In 1985 guitarist Michael Jelinic formed an original heavy metal band called Lethal Dose. The band released several demo's between 1985 & 1993. After several line-up changes, and a natural progression to a more heavier style of metal, they changed the name to Terraphobia. Late 1993 saw the release of their first 5 track demo CD, titled 'Product Of Your Mind'. Problems were starting to arise and in October 1994, due to musical differences the singer and bass player left to form their own band. Guitarist Michael Jelinic and drummer Damien Percy tried to find suitable replacements, but to no avail. 1996's 'Natural Born Killer' demo and 1997's 'An Eye For An Eye' demo saw Jelinic taking over the vocals with both releases written, performed and produced by Jelinic. By late 1998 bass guitarist Suzi Reid and drummer Joe had joined the band, and soon Terraphobia were playing regularly in and around Melbourne, with a highlight playing at the Melbourne Metal Festival in October 1999. Distance was proving a problem, with Suzi living about 150 km away from Michael and Joe, so in January 2000 the bassist and Terraphobia reluctantly parted company. In July 2001 Terraphobia's first full length CD titled 'Enemy Within' was released, recorded and produced by Jelinic. In 2001 Jelinic joined Mortification, planning on keeping Terraphobia as a side project. But nothing has resurfaced under than name ever since.

PRODUCT OF YOUR MIND (1993) METAL FORCE (Demo)

I bought all 4 releases from Terraphobia directly from the bands website. But it has taken me forever to take them out of the box I put them in, and actually start listening to their music. This, the bands first demo, was the first one to get several spins. And I must say that I really like their brand of power/groove/thrash metal. 'Product Of You Mind' is a demo, but it looks and sounds like a professional EP. OK, the actual cover art drawing is horrible, but the booklet includes pictures, liner notes and lyrics. Musically Terraphobia reminds me of such different bands as Anthrax, Witchhammer and the thrash metal version of Mortification. For the most part they deliver fast paced thrash/speed metal, with clean vocals. But they also mix it up with a power ballad in "Where Angels Fear". The band sounds tight, and it is actually rather strange that this is their first recording. All of the musicians gives a good impression, but it is no surprise that Mick's guitar work is what I remember the most when the CD stops. My 2 favorite tracks here are the speedy "Oracle Of The Ancients" and the aforementioned "Where Angels Fear". 'Product Of Your Mind' is a catchy gem of a demo CD, and one most people probably haven't even heard about.

NATURAL BORN KILLER (1996) INDEPENDENT (Demo)

3 years have past, and Terraphobia is no longer a full band. In fact, it's reduced to only a one man effort, namely Mick Jelinic. Here he handles everything himself. The result is not bad, but it could have been a lot better with little efforts. His brand of groovy thrash metal is quite good. But the horrible drum machine ruins much of the joy, and give a less then professional impression. It's nothing wrong with the programming, it just sounds so ridiculously not real! Mick's voice reminds me a whole lot of Steve Rowe's growling voice. NOT his guttural grind baritone, but the throaty thrash metal voice he has been using for many years now. Musically this is not that far removed from the 'Triumph Of Mercy' era Mortification either. But remember, 'Natural Born Killer' was released 5 years prior to Mick joining Steve and his Mortification. If you can hear past the programmed drums, this is not a bad demo at all. My favorite track is the opening title track.

Related artists:

Mortification