Operatika: The Calling (2009)

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Operatika: The Calling

(2009, Scarlet Records)

www.operatika.com

Hail Metal Warriors! It’s been a while since I’ve written a review here but THE KIBITZER is back once again to bring you a little something new and a little something different. If you haven’t heard of them already then allow me to introduce to you Operatika and their CD, “The Calling”.

I’m a big fan of the symphonic/progressive Metal genre and I’m really glad that I discovered these guys and gals! The lineup for this 2009 opus is Bill Visser – Guitars, Slava Popova – Vocals, Anna Dok – Keyboards Yuri Liakhovitch – Drums and Michael LePond (Symphony X) – Bass. Let me tell you, this CD really surprised me. Well, ok, I’m a little late but hey, you’re never too late to discover a good thing! It was an extemporaneous feeling as well as thrilling to know that there is somebody out there exploring a different approach to being heavy in a Heavy Metal band. Their musicianship is spot on with execution and accuracy. The songs speak for themselves. They’re definitely not a cookie monster band or a full blown out orchestra, however, Operatika pitched in so many different elements to the music that they are their own band.

No bones about it, songs like “Tears Of The Sun” and “Dark Horizon” not only takes you to a different place but punch you right in the face! Other tracks to check out are “No. 3/23 In A Minor”, “The Storm” and “Gladiator”. The combination of Yuri’s kick drumming and Bill’s guitar solos just brings a smile to my face and Slava’s vocals are mesmerizing and enigmatic too. Topping it all off with Anna’s elegant keyboard skills which are just dazzling but you also have legendary bassist Michael LePond from Symphony X laying down some serious bass lines!

An amazing roster for this CD and just right for an impressive and robust performance. Operatika is a Swiss Army Knife with a whole lot of tools in their arsenal and they are far from being a one dimensional band or a one trick pony. I give “The Calling” 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is THE KIBTIZER signing off and until next time……. RAGE!!!

THE KIBITZER

KIBTIZER@Hotmail.com

XKIBITZERX on Twitter

www.Myspace.com/TheMightyKibitzer

Lucas Joins Attacker!

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:40:00 +0000

One of New Jersey's favorite vocal powerhouses, Bobby "Leather Lungs" Lucas (Morbid Sin, Seven Witches, Overlorde), has joined forces with local legend "Attacker" Here's the official press release:

"ATTACKER ANNOUNCE BOBBY "LEATHERLUNGS" LUCAS AS NEW VOCALIST!

Attacker has been joined by Bobby "Leatherlungs" Lucas (Seven Witches, Overlorde, Morbid

Sin) as their new vocalist. Lucas is still currently in Overlorde, who are working towards a [new]

release of their own.

According to drummer Mike Sabatini, the band will focus on new material for their as of yet

untitled next album that they expect to release by years end. Adding "We are extremely

excited to have Bobby in the ranks bringing his talent to the table, we couldn't have asked for

a better addition to the band, GAME ON!".

" We've had a long but well needed break and are

looking forward to playing shows again." We do what we do for the love of it and for the fans

that do appreciate it and for no other reason than that. This stuff is in our blood!"

Bobby Lucas commented.

"I am very happy and excited to be a part of the amazing ATTACKER!

This is a band I have been a fan of since first hearing them on Metal Massacre 5 back in '86! I was

hoping the right gig would eventually come along...I have been out of the original scene far too long,

and here we are! It all seemed to fall into place. This band is right up my alley, classic TRUE POWER

METAL! Hailz to all the ATTACKER fans. See you soon!"

Attacker has also been confirmed for the METAL ASSAULT III FESTIVAL at

Posthalle in Wurzburg, Germany. The festival will take place at the end of January

2013, the exact date is to be announced soon.

(www.posthalle.de)

Wurzburg just happens to be Bobby's place of birth, so this will be a very special show for him!

Attacker will also hit the airwaves and internet with 2 upcoming interviews.

On Sunday April 22nd at 6 PM, they will mix it up on "The Heavy Metal Mayhem Radio

Show".

