Archive for the 1980’s metal music Category

RONNIE JAMES DIO – A TRUE HEAVY METAL WARRIOR!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's heavy metal videos, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1984 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RONNIE JAMES DIO – The prolific and ultra legendary lead singer for bands: Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO and currently Heaven & Hell. A Heavy Metal warrior is Ronnie James Dio… in my Metal opinion. I grew up following Ronnie James Dio, as countless other Old School Metal fans did as well. Without question, the Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules albums from the Dio fronted Black Sabbath are Heavy Metal benchmarks, never to be duplicated and only to be revered. Thanks to these two albums, 1980 and 1981 were a time when Heavy Metal shed away any identity crisis and made a lasting mark on the world. Ronnie James Dio, through his vocals and lyrics, gave Heavy Metal a new found darkness that I couldn’t resist, from Man On The Silver Mountain to Lady Evil to Mystery.

A new DIO album always incited the Heavy Metal psyche within me… the anticipation of hearing Dio’s vocals once again, on all new songs. I could probably carry on for another five thousand words, explaining just how personally important Dio’s vocals and lyrics have meant to me, throughout the decades. As the years have gone by, I never have taken for granted any of my favorite bands or musicians. I couldn’t think of it. I always feel lucky when I get to see a band I like, live and onstage. Seeing DIO years ago at The New Haven Coliseum was a Metal thrill, (seeing Savatage and Megadeth open up for DIO made it a triple Metal thrill too). Best Metal Buddy Scott and friend Rob should remember that evening… they left me stranded in a dark, cold and foreboding New Haven alley while I was taking a leak, after the concert. Gee Metal whiz… no pun intended. I found my way home though… fellow Metalheads are always eager to lend aid to one another in time of need.

There isn’t a week that goes by, where I don’t listen to part of or a whole album that Ronnie James Dio is lead singer on. It’s just been that way… and I hope it never stops.

What makes Ronnie James Dio so special is his ability to connect through song… his lyrics come to life if you let your Metal mind wander. Plus, Ronnie James Dio is a fighter… that’s what being a Metalhead is and always will be about.

I always and forever will love the DIO album – The Last In Line, (from 1984), especially the title track. Yes, the video for The Last In Line may have been outdone over the years with newfound special effects and video technology… still, this music video brings back some very cool Metal memories for me. I hope you enjoy this unreal great DIO song as much as I do… if so, crank it up LOUD and raise the horns to the air!

LONG LIVE RONNIE JAMES DIO!

Stone.

DEATH METAL 101: OBITUARY – “LEFT TO DIE” EP

Posted in 1980's death metal bands, 1980's death metal music, 1980's metal music, 1990's death metal bands, 1990's death metal music, current death meal bands, Death Metal, death metal albums 2008, death metal albums 2009, death metal guitarists, death metal history, death metal legends, death metal music, death metal music ep's, death metal music videos, death metal vocalists, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

OBITUARY – released their Left To Die EP on September 16, 2008, on Candlelight USA/Gibtown Records. This EP contains four songs and one bonus CD ROM video of  Evil Ways. Check out this Evil Ways video below… it’s unreal great, Obituary just lets it groove with their Death Metal brand, along with this video’s underground ambiance and feel.

Two of the songs on Left To Die are also on the full length studio album – Darkest Day, which was released June 30, 2009, on Candlelight USA/Gibtown Records. These two songs are: Forces Realign and Left To Die. Slowly We Rot is a 2008 re-recording of the title track from their legendary debut album from 1989 – Slowly We Rot.

The cover song Dethroned Emperor, is a fantastic tribute to the iconic and extreme Celtic Frost, a song in which Celtic Frost released back in 1984 on their debut album – Morbid Tales. This song is noted as an additional song, on the USA release version of Morbid Tales. Obituary brings to the forefront, a beyond fabulous song from Celtic Frost’s early beginning… it’s Metal history.

Left To Die is without Metal question, a MUST for any Obituary and/or Death Metal fan. You are getting the Evil Ways video, the cover version of Dethroned Emperor and a 2008 re-recording of Slowly We Rot, plus two tracks from the Darkest Day release. There is credible Death Metal bang for your buck with this Left To Die EP. This is Obituary material that is patented Death Grooves from these legendary originators of Death Metal. Deathly doom and Metal gloom never sounded so unreal great.

