The Crucified - Pillars of Humanity

A couple of days ago the new Metallica album was rumoured to have leaked. Many people including myself downloaded the album only to find out it was a Christian metal band called Eternal Decision. It's possible the whole thing was Metallica's continuing quest for revenge on those who share music as if releasing St.Anger and poorly ripping off the Misfits(in the form of the song, Vulturous) isn't enough revenge on both file sharers and the general public.

Anyhow the whole debacle reminded me of a Christian crossover band named The Crucified who released an album called The Pillars of Humanity back in 1991 if the lyrics weren't taken notice of could pass for Short Sharp Shock or Municipal Waste or even D.R.I.

The band claim that they were influenced by a Bay Area band called Corrupted Morals and a straight edge band called Head First. On Pillars of Humanity Slayer influences can definitely be heard in places.

The lyrics are often the repent or die type nonsense and have the usual self-righteousness of fundamentalists. However the best song Mindbender seemed like an attack on mindless drones who do nothing but sit around and watch TV all day which is easier to relate to.

The song Fellowship of Thieves which appears on The Pillars of Humanity album can be heard on The Crucified myspace page


The Crucified's Pillars of Humanity album can be downloaded here.

Nazgul

Nazgul were a Wellington 80s punk band who featured members, Craig and Dave from Compos Mentis. Nazgul formed after Compos Mentis split and were around in 87/88. Nazgul released a 12 inch on Out of Order records which is as rare as hen's teeth. Out of Order also released a compilation which features a Nazgul song. The entire 7 inch can be heard here. After the split of the band, Michelle the singer became involved the biker scene. I also remember reading in Wellington punk fanzine Anti-System that the drummer traded in his drums to buy a Harley-Davidson.


Nazgul Bebo page(yes, that's right) is the place to hear most if not all of their songs . To my ears they sound like The Avengers and the excellent Texan band Signal Lost but that could just be due to the strong female vocals. I really wish I'd caught Nazgul live.