Southern Lord To Release VIRULENCE Anthology

Southern California hardcore punk band VIRULENCE was originally formed in 1985 by Scott Hill, Ken Pucci, Mark Abshire and Ruben Romano. They were influenced by the heaviness of the Melvins and the intense aggression of Black Flag and Bl'ast! In 1989 Abshire left the band and was replaced by Greg McCaughey. They released their debut LP If this Isn't A Dream... on Alchemy Records later that year. The album was recorded and produced by Marc Senesac (Exodus, Neurosis, Vio-lence). Shortly after the release however, the label folded and the album was lost in obscurity. This was also the end of VIRULENCE. Ken Pucci was replaced by Glenn Chivens and they changed their name to Fu Manchu. Fu Manchu is still going strong to this day having released 10 full-length studio albums, two 10" vinyl EPs and 11 7" vinyl/singles. They're considered by many one of the pioneering bands to fuse '70s hard rock with metal and punk influences and play what is commonly referred to as "stoner rock."

Southern Lord Recordings is proud to announce the release of If This Isn't A Dream...1985-1989, an anthology of all known VIRULENCE recordings. "If This Isn't A Dream... is a personal favorite of mine from the past," said Southern Lord label owner/Goatsnake/Sunn 0))) guitarist Greg Anderson. "They effectively fused the aggression and intensity of punk rock with a slow, metallic bludgeon."

In addition to long lost classic album If This Isn't A Dream..., the anthology contains early demos and vicious live recordings. All remastered and available on compact disc for the very first time. Also includes extensive booklet with photos, flyers and liner notes from the band members. A worthy induction into the chapter of early heavy music recordings. If This Isn't A Dream...1985-1989 will be released on January 19, 2010.

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Tags:  VIRULENCE, Southern Lord Records, Marc Senesac  

admin    January 18, 2010