Tag: east coast metal

This band formed in Florida in the early to mid-80s, and had recorded a 5-song demo by 1985. Two of those songs ended up on the Regency Records compilation East Coast Metal, released in 1988. The compilation featured 6 other bands, all of whom achieved some level of regional and/or national success. Arsenal played in the traditional heavy metal style, but featured a female vocalist, an uncommon trait in heavy metal bands, which gave them a distinct edge in their sound. Based on the strength of the ’85 demo, a second demo of 3 songs released in 1988, and of course fan reaction to the tracks included on East Coast Metal, the band signed to Regency Records (home of Rage of Angels, Mastedon, and a host of other metal compilations), and released their one and only full-length, 1989’s Armored Choir.… Continued →

One of the most beloved and respected bands in the traditional heavy metal scene, Apostle was a slight anomaly in that they never released an album on a record label. Formed in 1983 in Jacksonville, FL, the band released a total of 5 independent full-length albums (not to mention EPs and compilations) all while remaining an unsigned band. Apostle opened for Christian metal stalwarts Whitecross on a national tour, and also had a song featured on East Coast Metal for Regency Records, in 1988, where I first heard the band.… Continued →