What band has been recording metal since the early 80's yet each release is heavier than it's predecessor? What band loves its music so much that even after they get signed use their own money to promote their new music? What band has the balls to put in bold on each recent release, "We used no lawyers, managers, or cover songs in the making of this recording"? The answer to all three questions is New Jersey's HADES. A renowned name in Metal circles, New Jersey's HADES has weathered the storms of line up changes and break ups to consistently deliver ever improving slabs of technical Heavy Metal. Having attained a worthy cult following on American soil, despite a sometimes overtly socio-political lyrical stance, HADES have also maintained a sturdy fan base in Europe, especially in Germany.
HADES first released their now classic speed metal debut RESISTING SUCCESS in 1987. The band broke up after completing a European tour in 1989, a year after releasing their sophomore effort IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED. After the break-up, vocalist ALAN TECHIO moved to Austin, Texas to join prog-rockers Watchtower for a year. In 1990 he reunited with guitarist DAN LORENZO in his new band NON-FICTION. NON-FICTION recorded three albums and toured the U.S. and Europe extensively before their break-up in 1995. Interestingly, HADES released a reunion album called EXIST TO RESIST on Black Pumpkin Records in 1994 while NON-FICTION was still active. In 1999 HADES signed to Metal Blade Records and released their comeback album SAVIORSELF. Originally a demo, this release showed the band focusing on a new, more mature heavy sound. THE DOWNSIDE followed in 2000. Possessing a much better production and more cohesive song writing this release saw HADES pushing themselves to another level as a unified band. HADES finest moment came in support of THE DOWNSIDE during an appearance at Germany's infamous Wacken 2000 outdoor festival. DAMNATION was HADES’ third album for Metal Blade and this time the band felt they'd surpassed their last release by huge leaps. With the return of original HADES bassist JIMMY SCHULMAN, and new drum talent RON LIPNICKI, ALAN TECCHIO and DAN LORENZO, along with mainstay lead guitarist ED FURHMAN, recorded their heaviest disc to date. JIMMY brought his unique melodic bass style back to the band and RON took drumming to all new heights making the HADES rhythm section more powerful than ever. In the United States HADES received quite a bit of criticism for the artwork of the album, which depicted a burning American flag.
MAUSOLEUM is proud to present the re-release of RESISTING SUCCESS and IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, on a double CD album, featuring three bonus tracks, one; THINKTANK, especially recorded for the occasion.
During the preparations for the release of this package it was announced that HADES drummer RON LIPNICKI joined OVERKILL on their European tour. LIPNICKI also played drums on former HADES guitarists DAN LORENSZO’S three solo albums, as well as on the bonus track THINKTANK, featured on this re-release.