Your first encounter with Alchemist

[Bride of Pinbot]

The first time I heard Alchemist was on a Mountain biking film my boy friend bought called Mud Cows, the song was Yoni Kunda and I could not get it out of my head for weeks, later I bought Lunasphere CD and have been following the boys ever since, and I mst say it gets better and better, What was your first encounter with Alchemist’s music?

[butz]

I had heard the Jar CD a few times at Canberra house parties but it wasn't until I ventured to the ANU bar to see Boltthrower/ Amoured Angel/ Alchemist in 93 that I felt the power of their material live. Boltthrower were touring their 4th crusade album. I only had one joint and attempted to wait for the headliners until sparking it up. As soon as Alchemist started playing that spliff went up in smoke. Needless to say we scoped out one of the many dealers to inhabit the ANU in the early 90s so we could keep up the energy for the remainder of the night. I've still got a reminder from that night in the form of a long scrape up the side of my car the colour of the parking bay.
Word to the wise-Don't drink and drive kiddies!!
BUTZ

[mattyj]

moved to canberra in 89.
saw em when they had a wookie. i had the hots for his sister. she was a year older and a whole lotta hot.

[beyond focused]

Costa was the man that introduce me to the mighty Alchemist back in the Spiritech days - it has been more fulfiling days since then - a day of work with Alchemist has only helped the mindset and motivated the client!

Well done boys

[Colonel Klink]

Originally posted by mattyj
moved to canberra in 89.
saw em when they had a wookie. i had the hots for his sister. she was a year older and a whole lotta hot.

A wookie or wonkie ?

Not sure when my first Alchemist gig was , late 80's . Adza was the only member of the current line up in the band .

Hails Eternal Wedlock , bring back the Burning .

I could be wrong but I'm sure Alchemist had a kill Bon Jovi chant going at an early gig with a fake Jovi hanging from a rope that got ripped to shreds by the crowd .
How's that for fucking metal .

[Danthebokfan]

pretty damn metal

hmm a while ago a friend's sister was going out with Rod and he told me about them... other people were telling me about them... eventually I got some CDs and went to some gigs... and was happy

[Mick]

Hey Colonel Klink, thanx a lot for sharing these cool memories!
And hey Danthebokfan, you're almost part of the Alchemist-family! How cool is that?!

[CrazyMary]

I first heard Alchemist on the JJJ compilation "Twelve" from Three Hours of Power. The song was 'Garden of Erotcism' and it was my favourite on the (can you believe it) double-cassette album.
A bit later I saw the video clip for 'Road to Ubar' on Rage. I'd studied Ubar in Ancient History at school so that got my attention and that was the end for me - I went out and bought Spiritech and their back catalogue, and kept buying since.
They played 'Garden of Eroticism' last night at the Marquee but no 'Road to Ubar' - I can forgive them for that though.

[beyond focused]

I know this is not the topic of discussion for this thread, but I two would love to get myself a copy of the Eve of War video (if there is such a thing???), and The Road to Ubar video.

I know of the existence of the Road to Ubar video due to a chance viewing one drunken night on Rage (yes it was on Rage believe it or not!). But trying to find a copy now has been all but impossible. Luckily I was more prepared with the latest vids thanks to some better air play by some of the pay TV stations.

I remember seeing the Ubar vid about a month before the first ever Alchemist gig I saw - obviously it only served to build my enthusiasm when seeing the guys drill out those sounds in a visual sense.

[CrazyMary]

I still have Road to Ubar on video. I used to tape Rage on Friday nights, see what was good, and copy anything to another video. We don't have two video players anymore, otherwise I would offer to make you a copy :)
It's got a funny little 'tribal' scene where everyone's dancing around a bonfire.

[Malice]

Originally posted by Mick
How do you like that video? I only know the two clips that are online ... :( I want that DVD they were talking about once! ;)

I think I saw the video on some Metal show a few years ago...the DVD will be very cool to see.

[beyond focused]

Thanks anyway re: the Ubar video CrazyMary - I guess I will have to wait for the DVD like everyone else :)

Despite my intoxicated state when I saw the vid I remember exactly what you mean with the tribal scene. The reason I recall it so well was that I think it was one of those film clips that you can associate really well with the song and its meaning. All too often you hear a song that you like and you have a picture in your head of what the meaning of it is and sometimes even some kind of visual representation (ie a narrative). The Ubar clip just seemed to be exactly what I was imagining for so long when hearing the song years earlier. Pretty damm good effort considering the minimal budget they would have been operating on. Another example of their talented art!

