Gastem - Catch The Flame (1985) (Eönian Records Edition 2025)
Year : 1984/1985 (Eönian Records Edition 2025) Style : Melodic Hard Rock Country : United States Audio : 320 kbps + scans Size : 150 mb
Bio:
Maryland based hard rock band GASTEM formed in 1985.The band consists of Rob Galpin (Guitars/Lead Vox), Craig Stegall (Drums/Vox), Mark Emon (Bass/Vox 1985-2023), Mark Schenker (Rhythm Guitar/Vox 1985-2023 - Bass/Vox 2024-current).The Americans GASTEM can already look back on two releases from the mid-eighties, but have recently been active again and have released a brand new disc with fourteen tracks on ‘III’. Colleagues from KIX, POISON or MÖTLEY CRÜE are stylistic points of reference for the trio's sound. The single ‘Anyway’ would also easily pass as a typical ALICE COOPER number. A beautiful disc that transports the spirit of the good old Hairspray era and honours it with dignity. Another tip to check out is ‘Kiss Me Like You Love Me’.
Album:
Maryland hard rock veterans GASTEM are celebrating their 40th anniversary. To mark the milestone, Eonian Records will reissue GASTEM’s long out-of-print album ”Catch The Flame (1985)”, in a newly remixed and remastered edition. The new release feature previously unreleased bonus tracks and updated artwork.Widely regarded as one of the defining acts of the Mid-Atlantic hard rock scene, GASTEM emerged in the 1980s with a sound that packed clubs across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The band’s return offers fans both a nostalgic look back and something entirely new to celebrate.GASTEM formed in Damascus, Maryland, in 1985, was active between 1985 and 1989 and earned strong support and respect throughout the vibrant hard rock scenes of Baltimore and the surrounding region.July 13, 1985, holds special significance for the band. As the world tuned in to the now-legendary Live Aid concerts, something much smaller but no less meaningful was unfolding in a suburban backyard just outside Washington, D.C.While Live Aid played on a nearby television, the members of GASTEM were gathered around a barbecue, beers in hand, celebrating a milestone of their own. Just the night before, they had finished shrink-wrapping 500 copies of ”Catch The Flame”, their debut album. The cassettes were stacked, sealed, and ready to be delivered to Tower Records and Kemp Mill Records warehouses the very next day, marking the band’s first official step into the music scene.
Line-Up:
Rob Galpin - Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar Mark Emon - Bass (R.I.P. 2023) - Lead Vocals on 10 Craig Stegall - Drums - Lead Vocals on 6
Production:
Recorded , Produced & Mixed by Rob Galpin Executive producers - Stephen Craig & Ryan Northrop All songs written and performed by Gastem
Tracklist:
01. That’s Just Love 02. Bump & Grind 03. Danger’s Own 04. When Love Seems Dead 05. Knock Me Out 06. Drinkin’ Wild 07. Don’t Mess With Love 08. Catch The Flame 09. Tour De Force 10. Cutting Edge 11. The Answer 12. Never Too Old 13. Run For Your Life (Bonus Track) 14. Spontaneous Combustion (Bonus Track) 15. Streets Of Misfortune (Bonus Track) 16. Hot Nights (Bonus Track)
Gastem - Do It Like Wild (1986) (Eönian Records Edition 2025)
Year : 1986 (Eönian Records Edition 2025) Style : Melodic Hard Rock Country : United States Audio : 320 kbps + scans Size : 163 mb
Bio:
Maryland based hard rock band GASTEM formed in 1985.The band consists of Rob Galpin (Guitars/Lead Vox), Craig Stegall (Drums/Vox), Mark Emon (Bass/Vox 1985-2023), Mark Schenker (Rhythm Guitar/Vox 1985-2023 - Bass/Vox 2024-current).The Americans GASTEM can already look back on two releases from the mid-eighties, but have recently been active again and have released a brand new disc with fourteen tracks on ‘III’. Colleagues from KIX, POISON or MÖTLEY CRÜE are stylistic points of reference for the trio's sound. The single ‘Anyway’ would also easily pass as a typical ALICE COOPER number. A beautiful disc that transports the spirit of the good old Hairspray era and honours it with dignity. Another tip to check out is ‘Kiss Me Like You Love Me’.
