CJSS, DAVID T. CHASTAIN'S praise the loud BD016

Guitar Heroics and French Vinyl: CJSS’s ‘Praise The Loud’ (BD 016)

Today’s entry spotlights a specific European pressing of a US heavy metal classic, focusing on the band CJSS and their guitar virtuoso leader, David T. Chastain. We are looking at the album “Praise The Loud,” released in France on the Black Dragon Records label with the catalog number BD 016.

Issued in 1986, this 12-inch vinyl LP captures the band at the height of the shred guitar boom. CJSS (named after the members: Chastain, Jinkens, Skimmerhorn, Sharp) offered a more band-oriented approach compared to Chastain’s solo instrumental works, blending his neoclassical shredding skills with powerful US power metal songwriting and the distinct vocals of Russell Jinkens.

For collectors, this Black Dragon Records pressing is particularly interesting because it features different cover artwork than the US, Canadian, and Japanese versions of the album, making it a unique visual variant for completists.

Musically, the album is a feast for fans of 80s heavy metal, featuring anthems like “Metal Forever,” “Out Of Control,” and the epic closer “The Bargain.” Produced by David T. Chastain himself, it balances technical guitar wizardry with driving heavy metal rhythms. This release originally came with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics.

BD 016 is a fantastic example of how American metal was packaged and consumed in Europe during the mid-80s, offering a unique aesthetic twist on a shred metal classic.