ULTIMATUM (ul-ti-ma-tum) n. 1. a final proposition. 2. one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a definite action. 3. Choose this day who you will serve. 4. A metal band whose sound is a mixture of traditional heavy, power/speed/thrash metal and more modern grooves; brutal guitars, blazing leads, pounding drums, thundering bass and shrill, shrieking vocals. Ultimatum do not claim to follow any trends nor do they wish to do so.

Ultimatum formed in early 1992 by Robert Gutierrez and Steve Trujillo (both guitars). They played their first two shows with Robert singing lead vocals in October of 1992. Scott & Robert had been friends for a while, so he was asked to audition for the band. Scott joined in January 1993. At the same time, Ultimatum were looking for a permanent drummer. Mike Lynch joined the band in March of 1994. Ultimatum’s first public performance with Scott, Steve and Robert was at Sonshine 94’. In 1993 they released their first demo titled 'Fatal Delay' that was sold worldwide and began to give them a dedicated following.

First ever band photo? 1993

FATAL DELAY (1993) EXIT MUSIC LIMITED (Demo) (MC)

'Fatal Delay' was the first demo Ultimatum released, back in 1993. It was recorded not long after Scott Waters joined as the bands vocalist, and it does not have the thrash-metal sound that Ultimatum adopted on later releases. Back then they played a straighter kind of heavy metal, but you can hear hints of what was to become in the abrasive riffs in "Fatal Delay" and "Plea For Holiness". "All I Need" was originally recorded by Angelic Force (Steve and Roberts former band), and is the bands only attempt at a ballad! Despite the band hating this demo, I've always liked it. If for nothing else, it represents the humble beginnings of one of my favorite bands. It doesn't hurt that I actually like the songs either. Robert is also playing some of his most touching solos on this demo.

The sound quality on this recording is not very good, but you got to remember that this is a no-budget demo release. If you're already a fan of the band, this is a cool collector's item, but it's not essential. For people looking to get into this band, stay away! It doesn't really represent what the band sound like. The band finally agreed to reissue the demo on CD, as a bonus for those who pre-ordered the 'Puppet Of Destruction' reissue.

Thanks to Scott for giving me this tape.

The band was never real happy with the demo, feeling they could do much better. So, in the Winter of 1994 they went into a new studio and began recording a new demo titled 'Symphonic Extremities by Ultimatum'. This five song demo was never released. Only about 50 copies were sent out to magazines, labels, and a few friends. Later that year, they decided it best not to release another cheap demo, so they went back into the same studio the first five tracks were recorded at and recorded five more. This is also where they met bassist Tom Michaels. October of 1995, a full length tape titled 'Symphonic Extremities by Ultimatum' was released independently by the band and captured raving reviews in metal publications across the globe. In January of 1997 Ultimatum licensed 'Symphonic Extremities' to Juke Box Media (USA), a small independent company, to be released on a national level with the added bonus cut, "World of Sin". "World of Sin" was released as a single, received airplay worldwide and was in the top 10 on the Pure Rock Report’s LOUD Chart for several weeks. Ultimatum has also appeared on the Rowe Productions/ Diamante release 'Massive Frequency Overload-the U.S. Hard Compilation'. "World of Sin" would be the last song recorded with drummer Mike Lynch. Current drummer Sean Grieco joined the band in May 1997. JBM sold out of 'Symphonic Extremities' within a matter of weeks. After the company was sold, 'Symphonic Extremities' went into it's second printing.

Promo photo from 1995

  SYMPHONIC EXTREMITIES BY ULTIMATUM (1995) INDEPENDENT (Demo) (MC)

This was the bands second demo, featuring 5 new tracks, and a remix of "Fatal Delay". These tracks ended up on the full-length as well, so there are only 2 reasons for me owing it: 1. I'm a die-hard fan of this band, and want to own everything. 2. There was only about 50 of these ever made, so it's one of the rarest demos ever. Even band members are missing this from their collections!