[Mick]

It's interesting that you like the video so much, beyond focused. I've never seen it but I heard that Alchemist don't like it at all ... I hope this doesn't mean they will exclude it from that DVD, though!

[beyond focused]

Mick, probably I am just too much of a alchemist fan - Seeing that was the first time I saw anything of a visual sense from them (so I was really stoked).

I hope they don't drop it from any DVD - shit, any DVD they do will be a definite must have (I'll order a few copies for my mates I have converted!).

:cool:

[Mick]

Originally posted by beyond focused
Mick, probably I am just too much of a alchemist fan - Seeing that was the first time I saw anything of a visual sense from them (so I was really stoked).
I can't imagine that I wouldn't like the video clip, either. Just what you described made me even more anxious to see it!
So who's the bigger Alchemist-fan here?! ;)
I just think that Alchemist have very high quality standards (They didn't release the songs "Yin Palace" and "Organasm" because they think they suck but I'm sure these songs are still very good compared to all that other shit in record stores!) and would like to have complete control about their art but someone else did that video for them so they were unsatisfied with his work.

Originally posted by beyond focused
I hope they don't drop it from any DVD - shit, any DVD they do will be a definite must have (I'll order a few copies for my mates I have converted!).

:cool:
Yeah, an Alchemist-DVD will rock and it will be perfect! So this may take a while longer ...

[beyond focused]

Definitely on the money with your comment about standards mick...

I suppose to them it is just another track they thought was not really up to the task, and yet we still think it is mind blowing (we alchy fans that is!). But that is all part of why you get so into their art because they don't compromise....

It will be good to see what the european cousins will think on this subject once some exposure from the shows is had.

[Mick]

Thanx a lot for your approval, beyond focused! It feels so good to finally know that I'm not alone with my views.
I really am curious if this tour will become a success in the end. For some reason none of the magazines I contacted published the dates on their web sites ... :mad: We'll just have to trust word-of-mouth then. This means Alchemist definitely have to come back next year. Hopefully some more experienced and professional agency will support them then (Some guy from Loudnoise attacked me in the Textures-forum because of the critical remarks I posted here in another thread.).
I hate to repeat myself, but I cannot wait for Prague! :D

[Bliss]

my first encounter with alchemist was actually on the blue relapse DVD that came out, i heard "first contact" and really loved it. i was going to go to the cult of luna tour anyway and then i heard they were supporting so went along and they totally blew me and my mates along. we then due to being plastered, and being fun blokes, met them all afterwards and got on amazingly well with the whole band, gave roy a good party for his birthday and ended up getting punched in the face by cult of luna haha, so yeah, they then let me and my 2 mates get in the birmingham gig on the guestlist so naturally we went along, and enjoyed thier performance almost twice as much, due to being able to absorb the music a lot more because of less alcohol lubrication lol! so yeah, chatted with them all again and stuff, got the 2 CDs, a top, badges and stuff and then came on here! listened to the albums loads and i really want to get hold of all the older ones!

Graham

[Guitar Andy]

My first encounter with them was when they supported Cult Of Luna on Tuesday.

[Eve]

I had no choice to escape from Alchemist because my dear Mick listened to the "Austral Alien" Album very loud while dishwashing. He is totally in love with this Cosmic Metal and insisted on hearing a song from the album.
I was puzzled at first because regularly he listens to Thrash or Death Metal and I´m an expert now on finding out what band is playing at each time. Really difficult.
But now I heard cosmic sounds perfectly arranged with a voice so variable that I couldn´t believe it´s one person. Music from another dimension transzended by these four musicians.
I´m a great fan of DEAD CAN DANCE. And I never thought of ever hearing such a perfect, totally universe- like music again. But here we are.
"AlphaCapellaNovaVega" is like a trip through cosmic spheres. I love "Solar burn"!!! It reminds me of a sad, lulling pop song. And I love their instruments playing from one note to another so fluently that I think it will never end.
I love you guys!
But their music is melting with the kind and lovely persons behind it. We met them in Prague. Unfortunately the conditions during the concert were not so good, but Adam has an aura that catches you from the first moment.
:)

[WombSyndrome668]

Had a friend by the name of Royce make me a tape with their old demo on it in high school. Melba High School. I'd still like to stick Steve Chignell's yoda head in his date.
After that I remember sneaking into the Lunasphere release gig at the long-since-dead Terrace Bar in Canberra when I was 16, that was loud. People were falling all over the pedals and shit.