Hosted By Mike 'The Big Cheese'. With Your Co-Host Tommy Falanga. Listen in

live at;

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/heavy-metal-mayhem

And on Friday May 11th, a NY exclusive from 6 PM TO 10 PM

"WVOX'S "METAL MAYHEM" WITH MATT O'SHAUGHNESSY UNLEASHES METAL

MASTERS ATTACKER IN SPECIAL LIVE IN-STUDIO

INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY, MAY 11TH AT

9:10PM EXCLUSIVELY ON 1460 AM AND

WWW.WVOX.COM

WORLDWIDE!

ATTACKER BANGERS CAN CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 914-636-0110!

BACK AFTER 20

YEARS, ATTACKER RETURNS TO WVOX'S "METAL MAYHEM" FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF

HEADBANGING MADNESS!!!"

Finally! Burning Shadows!

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Finally, the wait is almost over! Maryland's "Burning Shadows", a band I can't say enough good things about, is releasing their new album "Gather, Darkness!" on June 2. You can pre-order on their website and get an immediate download of two tracks.

www.BurningShadows.com

CAGE: Science of Annihilation

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:25:00 +0000

CAGE: Science of Annihilation

(Released on Music Buy Mail, 2009)

By The Kibitzer

Hey there Metal Warriors!!! The Kibitzer is bad again to catch up on some CD’s that I have missed during my hiatus from the Metal scene. This one came out of left field fro me as did the band when I saw them live for the first time at the “Iron and Steel Fest II” back on October 23, 2010. Let me introduce to you Sean Pen on vocals, Dave Garcia and Anthony Wayne McGiness on guitars, Mike Giordano on bass and Norm Leggio on drums and together they are CAGE!!! I have reviewed many Power Metal bands in the past but these guys bring it big time! They have been around since 1992 and through the years, they have garnered quite a cult following. Truthfully, the day that I saw them live was the day that I discovered them. Shame on me, I know, but to witness the great show that these guys put on plus the vibe that they emit is a great feeling! From the packaging to the music,”Science of Annihilation”, just flows Metal! This is just one out of the very few Metal CD’s that comes out these days where you can lay down on your bed with the liner notes, read and try to decipher the lyrics and just stare at the artwork in awe for hours! Not many Metal bands have that effect on me today as it did when I was a teenager growing up. I’m very happy that CAGE is keeping the scene and culture alive! The CD is not only a cornucopia of straightforward songs that are in your face, but like a flash fire in the forest, this CD will incinerate you to the core! Tracks like “Spirit of Vengeance”, “Planet Crusher”, “Power of a God”, “Stranger in Black” and “Die Glocke” (the mysterious Nazi experiment) are songs that just keep coming at you like a blitzkrieg! The thunderous vocals by provided by Sean Peck and the twin lead guitar solos by Dave Garcia and Anthony Wayne McGiness steal the show here! Now that’s what I’m talking about! With the Stalwart and noteworthy release of “Science of Annihilation”, this is their seminal masterpiece. A metallic opus all on it’s own that proves that U.S. Power Metal is just as big and bad as it was years ago! I really can’t help but scratch my head and say to myself, “I discovered these guys in 2010 and they’ve been around for 19 years?!! Where the hell have I been?!” Take my word for it. This is a great CD and if you’re a connoisseur of Power Metal, like me, then pick this CD up now! I highly recommend it! I give this CD 5 out of 5 stars! This is The Kibitzer reminding you to never sell your soul to the devil because all sales are final. Now let’s RAGE!!!

