Threatening Society 'Zine

[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

ANVIL BITCH is probably the best thrash metal band in the Philly area. They have been delighting show-goers for a while now, and even the poor production on their debut album couldn't keep the power from bursting through the vinyl. We have the pleasure of going to the same school as one of the members of ANVIL BITCH, the incredibly talented guitarist Herb Yeh.

THREATENING SOCIETY: How long has the band been together?
HERB YEH: The nucleus of the band has been together for about 2 years. I just joined the band about 9 months ago.

TS: How did you get together with them?
HY: Well, what happened was they were looking for another guitar player to make the live sound fuller, because for the type of music we’re playing right now, the guitar isn’t loud enough.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

(This piece was inspiried through contact with the SERIAL KILLERS)

Welcome to AT THE MOVIES with the loveable Leatherface (that's me, punk!). I just have to clear up one thing before we get started. Don't expect this to be the same thing as those run-of-the-mill movie reviews, where anything in French or about homosexual is given the higest rating. No, we don't do that sory of thing. This is for "alternative cinema." So proceed, gentle reader...

EVIL DEAD 2: Dead By Dawn
What a movie. What a movie. WHAT A MOVIE! Mere words cannot explain how entertaining this flick was -- hilarious gore scenes and enough jolts to keep you screaming. Plus, there's a certain tongue-in-cheek approach that makes this tons better than "serious" slash movies. My only complain is the slightly disappointing ending, but only because the rest of the movie is so good. If you want great acting, a complex plot, and a socially or emotionally sensitive underlying theme, go somewhere else. But if you want to relax your brain and have fun for an hour and a half, go see EVIL DEAD 2.

That's all for now. See you next time. Grrrrrrrrrrr.........

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

SERIAL KILLERS is a blasting “hard-gore” band that’s made a name for themselves in the Philly scene through several years of good music and memorable stage antics (which include dismemberment and mutilation of band members). Aside from a vast well of talent, these guys have a great sense of humor. Here’s the interview…

SERIAL KILLERS is:
Sweet Daddy Paul Bearer “The King”, vocals and bong
Tim “The Strangler” Omen, guitar and hash under glass
Randy “The Rapist” Mayhem, drums and pre-teens
Bob Dikkle, bass and cigarettes

THREATENING SOCIETY: How long has the band been together?
SERIAL KILLERS: Since Stand Hansen won the AWA championship belt.

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LOOKING BACK: Scott Helig from Total Thrash fanzine turned us onto LARM: "Here's another band who should be in your zine. Write them, and they'll write you back!" Well, that was good enough for us, given that we didn't think we'd ever get enough content to flesh out even a single issue. In any case, we received a thoughful, in-depth handwritten responses to our question list. I ended up being a fan of LARM. What's remarkable is that more than 20 years later, the guys of LARM (well, three of 'em) are still keeping it real in SEEING RED. Pretty remarkable. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

THREATENING SOCIETY: What is LARM’s line-up?
PAUL: Our line-up is: Menno – vocals (22, a law student), Jos – bass (22, a teacher, but this summer will be fired), Olav -- drums (24, unemployed), and Paul – guitar (26, unemployed).

TS: What’s LARM’s history?
PAUL: Well, LARM was formed in January of 1983 out of the ruins of two bands: TOTAL CHAOS and SURVIVAL SQUAD. We were a file piece then (Dorien was the fifth member. She was also on vocals.) In that time, we were a real noise band in the DISORDER and CHAOS UK vein. Musically, we were untalented. In the summer of ’83, we released ten songs on a Dutch hardcore compilation tape, and to our surprise, a lot of punks liked our raw, wild and noisy sound, and we got our first gigs. We got more and more influenced by US bands like MINOR THREAT, SOA, SSD, BLACK FLAG, DEAD KENNEDYS, JERRY’S KIDS, etc. Musically, we got a little better. In ’84, Dorien left the band and because of our musical differences and disinterest in the band. Since then, we are a four piece. We got faster and tighter, and got lots of gigs. In ’85, we released our split LP with STANX,; in ’86, our EP, and in ’87, a new LP.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

RIGOR MORTIS demo: This is a very heavy death-metal band from NY. They sound something like across between SLAYER and METALLICA, except the vocals, which sound like, oh, I don't know, could it be... SATAN? Anyway, RIGOR MORTIS shows a lot of potential. I can't wait to hear their upcoming demo, "Decomposed".

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

MASS CORRUPTION was formed in late September, 1986. After a few months, we changed drummers. Our line-up now consists of Rick (17) on vocals, Deli (17) on bass, Crash (26) on drums, and Ed (19) on guitar. We have played quite a few bars with local bands. We have not get to open for any out-of-town bands yet, because the only club that bills out-of-town bands thinks we are NAzis. We are NOT Nazis. We are not a peace band. We are not a political band. We are simply a mean, aggressive band that likes to have a good time tearing it up live. Our future plans are to record a demo very soon and try to get a record deal. We also would like to tour the US this summer or the summer afterwards.

