Too Hot
Rudy "WHITE SHARK" Vercruysse - lead guitar
Marc "RED STAR" De Brauwer - vocals
Hans "SPHINX" Van De Kerckhove - guitar
Marnix "BRONCO" Van de Kauter - bass
Mario "GRIZZLY" Pauwels - drums/percussion
01 Too Hot
02 Shoot Back
03 Sign of Life
04 The Gardens of Marrakesh
05 Love in the Streets
06 Night Women (Don't Like Me)
07 Endless Winterdays
08 Catch the Sound of Peace
09 Halloween
AVAILABLE
Transfer, mastering and audio restoration by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in April 2022.
Cutting by SST Germany on Neumann machines for optimal quality on all levels ...
Once the 1984-85 holiday season was over, it was business as usual for Ostrogoth. Indeed, the recording sessions for the follow-up to »Ecstasy And Danger« were set to start at Shiva Studios in Brussels on the 7th of January 1985. The last session wouldn’t take place until the 9th of March 1985. Of course that’s not to say that the band was in the studio for two months, rather a couple of sessions spread over two months. According to bassist Marnix Van de Kaute, all of the music was recorded in a mere two days, but when it was up to Marc De Brauwer to deliver his vocals, his voice let him down. In the end Marc had to return several more days later on, until all of his vocals were recorded properly.
For the first time in the band’s history an outside producer was brought in to produce and musically direct an Ostrogoth recording. Mausoleum Records had selected a young German guy by the name of Alex Gietz to do just that. Actually, Alex had come over to the band’s rehearsals during four weekends in late 1984, if only to become acquainted with the band and their newly composed songs. But as soon as he arrived, he started to adjust the songs so that they would sound way more commercial. Whether that was enforced on Alex by Mausoleum boss Alfie Falkenbach, we’ll most likely never find out.
The title for Ostrogoth’s second full-length was initially supposed to be »Don’t Point Your Finger«. Mausoleum’s idea was to have a photo shoot to take a cover picture that would tie in with that title. The idea was to rent a classy restaurant, put a bunch of well-dressed people in there, alongside the band members in their usual clothes. Then there would be a little girl in front of them all, pointing her finger to the band members. In the end, none of this materialized. Only the late Alfie knows, but it must have been a last minute decision not to go ahead with this idea, as, when the album was finally released, the labels still mentioned »Don’t Point Your Finger« as the title, instead of »Too Hot«.
In July 1985 Ostrogoth took off to Holland. Reason being that they were selected to be part of the 5th “Rhythm ‘N Booze Popfestival” at Nollebos in Vlissingen. Ostrogoth played late in the afternoon in front of several thousand people. It would turn out to be their last gig in support of »Too Hot«.
Dark clouds were already gathering on the horizon, and it would be another long while before Ostrogoth would grace a stage again. But that’s another story.
Eddy Vermeiren
Ostrogoth is a Belgian heavy metal band formed in 1980 in Ghent. As one of the key acts in the Belgian metal scene during the 1980s, Ostrogoth is known for their melodic approach to traditional heavy metal, blending powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and catchy hooks. The band took its name from the ancient Ostrogoths, a Germanic tribe, which aligns with the epic and historical themes often explored in their lyrics.
Overview:
Formation: 1980, Ghent, Belgium
Genre: Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal
Key Members:
Marc "Red Star" de Brauwer: Guitarist and one of the band's founding members, whose riffing and melodic sensibilities have been central to Ostrogoth's sound.
Mario "Grizzly" Pauwels: Drummer, known for his solid and powerful drumming style.
Jean-Pierre "Stripe" de Wulf: Vocalist, who brought a dynamic and charismatic presence to the band's early recordings.
Musical Style:
Ostrogoth's music is rooted in the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influences from bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Their sound is characterized by dual-guitar harmonies, anthemic choruses, and a blend of speed and melody. Lyrically, the band often delves into themes of warfare, mythology, and personal struggles, reflecting the epic nature of their music.
Notable Releases:
"Full Moon's Eyes" (1983): Ostrogoth's debut EP, which helped them gain a foothold in the European metal scene. Tracks like "Full Moon's Eyes" and "Paris By Night" became fan favorites and showcased the band's potential.
"Ecstasy and Danger" (1984): The band's first full-length album, this release solidified their reputation as a force in the European metal scene. With songs like "Queen of Desire" and "The New Generation," the album is considered a classic of 1980s heavy metal.
"Too Hot" (1985): A follow-up album that continued to build on their established sound, featuring memorable tracks like "Shoot Back" and "Sign of Life."
Legacy:
Despite not achieving the same level of international fame as some of their peers, Ostrogoth has maintained a loyal following, particularly in Europe. Their music is celebrated for its blend of NWOBHM-inspired metal with a distinctly Belgian flair. The band experienced several lineup changes and periods of inactivity but has continued to reunite and perform, keeping their legacy alive among fans of traditional heavy metal.
50 Similar Artists:
Judas Priest
Iron Maiden
Saxon
Accept
Diamond Head
Angel Witch
Grim Reaper
Tygers of Pan Tang
Cloven Hoof
Raven
Battleaxe
Tank
Tokyo Blade
Blitzkrieg
Satan
Witchfinder General
Holocaust
Vardis
Jaguar
Heavy Load
Brocas Helm
Praying Mantis
Samson
Raven
Warlock
Stormwitch
Running Wild
Helloween
Manilla Road
Helstar
Omen
Jag Panzer
Armored Saint
Cirith Ungol
Fist
Virtue
Anvil
Exciter
Savage
Demon
Angel Witch
Sorcery
Pretty Maids
Shok Paris
Witch Cross
Battleaxe
Grim Reaper
Savatage
Stormwind
Warrior