- THE KIBITZER

www.MySpace.com/TheMightyKibtizer

@XKIBTIZERX on Twitter

The Lost Art of Tape Trading

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:15:00 +0000

The Lost Art of Tape Trading

The Heavy Metal industry at one time bloomed and flourished with audio tape trading. For those of you that are now in your 30's, 40's & beyond, tape trading began when the young up and coming Metal acts were trying to spread the word on their music. Before the Internet, tape trading was the main platform from which many bands distributed their music and for some, have launched their careers and the genesis of a genre that was still in its infancy. Some bands made it big while others just never made it past their garage. It was exhilarating to discover brand new talent locally and within other parts of the country. That was also how you would come across the dichotomy within the genres of Metal. Even if you went to your local dive bar, you’d sometimes get free demo tapes from bands just as a free promo and that to me my friends was gold! As soon as your friend listens to the demo tape, then you’d make your friend a copy and then they would repeat the process. Then all of a sudden the demo tape recording would spread like wildfire! This method had some pros and cons to it but it even sparked numerous debates with not only the bands that were starting out, but it even trickled down to the bands that were making a living off of their music. Congress even got involved to lay down the law on the property and ownership of audio recordings! The same battle rages on with the illegal downloading of MP3's and file swapping. It’s the same concept as tape trading. Only the technology is different. However, tape trading was such a rush when you found that one band that nobody else has ever heard of and for that brief period of time, that band’s music was your soundtrack for the next month or so. Nonetheless, even if a band didn't make it big, you still had a piece of history in your hands! Hell, I still have demo tapes of some local New Jersey bands deep within my own music collection! The days of tape trading are long gone and in the books. Even CD’s are in danger of being extinct! Which may also hint the possibility of record stores becoming a thing of the past? I sure hope not! Truthfully, I miss those days but I'm still supporting the cause to serve the service and serve a purpose. ALL HAIL, KILL, AND RAGE!!!

- The Kibitzer 12/7/11

www.MySpace.com/TheMightyKibitzer

@XKIBITZERX on Twitter

Whatever Happened To The Denim Jackets And Spikes?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:35:00 +0000

Whatever Happened To The Denim Jackets And Spikes?

HAIL METAL WARRIORS!!! KILL AND RAGE!!! The Kibitzer here to talk about something near and dear to my heart and that's denim jackets and spikes! Some of you people are an 80’s kid like me and some of you are a little older coming from the Black Sabbath era of Metal from the late 70’s, however nothing says Metal like the denim jackets and the spike or studded gloves of Heavy Metal! Sure, that was apart of the culture and the typical regalia of our fashion many years ago. I still wear the motorcycle leather jacket myself however it’s been years since the last time I put on a denim jacket and I miss the days watching Metal fans walking down the street wearing them along with the patches sewn on them displaying the bands that they loved and listed to proudly. These are the little things that make me reminisce about my adolescence during a time when Metal was spread either by the MTV of old, tape trading or just by good old fashion “word of mouth”. That just all ties into fashion of Heavy Metal with denim jackets and spikes. Lead singers such as Bruce Dickinson, David Lee Roth, Dee Snyder, Dio, Doro, Lita Ford and Rob Halford have worn either one of the two items or both at one time. Metal fans everywhere here in the United States just raved about it and wore their denim and spikes proudly and yeah, I miss those days too. But taking a look at how Heavy Metal has had its ups and downs here in the states, Metal has gone back into the underground and so did the denim and spikes. Now, back to the question at hand. Whatever Happened To The Denim Jackets And Spikes? They’re not here any more. They’re out in Europe!!! Germany to be exact. The only genre of Metal still keeping this fashion alive is Power Metal. Not only do I still see not only Power Metal Bands wear the denim and the spikes, but the fans are still doing it too! All of that is redolent that the sub culture is still alive and well and making a comeback in its own little way. Stranger things have been known to happen with Heavy Metal and its genres and sub genres with the resurgence of certain styles of Metal. But the denim and the spikes haven’t exactly disappeared nor have they been banished or locked away in somebody’s closet. Yet, there is somebody else (Maybe your dad or mom! Ha!) out there that is still keeping the fashion alive. Hell, I still bust out my bullet belt from time to time! I just won’t wear it at the airport, lol! Anyway, the denim and spikes will never die as long as our brothers and sister in Germany are still rocking it! Well, until next time, RAGE!!!

- The Kibitzer 12/2/11

www.MySpace.com/TheMightyKibitzer

Omega Lithium - Kinetik (2011)

