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.