fatal rage lp on mutha

this is a perfect post to follow up wth my “dirge” test pressing post below.  same singer, predecessor band:  FATAL RAGE.

this LP is one that has been on my wish list for a dozen years.  i finally decided i have to have it.  what that means is:  its rare and expensive so i paid up for this copy.  you would think that living on the jersey shore would mean and endless supply of these records.  well, they are still TOUGH to find, but they are out there.

solid jersey shore hardcore.  period.  this is probably one of the finest releases on the mutha label and certainly has “staying power”.  it is still relevant and just as listenable after all these years.

rarity:  this one is obviously an 8, as i used it as my example of an “8 rarity” in my record rarity guide.  200 pressed.  comes up for sale a few times per year but is still fairly tough to track one down.

desirability:  this one is a 9.  this is a must own record for any hardcore fan.  if you are “into” NJ punk records, then this is damn near a 10 in desirability.  listen to track “copy bands” during the breakdown when they start smashing bottles and try not to destroy everything around you.

summary:  pick this up whenever you can find it.  you may have to overpay a bit to get a clean copy, as these came in really cheap oversized plain white record jackets.  the front and back “covers” were just printed slicks pasted on.  if you are lucky, your copy might come with an original insert.  if you are REALLY lucky, your copy might even come with an original “PRI Record Pressing” white paper inner dust sleeve.

dirge – “soulstorm” test pressing

recently picked up this test pressing by dirge.  it is their full length LP that was released towards the end of their heyday.

this test pressing was found while digging at randy now’s man cave in bordentown, nj.  now, this is not normally the type of music i listen to but the nj connection with “jacko” was enough to make me add this to my collection.  i actually knew of dirge from the headache records comp “nj and you: perfect together”, but had never previously come across any of their releases.  i would describe it as typical 80’s thrash with jersey shore attitude.

rarity:  this one is a strong 8.  i do not know how many were released.  the way it was packaged reminds me more of an “early release” or a radio promo type release or even something that was for band members and friends only.  who knows.

desirability:  for me, it is about a 4, only because the content is not exactly “my cup of tea”.  however, overall it is probably a 6 due to the “jacko” vocals and its “heyday of thrash” standing.

summary:  dont overpay for this one but still a record that was and will always be worth picking up if you can find it at a fair price.