There's not but so much to say about this one. Kublai Khan was formed in the mid-80's by guitarist/vocalist Greg Handevidt, who was the original second guitarist of Megadeth but left the band after a few months and one demo, at which point he moved back home to Minnesota and formed Kublai Khan. Despite the fact that the band's sound does bear quite a few similarities to early Megadeth, it's a shame that the loose lineup connection was sort of their claim to fame, because this is a great 80's thrash record that stands on its own very well. Hell, "Peace Sells..." is the only pre-1990 Megadeth record that's better than "Annihilation", Kublai Khan's sole 31-minute full-length released in 1987 by New Renaissance Records (they recorded just two demos prior to the LP). Apparently the band broke up within a year or two of the album's release, though they reunited in 2003 when "Annihilation" was re-released and had plans to do a new record. I don't think anything came of that, however, and I've never seen the reissue so I don't even know how it stacks up. The mastering on the original pressing is definitely annoyingly quiet, but the songwriting is token old school thrash metal the way it ought to be, so any fan of the time period should dig this shit quite a bit. I love that fucking cover art, too!
Kublai Khan "Mongrel Horde"
Kublai Khan "Passing Away"
Sadly this record is long out of print, and even the reissue is really hard to find. After years of having it on my radar I lucked out and found an original pressing of the CD in the used section of some weird little CD shop for a mere $7. The LP pops up on eBay more often than anything, but this is another thrash gem that's had a hard time receiving its due thanks to very limited availability. Ahhh, the good ol' days...
Comments
KILLER STUFF!
1.27.2006 | By Anonymous
Fuck yeah, baby - Kublai Khan! This album was a disgracefully ignored little diamond-in-the-rough. Yet another selection of yours that could easily have been a post on my site (that is, if I actually posted anymore). I still have this on vinyl, though I’d like to cop that CD reissue if I ever come across it. And I dig that cover too! Pure fucking old school.
“Ahhh, the good ol’ days…”
Indeed, my friend. Indeed.
1.27.2006 | By scott
Yes! This shit is great. I really need to buy more thrash.
1.28.2006 | By james
You are the man! I haven’t heard this in ages, it really brings back some memories…You’ve really got the best MP3 blog around, hands down. Thanks to your site, I’ve bought about 14 new CDs in the past few months…you’re gonna make me go broke :)
Speaking of hard to find thrash, does anyone remember Blind Illusion? It had Larry LaLond and Les Claypool of Possessed/Primus fame. Years ago, I used to have their album “The Sane Asylum”, but sold it when times were rough. It was one of the all-time coolest metal albums of the 80’s, but for some reason it’s near impossible to find now. If you happen to have it in your collection (or ever come across it), I think it would make a great post, as a lot of the kids today seem to have never heard of this great band.
Cheers!
1.28.2006 | By Anonymous
Wow, this is pretty solid stuff! I’m surprised these guys became also-rans of the thrash movement given that this is well-written and well executed.
Oh and Andrew, since you mentioned the lack of singers in contemporary thrash metal you might want to check out Kayser if you haven’t done so. It’s not full on 80’s speed/thrash, but certainly has its share of thrash with a modern twist. Spice of Spiritual Beggars handles vox, and he doesn’t resort to “brutal” or “extreme” vocals to convey energy or aggression, even on the faster songs.
Once again thanks for the tip on Kublai Khan.
1.29.2006 | By Howard
Hi, ace review, I agree with everything! I recently made a Wikipedia article about Kublai Khan (which you can find at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kublai_Khan_%28band%29) and added your site in the ‘External links’ section, if that’s ok? if you have any problems please free to remove it.
3.27.2006 | By Wikiezor
I was stationed with Greg Handevidt in the USN for awhile in San Diego. Fucking killer guitarist!(I even got to jam a little with him!) Also, a very cool dude. Metal for-fucking-ever!
4.27.2006 | By Anonymous