Obituary, as they appeared on the Left To Die EP and Darkest Day album:

John Tardy – vocals

Donald Tardy – drums

Trevor Peres – guitar

Ralph Santolla – guitar

Frank Watkins – bass

* If you feel like it, you can check out and read my review for the Obituary album – Darkest Day. I posted it on September 9, 2009. Just click on the link below:

OBITUARY – “Darkest Day” brings the darkest and heaviest Death Metal

I hope you enjoy this song and video – Evil Ways by Obituary as much as I do… if that’s the Metal case, then turn the volume all the way up on this MUTHA!!!

LONG LIVE OBITUARY!

Stone.

OVERKILL KICKS OFF 2010 “IRONBOUND” TOUR APRIL 1ST!! SCHEDULE LISTING!

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's thrash metal bands, current thrash metal bands, current thrash metal music, heavy metal music, live thrash metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new thrash metal albums, old school thrash metal bands, old school thrash metal music, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal bands 2010, thrash metal concerts, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 2010, thrash metal tours with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

OVERKILL – Thrash Metal originators… and Thrash Metal legends. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and DD Verni lead the Overkill attack with 3 decades of Metal experience together! This is no April fools joke… on April 1st, 2010, Overkill begins their month long Ironbound Tour in Philadelphia, PA, at The Trocadero. Overkill is back on the road to support their newest Thrash Metal album gem – Ironbound. This is Old School. This is Overkill 2010!

April 2010:

1 Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero
2 Worcester, MA The Palladium
3 Hartford, CT Webster Hall
4 Quebec City, QC Imperial de Quebec
5 Montreal, QC FouFounes
6 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theater
7 Cincinnati, OH Bogarts
8 Detroit, MI Blondies
9 Chicago, IL The Metro
10 Milwaukee, WI The Rave
11 Minneapolis, MN Station 4
13 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
15 Vancouver, BC Red Room
16 Seattle, WA El Corazon
17 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
18 San Francisco, A The Grand Ballroom
19 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
20 Los Angeles CA House of Blues
21 San Diego, CA House of Blues
22 Phoenix, AZ O.K.’s
23 Tucson, AZ The Rock
24 Farmington, NM Gators
25 Tulsa, OK Marquee
26 Austin, TX Emu’s
27 Houston, TX Scout Bar
28 Dallas, TX Trees
29 Louisville, KY Headliners Music Hall
30 Springfield, VA Jaxx

May  2010:

1 New York City Nokia Theater Times Square

OVERKILL – from left to right: DD Verni (bass), Ron Lipnicki (drums), Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth (vocals), Dave Linsk (lead & rhythm guitar) and Derek Tailer (rhythm guitar).

LONG LIVE OVERKILL!

Stone.

W.A.S.P. – “LIVE… IN THE RAW” RESONATES THE LIVE POWER AND SOUL OF HEAVY ROCK ‘N ROLL!!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's live heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1987 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1987, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, heavy metal vocalists, live heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. – released their first live album, Live… in the Raw on November 27, 1987, on Capitol Records. This is THE live W.A.S.P. album to own… in my Metal opinion. My best Metal buddy Scott and I practically wore this cassette out back in those late 80’s… (yes, the cassette is still in my Metal stash). With Live… in the Raw being reissued, back in 1998, four bonus tracks have since been included on this Heavy Metal masterpiece. (See track listing below). Every song rages with thorough and uncompromising heaviness, as only W.A.S.P. can deliver it. Blackie Lawless has always and still penetrates my Metal senses like an unrelenting electric shock… his vocals are damn great on this live album. Damn great.

All I hear on Live In The Raw, since Metal day one, is one impeccably talented and confident band. This W.A.S.P. lineup is classic, downright legendary. W.A.S.P. took their hits from the vulgar PMRC, (these bored political housewives started this obscene attack on Rock ‘N Roll’s freedom back around 1985), in the end, all that these snotty billionaire’s got out of their unnecessary antagonism was a lousy parental warning sticker to be put on albums. Let Metal freedom reign. If you look at the front album cover of Live… in the Raw closely, there is PMRC scrawled inside a circle with a line going through it, (just underneath the title Live… in the Raw), … that’s funny, even in 2010.

