This time around we feature the collection of Nikos Mixas, guitarist in the Phoenix, Arizona based band Twingiant.
The first record I ever bought with my own money was…
ELO – Time. Yes, I bought this album when it was considered a new release so that probably tells you that I’m no spring chicken. In addition, if I remember correctly, this wasn’t one of their best albums and I couldn’t even tell you what songs are on it anymore. I had to Google the ELO discography just to jog my memory.
The record that made me want to make music was…
AC/DC – For Those About to Rock We Salute You. When MTV actually played videos, the title track was in their rotation. The first time I saw Angus do his signature duck walk and saw those cannons firing off, I was begging my mom for money to buy this album. It wasn’t much later that I was saving up money I made from my paper route to buy my first guitar.
The record I’ve played more than any other is…
Possessed – Beyond the Gates. After I got past the initial shock and awe of Metallica and Slayer, this is one of those bands that started to define the term “underground” for me. My best friend owned this record and I think I made him play it every time I came over. In fact, he let me “check it out” and I “think” I may have permanently borrowed his copy. Hahahaha! Anyway, I love this album and Possessed is probably a top 5 favorite band of all time for me.
The record that always make me feel good is…
Steel Panther – Feel the Steel. I don’t give a flying fuck if you think Steel Panther is lame, they always put a smile on my face. The fact that they’re so politically incorrect and cheesy makes it all the better. I sing along to ALL their songs and their music is an instant mood enhancer for me.
The record I turn to when I’m feeling down is…
Pallbearer – Sorrow and Extinction. Best doom album hands down in the past five years. Nothing else even comes close to this album but unfortunately, none of their follow-ups do either.
The record with my favorite cover art is…
Carcass – Reek of Putrefaction. Do I really have to say anything about this? Doesn’t the cover just tell you everything you need to know? I own the original Earache Records release so the fact that the cover artwork was banned back in 1994 (The world wasn’t so sensitive back then…) makes it all the sweeter to have it in my collection.
The strangest LP I own is…
Vio-Lence – Eternal Nightmare. (Vomit Pack) So the band released this as a 10” single from their spectacular debut, Eternal Nightmare. The Discogs description of the packaging sums it up pretty well, “The 10″ promo single was issued in a specially-designed plastic sleeve filled with realistic fake vomit, allegedly a mixture of vegetable soup and vinegar. Unless you’ve stored your copy in the freezer for the last 14 years, it’s likely dried up like other copies.” If you’re wondering, yes, my vomit is all dried up too. What a bummer.
The rarest LP I own is…
I have to list two albums for this one. I’m not sure which one is more rare.
Electric Wizard – Black Masses. The Deluxe Edition (aka Die Hard Edition) “Limited to 400 copies, consists of Spot gloss box, Crypt of Drugula 16 page comic, embroidered patch, A1 Poster and double gatefold album on 180gm black vinyl with full color printed inners.” I’m guessing if it was only limited to 400 copies and I own one, that’s pretty rare if you think about how popular Electric Wizard is. And if you’re wondering, yes, I’ve cracked the box open and have played the records on my turntable. I mean, what’s the damn point of owning something as cool as this if you don’t actually go through it like a fat kid with a stuffed jack o’ lantern on Halloween???
Venom – Japanese Assault. I’m a diehard Venom fan and I’ve collected just about all their LPs, Singles and Compilations from their inception up to the Possessed album era. Japanese Assault is probably one of their rarest and even though it’s comprised of just a random sampling of popular Venom songs, the fact that copies are selling for close to $200 tells me that it’s pretty rare.
The last LP I bought was…
Taake – Kong Vinter. I pre-ordered this so I don’t actually have it in my collection yet. Taake has probably been my favorite band over the past 5 years since I discovered them. It has been almost two years since they’ve put anything new out so I’m more than stoked to get my black metal hands on it.
• • • • • • • • • •
Twingiant’s latest album, Blood Fued, was released on October 13, 2017. You can download a copy or purchase a CD at this location.
https://www.facebook.com/twingiant
http://twingiant.bandcamp.com/
If you are enjoying our content, you can support Inhale the Heavy's coffee fund by clicking here.