LIVE EXTREMITIES (1996) BOTTOMLINE (Bootleg)

This is a live recording from Ultimatum's early days. It's a bootleg of course, and the sound quality is not good. But as a fan I think it is cool to get just a glimpse of what these guys sound like live. And let me tell you, they sound great! This is definitely a band that is done full justice in a live environment. It also contains a song not on any of the albums. Now the people who made this bootleg recording called it "Chalk Time", but the correct title is "Chalk Line". My favorites here include "Darkest Void", "Killing Fields" and "Blink".

'Symphonic Extremities' was Ultimatum's first full-length album. It was originally released by the band themselves in 1995. But Juke Box Media snapped them up, and re-released it on CD. The CD version features the bonus track, "World Of Sin", which the record company made a big deal out of, because it was mixed by Rex Carroll (Whitecross). The band never really like this version of the song, and they hated the stupid yellow "ribbon" the record company put on the cover to promote the CD. The style of the music is still pretty much the same as on the 'Fatal Delay' demo. And I for one think Ultimatum pulls it of nicely. It is quite apparent that the band had little or no budget to record the album, so as some mistakes are audible here and there. But you can tell that they have a talent for writing great metal songs! So if you can get passed the less than perfect sound, you are in for a treat. Several of my favorite Ultimatum tracks are on this album, and if it had been properly recorded, it might have been a favorite album too.

September 2007: Now I am also the proud owner of the 2007 remastered version of this classic. Not only do we here get a much better sonic pleasure, because of the remastering, but we also get 3 bonus tracks. The first 2 are from the 'Fatal Delay' demo. I wish they had included all 4 songs from that demo, but having 2 on them on CD is also cool. The 3rd bonus track was recorded live in 2006, at the Up From The Ashes II festival in California. Hearing "Blink" recorded with a double bass drummer is a blast! It is also one of the very few recordings with Augustine in the band.

Killer tracks: Symphonic Extremities, Black Light, The Grip, Fatal Delay, Blink, World Of Sin

Since "World of Sin" was originally intended to be recorded for their second full length release, a new, slightly altered version appears on the band’s first Rowe Productions release, 'Puppet of Destruction'. "Never" the only single to be released by Rowe, reached #7 on the Pure Rock charts. The album became one of Rowe's better selling discs. Overall, 'Puppet Of Destruction' did well for the band, opening up a wealth of new doors. The album grabbed the attention of a few international labels that began to carry the CD in their mail order catalogues. One label, Dwell Records, offered Ultimatum the opportunity to record songs for two of their compilation CDs. '2000-A Second Coming' featured a new remixed version of their single "Never." The other project was recording the song "Sins Of Omission" for Dwell's Testament tribute disc, entitled 'Jump In The Pit'.

Promo photo from 1998

In 1998, heavy metal was considered uncool by the popular mass media. Some underground bands, such as HammerFall and In Flames were getting some attention. Nevertheless, as a whole metal was still pretty much declared dead. Moreover, thrash metal was in an even worse state. This is the year Ultimatum recorded their sophomore release!

'Puppet Of Destruction' might have been their second full length album, but it was in fact the first one intended to be one. 'Symphonic Extremities' was merely 2 demos put together on one disc. Therefore, as you can see, 'Puppet Of Destruction' is a piece of Christian thrash metal history, released by a band in it for the music, and the ministry. In addition, they administered both very capably.

Musically they refined their sound, and went for a more straightforward thrash metal sound here. Reminiscent of bands like OverKill, Exodus and Metal Church, Ultimatum wear their influences on their sleeves, but keep from sounding like any clone band at all. Songs like "Never", "Mortal Stomp" and "Gutterbox" are infectious numbers that grabs your attention already on the first listen. Other songs will slowly creep up on you with repeated spins. 'Puppet Of Destruction' is one of those rare albums that doesn’t have any fillers. So the only downside to the original album is the mastering, making the overall sound a bit thin. Therefore, a reissue with remastered sound is definitely something this otherwise classic album needs.