Album:
GASTEM emerged in the 1980s in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic hard rock scene, with a sound that packed clubs across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The band’s return offers fans both a nostalgic look back and something entirely new to celebrate.To celebrate the band’s 40th Anniversary, Eonian Records is reissuing GASTEM‘s long out-of-print indie albums, Catch The Flame (1985) and Do It Like Wild (1986), in newly remixed and remastered editions. The reissues feature numerous previously unreleased bonus tracks and updated artwork.For this second album “Do It Like Wild” (1986) recruited and additional guitarist, Mark Schenker, to expand their sound. Mark Schenker was later longtime bass player for KIX. After making a name for themselves in the vibrant Baltimore-DC-VA scene throughout the 1980s, GASTEM quickly built a strong following across the regional club circuit, headlining packed shows and opening for national acts, including their Baltimore brothers, KIX.The songs on “Do It Like Wild” are more melodic hard rock oriented than the previous album. Despite the year (1986) the songs aren’t glam metal, but hard rockin’ benefited by the new double-guitar attack.”Do It Like Wild” was recorded between November 1985 and March 1986 in a permanent studio the band spent a year assembling and building inside an old, abandoned general store from the early 1950s/60s. The rent was low enough for it to double as both their rehearsal space and recording studio.The unreleased bonus tracks were recorded later in the same building but in a completely different area from where the main album tracks were laid down. That space delivered a much bigger sound, which the band was excited to capture.
Line-Up:
Rob Galpin – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Harmonica Mark Schenker – Guitar, Backing Vocals Mark Emon (R.I.P. 2023) – Bass, Backing Vocals Craig Stegall – Drums, Backing Vocals
Production:
Recorded , Produced & Mixed by Rob Galpin Executive producers - Stephen Craig & Ryan Northrop All songs written and performed by Gastem
Tracklist:
01. Victory At Sea (Kamikaze) 02. Live It To The Limit 03. Candy Girl 04. Caught Under Fire 05. Wasted Life 06. Ain’t School A Drag 07. Open Fire 08. Forever 09. Some People Fall In Love 10. A Fool Rules 11. Style 12. Steely Breeze 13. Is That It
Webb’s Store Demos:
14. Not 4 Every 1 (Bonus Track) 15. Runaway (Bonus Track) 16. Yoyo Trix (Bonus Track) 17. Sure As The Sun (Bonus Track) 18. When She Walks (Bonus Track) 19. Coming Home (Bonus Track)
Year : 2024 (Avalon Street Records Edition) Style : Melodic Hard Rock Country : United States Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 124 mb
Bio:
Maryland based hard rock band GASTEM formed in 1985.The band consists of Rob Galpin (Guitars/Lead Vox), Craig Stegall (Drums/Vox), Mark Emon (Bass/Vox 1985-2023), Mark Schenker (Rhythm Guitar/Vox 1985-2023 - Bass/Vox 2024-current).The Americans GASTEM can already look back on two releases from the mid-eighties, but have recently been active again and have released a brand new disc with fourteen tracks on ‘III’. Colleagues from KIX, POISON or MÖTLEY CRÜE are stylistic points of reference for the trio's sound. The single ‘Anyway’ would also easily pass as a typical ALICE COOPER number. A beautiful disc that transports the spirit of the good old Hairspray era and honours it with dignity. Another tip to check out is ‘Kiss Me Like You Love Me’.
