The Demo Review:
Band Name: Magus Beast
Demo Title: Say Your Prayers
Band Members: Ron Scauri (lead vocals), John Rup (lead & rhythm guitars), Andy Zuppardi (lead & rhythm guitars), Tim Malone (bass & backing vocals), Steve Williams (drums)
Location: New York

Rating: 3 Skulls

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    • Zilla's Review:
    With the Classic Metal Festival coming up in May, I figured I'd rifle through my stack of CD's to review and see if there was anything from any of the bands on the bill. Sure enough, here is a CD from New York's Magus Beast.

    Say Your Prayers is the band's first full-length release and was put out under their old moniker Agressor, which they dropped in the spring of 2002 in favor of the CD's opening track, "Magus Beast." The production on the CD is OK for a self-financed release, but the volume level is rather low. Since the CD actually came out in 1996, it doesn't deter too much.

    Musically, Magus Beast is very old school thrash, mixing influences from Overkill to Metal Church. Vocalist Ron Scauri reminds me a lot of Overkill's Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth with a strong and confident delivery. His opening scream on "Death Before Dishonor" is excellent too! The songs themselves are mostly fast-paced, as old school thrash should be, and are quite memorable. There's also a hidden track "Legend of Frankenstein" that shows some good Iron Maiden influence as well.

    Even though this is their only release in their 19 year career, it's a good one to have, especially if you dig old school thrash. Magus Beast gigs out a lot back east, recently opening for Overkill, Helloween and Exodus, so the band definitely has respect. Add my name to the list . . . just get some new material out!
    3 out of 5

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