This hard-working metal band from Oregon should have been one of the pioneers of Christian metal in the early ’80s along with Saint, Bride, Leviticus and Messiah Prophet. Instead, the band sputtered and stalled after singer Tony Saiz and guitarist Shaun Tramel were tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in November 1984. Without releasing any official albums, the band’s name (pronounced ex-sinner) was nearly forgotten. This 2008 release compiles most of XINR’s songs. Production is still rough, but the record does show us a traditional metal band in the vein of Paul Di’Anno-era Iron Maiden that would have been head and shoulders above the competition in 1984, and is still quite fresh and exciting today. Very rare, but a must-have if you like late ’70s or early ’80s metal.
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Quite The Undertaking
Frenzied. Chaotic. Punk. The Undertaking!, San Diego's newest wild bunch, is about to release their debut album, and, if their live show is a premonition of any kind, the world will be opening up to one heck of a party with them. Contributing writer Andrew Voigt talks to vocalist Austin Visser about the band's new album, the reality of their music, and how they've been able to embrace their creative freedom.
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