[manicminnion]

been listening to them for years only got to see them on last tour man i missed some shit, i'm moving down under

[Demongrinder]

I was given a promo version of Organasm by a record shop owner in Dublin-Ireland.....listened the to cd and was blown away...amazed how much of a VoiVod sound was in the music....i am a big VoiVod fan...
bought the previous releases on one of my trips to oz before i moved here...
brilliant and original band...they deserve to be huge!
:-)

[Colonel Klink]

Originally posted by Demongrinder
I was given a promo version of Organasm by a record shop owner in Dublin-Ireland.....listened the to cd and was blown away...amazed how much of a VoiVod sound was in the music....i am a big VoiVod fan...
bought the previous releases on one of my trips to oz before i moved here...
brilliant and original band...they deserve to be huge!
:-)

It was great when they got to play with Voivod a few years ago , where in Oz are you living ?

Nice Holy Terror avatar .

[1AZRAEL1]

it was a few weeks before they played at the wollongong youth centre for the world war three tour. even met acouple of em and got there signitures. after that i bought eve of the war and been listening to em ever since.

[Comothinon]

My first encounter with Alchemist was when I was involved in a Melbourne based MP3 trading group on Subway BBS back when MP3s were just taking off (around 96/97). Someone uploaded Eve of the War EP (yeah illegal I know, but I ended up buying all their albums, so who said piracy doesn't pay?).

The track that did it for me was Yoni Kunda, which, on first listening, I didn't like it, but after a few listens, it grew on me and I ended up buying Lunasphere. Shortly after that I purchased Spiritech and Jar of Kingdom re-release 99. I've since bought Organasm and Austral Alien pretty much on release date and am looking forward to their next album, although I have to say I wasn't overly impressed with Austral Alien.

My top tracks I would have to say are Inertia and Eclectic (I wish they had more instrumentals like these - it's the music I like - deepthroat metal singing ain't my cup of tea), The Bio Approach, Unfocused, Chinese Whispers - aww heck, pretty much all of Spiritech.

[Demongrinder]

Col Klink.
am living in Melbourne....
am a big Holy Terror fan too!!
:-)

[BKN]

I have Know Alchemist Since i was a baby that was at 1990 and thay have meet me too my dad is friends with them when thay were in St Eddies

:emot-blin :emot-blin :emot-blin

[CrazyMary]

Lifetime supporter, eh? ;)

[BKN]

Yea and i am only 15

[Mick]

Rugby School? I thought they (or at least Rod) were into Australian Rules Football. :emot-ques

[Infernalis]

Hi
I've heard the Jar of Kingdome and Lunarspere albums on pirate MC here in Russia in 2002 or 2003. That whas really great experience. I didn't hear such kind of metal music mix before. Thank you guys for your music.

[ScottAlarum]

I first heard Alchemist back in 93.
It was the Jar of Kingdom and it was easily one of the best metal albums I had heard.
The way they combined heaviness with ambience and atmosphere to create moods was awesome.
Not to mention completely original.
Listening to that album was like going on a journey.
I have been a fan ever since.
I always will be.

Cheers lads.

[Capt. Midnight]

2004, read a Metal for the Brain overview in Kerrang and had a spiel on Alchemist, which sounded intriguing, though I was not quite the Space Cadet then as I am now, I eventually picked up Austral Alien but could get into little other than First Contact a year or two later I gained a new appreciation and have since purchased Embryonics and Organasm...I'm also quite eager to procure Spiritech, however this is proving difficult...

[CrazyMary]

Just check eBay and gemm.com every now and again, they pop up pretty regularly. ;)

I've been listening to Spiritech over the past two days, still my favourite Alchy album and definitely worthy of a hunt.

[Capt. Midnight]

Just check eBay and gemm.com every now and again, they pop up pretty regularly. ;)

I've been listening to Spiritech over the past two days, still my favourite Alchy album and definitely worthy of a hunt.

I've been toying with emailing the actual band,w hich is how I got my last out of print cd...But I've since realised they probably get a fair few emails of a similar nature...

[CrazyMary]

I've been toying with emailing the actual band,w hich is how I got my last out of print cd...But I've since realised they probably get a fair few emails of a similar nature...

It's worth a try - they can only say no. ;)

[Full Metal Alchemist]

First time I`ve heard them was whenI went to my fave caffe where my friend put some weird cd :) after a while he told me about them...at first I didn`t like the music because I was under huge obssession with Moonspell(I still am :emot-hear ),but when I heard their lyrics I started to like them :drool:

[DecadentHeroine]

Hi
I've heard the Jar of Kingdome and Lunarspere albums on pirate MC here in Russia in 2002 or 2003. That whas really great experience. I didn't hear such kind of metal music mix before. Thank you guys for your music.

