BlackThorn

Cannibalistic Masturbation

Emanzipation

Horrorscope

Hot Rockin'

Merciless Thrash

Metal Power

Metallic beast

Nagual

Necroticism

Nice Noise

Obsequies

Septic Desecrator

The NRG mag

Trechoma

Udbrud

Unchained Energy

Underground Mag

Welcome to my eyes

Wonderful rhythms

Artillery

Nigro Mantia

Mercyful Fate

METAL UP YOUR FUCKIN' NOSE

editor: Morten Lehmenn  
ass. editor: Karsten Jørgensen  
design etc.: Morten Nielsen  
treasury: Karl Bartlitz

Hi there everybody, hello, and welcome to UNCHAINED ENERGY - the first Danish Heavy Metal magazine in English.

When I started to make plans for this mag some months ago, I wanted it to be something that was for both you & everybody, that means not too unusual.  

The only trouble I had because of that was, some newspapers & magazines don't approve of it. Well that's not my fault with all those articles in their papers or magazines, that there's no news in them and they're filled with the same old news & very often bloody boring reviews.  

As you see 'we' dare to bring reviews instead of other peoples' correspondents at the press receptions. We don't promise to bring reviews of every new LP - but believe you me, we'll bring reviews of those heavy, hot as hell, damned exciting bands, that set minds on fire, blood on fire & start off the body & banging the head. Coz this mag will be a blast of pure unchained energy.

It is our intention to print such articles in UNCHAINED ENERGY, now and in the future.  

Actually there is a couple of them in no. 1. First of all there's an article about Mercyful Fate. It should cover 1984 and 1985 not the year 1983, it was difficult to find what happened in 1983 & what happened in 1984.  

Then there's an article on SLAYER. If you don't think these bands don't look god as hell, well look them up, they got Heavy Metal rolled up!  

As you all know, MERCYFUL FATE will be releasing a LP with 4 full-length songs sometime in the near future. Did you know? they played in these towns, and everything went well and that's all.  

Therefore we'd like all those who want to write articles to us. regarding anything they would like UNCHAINED ENERGY to print: THE MERCYFUL FATE US STORY.  

But enough said about the past, it's time for the future now. MUSCIC is here & METAL with every blood cell of you, the sounds are making your body are tense again!!  

That's all. What you gotta do is run for your lives, dig deep beneath your soul & let it out, prepare those heavy magazines and next time you'll be seeing the biggest bands with the biggest names! Now have a good time while reading UNCHAINED ENERGY. In future we're going to get a series of articles "what's shaking" about bands like SLAYER & some that BLACK SABBATH was one'll never have to change again, there shall be no more of those unchained energy. 

Lay-out and editing:  
Karl Bartlitz,  
Morten Nielsen,  
Karsten Jørgensen,  
Morten Lehmenn  
Printing: PH-Tryk, Billund

Unchained Energy: Denmark's First Heavy Metal Magazine in English

**Artillery**

**Line-up:**
- Carsten Lohmann - vocals
- Jørgen Sandau - guitars
- Michael Stytzer - guitars
- Morten Stytzer - bass
- Carsten Nielsen - drums

ARTILLERY were formed in 1982 by Carsten Nielsen and Jørgen Sandau and after a quite a lot of changes in the line-up, Michael Stytzer and Morten Stytzer joined the group bringing with them a lot of experience which they had got by playing in Copenhagen with groups like EVIL and DARK MISSION.

By the end of 1983, they recorded their first demo. This work, called **ARDSHOCK**, was made for Ards Concerts in Holland. But it had to fun writing songs for this work as the second track of this demo is simply called "??".

After the concert, Per Omikken walked through the street shouting "IDGE!!!" which was short for Ignorance. Later people began using this word as an insult. Carsten Lohmann left the group before ARTILLERY recorded ARTILLERYSHOCK-demo in July 1984.

In July 1984 ARTILLERY released the **SHELLSHOCK**-demo which was a gift from heaven for metal-freaks. Danish group made two versions of this demo - one normal recording for media and fans and another for hardcore-bangers. It definitely is the heaviest Metal ever released in the waffle-country Denmark!

And when everybody thought it was safe to start the taperecorder again, "DEEDS OF DARKNESS" came out throwing shock. Not only were the songs better, the music was even more heavy - a marvelous piece of Metal.

