Lozt Prophetz
Here Comes The Party (Demo)

Pontypridd, Cardiff, 1997; after the dissolution of Public Disturbance, Ian Watkins and Mike Lewis join Mike Chiplin and Lee Gaze, giving birth to Lozt Prophetz. After making a name for themselves with live performances in clubs and pubs, the band released their first demo: "Here Comes The Party".

The uniqueness of this first work lies in the structure of the sound that has absolutely nothing in common with the band's current style. The massive rapcore presence in Ian Watkins' vocals and the bases is the extra weapon. Moreover, the Ska contamination in DJ Stepzak's bases (who wouldn't play a major role in any of the band's future successes, as the flamboyant Jamie Oliver took over from 2000) means that the band's beginnings were marked by little glamour but a lot of anger and a desire to emerge. The tracks on this EP are unnamed, except for the first "Intro", not very original in nomenclature, but the flair in songwriting and composition of melodies is evident. It is worth noting that there will never be another "Lost" work with such a strong and decisive bass presence. Watkins' voice never sings perfectly in tune, but the 'off-key' effect fits perfectly with DJ Stepzak's improvisational spirit on the turntables (see Track 2). Some of the screams are hard to understand, and much of the lyrics are in a 'slang' form that is difficult to understand for those of us not native to the world language (English).
You immediately recognize a strong Beastie Boys influence, and in my opinion, also that of the godfathers of Nu Metal, Korn (track 3).
"I keep on rockin till I die" repeats Ian Watkins while rapping in "Track 4". Unfortunately, money won't make the Welsh band rock as much, and they will suffer a significant loss of quality and power after Mike Chiplin's departure from the drums in 2005 and especially with the farewell of the aforementioned DJ.
Speaking of Stepzak, it strangely puzzles me why his talent was shelved over a few years, as the hip hop influence will remain only in a few future tracks, and rapping will be present only for a few seconds in "Ode To Summer," a piece part of the first official album "The Fake Sound Of Progress". Moreover, his departure will result in a name change from the rougher version (indeed "Lozt Prophetz") to "Lostprophets".

You already know the story of the following years, truly a pity; in a small village near Cardiff in 1997, a fairy tale was born, but money, fame, and success crushed it. We patiently await the return of the lost prophets.