Hurskas from Hämeenlinna was formed sometime in 1979, when Pete (guitar) and Aku (drums) of MucLucille joined forces with Mefistoteles-vocalist Johnny Hurskas, who had also sung in MucLucille for a while. Hune (ex-Musta Lammas and Communication Breakdown) joined in to play bass. The band was named after Johnny's "last name", and the other members adopted the name too. Their first major gig was at Ämy festival in 1979, and the same year they recorded songs for Hilse's second compilation (also featuring Sig, Tinneri and Vandaalit), which was released early next year. Hurskas provides the roughest set on the compilation: the lyrics are fiercely political, and the compositions probably pleased not only punks but heavy metal kids as well. In 1980 second guitarist Jaakob joined the band and single Isänmaa huumaa was released on Hilse label. The band's style hadn't changed between recordings, the single tracks are as hard as the previous output. However, the band broke up before they managed to make an album. Just the cover design for the album (called Hartaita säveliä) was made before the breakup.
The others decided to continue without Johnny (Jaakob and Pete handling the vocals), and the band's name was changed to Juudas. The new band played a couple of gigs, but that didn't last too long, despite talks of making an album. Johnny had some projects of his own, but little was heard from him until a single by Van Hurskas was released in 1984. Viikonloppueläin was produced by Stefan Piesnack, and it was released on Kumibeat label. The single is quite tame compared to Hurskas' recordings, the style was closer to new wave. Also the production isn't exactly top-notch. Later Johnny had a band called Dobermen, but they never got any releases out.
- Text by Vesa Vahtera.
1. Hurskas putoo ylöspäin
2. Eduskuntasika
3. Amerikkalainen painajainen
4. Työ on vapautta
5. Sätkyihminen
6. Isänmaa huumaa
Hilse Records 1979-1980
Johnny HURSKAS (vocals), Pete MANNINEN (guitar), HUNE (bass), Aku RÄSÄNEN (drums)
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