M-Theory Audio will reissue “Harsh Realities,” the debut album release from Seattle thrashers, BITTER END. The group's 1990 release, originally released by Metal Blade Records, was produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Death, Nuclear Assault) and featuring cover artwork by Jim Warren (Loudness, Lizzy Borden, Heir Apparent) - garnered critical acclaim and a cult following for a thrash metal assault that bludgeoned ears with musical precision that appealed to fans of acts such as Megadeth, Forbidden, and Testament. The band were mainstays of the late 1980's pre-grunge Seattle heavy metal scene that also gave rise to fellow Pacific Northwest promising thrashers such as Forced Entry and Panic.
BITTER END signed with Metal Blade Records and released “Harsh Realities,” after the success of their “Meet Your Maker” demo tape hailed by underground zines, underground/college radio and tape traders. The album received strong reviews at the time from Metal Forces and Kerrang!, and the music video for the title track received airplay on MTV's “Headbanger's Ball.” The band cultivated their live presence with prolific shows in their hometown scene alongside future giants such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, and toured alongside fellow thrash greats such as Sacred Reich and DRI. The group began tracking their follow-up record at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle with famed producer Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney) handling mixing duties, however the shifting tides of the music industry and creative differences resulted in the dissolution of BITTER END in 1992 before their next album could be completed.
supported by 5 fans who also own “Harsh Realities”
An outstanding Extreme doom death album, in the best tradition. The funerary atmosphere reminds of Evoken ('Centuries of ooze" bears striking similarities, for my delight). It is overall sharp, dark, hypnotic and unrelenting. One of those rare convincing new bands that hold proud the legacy of the biggest names. Bertrand Marchal
Tempering death metal riffs with goth rock melodies, the Finnish outfit deliver a commendable, unsuspectingly catchy slab of fury. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 29, 2023
supported by 5 fans who also own “Harsh Realities”
I wasn't big on these guys on record, but then I saw them live and that guitar tone translates *really* well. They gained a fan at that show, even if I still think they could trim some fat. zirtonic