TERMINUS: GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS
At various times, in fact since 1993, a third LP was planned, to be called "The Ugly Spirit". Unfortunately frequent line changes put paid to any continuity, even though there were enough songs, and thus, like to so many Terminus plans, it never got done.
With this line-up, after a lengthy period of doing what Terminus do best - absolutely nothing - Towie left to join US Hardcore style band One Car Pile Up (catch 'em, they're great, even if I do occasionally refer to them as One Can Piss Up - for no reason other than I like the sound of it. They do more than we ever did!), Leigh got a job, Paddy joined a Heavy Metal band and also got a job. I eventually did a HND in graphic design before putting it to good use shovelling shit on the steelworks for the next five years or so. Thrilling.
With this line-up, after a lengthy period of doing what Terminus do best - absolutely nothing - Towie left to join US Hardcore style band One Car Pile Up (catch 'em, they're great, even if I do occasionally refer to them as One Can Piss Up - for no reason other than I like the sound of it. They do more than we ever did!), Leigh got a job, Paddy joined a Heavy Metal band and also got a job. I eventually did a HND in graphic design before putting it to good use shovelling shit on the steelworks for the next five years or so. Thrilling.
SPACED 1999
Meanwhile, however, on the 13th September 1999, the original line-up of Terminus reconvened and, after minimal rehearsal (upstairs at the Crosby Hotel), recorded a track for a Ruptured Ambitions compilation album at Steve Birds studio. The album was a collection of cover versions of songs that had appeared on the Corpus Christi & Crass record Labels, and was called, "ANGRY SONGS & BITTER WORDS", and was a benefit for Rape Crisis. This was finally released on
Ruptured Ambitions in 2003. The track we chose to do was the Captain Sensible song "What d'ya give the man who's gotten Everything?" from the EP "This Is Your Captain Speaking," and my favourite song from that record. I even managed to ask the Captain for permission to do it a Damned gig at Cleethorpes Winter Gardens, but I'll bet he was too pissed on Special Brew to remember! Bloody excellent gig though - I always have a stupid grin on my face from start to finish whenever I see The Damned (as befitting Flashman Society Member Number 020!).
So, the line up was myself, Mark on guitar, Chris Lazenby on Bass, Pete Lazenby on Drums and Dave Crawford on Lead guitar, Dave had also been present at the recording of the first demo tape, had been the singer songwriter of local Goth band Max, and is a damn fine instrumentalist and songwriter in his own right. He is currently composing instrumental music for soundtracks, creating web sites and doing illustration work.
Meanwhile, however, on the 13th September 1999, the original line-up of Terminus reconvened and, after minimal rehearsal (upstairs at the Crosby Hotel), recorded a track for a Ruptured Ambitions compilation album at Steve Birds studio. The album was a collection of cover versions of songs that had appeared on the Corpus Christi & Crass record Labels, and was called, "ANGRY SONGS & BITTER WORDS", and was a benefit for Rape Crisis. This was finally released on
Ruptured Ambitions in 2003. The track we chose to do was the Captain Sensible song "What d'ya give the man who's gotten Everything?" from the EP "This Is Your Captain Speaking," and my favourite song from that record. I even managed to ask the Captain for permission to do it a Damned gig at Cleethorpes Winter Gardens, but I'll bet he was too pissed on Special Brew to remember! Bloody excellent gig though - I always have a stupid grin on my face from start to finish whenever I see The Damned (as befitting Flashman Society Member Number 020!).
So, the line up was myself, Mark on guitar, Chris Lazenby on Bass, Pete Lazenby on Drums and Dave Crawford on Lead guitar, Dave had also been present at the recording of the first demo tape, had been the singer songwriter of local Goth band Max, and is a damn fine instrumentalist and songwriter in his own right. He is currently composing instrumental music for soundtracks, creating web sites and doing illustration work.
ANGRY SONGS AND BITTER WORDS Compilation LP
Label: Ruptured Ambitions. PC1984 2003
Recorded on the 13th September 1999 at Steve Birds, for the compilation album of songs that have appeared on the Corpus Christi/ Crass Labels.
Line Up: Mark Richardson - Vocals and Rhythm guitar, Dave Crawford - Lead Guitar, Chris Lazenby - Bass, Pete Lazenby - Drums.
Track: Terminus: "The Man Who's Gotten Everything?" (Rimbaud/Burns)
Other tracks by: UK Subs/ The Bungalow Band/ Chester/ Anal beard/ Neurostar/ The Varukers/ Rukus/ Human Error/ Bad Influence/ Harakiri Karaoke/ Shauns Bum/ Subhumans/ Bug Central/ English Dogs/ Combat Shock/ The Bloodclots/ The Chineapple Punx/ Fleas & Lice/ Wat Tyler/ The Bus Station Loonies/ Harum Scarum.
Label: Ruptured Ambitions. PC1984 2003
Recorded on the 13th September 1999 at Steve Birds, for the compilation album of songs that have appeared on the Corpus Christi/ Crass Labels.
Line Up: Mark Richardson - Vocals and Rhythm guitar, Dave Crawford - Lead Guitar, Chris Lazenby - Bass, Pete Lazenby - Drums.
Track: Terminus: "The Man Who's Gotten Everything?" (Rimbaud/Burns)
Other tracks by: UK Subs/ The Bungalow Band/ Chester/ Anal beard/ Neurostar/ The Varukers/ Rukus/ Human Error/ Bad Influence/ Harakiri Karaoke/ Shauns Bum/ Subhumans/ Bug Central/ English Dogs/ Combat Shock/ The Bloodclots/ The Chineapple Punx/ Fleas & Lice/ Wat Tyler/ The Bus Station Loonies/ Harum Scarum.
AND YET IT LIVES!
Shortly after this a new Terminus line up began rehearsing, and eventually even managed to play a few gigs! This consisted of Mark: Vocals and guitar, Paddy Niland: Bass, Chris Lonsdale (from One Car Pile Up) on lead guitar and former drummer Mick Hare (Harey) on Drums, who had previously drummed on the first couple of singles and the first album.
The band rehearsed in the basement of the Lincoln Imp public House, Scunthorpe (thanks Jan), and eventually played two gigs there in 2000, one on 9 June with One Car Pile Up, and another on the 27 December with Losers Club and Fairy Hookers (although I am not sure if either of those bands actually plaeyed the gig). This was followed by gigs at The Beachcomber, Cleethorpes, on 12th March 2001, supporting Stiff Little Fingers with Mutton Jeff, and yet another at The Lincoln Imp, Scunthorpe, on the 7th April (2001) with The Experiment and Gasp.
A big hello to those people from Bradford and Leeds area who made it over for the gigs. Here is a review of the gig on the 9th by Stuart Gregory:
"Terminus & One Car Pile-Up
Friday June 9th 2000
The Lincoln Imp
Scunthorpe
Terminus Play an excellent 30 minute set. After the gig, Mark Richardson proves himself to be a very generous man, giving beer, 7" singles, an unplugged session and a tea-spoon to 4 strange blokes from Bradford. Apologies for the bombay mix! "
This can be found on Stu's web page at 'TERMINUS: Into The Flames - An Unofficial Terminus Page'.
Two of the gigs at the Lincoln Imp were videoed by Paul 'Wacky' Tomlinson.
Shortly after this a new Terminus line up began rehearsing, and eventually even managed to play a few gigs! This consisted of Mark: Vocals and guitar, Paddy Niland: Bass, Chris Lonsdale (from One Car Pile Up) on lead guitar and former drummer Mick Hare (Harey) on Drums, who had previously drummed on the first couple of singles and the first album.
The band rehearsed in the basement of the Lincoln Imp public House, Scunthorpe (thanks Jan), and eventually played two gigs there in 2000, one on 9 June with One Car Pile Up, and another on the 27 December with Losers Club and Fairy Hookers (although I am not sure if either of those bands actually plaeyed the gig). This was followed by gigs at The Beachcomber, Cleethorpes, on 12th March 2001, supporting Stiff Little Fingers with Mutton Jeff, and yet another at The Lincoln Imp, Scunthorpe, on the 7th April (2001) with The Experiment and Gasp.
A big hello to those people from Bradford and Leeds area who made it over for the gigs. Here is a review of the gig on the 9th by Stuart Gregory:
"Terminus & One Car Pile-Up
Friday June 9th 2000
The Lincoln Imp
Scunthorpe
Terminus Play an excellent 30 minute set. After the gig, Mark Richardson proves himself to be a very generous man, giving beer, 7" singles, an unplugged session and a tea-spoon to 4 strange blokes from Bradford. Apologies for the bombay mix! "
This can be found on Stu's web page at 'TERMINUS: Into The Flames - An Unofficial Terminus Page'.
