Znowhite

Znöwhite
Background information
Also known asSnowhite, ZnöWhite
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresThrash metal, speed metal
Years active1982–1989
LabelsEnigma, Roadrunner, Metal Mind
SpinoffsCyclone Temple
Past membersIan Tafoya
Sparks Tafoya
Nicole Lee
Nicky Tafoya
Alex Olvera
Scott Schafer
Debbie Gunn
John Slattery

Znowhite (or Znöwhite) was an American thrash/speed metal band credited for pioneering thrash metal in Chicago.

History

Formation

In 1982, Znowhite was founded by two African American brothers, guitarist Ian Tafoya and drummer Sparks Tafoya (real names Greg Fulton and Tony Heath), along with cousin Nicky Tafoya (real name Curtis Fulton) on bass. Nicole Lee (real name Sue Sharp) joined the group soon after as lead vocalist. The band performed as Snowhite, but replaced the S with a Z. They self-released a three-song flexi disc that featured the song "Hellbent". This caught the attention of Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel. Znowhite was featured on volume three of the Metal Massacre compilation, which gave them some exposure.

Lineup changes and disbandment

After Znowhite's initial success, Lee, Ian, and Sparks replaced bassist Amp Dawg with Scott Schafer in 1985. They toured the US and Canada for four years, and self-released the live album Live Suicide. Back in Chicago, the band started work on the last Znowhite release, Act of God. Toward the end of recording, Lee left Znowhite. Act of God was released in 1988 through Roadrunner Records. An extensive American tour followed the album's release and featured Sentinel Beast vocalist Debbie Gunn (real name Debbie Gunderson) and drummer John Slattery - formerly of the band Tools Of Ignorance. Gunn left after the tours, while Fulton, Schafer, and Slattery went on to form Cyclone Temple. When Cyclone Temple disbanded Fulton, Schafer, and Fulton's brother, former Znowhite drummer Tony Heath, formed a new group named Rebels Without Applause. Gunn went on to sing for the group Ice Age and, later, to reform Sentinel Beast.

Band members

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilation albums

Singles

Other appearances

References

  1. ↑ Christe (2003), p. 206, "Two black musicians from Chicago helped found that city's thrash metal scene: towering seven-foot guitarist Ian Tafoya of Znowhite, and denim-bedecked bassist Calvin Humphrey of Zoetrope."
  2. 1 2 Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 395. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  3. 1 2 Rivadavia, Eduardo. "allmusic (((Znowhite > Biography)))". AllMusic. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  4. ↑ "REBELS WITHOUT APPLAUSE: Full-Length Debut Out Now". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
  5. ↑ "ICE AGE Demos Available For Free Download". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  6. ↑ "SENTINEL BEAST: Performance Footage Of New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  7. ↑ "allmusic (((Act of God > Overview)))". AllMusic. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  8. ↑ "allmusic (((ZnöWhite > Overview)))". AllMusic. Retrieved February 14, 2010.

Sources