Astaroth - Demo 88

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Review by Nihal

Demo 88 by Astaroth: A Raw Slice of Speed and Heavy Metal Fury If you’re a fan of underground metal, Demo 88 by Astaroth is one of those hidden gems that feels like unearthing a treasure chest in an old attic. Released independently back in 1988, this Italian-American collaboration brought together raw energy, blistering riffs, and a DIY ethos that screams authenticity. With its mix of Speed Metal and Heavy Metal, it’s the kind of record that makes you want to bang your head while marveling at how unhinged it all sounds. The lineup—featuring Bob Cattani on vocals, Max Cipicchia shredding guitar duties, Shining holding down bass, and Jan D'Amore smashing drums—is tight but not overly polished, which works perfectly for this demo's gritty vibe. Two tracks stand out as instant earworms (or maybe brain-melters): "Rave On" and "Dreams Die First." “Rave On” kicks things off with a relentless pace that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The opening riff hits hard, like someone revving up a motorcycle right next to your ear. Bob Cattani’s vocals are wild and untamed, almost like he’s channeling some primal force rather than just singing lyrics. It’s chaotic yet oddly infectious—the sort of song where you find yourself air-guitaring even though no one’s watching. You remember it because it doesn’t try too hard; it just is. Pure adrenaline wrapped in steel strings. Then there’s “Dreams Die First,” which takes a slightly darker turn. This track slows down just enough to let Max Cipicchia’s guitar solos breathe fire over the mix. There’s something haunting about the melody here, like a warning whispered through clenched teeth. When the chorus kicks in, it’s equal parts doom and defiance—a reminder that dreams might die, but they go out swinging. It sticks with you long after the last note fades. Self-released under their own label, Demo 88 has that unmistakable charm of musicians doing things their way without worrying about trends or expectations. Sure, the production quality isn’t perfect—it’s lo-fi, scratchy, and sometimes feels like listening through a tin can—but that’s part of its appeal. It’s real. No frills, no gimmicks, just four guys hammering away at their instruments with everything they’ve got. Looking back, what strikes me most is how timeless this demo feels. In an era when bands were either chasing glam rock fame or diving deep into thrash experimentation, Astaroth carved out their own little niche somewhere in between. They weren’t reinventing the wheel, but damn if they didn’t make it spin faster than anyone else around them. And honestly? Listening to this now feels like finding a forgotten Polaroid picture from a party you never attended. You weren’t there, but somehow, you feel connected to the chaos anyway. Funny how music can do that.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: astaroth-demo-88.zip
  • MP3 size: 17.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 170.4 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Dreams Die First
Why Don't You Rock Me
Rave On

Images

Album herunterladen Astaroth - Demo 88

Labels

Not On Label (Astaroth Self-released)

Listen online

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  • ascolta in linea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online anhören
  • écouter en ligne
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  • ouvir online

Formats

  • Cassette
  • Promo
  • Mini-Album
  • Demo

Companies

RoleCompany
Marketed ByAstaroth

Credits

RoleCredit
BassShining
DrumsJan D'Amore
GuitarMax Cipicchia
Lead VocalsBob Cattani

Notes

  • Produced By Astaroth
  • Recorded And Mixed At Rumbo Recorders , Canoga PK , CA. - February 1988
  • Engineer: John Henning
  • Astaroth Manag.nt:
  • 1429 1/2 Monterey Rd.
  • So.Pasadena - CA 91030

About Astaroth

Italian metal band formed in Rome in january 1982 with Stefano Lenti, John Panko Onofri and Simone Ramon Triscari. Astaroth, after Bob Cattani and Saverio Principini joined the band at the end of 1982, became one of the Rome's most heralded underground metal acts, performing a lot of local gigs and various demos. In the summer of 1983 they decided to promote their demos gaining the interest of the dutch label Rave On. In July of 1984 founder Stefano Lenti was replaced on lead guitar by Max Cipicchia and released the legendary 'The Long Loud Silence' Mini Album in early 1985. Relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1987 and disbanded in 1988. Reformed in 2005.

Members

  • Saverio Principini
  • Bob Cattani
  • Max Cipicchia
  • John Panko Onofri
  • Simone Triscari
  • Stefano Lenti

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool little nugget for you. Back in 1988, a band called Astaroth self-released an album called *Demo 88*. It’s raw, heavy, and full of energy—classic speed and heavy metal vibes. What makes it special? It came out in both Italy and the US, but there was no big label backing them. Just a group of guys grinding it out. Tracks like "Rave On" and "Dreams Die First" show off their grit. The bassist went by the name Shining, which is pretty metal if you think about it. Sometimes, the best stuff comes straight from the underground.