Artist: ZNOWHITE
Album: ACT OF GOD RE-RELEASE (DIGI)

Year: 1988/ 2007
Media type: CD

Among other speed metal bands, Znowhite definitely had style and character. Act Of God to this day remains one of the most thrilling and intensive metal productions of the 80’s. It took the band only this single release to earn the status of a classic and to once and for all engrave the name Znowhite onto the pages of metal history. The limited 2000-copy digipack release is enriched with exclusive liner notes written by Ian Tafoya himself.

Biography:

Among other speed metal bands, Znowhite definitely had style and character. Act Of God to this day remains one of the most thrilling and intensive metal productions of the 80’s. It took the band only this single release to earn the status of a classic and to once and for all engrave the name Znowhite onto the pages of metal history.

Formed in 1982 in Chicago, Illinois by three relatives (Ian Tafoya – guitars, his brother Sparks – bass and cousin Nicky – drums), the group concentrated on the fastest and wildest genre of metal. Their music gained much popularity – it only lack a good singer. Surprisingly, the band’s manager – Nicole Lee - revealed skills as a metal vocalist. Their first demo released in 1983 was sent to record companies. It enchanted Brian Slagel of Metal Blade, who added the song “Hellbent” to the world famous Metal Massacre compilation. Being listed next to Tyrant, Bitch, Virgin Steele, Warlord and Slayer gave the band definite recognition and helped them record their second demo tape. The record company Enigma was clearly aware of their popularity, when releasing debut LP All Hail to Thee. Soon after Nicky Tafoya left Znowhite and was replaced by Amp Dawg. The band began intensive touring. After an unfortunate deal with Enigma, who pretty much neglected the group’s promotion, Znowhite signed a contract with Erika Records and in 1985 released their first and only live EP. “Live Suicide” introduced the band’s new bass player, Scott Shafer. After that Znowhite focused on recording a new demo. The effect gained interest of the American department of Roadrunner, Roadracer, which offered a record deal in 1986 for the band’s next full-length release. Act of God was finally launched in 1988, with another change in the line-up – Scott Shafer switched from bass to drums, being replaced by Alex Olvera. The new album definitely presented Znowhite at its best – full of insanely fast guitar riffs and fiery solos conjoined with Nicole Lee’s characteristic vocals, the record was a speed metal masterpiece that appealed to each and every heavy music fanatic. After the release of the album the band focused on live performances and all was going great until the controversial decision by Nicole to leave the group… Numerous interviews suggest ‘musical differences’, other sources point out Nicole’s fading dedication to the metal scene. Znowhite reached the peak of their possibilities and Ian Tafoya knew that without a charismatic singer such as Nicole, the group was sure to eventually dissolve. He searched for a replacement, not wanting to change the concept of the band too much. Only two names met with his expectations - Debbie Gunn of Sentinal Beast and Dawn Crosby (R.I.P.), at that time playing with Detente. The job eventually went to Debbie. Another line-up change considered the drummer, Scott Schafer, who decided to return to the bass. From now on the drums were played by John Slattery (ex Tools of Ignorance). Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Debbie couldn’t match with Nicole’s singing and soon left Znowhite to join Ice Age. Znowhite’s end was unquestionable. After the official dismissal, the band’s musicians along with vocalist Sonny De Luca formed Cyclone Temple, often compared to thrash giants like Testament, Anthrax and early Metallica. It released three full-length albums before it finally disbanded in 1994.

TRACKLIST:

1. To The Last Breath
2. Baptised By Fire
3. Pure Blood
4. War Machine
5. Thunderdome
6. Rest In Peace
7. Disease Bigotry
8. A Soldier's Creed
9. Something Wicked (This Way Comes)