid Angel – Blessed Are The Sick LP 1991 White Label Test Pressing –
Last but not least, a test pressing of what some people consider Morbid Angel’s finest work, “Blessed Are The Sick”. You will be hard-pressed to find this one anywhere.
Condition VG+/VG+ Value $350 USD
There are many other considerable gems in this collection, but these are the 20-or-so standouts; check out my video at the top of the page for a video tour.
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Jim Durkin, Dark Angels founding member, guitarist, and songwriter, died from unknown causes at the age of 58 in Los Angeles. Without him, the band’s three hugely influential albums “We Have Arrived“, “Darkness Descends” and “Leave Scars” would have never happened. He departed the band in 1989 and returned in 2013.
“Darkness Descends” is considered by many in the metal community as “the greatest thrash metal album of all time” and even influenced bands like Slayer.
Statement From Family
News of his passing was shared by his wife, Annie, on Facebook:
“With a broken and heavy heart, I want to share that the love of my life, my best friend and husband, Jimmy, passed away Wednesday morning. He was not alone as I was with him along with a few close friends until the end. He will be truly missed and no one can ever replace the love I have for him. May he rest in peace. Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours … My Immortal Beloved. I will see you again.”
Statement From Band
The band also confirmed Durkin’s passing: “We in the Dark Angel family are deeply saddened and crushed today with the news of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin passing away Wednesday morning. We would like to thank his fans for their continuous loyalty and support. We will come out with a full statement very soon. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy while we mourn the loss of this great man.”
LA Shows
Jim was still active in Dark Angel as the only original member at the time of his passing. The band was even slated to play three sold-out shows in Los Angeles at the Teragram, playing the entire “Darkness Descends” album.
It is unknown if these shows will go on.
Video
Rare old-school footage from 1986 featuring original singer Don Doty
2014 Finland
We in the Dark Angel Family are deeply saddened and crushed today with the news of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin passing away Wednesday morning. We would like to thank his fans for their continuous loyalty and support. We will come out with a full statement very soon. pic.twitter.com/KsOMV228l9
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