We decided to take a chance and drive an hour outside of LA to catch Napalm Death playing with Final Conflict at Transplants Brewing Company in Palmdale, CA, on April 15, 2022. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the venue, but I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. Transplants Brewing Company is easily better than EVERY venue in Los Angeles right now. There was plenty of free parking (as opposed to the $30 many venues in LA charge), 7$ beers brewed in-house, a friendly staff, and the place has a great sounding room. If you live in LA, it is definitely worth the trip.
A local support act was on the bill and was actually pretty good, not life-changing good, but they were decent. I wanted to link to a place where you could find their music, but because of the crazy death metal font they used for their logo, I have no idea what the band’s name was (see flyer below). If anybody knows, feel free to drop it in the comments.
FInal Conflict
Next up was Final Conflict from Long Beach, CA. Palmdale was a one-off show, as Napalm Death continues their US tour with Arch Enemy and Behemoth starting in Tempe. I don’t know a ton about Final Conflict other than the fact they’ve been around forever, and I was familiar with some of their better-known songs. The band consisted of only one original member (Jeff Harp on guitar) and was backed up by Anthony Robles and Nick Manning, who play with a number of other punk rock bands, including DI.
Final Conflict dished out some competent Cro-mags style punk/hardcore that was well received by the crowd and got the mosh pit swirling at a furious pace. Again, nothing life-changing but delivered in such a professional manner; you can’t put it down either – especially considering the ages of some of the long-time members.
Napalm Death
Next up was English grindcore legends Napalm Death, who, if you want to get technical about it, consist of no original members. However, the current line-up has remained relatively steady since the early 90s. Guitarist Mich Harris does not tour with the band, and sitting in for him is touring guitarist John Cooke who, in my opinion, is not that good, but because of the nature of grindcore music, his sloppy playing doesn’t take much away either.
That band delivered a blistering set, consisting of a lot of material from their last two releases Apex Predator – Easy Meat (2015) and Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (2020), as well as quite a few classics from the 80s and 90s with two cover songs (including the Dead Kennedy’s “Nazi Punks Fuck Off”). Bassist Shane Embury is an absolute monster, and drummer Danny Herrara is one of the best skinsman in the business. The duo is a formidable rhythm section. Vocalist “Barney” Greenway hasn’t lost a thing over the years vocal-wise and may have even improved. Unfortunately, his stage presence is a bit goofy, and he often looks like he’s having a seizure as he dances on stage. In addition, some of his far-left rants between songs leave a lot to be desired and make me thankful I can’t understand the lyrics on their recordings. If you could make out what he was saying, I imagine it would sound like the rantings of a possessed MSNBC host.
Napalm Death hasn’t lost a thing over the years and solidly deserve their position as the biggest band in grindcore because they play this form of music better than everyone.
Catch them on tour with Arch Enemy and Behemoth in these cities through May.
Napalm Death On Tour With Behemoth and Arch Enemy
Sat 16.04.2022 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre Mon 18.04.2022 San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre Tue 19.04.2022 Dallas, TX – Amplified Live Thu 21.04.2022 St Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live Fri 22.04.2022 Atlanta, GA – The Eastern Sat 23.04.2022 Charlotte. NC – The Fillmore Charlotte Mon 25.04.2022 Toronto, ON – Rebel Tue 26.04.2022 Montreal, QC – Mtelus Thu 28.04.2022 New York, NY – Terminal 5 Fri 29.04.2022 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia Sat 30.04.2022 Worcester, MA – Palladium Mon 02.05.2022 Chicago, IL – The Riviera Theatre Wed 04.05.2022 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre Sat 07.05.2022 Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot Mon 09.05.2022 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo Tue 10.05.2022 Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre Wed 11.05.2022 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater Fri 13.05.2022 Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Sun 15.05.2022 Los Angeles, CA – The Hollywood Palladium NAPALM DEATH U.S. headline shows: Wed 13.04.2022 Fresno, CA – Strummers + Elder Devil Thu 14.04.2022 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar + Deaf Club Fri 15.04.2022 Palmdale, CA – Transplants + Final Conflict Wed 27.04.2022 Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon + Fed Ash Tue 03.05.2022 St. Paul, MN – Turf Club + Pig Destroyer Fri 06.05.2022 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater + Unto Others
The original owner was a younger guy, but the entire collection consisted of 20% from the Golden Age Of Thrash Metal and 80% from the 90s peak of death metal. 95% of these albums are reissues, but a few first are pressings that include “Slowly We Rot” and “Cause Of Death” from Obituary.
