The Awful Truth

Description

The self-titled, sole album by the American progressive metal trio The Awful Truth was released by Metal Blade Records in 1990, marketed by Enigma Records. The album was recorded by Steve Ames at Rampart Studio in Houston, Texas; with Sam Taylor producing (how also was the producer of King’s X). Cover artwork by Randy Rogers, known for his album cover design for Petra in the 80s, as well as a few covers for King’s X.

The trio consisted of David Von Ohlerking (guitar, vocals), Monty Colvin (bass, vocals), and Alan Doss (drums, vocals). After the band split, Colvin and Doss formed the Galactic Cowboys. Other band members went on to form Atomic Opera.

2024 PROMO

In the late 80s, King’s X had just launched their now-iconic Sam Taylor-produced debut album Out of the Silent Planet (1988), ushering in what would soon become known as the “Houston sound.” This sound was a unique blend of progressive metal, groove, rock, and rich harmonies. Around the same time, another band began making waves: The Awful Truth. They had recorded their debut album for mainstream Metal Blade Records but sadly broke up before it even came out. By the time the album was released in 1989, two-thirds of The Awful Truth had formed a new band with two other members, the now-legendary Galactic Cowboys, further defining that groovy-metallic Houston Sound.

Although signed to the infamous Metal Blade Records (known for releasing albums by Slayer, Fates Warning, Voivod, etc.), The Awful Truth’s eponymous album featured poetic lyrics expressing a sincere faith. A key example is «Ghost of Heaven»:

High above the highest star
Songs of You the angels sing
Only You could fill my heart
Only You could bring me where You are

Ghost of Heaven, hear my plea
Holy voice, won’t you speak to me?

Most of the material was written by David von Ohlerking and is adventurous, though more in a traditional progressive context, not foreshadowing the unpredictable style of the Galactic Cowboys. The one track with shared writing credits is «Drowning Man», where you can definitely hear the chugging riffs and rhythms that would characterize Monty Colvin and Alan Doss’ next project. The distinctive guitar sound, overdriven/mid-rangey bass tones, and oblique Christian imagery in the lyrics are reminiscent of the first four King’s X records, but The Awful Truth ventures into heavier and more progressive territory. The epic «Should Have Known All Along» might even be mistaken for a lost King’s X song, especially with the way Ohlerking’s vocals break at the end, sounding very Dug Pinnick-like. The end result is a stone-cold classic in every way.

The 2024 Brutal Planet Records reissue has been completely remastered by Rob Colwell (Nevermore, Flotsam & Jetsam, King’s X, Poundhound, Voivod, etc.) and it sounds better than ever! Collector’s are treated to Orange Crush Heavy-weight Vinyl and a 12×12 full color lyrics insert featuring band photos. This limited edition of just 300 Vinyl units is a must-have. Grab this slab of progressive hard rock brilliance while you can!

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “It Takes So Long” – 5:46
A2. “Circle Of Pain” – 5:18
A3. “I Should Have Known All Along” – 7:32
A4. “Higher” – 7:17

Side Two
B1. “Ghost Of Heaven” – 4:41
B2. “No Good Reason” – 6:16
B3. “Drowing Man” – 5:56
B4. “Mary” – 5:31

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Metal Blade Records. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued on Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Brutal Planet Records/Limited Run Vinyl in July 2024, pressed on Orange Crush vinyl. Also re-issued on CD. (Angelic Warlord: “The July of 2024 Brutal Planet Records re-issue rectifies any production misgivings, noting manner in which the Rob Colwell re-mastering imbues an added layer of polish allowing fine details to separate in the form of a more powerful drum sound, added bass presence and better defined guitars.”)

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The Awful Truth (s/t), Remastered and pressed on Orange Crush Vinyl, Brutal Planet Records, 2024

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CREDITS. Produced by Sam Taylor. Artwork by Derik Van Reenan and Randy Rogers.

Musicians: Monty Colvin (Vocals, bass), Alan Doss (Drums, Vocals), David von Ohlerking (Guitar, Vocals), Jack van Skilling (Zither), Tom Mason (Dulcimer), Brandon Shea (Maracas, Yodelling).