Two of the gigs at the Lincoln Imp were videoed by Paul 'Wacky' Tomlinson.
TERMINUS: 'Graveyard Of Dreams' CD
2003 finally saw the aptly titled release of the much discussed compilation of the bands singles and compilation album appearances, called Graveyard Of Dreams, it also included the unreleased version of 'Terror is the Best of Guards' recorded for a Full Circle Records comp but never released. For some reason the edited version of 'Violent Resistance' was omitted. The CD was compiled by Mark, Chris Dale and Paddy at Steve Birds. A slightly different mix of 'Kill Mechanism' was used as Steve managed to snap the reel to reel tape on the mix of the track used on the single (there were about three different mixes on the Ampex tape)! Nobody seems to have noticed though!
GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS Compilation CD
Label: Boss Tuneage Records/ Terminus Records 2003
Catalogue Number: BOSTAGE5117/ TPPLCD001
Line Up: Various line-ups
Track Listing: Star Born Thing/ Purge/ Kill Mechanism/ Dance With The Dead/ In Another Time/ Hunt The Hunt/ What Kind Of World?/ Violent Resistance/ We're Dreaming?/ Terror Is The Best Of Guards/ Into The Flames/ Bending The Rules/ A New Tomorrow/ Body Count '91/ Dark Carnival/ News From Nowhere/ What Do You Want From Me?/ Marat/ Do Nothing (unlisted version of the Specials song).
REVIEWS
"This British band has been around since the early '80s, and this is a compilation of singles the band has put out since then. They're sorta melodic punk, but with a fair amount of Hardcore and some Metal in there. They address socio-political topics like the Hunt (a big deal in England, probably doesn't mean much to Yanks), Police surveillance ("Waiting For The Purge"), major arms dealers ("Kill Mechanism"), repression and exploitation of the weak ("Body Count") and much more. Chunky guitars and often fuzzed-out and very bottom-heavy bass playing propel most of the songs, as do the deep and forceful vocals of singer/guitarist Mark Richards, who is the sole constant throughout the band's career. An un-credited bonus track finds them covering the Specials' "Do Nothing" at breakneck speed, somewhat similar to Snuff's chaotic version from the early '90s. This is some damn good stuff."
Alan Wright, 'Cosmik Debris' © 2003 (Web)
Mark Richards? Curiously, the same mistake made by the NHS on my Medical Card when I first moved to Scunny.
"Compilation of all their singles and comp. tracks. Absolutely fucking fantastic. Powerful riff driven songs with superb @ lyrics. Cannot recommend this enuff. One of the great U.K. bands of all time. Critical success is not enough, it's time for you the punter to get it."
Donny Mark, 'MP@TA' (Most Punks Are Total Arseholes Fanzine) #2 - June 2005
Steady!
Label: Boss Tuneage Records/ Terminus Records 2003
Catalogue Number: BOSTAGE5117/ TPPLCD001
Line Up: Various line-ups
Track Listing: Star Born Thing/ Purge/ Kill Mechanism/ Dance With The Dead/ In Another Time/ Hunt The Hunt/ What Kind Of World?/ Violent Resistance/ We're Dreaming?/ Terror Is The Best Of Guards/ Into The Flames/ Bending The Rules/ A New Tomorrow/ Body Count '91/ Dark Carnival/ News From Nowhere/ What Do You Want From Me?/ Marat/ Do Nothing (unlisted version of the Specials song).
REVIEWS
"This British band has been around since the early '80s, and this is a compilation of singles the band has put out since then. They're sorta melodic punk, but with a fair amount of Hardcore and some Metal in there. They address socio-political topics like the Hunt (a big deal in England, probably doesn't mean much to Yanks), Police surveillance ("Waiting For The Purge"), major arms dealers ("Kill Mechanism"), repression and exploitation of the weak ("Body Count") and much more. Chunky guitars and often fuzzed-out and very bottom-heavy bass playing propel most of the songs, as do the deep and forceful vocals of singer/guitarist Mark Richards, who is the sole constant throughout the band's career. An un-credited bonus track finds them covering the Specials' "Do Nothing" at breakneck speed, somewhat similar to Snuff's chaotic version from the early '90s. This is some damn good stuff."
Alan Wright, 'Cosmik Debris' © 2003 (Web)
Mark Richards? Curiously, the same mistake made by the NHS on my Medical Card when I first moved to Scunny.
"Compilation of all their singles and comp. tracks. Absolutely fucking fantastic. Powerful riff driven songs with superb @ lyrics. Cannot recommend this enuff. One of the great U.K. bands of all time. Critical success is not enough, it's time for you the punter to get it."
Donny Mark, 'MP@TA' (Most Punks Are Total Arseholes Fanzine) #2 - June 2005
Steady!
DISINTEGRATION BLUES
At some point this line up also disintegrated with Chris carrying on with One Car Pile Up, Hairy giving up (dodgy knees not helping), and so yet another line up was dragged together, this time consisting of Mark, Paddy on bass, Leigh Bain yet again on guitar, and Rodney Moody on drums (not just an excellent drummer but a multi-instrumentalist). Also 'yet again' this line up did nothing but rehearse (in the unused bar at the Crosby Hotel, then being run by 'DJ' Charlie and his wife Di, with Paddy also eventually calling it a day.
Prior to that, sometime in August 2005, the band went up to Rodney's in order to go through some acoustic songs with a view to preparing a set for the long planned acoustic album - and also have - in Terminus fashion - a damn good drink! True to form there was more drinking than playing as Leigh, Paddy, Mark and Rodney (not forgetting Stacey) sat around a huge blazing fire and tried to play some songs. Somehow, as the sun set amid the flat Lincolnshire farmlands, three songs were recorded for posterity to laugh at, namely:
One Brick Thick/ Still Falling/ Under Sullen Skies
At one point you can actually hear me laughing as Paddy nearly fell into the fire. Well, it was funny at the time! A great night.
However, although the 'band' had stopped rehearsing the usual set material, throughout 2009, Rodney and Mark started to properly rehearse material for an acoustic album out at Rodney's house outside Scunthorpe where he had now set up a 'Tunnel' for playing music and rehearsing in. Eventually roping in Leigh on acoustic guitar and 'Little Nosh', a mate of Rodney's on bass and keyboards. The band had started knocking together some very rough demo's when tragedy struck. Rodney's companion and mother of their two children, Stacey, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Stacey had a great personality, was a fun person, a great mother to their two daughters, a good friend to many, and will be sorely missed for many years to come. This terrible event brought any thoughts of recording at that time to an end, as the priorities and perspectives change. Beside such a senseless event the abandonment of a recording project is of little consequence, and music and bands are shown for the inconsequential, meaningless shadows they ultimately are.
At some point this line up also disintegrated with Chris carrying on with One Car Pile Up, Hairy giving up (dodgy knees not helping), and so yet another line up was dragged together, this time consisting of Mark, Paddy on bass, Leigh Bain yet again on guitar, and Rodney Moody on drums (not just an excellent drummer but a multi-instrumentalist). Also 'yet again' this line up did nothing but rehearse (in the unused bar at the Crosby Hotel, then being run by 'DJ' Charlie and his wife Di, with Paddy also eventually calling it a day.
Prior to that, sometime in August 2005, the band went up to Rodney's in order to go through some acoustic songs with a view to preparing a set for the long planned acoustic album - and also have - in Terminus fashion - a damn good drink! True to form there was more drinking than playing as Leigh, Paddy, Mark and Rodney (not forgetting Stacey) sat around a huge blazing fire and tried to play some songs. Somehow, as the sun set amid the flat Lincolnshire farmlands, three songs were recorded for posterity to laugh at, namely:
One Brick Thick/ Still Falling/ Under Sullen Skies
At one point you can actually hear me laughing as Paddy nearly fell into the fire. Well, it was funny at the time! A great night.
However, although the 'band' had stopped rehearsing the usual set material, throughout 2009, Rodney and Mark started to properly rehearse material for an acoustic album out at Rodney's house outside Scunthorpe where he had now set up a 'Tunnel' for playing music and rehearsing in. Eventually roping in Leigh on acoustic guitar and 'Little Nosh', a mate of Rodney's on bass and keyboards. The band had started knocking together some very rough demo's when tragedy struck. Rodney's companion and mother of their two children, Stacey, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Stacey had a great personality, was a fun person, a great mother to their two daughters, a good friend to many, and will be sorely missed for many years to come. This terrible event brought any thoughts of recording at that time to an end, as the priorities and perspectives change. Beside such a senseless event the abandonment of a recording project is of little consequence, and music and bands are shown for the inconsequential, meaningless shadows they ultimately are.
