The Crusader Fanzine

(Scripture 1)

METAL IS THE LAW

10 April 1997

INTERNET ALL TEXT VERSION

FOR A FULL HARD COPY CONTACT: (Subject to availability)

LUNATIC
P.O.BOX 39550
GARSFONTEIN
PRETORIA
SOUTH AFRICA
0060

A CALL TO ARMS

The time to fight is now. We must all unite to rid this sad world of all that is not Metal. We have decided to start this 'zine with the express purpose of promoting everything that is good, loved or unloved, as long as it is METAL. This 'zine and subsequent issues will be released upon the earth whenever we have something to write about or whenever we have enough money to do it.This 'zine is sent out totally free of charge, if you want to support us please send stamps. The Crusader is compiled and released by DARK AGES a small, totally independent distribution service with the basic mission of promoting the word of Metal in South Africa and overseas. This year has been a very busy one in SA Metal with the release of two CD's. The "13" compilation CD featuring 13 SA bands. The other big CD release was the "GROINCHURN - SIXTIMESNINE" CD. The big upcoming event is the "AGONY AND ECSTACY TOUR 97", this is something you wouldn't want to miss. To close off with we want you to write to us and tell us what you want in the future, what you think of The Crusader and if you want future issues.

LET'S ALL JOIN FORCES, RULE WITH AN IRON HAND, AND PROVE TO ALL THE WORLD, METAL RULES THE LAND...

BANDS SEND PROMO MATERIAL FOR A REVIEW

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Manie & Joe, Groinchurn, Dolphins Recs (France), Blush Magazine.

THE CRUSADER IS A TOTALLY INDEPENDENT, INFORMAL EXPRESSION OF THE OPINIONS OF TWO ABSOLUTELY NARROW MINDED METALHEADS. IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THESE PAGES, WE DON'T GIVE A FUCK....

(If we all had the same opinions the world would be fucking boring)


GROINCHURN - LAUNCH PARTY

Friday, 28 February 1997. The place WINGS. The event: The launch of the first GROINCHURN full length CD entitled SIXTIMESNINE. With this great news and free entrance, who would refuse? The place was packed with the sound of Metal in the air. GUADACANAL DAIRY opened the show with a brutal noise of Metal. After that it was GROINCHURN's turn. With violent moshing and headbanging at their feet, GROINCHURN performed as aggressive as always. Playing some of the old and the new. It was grind at it's best!!! By ending the show with a cover of the BEE GEES "STAYING ALIVE" they showed, no matter what it is, when GROINCHURN gets hold of it, it will be brutal grind. Mark please grow that hair!!!!!!!!!

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AGONY & ECSTASY TOUR '97

METALMORPHOSIS, SACRIFIST and JADED JANE are taking SA on with their Metal tour. This is going to be Metal aggression that you won't forget. They will kick off in East London and finish in Johannesburg. We'll make sure that we see them when they come to our hometown and we hope that you will too. For the future we are hoping to see more of these truly courageous acts for Metal. A MIGHTY HAAAAAIIIIL!!! to OLD KIMBERLY Ginger and Herb beer for believing in the power of Metal and sponsoring this tour.

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NOVEMBER GRIEF

November grief was formed in May 1994 out of the ashes of Stephanie's previous band "Burnin' Flesh" with the original line up of Annie Leclerc (Drums), Veronique Lambert (Guitars) and Stephanie Masson (Bass/vocals). Their first demo Evil-Ution was recorded in their rehearsal room in December 1994, (The band does not seem to like the demo too much ???). A second guitarist Chantal Levesque joined November Grief in may 1995, she gave the band fresh ideas and a heavier sound. After the release of their second demo "To Live...In this world of Chaos" Veronique Lambert was replaced Carol Roy. In August '96 Chantal Levesque left due to personal obligations, the band however is currently working on new material and searching for a suitable label to work with.

NOVEMBER GRIEF
TO LIVE...IN THIS WORLD OF CHAOS
INDEPENDENT
(10 BATTLE AXES)

This 9-track demo with intro is one of the most amazing demo's I have ever heard. Professionally recorded in Studio le mur du son in 4 days and produced by Jean-Francois Dagenais of "Kataklysm". I cannot believe that such brutal and totally "pissed-off" vocals can come from a beautiful woman, Stephanie must have a possessed throat. Her voice is fucking amazing, the music behind the voice also proves without a doubt that November Grief are here to stay. This band RULES, the recording labels will soon be falling all over each other to sign N.G. Band Contact : P.O.BOX 5107, STATION B, MONTREAL, QC, H3B 4B5 CANADA.

