After extremely limited Halloween MMXII and Record Store Day vinyl editions of the A2/Orr+ mix ofINTEGRITY's Systems Overload album early this year by Organized Crime Records -- who subsequently issued an official LP pressing in September -- Magic Bullet Records will cast a dark shadow on the 2013 Holiday Season with an official CD version of the revamped release.
One of the most vicious and iconic hardcore albums ever, Systems Overload was initially released by Victory Records in 1995, elevating INTEGRITY to a whole new level of international notoriety, yet due to rushed/confused mixing sessions, the final product bore a more modern metallic hardcore sound than the band intended. In 2012, former INTEGRITY guitarist Aaron Melnick and current guitarist Robert Orr collaboratively took on a mission to bring forth the true vision of Systems Overload LP forth. Unearthing the initial masters from the extensive recording sessions, the guitarists from two different eras of the band pulled elements of alternate takes of the songs to a new level, incorporating new contributions from both Melnick and Orr with lost solos and divebombs. The new mix showcases a much more organic and haphazardly raw side of this timeless album -- bearing fan favorites like the opening track "Incarnate 365," the rabid "Armenian Persecution," the plodding "Jimson Isolation" and the enduring title anthem -- the dark, visionary brutality of the initial recording is retained, but the band's punk and Japanese hardcore influences erupt forth with new vitality, and includes liner notes from both Melnick and Orr on the process of putting the album together.
Magic Bullet will plague humanity with the CD issue of the A2/Orr+ mix of Systems Overload on November 29th, 2013. The release will come less than two months from the day INTEGRITY's iconic lineup from the early-mid '90s, including the Systems Overload album, reunites for the first time in twenty years. Vocalist Dwid Hellion, bassist Leon Melnick, drummer Mark Konopka and guitaristsAaron Melnick and Chris Smith will also be joined by current INTEGRITY lead guitarist Robert Orr on stage at the A389 X Bash in Baltimore this January 17th and 18th in Baltimore, Maryland to perform an exclusive historic one-off set at the massive event. The Bash will also include special performances by Bloodlet, All Out War, Infest, Haymaker, Empire Of Rats, Noisem, Full Of Hell and many others.
More info on the A2/Orr+ mix of Systems Overload, additional INTEGRITY live engagements and more will be announced in the coming weeks.
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