Top three photo's above: Mark and Leigh rehearsing in the 'Tunnel' at Rodney and Stacy's (Stacy in the background with Leigh, 4 October 2009. Bottom three photo's Mark and Rodney in the Tunnel, December 2009, slowly freezing in the semi darkness. Atmospheric though...
TRAPPED IN A SCENE
In 2009 the band also featured in the third instalment of Ian Glasper's massive, not to mention indispensable (especially if you're in it!), documentation of the UK punk scene: 'Trapped In A Scene: UK Hardcore 1985-1989' (Cherry Red Books, 2009). According to this weighty tome:
"The underground hardcore scene of the mid - to late -1980s was UK punk rock's last significant creative gasp."
In our case it was a long, drawn out and painfully asthmatic gasp, but at least we left behind some minor aural evidence for people to avoid stepping in! Speaking of which....
In 2009 the band also featured in the third instalment of Ian Glasper's massive, not to mention indispensable (especially if you're in it!), documentation of the UK punk scene: 'Trapped In A Scene: UK Hardcore 1985-1989' (Cherry Red Books, 2009). According to this weighty tome:
"The underground hardcore scene of the mid - to late -1980s was UK punk rock's last significant creative gasp."
In our case it was a long, drawn out and painfully asthmatic gasp, but at least we left behind some minor aural evidence for people to avoid stepping in! Speaking of which....
GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS DUG UP AND REISSUED
2013 saw the reissue of the 'Graveyard of Dreams' compilation CD, with minor changes and corrections to the artwork on the label and sleeve, a new catalogue number, and the correct name for the 'Marat' spoken word/ instrumental song.
GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS Compilation CD - Reissue
Label: Boss Tuneage Retro Records 2013
Catalogue Number: BTRCRS067
Line Up: Various line-ups.
Track Listing: Star Born Thing/ Purge/ Kill Mechanism/ Dance With The Dead/ In Another Time/ Hunt The Hunt/ What Kind Of World?/ Violent Resistance/ We're Dreaming?/ Terror Is The Best Of Guards/ Into The Flames/ Bending The Rules/ A New Tomorrow/ Body Count 1991/ Dark Carnival/ News From Nowhere/ What Do You Want From Me?/ Don't Believe Them (Marat)/ Do Nothing (unlisted version of the Specials song).
Thanks go to Aston, at Boss Tuneage for having the faith and interest in issuing the CD in the first place. The first album, 'Going Nowhere Fast', was reissued on CD February 2014. The second album, 'Back Among the Blind', is scheduled for later in 2014.
2013 saw the reissue of the 'Graveyard of Dreams' compilation CD, with minor changes and corrections to the artwork on the label and sleeve, a new catalogue number, and the correct name for the 'Marat' spoken word/ instrumental song.
GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS Compilation CD - Reissue
Label: Boss Tuneage Retro Records 2013
Catalogue Number: BTRCRS067
Line Up: Various line-ups.
Track Listing: Star Born Thing/ Purge/ Kill Mechanism/ Dance With The Dead/ In Another Time/ Hunt The Hunt/ What Kind Of World?/ Violent Resistance/ We're Dreaming?/ Terror Is The Best Of Guards/ Into The Flames/ Bending The Rules/ A New Tomorrow/ Body Count 1991/ Dark Carnival/ News From Nowhere/ What Do You Want From Me?/ Don't Believe Them (Marat)/ Do Nothing (unlisted version of the Specials song).
Thanks go to Aston, at Boss Tuneage for having the faith and interest in issuing the CD in the first place. The first album, 'Going Nowhere Fast', was reissued on CD February 2014. The second album, 'Back Among the Blind', is scheduled for later in 2014.
REVIEWS
Terminus Graveyard of Dreams
Boss Tuneage Retro BTCRS 067
Inspired punk you can't pigeonhole
"Graveyard Of Dreams collects numerous singles and
compilations from Scunthorpe Punks Terminus, spanning from the early 80's to the mid-90's. Freewheeling between punk-based sub-genres, they recall numerous higher profile bands while somehow maintaining a solid identity of their own. Mark Richardson's deep, semi-crooned vocals recall Dave Vanian with hints of Jello Biafra and Jaz Coleman, and some of the numerous guitarists' leads reflect the fluid melodic approach of Bad religion's Greg Hetson.
Occasionally Terminus fall into punk cliché - simplistic diatribes set to chugging riffs that go nowhere quickly - but, more often than not, their distinct approach brings inspired eclectic results. The undoubted highlight is the stunning opener Star Born Thing, which feels like Mega City Four playing a goth-glam concoction of literary, apocalyptic visions and huge hooks, but it's almost matched by Waiting
For The Purge (classic Epitaph-style pop-punk set to anarcho lyrical content) and the lengthier Dance With the Dead, which isn't a huge leap from the politicised mid-pace sounds of New Model Army. The strength of the production
doesn't always match the power of the songs, but Graveyard of Dreams is a minor classic from the outer realms of punk's most creative outposts."
Ben Hopkins, 'Record Collector' - January 2014
Terminus Graveyard of Dreams
Boss Tuneage Retro BTCRS 067
Inspired punk you can't pigeonhole
"Graveyard Of Dreams collects numerous singles and
compilations from Scunthorpe Punks Terminus, spanning from the early 80's to the mid-90's. Freewheeling between punk-based sub-genres, they recall numerous higher profile bands while somehow maintaining a solid identity of their own. Mark Richardson's deep, semi-crooned vocals recall Dave Vanian with hints of Jello Biafra and Jaz Coleman, and some of the numerous guitarists' leads reflect the fluid melodic approach of Bad religion's Greg Hetson.
Occasionally Terminus fall into punk cliché - simplistic diatribes set to chugging riffs that go nowhere quickly - but, more often than not, their distinct approach brings inspired eclectic results. The undoubted highlight is the stunning opener Star Born Thing, which feels like Mega City Four playing a goth-glam concoction of literary, apocalyptic visions and huge hooks, but it's almost matched by Waiting
For The Purge (classic Epitaph-style pop-punk set to anarcho lyrical content) and the lengthier Dance With the Dead, which isn't a huge leap from the politicised mid-pace sounds of New Model Army. The strength of the production
doesn't always match the power of the songs, but Graveyard of Dreams is a minor classic from the outer realms of punk's most creative outposts."
Ben Hopkins, 'Record Collector' - January 2014
Terminus – Graveyard Of Dreams CD (Boss Tuneage)
This reissue has made me very happy! For some bizarre reason, I missed out on the 2003 version of this 19 song collection which brings together the various EPs that Terminus released
over the years as well as compilation tracks and some previously unreleased material. OK, you can be forgiven for never having heard of this fantastic band. Although active from the early 80′s right through the 90′s and with a fair number of releases to their name, Terminus were never especially popular. I think one reason may be that, whilst punk rock and hardcore claim to be so open minded and accepting, it can be a very fickle thing. You could come from New York and have a streetwise style, a Brooklyn attitude and the tattoos to match. You might come from California, bleached hair, surfboards and radiating sunshine. You could emerge from the European squat scene, dreadlocks down to your arse, Discharge patches in all the right places and a Mob 47 cover song where it matters. Or you could come from Scunthorpe, stick on a ‘tache and grow a mullet and see what happens. Welcome Terminus…from Scunthorpe. But this is also their weapon. There is no trend to follow, no scene to ride the coattails of, it’s Terminus plain and simple. And guess what, it’s fucking good!
Part anarcho, part infectious punk rock that Bad Religion made popular, part rock, even a dash of The Damned and so much more, Terminus embody everything that is passionate, honest, catchy and bloody brilliant punk rock. I’ve had some of their 7″ records for many a year and it is amazing to have songs like “Dance With The Dead”, “In Another Time” and “What Kind Of World?” in digital format for me to blast out everywhere. Vocalist/ guitarist Mark Richardson remains the constant throughout, as the band seems to have had a bit of a revolving door policy as far as members is concerned, but his distinctive vocals and songwriting style mean that although the songs on here span a decade or so, they work together very well. Boss Tuneage is doing the world a massive favour and is planning reissues of both their albums next year, so 2014 is shaping up nicely already. Tom Chapman
Mass Movement Magazine, 6 December 2013
Mullet? I'm in shock!