(LUNATIC)

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CD REVIEWS

V.O.D
BLOEDRIVIER
MORBID RECORDS
(10 BATTLE AXES)

A MIGHTY HAAAAAIIIIL!!!!!!!!! To one of the Gods of SA METAL. The CD was recorded by Morbid Records in Germany and what a recording this is. With versatile vocals that range from clean to death Metal, warrior guitar playing, battering drums and bass playing that would even get Geezer Butler to pay attention, makes this CD a Metal masterpiece. This CD makes you want to say "THANK GOD I AM A METALHEAD!" Songs include BLOEDRIVIER (Instrumental), FUNERAL, IF I HAD A SOUL, NEEDLEDIVE, J.M.S.P and more. Look out for two hidden tracks at the end of the CD. The two songs were recorded live and they are "Welcome to South Africaaargh" and March of the V.O.D". Band contact: V.O.D, 19 Devon Street, Oostersee, 7500, Cape Town, South Africa.

(J.M)

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NILE
FESTIVALS OF ATONEMENT
ANUBIS RECORDS
(10 BATTLE AXES)

Summoned from the book of Thoth comes this band of incredible musicians. This CD reminded me of why I like extreme music; the use of extreme lyrics coupled with the aggression necessary to deal with the thoughts that they inspire. The track 'Godless' has entered my hall of fame as one of my favourite tracks ever. Brilliant Death Metal combining aspects of Black, Doom and Grind with interesting atmospheric pieces in the Ancient Egyptian vein. I would most definitely recommend this CD for any Death Metal fan. Band Contact : P.O.BOX 6062, GREENVILLE, SC 29606-6062, U.S.A.

(LUNATIC)

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GROINCHURN
SIXTIMESNINE
MARBIL ENTERTAINMENT
(9 BATTLE AXES)

Why the Fuck haven't you got this one yet? GROINCHURN's trademark of speed and noise with the odd slower (only slightly) track thrown in to make for a cacophony that sounds like a pneumatic drill has run out of control in your speakers. Track four totally sucks (IT'S NOT METAL) but this is easily made up for by the song "I'M A CUNT" which is the best track on the CD. Heavy AND brilliant. This CD rules. Band Contact: P.O.BOX 4478, VEREENIGING, 1930, SOUTH AFRICA.

(LUNATIC)

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METALMORPHOSIS
BLISTERED
SILVA MOON RECORDS
(9 BATTLE AXES)

HAIL!!!! This is what you would expect from 'MORPHOSIS. This four track CD features BONEYARD, PASSION MOTHER, FLESH and FISHES OF MEN. There is just no stopping the Metal of this band. It starts with a majestic intro and bursts into total aggression. Excellent vocals, guitar, bass and drumming makes this CD a must for any Metalhead. Taste the Fear!!!!!! Band contact: P.O.Box 2540, Saxonwold, 2132, South Africa.

(J.M)

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DELAYED ACTION BOMB
BEYOND THE MIRROR
DOLPHIN RECORDS
(9 BATTLE AXES)

A MIGHTY HAIL!! We must admit that we were a bit sceptical about an album starting off with a track called "LITTLE FLOWER", but soon realised that this CD is horrifically brutal!! Tracks like "Incest" and "I believe" are destined to become classics. If real Death Metal is your type of music then this CD is for you. Absolutely possessed vocals combined with intelligent riffing. Fuck Pantera this is what Metal in the nineties is supposed to sound like. Band contact: 35 RUE DE KERAMPONT, 22300 LANNION, FRANCE.

(DARK AGES)

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VARIOUS
STRANGER THAN PARADISE
DOLPHIN RECORDS
(8,5 BATTLE AXES)

HAIL!!!! A well produced compilation from 17 Metal bands. This compilation rules!! The bands are: Spasmorphillius, File 101, Eviternity, Downright Malice, Tommyknockers, Abyssia, Aeturnum, Scarve, Desperate Corruption, Gorgon, Core, Broken Edge, Carcariass, Our Grace, Inhumate, S.O.S and D.A.B. The bands range from Heavy Metal to Death Metal. No False Metal on this compilation, just aggressive music from beginning to end. This CD is a must, if you're not a wimp, and you can handle the power of Metal. A true Crusading effort from the French record company. The only thing to say is: "Crank it up to 10!!!!" Band contact: 35 rue de Kerampont, 22300 Lannion, France.

