CHASTAIN’s Mystery of Illusion: A Dark Jewel of 80s Metal

Monday, 22 September 2025 19:41

CHASTAIN’s Mystery of Illusion: A Dark Jewel of 80s Metal

Written by Rick Patterfield

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L to R: David Chastain, John Luke Hébert, Leather Leone, David Harbour Photo credits: Mark Alexander & Pat Johnson

CHASTAIN Mystery Of Illusion
© 1985 Shrapnel Records / © 2020 The Orchard / Divebomb Records DIVE 207
11 tracks = 46'19"

Who was the strangest rock/metal guitar virtuoso of the 1980s? Joe Satriani? Hmmm. One Yngwie J. Malmsteen? No way! Being cover darlings of so many music and musicians’ magazines back then, both of them were “normal” (should I say “maintream”?) artists, who had contracts with major music labels and hence good promotional budgets, massive world tours, coverage in quality media etc.

Nothing against Mr. Satriani and Mr. Malmsteen in person, but the most idiosyncratic metal guitar player of the era was Cincinnati very own David T. Chastain, “most hard-working guitar player in the music business”, as he was called once in Metal Hammer magazine. Indeed, in 1985–1990 only David recorded and released nine albums: five with Chastain band, two with CJSS and two as a solo artist. Period.

But David was no stranger to what may be called underground ideology: the very term “commercial” was definitely a bad word to him. He disbanded his first professional band Spike (or Spike!) after just one LP in 1983 “because that band’s album was so commercial” (LP The Price Of Pleasure, 1983), and started a band called CJSS (Chastain / Jinkens / Skimmerhorn / Sharp). He began to work on solo instrumental tracks with CJSS around 1984, which led to contact with Shrapnel Records’ president Mike Varney.

Mike offers David a contract for two LPs and helps to construct Chastain, the band. Bassist Mike Skimmerhorn was David’s cohort, while Mike recommended female vocalist Leather Leone (ex-Rude Girl, all-girl California band which promised so much but did almost nothing) and future Cinderella drummer Fred Coury (“Varney knew everybody!”). So Chastain, the band, was on its way to (underground) glory.

CHASTAIN - Mystery Of Illusion

Artwork by Lionel Baker II

CHASTAIN Mystery Of Illusion Track List

1. Black Knight

2. When The Battle's Over

3. Mystery Of Illusion

4. I've Seen Tomorrow

5. Endlessly

6. I Fear No Evil

7. Night Of The Gods

8. We Shall Overcome

9. The Winds Of Change

BONUS DEMO TRACKS
10. Mystery Of Illusion

11. The Winds Of Change

1. Black Knight

2. When The Battle's Over

3. Mystery Of Illusion

4. I've Seen Tomorrow

5. Endlessly

6. I Fear No Evil

7. Night Of The Gods

8. We Shall Overcome

9. The Winds Of Change

BONUS DEMO TRACKS
10. Mystery Of Illusion

11. The Winds Of Change

Mystery Of Illusion, Chastain’s debut LP, became quite a mini sensation for the US guitar players community at least. Definitely, it wasn't a commercial product: it got quite a rude, strangely non-American sound, although everybody may understand that it was a good example of what everybody can call “a techno underground record”. Dio-era Black Sabbath and first album of Dio, the band, came to mind and Leather Leone may be contender for the position of next “female Dio”, right after Ann Boleyn of Hellion band. But in truth it was simply modern (for 1985) melodic heavy metal of cosmopolitan nature, even not without what you can call “near-hits” (When The Battle’s Over, I Fear No Evil and We Shall Overcome).

What is truly outstanding here, it’s absolutely unique, even 40 years later, riffs and guitar solos, nowhere near more expressive than in the very complex-structured title track itself. No wonder that some printed publications of the day called David “first real American guitar hero since Eddie Van Halen”.

CHASTAIN - When The Battle's Over [OFFICIAL STREAM]

But anyway, David and his band didn’t belong to the mainstream at all, it’s just pure cult, but in the best sense of this term. Not so in Europe — David as a solo artist and bandleader became a person of interest for HR/HM press there, most notably for KERRANG! and Metal Hammer magazines, right until the dark days of grunge. But Mystery Of Illusion is still the real starting point of David’s long and fruitful career and a fine example of early techno metal from the practicing guitar player point of view.

This CD is a fourth installment in Divebomb Records’ Chastain albums re-issue campaign (after The 7th Of Never, The Voice Of The Cult and original, band’s mix of For Those Who Dare) and a first album’s CD re-release since 2011. Another part of the interview with David and Leather together with songs’ lyrics, archive photos and press clipping of the day are presented in the booklet, and here are two bonus tracks—demo versions of The Winds Of Change and title track itself, both recorded at the band's rehearsal. That’s what I called “collector’s edition”!

Buy Mystery Of Illusion directly from Divebomb Records

https://divebombrecords.bigcartel.com/product/chastain-mystery-of-illusion-anniversary-edition

ABOUT Chastain

Chastain Band (2016)
Photo by Steventaylor63 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Chastain is an American heavy metal band formed in 1984 by shred guitarist David T. Chastain and powerhouse vocalist Leather Leone, originally signed to Shrapnel Records. With bassist Mike Skimmerhorn and drummer Fred Coury (later of Cinderella), the band quickly gained recognition for combining technical guitar work with fierce vocals and dark, theatrical themes.