TERMINUS: Graveyard of Dreams: CD
Songs about hunting the men who hunt foxes, songs about hatin’ the state, songs with doomsday sci-fi undertones—these and more can be found on Terminus’s Graveyard of Dreams. For those who missed Terminus during their heyday (after which much of their material was no longer pressed), this re-release condenses at least six EPs worth of material onto one nineteen-track CD spanning their lengthy ‘80s-though-’90s career. Among fourteen other bandmates, Mark Richardson—principal songwriter, guitarist, and singer—is the sole constant member through the years. Richardson holds it down with follow-the-guitar vocal melodies that fluctuates into guttural Lemmy Kilmister lows and American rockabilly swagger when appropriate—all this over some smoky and shifting mix of mid-tempo almost Sabbath-touched rock, and by its end, something more snarling and rough-edged, without losing the hooks and melodic touch of a versatile punk’n’roll outfit. If you’re looking to fill the gap in a collection of ‘80s U.K. punk and hardcore, Terminus is a fine addition, and plenty to explore. Check out “(Waiting for the) Purge” and “What Do You Want From Me,” exemplary of the band’s early and later work, respectively. –Jim Joyce (Jailhouse, jailhouserecords.com)
Razorcake #78 4 Feb 2014
This reissue has made me very happy! For some bizarre reason, I missed out on the 2003 version of this 19 song collection which brings together the various EPs that Terminus released
over the years as well as compilation tracks and some previously unreleased material. OK, you can be forgiven for never having heard of this fantastic band. Although active from the early 80′s right through the 90′s and with a fair number of releases to their name, Terminus were never especially popular. I think one reason may be that, whilst punk rock and hardcore claim to be so open minded and accepting, it can be a very fickle thing. You could come from New York and have a streetwise style, a Brooklyn attitude and the tattoos to match. You might come from California, bleached hair, surfboards and radiating sunshine. You could emerge from the European squat scene, dreadlocks down to your arse, Discharge patches in all the right places and a Mob 47 cover song where it matters. Or you could come from Scunthorpe, stick on a ‘tache and grow a mullet and see what happens. Welcome Terminus…from Scunthorpe. But this is also their weapon. There is no trend to follow, no scene to ride the coattails of, it’s Terminus plain and simple. And guess what, it’s fucking good!
Part anarcho, part infectious punk rock that Bad Religion made popular, part rock, even a dash of The Damned and so much more, Terminus embody everything that is passionate, honest, catchy and bloody brilliant punk rock. I’ve had some of their 7″ records for many a year and it is amazing to have songs like “Dance With The Dead”, “In Another Time” and “What Kind Of World?” in digital format for me to blast out everywhere. Vocalist/ guitarist Mark Richardson remains the constant throughout, as the band seems to have had a bit of a revolving door policy as far as members is concerned, but his distinctive vocals and songwriting style mean that although the songs on here span a decade or so, they work together very well. Boss Tuneage is doing the world a massive favour and is planning reissues of both their albums next year, so 2014 is shaping up nicely already. Tom Chapman
Mass Movement Magazine, 6 December 2013
Mullet? I'm in shock!
TERMINUS: Graveyard of Dreams: CD
Songs about hunting the men who hunt foxes, songs about hatin’ the state, songs with doomsday sci-fi undertones—these and more can be found on Terminus’s Graveyard of Dreams. For those who missed Terminus during their heyday (after which much of their material was no longer pressed), this re-release condenses at least six EPs worth of material onto one nineteen-track CD spanning their lengthy ‘80s-though-’90s career. Among fourteen other bandmates, Mark Richardson—principal songwriter, guitarist, and singer—is the sole constant member through the years. Richardson holds it down with follow-the-guitar vocal melodies that fluctuates into guttural Lemmy Kilmister lows and American rockabilly swagger when appropriate—all this over some smoky and shifting mix of mid-tempo almost Sabbath-touched rock, and by its end, something more snarling and rough-edged, without losing the hooks and melodic touch of a versatile punk’n’roll outfit. If you’re looking to fill the gap in a collection of ‘80s U.K. punk and hardcore, Terminus is a fine addition, and plenty to explore. Check out “(Waiting for the) Purge” and “What Do You Want From Me,” exemplary of the band’s early and later work, respectively. –Jim Joyce (Jailhouse, jailhouserecords.com)
Razorcake #78 4 Feb 2014
TERMINUS - Graveyard Of Dreams {Boss Tuneage}
A very welcome reissue of a compilation BT released back in 2003, this time with new artwork. For those who don’t know, TERMINUS was a British band formed in 1983 and split around 1997. This 19-track compilation collects the band’s five singles, some compilation tracks and a couple of unreleased goodies. I always really liked the band, ever since the (in my opinion) classic ‘Fear, Despair and Hate EP’ from 1989. Its lead track, ‘Dance With The Dead’ remains a favourite song of the era today. TERMINUS were quite original, initially fusing a NEW MODEL ARMY meets ADVERTS vibe (both soundwise and lyrically) while constantly reminding me of Richard Butler of PSYCHEDELIC FURS in terms of vocals. As the band progressed, a CONFLICT/ KILLING JOKE aggression was brought in (check ‘Violent Resistance’). While the band could certainly play at pace (see both ‘Body Count 91’ and ‘Hunt The Hunt’), they seemed to favour mid-paced, almost ‘77 Punk but with intelligent, political lyrics. Highlight has to be ‘Dance With The Dead’, although the band’s swansong, ‘News From Nowhere’ was a fantastically crisp and pointed record. There’s an uncredited bonus track too - a stellar take on THE SPECIALS ‘Do Nothing’. Great stuff and an ideal way for the curious to check out this hugely underrated band before the reissue of their two albums, which BT has planned in the near future. (02.05.14)
Scanner Zine (http://www.scannerzine.com/topsoundst2012.htm)
A very welcome reissue of a compilation BT released back in 2003, this time with new artwork. For those who don’t know, TERMINUS was a British band formed in 1983 and split around 1997. This 19-track compilation collects the band’s five singles, some compilation tracks and a couple of unreleased goodies. I always really liked the band, ever since the (in my opinion) classic ‘Fear, Despair and Hate EP’ from 1989. Its lead track, ‘Dance With The Dead’ remains a favourite song of the era today. TERMINUS were quite original, initially fusing a NEW MODEL ARMY meets ADVERTS vibe (both soundwise and lyrically) while constantly reminding me of Richard Butler of PSYCHEDELIC FURS in terms of vocals. As the band progressed, a CONFLICT/ KILLING JOKE aggression was brought in (check ‘Violent Resistance’). While the band could certainly play at pace (see both ‘Body Count 91’ and ‘Hunt The Hunt’), they seemed to favour mid-paced, almost ‘77 Punk but with intelligent, political lyrics. Highlight has to be ‘Dance With The Dead’, although the band’s swansong, ‘News From Nowhere’ was a fantastically crisp and pointed record. There’s an uncredited bonus track too - a stellar take on THE SPECIALS ‘Do Nothing’. Great stuff and an ideal way for the curious to check out this hugely underrated band before the reissue of their two albums, which BT has planned in the near future. (02.05.14)
Scanner Zine (http://www.scannerzine.com/topsoundst2012.htm)
TERMINUS: Graveyard Of Dreams (Boss Tuneage)
Reviewed by Alan Wright
This British band has been around since the early '80s, and this is a compilation of singles the band has put out since then. They're sorta melodic punk, but with a fair amount of Hardcore and some Metal in there. They address socio-political topics like the Hunt (a big deal in England, probably doesn't mean much to Yanks), Police surveillance ("Waiting For The Purge"), major arms dealers ("Kill Mechanism"), repression and exploitation of the weak ("Body Count") and much more. Chunky guitars and often fuzzed-out and very bottom-heavy bass playing propel most of the songs, as do the deep and forceful vocals of singer/guitarist Mark Richards, who is the sole constant throughout the band's career. An uncredited bonus track finds them covering the Specials' "Do Nothing" at breakneck speed, somewhat similar to Snuff's chaotic version from the early '90s. This is some damn good stuff.
[Pick this up at www.bosstuneage.alivewww.co.uk.]
