Assassin - Interstellar Experience (1988)

No sound truly defines Thrash Metal more than Assassin. A hybrid of Speed Thrash Metal and Hardcore splashed with a sense of humor, it grabs you by the throat and kicks your ass. Although a band photo predates the official band formation, Assassin was officially formed in 1984 by original lineup, Robert Gonnella (vocals), Dinko Vekic (lead guitar), Scholli (rhythm guitar), Lulle (bass) and Psycho (drums). Dubbed the Holy Terror era, their first demo sold approximately 500 copies; a great feat considering there was no internet music sharing. A short time later, the The Saga Of Nemesis demo was released in 1986 and Assassin was signed to SPV. The Upcoming Terror album was released and sold approximately 15,000 copies. After some time off, the band regrouped with new members Michael Hoffmann (guitar) and Frank Nellen (drums). They released their second album, Interstellar Experience in 1988 and quickly rose through the ranks as one of Germanys top 5 thrash bands. Supporting Death Angel on their first official tour in 1988, nearly all shows were sold out. While working on their third album, all their equipment was stolen and Assassin, having no funds to reinvest in equipment, lost their will to continue and shortly broke up thereafter. Fast forward to 2002! After numerous chants of Go, Fight, Kill from the worldwide Thrash Metal community, the band regroups and the official Assassin reunion is announced. This new lineup was Robert (vocals), Dinko (lead guitar), Scholli (rhythm guitar), Achim (bass) and Atomic Steiff (drums). A new 5 track demo was recorded and played live at Wacken 2003 to the positive reviews of many critics. Its incredible how quick the underground spreads the information, explains Rudy Schmitz, Assassin's manager. Suddenly, radio stations are playing Assassin again in their rotations and the rabid fans want more and they want Assassin live. Shows are booked and appetites are fed. ''We made some shows and it was like coming hom'', says singer Robert Gonnella. With Dinko gone most of 2005, it was decided that another guitarist would step in to fill the void and also support Dinko. Back from a 6 year long extended trip to Brazil, Michael, formerly on Sodom..s Better Off Dead and an Assassin veteran, having recorded on Interstellar Experience, was ready to jump in as a third guitarist. Atomic and Dinko left the band and Frank once again was back on skins. In early 2005 their 3rd album The Club was released, self-produced and self-released. In 2009, the drummer Frank Nellen left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by the Wicked Kemao drummer Björn Sondermann. At the same time the problem of the occupation on bass was dissolved with the joining of Joachim Kremer. In spring 2010, Assassin played some shows in Asia where the concerts in Japan were professionally recorded with the plan to release a DVD. In autumn 2010 the band signed a record deal with the German label SPV and recorded their new album with producer Harris Johns...

Reissue 2007, Axe Killer Records.

-Tracklist: 

 1. Abstract War     05:14    
2. A.G.D.     04:12      
3. A Message to Survive     03:18      
4. Pipeline (The Chantays cover)     01:24    
5. Resolution 588     04:14    
6. Junk Food     03:38    
7. Interstellar Experience     03:33
8. Baka     02:30


-Line up:

- Michael "Micha" Hoffmann: guitars.
 - Markus "Lulle" Ludwig: bass 
- Frank Nellen: drums 
- Robert Gonnella: vocals 
- Dinko Vekić: guitars

 Label: Axe Killer Records.

 Recorded at Music Lab Studios, Berlin, in January 1988.