Formed in Boston around 1986, Meliah Rage was part of the thrash/power metal invasion that was jumpstarted by a band called Metallica.
Anthony Nichols, the somewhat classically trained rhythm guitarist, decided to start a band after watching Metallica play at the Ratt in Boston's Kenmore Square. The original lineup looked something like this:
Mike Munro - Vocals
Anthony Nichols - Rhythm Guitar
Jim Koury - Lead Guitar
Jesse Johnson - Bass
Stu Dowie- Drums
After playing a few live gigs and shopping around a demo tape,
they quickly got signed to Epic Records after a bidding war.
Their first album, Kill To Survive, was released in 1988.
The album's somewhat suggestive title track caused some controversy, since the release coincided with lawsuits being
brought upon band's such as Judas Priest for satanic lyrics.
Thus, the band's first album was released, sans the track. 'Beginning of the End' ended up being a radio and MTV hit.
1.
Beginning of the End
2. Bates Motel
3. Meliah Rage
4. Deadly Existence
5. Enter The Darkness
6. Impaling Doom
7. The Pack