Cosmik Debris © 2003 - Alan Wright
(http://www.cosmik.com/aa-october03/reviews/review_terminus.html)
Reviewed by Alan Wright
This British band has been around since the early '80s, and this is a compilation of singles the band has put out since then. They're sorta melodic punk, but with a fair amount of Hardcore and some Metal in there. They address socio-political topics like the Hunt (a big deal in England, probably doesn't mean much to Yanks), Police surveillance ("Waiting For The Purge"), major arms dealers ("Kill Mechanism"), repression and exploitation of the weak ("Body Count") and much more. Chunky guitars and often fuzzed-out and very bottom-heavy bass playing propel most of the songs, as do the deep and forceful vocals of singer/guitarist Mark Richards, who is the sole constant throughout the band's career. An uncredited bonus track finds them covering the Specials' "Do Nothing" at breakneck speed, somewhat similar to Snuff's chaotic version from the early '90s. This is some damn good stuff.
[Pick this up at www.bosstuneage.alivewww.co.uk.]
Cosmik Debris © 2003 - Alan Wright
(http://www.cosmik.com/aa-october03/reviews/review_terminus.html)
Terminus: Graveyard of Dreams
Year Released: 2013
Format: CD
Label: Boss Tuneage
Reviewed by Norrie Sills on May 19, 2014
My first memory of ever hearing Terminus was on a mix tape a friend of mine made which for some partially forgotten reason he had cut out kidnap letter style the words “Solidarity tampon tape” on the front of the homemade cassette, (if I remember right it was a dig at what he perceived as ultra feminist types at the local unemployed workers centre which didn’t really exist as he perceived them to.) Them were the days. The first song he put on this tape was a song called “Hey Little Girl” by Terminus. It was a song that immediately made me interested in this band as the tune was immediately catchy and almost like a folky, childish nursery rhyme. The lyrics were extremely bleak to the point that I immediately started laughing at the utter darkness and despondency of it all. I later got a loan of the LP “Going nowhere fast” from another friend and loved it. This was at a time (90’s early half) when if you wanted political punk that wasn’t massively influenced by Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror etc then you went to Words of Warning records. They released another LP “Back Amongst the Blind.” which I never owned but have heard since, which was essentially more of the same type stuff. This CD is a re-release of Boss Tuneage’s collection of the bands singles from Words Of Warning era which was originally released on CD in 2003 by Boss Tuneage. Black and white skull on the cover sidled by syndicalist flags. Guitar orientated anarcho rock with distinctive English vocals. More accomplished and original than many of their peers, missed by many, but dug by those in the ken. I always imagined them as naively trying to influence the metalers as well as the punks in their immediate vicinity, there is guitar solos but it never gets wanky. Lyrics are dark but hopeful. Vocals are unique and wail at times but are always passionate and sincere. “In another time” is the catchiest number here. The song “We’re dreaming” I always thought was in response to their label mates COWBOY KILLERS song “Your Dreaming” which was on an LP around the same time, poking holes in our sacred anarcho philosophy. Did Terminus reply in song? Other stand out tracks for me are “what do you want from me” which gets an award for being the only anarcho punk song I have heard referring to the “spectacle” V for Vendettaesque lyrics, ace. “Terror is the best of guards” also stands out. There is a bonus track of the band doing The Specials “Do Nothing” which feels like the band trying to get over that they are not all doom and gloom, it’s unnecessary and the only time they fail.
Collective-zine (http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/?id=9469)
NOTE: "We're Dreaming?" was a reply to the Cowboy Killers track. The cover of "Do Nothing" was only done for a '2 Tone covers' compilation CD, which I don't think ever got released. If we had not been asked to do one it would never have been done. We also nearly did 'Missing Words' rather than 'Do Nothing'.
Year Released: 2013
Format: CD
Label: Boss Tuneage
Reviewed by Norrie Sills on May 19, 2014
My first memory of ever hearing Terminus was on a mix tape a friend of mine made which for some partially forgotten reason he had cut out kidnap letter style the words “Solidarity tampon tape” on the front of the homemade cassette, (if I remember right it was a dig at what he perceived as ultra feminist types at the local unemployed workers centre which didn’t really exist as he perceived them to.) Them were the days. The first song he put on this tape was a song called “Hey Little Girl” by Terminus. It was a song that immediately made me interested in this band as the tune was immediately catchy and almost like a folky, childish nursery rhyme. The lyrics were extremely bleak to the point that I immediately started laughing at the utter darkness and despondency of it all. I later got a loan of the LP “Going nowhere fast” from another friend and loved it. This was at a time (90’s early half) when if you wanted political punk that wasn’t massively influenced by Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror etc then you went to Words of Warning records. They released another LP “Back Amongst the Blind.” which I never owned but have heard since, which was essentially more of the same type stuff. This CD is a re-release of Boss Tuneage’s collection of the bands singles from Words Of Warning era which was originally released on CD in 2003 by Boss Tuneage. Black and white skull on the cover sidled by syndicalist flags. Guitar orientated anarcho rock with distinctive English vocals. More accomplished and original than many of their peers, missed by many, but dug by those in the ken. I always imagined them as naively trying to influence the metalers as well as the punks in their immediate vicinity, there is guitar solos but it never gets wanky. Lyrics are dark but hopeful. Vocals are unique and wail at times but are always passionate and sincere. “In another time” is the catchiest number here. The song “We’re dreaming” I always thought was in response to their label mates COWBOY KILLERS song “Your Dreaming” which was on an LP around the same time, poking holes in our sacred anarcho philosophy. Did Terminus reply in song? Other stand out tracks for me are “what do you want from me” which gets an award for being the only anarcho punk song I have heard referring to the “spectacle” V for Vendettaesque lyrics, ace. “Terror is the best of guards” also stands out. There is a bonus track of the band doing The Specials “Do Nothing” which feels like the band trying to get over that they are not all doom and gloom, it’s unnecessary and the only time they fail.
Collective-zine (http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/?id=9469)
NOTE: "We're Dreaming?" was a reply to the Cowboy Killers track. The cover of "Do Nothing" was only done for a '2 Tone covers' compilation CD, which I don't think ever got released. If we had not been asked to do one it would never have been done. We also nearly did 'Missing Words' rather than 'Do Nothing'.
GOING NOWHERE FAST CD REISSUE
February 2014 saw the reissue (first time on CD) of the first album by Boss Tuneage Records. Due to the loss of the master tapes this has had to be mastered from a vinyl copy. If the reel-to-reels ever turn up - and I am not holding my breath - we will see about re-mastering from them.
Title: Going Nowhere Fast
Original Release Year: 1990
CD Re-release: February 2014
Label: Boss Tuneage Retro Records
Catalogue Number: BTRCRS068
Notes/ Details:
Line Up: Mark Richardson - Vocals and guitars, Col Spence - Bass (and vocals on 'Opium' and
'Collaborators'), Rocky - Guitars, Mick Hare - Drums, Chris Dale - Lead guitar. Craig Milner backing vocals on 'Opium' and Bring Out Your Dead.'
Track Listing:
Side One: Propaganda War (Richardson/ Bairstow)/ Starving Nations (Tow/ Richardson)/ Bending The Rules/ Bring Out Your Dead/ Collaborators/ Terror Is The Best Of Guards/ Body
Count.
Side Two: The Severed Head/ You Want Me Dead/ Terraces To The Trenches (Reid/ Richardson)/ Hey Little Girl/ Opium For the People (Gong)/ Going Nowhere Fast/ Free To Be Slaves (Richardson/ Spence/ Hare).
Original Release Year: 1990
CD Re-release: February 2014
Label: Boss Tuneage Retro Records
Catalogue Number: BTRCRS068
Notes/ Details:
Line Up: Mark Richardson - Vocals and guitars, Col Spence - Bass (and vocals on 'Opium' and
'Collaborators'), Rocky - Guitars, Mick Hare - Drums, Chris Dale - Lead guitar. Craig Milner backing vocals on 'Opium' and Bring Out Your Dead.'
Track Listing:
Side One: Propaganda War (Richardson/ Bairstow)/ Starving Nations (Tow/ Richardson)/ Bending The Rules/ Bring Out Your Dead/ Collaborators/ Terror Is The Best Of Guards/ Body
Count.
Side Two: The Severed Head/ You Want Me Dead/ Terraces To The Trenches (Reid/ Richardson)/ Hey Little Girl/ Opium For the People (Gong)/ Going Nowhere Fast/ Free To Be Slaves (Richardson/ Spence/ Hare).
