Somewhere between Philadelphia and Atlantic City in the unsuspecting rural parts of Southern New Jersey, during a time when heavy metal without big hair was considered underground, came forth the inevitable birth of Deadly Blessing. In 1985, guitarist Tony Sgro was auditioning singers for his band Tormentor, which consisted of guitarist Chuck Wylde, bassist Dave Galloway and drummer Tom Brown. It was then that a Navy Seaman Reservist named Norm Ski, answered Tony's ad in a local music newspaper. Ski passed the audition and shortly afterwards Tormentor started to electrify rock club audiences in Southern New Jersey and quickly made a buzz for themselves. The next evolutional change was a few months later when guitarist , Chuck Wylde was replaced with guitarist Tom Umba (Tom Bach). Along with this personnel change came the desire for a new name. Despite their new name, Deadly Blessing were able to retain the fan-base they developed under the name Tormentor which now reached into Philadelphia and New York. When bassist Dave Galloway was asked to leave the band in 1986, just weeks after Tom's arrival, Tom referred bassist Nick Douglas (Nick Mitchell) who would soon be the next recruit. Two months later, drummer Wayne Sigman (Wayne Kellie) replaced Tom Brown. This completed the now classic lineup. Only just a year after that first spark, Deadly Blessing's inferno of sound and energy had the band quickly recognized in the world of underground metal.

ASCEND FROM THE CAULDRON (1988, 1999) NEW RENAISSANCE

Another "forgotten" gem from the late 80's, Deadly Blessing didn't catch my attention 'til Temple Of Blood covered their song, "Deliver Us From Evil", on their debut album. So I hunted down their only proper full-length album, named 'Ascend From The Cauldron'. And what a blast to hear some real power/speed metal again! This is an almost lost genre these days, but back in the late 80's, the US scene was filled with many bands doin' this style. This is testosterone infested metal, with balls and flare! Ski's voice is what will grab your attention first. His high pitched siren-like voice is just what a band like this needs. Imagine a young Geoff Tate mixed with a screaming Rob Halford, and you will know what I'm talking about. The music is blazing speed metal, with lots of twin guitar attacks, and the obligatory riffing. Add a steady rhythm section, and you just can't loose. Try not to start headbanging during the opening of "Silent Madness" and I think, you'll agree. I have a reissued version of this CD, numbered 1137, but I am unsure of how many copies were printed.

Killer tracks: Escape The Wrath, Cry Of Medusa, Deliver Us From Evil, Silent Madness

Ski guest appearances:

Temple Of Blood - 'Prepare For The Judgment Of Mankind'

Related artists:

Doro, Blaze, Faith Factor, Chris Caffery