Heh, I'm Russian too, but I live in Australia.


I first encountered Alchemist when a friend lent me the Lunasphere CD. He insisted that I absolutely must listen to it coz I will like it, and I did.

[The Angel of Death]

My freind sent me one of their songs and I liked what I heard. This would have been about a month ago or around that. I have then since put some of their songs Onto my Ipod. They are very fun to listen to when you are stareing at a kid on the school bus thinking of the quickest way too kill him.

[Mick]

Hi there, The Angel of Death, and welcome to our realm! :emot-high

My freind sent me one of their songs and I liked what I heard.
That's cool! Which song was that?
Cheers to your friend, by the way!

This would have been about a month ago or around that. I have then since put some of their songs Onto my Ipod. They are very fun to listen to when you are stareing at a kid on the school bus thinking of the quickest way too kill him.
:emot-LOL: The spirit of Martin Bryant still seems to be alive and doing well! ;-)

[selmo]

Terrace Bar Canberra (RIP), round 93/94 circle mosh ahoy!

[thrillkill]

my first encounter was hearing them on Dark Hours back in '92. the first time i saw them play was at the lewisham hotel with my friends sharon and kate when i was sixteen(oh, my longlost youth -where have you gone??)- we had passed out in the lane out the back but managed to come around and catch the most amazing set by the lads- i have been enchanted ever since

[chuck1]

think it was 1989 / 1990 bought their demo tape off rod and have been hooked ever since still got the orignal t-shirt with the cat on the back and long sleeve shirt with the trippy picture on the front. first saw them at the civic youth cafe, jaggers nite club with armoured angel! aaahhhh the memories still got some of the old flyers some where!

[fishboy]

My first encounter was when i started the band in High school back in 1986, fuck we were funny and sounded bad but Im glad we stuck at it, we are slightly better now.:emot-blin

[the ancient metaller]

My first encounter was when i started the band in High school back in 1986, fuck we were funny and sounded bad but Im glad we stuck at it, we are slightly better now.:emot-blin


And you think WE'RE not glad you stuck at it?

Just keep it going, OK?

Peace, Glen.

[fishboy]

Cool mate glad to hear it , can you make it to Brisbane on saturday?:emot-blin

[Mick]

My first encounter was when i started the band in High school back in 1986
Wow, now that I read it I realise again what a long time youn already have been around. Thank you very much for your dedication and hard work! :emot-wors

fuck we were funny and sounded bad
:emot-LOL: Don't worry, you were young!

but Im glad we stuck at it
So am I! :emot-high

we are slightly better now.:emot-blin
You guys are like what people say about wine: You only get better with age! :cool:

[thrillkill]

My first encounter was when i started the band in High school back in 1986, fuck we were funny and sounded bad but Im glad we stuck at it, we are slightly better now.:emot-blin

show off!!! ha ha

[fishboy]

Show off???
Well of course im a show off im the singer God dam it!!!!he he

[the ancient metaller]

Cool mate glad to hear it , can you make it to Brisbane on saturday?:emot-blin

No, won't make the show unfortunately, spent all my pocket money on 'Heaven And Hell' tickets!

(And the new 'Halford Metal God Essentials' CD/DVD combo pack too!)

Still like my old skool stuff, I do.

But I LOVE Alchemist stuff too! Already ordered Tripsis, wonder if I'll get it early again, I posted the first review of Austral Alien, remember?

Peace, Glen.

[thrillkill]

Show off???
Well of course im a show off im the singer God dam it!!!!he he

fair enough!! te he he - gotta stop teasing everyone!!

[maartje]

First encounter was when I heard a track on the national radio metal show here in Belgium. Must have been 1994 or something, it was a song from Jar of Kingdom I believe. I really liked it, and since I was rather new to metal at the time and eager to learn new and exciting things I wrote down the name of the band and the album on a piece of paper to check them out later.

Act II was me standing in the local metal shop a few months later, loaded with some money earned with my student job, having the Alchemist album in my hands and wondering if I would buy it. Unfortunately, money was sparse at the time so I had to make hard choices. I ended up not buying Jar of Kingdom, instead I bought albums from Novembre, Bathory and Darkwoods My Bethrothed. Wrong choice :emot-fail

By 1998 I learned about the internet and downloading mp3's, I really got hooked by "Road to Ubar". However, money was still sparse and Alchemist albums not easy to find. So it was only when they released Austral Alien that I bought my first Alchemist album and saw them live when they toured with Textures and Cult of Luna.

