Diamond Rexx Sees New Life Through MMP

Diamond Rexx’s history shows how much a band can evolve over the years. Starting out as a glam rock group in the 80’s, the four-piece eventually transformed into a modern alternative metal formation, marking their return to the scene with a totally new image and musical style. But their past still remains an impressive chapter. Once you hear “Land of the Damned”, Diamond Rexx’s debut album from 1986, you’ll find yourself back in the fascinating era of glam rock and early heavy metal, welcomed by some of the genre’s most intense and inspiring tracks ever written…

New digipak edition includes 2 bonus tracks and will be available via Metal Mind Productions on 5th May 2008 (in Europe only). Limited to numerated 2000 copies, digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on golden disc.

Diamond Rexx
“Land Of The Damned” (remastered + bonus tracks)

Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1157 DG
Barcode: 5907785032187
Format: CD Digipak(limited edition of 2000 numerated copies)
Genre: glam rock / heavy metal
Release date: 05.05.2008 Europe

Tracklist:

1. Land Of The Damned
2. All I Need
3. Cuz I Wancha
4. Wish I Was Rich
5. Don’t Start Without Me
6. Up And Down
7. Rock Gun
8. B.A.T.S.
9. Kick In Your Face
10. Life And Death

Bonus tracks:
11. Sick
12. American Band

Bio
The origins of the band date back to 1984, when vocalist Nasti Habits and guitarist S. St. Lust seceded to form their own project in Chicago. Along with the addition of drummer Johnny Cottone and bassist Chrissy Salem Diamond Rexx’s line-up was complete. The band started playing at local clubs and soon became a known and respected figure on the local scene. Eventually they caught the attention of Island Records, who agreed to release their debut album in 1986. “Land of the Damned” brought ten classic tracks, which surprisingly had little to do with typical glam rock stylistics. The material featured on the LP was more like a combination of Alice Cooper’s shock rock and the rebellious tones of Twisted Sister, at times even sounding like a more aggressive version of the New York Dolls. Backed with Nasti’s ‘melodic growling’ vocal style, the songs showcased a glam intensity with a heavy metal feel to it, resulting in a truly fascinating mixture. Tracks like “All I Need”, “Cuz I Wancha”, “Don’t Start Without Me” and “Rock Gun” became the fans’ all-time favorites, giving the band a strong reputation on the Chicago scene. Unfortunately, by the time of the album’s release, Island Records was dealing with several problems and the band was soon left without a record deal. Nevertheless, Diamond Rexx did not give up and kept writing new material, which was eventually released in 1989 by a small heavy metal/hard rock label Red Light Records. “Rated Rexx” was a worthy follow-up to the debut, containing an energetic mixture of glam melodies and metal heaviness. In 1991 the band released a 6-track EP called “Golden Gates”, but at that time the glam revolution was already over and grunge became the new standard in popular music. Groups such as Diamond Rexx were forced to hide in the shadows, never to return again… or would they? Although Diamond Rexx vanished from the rock scene in the 90’s, in 2001 Nasti Habits decided that it’s time to reform the band and take one more shot at the music business. The new lineup consisted of Habits on vocals, S. St. Lust on guitar, Basil Cooper on bass and Billy Nychay on drums. But those who expected the return of the old Diamond Rexx were to be heavily surprised. The group took their style to a whole new level, giving up their previous glam inspirations and image, and replacing them with the modern sound of alternative metal bands, such as Pantera, White Zombie, Soundgarden and post-‘80s Metallica. Although Nasti’s vocals still resembled good old Alice Cooper, Diamond Rexx have now transformed into a modern-looking metal formation, ready to confront any contemporary musical style. As vocalist Nasti Habits told Kerv Hellrazer in an interview for Glitzine in 2007: “We always took both our image & music to the extreme.” The band recorded their comeback album “Rexx Erected” for the independent metal label Crash Music, and released it in 2001. Another LP entitled “Then Evil” followed in 2002, with new bassist Tommy Hanus replacing Cooper. This is the story so far…
Diamond Rexx remains one of the most fascinating metal groups around, with each of their albums bringing a totally new portion of solid rock musicianship. “Land of the Damned” marks the beginning of the group’s journey, and is still a valuable collection item for any heavy music enthusiast.