CHASTAIN
THE 7TH OF NEVER

By early-1984, guitar virtuoso David T. Chastain had moved on from his hard rock outfit, Spike, to form the more metal-centric CJSS with the intention of exploring a direction more true to his musical vision. However, before CJSS would go on to achieve success of their own, David caught the attention of Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney. Rude Girl vocalist Leather Leone, Spike and CJSS bassist Mike Skimmerhorn and future Cinderella drummer Fred Coury cemented the initial lineup of the new project, christened simply: Chastain. Debut "Mystery of Illusion” was released through US Shrapnel in 1985, with Roadrunner handling vinyl in Europe. Chastain's magic combination of David's anthemic songwriting with Leather's soaring vocal power opened the floodgates for the legendary careers for which both artists are now known. Then three more great classic HM albums followed: "Ruler of the Wasteland" (1986) , “The 7th of Never" (1987) and "The Voice of the Cult" (1988), all well distributed in Europe, Us and Japan and all recorded by the debut same line-up powered by the talented drummer Ken Mary (Fifth Angel, Alice Cooper) who replaced Fred Coury, suggested to Chastain straight by Shrapnel boss Mike Varney. Thanks to his mix of technicality and fantasy he gave a great and important contribution to all Chastain albums where he recorded, so that you can’t imagine these albums  being played by another drummer. "For Those Who Dare" was released in 1990 and was the fifth studio album from Chastain, the final to feature original vocalist Leather Leone before reunion in 2013. As for all these albums the focus remains split between David T. Chastain’s guitar heroics and Leather Leone’s true metal powerhouse vocals. David states: "Of all of the Chastain albums this one probably has the best lead guitar playing from top to bottom. This was during an era where my chops were at the top of their shred game." Leather further comments: "The 7th for me was a turning point vocally. I had figured out how to interpret the music the way I heard it in my head. The song "7th of Never" still kicks my ass live to this day!!!!"