I hope the metal loving crowd worldwide discover this thrash metal monster. I for one have spun this CD countless times over. It wasn’t the first Ultimatum disc I heard. However, it did solidify my love for the band. So crank it up to 11, and let the headbanging commence!

In October, 2009, Roxx Records reissued this gem. The whole album was finally remastered, with help from Ysidro Garcia, the producer on the bands 'Lex Metalis' and 'Into The Pit' albums. The update in sound makes the album shine in a way it was originally intended. There is a lot more depth in the sound now, and the tin-can mix of the original release is now forgotten. The new version comes complete with a 3 bonus tracks, a demo, a re-recorded song, and the Testament cover the band recorded during the 'Puppet Of Destruction' sessions. The booklet has also been improved, with tons of photos, and written contributions from your truly, alongside Bill Bafford (Roxx Productions) and Steve Rowe (Mortification). And if all this wasn't enough, Roxx Records printed a run of 100 limited edition versions for pre-orders only. This comes with the entire 'Fatal Delay' demo as a bonus CD.

Killer tracks: Never, Mortal Stomp, Puppet Of Destruction, Gutterbox, World Of Sin

  2000 saw Ultimatum record their third full length disc titled 'The Mechanics of Perilous Times'. Originally scheduled to be on Rowe Productions, Ultimatum opted to release the disc themselves in the U.S. while Gutter Records, a division of Massacre Records, released the disc in Europe in March 2001. During this time Ultimatum played various shows across the country to promote the disc, including the 2001 Stryper Expo. Also during this year, long time bassist Tom Michaels left the band and was replaced by California native Rob Whitlock. Ultimatum performed their first show with Rob at the Metal Marti Gras festival in California in August of 2002. They were also represented on a compilation CD released for that occasion, entitled 'Extreme Mardi Gras 2002-The Extreme Compilation', released of Roxx Production.

Promo photo 2000

Ultimatum are one of those bands that never really stand still musically. But they are not the kind of band that changes their formula drastically either. This album is just another logical step from the previous one. Here they deliver cream of the crop power/thrash. And again the production is sharper than before. All of the songs are well written. I discover cool little details in their playing every time I listen to this CD. Their rand of fast, speedy riffs, neck braking stops, pummeling drums and thunderous bass is just right up my alley! The boys are obviously heavily influenced by bands like Exodus, Annihilator and Testament. But I also detect some Vengeance Rising similarities here and there. And I'm not talking about the obvious cover-version of the classic song, "Burn". 'The Mechanics Of Perilous Times' is my favorite Ultimatum disc so far. I now own 4 version of this CD. I have a signed version of the original independent release, a promo version of the 2001 Gutter Records version, and the regular Gutter Records version. I also own the 2007 remastered re-release on Retroactive Records. It comes with a much beefier sound, that really makes the songs shine even more. We also get 3 bonus tracks. Sure, a long time fan like me already have them, but it's cool to have them on a proper release. "Temple Of The Spirit" came about almost as a mistake. The song was not properly recorded yet, and the guitar solo was put in at the wrong part of the song. The later re-recorded it, and the final version has a completely different solo. "Heart Of Metal" is still the "new" song, for this fan. Can't believe it's been 4 years, as of writing this, since the band first put in on "tape". Here is the first very rough demo version of the now classic live favorite. Can't wait 'til they finally get it on their album! "Greed Regime, Inc." was recorded live in 2005 at the first "Up From The Ashes" festival. It marks one of the first recordings with Rob Whitlock on bass, but also sadly the last one with Sean Grieco.