Even some of the reissues can be shockingly expensive due to the 7-12 month delays in vinyl production that is now plaguing the music industry.
I have cataloged the inventory from this purchase below. If you are looking to buy any of the entries listed can do so at ThrashMetalIQ on eBay.
This article is a continuation of my 2020 blog post detailing the most expensive metal CDs that we have had first-hand experience with from buying a lot of heavy metal CD collections. For the 2021 update, I have expanded the list to 25 because we’ve grown considerably as a business. The values assigned to each are based on amounts we have sold them for and are not an aggregate. All CDS from the 2020 blog post have also been excluded from this list, but you can view the archive here.
Krabathor – Cool Mortification CD 1993 Monitor – 010174-2331 (Czech Republic) – This CD is rare and HEAVILY counterfeited — there are very few real ones floating around. Some counterfeits even mimic the runout matrix, but if the ring does not look exactly like this, it is fake.
SOLD 9/11/2021 – $199.95
2. Morpheus Descends – Ritual Of Infinity CD 1992 JL America – 3815-41012-2
Morpheus Descends – Ritual Of Infinity CD 1992 JL America – 3815-41012-2 – This is a another heavily bootlegged CD, but the 1992 first press with this runout Matrix / Runout (Variant 1): W.O.# E35739-1 *MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN HELIX* CD 0400313815-41012-2 is worth a mint.
SOLD 8/1/2021 – $149.95
3. A.C. – It Just Gets Worse CD 2003 Earache – MOSH 195CD Original Factory Sealed
Anal Cunt – It Just Gets Worse CD 2003 Earache – MOSH 195CD – This is more than what this CD usually fetches (usually $50-$70), but this copy was factory sealed made it slightly more expensive. The fact Seth Putnam and the gang are canceledfrom metal continues to drive Anal CuntCD price northward.
SOLD 6/7/2021 – $129.95
4. Iron Maiden – Tailgunner CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 2233 PROMO
Iron Maiden – Tailgunner CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 2233 PROMO – With no cover art (comes as disc only), the mega-rare Iron Maiden radio promo is worth a pretty penny.
Sold 8/8/2021 – $99.95
5. Sanctuary – Into The Mirror Live / Black Reflections CD 1990 Epic– ESK2188 PROMO
Sanctuary – Into The Mirror Live / Black Reflections CD 1990 Epic– ESK2188 PROMO -Worth so much because: 1000 copies were manufactured and 500 were distributed to radio stations / stores. The other 500 were destroyed due to contractual issues with the label.
SOLD 6/12021 – $99.95
6. Nasty Habit – Rock Hard CD 1991 American Records – 1439-2
Nasty Habit – Rock Hard CD 1991 American Records – 1439-2 – Honestly, I have no idea why this CD is so expensive, but it didn’t sit on the shelf long.
Accidental Suicide – Deceased CD 1992 Grind Core – 89811-2 – Very rare self-release grindcore. This copy sold for a lt because it was factory sealed, but any copy is worth at least 50 bucks.
SOLD 5/5/2021 – $98.72
8. Death – Scream Bloody Gore CD 1987 Combat – 88561-8146-2 (FIRST PRESS)
Death – Scream Bloody Gore CD 1987 Combat – 88561-8146-2 – The first press and the repress if this album has the same catalog number. The first pressing lists all of the song titles straight in a row. The repress says “Side A / Side B” on the rear card.
