- A Rare 1984 Compilation Showcasing the Raw Power of Seattle's Underground Metal Scene
"Northwest Metalfest" is a split compilation album on the "Ground Zero Records" record label with tracks from American and British Heav Metal and Hard Rock bands.
Released in 1984 on Ground Zero Records, "Northwest Metalfest" serves as a time capsule of the burgeoning heavy metal and hard rock scenes in the United States and the United Kingdom. This split compilation album features a diverse selection of tracks from various bands, showcasing the raw energy and sonic exploration characteristic of the era.
The album's tracklist offers a glimpse into the musical landscape of the time, with contributions from both established and emerging acts. While some tracks lean towards the heavier end of the spectrum, others incorporate elements of hard rock, creating a varied listening experience that reflects the diversity within the genres.
"Northwest Metalfest" is not only a compilation of music but also a historical document. It captures a specific moment in the evolution of heavy metal and hard rock, providing a snapshot of the bands and sounds that were shaping the scene in the mid-1980s.
As a vinyl LP, the album holds additional appeal for collectors and enthusiasts. The format itself contributes to the overall experience, offering a tangible connection to the music and the era it represents.
Thrash Metal, Hard Rock
Ground Zero Records – GZ001
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1984 USA
Jeff Gilbert - Producer
Willie Mackay - Producer
Kim and Diane Harris - Inspiration
Brett Miller - Album Title
Glen Boyd - Liner Notes
Vern White - Album Cover Art
Stacy Sidener - Logo Design
Manufactured by Ground Zero Records
Tom Hall - Sound Engineer
Ron Luder, Mastering Lab - Mastering Engineer
This album cover artwork for Northwest Metalfest features a dramatic and intricate sci-fi scene. Dominating the center is a towering humanoid figure—part robot, part man—constructed from a network of wires, plates, and metallic components. His face is stern, with glowing red eyes that pierce outward, and his expression is cold and emotionless, evoking the presence of a cybernetic enforcer.
He grips a hybrid weapon shaped like a guitar-axe, adorned with sharp edges and mechanical tubing, hinting at both musical and destructive power. His armored body is strapped with belts and spikes, a nod to both heavy metal fashion and futuristic combat gear.
Behind him, an orange-red portal or aura glows, contrasting with the dominant icy blue and steel tones of the background. Surrounding this portal are stylized depictions of iconic Seattle structures, such as the Space Needle, Kingdome, and Smith Tower, encoded into the digital maze-like circuitry that forms the wall behind him. These abstract architectural forms integrate into the synthetic world like runes or glyphs from a cyberpunk mythology.
At the bottom of the image lies a surreal, mist-covered mountain range, colored in rust and grey tones. From the fog, black tendrils or roots rise and coil upward, adding an ominous, organic element that contrasts with the otherwise technological aesthetic.
The album title, Northwest Metalfest, is rendered in a jagged, blood-red font in the top left corner, giving the impression of speed, aggression, and raw intensity. In the bottom right corner, the cover is signed “Vern White '84”, confirming the artist and the release year.
The back cover of Northwest Metalfest presents a structured and information-rich layout, divided into three vertical columns. The left and right columns feature the participating bands, each with a monochrome promotional photo, track title in bold uppercase, and detailed band lineups including vocals, bass, drums, guitar, and additional roles.
The left column includes: Lipstick with the track “Daily Grind”; Open Fire with “Cry for the Nations”; Koda Khan's “Fantasy & Science Fiction”; Overlord’s “On the Edge”; and Rottweiler’s “Intense as Hell”. Each listing includes studio and producer details, all predominantly recorded in Seattle, Washington.
The right column continues with: Bondage Boys – “The Loser”; Sato – “Leather Warrior”; Strike – “Deadline”; Mace – “Marching Sacrifice”; and Metal Church – “Death Wish”. Band photos vary in composition, ranging from staged outdoor shots to gritty indoor studio images.
The central column contains production credits for mastering, layout, and label information. It credits mastering by Ron Luder, layout by Vern White, and design inspiration by Kim and Diane Harris. It also includes legal notes against unauthorized duplication and mentions cassette availability.
The overall tone is raw and underground, highlighting the authenticity and collaborative spirit of the 1980s Northwest metal scene. The use of black and white gives the page a gritty realism that contrasts the sci-fi style of the front cover.
This close-up image shows the silver vinyl record label of Northwest Metalfest, specifically Side One. At the top, the album title is stylized in jagged, metallic lettering characteristic of 1980s heavy metal aesthetics. Directly beneath the title, the producers are credited: Jeff Gilbert and Willie Mackay.
The left side prominently features the catalog number GZ001 in bold red and the word “STEREO” in uppercase. On the right, aligned with the spindle hole, is the text: Side One along with the copyright notice © 1984 Ground Zero Records.
The tracklisting is centered in clean, uppercase text with each song numbered and associated with its respective band:
The layout is simple yet functional, providing essential information in a clear, readable manner. The silver background and black text enhance contrast, ensuring legibility. The spindle hole sits perfectly centered among the printed information, as is typical for well-pressed vinyl.