Wednesday, February 24: Gothic Slam, “Who Died and Made You God”
Roadrunner was founded in Europe in the early ‘80s, but by the end of the decade a good chunk of the label’s signings were NYC-area hardcore and thrash acts. Unfortunately for them and us, most of these bands weren’t very good: if Gothic Slam accomplished anything at all, it was serving as a stepping stone for future Ill Niño founder Dave Chavarri, and even that is a dubious distinction. Tracks like “Who Died and Made You God” were boilerplate mid-paced thrash with chugging breakdowns and sneering vocals, and on that level were perfectly fine. Coupled with a typically no-budget and humorous video, the tune epitomized the state of the New York/New Jersey metal scene at the time, for better and worse. The snarky humor was quintessentially New York, and there was some punk and hardcore in the playing and production. But the scene was filled to the brim with bands and songs like this, and there was nothing about Gothic Slam that really stood out. Funny title, though.