SOLD 4/4.2021 – $98.69
9. Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2
Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2 – The original indie release is the one that’s worth big money. It was later reissued by the Greek label Repulsive Echo.
SOLD 6/1/2021 – $96.94
10. Gorguts – Considered Dead CD 1991 R/C Records – RCD 9273
Gorguts – Considered Dead CD 1991 R/C Records – RCD 9273 (ORIGINAL RARE) – Like many CDs from the golden age of death metal, this one is worth a bunch and does not stick around long.
SOLD 7/7/2021 – $95.95
11. Immolation – Stepping On Angels…Before Dawn CD 1995 Repulse Records RPS 004 CD
Immolation – Stepping On Angels…Before Dawn CD 1995 Repulse Records RPS 004 CD – Another winner from one of the more prominent bands from the 90s golden age of death metal.
SOLD 3/3/2012 $95.41
14. Immolation – Dawn of Possession CD 1991 R/C Records RCD 9310
Immolation – Dawn of Possession CD 1991 R/C Records RCD 9310 – ORIGINAL PRESS – Debut CD from Immolation and second title from this band to make this list.
SOLD 5/5/2021 – $92.23
15. Dawn – Slaughtersun (Crown Of The Triarchy) CD 2004 Necropolis 44021-2
Dawn – Slaughtersun (Crown Of The Triarchy) CD 2004 Necropolis 44021-2 – I don’t know much about this band.
SOLD 2/1/2021 – $89.96
16. Iron Maiden – No Prayer For The Dying CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 73695
Iron Maiden – No Prayer For The Dying CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 73695 – Another super rare 3-song radio, which includes two unreleased cover tunes.
SOLD 7/21/2021 – $89.95
17. Bruce Dickinson: Killing Floor / King In Crimson CD CMC International
Bruce Dickinson: Killing Floor / King In Crimson CD CMC International RARE PROMO – Another very rare and valuable radio promo with only one song from the Iron Maiden frontman.
SOLD 8/28/2021 – $87.95
18. Transgressor – Ether For Scapegoat CD 1992 Cyber Music – CYBER CD 03
Transgressor – Ether For Scapegoat CD 1992 Cyber Music – CYBER CD 03 NETHERLANDS = Another band I don’t know a ton about other than their CDs are worth a bunch.
SOLD 4/21/2021 – $82.95
19. Scorpions – Virgin Killer CD 1989 RCA – B20D-41012
Scorpions – Virgin Killer CD 1989 RCA – B20D-41012 Japan /w OBI Banned Cover – Japanese version with the original banned artwork – super valuable and out-of-print!
SOLD 6/20/2021 – $74.95
20. Seance – Fornever Laid To Rest CD 1993 Black Mark Production – BMCD 17
Seance – Fornever Laid To Rest CD 1993 Black Mark Production – BMCD 17 – Very rare release on Quarthon’s from Bathory’s Black Mark label.
SOLD 6/21/2021 – $74.95
21. Massacre – From Beyond CD 1991 Relativity – 88561-2038-2
Massacre – From Beyond CD 1991 Relativity – 88561-2038-2 – Death alumni’s minus Chuck. This CD has Very sought after.
SOLD 3/3/2021 – $74.61
22. Dismember – Like An Ever Flowing Stream CD 1992 Nuclear Blast – IMP. NBA 6018
Dismember – Like An Ever Flowing Stream CD 1992 Nuclear Blast – IMP. NBA 6018 – This CD has been reissued many times, but the first press in the one that is worth money.
SOLD 1/2/2021 – $73.71
23. Burzum – Det Som Engang Var CD 1997 Misanthropy Records – AMAZON 002
Burzum – Det Som Engang Var CD 1997 Misanthropy Records – AMAZON 002 – DIGIPAK – For some reason, you are forbidden from using the word “Burzum” on eBay. Still, if you search for “1Burzum” you are likely to find the entire catalog.
