Znowhite

Lore & Background

Znowhite was founded in 1982 by two African American brothers, guitarist Ian Tafoya (real name Greg Fulton) and drummer Sparks Tafoya (real name Tony Heath), along with cousin Nicky Tafoya (real name Curtis Fulton) on bass. Nicole Lee (real name Sue Sharp) soon joined as lead vocalist. The band originally performed as Snowhite but later changed the spelling to Znöwhite (with an umlaut). They independently released a three-song flexi disc featuring a cover of Judas Priest's 'Hellbent for Leather', which caught the attention of Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel. This led to a spot on volume three of the Metal Massacre compilation, giving them exposure.

After initial success, the band replaced bassist Nicky Tafoya with Scott Schafer in 1985. Four years of touring in America and Canada produced a demo/live tape. Back in Chicago, the band worked on what would be their last release, Act of God. Toward the end of recording, Nicole Lee left the band. Act of God was released in 1988 through Roadrunner Records, followed by an extensive American tour featuring vocalist Debbie Gunn (real name Debbie Gunderson) and drummer John Slattery. Gunn left after the tours, and remaining members formed Cyclone Temple.

Reader's Guide

Znowhite's significance lies in their role as early pioneers of thrash metal in Chicago, a scene that produced few nationally recognized acts in the genre's formative years. Their inclusion on Metal Blade's Metal Massacre III compilation alongside other emerging thrash bands helped establish the label's early identity. The band's independent releases, particularly the flexi disc and live album, demonstrated a DIY ethic common among early thrash acts. Their 1988 album Act of God, released on Roadrunner Records, marked their highest-profile release. The band's lineup changes and eventual dissolution into Cyclone Temple and other projects reflect the fluid nature of the underground metal scene of the 1980s. Znowhite's legacy is preserved through compilation reissues and their documented influence on Chicago thrash metal.

Did You Know?

• Znowhite was founded by two African American brothers, guitarist Ian Tafoya and drummer Sparks Tafoya, along with their cousin Nicky Tafoya.
• The band originally performed as Snowhite before changing the spelling to Znöwhite (with an umlaut).
• Their flexi disc cover of Judas Priest's 'Hellbent for Leather' caught the attention of Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel, leading to a spot on Metal Massacre III.
• After Znowhite disbanded, members formed Cyclone Temple and later Rebels Without a Cause.