From the vaults, High Roller Records have put together a compilation of raw-sounding ASSASSIN songs, some originally intended for the “Interstellar Experience” album, others recorded at band rehearsals and a live show in Lambsheim, Germany, in 1987. These songs perfectly capture the energy of one of Germany’s finest Thrash bands of the 1980s, and one can really ask again why ASSASSIN did not receive the same acclaim as their famous brothers in spirit, SODOM, DESTRUCTION or KREATOR. Of course, there are parallels and similar sounds when you listen to the record: ‘Abstract War’ sounds much like the early KREATOR records whereas the humour of ‘Junk Food’ is pointing towards TANKARD. The sincerity of a song like ‘Resolution 588’ (which referenced the Iran – Iraq War that was going on at the time), however, shows that ASSASSIN were capable of reaching an interesting depth in a Thrash Metal song, even before SACRED REICH released “Surf Nicaragua”. Now where did this treasure come from? According to the High Roller and Napalm Records websites, the first eight tracks of the compilation were recorded at Music Lab in Berlin by Harris Johns before the actual album recording sessions. In 2024, the original tapes were finally restored and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony studios. On the compilation, they are followed by the rehearsal songs, which offer another rare glimpse behind the scenes of a young band that wants to make a name for itself. For example, you can hear the band members joking around at the end of ‘Junk Food’, and there are no overdubs or other corrections of mistakes here – absolutely authentic! The live tracks present a passionate band willing to please and electrify their audience, and keen on finding out how concertgoers would react to their brand new songs (recorded at a show that took place even before the release of “Interstellar Experience” in early 1988). Speaking of experience: ASSASSIN have still got this spirit! If you get the chance, do check them out live – they are still going strong! www.facebook.com/assassinofficial, www.facebook.com/hrrecords