PARASITE - PARASITE (Swedish, 1984 self-titled, Sword Records)

$

69

Swedish Pressing on Sword Records (Sword MLP-005) 1984 Classic
The Swedish band Parasite, this was the closest to an album they ever got ... Paul and Anders later formed Rebelene, while Johan joined Hexenhaus and Memento Mori. The band plays a style of Swedish metal circa 1984, that being the same year countrymen Gotham City put out their The Unknown album, and the same year Omen put out their debut over in the US. The UK’s Cloven Hoof released their lengthy odes to Satan debut this year as well. But enough conceptualizing; what’s the music like? Well, imagine Saxon’s “Princess of the Night” with a different singer and more guitar harmonizing by way of Angel Witch, with a hard rock tinge (I think I hear some BÖC in there). Keep in mind that they strategically avoid the silly rock nonsense that plagued Swedish heavy metal, and that’s Parasite’s sound in a nutshell. But what makes this worthwhile? The answer is, of course, the fantastic atmosphere. “Nightwinds” would be a very appropriate name for the EP, as the whole thing has a very dream-like, laid-back quality to it, despite all being pretty fast. The songs are also very repetitive, but in this case that actually works in their favor. The mid-range vocals also have this slight echo put on them, which again works well to strengthen the atmosphere. Great stuff for the year 1984.
“Burnin’” is enjoyable throughout, while “Lonely Eagle” has great atmosphere especially during the chorus. However, “Nightwinds” and “Chalice of the Soul” ... great Swedish metal here ... the former begins with the sound of wind and a bit of guitar before the simple harmonized main riff comes in and captures the feeling of the title perfectly. There’s also a bit of cool lead work in the middle that reminds me of what Existence would later expand upon with Reign of Violence. This one really comes closest to being as good as “Princess of the Night”, with some cool fantasy lyrics instead of a train as the main theme (“Lookin’ for revenge in the cold winter night!”). Though you hear that main riff at least nine thousand times, it somehow manages to not get stale. The next song, “Chalice of the Soul”, is also excellent, relying  on the same sort of riff, and the verses display perfectly that dream-like quality I referenced earlier. The dual-guitar lead part towards the end is quite good, though, and screams NWOBHM even more than usual Swedish dual-guitar leads do. 
Anyway, this little EP is quite worth your time if you dig NWOSHM; after a few listens the songs really grow on you and you have to sing along with the Lonely Eagle. It is then the sweet Swedish vibes & atmosphere really set in.

* Free Domestic (USA) shipping * International use shipping calculator or contact me