MASS CORRUPTION '86 demo: This is a ten track tape of good crossover (burning speed with sick mosh parts), but with a very heavy sound. Some of the tracks remind me of AGNOSTIC FRONT (especially old AF), which made me like them even more. The songs are played tightly, with plenty of good riffing. After a few listens, you'll really get into it. This should appeal to both metal and 'core kids alike. Give MASS CORRUPTION a listen -- you won't be disappointed (unless you're a total waste).

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

HATRED "No Control": This is probably one of the best demos I've ever heard. Combining the best aspects of thrash in the vein and METALLICA with a very slight touch of hardcore, HATRED really delivers the goods on this 4 song deal. Don't get me wrong -- they aren't one of those generic crossover bands that try to cash in by kissing up to metallers and punkx at the same time. Though all the tracks are decent, the best is definitely "Dig Your Own Grave", a classic tune in the style of "Fade to Black". Get this NOW!

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

PEDIFILE is a five piece thrash metal band from Mesa, Arizona. They formed in May '86 and started off doing SLAYER and EXODUS covers, while opening for bands like ZNOWHITE and DARK ANGEL. But now, PEDIFILE is headed in an all original direction and hope to get signed soon with this demo. PEDIFILE is into heavy, technical music with heavy vocals and ear-piercing screams. All of this is displayed on the demo.

PEDIFILE "Die a Violent Death": This ain't easy, but here goes. The music on this four song tape is played really well -- good, tight, technical thrash. And most of the KREATOR-type vocals are pretty cool. But there are some extremely high shrieks that just sound out of place. Plus, I really can't get into their lyrics. It should be noted that the song "Pediophiliac" delivers an anti-child molestation message. So do their t-shirts, which depict a child molester being beat up by a bunch of thrashers. Overall, this demo is slightly above average. Interesting. The tape costs $4, lyrics included. For $6 you get the tape and a PEDIFILE t-shirt, which Chris informed me LARS ULRICH of METALLICA wore on MTV and claimed to be his favorite.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

PRONG is a new band out of NY. They are a hardcore, metal influenced band with a slight trace of an industrial sound. They are a 3 piece outfit featuring ex-DAMAGE Mike Kirkland on bass and vocals, Tommy Victor on guitar and vocals, and Ted Parsons from the SWANS on drums. PRONG will be releasing an album entitled "Primative Origins" on Mr. Bear Records soon. It will include remixes from their first demo plus some previously unreleased material. The LP will be distributed by Important and Dutch East. They've only played a few gigs, but the plan to tour following the release of their debut.

PRONG 4-song demo '87: What can I say? This demo really impressed me. Not only is the music played well, but it is different from the standard thrashcore -- sorta like a breath of fresh air in a sewer. All 4 tracks, "Freezer Burn", "Primative Origins", "Aggrevated Condition", and "Forgery" are good and offer something new. Check out this high quality demo, and pick up their album when it comes out.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

MACHINE DOG was formed in March of 1985 when Scott D'Antonio (drums) got together with John Plummer (vocals and lead guitar) and John Tokarski (bass). They are influenced by such bands as METALLICA, MOTORHEAD, AC/DC, THE RODS, HOLOCAUST, and VARDIS. They will soon be releasing another demo.

MACHINE DOG "Sic 'Em": This New Jersey power metal band delivers catchy riffs on this 3 song effort. They sound like a cross between AC/DC and early RAVEN. Kinda enjoyable. The riffs stick in your head for a while. Available for $3.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

LETHAL AGGRESSION is a ripping hardcore band from New Jersey. They have already done two demos that kill, and will be releasing their debut album on One Step Ahead records. We had a talk with the kings of New Jersey Drugcore.

LETHAL AGGRESSION is:
Rob, 20, guitar
George, 23, bass
John, 21, vocals
Ken, 21, guitar

THREATENING SOCIETY: What have you guys been up to lately?
ROB: Writing songs, practicing, and trying to live life to the fullest.

TS: What bands have influenced you or do you listen to?
ROB: AGNOSTIC FRONT, BAD BRAINS, CRO-MAGS, 7 SECONDS, BOLD, YOUTH OF TODAY, SOCIAL DECAY, DRI, AOD, MENTAL ABUSE, MISFITS, and so on.
KEN: DRI, WHITE PRIDE, VOIVOD, and BAD BRAINS.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

In the years preceeding the final formation of CONDEMNED ATTITUDE, the five members of the band were involved in various other quite popular bands. The experiences in these bands brought together Andy Anderson (20) on vocals, Keith Chatham (21) and Chris Scapparo (21) on guitars, Rick Strahl (20) on bass and Slade Anderson (19) on drums to form one of the best bands to play the hardcore/metal scene.

Bass player Rick Strahl helped form a band called ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT a while back in San Francisco. This band would grow very popular within the scene, but not before both Andy and Chris joined a few months after its formation. ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT recorded the infamous "Dead Serious" demo, as well as the great "American Paranoia" album. These works brought AA wide recognition for their energy, originality, and humor. But due to personal differences, Rick, Andy, and Chris left ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

Well, ladies and gentlement. I've seen it -- the best show ever! I've seen many good plans play, but for an all-around strong performance by every band on one bill, this was it.