There are 4 tracks on the demo. From the start of the opener "Deeds of Darkness" you are put into the mood by Michael Stytzer's guitar. Morten Stytzer's bass-playing is worth really listening to. You can feel that he loves what he is doing and it is not only his so-called sound that reminds me of Mr. Steve Harris. Carsten’s harsh-gutted mouth and the powerful drum-beating break the ice on a new ARTILLERY-track, turning it into hymn. I give you my word, his voice is powerful and he controls his voice very well.

But the best is to follow. The second track on side 1 - "Into the Universe" carries the melody that can and will win even more interested people for this aggressive band. It is very difficult to explain to you exactly what the band is doing but you are undoubtedly taken up through the fast ARTILLERY-sound; the harmony is followed by a lead-break - what a lead-break.

Side 2 is opened by "Beware and be Alert" - the typical ARTILLERY track with lyrics that contain very simple and easy to understand things: Beware and be alert because you will lose your life if you don't watch out. The break is good work too.

The 4th track "Too Late to Regret" shows up the highest technical skill of the group, by its contrast and speed and the excellent work by all five band-members it will slowly become a Danish heavy Metal classic. This track is pure art... ARTILLERY-Style.

ARTILLERY are simply totally brutal but they have a couple of good songs too. I recently discovered that another great Danish band acquired their coach/car - so, good money.

*LA MORT*

Formation and Early Demos of Artillery: A Historical Overview

# Nigro Mantia

**Nigro Mantia are:**
- Jes Eschen: drums
- Dennis Riber: guitar
- Jonn Poulsen: bass
- Steen Jäger: vocals
- Peder Belial: organ, vocals
- Michael Skjödtgyld: guitar

After a long time of impatient waiting—a time which seemed like eternity to the insiders of the Danish Metal scene—the Danish metal band NIGRO MANTIA (former ARGON WRACK) finally issued their debut demo "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE."

The group describe their music as Prog-Metal. Musically it can be said to be a mixture of NIGRO MANTIA and TROUBLE. Djenty riffs, screamed and very powerful vocal lines set against epileptic drums. NIGRO MANTIA are actually adding something very new to a fairly staid musical genre. In the more serious moments they are a touch over the top, but for the most part, they are very impressive.

The arrangements are not to be compared with the endless repetition of simple notes and clumsy chardonic chords. Also in the lyrical field, there are major differences between NIGRO MANTIA and most other Metal bands. As the band's spokesman and manager Peder Belial states: "I actually use cliches and empty phrases." It's needed because our songs are for a world without visions. But even the poetry itself is strongly arranged which yields the strength to extrapolate strength in songs that even well-known bands' lyrics are boring and senseless.

NIGRO MANTIA will be one of the most interesting HR-bands for the near future.

But all this doesn't help if the music isn't any good. NIGRO MANTIA, however, can be proud of their efforts on the debut demo tape "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE". This tape contains 6 own numbers (playing time: 29 min., 6 sec) and one old song in a new version from the 70s, (the old song is just 1:50 minutes long) the masterpiece "THE END" (T. Rasmussen's extra piece there too). It is not a boring and one-piece Death album. No exaggerations this and the other MIOR numbers boast that without a shadow of a doubt.

The statement is proven by Dane Island's power play (a same-titled number). This hard but at the same time extremely brutal rock number is filled with good guitar-harmonies as well as a very good theme. Furthermore, the group make use of strange and unusual rhythm compositions.

But it is not until the last track of the demo ("Monolith of the end") which is by far the best song on the band's true potential is shown. "The extractor word" is set deviously at life's end. It is dark in a way of Wagnerian quality but at the same time, as majestic as Blackplague. The way that they are able to make ancient sound seamless, smoothly, and use the most contrary metal elements in one song is brilliant. "Monolith of the end" ought to be their next single. It's fantastic... "MONOLITH OF THE END" is at least one of the best tracks.

NIGRO MANTIA ought to be able to make it. But they shouldn't be down if some say their music lacks a basic clearness, not completely true verbosity, or even just too hard. Personally, I can't invest in this bunch. I favor another group than NIGRO MANTIA, and other creative ideas around above all, Crete (Cave)—the world's best new-found guitar-heart … one of the most astonishing revelations.

**STOP PRESS:**

NIGRO MANTIA have changed their vocals. Due to commitments of a personal nature, Bo Kjær has left the band.

Because of this, we believe "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE" in a short time should be enough for us, from where new material is to be made after thing to where.

For further info on how to obtain a copy of NIGRO MANTIA's new record "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE", please send tape to:

Peder Belial  
Nørregade 10  
DK-9800 Hjørring

Introducing Nigro Mantia: Pioneers of Progressive Metal

Mercyful Fate

Well the world of Heavy Metal is strange indeed. Normally you are punished when you lie and rewarded when telling the truth, but in the HM-world the opposite is the fact.