Killer tracks: Temple Of The Spirit, Greed Regime Inc., Shroud Of Science, Warlord's Sword, The Purging

Although the band didn't release any new material between 2000 and 2006, they kept on doing numerous gigs, including an appearance at Up From The Ashes in August 2005. 2004 saw the band starting to write new songs. Plans of a new CD, DVD and/or EP was thrown around, and a slow recording process began. Vocalist Scott Waters was also asked to be part of the resurrection of 4 of the 5 original members from the classic Vengeance Rising line-up. The new band went under the Once Dead moniker. Then in 2006 long time guitarist Steve Trujillo was forced to leave the band for personal reasons. Augustine Ortiz was "hired" as a replacement, but sadly he also had to leave due to the fact that he was moving out of the state. August of 2006 saw the release of a limited EP, called '...Til The End!'.

...TIL THE END! (2006) ROXX PRODUCTIONS (Limited Edition EP, #9/300)

After being in the studio recording new material for an upcoming new full length release, the guys in Ultimatum figured it would take longer for them to get the final product finished. Thus they decided to give the fans a treat while waiting. So, in collaboration with Roxx Productions, they released this 6 track Limited EP. Only 300 CD's was printed. '...Til The End!' includes demo versions of 4 tracks that will appear on the new album, a live version of "Blink", recorded in Anaheim, California in August of 2004, and the cover of "Sins Of Omission" the boys recorded for the Dwell Records Testament tribute album. But it is the new songs that are the most interesting here. Although, when I say new, that is not exactly right. The song "Heart Of Metal" (the bands first metal anthem) has already pumped my blood up on various occasions, as it has appeared in several live shows the last year, and various video footage have been circulating on the net. It also appeared in a different demo take on the Christian Metal Realm compilation released in 2005. As a whole the new tracks are very much in the thrash metal mold. This is yet another logical step from the last release, and the band have never been heavier! Everything is once again been turned up a notch. Scott have never sounded better, and more varied. The guitars are blazing, and the ultra fast riff in "Heart Of Metal" will leave your jaw dropped to the floor! All of the 4 tracks are amazing, and amongst the best the band have ever delivered. This is certainly the most dynamic material from Ultimatum yet. I can't wait to hear the complete album, with more songs, and finished mixed songs!

It was rough times for the band, trying to record a new album, and constantly loosing members. Scott's stint with Once Dead ended, whilst Robert made a guest appearance with Saint. Drummer Sean Griego was also forced to leave the band, due to personal matters, and ex-The Moshketeers drummer Alan Tuma joined the ranks. Then finally in October 2007, a new Ultimatum album saw the light of day!

INTO THE PIT (2007) RETROACTIVE RECORDS

6 years is way to long to have to wait for a new album from one of your favorite bands. And in truth, it doesn't feel like it was way back in 2001 that we last heard a new full-length album from Ultimatum. The first time I heard a new track that was going to be on the new album, was in 2003, when Scott sent me a rough demo version of "Heart Of Metal". I've been eagerly awaiting 'Into The Pit' ever since! And boy, is it worth the wait. The boys have once again turned it up a notch, and haven't settled for a sub par release. 'Into The Pit' contains 9 "new" songs, a cool cover of Iron Maiden's "Wrathchild", and a newly recorded studio version of "Blink", one of my favorite songs from the bands debut album. Every song sports a crunchy sound, with Roberts signature guitar-tone as a main focus. The man is really getting out of his shell, delivering his best riffs, solos and overall guitar-work. Just check out the bridge going into, and continuing during the chorus for "Blind Faith"! That riff alone is worth the disc!! And don't get me started on the awesome "Heart Of Metal". That song is already a classic! In fact, the entire album is friggin' great, and I constantly change favorite tracks from it. Scott has also roughened up the vocals a bit, using a more aggressive approach, not unlike what he was doing in Once Dead. I think it really suits the bands music, and creates another unique feature for them. I also totally dig Rob's pummeling bass work. He is very audible throughout the entire disc, and it is the first time I am really aware of the bass on an Ultimatum album. Sean has always been a monster drummer, and his work will be missed in the band. But I think they have found a worthy replacement in Alan Tuma. 'Into The Pit' is easily the bands best effort to date, and it will be a hard task to follow up with anything stronger than this.

