CJSS 2020 CD Releases!




Legendary guitarist David T. Chastain formed CJSS during the mid-'80s, bringing with him two former members-Mike Skimmerhorn (bass) and Les Sharp (drums)-of his prior outfit, Spike, alongside charismatic vocalist Russell Jinkens (formerly of Prizoner). The intention was for Chastain to focus on writing and performing his own original material in a manner true to his artistic vision. Based solely on the popularity of both Spike and Prizoner, more than 1,000 fans attended the very first CJSS live performance at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH; and by the summer of 1985 the group had already entered Counterpart Creative Studios to begin tracking their debut full-length with engineer Dale "Smitty" Smith.
Released in January of 1986 through Chastain's own Leviathan Records (with a European pressing through Black Dragon Records), the 37-minute World Gone Mad was packed with powerfully diverse, melodic heavy metal anthems and scorching leads aplenty-while lyrical themes encouraged listeners to hold strong in the face of the fear, anger, and depression of the world around them. A quick U.S. tour in support of the album followed, and the admirably productive musicians would find themselves right back in the studio mere months later!
Over 30 years after the fact, Divebomb Records is excited to present this expanded edition of World Gone Mad-for the first time ever on standalone CD! The core nine-song full-length has been bolstered by four rare demo tracks that never found their way onto a proper CJSS album. Fully remastered by Jamie King Audio, the set will be housed alongside a detailed booklet including a retrospective interview with David T. Chastain and Russell Jinkens. For the fans, by the fans!

BONUS TRACKS_10. Stand Up (Fight For Your Life)_11. Wild In The Streets_12. Forever Young_13. Paradox 13





Legendary guitarist David T. Chastain formed CJSS during the mid-'80s, bringing with him two former members-Mike Skimmerhorn (bass) and Les Sharp (drums)-of his prior outfit, Spike, alongside charismatic vocalist Russell Jinkens (formerly of Prizoner). The intention was for Chastain to focus on writing and performing his own original material in a manner true to his artistic vision. Based solely on the popularity of both Spike and Prizoner, more than 1,000 fans attended the very first CJSS live performance at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH!
Having just released their debut full-length, World Gone Mad, in January of 1986, mere months later CJSS returned to Counterpart Creative Studios with Dale "Smitty" Smith to record sophomore outing, Praise The Loud. Their second full-length album to see the light during 1986-once again via Chastain's Leviathan Records-the LP's 38 minutes represent an adventurous affair that finds the songwriting fine-tuned toward an even catchier brand of scorching, fist-raising heavy metal. More live shows ensued, but the initially productive run of CJSS would begin to ease up in the years that followed (though David T. Chastain himself would remain highly active with a number of other projects).
Over 30 years after the fact, Divebomb Records is excited to present this expanded edition of Praise The Loud-for the first time ever on standalone CD! The core nine-song full-length has been bolstered by four rare demo tracks that never found their way onto a proper CJSS album. Fully remastered by Jamie King Audio, the set will be housed alongside a detailed booklet including a retrospective interview with David T. Chastain and Russell Jinkens. For the fans, by the fans!

BONUS TRACKS_10. Sands Of Time_11. There's Truth In The Fire_12. How Long_13. Movement QP827



CJSS

Digital/Streaming "World Gone Mad and Praise the Loud"

CJSS was formed by guitar wizard David T. Chastain during early 1984 with two other members of the band Spike, drummer Les Sharp and bassist Mike Skimmerhorn, and vocalist Russell Jinkens who had gained fame for his stint in local Cincinnati cover band Prizoner.

Spike had recorded and released the album 'The Price of Pleasure' in 1983. Spike toured the United States with many acts, the most well known being Black Sabbath. David was not satisfied with the commercial slant of Spike's material and was at constant odds with the band's management and booking agency whom had been trying to push the band in a even more commercial direction. In order to play the music they loved the four musicians decided to form the band CJSS.

The band's first show was October 4, 1984 at Bogarts. The club's management had expected a week night crowd of only a few hundred but were pleasantly surprised when well over a thousand fans showed up. This was just the beginning as CJSS regularly appeared at the Cincinnati venue drawing huge throngs throughout the 80's. Even to this day the band still holds all attendance records at the club. The largest being November 15, 1986 with a crowd of 1452 paid and more turned away at the door.

In the summer of 1985 the band went into the studio and recorded the album 'World Gone Mad.' This album was released in January 1986 and was received very favorably worldwide. This album included some of the band's classic cuts such as; 'Hell On Earth' 'World Gone Mad' 'Destiny' and the band's contemporary version of the Zeppelin classic Communication Breakdown.

After doing a short tour of the US the group went into the studio in the summer of 1986 and recorded the bands pinnacle release 'Praise the Loud.' The album was released in October 1986 to intense worldwide acclaim. The track 'Metal Forever' became a rallying cry for metal fans. The praise lavished upon the band was universal. CJSS had released two classic metal albums in the less than one year. A feat unmatched in metaldom.

It is safe to say that when musical historians look back at the metal era 'World Gone Mad' and 'Praise the Loud' will be considered metal classics.

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CJSS - World Gone Mad




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CJSS - Praise The Loud




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