12 Hits From Hell
12 Hits From Hell is the "missing" Misfits album.
On August 7, 1980, the Misfits recorded 12 songs at Master Sound Productions studios with the intention of releasing a full-length album. These recordings were later dubbed "The MSP Sessions".
The Misfits signed a record deal with Ruby Records after the recording, and used the 1980 sessions as a demo for their release Walk Among Us. The full-length expected from these sessions was never released.
Although the Misfits never recorded as a five piece band, the purpose of this new release is to showcase both Bobby Steele's and Doyle's contributions equally. Bobby Steele, The Misfits' guitarist since 1978, recorded both rhythm and lead tracks for most of the songs, but was kicked out of the band mid-way through production. His parts were subsequently de-emphasized in the mix (although he is credited on 3 Hits From Hell as extra guitarist). Jerry Only's younger brother Doyle was inducted into the band and finished the recording session by adding and/or overdubbing guitar tracks. The songs only ended up in the hands of the general public through a 7" vinyl (3 Hits From Hell) and bootlegs. The tracks also appeared on the Misfits' Box Set.
In 2001, Caroline Records announced it would be releasing the lost 1980 sessions on Halloween under the name 12 Hits From Hell. There would also be an alternate take of "London Dungeon" included.
Glenn Danzig (vocals) abruptly called off production, announcing that there were errors in the liner notes. Eerie Von, Danzig's ex-bassist, compiled the liner notes, so it is rumoured the real reason Danzig called off production was because he was upset with his ex-bassist being so close to the project. Danzig also claims he was angered by not receiving any word of this project until he was mailed a promotional CD.
Misfits bassist Jerry Only claims the production is substandard, and needs to be remixed.
Bobby Steele, who was kicked out of the band during recording, feels Jerry Only has a hidden agenda behind wanting to remix it. The Misfits always told the public Steele was kicked out because he was a shoddy guitarist, while Steele has always felt he was forced out of the band because Only wanted his brother, Doyle, to be guitarist. Steele thinks the CD should be released as-is, so it will be proven once and for all that he is not a bad guitarist. Steele is convinced Only will remove all of his guitar tracks from the final product to prevent being exposed as a liar.
Caroline Records' official reasoning is that the mastering is inferior, and that the Misfits feel they should not be portrayed as a five-piece (which is odd, considering bands routinely double- and triple-track their guitars, and the liner notes make it quite clear that Doyle and Bobby were not in the band at the same time. Besides, no one has a problem with Robbie Alter's contributions to two songs, and he wasn't even a member).
Because of all these conflicting beliefs, it is doubtful 12 Hits From Hell will ever see the light of day. However, thanks to filesharing programs such as Kazaa, promotional copies of the album have been leaked all over the Internet.
# Halloween
# Vampira
# I Turned Into A Martian
# Skulls
# London Dungeon
# Night Of The Living Dead
# Ghouls Night Out
# Astro Zombies
# Horror Hotel
# Where Eagles Dare
# Violent World
# Halloween II
# London Dungeon (Alternate Take)
Glenn Danzig - Vocals, guitar on "Halloween II"
Jerry Only - Bass
Bobby Steele - Guitar (original tracks)
Doyle - Guitar (overdubs and additional tracks)
Robbie Alter - Guitar on "London Dungeon" and "Violent World"
Arthur Googy - Drums
Misfits 12 Hits From Hell - Information Website
