Assassin - The Upcoming Terror (1986) [Reissue] (2011)

 

Assassin were founded 1985 in Düsseldorf/Germany and after two successfull demo-tapes, the band was signed by record company SPV/Steamhammer.

1987 the first album “The Upcoming Terror” and one year later the second album “Interstellar Experience” were recorded and released.

In 1989 the band split up after some problems and a raid in the rehearsal room.

2002 Assassin were re founded and did their first show at the Wacken Open Air in 2003.

In 2005 the band recorded and published their third album “The Club” with their own label “AGD Records”, after Assassin played shows all over Europe.

In 2009 the band recorded a demo and a year later old fellows SPV/Steamhammer signed Assassin once again.

In summer 2010 the band recorded their fourth album “Breaking The Silence” with producer Harris Johns, which was released in February 2011.

In Summer 2011 the first two albums were released as a remaster named “Chronicles of Resistance” with a lot of bonus material.

After release they went on tour in countries like Greece, Poland, Denmark and Sweden once again.

In 2012 the band played an outstanding South-America tour in countries like Brasil, Argentina, Bolivia, Perú and Chile.

A year later ASSASSIN released their first DVD “Chaos and Live Shots” with SPV/Steamhammer again.

Beginning 2014 singer Robert Gonnella left the band. Assassin decided to go on and with Ingo “Crowzak” Bajonczak the band found an outstanding new singer to perform the upcomimg shows.

In October 2015 they went into the studio again to record their latest album “Combat Cathedral”. It was released May 2016 by SPV again.

Short time before the release Michael Hoffmann decided to leave the band because of different musical opinions.

A more than a substitute was found quickly with Frank Blackfire, formaly known as guitarist of Sodom and Kreator...

 

 

 

 -Tracklist:

 Disc 1:

Side A
1. Forbidden Reality     05:32
2. Nemesis     03:51
3. Fight (to Stop the Tyranny)     02:29

Side B
4.     The Last Man     05:56
5.     Assassin     04:57

22:45

 

 Disc 2:

Side A
1. Holy Terror     04:57
2. Bullets     04:15
3. Speed of Light     02:52       instrumental

Side B
4. Religion     03:02
5. Assassin (live in Osaka)     07:53
6. Baka (live in Osaka)    3:41 

15:06

-Line up:

Psycho : Drums
Dinko : Guitars
Robert : Vocals
Lulle : Bass
Scholli : Guitars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label: Steamhammer. SPV 308911 2LP

Reissue, Colored vinyl, Remastered, Gatefold 2011

Recorded & mixed November 1986 at Karo Music Studios, Münster, West Germany.

Remastered by Michael Hoffmann.

Tracks A1-C3:
- Recorded November 1986 at Karo Studios, Münster, West Germany.

Track D1:
- Recorded and mixed at AGD Hauptquartier.

Tracks D2-D3:
- Recorded live on March 27, 2011 in Osaka, Japan.

Tracks A1-D3:
- Remastered 2011 at AGD Hauptquartier.

Livetracks recorded on 27th of March in Osaka / Japan.

 

 

 

 

 

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.