Pariah were the follow up of the British band Satan (UK) who changed their name
into Pariah in 1987 and persured a speed metal sound. Not sure the reason for
the
name change, but I can only assume it was because of the obvious reason
that they severely limited their audience with such a name. Pariah released
2 albums before splitting
up in the early 90's. After the demise of Pariah,
guitarist Steve Ramsey and bassist Greame English played in Skyclad.
Pariah reunited in 1997 and released another album
a year later.
Pariah - Blaze of Obscurity (SPV/Steamhammer) 1989
1. "Missionary of mercy" (6:00)
2. "Puppet regime" (4:31)
3. "Canary" (5:43)
4. "Blaze of obscurity" (5:42)
5. "Retaliate!" (4:31)
6. "Hypochondriac" (4:13)
7. "Enemy Within" (4:50)
8. "The Brotherhood" (5:49)
Pariah are a British speed metal band who had an obvious NWOBHM influence mixed into their sound. Their sound is somewhat typical of the hordes of other speed metal bands that were out in the late 80's; fast guitar riffs, downbeats, double bass, speedy guitar solos, etc. However, one thing that set Pariah apart is that vocalist Micheal Jackson (no, not THAT Micheal Jackson) has a rough edge to his voice that reminds me slightly of Paul DiAnno. It is this quality that kept pulling me back for multiple listens. Being a huge fan of the speed metal and thrash style to begin with, I am easily amused by albums like this. However, when I got this CD in the mail, accompanying it was Iron Angel's "Winds of War" and Risk's "The Daily Horror News." All three CDs are excellent and all three are in a similar style musically, but the Jackson's vocals really grabbed my attention immediately. Also, Pariah have that slight early 80's NWOBHM influence that also help set them apart. Yet another speed metal band to add to the collection, yet another back catalogue of CDs that I will now be on the lookout for.