I never really envisioned any of the Metal Meltdown’s being reissued. Digital downloading did not exist during the era of production of any of the volumes. In fact, by the time the fourth chapter was issued in 1990, even vinyl had become extinct. (Fortunately, it’s back!) Compact discs were the new rave, yet they were very expensive to produce and for the consumer to buy. Thus, it was the short-lived golden era of the cassette that Volume IV fell under and was released on. Sadly, it was the first Meltdown not to be released on vinyl.

A prolific vinyl collector, I remember worrying, ‘cassette only, this will never be significant.’ Wrong was I. Today, the average price of the vinyl versions of Metal Meltdown Volume’s I & II sell in the neighborhood of $42.00. More quantity of Volume III was pressed, thus it sells for slightly less, around $28.00. Whereas the cassette format of Volume IV cannot be picked up for under $100.00. I last saw it on sale at Discogs for $125.00. All I can say is ‘thank you', cassette collectors!

Metal Meltdown Volume IV features 14 Washington State Heavy Metal bands from 1990. The cassette opens with a very unique and odd song called ‘Deadtown,’ performed by the female-fronted band 7th Stranger. Side One is filled out by Whiskey Fix, Legend, Killer Shrike, Midnight, Kamrun Veil, and Vodun. Side two opens with Dark Ages. Next up - Toxx L’rae performs ‘Don’t Make a Difference,’ followed by Slam Suzanne’s classic, ‘Perforated Condom.’ NFace First, Suite 69, Teacher’s Pett, Show & Tell, and Ulysses D and Miss C close out the cassette. With the exception of Whiskey Fix, Slam Suzanne, and Show & Tell, it would be difficult to find additional music from any of the other eleven bands. This compilation is historical documentation of Washington State Metal in 1990 and is one of the only places these bands music has been preserved. I hope you appreciate the museum all four of the Metal Meltdown’s provide.


Beginning in 2021 Metal Meltdown will make an annual return showcasing the independent metal of Washington State once again. Volume V awaits….