Znowhite is definitely not another typical 80's spped metal band. This speed metal band comes with style. Formed in 1982 in Chicago, Illinois by three relatives (Ian Tafoya - guitars, his brother Sparks - bass and cousin Nicky - drums), the group centered their musical interests around the fastest and wildest genre of metal. The name they took on was a complete puzzle, though. Not only didn't Snowhite sound aggressively and heavily, it was certainly a rather ironic choice for three Afro-Americans. Nevertherless, their music gained much popularity - the only missing link on their ladder to success was a good singer. Suprisingly, the band's manager (who was also Ian's classmate) unrevealed her skills as a metal vocalist. The line-up was finally complete, now lead by a gold-haired beauty with snow white skin, at last giving the group's name a proper meaning.

Their first demo, recorded in six hours, was released in 1983 and sent to numerous record companies. The four-track record enchanted Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records, who added the song "Hellbent" to the world famouts Metal Massacre compilation Part III. Being listed next to names such as Tyrant, Bitch, Virgin Steele, Warlord and Slayer gave the band definite recognition and helped them record their second five-track demo tape. Two songs - "Never Give Up The Fight" and "Know Who You Are" were never released anywhere again, while "Do Or Die" and "Rock City Destination" could be found on their debut EP. Before releasing it, however, the band prepared a blood red flexi single with three songs - "Live For The Weekend", "Never Felt Like This" and "Vengeance". In the meantime the group was forced to chance its name to Znowhite, but its music became more and more recognizable and appreciated.

The Record Company Enigma was clearly aware of this fact, when releasing the band's debut EP 'All Hail To Thee'. Not long after the record was launched, Nicky Tafoya left Znowhite, soon to be replaced by Amp Dawg. The band began intensive touring, supporting famous headliners such as Raven or Metallica. After an unfortunate deal with Enigma, who pretty much neglected the group's promotion, Znowhite signed a contract with Erika Records in California and in 1985 released their first and only live EP 'Live Suicide' contained seven trakcs recorded at a show in Cleveland in December 1985. Among them was "Hellbent", previously available only on the Metal Massacre compilation. The live album also contained three new songs, namely "There's No Tomorrow", "Night On Parole" and "Rest In Piece". What is more, the EP introduced the ban's new bass player, Scott Schafer. After 'Live Suicide', Znowhite focused on recording a new demo in their hometown Chicago. The effect gained interest of the Ameican department of Roadrunner, Roadracer, which offered a record deal in 1986 for the band's next full-length release. 'Act Of God' was finally launched in 1988, with another change in the line-up - Scott Schafer switched from bass to drums, being replaced by Alex Olvera. The new album definitely presented Znowhite at its best - full of insanely fast guitar riffs and fiery solos conjoined with Nicole Lee's characteristic vocals, the record was a speed metal masterpiece that appealed to each and every heavy music fanatic. Znowhite dedicated it to the memory of their biggest inspiration, the late Phil Lynnot (ex Thin Lizzy/Grand Slam bass player). After the release of the album the band focused on live performances, supporting names such as Leeway, The Accüsed, Wench, Hades (USA) and Anvil. All was going great until the controversial decision by Nicole to leave the group?

There are many suspicions of the reasons for Lee's choice. Numerous interviews suggest 'musical differences', other sources point out Nicole's fading dedication to the metal scene. All in all, this fatal decision could not have beenmade at a worse time. Znowhite reached the peak of their posssibilities and Ian Tafoya knew that without a charismatic singer such as Nicole, the group was sure to eventually dissolve. He searched for a proper female replacement, not wanting to change the concept of the band too much. Only two names met with his expectations - Debbie Gunn of Sentinal Beast and Dawn Crosby (R.I.P.), at that time playing with Détente, but also known from her work with Fear Of God later on. The job eventually went to Debbie, who wasn't pleased with her own band's situation at that time. Another line-up change considered the drummer, Scott Schafer, who decided to return to the bass. From now on the drums were played by John Slattery (ex Tools Of Ignorance). Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Debbie couldn't match with Nicole's singing and soon left Znowhite to join Ice Age, taking the place of Tina Stromberg. After the band's dissolve, Gunn returned to her first group, Sentinel Beast, who have meanwhile changed their name into Brutal Groove.

Znowhite's end was unquestionable. After the official dismissal, the band's musicians along with vocalist Sonny De Luca formed Cyclone Temple, often compared to thrash giants like Testament, Anthrax and early Metallica. It released two full-length and one EP albums before it finally disbanded in 1994. Nevertheless, Ian Tafoya and Scott Schafer remained active participants of the music scene, in 1997 teaming with Mark Alano (guitars) and Tony Heath (drums) to create a project called Rebels Without Applause. This time the music centered around blues, funk and power metal mixed altogether. The band exists until this day, but without a lady in their line-up.

Among other speed metal bands, Znowhite definitely had style and character. 'Act Of God' to this day remains one of the most thrilling and intensive metal productions of the 80's. It took the band only this single release to earn the status of a classic and to once and for all engrave the name Znowhite onto the pages of metal history to be proudly read over and over again?

Bio taken from a CD booklet of the album 'Act Of God' - Reissued by Metal Mind Productions (2006)