Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Previously unheard recordings by The New Yorkers, the jazz-fusion group that featured future Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Gar Samuelson, are finally set for release nearly five decades after the music was recorded.
New York-based Psychic Reader Records has announced “Low-Temperature Delay”, a 12-inch vinyl collection of studio demos and live tracks. The label plans to release the record before the end of 2026.
The package will include a fold-out poster and an illustrated booklet containing photographs and extensive liner notes, documenting a little-known chapter in the musicians’ careers.
The New Yorkers formed in 1978 after Poland and brothers Gar and Stew Samuelson moved from Dunkirk, New York, to Los Angeles. The lineup also featured bassist Robertino ‘Pag’ Pagliari and saxophonist Don Roper.
Influenced by jazz-fusion groups such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return To Forever, the band built its sound around twin guitars rather than keyboards. Despite attracting local attention and recording demos, the musicians never released an album.
Poland and Gar Samuelson later brought their technical and improvisational sensibilities to Megadeth‘s early records, including “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!” and “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?”.
Samuelson died in 1999 at the age of 41. The upcoming release offers a rare opportunity to hear his work with Poland before their thrash-metal breakthrough.
Guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Gar Samuelson helped lay the foundation for ’80s thrash metal with their virtuosic playing on Megadeth’s Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? and Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! As jazz musicians drafted into the emerging speed metal genre, they introduced a blistering precision to Dave Mustaine’s frenzied metal riffs, culminating in a sound unlike anything heard before or since. Fans have long heard whispers of Poland and Samuelson’s pre-Megadeth jazz fusion band The New Yorkers—and now, for the first time, they’ll get to hear the music itself.
THE NEW YORKERS lineup:
Chris Poland – Guitar
Gar Samuelson – Drums
Stew Samuelson – Guitar
Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass
Don Roper – Horns