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:35:00 +0000

Omega Lithium – Kinetik (2011)

http://www.omegalithium.com/home.php

By The Kibitzer

METAL WARRIORS HAIL, KILL AND RAGE!!! Your ‘ol pal here, The Kibitzer, here again to give ya the lowdown on something new that I have just discovered, Omega Lithium! Hailing from Croatia, Omega Lithium are highly motivated and carry the tenacity needed to make it in this business. Formed in 2007, Mya Mortensen (vocals), Malice Rime (guitar), Zoltan Harpax (bass) and Thorsten Nihill (drums), started their musical escapade in Croatia, honing in own their musical talents and creating their vision of music for the rest of the world. Their debut album, "Dreams In Formaline" (2009), received rave reviews thus creating an impressive following for the band. Industrial Metal isn’t my forte nor do I have a huge section of it dedicated on my liking. However, Omega Lithium offers so much more than just Industrial Metal, but also has some nods to Techno and some Pop Rock added for flavor in which to be honest with you, I really don’t mind at all! Sometimes you just need a break from all of the growling, blast beats, double kick drums and screaming. Don’t get me wrong here! I’ll always love that stuff but there is a time and a place for that. Moving forward into 2011, Omega Lithium releases "Kinetik" to the masses with an aggressive yet lucid sound that offers a little bit of everything for everybody and it’s not just for the average Metal fan such as myself. They have many weapons within their arsenal that doesn’t allow them to be limited to any particular discipline. They have definitely caught my ear with tracks such as “I Am God” and “Colossus”, to the radio friendly vibe of “Strip Me” and “Dance with Me”, to the CD’s title track and the Metal anthem-like stomper, “Cut Forget”. Mya Mortensen’s vocals are clean and for me, that is liberating and gratifying to know that there are vocalists out there in the Metal industry that can sing clean. I’m really happy about that and I truly believe that "Kinetik" is just as heavy and electrifying as anything that I’ve heard coming out of their genre and expanding beyond the boundaries to reach out to those who haven’t heard of Omega Lithium or their music. Omega Lithium proves that you don’t really need all of that just to be heavy. You only need to know that their new release "Kinetik", has it’s own place in Metal! I give this CD 4 out of 5 stars! It’s well worth having in your IPOD. So until next time, go out and RAGE!!!

- The Kibitzer 12/1/11 www.MySpace.com/TheMightyKibitzer

Wykked Wytch: Angelic Vengeance (2001)

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:40:00 +0000

Wykked Wytch (http://www.wykkedwytch.com/)

Angelic Vengeance (2001)

HAIL, KILL AND RAGE METAL WARRIORS!!! The Kibitzer here to rattle your bones with a new one here (well, for me at least) and this Metal Head is still catching up to a lot of things not to mention familiarizing myself to this kick ass band from Florida, none other than Wykked Wytch! They will have a new CD released in early 2012. In the mean time, since I am a neophyte to their music, I decided to whip out a CD from their catalog “Angelic Vengeance”. Released in 2001, “Angelic Vengeance” is an elaborate display of the mystical art of Black Metal. With Black Metal influences from the mid to the late 90’s that stretched well into the millennium, I wouldn’t call this CD dated material. Yet it is an amazing opus and a fine piece of tapestry that is the result of the amalgamation of Norwegian and Scandinavian Black Metal. The title track is the opener for the CD and unleashes unbridled power, speed and melody that are twisted into form. Another favorite of mine is “Venomiss”. It’s not just the blast beats that are always entertaining to me but it’s the control of pace and strategic execution. I’m also a fan of the keyboards too. While Wykked Wytch was still new to the Metal scene (at the time), they showed the acumen and tenacity of a well seasoned band. Scrolling through the tracks, “Forgiveness Denied” is another track that bares the ferocity and elegance of the band and Ipek’s blistering vocals. I can’t say that I’m a connoisseur of Black Metal but I am a big fan of it. Wrapping up the CD with “Bastards Are Mine” is just another example of Ipek’s vocal range and talent. I’m really impressed with her performance. The CD’s production is also very good as nobody in the band was lost in the mix. Everything was symmetrical. The only regret that I have is that I didn’t discover Wykked Wytch years ago! No stigma here, just innovation and the preservation of culture. I give this CD 4 out of 5 stars. Although this review is ten years late, it still opened up my eyes to a lot that I missed out on. If you guys and gals haven’t check out this CD yet, do so now! You won’t be disappointed! Until next time my Metal brothers and sisters, slam the hammer down and RAGE!!!

