Proud Existence - The Trial [EP] (1988)

Undoubtedly one of the most criminally unsung players in all of Dutch metal, PROUD EXISTENCE released their one and only magnum opus in 1988. They’d been on the scene for quite some time, dating back to the early 1980s, but by the time their demo had gotten into circulation and they were given the opportunity to actually go into a studio and record some proper material, their style of traditional heavy metal had already been on the way out. Thrash and early bits of black and death metal were those who reigned supreme by 1988, and PROUD EXISTENCE’s blend of speed, power, and traditional heavy metal just wasn’t what audiences were wanting at that time, even if the music was compositionally fresh and engaging. Despite this, PROUD EXISTENCE released THE TRIAL as an EP, with hopes they’d be able to continue on, but fate would have it that they’d break up shortly after its release. It might have been forgotten had it not been for the Internet, but recent years have shown a great deal of attention towards THE TRIAL, with many obscure metal fans and collectors alike rallying for its republication under a heavy metal reissues label.

If you prefer your music on CD, then we’ve got some good news for you! In 2016, THE TRIAL was officially reissued on a limited quantity of CDs by Virginkiller Entertainment. Not only was the 1988 EP included, but also on the CD was both their 1983 self-titled demo and their 1985 single “Blind Folded” from METAL POWER V split. While this CD showed a great deal of promise, many metal fans prefer their music on other formats like cassette tapes or LPs, and are still waiting for a reissue on said formats. That being said, it’s unlikely a label will step up any time soon to reissue THE TRIAL on LP or cassette, simply due to the incredibly high volume of music that could be reissued, but metal fans do what metal fans do and get things done. Whether or not we’ll live to see the day this finally gets its due on other formats is uncertain, but keep holding out hope!

To actually speak on the music itself, THE TRIAL is 36 minutes absolutely chock-full of searing riffs, ferocious lead guitar work, destructive double-kick drumming, thunderous bass, and the ever so charming screamy vocals of ALEX ROEST. Spread across six long-form tracks, fans of 80s Euro metal will have a blast with the raw fury that’s unleashed on this EP, with each note ringing out in an intense distorted storm. Rare for an EP of this caliber, multiple compositions are set around the theme of judicial liberation, with tracks like “The Trial” and “Thou Wilt Be Avenged” having the most obvious thematic connections. If you’ve ever been interested in the obscure, forgotten, cult releases of the 1980s, this is the record for you. We urge all metal fans, regardless of genre preference, to check out this release and (if you can find a copy) buy it!!

Encyclopædia Metallum

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Originally published in February '24 (Issue No. 1)