DISC ONE
The Downward Spiral (1992)
01. Sin
02. The Downward Spiral
03. Locked in Chains
04. Ye!
05. The Myth
06. Self Extinction
07. Epicurus
08. Posers of Deceit
09. Grease the Duck
10. Nightmares
11. The Life of Emptiness
BONUS TRACKS
12. Return [1997 demo]
13. Death or Life [1997 Demo]
14. Thelo Agnoia [1997 Demo]
15. Take My Life [1997 Demo]
16. Ye! [1989 Demo]
DISC TWO
Vacation From Hell [1989 Demo]
01. America
02. Suicide
03. Murder For a Profit
04. Locked in Chains
05. Forgotten Faces
06. The Ballad
07. Deception
(Roxx Productions)
Line-up 1-11 & 16:
Paul Scozzafava - Vocals, Guitars
Michael Parkin - Bass, Yells
Rob Hildago - Drums, Yells
Additional musicians
Alan Tuma - Drums on 6
Norman Paytiamo, Joe McGrath
Sean Daly - Additional Yells
Line-up 12-15:
Paul Scozzafava - Vocals, Guitars
Sean Daly - Bass
Alan Tuma - Drums
Line-up CD2:
Paul Scozzafava - Guitar & Vocals
Michael Shane - Bass
Rob Hildago - Drums
The Moshketeers were one of Christian metal underground most reveled "secrets". This New Mexico thrash metal acts name came up every time fans started discussing albums that needed a proper reissue. 'The Downward Spiral' was independently released in 1991, on cassette only. Finally in 2010 Roxx Records secured the rights to reissue this gem upon a suspecting world!
First of all, 'The Downward Spiral' is just as good as the rumors would have it! The bands brand of thrash metal is unlike any band you've ever heard, yet it's well rooted in the American thrash metal scene of the late '80's. The bands name, and their Bermuda shorts-clad looks leads the mind toward some of the bands that mixed thrash metal with hardcore and humor, like Anthrax, S.O.D. or M.O.D..
And while the former of those bands can somewhat serve as a pinpoint towards The Moshketeers thrash metal sound, they are as different as they are similar. What sets The Moshketeers apart is the inclusion of influences from other genres, such as funk ("Grease The Duck"), doom metal ("Self Extinction") and even more straight ahead metal leanings ("Nightmares", "Epicurus").
Lyrically The Moshketeers are unashamed of their Faith. It's not turn-or-burn, yet crystal clear Christian messages of how to turn your life from despair to eternal happiness. "Grease The Duck" features lyrics (partly spoken) that tackles the hypocrisy within the church.
The Roxx Records reissue of 'The Downward Spiral' comes with several bonus tracks. 4 of them are picked from a demo the band recorded in 1996, and released in 1997 as a pre-release cassette for their second album. The sophomore album was never finished, so this is also the first time these songs see a CD release. Here the band sounds a bit more introvert, probably influenced by the neo-thrash metal that was so popular at the time.
The last song on the CD is picked from the bands self titled first demo, recorded in 1989. All the songs from the demo ended up of 'The Downward Spiral', but "Ye!" was the only one re-recorded for the album. So here we get the original demo version as well. All of the songs have been remastered for this reissue.
As yet another bonus to those who pre-ordered this disc, Roxx added a second CD with Rapture's 'Vacation From Hell' demo from 1989. I'm not sure that these songs were remastered, as this demo sounds more raw.
Musically it's a less refined band playing, yet the focus is on playing speed metal with thrash leanings. Only "Locked In Chains" followed the band after the name change. "Murder For A Profit" features lyrics written by Barren Cross frontman, Mike Lee.
The reissue of 'The Downward Spiral' is one of the better additions to my Christian metal collection in a long time. I also own an original cassette release of the album, but having it remastered on CD is of course 100 times better.
My only grief with the reissue is the atrocious cover art! The cartoon-ish looking CGI image is just not cutting it for me, and I'd much rather seen the original artwork used for the reissue as well. I've posted both images above. But other than that, this is a must-have for all thrash meal fanatics!
Killer tracks: Sin, The Downward Spiral, Locked In Chains, The Myth, Grease The Duck, The Life Of Emptines.
The Downward Spiral" had never been officially released on any record label, no less on CD. Finally in 2010 the album was released by Roxx Records with several bonus tracks. Those lucky enough to get in on the pre-release received a special 2-CD version with the complete Rapture "Vacation from Hell" demo and a black "Downard Spiral" t-shirt.
The Roxx release is packaged with completely brand new cover art, liner notes and some classic photos of the band. Unfortunately this album was printed in very limited supply with only 1000 pieces being pressed in total and only 125 2-CD versions making it an instant collector's item. "The Downward Spiral" is one of my favorite thrash metal albums and it deserves to be released officially on CD, especially with some kick butt artwork.