And I guess I'll have to trust on eBay to get Jar of Kingdom :emot-blin

[Saldiac]

First encounter was when I heard a track on the national radio metal show here in Belgium.That must have been "Metalopolis". :emot-boun

[maartje]

That must have been "Metalopolis". :emot-boun
It is.

[biomechanic]

I think I heard Jar of Kingdom in about 94 or 95. The intro to the title track cracked me up and I figured these dudes were destined to do very unusual things with metal, so I jumped on board as a fan. Probably seen them about 12 or 13 times since.

[jay019]

It was Jar Of Kingdom and the 91 demo tape. It totaly spun me out as I'd been into thrash/death for a few years and to hear heavy music with the "out there" soundscapes was actually pretty refreshing. Bought both "Lunaspheres" and "Spiritech" but kind of found other things (Drum & Bass) and went in a different direction. But, having heard a couple of their new tracks on myspace I am definately getting Tripsis!!! The newer stuff is growing on me. I'm glad that jar was rereleased as I spent many hours trying to find that (before I discoverd the net and ebay)

[Silence Is Deafening]

Sometime after I saw them last year for the first time...

[Chelloveck]

My brother giving me a lift to school, playing the Spiritech album.

It was definately a gateway album towards the more extreme sides of metal besides the typical Sepultura, Pantera stuff I was listening to at the time. I still regard it as one of my favourite albums. Dancing to Life is a classic!

I was 16 or so at the time, made the trip to Canberra from Goulburn just to see them, with dodgy forged date of birth licence in tow. Soon I made one of the first Alchemist fan websites, it's listed in the Organasm booklet.

Garden of Eroticism playing right now......

It still stuns me thinking of Alchemists popularity amongst metal and what it should be

[Mick]

Welcome, Chelloveck!

I was 16 or so at the time, made the trip to Canberra from Goulburn just to see them, with dodgy forged date of birth licence in tow.
That's just awesome!

Soon I made one of the first Alchemist fan websites, it's listed in the Organasm booklet.
I don't have it with me right now so I'm not sure but aren't there two fan sites listed? If so, which one was yours?
Anyway, I remember two fan sites and I loved them both! Great work!!!
It's too bad that they've already been gone for such a long time ...

Garden of Eroticism playing right now......
Right on!

It still stuns me thinking of Alchemists popularity amongst metal and what it should be
You betcha ... :-/

[Daann]

The first time i've heard Alchemist was yesterday. It was on a metalfestival in Holland, Friesland (Wâldrock). When I heard it, I was suprised how good they were.
I think they are a great band!

[Mick]

Welcome, Daann!

The first time i've heard Alchemist was yesterday. It was on a metalfestival in Holland, Friesland (Wâldrock). When I heard it, I was suprised how good they were.
I think they are a great band!
I completely agree with you! :-D
Thank you very much for sharing your impressions with us!
How did the rest of the fans (How many were there approximately?) enjoy the show?

[mistery]

1st time i heard Alchemist it was wen Embyonics get out. But i didn´t have any real contact with the band... one day

[Mick]

1st time i heard Alchemist it was wen Embyonics get out.
Congratulations - and welcome!

But i didn´t have any real contact with the band... one day
Where do you live?

[Goost16]

The first time I met Alchemist was when I was browsing the lineup for graspop, I randomly picked some random names and looked them up on youtube.
I believe that was ~6 months ago, and the first song was probably the live record of Yoni Kunda.
The moment I started listening Alchemist, I've been loving the music alot, and started listening it perhaps a bit too much ;)

[Raider 351]

1st time I saw Alchemist was at the Lolipop Centre in Woden circa 1986, I think somebody's mum worked there so it was used as a venue. That version of Alchemist played orginals (I can't remember which, it was so long ago) as well as stuff like "Seek and Destroy", "Whiplash" and "Pounding Metal".

Cheers

[Mick]

1st time I saw Alchemist was at the Lolipop Centre in Woden circa 1986
Woah, this is awesome!!! Thank you very much for sharing this with us!
Could this have been in 1987, though? As far as I know Adam founded the band that year.

I think somebody's mum worked there so it was used as a venue.
That's really interesting. I just looked it up: Lollipop Children's Centre (www.echildcare.com.au/woden-lollipop/) :biggrin:

That version of Alchemist played orginals (I can't remember which, it was so long ago) as well as stuff like "Seek and Destroy", "Whiplash" and "Pounding Metal".
Cheers
So, how was the show? Did you enjoy yourself?!