– The Kibitzer 11/30/11 www.MySpace.com/TheMightyKibitzer

Crucifixion BR: War Against Christian Souls

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:35:00 +0000

Hail all Metal Warriors!!! Been a while but The Kibitzer is back to review a new discovery of mine by the name of Crucifixion BR. Allow me to introduce Lord Grave aka Marcio Guterres (vocals and guitars), Bestial Blasphemy aka Matheus Souza (bass) and DarkMoon aka Juliana Novo (drums). The band’s formation took place in 1996 from Brazil bashing out their branded form of Black Metal. That being said, in 2002 they came out with two demos: “In The Shadows of the Obscurity” and “Diabolical Prophecies”. Today with a new EP, “War Against Christian Souls”, they plan to make huge leaps and bounds along with an all out assault on all who oppose them! Starting off the EP we have “Eternal Judgement”. Automatically, the blast beats (supplied by DarkMoon) fire off immediately and along with Lord Grave’s vocals and guitar attack are elaborate, impeccable and in time. I’m impressed right away with their craftsmanship and acumen of the band’s musicianship. Even though they are from Brazil, truthfully, I was looking for any signs or traces of early Overdose, Sepultura or Krisiun within their style. If there are traces of it, I would suspect very little here except for melodies within certain key shift changes. As Crucifixion BR is more Black Metal than Death, Grind or Thrash. However, I heard some of the Norwegian influences in “Eternal Judgement”. The rapid fire approach really caught my eye but bringing in some of the acoustic guitar here for some flavor really lighted it up some and that was enough for me to really like the first track. Up next is “Crucifixion”. It’s straightforward and has a bleak feel but again the groves and overall consistency of vocalization and musicianship caught my ear here. Bypassing the next track’s title is, “Destroying the F****** Disciples of Christ”, and focusing in more about the music and not the message in the title or the lyrics, musically, the track is scathing yet pops in the right amount of dexterity and fascination to still enthrall the listener leaving you to question yourself “Hey, they’re very good but what else can do they do besides Black Metal?” Easy, I can hear the subtle incorporation of classical guitar thrown into the mix but all of that is enveloped by the hammering and slashing of their art. Brazil isn’t well known for its Black Metal but these guys do a good job with their take on the art. Overall, I am also impressed by the production of the CD. With there only being three tracks on the EP, that’s more than enough for me to compile some of my thoughts and my own opinion on what they have here. The pros? A well delivered product as the production and layout was well thought out. The cons? Not a whole lot of bass as Bestial Blasphemy kinda got lost in the mix. I’d like to hear something else that sets them apart from the other Black Metal bands but personally, to the highest degree, they are definitely different from what I’ve heard coming out of Brazil in a very long time. I believe that they’re onto something really good here but I also believe that there is still room to improve and stay on top of things. Nonetheless, a very good and robust performance from Crucifixion BR. My verdict? 3 out of 5 stars. Look past the image and the message. Concentrate on the vibe. You can’t surf the waves if you can’t feel the water. Check these guys out!!! Until Next time, RAGE!!!TM – www.MySpace.com/TheMightyKibitzer 11/12/11

www.Crucifixionbr.com

www.Facebook.com/Crucifixionbr

www.myspace.com/Crucifixionbr

www.Youtube.com/Crucifixionbr

At Last...The Arrival of the Sin

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:15:00 +0000

Morbid Sin- The Demos: 1988-92

2011 Stormspell Records

Review

Well, here I go with another entry in my metal journal. This time I’m choosing a band to review that is a bit closer to home. Morbid Sin is a power metal band influenced by thrash and doom that hails from New Jersey. The band began as the brainchild of one Bobby Lucas, the original singer and co-founder of the New Jersey based band Seven Witches. Bobby along with guitarist Wade Tyler started Morbid Sin when he was in high school. The band produced a demo in 1988 called “The Arrival of the Sin.” They followed it with another demo called “Cauldron of Souls” in 1992. Finally, the band produced a full-length album called “Sins of the Flesh” that was shelved and not released until 2010 by Stormspell Records. The band was making waves in the tri-state area, when Jack Frost saw them perform live and then invited all members sans guitarist to join him in a new project, which became Seven Witches. Morbid Sin has since created a demo in 2005 called the “13th Child,” and have been rehearsing and playing with various line-ups ever since, with the two constant members always being Lucas and Tyler. I just feel that it is the right time to discuss the demos release, because 4 of the “Sins Of The Flesh” line-up have very recently reunited making it pertinent to discuss the CD release of the band’s early demos.

