Amaziah

Straight Talker Sonrise/Tunesmith 1979
Copies of this lp have been spotted recently for upwards of 500 pounds. "Wow!" you say, "I've got that one!" Oh no you don't. That's because more than likely you've got the pressing distributed by the Canadian Tunesmith label. Originally this was released in England as a custom and that's the one that has skyrocketed in value. Though not hugely appreciated by Christian collectors in general, those with an ear trained to homemade heavy rock monster sounds will find a real treasure here. A few progressive influences here such as on 'Way, Truth, Life' but mostly just loud cranking hard rock with aggressive guitar coupled with power synths and organ. They can be melodic too when they want and there's one ballad 'All Is Peace'. Derek Elliott's vocals may be an acquired taste for some. Tunesmith picked up the lp and released it on luscious red vinyl, replacing the original simple logo cover with the now classic band photo that makes them out to be punk rockers (which they're not). I love that guy's furry leopard-skin vast. And is that Joey Ramone on the far right? KS

Some info for you on this band. I actually went to school with one of the guys in the band (Paul Loader in the green boiler suit). I have several copies of the original UK release. You may not be aware that the Canadian Tunesmith is a remix (slightly heavier), and the photo of the band does not correspond with the band who recorded the album. In the photo we have, L-R, Dave Steeel (keyboards), Paul Loader (bass), Kev Steel (guitar & Dave's younger brother), Phil Williams (drummer). Derek Elliot left the band to pursue solo work. Kev replaced Jez Coad - who plays on the lp. The 'new' line-up in the photo lasted about a year, then split up. I have a demo tape they did - including a punk version of 'Way, Truth & Life' (thus the photo), and a nicer version of 'All Is Peace'. Paul did vocals.

A band called Atak existed briefly, and covered Amaziah's past songs, plus new stuff. I am still in touch with Paul, and more recently he formed a band called Mudheads Monkeys, which did one CD, but have passed away. Dave Steel married a very good friend of mine, and repairs piano's I believe. They all lived, and still live in Bristol, UK. Eric Cribb, who managed the band originally, left his wife and did a runner. The original master tape is missing. In the mid- seventies, the band used to visit our school. The show would consist of choir, sketches and the band.

Thanks to Julian Carr for above info