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.
Features
Evolution Beyond Dissonance
Two years since the release of Hands Like Houses' latest album, 'Anon,' the band should be on the road supporting the release. Instead, the band has leveraged their local presence, government help, and new platforms like Patreon to stay afloat in the COVID-age.
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HM Magazine Turns 35
In 1985, Doug Van Pelt photocopied a letter-sized sheets of paper, bound them together, and handed them out in person on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. It's all digital now, but, along the way, Van Pelt stirred up quite a few waves, played some seriously heavy music, and made a few friends along the way. Here: A quick look back at the magazine's 35-year history with Van Pelt and new owner, David Stagg.
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Forward Under a Dying Sun
Most of these days, the sun rises and sets on a world that feels like it's dying. Across the pond, where Employed to Serve calls home, they're learning how to support their latest record a year into its release. HM contributor Andrew Voigt recently sat down with Justine Jones to learn more about the band, marrying your bandmates, and their outside shot at touring with Rammstein.
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A Disparate Vintage
On Tigerwine's latest, 'Nothing is for You,' vocalist and lyricist Trobee departs from the band's last effort as a concept record to write about an array subjects. Notably, Trobee tackles his evolution from rigid belief system to an acceptance and understanding of other ideas: "Through touring and becoming close with those very people I was taught to be afraid of, I realized how untrue it all is."
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