Album:
Maryland rock band GASTEM, (home to a then, 19yr old Mark Schenker who later joined KIX on bass in 2002) is excited to announce the release of their latest album, GASTEM III in a Digital Deluxe Edition that will be available on all digital and streaming platforms this coming Wednesday, December 4th.From the band's latest album, GASTEM III, "Surrender" is a beautiful ballad penned by the band's original bassist, Mark Emon, months before he unexpectedly passed from a heart attack in November 2023. Mark was 60yrs old and will forever remain a crucial part of the GASTEM Magic.This video is genuinely a windshield-view of the four, individual routes to each of the band members' teenage-era homes they grew up in, rehearsed together in, recorded two whole albums in, and made magic in as they bonded across a decade from '81 - '91 in Damascus/Gaithersburg.I pride myself on knowing a thing or two, especially about metal and hard rock from the eighties.So when the boss man foisted a name on me I’d never heard before, I wasn’t overly enthused in taking on the task of reviewing them. Gastem?Surely I’ve heard all the good ones by now?And on listening to the uncomplicated mid eighties hard rock of opener So High, I was comfortable in my complacency. I have heard all the good ones… But then second track Did You See That Girl -ups the ante immediately with a superb slice of raw-edged melodic heft. This is fabulous stuff – and I can feel myself being sucked in…Joe Ellen is next up and finds the band investigating their quirkier side via an almost Cheap Trickish vibe, a vibe that is extended by Come Back For Me, which maybe even throws in a Styx moment or two (or is it Larry Gowan… I find it hard to tell these days), with the whole thing given a satisfying get up and go thanks to some piston-legged drumming from Craig Stegall.Kiss Me Like You Love Me, propelled by some nice bass from Mark Schenker is the first thing that could be labelled disappointing; it’s poppier, late seventies Top Forty Fayre that slightly dissipates the momentum the band has built up thus far. That said, good singin’ and good playin’ never really hurt anybody, so you can’t really complain that much, can ya?Better still to press fast forward and get involved in Taking It All, with it’s ‘Tight but loose’ start that reminds these ears of Mr Big but morphs quickly into another quirky slice of midwestern melodic oomph. And then hits a ‘big’ climax mid song… If you see what I mean. Being brutally honest, you can see why these guys didn’t really set too many homes alight back in the day – the point of difference is just too big for the LCD to fully comprehend. Those of us with an ear for difference, however…Anyway follows, and it’s a delicious mix of the seventies and eighties that’ll have em rockin’ in the aisles at the local care home… I’m joking of course, but this would have been a massive hit if it was written in 1978, with Cheap Trick again looming large in the front of the brain; intelligent harmonies, muscly melodies, choruses that go on for days – pick whichever of those phrases floats your boat and prepare to wallow…Bigger yet is Bloodsucker – stadium rock intro, complete with Gene Simmons-styled bass runs and a feel that this is what Queen might have sounded like had they come from the Mid West rather than the West End… all hail the big beat! Lean On You takes the temperature down a little – Clever lyrics usher in a straight-up slice of superb radio rock. Classy vocals make this one of the highlights of the album. And is that a hint of Rush hovering in the ether? While You Were Out comes next and is probably the least arresting track on the album, but it’s still a rather perky piece of fiery rock n’roll… However it fails completely to set you up for what comes next, which is, it has to be said, quite monstrous… Stay With Me is Aasurprise slab of heavy, pompous US metal led by some chunky riffage courtesy of Rob Galpin; clever synth use, brooding atmospheres and superior musicianship will transport you back to the times when Angel and Starcastle roamed the earth. After what’s gone before this track is a total surprise – but a very welcome one, and the pure pomp overload continues with Surrender, which belies it’s tricky name and won’t fail to appeal to you if, like me, you’re a big fan of UK rockers Cats In Space. What a treat it would be to see them and Gastem share a stage!Penultimate track Who Do You Know carries with it hints of prime time Ace Frehley, or does it? I can’t be sure, maybe I’m getting my Aces and Alices mixed up (you are – Ed) but this early eighties-flavoured slice of radio rock certainly hits the spot, as does How Do You Sleep – A heavy intro gives way to a song that sounds like an extension of Who Do You Know, but with bigger, shinier hooks to hold on to.At the end of the day, the market for the music Gastem are making isn’t a big one, but it would be an absolute crime if every single person, world wide, who has even a scintilla of love for beautifully-crafted retro rock, doesn’t hear this album at their earliest convenience. You owe it to your friends to get this record into their ears, and you owe it to them to do it now. Let’s go, people, let’s go!
