What's Happening?
Psychic Reader Records is set to release "Low-Temperature Delay," a 12-inch vinyl featuring never-before-heard studio demos and live tracks from The New Yorkers. This band included guitarist Chris Poland
and drummer Gar Samuelson, who later became instrumental in Megadeth's early thrash metal sound. The New Yorkers formed in 1978 in Los Angeles, after Poland and the Samuelson brothers migrated from Dunkirk, New York. The band, which also included bassist Robertino “Pag” Pagliari and saxophone player Don Roper, drew inspiration from jazz fusion groups like Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report. They developed a distinctive sound, prioritizing twin guitars over keyboards. Despite a strong local following and studio sessions, The New Yorkers never officially released a record until now. The upcoming release will include a fold-out poster and an inner booklet with photos and extensive liner notes, offering fans a glimpse into the origins of these influential musicians.
Why It's Important?
This release is significant for fans of thrash metal and music history, as it uncovers the foundational work of two musicians crucial to Megadeth's early success. Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson's jazz fusion background brought a unique precision and virtuosity to the emerging speed metal genre, influencing Dave Mustaine's riffs and contributing to the distinctive sound of albums like "Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?" and "Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!" The availability of these previously unreleased tracks provides valuable insight into their musical development and the fusion of genres that shaped 1980s metal. It highlights how diverse musical influences can converge to create groundbreaking sounds, offering a deeper understanding of the creative processes behind iconic bands and their members.
What's Next?
The 12-inch vinyl, "Low-Temperature Delay," is scheduled for release at the end of the year by NYC’s Psychic Reader Records. This release is expected to generate considerable interest among Megadeth fans and collectors of 1980s thrash metal and jazz fusion. Cotter Phinney of Psychic Reader Records emphasized that this is an opportunity to reveal the origins of one of metal's most influential lineups, suggesting that the release aims to satisfy a long-standing curiosity among fans about Poland and Samuelson's pre-Megadeth work. The detailed packaging, including a fold-out poster and extensive liner notes, indicates a comprehensive effort to present this historical material to a dedicated audience.
Beyond the Headlines
The release of The New Yorkers' material underscores the often-overlooked jazz and fusion roots of many influential metal musicians. This development challenges the perception of metal as a genre solely defined by aggression and speed, revealing a sophisticated musical foundation. The story also highlights the role of independent labels like Psychic Reader Records in preserving and bringing to light significant, yet previously unreleased, musical history. It speaks to the enduring appeal of uncovering the creative journeys of artists, demonstrating how early, uncommercialized projects can offer profound insights into their later, more famous works. This release could inspire further exploration into the diverse influences that shaped other iconic bands, enriching the understanding of music evolution.