[Raider 351]

Woah, this is awesome!!! Thank you very much for sharing this with us!
Could this have been in 1987, though? As far as I know Adam founded the band that year.


That's really interesting. I just looked it up: Lollipop Children's Centre (www.echildcare.com.au/woden-lollipop/) :biggrin:


So, how was the show? Did you enjoy yourself?!

I'm pretty sure it was 1986, but I could be wrong, after all it was 22 years ago. From memory it was the first gig that Vocalist Murray Neill played with the band. When I say gig I use the term pretty loosely, it was more of a rehersal with a number of people watching. If memory serves, it was free entry and they played outside. At that time they would have been around 15 years old and that version of Alchemist wouldn't been together more than 12 months. So they were pretty raw(and young) but I always liked seeing them play. I remember marveling at how well Adam played, despite relatively young he could hold his own compared older guitarist around at the time. Right from the start they always put on a good show, particulary Adam and Murray. I was lucky enough to see play live and reherse quite bit during those days as I was good mate of Murray's. Good times, great memories, an awesome band then and now.
Cheers

[Mick]

Thank you very much for sharing more of your memories on this with us! This is sooo exciting to read!!!

I'm pretty sure it was 1986, but I could be wrong, after all it was 22 years ago.
No worries, I see.
Do you still remember this gig / rehearsal, Adam? :confused:

From memory it was the first gig that Vocalist Murray Neill played with the band.
What kind of singer was he?
What's he up to now?

When I say gig I use the term pretty loosely, it was more of a rehersal with a number of people watching. If memory serves, it was free entry and they played outside. At that time they would have been around 15 years old and that version of Alchemist wouldn't been together more than 12 months. So they were pretty raw(and young) but I always liked seeing them play. I remember marveling at how well Adam played, despite relatively young he could hold his own compared older guitarist around at the time. Right from the start they always put on a good show, particulary Adam and Murray.
Without a shadow of doubt!!!
Ah, the beauty of it ... *drools*

I was lucky enough to see play live and reherse quite bit during those days as I was good mate of Murray's. Good times, great memories, an awesome band then and now.
Cheers
You're a very lucky guy!
What else do you remember?
What was their original stuff like during that time frame?
Say, you don't happen to have taken any photos then, do you? :wink:

[Raider 351]

Thank you very much for sharing more of your memories on this with us! This is sooo exciting to read!!!


No worries, I see.
Do you still remember this gig / rehearsal, Adam? :confused:


What kind of singer was he?
What's he up to now?


Without a shadow of doubt!!!
Ah, the beauty of it ... *drools*


You're a very lucky guy!
What else do you remember?
What was their original stuff like during that time frame?
Say, you don't happen to have taken any photos then, do you? :wink:

Okay, Let me think,
Murray's vocals were somewhere along the lines of say, James Hetfield or Ozzy Ozbourne. That's not to say he was a hybbrid of them, I'm just trying to give you a rough idea of what he was like. He definitely wasn't a high pitched-balls in a vice type singer. I lost touch with him about 1994, as far as I know he didn't do anything musically after Alchemist.(someone else might know more about this than me) It's pity he didn't, I thought he was an excellent frontman. I remember one show they played where Scott(Bass) was going to be out town so they decided Murray would do bass and vocals. I know he had some musical training and may even have owned an acoustic guitar but he certainly didn't own a bass guitar so he had very short time to learn all the songs on bass. He must have been bloody observant at rehersals because he did a pretty good job. As far as I know that was the only time that version of Alchemist played as a three piece.
As far as their orginal stuff goes, I think they had at least a dozen or so original songs, it may even have been more. Apart from the ones on the "Eternal Wedlock" demo I remember song called "A Force" and another called "Thrash 'till death". The orginals were Heavy/Power Metal type songs exept "Thrash 'till death" which is pretty self explanitory. From memory I think they had reached the point where they were dropping older orginals from their setlist in favour of newer songs. The music bears no resemblance to to their stuff now. That said, I haven't heard any songs from from the "Eternal Wedlock" era for a long time so I'm only going from memory.
I don't have any photos unfortunatelty, but I remember seeing some taken at the lolipop centre gig. I don't remember whose they were but I assume it was one of the band members cameras. I love to see them again it sure would bring back memories.
Finally I'd like to make it clear I don't pretend to be the authority on the pre-history of Alchemist, I'm just going on my memories. Others might have different recollections from me which is cool, I'd love to hear from anyone else around that era .
Cheers

[fishboy]

