Warpig

Formed in small-town Woodstock in 1968, just outside of Toronto, vocalist and lead guitarist Rick Donmoyer, keyboard player/vocalist Dana Snitch, bassist Terry Brett, and drummer Terry Hook were no strangers to to the unrelenting Toronto bar scene when they first began rehearsals in Hook's basement. Each member had been paying their dues with other local bands, trying to break into the industry. With their uniquely crafted sound of metal riff-guitar progressions, complimented by heavy use of the organ, Warpig undeniably caught the attention of fans throughout Ontario and were quickly signed to Fonthill Records. After releasing their debut album, their success continued when the singles “Rockstar” and “Flaggit” were picked up by a number of Canadian radio stations. Possibly the two most marketable songs on their self titled album, both 'songs' epitomized the evolutionary sound that we now know as heavy metal.

Fonthill Records were taken over by London , which compromised the advancement of the band at the time. After focusing on the live scene for the next year while also attempting to write their second album, the band eventually hit a wall. London did finallyre-issue and remaster their debut album, yet with a lack of proper management (along with their second album being shelved) the band began to implode. What followed was the stereotypical story of a fallen rock band. Thankfully they were around long enough to have made a mark for Canadian metal music history, but fueled by the neglect from the record company and uncertainty for their future, Warpig had disbanded by 1973.

For serious vinyl collectors, the rarity of original pressings, particularly when they are this scarce, is what keeps the desire alive! Most gratifying would be acquiring this LP on the Fonthill label, with the original cover featuring the candle and an ankh cross, followed by the early re-issue with the alternate white cover, issued by London Records. A promotional copy of the 45 rpm is also a very sought after item.