HELLHOUND (US/CA) ... EARLY DISCOGRAPHY

Hellhound were one of the early speed metal/thrash bands to come out of California USA, forming in 1981. The band originally called themselves Black Death, changing their name to Hellhound after a song by the same name was penned by bassist Rich Pelletier. Much like another young California band called Metallica, Hellhound were heavily inspired by the NWOBHM scene and incorporated much of that sound into their sound. They had a cult following in Europe just from their demo recordings. Unfortunately the band split-up before being offered the opportunity to record for a proper label. Several members from Hellhound went on to form Rapid Fire.

The music is early California thrash metal, combining a heavy NWOBHM influence and some classic 70's heavy metal influences. Thrash metal today is defined by more manic sounds like Kreator, Sodom and Slayer. Hellhound's sound is more melodic and would probably be more accurately labeled speed metal. There are some similarities to other thrash pioneers such as Metallica and Exodus, but Hellhound's sound is a bit more melodic than either band's early demos. Comparisons to Attacker, Death Angel and early Deliverance wouldn't be too far off. For the most parts the songs are fast to mid-paced, and contain all the usual thrash ingredients; chugging guitar riffs, fast guitar solos, and a tight rhythm section. Vocalist Mike Walish has an interesting voice which ranges from high pitched shrieks to more mid-rage, clean singing. At times his high shrieks reminds me of Tim Baker of Cirith Ungol fame and Flemming Ronsdorf of Artillery. Considering that all the material contained was recorded in the 80's and was demo recordings, the sound quality is quite good.

It's a shame that Hellhound didn't get beyond recording demos. These demos showed a lot of promise. Who knows what would could have happened from here.

/ Introduction written by 'No Life 'Til Leather'.

1980/90's DISCOGRAPHY

(1984) REHEARSAL DEMO [DEMO TAPE]

This is the bands first demo tape or it's actually a rehearsal tape.
Recorded on November 22nd 1984.

1. Flee the Bomb

2. Ice Age

3. Beyond Time and Space  

4. Suffer the Innocent

5. Killing Spree

6. Usurper (instrumental)

7. Hellhound 

(1985) SUBMIT OR DIE [DEMO TAPE]

This is the Recorded on 16 tracks at Astral Sounds
Recording, San Jose, CA in August 1985.

Side A

1. Ice Age 

2. Flee the Bomb

3. Killing Spree

Side B

4. Suffer the Innocent

5. The Usurper

6. Repression of Life

(1987) FROM THE RUINS OF YESTERDAY [DEMO TAPE]

Recorded and digitally mastered in December 1986 at
Astral Sounds Recording in San Jose, California.

1. From Ruins of Yesterday 

2. Hammerslag

3. The Asylum

4. Hellhound

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