A good example of this are MERCYFUL FATE, one of Denmark's most important music-exports. Bands like VENOM, SLAYER, et al, preach the "Christian Satanics" and are praised to the skies—two part-time DENMARKSFULF FATE who have understood what satanism really are, {sic} are called too satanic too brutal. So low-minded that they keep upon King Diamond's cast. It makes no sense at all indeed.

Recently, FATE returned from the most successful U.S.-tour a Danish band have ever been on, and the 15 successful Metallians have only got good things to say to those who believe in the bizarre disputes that the band are dissolved: "We have never been better friends than we are now and we have never worked better together than we do now."

In the US of A FATE found more than a lot of FAITHUL fans. They found themselves a manager too -the former KISS manager ALVIN ROSS himself. Before the U.S.-tour, King had a manager that handled the management, but it was getting too time-consuming. Now King shared his time 50/50 for composing new songs and due to this they haven't felt, that they have ever worked more happily. They will enter the studio shortly after their European tour in 1984. The release is expected one and a half year after the debut "MELISSA" the title will appromament [sic] be "DON'T BREAK THE OATH."

MERCYFUL FATE are so used to strange situations that you can't shock them any longer. They don't really understand the big recognition and puts it down to that their music is both better and stranger than any other.

"What characterizes "D.B.T.O." then? Well first there’s the production. It sounds strange, but the production is better than that of "MELISSA." Then there is the fact, that "DBTO" is a collection of fantastic and very strong songs. FATE have become more tuneful but they have absolutely not become softened. Still the music is full of power and lately the compositions are changing as they haven't lost the good old rhythms."

Another thing has been learned: There has been another change. But there are still dealing with themes like satanism and horror which confuses quite a few people and makes them go totally over the top. The texts are that they tell much more than the early texts did.

It's hard to highlight any track you have to specially speak about, because all of them. But "On Dangerous Meeting" may get some special because it’s heavy sounding, a text which warns anybody wishing to "play" with powers. "Desecration of Souls" is perhaps the heaviest track, it sort of never ends and if it were traced to choose a "hit-track" it would be this one. Finally comes "Gypsy" which was recorded last and is musically good composition with arrangement that makes good tune. After "Gypsy," they finished the last hours of mixing the record which is shortly ready.

On a cold winterday, I finally decided that an interview with the KING himself would be in its place.

YOU GOT A NEW MANAGER IN USA: HOW DID YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM?

"Well, ALVIN ROSS was the owner of the merchandise company and he just happened to pick us up at the airport. He told us at once he wanted to manage us and since then it had only gone well. All told, we therefore had more work than at home where we do something else. Over there every day is to the full with lots of business."

YOU ARE MOVING EVERYTHING ACROSS THE POND. HOW ARE REACTIONS ON YOUR HOLY-SEANCE?

"Yes we do. For a while, that is. But it is where it's at we'll consider the possibilities which lies there."

YOU ARE, OF COURSE GOING ON A EUROPEAN TOUR: WHEN WILL THAT BE?

"It'll probably be from March and onwards, but I cannot tell you exactly where. All we know is that we will be going to the North and back South. Apparently know nothing, but perhaps too much etc. But surely we hope we can travel as much as possible. Because it only can help us achieve what we all want."

WHAT ARE YOU DOING AFTER THE EURO-TOUR?

"We'll record our 3rd LP. We state that we are going straight to play some festivals." ACCORDING TO THE KERRANG! - HITLISTS YOU HAVEN'T SOLD AS MANY COPIES OF "...THE OATH" AS YOU HAVE SOLD IN OTHER COUNTRIES. CAN YOU CONFIRM THIS?

"The only thing I can say is that it has sold as good as "MELISSA" did, and that is 10,000 copies the first 2½ weeks after the release."

SPEAKING OF KERRANG! IT OBVIOUSLY HASN'T BEEN THE BEST PUBLICITY FOR MERCYFUL FATE THAT DAVE DICKSON WROTE THAT BELOW-THE-BELT ARTICLE IN KERRANG! DO YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE LOST SOME OF YOUR ENGLISH FANS ON THIS ACCOUNT?

"We probably have lost some fans, but I don't think the article destroyed them at all."

WHAT WILL YOU SAY TO KERRANG! WHEN THEY ASK FOR AN INTERVIEW AGAIN?