SOLD 4/4/2021 – $69.95
24. Dark Forest – Land Of The Evening Star CD 2012 Bleak Art Records BAR011
Dark Forest – Land Of The Evening Star CD 2012 Bleak Art Records BAR011 Canada – Rare Canadian death metal.
SOLD 7/13/2021
25. Dominus Xul – The Primigeni Xul (I Condemned My Enemies) CD 1999 Picoroco CHILE
Dominus Xul – The Primigeni Xul (I Condemned My Enemies) CD 1999 Picoroco CHILE – Last but not least.
SOLD 2/1/2021 – $59.95
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The standout in the collection was three copies of Death’s “Scream Bloody Gore” (all original 1987 pressings). In addition, the was one original U.S. Combat Records pressing, one Under One Flag European pressing, and one French pressing on N.E.W. Musicdisc. The complete list of records is in the list below.
The bulk was an impressive selection of death metal CDs, including many very rare and expensive ones, also in the list below.
12” Death Metal LPs
Vice Human – Metal Attack 1985 Media VG+ Sleeve G+/VG
Cannabis Corpse – Blunted at Birth 2006 Forcefield records Bloodshot Red
Death – Scream Bloody Gore 1987 Combat VG+/VG+
Death – Scream Bloody Gore 1987 Under One Flag VG+/VG+
Death – Scream Bloody Gore 1987 N.E.W Musidisc VG/VG+
Death – Leprosy 2014 Relapse Black Vinyl
Desultor – Masters Of Hate 2012 Abyss Records 1st press limited to 100 numbered Clear Red Vinyl. (number 28/100)
Desultor – Masters Of Hate 2012 Abyss Records 1st press limited to 100 numbered Clear Red Vinyl. (number 29/100)
Devoid – Blackened Empire 1991 Skysaw Records Media (VG), Sleeve (G)
Dissect – Swallow Swouming Mass 2013 Xtreem Music limited to 100 on Black Wax Splattered In Orange
Morbus Chron – Sleepers in the Rift 2012 Me Saco Un Ojo limited 200 White vinyl
If you have a collection of death metal, thrash metal, hard rock or heavy metal CDs, LPs, records, tapes of memorabilia, I am always looking to buy collections, contact me.
Everything You Wanted To Know About The Band Possessed, but Were Afraid To Ask!
Possessed is a thrash/death metal band formed in 1983 in San Fransico. They are widely credited with inventing the term “Death Metal”. The band’s classic album is “Seven Churches” came out in 1985. Their subsequent albums, “Eyes Of Horror” and “Beyond The Gates” are also quite good.
Some Interesting Possessessed Facts:
Rather than regurgitating info on their Wikipedia page, here are some interesting facts you probably don’t know:
Metal Blade Records passed on Possessed (even they appeared on Metal Massacre). Combat Records would later sign the band.
Guitarist Larry Lalonde (who played on all three albums) went on to be the guitarist for Primus. Larry met Les Claypool in Blind Illusion, not long after Primus was formed.
ONSLAUGHT VS POSSESSED – WHO INVENTED THE TERM “DEATH METAL”?
UK-based thrash metal band Onslaught original release “Power From Hell” had a hard-core punk sound as compared to their follow-up in 1987 “The Force“. this was mainly due to the more guttural vocal sound of original singer Paul Mahoney. In late 1985, Paul Mahoney was replaced by Sy Keeler joined the band as the new lead singer. The released “The Force” in 1986. The band has a much more Slayer-influenced sound than the early Discharge sounding material.
Sy Keeler’s vocal style was more akin to Rob Alford — a typical high-pitched 80’s singing style popular in 1985. That is why fans and critics alike consider “Power from Hell” to be superior to any of the band subsequent work band’s subsequent work.
