Cynic - '88 demo

http://rapidshare.com/files/326304030/_88_Demo.zip.html



Not many people know that Cynic actually played thrash in their demo days, which is a shame. Way back in '88, they played fairly straightforward thrash, with not the slightest hint of the progressive giant they would later become. For one thing, Jack Kelly isn't your average thrash vocalist. He definitely utilizes the usual semi-hoarse "shout," but he also has somewhat more melodic vocals, as well as an interesting low growl. The guitars are energetic, and have a good tone. Solos aren't everywhere, which is a good thing, as it makes them quite a bit more enjoyable when they do pop up. An extremely audible bass guitar definitely spices things up, as Mark Van Erp is rarely content to simply follow the guitars, and he even gets an interesting break in "Once Misguided." Sean Reinert may not be an incredibly technical drummer, but he is quite good nonetheless, as he knows when it's appropriate to use complex fills, and when to just stick to the beat,

Metallca - Power Metal (Demo)

http://rapidshare.com/files/326298809/Metallica-Power_Metal-Demo_Tape-1983-REV.zip.html



Metallica's Power Metal demo features several early recordings of Kill 'Em All tracks, played with a somewhat different line-up; James on vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars on drums, Dave Mustaine on lead guitar, and Ron McGovney on bass. The most obvious difference is the production, which obviously isn't going to be studio quality, as it was recorded in a garage. James' vocals aren't very good here, as he hasn't fully developed his style, but the guitars sound pretty vicious, and overall the primitive production values serve to give it a kind of amateurish charm. Definitely worth a look, if only for historical curiosity, or if you really dislike Kirk Hammett.

Militia - Released

http://www.rapidshare.com/files/326057176/Militia.rar.html


Here's some old-school US Power metal that time forgot about. Militia play hyper speed, riff-happy heavy metal. This compilation basically has 2 speeds: "Really fast," and "blistering," with solos aplenty. Mike Soliz has a hell of a banshee shriek, putting him right up with legendary wailers such as Halford and Oliva. Unfortunately, the production can be downright terrible at times. There is at least one track where the bassist is at the absolute front of the music, just under the vocalist, resulting in a song which seems to have no lead guitar.

Senthil - Crypticorofislit (Demo)

http://rapidshare.com/files/326015797/Senthil_-_Crypticorifislit_-_01_-_Crypticorifislit.mp3.html

This is the first demo from USBM act Senthil. The band gained a fair amount of notoriety within the metal community for their rather unusual vocal methods, where the band members would alternate choking themselves with chains, in order to achieve the most tortured sound possible. But is it any good?

Well, the guitars are (Mostly) not much more than fuzzy blasts of static, and the production is rather claustrophobic. The drums just hammer away inexorably, while the vocalist(s) shriek their agony at no one in particular. If you're looking for something incredibly bleak, this is it. At a substantial 26 minutes, it does tend to drag on, but in the end it is nothing more than basic funeral doom. If you really like the style, then check it out, otherwise you'll likely not find anything of merit here.