Few bands embodied the raw, streetwise energy of the mid-'80s underground quite like Chained Lace. Rising from the Maryland/Washington D.C. scene, this powerhouse outfit—led by the formidable Cheri Blade on vocals—merged doom-laden riffs with punk grit, delivering a sound that was equal parts attitude and atmosphere. While their contemporaries leaned fully into the weight of doom, Chained Lace carved a unique niche, fusing melody and menace with a sense of urgency rarely heard in the genre.
Morbid Fascination is a long-overdue resurrection of the band's recorded legacy, finally giving these tracks the recognition they deserve. From the proto-metal swagger of their early recordings to the infectious hooks and darkened edge of their later material, this collection offers a glimpse into a band that defied easy categorization. Tracks like "Dismembered" showcase their ability to balance heaviness with anthemic energy, while others ooze a rock 'n' roll spirit reminiscent of Pentagram, Girlschool, and The Dead Boys.
With a lineup of seasoned musicians—Norman Lawson’s sharp guitar work, Tim Carrubba’s thundering bass, and Roger Sampson’s relentless drumming—Chained Lace exuded an effortless cool, backed by sheer force. Blade’s vocals, dripping with attitude and conviction, cemented their status as a true anomaly in a male-dominated scene.
For fans of the Maryland doom movement, raw ‘80s U.S. metal, and punk-infused heavy rock, Morbid Fascination is a time capsule worth unlocking. It’s tough, it’s catchy, and above all, it’s long overdue.