"I am not at all interested!"

WHEN YOU STARTED THERE WAS MUCH INTEREST FROM SOUTH AMERICA. HAS THAT INTEREST DECREASED OR INCREASED AFTER THE QUEEN OF THE BLACK AXE TOUR?

"South America... that's Uruguay. Our first tape didn't get much attention from the recordcompanies. But the second demo gave us a contract."

YOU HAVE BEEN "FIGHTING" WITH AN AMERICAN BAND. DO YOU HAVE A COMMENT FOR THEM?

"They're on their way down. I've been talking to people in the USA and they told me how ridiculous they were. I can tell you that they played in front of 94, I think, people in the Hamest-smith Odeon in London. So it seems that they will GET their punishment. Actually, I have my own theory why they are doing so badly."

DEATH OF MY ENEMIES

As you can see of the above, there is not too many friendly feelings between FATE and MANOWAR. The insiders will probably say no more than the outstanding popularity of FATE began with the show in England supporting MANOWAR and labeled them a "mild sensation". Their success increased, and when "...THE OATH" was released they had sold more than 80,000 copies of "MELISSA" outside the USA.

The match was fought, unfortunately, on "foreign" ground and a casualty couldn't be avoided. FATE's soundcheck wasn't done due to arrival in Texas. Therefore VENOM borrowed FATE's sound. Before FATE's "soundcheck-concert" MANOWAR's sound-engineer was to be present and due to this the concert was delayed for about 15 minutes and those 15 minutes, that normally are being subtracted from FATE's playing-time.

With passive equipment, which FATE had to borrow MANOWAR "did not function". FATE's sound-engineer was prohibited to leave the table from the mixer to the stage and walk out to run equipment back to the roadies, but MANOWAR's sound-engineer enjoyed himself by "devastating" FATE's sound.

After the concert, when FATE, supported by the MUSIC FOR NATIONS boss, wouldn't agree to MANOWAR's threats and refused to give them their gear on MANOWAR's truck, according to agreement, MANOWAR's manager Clark refused this and FATE decided to stop the tour.

Without knowing anything about the further development of the case, I dare to suggest that MANOWAR's recent company-change from MFN to MEGA is due to MANOWAR being sacked by MFN.

Actually, it seems as though a clique in the music industry has conspired against FATE but there's no such thing as bad happening.

There have been extraordinary many rumours telling that the DANES side-stroke NORWEGIANS, will release a live tape banned in England. According to ARDISSOCK, telling the group’s plans, it will be taken up and released as the next MFN-IRL-message: "IT'S SATAN COMING TO GET YA."

The main-tracks FATE's provided with the MFN-KOTH-TAPESYSTEM during the tour is nothing more than proof that FATE means business. Two of "THE OATH"-tracks were left for conclusion in California as incomplete rough-mix versions. During this day and age I don't think FATE needs any kind of promotion, as their successful society can turn to King Diamond...

MERCYFUL FATE US TOUR 1984

MERCYFUL FATE are the first Danish rock band to travel the length and breadth of the USA, that is, touring 35 cities coast to coast, which were very excited about the group even predicted to have as much fascination power as MADONNA, BOWIE etc. after they completed a 7-week period in the States.

Despite what Kerrang!/Louder than Hell, Dickson and Stet Howland had to say about it, MERCYFUL FATE headlined the concert over MANOWAR. Which was against Ventor's will who tried to stay in hiding until he finally succeeded.

After an absolutely less period ending due to the Portland at 2 o'clock in the morning after the tour ended changed plans twice during our flight, and when handing over the half of it, was it conducted.

For the finalists in the indoor we finally succeeded. However geared out and made the most of it although with 100,000 cars and our first two people to take place two days later.

There were eleven people coming out of the plane. This was MERCYFUL FATE saying "HEY, THAT WAS THE GREATEST PLACE, DON'T FORGET OL' SARGE." I congratulated him later as he told the small crowd of 10. Well to speak to the girl said he knew it was true.

The city of FATE have determined the tournames and the rougher the rougher whether anyone beat it.

The reception over the 5,000 feet in the air was (there wasn't only one person. Everybody should have heard that) which one was to meet with the way and all. Americans were used to see was "standard" clothes.

Our stage was built out of house-rooting disasters who tore apart through thrills and rock frenzy. All picked up by standardstage managers. Our producer managed to sell two bottles of champagne in 3-hours. 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Mercyful Fate: Defying the Norms of Heavy Metal

Unchained energy # 2

Unchained energy # 1