Holy Terror was an American thrash/speed metal band from North Hills, California, active between 1985 and 1989. The group was known for its aggressive sound, socially conscious lyrics, and association with the late-1980s underground metal scene.

History

Guitarist Kurt Kilfelt (also known as Kurt Colfelt) founded Holy Terror in 1985 after leaving

Agent Steel Agent Steel is an American speed metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 1984 by vocalist John Cyriis with drummer Chuck Profus. The band released two full-length albums and one EP before disbanding in 1988. They were most notable for Cyriis' ...

. He recruited drummer Jack Schwartz (formerly of Dark Angel), bassist Floyd Flanary, guitarist Mike Alvord, and later vocalist Keith Deen, who joined after responding to an ad in ''The Recycler''. The band recorded a four-track demo that gained attention from several record labels. Ultimately, they signed with

Music for Nations Music for Nations (MFN) is a British independent record label focusing mainly on rock and metal. Originally a subsidiary of Zomba Records, which was a division of BMG, the label was closed in 2004 and later revived in 2015 by Sony Music Ente ...

in the UK. Internal disagreements arose when drummer Jack Schwartz signed the deal unilaterally, leading to his departure. He was replaced by Joe Mitchell, found through an ad in ''Music Connection'' magazine. In 1987, Holy Terror released their debut album, ''Terror and Submission'', followed by a European tour with D.R.I.. Their second album, ''Mind Wars'', was recorded in just 17 days and released in 1988. The band toured North America with D.R.I. and

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, during which time Kilfelt battled addiction issues. Following internal strife, canceled shows, and a disastrous European tour in late 1988—during which they were removed from a tour with

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and

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—the band gradually disbanded.

Members

Final line-up

* Aaron Redbird – vocals * Kurt Kilfelt – guitar * Matt Fox – guitar * Jeff Matz – bass * Joe Mitchell – drums

Former members

* Keith Deen – vocals (d. 2012) * Mike Alvord – guitar * Floyd Flanary – bass * Jack Schwartz – drums

Discography

Studio albums

* ''Terror and Submission'' (1987, Music for Nations) * ''Mind Wars'' (1988, Music for Nations)

Compilations and box sets

* ''El Revengo'' (2006, Blackend Records) – compilation of demos, rare tracks, and live material * ''Total Terror'' (2017, Dissonance Productions) – 5-CD box set including full discography, live recordings, and a DVDHellfire-Magazin: ''Total Terror'' box set review
(in German)

Legacy

Holy Terror's two studio albums have since become cult classics within the thrash and speed metal community. Critics praised ''Mind Wars'' in particular for its musical complexity and the standout vocal performance of Keith Deen. The band's work has been retrospectively compared to

Slayer Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, drummer Dave Lombardo and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Slayer's fast and aggressive musical style made them ...

, and

Megadeth Megadeth is an American thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Known for their technically complex guitar work and musicianship, Megadeth is one of the "big four" of American thrash metal—alo ...

References

External links

Discogs: Holy Terror discography
* Holy Terror on German Wikipedia (original source) {{DEFAULTSORT:Holy Terror American thrash metal musical groups Speed metal musical groups Musical groups established in 1985 Musical groups disestablished in 1989 Heavy metal musical groups from California