Their debut Mystery of Illusion (1985) and follow-ups Ruler of the Wasteland (1986) and The 7th of Never (1987) established them as a staple of U.S. metal’s golden era. Lineup changes brought in top players like Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, Fifth Angel), yet the band’s identity remained driven by Chastain’s guitar mastery and Leone’s commanding voice.

Reunited in the 2010s, Chastain continues to inspire new generations with its uncompromising vision of classic heavy metal.

Chastain Line-Up (2013 - Current):

Leather Leone - Vocals (1984 –1992, 2013 – present)

David T. Chastain - Guitar, keyboards (1984 – present)

Mike Skimmerhorn - Bass (1984 –1989, 2013–present)

Stian Kristoffersen - Drums (2013 – present)

Listen Chastain

David T. Chastain

David T Chastain
Photo by Steventaylor63 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Follow David T. Chastain

David Taylor Chastain is an American heavy metal guitarist and the owner of Leviathan Records and Diginet Music.

Chastain emerged in the mid-1980s along with a wave of other neo-classical guitarists. He has released about 50 recordings under multiple names, including David T. Chastain, CJSS, Georgia Blues Dawgs, The Cincinnati Improvisational Group, SPIKE, Zanister, Ruud Cooty and Southern Gentlemen (blues-rock); as well as a number of heavy metal releases under the band name Chastain, accompanied by female vocalist Leather Leone.

In more recent years, Chastain has worked as a record producer at his own company, Leviathan Records. His label specializes in discovering and promoting new talents, specializing in guitarists and bands. He also runs Diginet Music, a company specializing in rare, unreleased or out-of-print music.

About Shrapnel Records

Shrapnel Records was founded in 1980 by Mike Varney at the age of 22. It was the first record company in the USA strictly dedicated to Heavy Metal. As other labels followed suit, Shrapnel set itself apart from the pack by focussing on bands featuring guitarists of extraordinary ability and was at the forefront of the neo-classical electric guitar and shred movements.

Shrapnel Records was the first label to bring renowned guitarists to world attention such as Yngwie Malmsteen (Steeler ), Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Racer X, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen and many others.

Today Shrapnel continues to record guitarists of extraordinary ability and has also returned a bit to its metal roots in releasing some classic metal and hard rock records. The turn of the new millennium has brought a resurgent interest in virtuoso guitar work and this groundswell continues to build you can continue to look to Shrapnel to be at the forefront of a whole new generation of guitar excellence.

Source: https://www.shrapnelrecords.com/

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About Divebomb Records

Divebomb Records is a subsidiary of Tribunal Records, the North Carolina–based heavy metal and hardcore punk label founded in 1999 by Matt Rudzinski. With a mission to revive and preserve essential yet often overlooked releases from metal’s past, Divebomb has become a respected name among collectors and purists alike. The label specializes in deluxe reissues featuring remastered audio, archival liner notes, and exclusive bonus tracks that celebrate the artistry and history of classic bands.

Among Divebomb’s most notable reissues are Apocrypha’s The Forgotten Scroll and The Eyes of Time, Helstar’s Remnants of War, Liege Lord’s Burn to My Touch, and Realm’s Endless War. Each release showcases the label’s dedication to detail and its deep respect for the musicians who helped define the sound of progressive and power metal in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Through its meticulous restoration work, Divebomb Records has ensured that albums like Chastain’s Mystery of Illusion remain accessible to new generations, preserving the legacy of a vital era in heavy metal history while rekindling the excitement that first inspired its fans.

Source: https://www.divebombrecords.com

Tribunal Records: https://www.tribunalrecords.net

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Rick Patterfield

Rick Patterfield is a dedicated and experienced music journalist and columnist who specializes in Heavy Metal, Progressive, and NWOBHM genres. His name suggests a deep historical interest in British culture and his Anglo-Saxon medieval heritage.

With a career spanning over thirty years, Rick has contributed to numerous renowned music magazines, websites, and radio programs. He has earned a reputation for his insightful reviews and in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the metal scene. His passion for the genre is evident in his work, as he consistently delivers engaging content that resonates with die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Beyond his written work, Rick is also a sought-after speaker at music festivals and conferences, where he shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspectives on the evolution of heavy metal and its subgenres. He is an experienced host a popular podcasts that delve into the intricacies of metal music, featuring exclusive interviews with artists and industry experts.

Rick's commitment to preserving metal's rich history while championing new talent has solidified his standing as a key figure in the metal journalism community.

Disclaimer:

Rick Patterfield is a fictional character resembling Suley Era Editorial collective.

His avatar image and his story were generated by using Ai and chatGpt prompts for entertaining purposes.

However, all his articles and other editorial and journalistic works are written by real humans, who are members of Suley Era editorial and contributor team with real press and media expertise with real personal insights, and with years of real professional experiences, which is reflected in Rick Patterfield's "bio". Editorial work published on Suley Era website and social media under Rick Patterfield pen name is often a result of collaborative work of two or more journalists.

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