The case of Meddallion from TX-US was a serious conversation topic around Metalheads addicted to underground. You see very little information was known about this band that was reported to have record only two tracks back in 1986 that were remained officially unreleased. Well yes this one is from the depths of the Texas Metal Underground but fortunately Scott from TMU Records not only managed to track down the band but arranged an official release of their two 1986 demo songs.

So what we got here is a great 7'' EP including the songs "Stormbringer" and "Sword If Steel" that Medallion recorded back in 1986. Well the band delivers a great mix of Epic and NWOBHM Metal heavily influenced by the classic San Antonio Metal sound.

On the first "Stormbringer" track we will be able some great double guitar themes which are enforced to the maximum by the vocals of Andy Lucio. His characteristic high-pitched voice and his passionate way of singing are important trademarks to the band's sound. "Stormbringer" is a fast, solid tune that re presents all the power and passion of a young band recording on a basement back in the mid 80s, you can almost feel the sweat and the adrenaline in the air. The double guitar attack and the nice leads, combined with the solid rhythm section and of course the voice are resulting to a song that would absolutely take no prisoners.

The second "Swords Of Steel" songs begins with a melodic / epic interlude, however it is just a matter of some seconds until the song becomes faster. Some little breakings in the beginning would make your realize that this song has a little more technical approaching compared to the first one but all in all the basic idea is the same: fast tempo, solid riffing / main guitar themes, killer lead guitar parts and a Lucio that sings like a maniac in here. Well this is absolutely my favorite from this 7".

As you have already realized the sound of this band is absolutely guitar driven so it is obvious that the twin guitar attack -of Armado Gaua and Manuel Ochoa- is another big trademark in here. Raymond Castaneda on bass and Danny Castaneda on drums are pushing the compositions almost to the limit, well I guess you know that a good rhythm section is the big secret for a metal band and Meddallion absolutely had it.

Even 26 years after the recording of those songs it is perfect to listen such passionate and crushing Steel that is delivered the way it deserves to. A quick look at the whole packaging of the EP will assure you about this. The songs are pressed in translucent gold vinyl (edition of 400 copies), that comes in a full color pro printed jacket, including a 12 page booklet featuring rare photos and an in depth interview with the band. There is also a Collector's Edition (limited to 100 copies) which includes marbled vinyl plus pin-back button and sticker. It should have been sold out by now but you never know, make a try.

Last but not least I would like to make a small point about the http://www.texasmetalunderground.com site and Texas Metal Underground Records. Both are perfect example of a person's love and dedication to Metal. Scott is doing a great job first of all in the site -that is a golden source of information for all of us about the Texas Metal underground scene of the 80s- and secondly with the label that brings to light all those rare Texas diamonds. Keep an eye in TMU as I am sure that there will be more to come in the future.



http://tmurecords.bandcamp.com/album/meddallion-demo-1986-7-vinyl

Review by: Countraven