Following up on M-Theory Audio’s 2022 reissue of the 1990 album ‘Harsh Realities’ from Pacific Northwest thrashers, BITTER END, we’re pleased to present this collection of the Seattle thrashers demo recordings on limited-edition (300 copies) colored vinyl, released on April 5^th.

‘Have a Nice Death!’ collects the band’s classic 1988 ‘Meet Your Maker’ 4-song demo plus their early ‘90s recordings (6 songs) that were the beginnings of their unrealized 2^nd full length album. Available on Hazardous Sludge colored vinyl the album will be in stores or available via mail-order at www.m-theoryaudio.com/store or Bandcamp www.bitterendseattle.bandcamp.com

“Many thanks from the BITTER END crew to M-Theory Audio for reissuing ‘Have A Nice Death!’ and ‘Harsh Realities,’ and also to our longtime who can now get a fresh copy to replace that old worn-out one,” states singer/guitarist Matt Fox. “We are all honored to have your continued interest and support!”

M-Theory Audio head honcho Marco Barbieri was a big fan of BITTER END’s demo after the band mailed him a copy of the cassette for review in his fanzine in 1988. Still citing it as one of his Top 10 favorite demos of all-time, Marco is honored to bring more attention to these unheralded recordings.
 
“Bitter End were one of my favorite up ‘n comers and I thought the ‘Meet Your Maker’ demo was a standout in the underground and showed the group’s promise and potential,” adds Marco. “Bitter End was signed to Metal Blade and released ‘Harsh Realities’ in 1990, and while it’s still an unheralded classic in my opinion, the band had already parted ways with the label by the time I started for Metal Blade a year later. Little did I know until a decade ago that work had actually begun on a second album, and along with ‘Meet Your Maker’ I’m pleased to present these six songs in a collectible vinyl format for longtime fans like me and hopefully a new generation to appreciate.”
 
The new material was being produced in part by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Bruce Dickinson, Mudhoney, 3 Inches of Blood) and mastered by Chris Hanzsek (Soundgarden, The Melvins, Skin Yard), but no worries BITTER END didn’t change styles due to emerging trends and their proximity to the epicenter of grunge. The reissue is complete with liner notes from guitarist Russ Stefanovich alongside lyrics, credits and thanks insert.

The roots of BITTER END date back to the early 1980’s Southern California upbringing of then-teenage brothers Matt (guitars) and Chris Fox (bass), who began jamming together after being inspired by then-local acts such as Slayer and Armored Saint, and then-burgeoning Bay Area acts of the time such as Metallica and Exodus that would travel south for live performances. The brothers would relocate to suburban Seattle in 1983, and would join forces with drummer Harry Dearinger and later, guitarist Russ Stefanovich, to form the classic lineup of BITTER END with Matt taking on lead vocal duties. The group were mainstays of the late 1980’s pre-grunge Seattle heavy metal scene that also gave rise to fellow Pacific Northwest thrashers of the era such as Forced Entry and Panic.
 
After the success of their demo tape, “Meet Your Maker,” an underground favorite amongst fanzines, college radio stations and tape traders BITTER END signed with Metal Blade Records and released “Harsh Realities,” their lone full-length record, in 1990. Produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Death, Nuclear Assault) and featuring cover artwork by Jim Warren (Loudness, Lizzy Borden, Heir Apparent) ‘Harsh Realities’ garnered critical acclaim and a cult following for a thrash metal assault that bludgeoned ears with musical precision that appealed to fans of acts such as Megadeth, Forbidden, and Testament. Receiving strong reviews at the time from Metal Forces and Kerrang!, and the music video for the title track getting airplay on MTV’s “Headbanger’s Ball.” The band cultivated their live presence with prolific shows in their hometown scene alongside future giants such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, and toured alongside fellow thrash greats such as Sacred Reich and DRI.
 
Despite the members of BITTER END calling it a day in 1993 they have continued to pursue further musical endeavors in the years that followed. Matt Fox would go on to play a part of a re-formed lineup of 1980’s thrashers Holy Terror and punk rockers Zero Down. Chris Fox has performed in a number of acts, and most notably handled bass duties on Geoff Tate’s 2002 debut self-titled solo record. Russ Stefanovich has performed in the years since with Seattle heavy metal acts Midnight Idöls and Demon Dogs, while drummer Harry Dearinger has continued to be a consistent presence within the Seattle heavy metal scene.

For more information:
www.facebook.com/bitterendband
www.m-theoryaudio.com