Terminus: Going Nowhere Fast CD REVIEWS
TERMINUS “Going Nowhere
Fast” CD Boss Tuneage
The late 1980’s going on into the 1990’s saw many a decent Punk band go by virtually unnoticed I always felt. Apart from fanzines, bands like Terminus received no coverage and never got the credit they deserved really. I’m not saying that they minded that, I’m just saying that it’s a shame they never reached a wider audience in many ways. Luckily DIY record labels like Words Of Warning from Newport in South Wales saw fit to release stuff by bands such as Terminus. “Going Nowhere Fast” was their first album for said label. The band had a very serious take on things when it came to their music and lyrics I always felt, with the futility of war and man’s inability to live with man in peace always on the lyrical agenda. Musically the band was tuneful and well thought out; this combined with the lyrics make this a debut album the band can look back upon with a great amount of satisfaction. Not least because they were not just going through the motions, they believed in what they were doing and trying to get people to think and make a difference. A worthy retro release from Boss Tuneage and one I hope people who missed bands like Terminus the first time around will have a listen to. I love bands like the The Partisans, Chron Gen, Blitz and loads of others from the beginning of the 1980’s but let’s not forget bands like Terminus who finished off the decade in a great way too! This CD comes with a booklet containing all the lyrics and re-done artwork.
'Suspect Device' Zine online review (Gaz - 2014)
The late 1980’s going on into the 1990’s saw many a decent Punk band go by virtually unnoticed I always felt. Apart from fanzines, bands like Terminus received no coverage and never got the credit they deserved really. I’m not saying that they minded that, I’m just saying that it’s a shame they never reached a wider audience in many ways. Luckily DIY record labels like Words Of Warning from Newport in South Wales saw fit to release stuff by bands such as Terminus. “Going Nowhere Fast” was their first album for said label. The band had a very serious take on things when it came to their music and lyrics I always felt, with the futility of war and man’s inability to live with man in peace always on the lyrical agenda. Musically the band was tuneful and well thought out; this combined with the lyrics make this a debut album the band can look back upon with a great amount of satisfaction. Not least because they were not just going through the motions, they believed in what they were doing and trying to get people to think and make a difference. A worthy retro release from Boss Tuneage and one I hope people who missed bands like Terminus the first time around will have a listen to. I love bands like the The Partisans, Chron Gen, Blitz and loads of others from the beginning of the 1980’s but let’s not forget bands like Terminus who finished off the decade in a great way too! This CD comes with a booklet containing all the lyrics and re-done artwork.
'Suspect Device' Zine online review (Gaz - 2014)
Terminus: Going Nowhere Fast
Year Released: 2014
Format: CD
Label: Boss Tuneage
Reviewed by Norrie Sills on Jun 10, 2014
Nice to see this LP released on CD after all this time. Terminus were an anarcho punk band who were knocking about in the 90’s. At a time when the British punk scene had been swamped with Napalm Death copyists and audience numbers had vastly diminished. Words of warning records (who originally released this LP) were releasing a ton of stuff at this time, some of whom became very well known, The Blaggers, Therapy?, Cowboy Killers, Oi Polloi. This LP was a classic from this time and deserves another listen by anyone interested into anarcho / political punk, maybe you missed Terminus the first time round. Terminus play rock influenced punk with powerful riffs and distinctive vocals. Lyrically they go out to challenge their listeners. Rather than preach to the converted of the anarcho punk ghetto, they point out how insignificant, conceited and grandiose the converted really are. Though coming off somewhat po-faced and depressed at times there is stuff to smile at here. Hey little girl never fails to make me laugh, “You think your cool and trendy? You’ll soon be just dead meat” the lyrics are angry and bleak and I have no doubt completely sincere and serious. Musically it’s pretty varied, from 77 punk rock (opium for the people) Free to be slaves sounds like killing joke doing California uber alles. Very little filler here. The LP art work has been touched up by one of the band, slightly green tinge infiltrating the stark black and white, cd booklet has lyrics, I would love it if these releases gave a bio of the band and what they're up to now, would allow us to know how time has effected them. This is an excellent album, I’m off to see if I can score it on vinyl off eBay.
Collective-zine (http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/?id=9515)
Year Released: 2014
Format: CD
Label: Boss Tuneage
Reviewed by Norrie Sills on Jun 10, 2014
Nice to see this LP released on CD after all this time. Terminus were an anarcho punk band who were knocking about in the 90’s. At a time when the British punk scene had been swamped with Napalm Death copyists and audience numbers had vastly diminished. Words of warning records (who originally released this LP) were releasing a ton of stuff at this time, some of whom became very well known, The Blaggers, Therapy?, Cowboy Killers, Oi Polloi. This LP was a classic from this time and deserves another listen by anyone interested into anarcho / political punk, maybe you missed Terminus the first time round. Terminus play rock influenced punk with powerful riffs and distinctive vocals. Lyrically they go out to challenge their listeners. Rather than preach to the converted of the anarcho punk ghetto, they point out how insignificant, conceited and grandiose the converted really are. Though coming off somewhat po-faced and depressed at times there is stuff to smile at here. Hey little girl never fails to make me laugh, “You think your cool and trendy? You’ll soon be just dead meat” the lyrics are angry and bleak and I have no doubt completely sincere and serious. Musically it’s pretty varied, from 77 punk rock (opium for the people) Free to be slaves sounds like killing joke doing California uber alles. Very little filler here. The LP art work has been touched up by one of the band, slightly green tinge infiltrating the stark black and white, cd booklet has lyrics, I would love it if these releases gave a bio of the band and what they're up to now, would allow us to know how time has effected them. This is an excellent album, I’m off to see if I can score it on vinyl off eBay.
Collective-zine (http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/?id=9515)
Terminus Going Nowhere Fast
Boss Tuneage Retro BTRCRS 068
CD debut for underground punks' 1990 stop-off
"The second in a series of three Terminus reissues from Boss Tuneage Retro, Going Nowhere Fast is a very different beast to the recent Graveyard of Dreams compilation. While the latter exploded into life with some exemplary breakneck punk - notably Waiting For The Purge and the wonderful Star Born Thing - the majority of the material here is more obvious: Bending The Rules for example, wouldn't be out of place on Bad Religion's Suffer.
Yet when terminus are on form, they are truly tremendous. Propaganda War and the title track are haunting, immensely angry folk-based songs with Mark Richardson's usually goth-tinged vocals audibly brimming with bitterness. It's this post-Armageddon tone, shot with biting sarcasm, that adds so much character throughout the album. It peaks with Hey Little Girl, a song as enticingly simplistic ads the genre can be, set to lyrics questioning the purpose of suburban life when the possibility of nuclear war lurks like a camouflaged enemy.
As the master recordings have been lost to time, this reissues sonic quality is weakened due to being transferred from vinyl: no matter, for Terminus would surely be happy to avoid the audiophile's playlist."
Ben Hopkins - Record Collector (#428 June 2014)
Boss Tuneage Retro BTRCRS 068
CD debut for underground punks' 1990 stop-off
"The second in a series of three Terminus reissues from Boss Tuneage Retro, Going Nowhere Fast is a very different beast to the recent Graveyard of Dreams compilation. While the latter exploded into life with some exemplary breakneck punk - notably Waiting For The Purge and the wonderful Star Born Thing - the majority of the material here is more obvious: Bending The Rules for example, wouldn't be out of place on Bad Religion's Suffer.
Yet when terminus are on form, they are truly tremendous. Propaganda War and the title track are haunting, immensely angry folk-based songs with Mark Richardson's usually goth-tinged vocals audibly brimming with bitterness. It's this post-Armageddon tone, shot with biting sarcasm, that adds so much character throughout the album. It peaks with Hey Little Girl, a song as enticingly simplistic ads the genre can be, set to lyrics questioning the purpose of suburban life when the possibility of nuclear war lurks like a camouflaged enemy.
As the master recordings have been lost to time, this reissues sonic quality is weakened due to being transferred from vinyl: no matter, for Terminus would surely be happy to avoid the audiophile's playlist."
