Agent Steel – Mad Locust Rising – Live at Hammersmith Odeon (Dissonance Productions)

 

This is a very historic release from Agent Steel, and it’s about time somebody took interest in this lost and forgotten gem.  Originally, it was released as video tape in Europe, and quickly went out of print.  It’s great to see it upgraded and released once again.

This time it’s available as CD/DVD package.  It definitely sounds and looks better than that video tape from decades ago.  The show itself captures the band in a very interesting time.  The line-up of Agent Steel was rebuilt with this specific tour in mind.  It included a very young James Murphy, and bassist, Richard Bateman.  Both of course went on to other things and variety of bands.  Here we see them taking baby steps on a center stage at Hammersmith Odeon.

This show gives an overview of what Agent Steel was like on stage.  Very intense and energetic performance.  Yes, there are some technical problems, and some mistakes here and there, but as a whole it has a great feel of a live show.  So, all of those other kinks really fall into the background.  This line up really got the right feel, and was able deliver the goods.  Vocalist, John Cyriis sounds great and inspired.  He was truly one of the greats and original singers of the 1980s underground metal. 

Watching this makes you wonder, how come Agent Steel never managed to get it together to take it to another level.  It was unfortunate, but some of the troubles faced back then still continue to this day.  This set is a fine proof of the greatness that once was.  As you listen and watch the band play, you wish the show was longer, but at the same time you realize that sometimes you have to enjoy what you can. 

The set is accompanied by a very informative booklet.  James Murphy appears to be the only contributor, so you see things from his perspective, but that’s good enough to see what went down, and why this line up was never going to work out in a long run.  Despite it all, this set rocks hard, and is a great live document of a band that created some amazing music back in the day.

Mark Kadzielawa