(J.M)

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VARIOUS
13...A COMPILATION
BACK TO FRONT RECORDS
(8 BATTLE AXES)

Hail this SA Metal compilation. I can't think of a better way to get hold of a lot of your favourite SA Metal bands in one dose. It features: Gutted Remains, Retribution Denied, Groinchurn, Sacrifist, Agro, Deviate, Golgotha, Insurrection, Prayer, Mesadoth, SexWax, Infectious Outbreak and P.I.T.T. Pure intense Metal at its best. It makes you realise what is happening on the Metal scene in this country. The only problems I had with this CD was that the quality of some of the recordings are not as good as the other's and that "the punk" took over some bands sound. Other than that it has aggressive guitar, drums and bass playing with the brutal vocals of course. (The CD is Available through Dark Ages).

(J.M)

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D.A.B
Delayed Action Bomb

Formed in April 1990, the band put out their first demo, "END OF TIME" in January 1991. This first effort was quickly followed by an Eastern European Campaign during August 1991, the "MASSACRE TOUR". In January 1992 the band put out their second demo tape, "POWER OF HATE", followed by the "BLASPHEMOUS" campaign in Europe. By October 1992, the band put out it's first professional effort, "ALICE IN HORROR LAND" and sold about 800 copies in Seven months. This tape caused D.A.B to receive several offers from labels and from promoters to play in countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Poland and many more.

In October 1993 the band put out their fourth demo "ABYSSUS ABYSSUM INVOCAT". This demo has sold more than a 100 copies to date, it includes a song written especially for D.A.B by Lars Rosenberg (Ex-Entombed). This demo gave D.A.B the opportunity to appear on two-CD compilations, one from Shiver Recs (Belgium) and Mabrnr Recs (France). The band has appeared on 19 radio shows world-wide, 32 tape compilations, two video clips and played several gigs in France.

D.A.B then signed to Danger Recs (Portugal) for their first full album. The "STORMBRINGERS" CD saw the light in February 1995 and got tons of very good reviews world-wide, as a masterpiece of brutal/melodic Death Metal. In 1996 the band moved to Thunder Recs. A demo was released through Agony Prods, called "DEMO '96". D.A.B then played the "PLAGUE OVER EUROPE TOUR" in September 1996, with the Brazilian act CORE, and with the English band PARRICIDE. D.A.B have appeared on two Dolphin Recs CD compilations, "SOMETIMES DEATH IS BETTER" and "STRANGER THAN PARADISE". The bands second CD "BEYOND THE MIRROR" debuted in March 1997.

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DEMO REVIEWS

UMTAKATI
THE FIRST OFFERING
INDEPENDENT
(9 BATTLE AXES)

A MIGHTY HAIL!!! To UMTAKATI's true crusading sound on this four track demo. I know that the demo has been out for quite some time now, but because they sent DARK AGES a free copy and that it ruled so much, I decided to review it anyway. About these guys musicianship I can only say that they brutally rule!! This is good old fashioned death Metal, with intelligent riffs and aggressive vocals. If you have the balls for Metal this is a must. Look out for the UMTAKATI / DIEVERSION split CD that's coming out soon on Marbil Entertainment. Band contact: P.O.Box 101, Port Shepstone, 4240, South Africa.

(J.M)

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NAZXUL
S/T DEMO
VAMPIRE RECORDS (AUSTRALIA)
(9 BATTLE AXES)

Have you ever wondered what the apocalypse would sound like? I think I've found out. This demo, as the caption read, is "guaranteed to obliterate the universe and most sound systems". If you are a fan of intense Black Metal, then this demo is for you. The four tracks on this tape HYMN OF A DYING MOON, VERMIS MYSTERIIS, ETURNUM and EDEN are all absolute masterpieces of brutal and foreboding blackness. There are no keyboards and no atmospheric passages, therefore nothing boring. The band has recently released a full length CD "Totem". I can't wait for my copy. Band contact, Vampire records, P.O.Box 669, Epping, NSW, Australia, 2121.