Ben Hopkins - Record Collector (#428 June 2014)
TERMINUS: Going Nowhere Fast: CD
Another long-forgotten album gets the Boss Tuneage Retro treatment. This time it’s the turn of the mildly eclectic Terminus and an album originally released in 1990 on the Words Of Warning label. I remember hearing the band back in the day and am still taken aback at how it managed to bring in so many influences into its music, ranging from folk to punk and metal to anarcho punk. As the album was recorded over a period of time, the quality varies a bit across the fourteen songs but that doesn’t diminish the impact the band made in standing up and fighting against the inequities of the world—the fact that many of the lyrics are still relevant today is a scathing indictment of the lack of progress made by humanity in twenty-four years. The mix of gothic, low tone vocals ties in nicely with the more metallic guitar work; this is one of the reasons why Terminus stood apart from a lot of the bands I listened to at the time. This has aged well and is one of the best of the retro series releases. – Rich Cocksedge (Boss Tuneage, bosstuneage.com)
'Razorcake' Magazine 2014
NOTE: The album was not actually recorded over any long period of time (obviously unlike the compilation), however, the songs on it were written over a period of, probably and without checking, about eight years, which explains some of the differences in style and certainly the lyrical content. Ideally, both 'The Severed Head' and 'You Want Me Dead' belong on their own.
Another long-forgotten album gets the Boss Tuneage Retro treatment. This time it’s the turn of the mildly eclectic Terminus and an album originally released in 1990 on the Words Of Warning label. I remember hearing the band back in the day and am still taken aback at how it managed to bring in so many influences into its music, ranging from folk to punk and metal to anarcho punk. As the album was recorded over a period of time, the quality varies a bit across the fourteen songs but that doesn’t diminish the impact the band made in standing up and fighting against the inequities of the world—the fact that many of the lyrics are still relevant today is a scathing indictment of the lack of progress made by humanity in twenty-four years. The mix of gothic, low tone vocals ties in nicely with the more metallic guitar work; this is one of the reasons why Terminus stood apart from a lot of the bands I listened to at the time. This has aged well and is one of the best of the retro series releases. – Rich Cocksedge (Boss Tuneage, bosstuneage.com)
'Razorcake' Magazine 2014
NOTE: The album was not actually recorded over any long period of time (obviously unlike the compilation), however, the songs on it were written over a period of, probably and without checking, about eight years, which explains some of the differences in style and certainly the lyrical content. Ideally, both 'The Severed Head' and 'You Want Me Dead' belong on their own.
TERMINUS 2014
As well as the first album 's release by Boss Tuneage Records on CD and the projected re-release of the second album also on CD, 2014 also saw the start of a venture called Annihilation Age Art.
Annihilation Age Art (named after a song from the second Terminus album) was begun partly to make use of some of the many designs I have created over the years and partly due to the more urgent need to earn a living. Having been made redundant from my labouring job on the local steelworks (the loss of which I shed no tears), this also coincided with my beginning to suffer quite badly from asthma, severely curtailing my employment options, necessitating in the need to try self employment - as no one else it seems would!. Some of these designs are now available on T-Shirts, as are both the Terminus CD's, while stocks last.
The bands three demo tapes (Terminus/ Catalogue of Crimes/ Body Count) are also available now available courtesy of Raff and his blog: '1000 Flights: A Blog About Obscure Music & Graphicx Random Thoughts And Free Minds.' And they don't come much more obscure than Terminus! The acoustic 'Hands Up For An Early Grave' tape is also available from this blog page - link below:
Annihilation Age Art (named after a song from the second Terminus album) was begun partly to make use of some of the many designs I have created over the years and partly due to the more urgent need to earn a living. Having been made redundant from my labouring job on the local steelworks (the loss of which I shed no tears), this also coincided with my beginning to suffer quite badly from asthma, severely curtailing my employment options, necessitating in the need to try self employment - as no one else it seems would!. Some of these designs are now available on T-Shirts, as are both the Terminus CD's, while stocks last.
The bands three demo tapes (Terminus/ Catalogue of Crimes/ Body Count) are also available now available courtesy of Raff and his blog: '1000 Flights: A Blog About Obscure Music & Graphicx Random Thoughts And Free Minds.' And they don't come much more obscure than Terminus! The acoustic 'Hands Up For An Early Grave' tape is also available from this blog page - link below:
TERMINUS: BACK AMONG THE BLIND CD REISSUE 2014
Title: Back Among The Blind
Release Year: December 2014
Label: Boss Tuneage Retro Records
Catalogue Number: BTRCRS069
Notes/ Details: Reissue of the second studio album, unfortunately taken/ re-mastered from vinyl due to the Master tapes being lost/ untraceable.
Line Up: Mark Richardson: Vocals, Paddy Niland: Bass, Chris Dale: Lead and rhythm guitars, Steve Connolly: Drums.
Track Listing: Annihilation Age/ Words Of Warning/ Ground Zero/ The Wheel Turns/ Into The Flames/ Back Among The Blind/ Reach Out And Take It/ Running Out Of Time/ Getting Closer/ Terminus.
Release Year: December 2014
Label: Boss Tuneage Retro Records
Catalogue Number: BTRCRS069
Notes/ Details: Reissue of the second studio album, unfortunately taken/ re-mastered from vinyl due to the Master tapes being lost/ untraceable.
Line Up: Mark Richardson: Vocals, Paddy Niland: Bass, Chris Dale: Lead and rhythm guitars, Steve Connolly: Drums.
Track Listing: Annihilation Age/ Words Of Warning/ Ground Zero/ The Wheel Turns/ Into The Flames/ Back Among The Blind/ Reach Out And Take It/ Running Out Of Time/ Getting Closer/ Terminus.
Terminus: Back Among The Blind CD REVIEW
Terminus - Back Among The Blind
Boss Tuneage Retro BTRCRS 09
Back among the CDs
The second album by Scunthorpe's finest, originally released in 1992, has been remastered from vinyl here due to the loss of the original tapes. That doesn't stop the fast-fret metal-edged punk hitting the mark more than most, particularly on the excellent Ground Zero; there's even a bit of Zeppelin-esque acoustic bombast on The Wheel Turns - a well constructed if slightly over bloated piece of quiet(er) aggression.
Elsewhere, Reach Out And Take It threatens briefly to turn into Ace Of Spades before rampaging along it's own typically anti-conformist path. Some spacey sonics are involved in the more metallic Into The Flames, a deliciously violent lyrical attack on religion and its machinations. The albums themes are calls for resistance against the lies told by a corrupt state, and seeking salvation through oblivion. Sad to say that, over two decades later, they're just as pertinent.
Jello Biafra's influence is writ large through Mark Richardson's vocal phrasing and delivery - not a bad thing per se, but it does at times leave you yearning for the original and best. There's some talent on show, though, with the short guitar solos excellently delivered, most notably on Running Out Of Time - the best track Maiden never did in 1980.
Joe Shooman - Record Collector (#437, published Thursday 29 January 2015).
Copy of the review courtesy of Pete Lazenby, as it's been many years since I bought Record Collector (having sold all my records, and stopped collecting, there is not much point).
I was as bemused as Pete was with the Led Zeppelin comparison - to quote Pete: "Led f***in' Zep?" Never having listened to them in my life. Perhaps I was subconsciously influenced by hearing them on the radio, or on the Furnace Arms Jukebox may'be? Did they ever have a track on that? I can only recall us turning off 'Free Bird' (by LS) every time the hippies put it on, but who knows how subliminal influences arrive. On the other hand I always liked Dead Kennedy's, and had all the singles, but really didn't listen to them all that much; the Damned being my favourite punk band. It's always strange reading other peoples takes on what you've done, and shows how we all hear things differently.
Boss Tuneage Retro BTRCRS 09
Back among the CDs
The second album by Scunthorpe's finest, originally released in 1992, has been remastered from vinyl here due to the loss of the original tapes. That doesn't stop the fast-fret metal-edged punk hitting the mark more than most, particularly on the excellent Ground Zero; there's even a bit of Zeppelin-esque acoustic bombast on The Wheel Turns - a well constructed if slightly over bloated piece of quiet(er) aggression.
Elsewhere, Reach Out And Take It threatens briefly to turn into Ace Of Spades before rampaging along it's own typically anti-conformist path. Some spacey sonics are involved in the more metallic Into The Flames, a deliciously violent lyrical attack on religion and its machinations. The albums themes are calls for resistance against the lies told by a corrupt state, and seeking salvation through oblivion. Sad to say that, over two decades later, they're just as pertinent.
Jello Biafra's influence is writ large through Mark Richardson's vocal phrasing and delivery - not a bad thing per se, but it does at times leave you yearning for the original and best. There's some talent on show, though, with the short guitar solos excellently delivered, most notably on Running Out Of Time - the best track Maiden never did in 1980.
Joe Shooman - Record Collector (#437, published Thursday 29 January 2015).
Copy of the review courtesy of Pete Lazenby, as it's been many years since I bought Record Collector (having sold all my records, and stopped collecting, there is not much point).