Killer tracks: They are all great!

After 'Into The Pit' finally came out, the band also added Tÿkkus guitarist, Justin Frear, to the ranks. So as of 2008, Ultimatum is once more a five piece band. However, it isn't easy when not all of the members are living in the same place. So when it was time to record the bands next project, they did it without Justin.

Promo photo 2007

LEX METALIS (2009) RETROACTIVE RECORDS

I've always liked covers albums ever since Metallica's legendary 'Garage Days Re-Revisited (The $5.98 EP)' from 1987. Listening to your favorite bands paying homage to their favorite bands is always cool. If you're lucky, you might even discover some new gems, be it bands or songs, in the process. And when the band adds their own sound to some classic tunes, it's all the better. That is just what Ultimatum have done with their brand new album, entitled 'Lex Metalis'.

The original idea was to release an EP of covers. But as soon as the record company heard about the idea, they showed a total interest in the project, and it was decided to go for a full length CD. The band drew up a list of nearly 50 songs which the individual members wanted to do, as well as songs suggested by the members on the Ultimatum discussion board. They ended up recording 12, and added their version of Iron Maiden's "Wratchild" that also appeared on 'Into The Pit'. The idea for the title also came from one of the long standing members of the Heart of Metal discussion board. It doesn't really mean anything grammatically correct, but loosely translated it can be interpreted as 'The Law of Metal'. And what a fitting title that is! 'Lex Metalis' sees the band ripping through songs from bands that has inspired Ultimatum. Everything from the cover art to the song-by-song liner notes let's you know that these guys are in it for the music, and the message!

They have done a killer job picking songs from big names, such as Metallica, Megadeth and Mötorhead. But I found myself enjoying the lesser known tracks from The Moshketeers, Mortification and Vengeance Rising just as much, or perhaps even more. I also think the band managed to stay clear choosing songs that everyone else have covered before them. A good covers album should have that fine balance between staying true to the original material, but at the same time give the song a different character. On 'Lex Metalis' Ultimatum is doin' just that. Every song is recorded with the utmost respect for the original artists. After all, these guys are devoted fans. But if I didn't know the original tunes, you could probably pass most of these tracks by me as new Ultimatum originals. Scott's vocals are unmistakable, and Robert has his own unique guitar-tone. So with very small tweaks and alterations, all of the songs have been Ultimatumized. My personal favorite here is "Locked In Chains", probably the most obscure track covered, originally recorded by The Moshketeers (the band Ultimatum drummer Alan Tuma used to be in). It holds up solid alongside more knows songs, such as "Creeping Death" (Metallica), "Ton Of Bricks" (Metal Church) and "Powersurge" (Overkill). I also love their take on Megadeth's "Moto Psycho", a song that originally didn't grab me. But the beefed up version from these guys sounds very strong. And their version of Saxon's legendary "Denim And Leather" made me wanna search out the original again. Other favorites includes "Can't Get Out" (Vengeance Rising) and "Gut Wrench (Mortification), another song that Ultimatum has totally reworked into their own.

'Lex Metalis' is yet another quality product from the Ultimatum camp. I'm loving every second of it, and the fun the band must have had while recording it is rubbing off on the listener big time! I'm also glad that this is out of their system, so to speak. Because now they can concentrate on writing new material for another Ultimatum album!

Ultimatum also appear on:  

V/A - Massive Frequency Overload - U.S. Hard Compilation

V/A - 'The Metal Merchant - Cheap, Hard & Heavy Vol. 12'

V/A - 2000 The Second Coming - A Christian Metal Compilation'

V/A - 'Christian Metal Realm: Thorns Of Redemption The Compilation - Volume 1'

Scott Waters guest appearances:  

Michael Phillips - 'Mirrors Within Mirrors'

Related artists:

Angelic Force, Once Dead, Tÿkkus, SevenThsign