As I look back upon it now, the PMRC really did Rock ‘N Roll and all of it’s trillions of fans a huge favor… they only made us embrace and behold our bands and music we cherish all the more stronger. Live… in the Raw reestablished my fond joy that Heavy Metal brings to my life back in 1987, as I listen to this album now in 2010, it continues to reestablish that Metal fact. I knew W.A.S.P. was an enormous Heavy Metal band before Live… in the Raw was released, I just didn’t realize how F’n huge they really were… until my ears were Metal christened with this live album.

After all these years, songs like – Harder FasterI Wanna Be Somebody, I Don’t Need No Doctor, Blind In Texas and The Manimal, as heard in all their live, Metal glory, revs me up to the point where I’m beyond psyched out… I’m super F’n psyched out. You know what? I’m going out on a Metal limb here… Live… in the Raw is simply untouchable. That’s it. The overall theme of this live W.A.S.P. album is Heavy Metal F’n rules. How else can I explain it? It’s blue collar, old school and I’m not about to get fancy about this live W.A.S.P. album. I’m not going to tip toe through the F’n tulips to describe the Metal credibility and importance that this W.A.S.P. album bestows. Nor shall I fart around about the unreal energy level that Blackie Lawless and the boys generate on it. It’s Heavy Metal good times… one gigantic Heavy Metal party… this Live… in the Raw album is. Every and any fan of Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal MUST own this piece of Heavy Metal history.

Suck me, suck me, eat me raw!!!

W.A.S.P. as they appeared on Live… in the Raw:

Blackie Lawless – vocals & rhythm guitar

Chris Holmes – lead guitar

Johnny Rod – bass

Steve Riley – drums

* Scream Until You Like It was included on the 1988 movie soundtrack for Ghoulies II.

Track Listing for Live… in the Raw:

Inside The Electric Circus

I Don’t Need No Doctor

L.O.V.E. Machine

Wild Child

9.5. – Nasty

Sleeping (In The Fire)

The Manimal

I Wanna Be Somebody

Harder Faster

Blind In Texas

Scream Until You Like It

Shoot From The Hip (Live) – bonus track

Widowmaker (Live) – bonus track

Sex Drive (Live) – bonus track

Sleeping In The Fire (Acoustic Studio Track) – bonus track

* My reissued CD copy of Live… in the Raw is on Snapper Classics.

Stone.

EXODUS – “THE TOXIC WALTZ” SONG FROM 1989 – OLD SCHOOL THRASH METAL REIGNS!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, current thrash metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal bands, old school thrash metal music, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal bands 2010, thrash metal cover songs, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal songs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

EXODUS – released Fabulous Disaster back in February of 1989. A solid, Old School Thrash Metal album it is. Listening to these Thrash Metal originators is a necessity in my Metal life, Exodus is an instant cure for any Thrash dehydration I may come down with. I like every song on this album, especially The Toxic Waltz. Another very cool song on Fabulous Disaster is the cover version of Low Rider, (originally recorded and made famous by War in 1975). Overdose is another song that swelters with unreal duel guitars and all the Exodus heaviness I could possibly ask for. Growing up with so many 1980’s Thrash Metal Bands, has me revering them in 2010 all the more. This is Exodus from 1989, a vintage lineup. I uphold Thrash loyalty to every Exodus lineup, from their inception to today. Guitarist Gary Holt is for all intents and Metal purposes, a Thrash Metal leader, he has the distinction of being on every Exodus album throughout the bands lineup changes. Gary Holt has Exodus blazing into 2010…  Metal legends never surrender.

The entire Fabulous Disaster album flat out Thrashes and burns. This is a must album for any new or veteran fans of Thrash Metal. Exodus helped pave the way for today’s younger Thrash Metal Bands… Exodus is Thrash Metal roots. I hope you enjoy The Toxic Waltz as much as I do! Fellow fans of Exodus know this song well… a classic. Now, it’s time to jump into the pit and crank this song loud mutha!!!