(LUNATIC)

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NILE
RAMSES BRINGER OF WAR
ANUBIS RECORDS
(9 BATTLE AXES)

This is a three song demo showcasing Nile's most recent material. Although the material is heavier than their previous release "Festivals of Atonement", Nile still manage to maintain their use of brilliant lyrics and amazing Ancient Egyptian chants. A lot of this demo is sung in what I would imagine is Egyptian (my knowledge of the language needs work). Track three wouldn't sound out place on an 'Equimanthorn' release while the other two tracks sound like a mixture of 'Cannibal Corpse' and 'Machine Head', it has to be heard to be believed! Despite the comparisons this is an excellent, original piece of Death Metal. A brilliant recording and packaging completes this offering. Band Contact : P.O.BOX 6062, GREENVILLE, SC 29606-6062, U.S.A.

(LUNATIC)

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DISMEMBERED FETUS
I DON'T FEEL SO FUCKING GOOD
PIGEONECK DISTRIBUTION
(8 BATTLE AXES)

FUCK!!!! Nine songs of groovy, grind with a selection of blast beats thrown in for good measure. Extremely sick and twisted porno Metal for those of us who do not fit in to well with society. The use of samples to introduce the songs as well as the extremely brutal music, brilliant recording and highly professional packaging make this tape a worthy addition to any demo collection. From the intro of "I'm going to help all of you to cleanse this diseased planet" you realise that this music is not intended for the well adjusted among us. Don't expect to be able to hear any lyrics, all you will get is twenty-seven minutes of grinding intensity, do you need any more than that? Band contact: P.O.BOX 9450, DENVER, CO 80209, U.S.A.

(LUNATIC)

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FESTERING PUKE
I LOVE RAPE...JERKING OFF ON YOUR MOM'S FACE TAPE!!!
PIGEONECK DISTRIBUTION
(8 BATTLE AXES)

"Festering Puke would like to say that we are not directly prejudice against any specific race! We just like making fun of the whole human race. The world is fucked up beyond return and if you can't wise up to that reality then you are the truly ignorant one's!!!!!" I love this band. This tape is absolutely hilarious, 68 songs in just over 30 minutes. Various anthems of hate and depravity with titles like THE BLACK ALBUM (SUCKED), STOMP THE FAGS (pt.2) and I HOPE YOU HATE US make this tape a collectors item. The music is total grindcore with plenty of porn and noise to add to the feel. If you can't afford phone sex lines, but love them, then you would enjoy this tape. Band contact : P.O.BOX 9450, DENVER,
CO 80209, U.S.A.

(LUNATIC)

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SEX WAX
LIVE SCUMCORE
INDEPENDENT
(6 BATTLE AXES)

This demo features the nine studio recordings, of which two found their way onto the "13" compilation as well as eight tracks recorded live at Mzuri Underground (RIP). Putting aside the all to evident punk influences, which I could do without, you will realise that this demo is actually very good, with a considerably larger budget and a lot less punk, Sex Wax could record some even more brilliant material. If you enjoy songs about the government, yuppies and alcohol, then you will enjoy this demo. The quality of the recordings really sucks (which caused the low rating), but that's a minor factor considering the amount that they spent on the recordings. Music to party to... Band Contact : 603 La Coruna, 89 Verdoorn St., Sunnypark 0002, Pretoria, South Africa.

(LUNATIC)

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DRIVEN TO KILL
SEETHING
INDEPENDENT
(4 BATTLE AXES)

"Out of the ashes of various Cape Town underground hard-core thrash and death Metal bands, came the inspiration to create a new sound" (DTK). This is a band that combines technology with the real Metal sound on their four track demo. The vocals, guitar and bass playing is aggressive and it rules. The reason that this demo got so few battle axes is because they used drum programming. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!! If you like being in fashion and therefore like Pantera with a Ministry influence, then this is for you. Band contact: 3 Lincolnfield Rd, Lakeside, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa.

