UMUR
"3 hits from Hell" is an EP release by US punk act The Misfits. The material on the EP was recorded in August/September 1980 and released through Plan 9 Records in April 1981. Thirteen tracks were recorded during the sessions (originally meant for a full-length album release), but only three made it on to this release. Some of the tracks would appear on compilations after the band broke up, and all thirteen tracks were remixed and released on the 2001 "12 Hits From Hell" compilation album (the title referring to the fact that there are 12 originals featured on the album, and the thirteenth track being an alternate take of "London Dungeon"). The release history of "3 hits from Hell" is a bit fuzzy and many different 7" vinyl pressings exist. A lineup shuffle happened during the August/september 1980 recording sessions as guitarist Bobby Steele left after recording some of his parts. He was replaced by bassist Jerry Only´s younger brother Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, who recorded the remaining guitar parts in early September 1980.
The three tracks on the 5:54 minutes long EP are "London Dungeon", "Horror Hotel", and "Ghouls Night Out". The former was inspired by lead vocalist Glenn Danzig´s incarceration in London on December 2, 1979 (after a fight on the band´s ill-fated November/December 1979 UK tour), while the two latter were inspired by two 50s/60s horror movies. All three tracks feature The Misfits trademark horror punk style with Danzig´s distinct sounding vocals in front. It´s an interesting combination of aggressive punk riffs and rhythms, but also 50s influenced rock´n´roll vocal melodies.
As an individual release 3 tracks and a full playing time of 5:54 aren´t much quantity for your money, but there´s nothing wrong with the quality of the material or the musical performances. This is high quality punk with horror influenced lyrics, and even this early in Misfits career, they had an easily recognisable sound and musical style, which made them stand out from the contemporary punk scene. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.