Okay, Let me think,
Murray's vocals were somewhere along the lines of say, James Hetfield or Ozzy Ozbourne. That's not to say he was a hybbrid of them, I'm just trying to give you a rough idea of what he was like. He definitely wasn't a high pitched-balls in a vice type singer. I lost touch with him about 1994, as far as I know he didn't do anything musically after Alchemist.(someone else might know more about this than me) It's pity he didn't, I thought he was an excellent frontman. I remember one show they played where Scott(Bass) was going to be out town so they decided Murray would do bass and vocals. I know he had some musical training and may even have owned an acoustic guitar but he certainly didn't own a bass guitar so he had very short time to learn all the songs on bass. He must have been bloody observant at rehersals because he did a pretty good job. As far as I know that was the only time that version of Alchemist played as a three piece.
As far as their orginal stuff goes, I think they had at least a dozen or so original songs, it may even have been more. Apart from the ones on the "Eternal Wedlock" demo I remember song called "A Force" and another called "Thrash 'till death". The orginals were Heavy/Power Metal type songs exept "Thrash 'till death" which is pretty self explanitory. From memory I think they had reached the point where they were dropping older orginals from their setlist in favour of newer songs. The music bears no resemblance to to their stuff now. That said, I haven't heard any songs from from the "Eternal Wedlock" era for a long time so I'm only going from memory.
I don't have any photos unfortunatelty, but I remember seeing some taken at the lolipop centre gig. I don't remember whose they were but I assume it was one of the band members cameras. I love to see them again it sure would bring back memories.
Finally I'd like to make it clear I don't pretend to be the authority on the pre-history of Alchemist, I'm just going on my memories. Others might have different recollections from me which is cool, I'd love to hear from anyone else around that era .
Cheers

Sounds pretty right to me , I remember the lollipop, Who is this send me a personal message
Cheers mate
Adam

[Mick]

First of all: Thanks alot for another prompt reply, Raider 351! I'm a sucker for old school stuff, so I appreciate your support!!!

Okay, Let me think,
Murray's vocals were somewhere along the lines of say, James Hetfield or Ozzy Ozbourne. That's not to say he was a hybbrid of them, I'm just trying to give you a rough idea of what he was like.
Thanks, I see.
Nothing against Murray Neill, but to be honest with you, now I'm even more happy Adam took over vocal duties!

He definitely wasn't a high pitched-balls in a vice type singer. I lost touch with him about 1994, as far as I know he didn't do anything musically after Alchemist.(someone else might know more about this than me) It's pity he didn't, I thought he was an excellent frontman. I remember one show they played where Scott(Bass) was going to be out town so they decided Murray would do bass and vocals. I know he had some musical training and may even have owned an acoustic guitar but he certainly didn't own a bass guitar so he had very short time to learn all the songs on bass. He must have been bloody observant at rehersals because he did a pretty good job. As far as I know that was the only time that version of Alchemist played as a three piece.
This must have been awesome! I have a soft spot for power trios in my heart (VOIVOD mark II, anyone?!)!

As far as their orginal stuff goes, I think they had at least a dozen or so original songs, it may even have been more.
Wow, a dozen! I had no idea they already had that many songs back then! That's awesome!

Apart from the ones on the "Eternal Wedlock" demo I remember song called "A Force" and another called "Thrash 'till death". The orginals were Heavy/Power Metal type songs exept "Thrash 'till death" which is pretty self explanitory.
Man, this sounds just great!

From memory I think they had reached the point where they were dropping older orginals from their setlist in favour of newer songs. The music bears no resemblance to to their stuff now.
I'm sure about that but I still wonder if there's a red line from these old songs to their current stuff.

That said, I haven't heard any songs from from the "Eternal Wedlock" era for a long time so I'm only going from memory.
No worries, you're doing an excellent job!

I don't have any photos unfortunatelty, but I remember seeing some taken at the lolipop centre gig. I don't remember whose they were but I assume it was one of the band members cameras. I love to see them again it sure would bring back memories.
I'd love to see them as well - just out of pure curiosity!

Finally I'd like to make it clear I don't pretend to be the authority on the pre-history of Alchemist, I'm just going on my memories. Others might have different recollections from me which is cool, I'd love to hear from anyone else around that era.
I second this!

Sounds pretty right to me , I remember the lollipop
Thanks a lot for replying to this, Adam!
Say, did you use anything (lyrics, a riff, a break, a song title, ...) from these old original songs for your later work?
And did you have to fight in order to keep the band name or did your former band mates just relinquish it to you?

[fishboy]

First of all: Thanks alot for another prompt reply, Raider 351! I'm a sucker for old school stuff, so I appreciate your support!!!