(J.M)

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THE GATES OF VALHALLA

ARAGORN

Aragorn, a band many of us old Metalheads will remember. In fact if you can remember Aragorn you are most likely to be getting a tad old. Aragorn was the first South African Metal band that I ever heard. I can remember my first Metal gig ever, it was in the late eighties, in Jacqueline's (Pretoria) of all places. IRON MASK and ARAGORN were playing. Iron Mask were very good but then Aragorn hit the stage, Fuck, they blew me away. After that I went to go and see them at every opportunity I got. In '89 and '90 they recorded a demo which they gave out at their concerts. This demo was recorded at the SABC studios. Tracks like "On the Run", "Digital Breath" and my favourite "ROCK YOU (TILL YOU DIE" will always be Metal anthems to me. The following is an extract out of a "Blush" interview (heh, heh, heh).

"Aragorn are not a 'Thrash' band, we just play music we believe in. Good hard rock. Our show consists of 6,534 % covers, when we do a gig, we really party and give our audiences a great time. We like to get audience participation. Pyrotechnics is a hobby of Andre's, so we use a lot of it on stage. We are also not scared of moving around. The entire show must be worthwhile for the audience. Before we go on stage we say - LET'S KILL!"

"We don't subscribe to the 'bad boy' image. Aragorn is definitely anti-drugs, as far as we are concerned it is not 'Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll', just 'Rock'n'Roll (sure, you can see this was meant for BLUSH magazine - Lunatic). We got our name from J.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'. Aragorn is one of the heroes who fights evil forces." Mani says, "We feel that hard rock bands should stick together. to make it in this country we must build each other up and not break each other down. As Ozzy Osbourne once said, you meet a lot of people on the way up, don't fuck with them because you will meet them on the way down."

ARAGORN are :
Konrad Tenaro : Lead vocals
Jon Buckley : Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Andre Mullan : Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Jorge de Mendonza : Bass (ended up in STRYDER)
Mani de Gois : Drums (ended up in STRYDER)


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APOCALYPSE

Welcome to the APOCALYPSE!! From the beginning of time, man has feared this time. This page will be there for what I would call the APOCALYPTIC WARRIORS.

Christian Metal has always had a thumbs down in the Metal coliseums of this country, but it is soon to be changed. Metal is the music weapon for which these bands have great respect. True Warriors of their clan are they.

In South Africa we found two of these bands on the "13" compilation and they truly showed that they are just as aggressive and brutal as all the other bands featured on this CD. The two bands are PRAYER from Cape Town and GOLGOTHA from Krugersdorp (This place rules!!!!). With their death style vocals, aggressive guitar, bass and drum banging, they proved to be true APOCALYPTIC WARRIORS.

TO GET AN INTERVIEW PRINTED ON THIS PAGE, PLEASE WRITE TO:
APOCALYPSE
11 KLIBBE ROAD
VALHALLA
0185
PRETORIA
SOUTH AFRICA


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WICKED SCRIPTURES

"...LEAVE BEHIND THE WEAK WE MUST TAKE THE STRONG IN HAND, TOGETHER ARE THE WICKED, VIOLENT FORCES IN COMMAND..."

This page is dedicated to those with 'a spirit that fights and overcomes'. I am looking for bands who revel in the dark side of life. In future issues this page or more will be used to interview and review any forms of Black Metal or dark Death Metal. Get in touch with me now!!!

Wicked Scriptures
C/O "Evil" Ryan
P.O.BOX 39550
GARSFONTEIN
PRETORIA
0042
SOUTH AFRICA
_________________________________________________________

NAZXUL

"Borne of the red sun skies of Terra-Australis, formed under and by the night, forged of legend and blood, reigned with Evil, the terror begins..."

Nazxul's first release was their self titled demo, see the review in the demo review section. They have recently released a CD entitled "Totem", an album that took nine months in concept an execution. Eleven evil messages clocking in at around seventy minutes make this a masterpiece of Blackened brutality.

"Nazxul's Dark Empire shall shadow all lands and oceans. All skies will cloud, and blazing rain will wash down to bait life to the dying body, the hidden will strangle the light. The winds of fury have torn apart all borders. The end is soon, and the world is at it's mercy...

NAZXUL "TOTEM" CD $25 (AUS), $18 (US)
NAZXUL "S/T" DEMO $ 7 (AUS), $ 5 (US)
NAZXUL "LONGSLEEVE SHIRTS" $25 (AUS), $18 (US)

- 'till Hell opens up again -
(LUNATIC)

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IN THE NAME OF METAL
DARK AGES

Scripture 1 | Scripture 2 | Scripture 3 | Scripture 4 | Scripture 5