RIPPER: "...and the Dead Shall Rise" LP
Iron Works Records 1986

Sadie Paine (Vampyre) - bass/vocals
J.D. Shadowz (Executioner) - drums/vocals
Rob Graves (Undertaker) - guitar/vocals
Death (The Grim Reaper) - guitar/vocals

Rarity:
LP = 6
LP (gold vinyl) = 10
Picture-Disc = 7

Death awaits you
Sinister Minister
The Executioner
Night Cruiser
Don't tie me down
Halloween
Wake the Dead
Metal Mission

"This album is dedicated to those you love Horror and Metal". This is written on the backcover and gives a little impression what we have here. RIPPER hail from Houston, Texas and play good US Metal with a difference! The outfit reminds strongly on the italian Horror-Maniacs of DEATH SS, the music should please all fans of MERCYFUL FATE! In my opinion it is a real good LP that is worth searching for it. It was released on "Iron Works" and is just as hard to find as maybe COMMANDER today. Even in lists of US-collectors it never comes up these times. The cover looks not very interesting, lyrics are not included, so let me talk about the music itself: RIPPER played on their only release (if we leave off the demo-tape that lead to the deal with D.T. Richards label) true and good US Metal, the atmosphere on "...and the Dead shall Rise" is quite intense, soundeffects like creaking doors and keyboard intros are well included to make RIPPER sound very unique. Another interesting point is the following: maybe you realised that all 4 "Rippers" play an instrument and sing! Everyone sings the tracks he has written, strange but it really works! So the record is not boring at all, but some may be confused by this diversity. I like it the way it is and tracks as the dark Power Metal tune >Death awaits you<, the doomy metal hymn >Wake the Dead<, the JUDAS PRIEST like >Metal Mission< or >Sinister Minister< with it's great hooklines that leave a ringing in your head are worth to be heard in every way.
The record was released on a much sought after label making it very interesting for all collectors out there. It is hard to find today and surely not cheap. As usual for Iron Works the LP was released in some different editions: There is a "normal" LP on black vinyl as well as a rare picture disc with the same cover and a mega mega rare pressing of only 100 copies worldwide on golden vinyl, that will be impossible to get of course!! There has not been a CD release until now. Collectors and fans of MERCYFUL FATE, DEATH SS and (old) KING DIAMOND should keep their eyes open for "...and the Dead shall Rise"!

 

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