Review: VULGA Mayhem Without Mercy CD

The so-called Malaysian cult, VULGA finally on CD. Unfortunately, this is not really VULGA. It is a combination of two bands, Massrohendt and Straet & Esimorp. Why two bands?

Since this band originated from Ipoh and I know two of the bandboys (we went to the same school, St. Michael Institution), I think I have some unknown informations about this band. Forget all the propaganda.

The two guys are cousin. Baron, as he was called is actually the one who is with Vulga. His cousin, Ben, well, I don't think he is with Vulga originally. So the story goes that these two cousins decided to put up a demo. Even though they are cousins, they cannot stand each other on the musical term. So two bands it is. Baron with Massrohendt and Ben with the other. Since Ben is more musically knowledgable, his band is more detailed compare with Baron. You can hear it in this CD.

Massrohendt is more Beherit & Sarcofago type of Metal whereas S&T is more on the melodic side. There is a huge gap here if anybody want to say that both = Vulga. Since Vulga cited Venom as their main influence, the music played by Massrohendt and S&T proof nothing to that inclination. Even none of the two covers recorded by both bands are Venom's. Massrohendt covered Celtic Frost's Into The Crypt Of Rays while S&T covered Rotting Christ's Forest of N'gai.

 I watched them (Vulga) rehearsing during that time (1989-1990) and  the only songs they played were Venom; Welcome To Hell, 1000 Days In Sodom, Witching Hour etc. Even if they decided to play other band's cover, it will be from Black Sabbath.

My conclusion is that this can't be Vulga. Either the record label has succeeded convincing both Baron and Ben to release this as Vulga or the other way round. Nevertheless, even if Vulga is taken out from the picture, this is a pretty decent release for the historical archive. They were among the first to play this kind of extreme Metal in Malaysia and they came from my city - Ipoh.