I was as bemused as Pete was with the Led Zeppelin comparison - to quote Pete: "Led f***in' Zep?" Never having listened to them in my life. Perhaps I was subconsciously influenced by hearing them on the radio, or on the Furnace Arms Jukebox may'be? Did they ever have a track on that? I can only recall us turning off 'Free Bird' (by LS) every time the hippies put it on, but who knows how subliminal influences arrive. On the other hand I always liked Dead Kennedy's, and had all the singles, but really didn't listen to them all that much; the Damned being my favourite punk band. It's always strange reading other peoples takes on what you've done, and shows how we all hear things differently.
Terminus – Back Among The
Blind CD (Boss Tuneage)
This reissue completes the fantastic job that Boss Tuneage have done in making the back catalogue of this massively underrated band available once again. Terminus were on the gig circuit between the 80s and early 90s and I was lucky enough to catch them a couple of times (on the next rainy day I’ll even dig out some photos I took of them and share them in MM!) where their live shows always blew me away. Over the years I picked up their various 7″ releases and had a battered copy of their debut album, but somehow I never got my hands on this second album, so this is a real undiscovered gem for me. As ever, Mark Richardson has got a great voice with a slight folky touch, think somewhere between Dave Vanian of The Damned and Greg Graffin of Bad Religion. On the whole this is Terminus’ most consistent recording session, blending thrashier rhythms with solid tunes and those powerful vocals that I love. Terminus were very political and this record is no exception, with songs outlining their despair at the state of modern society. Sadly nothing has changed on the past 15 years and these songs are still all too relevant today. All in all a great document and a very worthwhile re-release.
Tom Chapman - Mass Movement, 2015
This reissue completes the fantastic job that Boss Tuneage have done in making the back catalogue of this massively underrated band available once again. Terminus were on the gig circuit between the 80s and early 90s and I was lucky enough to catch them a couple of times (on the next rainy day I’ll even dig out some photos I took of them and share them in MM!) where their live shows always blew me away. Over the years I picked up their various 7″ releases and had a battered copy of their debut album, but somehow I never got my hands on this second album, so this is a real undiscovered gem for me. As ever, Mark Richardson has got a great voice with a slight folky touch, think somewhere between Dave Vanian of The Damned and Greg Graffin of Bad Religion. On the whole this is Terminus’ most consistent recording session, blending thrashier rhythms with solid tunes and those powerful vocals that I love. Terminus were very political and this record is no exception, with songs outlining their despair at the state of modern society. Sadly nothing has changed on the past 15 years and these songs are still all too relevant today. All in all a great document and a very worthwhile re-release.
Tom Chapman - Mass Movement, 2015
TERMINUS “Back Among The Blind” CD Boss Tuneage
I think I may have said it in a review somewhere before but to a lot of people there seemed to be a bit of a void in the UK punk scene between the mid 1980’s and mid 1990’s when a lot of bands started reforming and getting back on the wagon. Even the revered Ian Glasper saw the end of the second punk coming in 1984 in his first couple of books (The Day The Country Died & Burning Britain). Although what he has done and done so well is write another couple of books to take things on from 1984 and that’s where bands like Terminus filled the supposed void. I actually thought that the gigs I attended from 85 to 88 time were probably the most DIY the Punk scene has ever been. Terminus were not a hardcore Punk band covered in leather and studs but they did crank out some tunes with attitude and thought. This album was released in 1992 on the excellent Words of Warning label originally which hailed from Newport in South Wales and is now on the just as excellent Boss Tuneage label as part of its retro series. I always liked Terminus as they seemed to have a real honesty about them, they could be a bit dark and grim in their outlook lyrically but they had something to say and they said it well. I’m not sure Terminus will ever get back together like some old Punk bands as their profile was not like the earlier more well known bands. But they have certainly left us with a couple of good albums and kept the flag flying for the ones who never left the punk scene once Bands like Crass split. No extra tracks – just as it was released with all words included.
Boss Tuneage: www.bosstuneage.com
Gaz - 'Suspect Device' reviews - 24/2/2015
I think I may have said it in a review somewhere before but to a lot of people there seemed to be a bit of a void in the UK punk scene between the mid 1980’s and mid 1990’s when a lot of bands started reforming and getting back on the wagon. Even the revered Ian Glasper saw the end of the second punk coming in 1984 in his first couple of books (The Day The Country Died & Burning Britain). Although what he has done and done so well is write another couple of books to take things on from 1984 and that’s where bands like Terminus filled the supposed void. I actually thought that the gigs I attended from 85 to 88 time were probably the most DIY the Punk scene has ever been. Terminus were not a hardcore Punk band covered in leather and studs but they did crank out some tunes with attitude and thought. This album was released in 1992 on the excellent Words of Warning label originally which hailed from Newport in South Wales and is now on the just as excellent Boss Tuneage label as part of its retro series. I always liked Terminus as they seemed to have a real honesty about them, they could be a bit dark and grim in their outlook lyrically but they had something to say and they said it well. I’m not sure Terminus will ever get back together like some old Punk bands as their profile was not like the earlier more well known bands. But they have certainly left us with a couple of good albums and kept the flag flying for the ones who never left the punk scene once Bands like Crass split. No extra tracks – just as it was released with all words included.
Boss Tuneage: www.bosstuneage.com
Gaz - 'Suspect Device' reviews - 24/2/2015
Terminus - Back Among The Blind
The second TERMINUS album, and final instalment of Boss Tuneage’s reissue series of this band from Scunthorpe. I’ve covered this lot in the past in these pages, so if you read here before, you’ll know the score. TERMINUS played a unique style of anarchist punk. None of the CRASS military beats, but more of a DAMNED meets SCREAMING DEAD feel, slightly goth but not too much, more like if early BAD RELIGION had come from the rain soaked north Atlantic. Some gems here including ‘The Wheel Turns’, ‘Annihilation Age’ and ‘Words of Warning’. This has been taken from vinyl and ‘re-mastered’ due to missing masters. Not the best result, but production values in those days were pretty poor at the best of times. BOSS TUNEAGE
'ARTCORE' issue #33 (SPRING-SUMMER 2015)
'''NOTE: The reason for the 'pretty poor' production values - in all cases - came down to money, and, in the absence of anyone that knew what they were doing, ability. But that's the 'joy' of DIY!
The second TERMINUS album, and final instalment of Boss Tuneage’s reissue series of this band from Scunthorpe. I’ve covered this lot in the past in these pages, so if you read here before, you’ll know the score. TERMINUS played a unique style of anarchist punk. None of the CRASS military beats, but more of a DAMNED meets SCREAMING DEAD feel, slightly goth but not too much, more like if early BAD RELIGION had come from the rain soaked north Atlantic. Some gems here including ‘The Wheel Turns’, ‘Annihilation Age’ and ‘Words of Warning’. This has been taken from vinyl and ‘re-mastered’ due to missing masters. Not the best result, but production values in those days were pretty poor at the best of times. BOSS TUNEAGE
'ARTCORE' issue #33 (SPRING-SUMMER 2015)
'''NOTE: The reason for the 'pretty poor' production values - in all cases - came down to money, and, in the absence of anyone that knew what they were doing, ability. But that's the 'joy' of DIY!
2015: Rehearsing, recording and playing Terminus gigs have all been mentioned by various ex- Termites this year, however, rehearsing has always been a chore to organise, and I am not going to holding my breath.
Mark Richardson, April 17 2014
Mark Richardson, April 17 2014
Please Note: All reviews are copyright their respective authors.
All three CD's are available for sale from the Annihilation Age Art Web Site.
EPITAPH FOR A PUNK BAND
PUNK ROCK HEAD KICK
So give me drink. Give me a smoke. Give me a toke.
Gimme some hope, or show me the rope.
Gimme a break. Some give and take. Keep me amused
Easily fooled, almost awake!
But I’m out of my head. I'm twenty years dead! With a
Punk Rock Head Kick hangover, down on me.
I got a Punk Rock Head Kick Hangover Down On Me!
And like quite a few… the future's fast running out on me.
M. Richardson © 2000
So give me drink. Give me a smoke. Give me a toke.
Gimme some hope, or show me the rope.
Gimme a break. Some give and take. Keep me amused
Easily fooled, almost awake!
But I’m out of my head. I'm twenty years dead! With a
Punk Rock Head Kick hangover, down on me.
I got a Punk Rock Head Kick Hangover Down On Me!
And like quite a few… the future's fast running out on me.
M. Richardson © 2000