Holy Terror is a thrash/speed metal band, formed in 1986 in Los Angeles. They only released two albums, Terror and Submission in 1987 and Mind Wars in 1988 before disbanding. They reformed briefly in 2005, but no new material was released and the reunion ended the next year.
Both albums are pretty much essential for any thrash fan, IMO, though Mind Wars is my personal favorite. Anyone who hasn't heard them yet needs to check out this band.
myspace
Oh, when I looked at this thread, you instantly reminded me a few fond memories regarding this band..Also, I wondered if they were officially split-up, and you confirm that they have indeed disbanded. I saw a Best Of release a few years ago, titled,
El Revengo . That must have been after the brief 'reunion' that you speak of here. I have both their classic discs duo. I'm finding it too close to call on which one I prefer. Darn, I love 'em both equally. Holy Terror was another great brief blast of thrashing terror----nothing 'holy' about their music, fortunately.
:
:
Brilliant band. It's a crime they aren't more well known. I became aware of them thanks to going to see D.R.I. one night in 1987. Holy Terror was the support band. The story goes that they were on their way to the show in Northern California from L.A. and their van broke down midway. Their second guitarist wound up having to stay behind to get their vehicle repaired. So on stage that night was only 4/5 ths of Holy Terror, borrowing D.R.I.'s Amp's & Drum kit. They made enough of an impression on me to go out & pick up Terror & Submission right away. What I wound up getting was quite a unique album. Musically the band merged more traditional Judas Priest-esque melodic metal with balls out blistering Thrash, and there was an element of hardcore there as well. It's just a really interesting blend of styles. I always thought Vocalist Keith Deen added something different to the bands sound. He had a great gritty rough voice, but could clean up in an instant and sing real cool melodic sections. Nothing like a lot of these modern day Screamer/Singers that all sound alike. Keith had much more of his own identity then that. Furthermore, the band had some of the coolest lyrics ever.
I agree with Twinsfan that Mind Wars is just a little better then Terror & Submission. Mainly it's just a bit heavier in terms of the mix. The band even admitted the engineers that they used on their first album didn't know a thing about recording a metal band. They eventually took T&S back in to another studio to completely remix & remaster. But due to poor mic placement etc. it is what it is. I do still quite like the T&S album though. I think Evils Rising, Black Plague, & Blood Of Saints are all quite exceptional tracks. But Mind Wars has some amazing songs as well. And the Punk/Hardcore influence is just a little more present on that album. Tracks like Damned by Judges, Christian Resistance, and the hyperfast Do Unto Others are about as kick ass as it gets! The other thing I really appreciated about both albums were their artwork, particularly on Mind Wars. Rick Araluce's design work was exceptional.
BTW, El Revengo is actually a box set which contains both studio, & live audio; as well as a DVD.
Anyone wanting some great ORIGINAL 80's Thrash - Check these guys out!