The Death Metal Controversy
The Power From Hell LP was released in February 1985. It is disputed whether Onslaught or Possessed (San Fransisco) coined the term “Death Metal.” Onslaught had a demo ‘Death Metal’ in 1984, Possessed has a song of the same name a Seven Churches.
Reunion In 2006
In 2005 the band reformed and continues to release albums and play shows sporadically, mostly at metal festivals in Europe
vinyl onslaught power from hell lp
onslaught power from hell vinly
onslaught power from hell
ONSLAUGHT – Power From Hell 1985 Vinyl LP Thrash Metal ORIGINAL PRESSING Combat
Side A – Death
Damnation – 0:36
Onslaught (Power from Hell) – 4:48
Thermonuclear Devastation – 1:31
Skullcrusher I – 4:39
Lord of Evil – 7:07
Death Metal 3:42
Side B – Metal
Angels of Death – 3:21
The Devil’s Legion – 4:07
Steel Meets Steel – 3:55
Skullcrusher II – 3:46
Witch Hunt – 3:45
Mighty Empress – 0:58
Total Playing Time – 42:15
Onslaught Line-Up
Paul “Mo” Mahoney – Vocals Nige Rockett – Vocals, Guitars Jase Stallard – Bass Steve Grice – Drums
Power From Hell Release Info
Label: Combat Records Licensed From – Under One Flag Copyright (c) – Under One Flag Distributed By – Important Record Distributors, Inc. Recorded At – AVM Studios
It’s time to lighten the mood on this blog, while still keeping it heavy! I’m talking about heavy-metal MEMES! Here are the top 12 that we know of right now! This post is constantly updated with the MEME pictures so check back once in a while!!
Like Funny Metal MEMES? Let’s get started at #1….
1. The Cannibal Corpse MEME
Hilarious yet morbid, featuring Cannibal Corpse
You have to have somewhat of a morbid sense of humor true appreciate that one but it gave me a laugh!
Next up?
2. Death Metal Dating
The picture could’ve been better, but I’ve been here before,
Heavy metal isn’t known for hot chicks. I can understand how dating some girl who claims to like death metal is: I’ve been there before. LOL
4. The Black Sabbath MEME
I think the the bottom frame speaks for itself
Black Sabbath while far from being in all unknown band never got the level of respect that the Beatles for Led Zeppelin I was being British rock royalty.
I doubt they care!
5. The Faces of Death Metal MEME
A Pun On “Faces Of Meth”
On this one, or you have to understand the reference. It is a lampoon on the documentary “Faces Of Meth” which chronicles what people look like before and after methamphetamine use. As you can see, death metal as a gateway drug to court paint and just for a less harmless.
Inked In Blood One Of The Best Newer Obituary Releases
Inked in Bloodis the ninth studio album by American death metal band Obituary. It was crowdfunded via Kickstarter and then released on October 28th, 2014 through Gibtown Music/Relapse Records. It is the first studio album with bassist Terry Butler and lead guitarist Kenny Andrews, making this the first Obituary album not to feature Frank Watkins on bass since 1989‘s Slowly We Rot. A deluxe edition of the album was also released containing two bonus tracks. It is their first album to appear on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 5,200 copies in its first week and peaking at 79
Tracklisting
All lyrics written by John Tardy; all music composed by Trevor Peres and Donald Tardy.
No. Title Length
1. “Centuries of Lies” 2:08 2. “Violent by Nature” 4:33 3. “Pain Inside” 4:36 4. “Visions in My Head” 4:14 5. “Back on Top” 4:30 6. “Violence” 2:06 7. “Inked in Blood” 4:13 8. “Deny You” 4:49 9. “Within a Dying Breed” 5:36 10. “Minds of the World” 3:24 11. “Out of Blood” 3:19 12 .”Paralyzed with Fear” 5:38
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