WICKED MARAYA - The Mystic Demos CD (US IMPORT!)

What would become WICKED MARAYA began to form in 1983 in Valley Stream, Long Island, with the three brothers John, Micheal, and James Iadevaio. John would play bass, Michael on guitar, and James provided the backbeat. Childhood friend Steve Longo joined the trio on vocals and provided a second guitar.Along with a love for KISS, Judas Priest and other heavy rock bands, the boys were also inspired by a popular local band called NiteFire (later Ameruoso), consisting of four brothers.

The band assembled their first show in the Iadevaio family basement for about 10-15 friends. Approximately ten minutes before showtime, Steve decided he did not want to sing in front of people. Another friend, with a theatrical and showman vibe, had been at every rehearsal and was pulled in to do the singing. Although he could not sing, Lou Falco would perform, and his antics would impress the other group members.

Those in attendance enjoyed the amateur performance and that evening would be remembered as the official beginning of MYSTIC.MYSTIC began writing original material. The group no longer wanted to play cover songs. They soon entered a local battle of the bands held at the World-Famous RIO Theatre in Valley Stream. MYSTIC would win the contest easily because the winner was chosen not by talent but by crowd reaction. MYSTIC had most of their friends from school in attendance, which helped propel the band to victory. While not in the musicianship caliber of bands that night playing 'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner', MYSTIC had a crowd that reacted to their performance. Local promoters at the talent show immediately saw that and began booking MYSTIC into junior high and high schools to play in front of crowds of peers of the same age. The grand prize from the contest was a cash reward that MYSTIC would use to cut its first demo.

That demo consisted of 'Fight For The Queen' and 'We'll Take You All On'. Around this time, MYSTIC also became a regular opening act for the popular Long Island band NINJA, which played on the roller rink circuit throughout 1986.James Iadevaio left the band in 1986, so the band recruited local drumming powerhouse Rob Liano. Although Liano was in a rival band, he became part of the family and formed a lifelong friendship with the other members. Liano's drumming changed the band's direction and opened more risk-taking opportunities in songwriting.

The new direction would be heard on the next two demoed songs, 'White Eagle' and 'Street Girl'. From 1986 through 1988, MYSTIC underwent several line-up changes. John also switched from bass to guitar during this period. In 1988, the final line-up of MYSTIC was solidified when drummer Mike Nack joined the band and the Iadevaio brothers' cousin Dan Malsch on guitar. MYSTIC continued to play at local venues, such as February's, Right Track Inn, The Cat House, RAW, L'Amour East/Queens, L'Amour Far East/Long Island, and more. At this time, the band was playing a heavier and thrashier style of music, and crowds, journalists, and critics liked it. The band consistently received good write-ups in Long Island papers such as Good Times, with John Blenn being a big supporter since the band's formation.

FOR FANS OF: Overkill, Powermad, Mystic Force.

• First the time on CD

• From the best possible surviving sources

• 8-page booklet with complete lyrics

• Limited to 500 copies worldwide

• Note; tracks 7 & 8 available only on CD

1. The Unknown 

2. Running In The Night

3. Blackout

4. Secret Evil

5. Lost

6. Prisoner

7. Aftermath

8. Hellfire