EPILEPTIC ALBINO BULLFROGS opened the evening. Although they got off to a shaky start by messing up their introduction ("The Munsters"), they started over and bounced back well. Playing their own unique style of thrash, they were hard and fast enough to get a decent-size pit thrashing. It was definitely the best I've seen and heard them yet and I hope they continue to progress musically (and lyrically) as they've been doing. They're young, but there's no denying there's talent there - no matter how raw they may be.

Continue reading "YOUTH OF TODAY / SIDE BY SIDE / PAGAN BABIES / EPILEPTIC ALBINO BULLFROGS" »

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

MOTORHEAD / ANVIL BITCH / SAVAGE GRACE / SHE MALE ENCOUNTERS
April 12, 1987 -- Trocadero
by Sean

I showed up at the Troc without a ticket and saw a really long line outside, and I started thinking that maybe the show was sold out. As I walked up, somebody sold me a ticket for $11. The doors opened about 15 minutes later and as we were being herded in, the big, football-player-like bouncers asked me ever so politely to remove my rings and not to put 'em back on after I got in. Noooooo! I wouldn't do something like this and lie to these nice bouncers. This was my first time at the Troc and I was impressed with the set-up., but I was pissed off that they were selling hot dogs and soda for $1 each, since I knew I was going to buy them.

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[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

RETRIBUTOIN / SUBURBAN UPRISE / 100 RIFLES
May 9, 1987 / 46th and Kingsessing (Philadelphia)
by Sean

This was destined to be a good show: one skindhead band and two kegs. FUZZY WARBLES and THE CORRUPTED ONES were supposed to play but cancelled and didn't show up. I started sucking up the suds from that keg while waiting for RETRIBUTOIN to go on. Nothing like draft beerm eh!! RETIRBUTOIN went on just as the brew started to kick in, a case of perfect timing. Their 20 minute set included an ANTISOCIAL cover, five or so (I'm not sure how many) strong originals, and SHAM 69's "If the Kids are United". With strong, powerful vocals, a much more than damn good drummer, a great guitar and a perfectly complementing bass, they ROCKED! You could definitely feel the adrenaline rush they were getting from being on stage for the first time. A band to watch, so don't miss their next show and remember, I told you first.

Continue reading "100 RIFLES / SUBURBAN UPRISE / RETRIBUTOIN" »

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LOOKING BACK: One of my favorite bands in the 80s, there was some wackiness. Within the punk world, there was a controversy as to who the real DOGGY STYLE was. The singer and drummer took off and formed a RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS kinda funk/rap unit with Doug Carrion and Brian Baker of DAG NASTY, using the name DOGGY STYLE. The remaining band members went on as DOGGY STYLE as well, releasing a joyful, melody-filled LP on Flipside Records, and a strong, but not as memorable, release on Triple X records. In any case, I was always quite partial to non-RHCP version... I became penpals for a while with Rib Finley, who became DOGGY STYLE's singer. Very cool guy. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

The real DOGGY STYLE (not the rap group) has a great sound that can't be compared to anyone else. Their melodious music and singing (yes, singing) puts them a step above all the other O.C. bands, possibly all California bands. Definitely get "Doggy Style II" (Flipside), and don't miss their upcoming tour.

DOGGY STYLE is:
Ed, 20 guitar
Hedge, 20, guitar
Danny, 21, drums
Ray, 22, bass
Rib Finley, 24, vocals, noise

THREATENING SOCIETY: How does your line-up now compare with that of earlier times?
HEDGE: It blows it away!
ED: Hedge was always in DOGGY STYLE, but didn't want to play live. His band HVY DRT was a jealous band. They didn't even know he was writing stuff for us. Nobody knew! THE DIRT is broken up, and he's playing with us. Danny played for a local band called A.W.O.L. Rib Finley is really, really hot. He used to play with CONFEDERATE, but no more. Ray and I are original members.

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LOOKING BACK: Love 'em or hate 'em, these guys made a big impact in the mid-late 80s, infusing straight edge with a machismo hardcore. I loved them. I had a chance to interview Cappo before one of their shows in Philly. Usually, our best fanzine interviews were when we were able to chat with folks in-person, but as you'll see in this interviewer, Ray wasn't the Great Communicator. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #2, circa 1987]

YOUTH OF TODAY is probably the biggest band in the new wave of straignt-edge bands. They have a new album out. "Break Down The Walls" (Wishingwell Records) on which they come out sounding incredible. We had a chance to speak with their very talented and very nice singer Ray of Today. Here's the interview:

THREATENING SOCIETY: Who formed YOUTH OF TODAY and when?
RAY OF TODAY: John and I did in May, 1985.
TS : What's your line-up and what are their ages?
RAY: Mike's our drummer, and he's 19. Our new drummer is Walter, and he's from WARZONE.
TS: I heard Craig went to STRAIGHT AHEAD.
RAY: Yes. Craig went to STRAIGHT AHEAD. He wanted to rejoin but we wouldn't let him. We already have Walter. He's 18, I think. I'm 21. Richie (guitar) is 21 and (John) Porcell (guitar) is 20.

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