Znowhite

Znowhite or Znöwhite were an American thrash/speed metal band who have been credited for helping to pioneer thrash metal in Chicago, Illinois, United States.[1]

Znowhite
Also known asSnowhite, ZnöWhite
OriginChicago, Illinois, United States
GenresHeavy metal, thrash metal, speed metal
Years active1982–1989
LabelsEnigma, Roadrunner, Metal Mind
Associated actsCyclone Temple
Past membersIan Tafoya
Sparks Tafoya
Nicole Lee
Nicky Tafoya
Alex Olvera
Scott Schafer
Debbie Gunn
John Slattery

History

Formation

In 1982, the heavy metal band Znowhite was founded by two African American brothers, guitarist Ian Tafoya and drummer Sparks Tafoya (real names Greg Fulton and Tony Heath) along with cousin Nicky Tafoya (Real name Curtis Fulton) on bass.[2] Nicole Lee (real name Sue Sharp) joined the group soon after as lead vocalist. The band originally performed under the title Snowhite, but later replaced the S with a Z. They independently released their three song flexi-disc which featured the song "Hellbent". This caught the attention of Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel. On the strength of the recording Znowhite landed a spot on volume three of the Metal Massacre compilation, which helped give them some exposure.[3]

Lineup changes and disbandment

After Znowhite's initial success, Nicole, Ian and Sparks decided to replace then bassist Amp Dawg. In 1985, Scott Schafer joined Znowhite taking over the bass duties. Four years of grueling back-to-back tours of America and Canada produced the independently released live album Live Suicide. Back in their hometown of Chicago the band started work on what would be the last Znowhite release, their magnum opus, Act of God. Toward the end of the recording sessions Nicole Lee made the decision to leave Znowhite. Act of God was released in 1988 through Roadrunner Records.[2] An extensive American tour followed the album's release and featured Sentinel Beast vocalist Debbie Gunn (real name Debbie Gunderson) and drummer John Slattery - formerly of the band Tools Of Ignorance. Gunn left after the tours due to health issues. Fulton, Schafer and Slattery went on to form Cyclone Temple[3] When Cyclone Temple disbanded Fulton, Schafer and Fulton's brother, former Znowhite drummer, Tony Heath formed a new group Rebels Without Applause.[4] Gunn went on to sing for the group Ice Age[5] and, later, reform Sentinel Beast.[6]

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

  • All Hail to Thee/Kick Them When Down[8]
  • ZnöWhite[9]
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References
  • Christe, Ian (2003). Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-380-81127-8

Notes
  1. Christe (2003), p. 206, "Two black musicians from Chicago helped found that city's thrash metal scene: towering seven-foot guitarist Ian Tafoya of Znowhite, and denim-bedecked bassist Calvin Humphrey of Zoetrope."
  2. Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who’s Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 395. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  3. Rivadavia, Eduardo. "allmusic (((Znowhite > Biography)))". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 February 2010.
  4. "REBELS WITHOUT APPLAUSE: Full-Length Debut Out Now". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 16 May 2010.
  5. "ICE AGE Demos Available For Free Download". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 14 February 2010.
  6. "SENTINEL BEAST: Performance Footage Of New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 14 February 2010.
  7. "allmusic (((Act of God > Overview)))". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 February 2010.
  8. Sendra, Tim. "allmusic (((All Hail to Thee/Kick Them When Down > Overview)))". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 February 2010.
  9. "allmusic (((ZnöWhite > Overview)))". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 February 2010.
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