early Slayer, early Metallica, Sextrash, Sadus, Gospel of the Horns, Destroyer 666, Scorpions, Bathory, Manilla Road, early Sepultura, Motorhead, Assassin, Atlain, Iron Maiden, Slaughter Lord, Judas Priest, Running Wild, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, SODOM, Vomitor, Morbid Angel, Voiviod, Scepter, Sad Iron, Heavy Load, Grenade, Led Zeppelin, Noctural Graves, Armoured Angel, Hobbs' Angel of Death, Holocaust, AC/DC, Witch Cross, Rose Tattoo, AngelWitch, Diamond Head, Asphyx, Venom, Incubus (the good ones), Jag Panzer, Satans Host, Martire, Manowar, Marquis De Sade, Razor, Pentagram, Possessed, Tankard, Unleashed, Dismember, Witchfinder General.........
& PLENTY FUCKIN' MORE!
Sounds Like
We came here tonight to thrash with the crowd
The unwritten law, no posers allowed
One last ultimatum, the riot act read
Our promise, our threat - You mosh and you're dead
“Hobbs’ played Virgin Metal, Shackles play Slut Metal!”
Shackles formed in the year 2000, though the idea had been circling for a little while before that. There were no grand plans, other than to create songs that drew from the various influences that drove each member of the band. The first full line-up featured in its ranks ex- Erosion bass player (and one-time Minotaur vocalist) Rainer Wischnewski, as well as Ian (vocals), Loony (guitars) and Matt (drums).
The following three years were filled with frustration and a slight lack of direction. Rainer faded from view, drummers came and went, recording sessions failed to eventuate and the only real signs of life were a few party shows that failed to impress anyone - except perhaps breweries and chemical companies. Finally, some semblance of continuity emerged and the band played numerous shows around Sydney. Whilst far from perfect, they at least gave Shackles a level of renown in the local scene.
It wasn’t really until mid-2004 that the band hinted at any potential. Long tied down by the lack of potency and live charisma of the guitarists, bassist/vocalist Ian and drummer Joss (at that time Infernal Method frontman) drafted in two new axe-stranglers to take the band to a new level. The addition of Dario (lead guitar) and Matt (rhythm guitar) gave Shackles a stronger sound and more cohesive live presence. This combination has seen the band play shows throughout Australia, including visits to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Bendigo.
Despite having ample songs for a full-length recording, the band focused on building a reputation the old fashioned way – releasing demos and promoting the name through the underground. 2005’s rehearsal demo ‘Orgy of corpses’ started the ball rolling, followed by a studio demo in 2006 entitled ‘Coup de grace’. Both tapes were pressed professionally and released by Australian label Beer in Your Ear Records.
In 2007 Shackles supported Danish horror metal ghouls Denial of God and Japanese death metal veterans Defiled on the Sydney legs of their Australian tours. Other bands they’ve shared the stage with over the years include Toxic Holocaust (usa), Diocletian (nz), Gospel of the Horns, Destruktor, StarGazer, Grenade, Atomizer, Misery and Nocturnal Graves. Late 2007 also saw the release of their debut vinyl offering, the ‘Inquisitor’s curse’ 7”. Displaying ravaging death/thrash laced with purest heavy metal, it is the most refined and distinctive Shackles release yet.
Tapping the vein of all the best that heavy metal had to offer from the ‘70s to early ‘90s and never afraid to exalt their Australian roots, Shackles are unique, if not earth-shatteringly original. With a debut full-length written and soon to be recorded, the whips of the chain gang continue to strike…
Cheers for showing up to the gig on Saturday! And Cheers for the 7" Ep! Total killer! Head to Melbourne soon!! Was killer to catch up! Been to many years my friend!