This CD release was long overdue. Stormspell Records has limited it to 500 hand-numbered copies. The cover art was done by singer Bobby Lucas, and depicts a witch being burned by grim looking Puritans as a visual companion to the band’s most prominent song “Sisters Of Salem.” The cover is intense, and Bobby conveys depth very well through the use of bright and dark colors. The smoke rising from the flames comes forth in the shapes of demonic looking creatures. I’m going to do something that is rather uncharacteristic of my approach to this metal journal and discuss the CD release track-by-track. For the sake of brevity, I'm going to keep the song descriptions short and discrete. The CD begins with 1988’s “Arrival of the Sin” demo. The title track to the demo kicks the disc off as a driving instrumental lead-in to the song “Injector.” “Injector” is a fast and furious tune that kicks into a rather cool riff at about the 1:47 mark. Lucas’ vocals are incredibly high, intense, and carnal. After the outright aggression of “Injector,” the song “Children Of War” begins in a rather epic fashion with a slick guitar solo that leads again into the vocal talents of Bobby Lucas, who at times on this song reminds the listener of Crimson Glory’s legendary singer Midnight. The song is a slow buildup to a killer riff that augments the pace about half way through the song. “By Reason Of Insanity” arrives next bringing aggressive, driving riffs. The song stands as a barnstormer of a track that recalls everything that was memorable and great about 80s, U.S. power metal. The demo ends with the track that may be Morbid Sin’s aural calling card otherwise known as “Sisters of Salem.” The track is a masterpiece. It begins with the sound of a fire burning followed by soft music segueing into a heart felt guitar solo. Bobby Lucas begins singing in a soft tone which then leads into an incredible, high-pitched scream followed by a cool riff and some savage singing again complements of Lucas. The build up at the end of the song is absolutely classic, trading heavy riffing with high pitch singing for the remainder of the track.

Track 6 begins the “Cauldron Of Souls” demo with a speedy piece called “Twisted Souls In Hell.” The song has a straight-forward impetus to it that’s infectious. The second song from the “Cauldron” demo is called “The Cathedral (Of The Black Monk)” and stands as one of my favorite tracks off of this demo. It is extremely catchy and memorable. The song “Endangered Species” is another fast and aggressive track, which is followed by another version of “Sisters of Salem.” This version is performed to the standard of the first, but sports a better production mostly due to the fact that it was recorded at Trax East studio. The one thing that I have to say about “Sisters Of Salem” is that it is my opinion that very few of the power metal bands in today’s scene could create a tune as well done as this classic. The song is so well written and performed that it surpasses 98 percent of the power metal that I have heard in the past 20 years or so, and it was created in 1988, which places it ten years or so before the power metal resurgence of the late 1990s. Jack Frost should have taken this song along with the members of the band to use on the Seven Witches’ debut album. I think that it would have outshined all other tracks on “Second War In Heaven.” Finally, the disc ends with the final track on the “Cauldron” demo called “Walking Through Darkness.” This song shows that the band can consistently create classic metal tracks. I haven’t commented on Lucas’ vocals on this demo, because they are on par with the first demo in the fact that they are at times very high, and show a great deal of range.

Most people who read my reviews probably think that I’m never critical of the pieces that I review. It may come across as though I have only praise for the releases that I discuss. Believe it or not, the majority of the metal currently circulating in today’s music stores, I do not particularly like. I choose only to review bands and albums that I find special and move me in some way, which explains my rather sparse review production as of late. I have to say I enjoy Morbid Sin a great deal. I believe that this band was flying under the radar in the late 80s, and should have at least landed an appearance on a Metal Massacre compilation or something similar. They were just as talented or even more talented than many of the bands that appeared on the first 5 or 6 volumes of the Metal Blade Records compilation series. Due to the year it was released, I could picture “Sisters Of Salem” as a track on Metal Massacre VIII or IX without any issue. To sum up this review, if you like power metal that is thrash influenced with powerful vocals, speedy interludes, catchy riffs, and effective time changes you cannot do any better than this release. The song writing is stellar and the musicianship is at times incredible. But enough of reading these words, go online or get out to an independent record store near you and buy yourself a copy or even two of this metal jem. There were only 500 copies of this disc produced after all.