Line-Up:
Rob Galpin - Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar, Keyboards Mark Schenker - Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Keyboards (1985-2023) - Bass/Vox (2024-current) - See also: ex-Kixx, ex-Joe Hasselvander Craig Stegall - Drums
Tracklist:
01. So High 3:04 02. Did You See That Girl 2:54 03. Joe Ellen 2:58 04. Come Back For Me 4:42 05. Kiss Me Like You Love Me 4:14 06. Taking It All 3:35 07. Anyway 2:48 08. Bloodsucker 2:46 09. Lean On You 4:03 10. While You Were Out 4:08 11. Stay With Me 4:33 12. Surrender 3:21 13. Who Do You Know 3:09 14. How Do You Sleep 4:23 15. Get Down On It 4:06
Year : 2026 (Eönian Records Edition) Style : Melodic Hard Rock Country : United States Audio : 320 kbps + scans Size : 103 mb
Bio:
Maryland based hard rock band GASTEM formed in 1985.The band consists of Rob Galpin (Guitars/Lead Vox), Craig Stegall (Drums/Vox), Mark Emon (Bass/Vox 1985-2023), Mark Schenker (Rhythm Guitar/Vox 1985-2023 - Bass/Vox 2024-current).The Americans GASTEM can already look back on two releases from the mid-eighties, but have recently been active again and have released a brand new disc with fourteen tracks on ‘III’. Colleagues from KIX, POISON or MÖTLEY CRÜE are stylistic points of reference for the trio's sound. The single ‘Anyway’ would also easily pass as a typical ALICE COOPER number. A beautiful disc that transports the spirit of the good old Hairspray era and honours it with dignity. Another tip to check out is ‘Kiss Me Like You Love Me’.
Album:
Originally formed in Damascus, Maryland, GASTEM emerged from the thriving ’80s hard rock scene between 1985 and 1989, building a loyal following throughout Baltimore and Washington, D.C. with their infectious melodic hooks, powerful live performances, and arena-sized sound.Throughout the 1980s, GASTEM became a staple of the Baltimore–Washington–Virginia club circuit, headlining packed venues and sharing stages with numerous national acts, including their Baltimore brothers, KIX. Schenker would later join KIX full-time in 2001, remaining with the platinum-selling band through their final performance in 2023.After an incredible 34-year hiatus, GASTEM reunited in early 2024 to record the critically acclaimed comeback album ‘III’, including as perment member ex KIX bass player Mark Schenker.Now Eonian Records is releasing GASTEM’s new CD “Hard To Stop“, a powerful new collection that may stand as the band’s finest work to date. Packed with big hooks, soaring vocals, rich harmonies, and massive anthemic choruses, the album delivers everything fans of timeless melodic hard rock could hope for.Opener Push The Limit is the heaviest thing we’ve heard from the band yet, built on clever drumming from Craig Stegall, quirk-metal riffage courtesy of founder Rob Galpin, and an underlying funky mayhem that makes for a surprising and effective opening gambit.Second track All My Love quickly changes course with an opening riff Elton John sideman Davey Johnstone would be proud of, before settling into one of the band’s signature Cheap Trick fantasias. It’s a strong early highlight. Country Ride heads down a woozy, bluesy path that feels built for small, smokey clubs. It’s well executed, just not my kind of jam.Where Gastem truly hit their stride is when they pull out all the pomp-rock stops. All About You, the theatrical track that follows Country Ride is pure Alice Cooper -meets- 70s Queen -meets- Styx overload and easily the best thing on the record by a country mile. Coming on like an American counterpart to UK pomp heroes Cats In Space, this is where the band continue to sound most confident and effective.Following this high water mark, Kansas delivers a rootsy big ballad in the style of late-eighties hair metal. The production doesn’t quite give it the bombast it deserves, but the song still works and features a great set-piece guitar solo. City Park starts with a funky metal groove that promises much but ends up feeling a little lead-footed and doesn’t quite deliver on its early potential.Next up, Kissed By A Stranger is much more interesting.Intelligent instrumentation underpins a drama-laden, theatrical piece that Saga would have been proud of in their prime. If Gastem explore this vein more on future releases, I’ll be a very happy reviewer indeed.The title track Hard To Stop is a showy, perky closer that absolutely crackles with energy. All three members, bassist Mark Schenker as well as Galpin and Stegall, go for it, letting the record thunder to an abrupt and satisfying halt amidst some absolutely heroic playing.Fans of intelligent, adventurous hard rock with diverse ’80s references will find plenty here to get excited about. These musicians were part of the ’80s scene, and they know how this stuff should be done.
Line-Up:
Rob Galpin – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Keyboards Mark Schenker – Bass, Fretless Bass Craig Stegall – Drums
Tracklist:
01. Push the Limit 02. All My Love 03. Country Ride 04. All About You 05. Kansas 06. City Park 07. Kissed by a Stranger 08. Lovebound Situation 09. Everything (Love Will Find a Way) 10. Happy New Year 11. Hard to Stop