Thanks, I see.
Nothing against Murray Neill, but to be honest with you, now I'm even more happy Adam took over vocal duties!


This must have been awesome! I have a soft spot for power trios in my heart (VOIVOD mark II, anyone?!)!


Wow, a dozen! I had no idea they already had that many songs back then! That's awesome!


Man, this sounds just great!


I'm sure about that but I still wonder if there's a red line from these old songs to their current stuff.


No worries, you're doing an excellent job!


I'd love to see them as well - just out of pure curiosity!


I second this!


Thanks a lot for replying to this, Adam!
Say, did you use anything (lyrics, a riff, a break, a song title, ...) from these old original songs for your later work?
And did you have to fight in order to keep the band name or did your former band mates just relinquish it to you?

Hey no worries , i remeber we played a benefit gig as alchaschmutz in black metal corpse paint with the current line up in 93, We played Kill for It, a song of Eternal wedlock , That was a fucking funny gig , someone in the band has a tape of that show , I was making fun of everyone in the crowd , i am very surprised i surrvived, we also played , We,re not gunna take it by twisted sister and some 0ther tunes , like our version of police Message in a bottle , called Massage in a Brothel.

[Mick]

Hey no worries
Thanks a lot, mate!

i remeber we played a benefit gig as alchaschmutz in black metal corpse paint with the current line up in 93
:biggrin:
Wow, this must have been an awesome event!
What kind of benefit was that? And where was it held?

We played Kill for It, a song of Eternal wedlock
:emot-droo

That was a fucking funny gig
Yeah, I reckon ... :biggrin: I wish I could have attended that one!

someone in the band has a tape of that show
:emot-droo
Who?! Tell me who, please!!!
Is this an audio or a video tape of that show?
Are there pictures of this event as well?

I was making fun of everyone in the crowd , i am very surprised i surrvived
I'm sure the audience still adored you as their lovable rogue! :wink:

we also played , We,re not gunna take it by twisted sister and some 0ther tunes , like our version of police Message in a bottle , called Massage in a Brothel.
:biggrin:
This show must have been fucking awesome! I always liked your version of "Black Metal" on that Venom tribute album much more than the original version!
Say, why don't you guys just hammer out a quick (mini-) album of this kind for Relapse before you get serious with the real stuff?!
In addition to everybody loving it we'd finally get some real fun in these bleak times! :emot-chee

[Mendicant]

didn't Murray sing in Nemesis too? all I remember is he had BIG hair and a stylish tyedye outfit. They played the first Metal For The Brain

I assume the Alchaschmutz benefit gig was the Sign Of The Times one which was a fund raiser for soundman Gup who reversed his truck into the Electric Shadows (a cinema) sign next to the Terrace Bar (I think that was the story) - I have the flyer somewhere and I have vague memories of the gig

[Fritz]

Mick, let me assure you that there is no creative link between the Alchemist of the late 80s and the Alchemist of today. The old version was a bunch of kids having fun and learning a lot along the way. 3 people left the band, and Adam continued with the name, but formed the band that would become the professional outfit that you know and love today. Murray, Nick and Scott are all great blokes but they can't claim any real contribution to Alchemist's success.

[Fritz]

I was lucky enough to see play live and reherse quite bit during those days as I was good mate of Murray's.Cheers

Raider, I think I know who you are. If drinking rocket fuel at the funny farm, Parramatta Grand Finals, and the best jam sandwiches I've ever tasted ring any bells, send me a PM.

[Mick]

First of all: Welcome to the forum and thanks a lot for your reply, Fritz!

Mick, let me assure you that there is no creative link between the Alchemist of the late 80s and the Alchemist of today.
Thank you very much for your reaasurance!
Yes, I reckon that even if I'd had the fortune of encountering Alchemist already in the 1980s they probably wouldn't have attracted my attention because of these differences ...

The old version was a bunch of kids having fun and learning a lot along the way. 3 people left the band, and Adam continued with the name, but formed the band that would become the professional outfit that you know and love today.
:biggrin: What gave it away?

Murray, Nick and Scott are all great blokes but they can't claim any real contribution to Alchemist's success.
Well, I don't know Murray, Nick, or Scott, unfortunately, but I know what you mean and I agree with you.
But on the other hand I think that in hindsight some traces of Adam's influence just have to be noticeable in the music of that first incarnation of Alchemist. I mean, there's a reason it does say "Music: A. Agius" for all four songs on the "Eternal Wedlock"-inlay! It's these traces that I'm interested in.
Maybe I'm just obsessed and prone to reactance, I don't know.