Thursday, January 8, 2026

Megace |The Demo Collection |Golden Core Records/ZYX Music

Release Date: August 2025
Format: CD/Vinyl
Genre: Progressive Metal, Technical Thrash Metal
Country: Germany

Megace was formed in Hamburg in 1988 and emerged during a fertile moment for German metal, when thrash was stretching its limits and technical ambition was becoming part of the language. From the beginning, the band followed a more complex path, blending sharp thrash roots with progressive structures and an unusual vocal approach. Fronted by Melanie Bock, whose range allowed harsh and melodic delivery to coexist naturally, Megace quickly separated themselves from many of their peers. Early demos circulated widely on tape, built a strong underground reputation, and later fed directly into the acclaimed debut album “Human Errors” in 1991, followed years later by “Inner War”.

“The Demo Collection” finally gathers those formative recordings in one place, restored and remastered with obvious care. These songs document the band’s development across several years, lineup changes, and shifting ideas, while keeping a clear identity intact. The material reflects a period when Megace were actively shaping their sound, testing structures, refining themes, and expanding their musical vocabulary. Even as these are demos, the vision is fully formed, with intricate arrangements, restless energy, and a strong sense of direction.


What stands out most is how naturally the progressive elements are woven into the thrash framework. Complex rhythms, unexpected turns, and layered songwriting appear frequently, but they serve the songs rather than pulling attention away from them. Melanie Bock’s vocal performance is a central factor throughout the collection, offering expressive contrast and emotional range that elevates the material and keeps it engaging across the long runtime. The restored sound gives these recordings clarity and balance, allowing details that were once buried on tape to come forward.

Beyond the music itself, this release works as a historical document of a band that mattered, and still matters, within the German progressive thrash scene. The extensive liner notes, rare photos, and thoughtful presentation turn “The Demo Collection” into more than an archive release. It captures Megace in motion, driven by curiosity and ambition, and shows why these demos remained highly regarded for decades.

Score: 8.0

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