Exodus, as they appeared on Fabulous Disaster from 1989:

Gary Holt – guitar

Rick Hunolt – guitar

Steve Souza – vocals

Rob McKillop – bass

Tom Hunting – drums

Fabulous Disaster – Track Listing:

The Last Act Of Defiance

Fabulous Disaster

The Toxic Waltz

Low Rider

Cajun Hell

Like Father, Like Son

Corruption

Verbal Razors

Open Season

Overdose

LONG LIVE EXODUS!

Stone.


MERCYFUL FATE – “MELISSA” FOREVER REIGNS A METAL CLASSIC!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1983 heavy metal music, black metal music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1983, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1983, heavy metal songs 1983, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Mercyful Fate released their first full length studio album, Melissa, back in October of 1983. I remember back then, a high school buddy of mine named rich, he had this album in his clutches as soon as it was released. Rich eventually asked me if I wanted to borrow this album and give it a thorough listen. Listen I did. Metal truth be told, this album spooked the hell out of me back then. Heck, it was 1983, how many bands were out there that sounded like Mercyful Fate with Kind Diamond’s vocals? I remember staring at this album cover, wondering to myself… I’ve been introduced to a band that is heavier than Judas Priest. In 1983, getting my Metal taste buds wet with Judas Priest and Black Sabbath was a big deal… Mercyful Fate just shook my Metal senses loose.

Quite honestly, I cannot recall which album I listened to first back in the day… Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All or Melissa. It doesn’t really matter. The Metal fact is clear, these albums changed the way I and countless others listened to Heavy Metal Music back then… period.

I appreciated Rich lending me Melissa back in 1983, he was a real deal Metalhead and a good dude. Fast forward to today, I have Melissa on CD, it is a staple in my collection, a true Metal Classic. Each time I listen to this album, I am blown away realizing Melissa is from 1983 and it still reigns with all the Metal fury it bestowed from it’s initial release. This was just the beginning for King Diamond… so much Metal history and total quality surrounds Melissa. I never hesitate to consider Melissa as one of the greatest Metal albums ever. If you never heard Mercyful Fate – Melissa before, don’t despair… it’s never too late to appreciate this album and song. Give Melissa a listen below and crank it LOUD!

Mercyful Fate, as they appeared on Melissa:

King Diamond – vocals

Hank Shermann – guitar

Michael Denner – guitar

Timi Hansen – bass guitar

Kim Ruzz – drums

LONG LIVE MERCYFUL FATE AND KING DIAMOND!

NUCLEAR ASSAULT – “RISE FROM THE ASHES” THRASH METAL ROOTS FROM 1988!

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1988 thrash metal music, 1990's thrash metal bands, 1990's metal music, 1990's thrash metal music, heavy metal music, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal bands, Thrash Metal, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal songs, thrash metal videos with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NUCLEAR ASSAULT – released the album Survive on June 13, 1988. Rise From The Ashes is from this album, one unreal great Thrash Metal song… in my Metal opinion. Old School and brutally real is Nuclear Assault, a Thrash Metal Band originating from NYC. Nuclear Assault deserve’s any and all the Metal recognition when talk of Thrash roots comes up for discussion. This is Thrash Metal that reminds me of days when I really had to sell or trade records or tapes in order to buy/acquire new Metal. This is Thrash Metal that the music awards shows on television never did or ever will have an F’n clue about. This is Thrash Metal that will never be forgotten by Metal Odyssey… NUCLEAR ASSAULT Reigns here. Crank up the volume on Rise From The Ashes… hopefully you like this Thrash gem as much as I do.

LONG LIVE NUCLEAR ASSAULT!

Nuclear Assault as they appeared on Survive from 1988:

John Connelly – vocals & guitar

Anthony Bramante – guitar

Dan Lilker – bass

Glenn Evans – drums


McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP – “SAVE YOURSELF” 1989 ALBUM REVISITED

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I have forever and always will be an admirer of Michael Schenker, the lead guitarist of The Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group, UFO and of course, an original guitarist for the Scorpions. Michael Schenker has also released numerous albums through a solo career and side projects. McAuley Schenker GroupSave Yourself, was a choice Metal pick of mine today… I reached for this CD and let it’s Heavy Metal engulf my ears. Released on October 25, 1989, Save Yourself was an instant Metal favorite for me since it’s release. Always the impeccable Metal guitarist, Michael Schenker, through his signature sound, is such an amazing standout figure in the history of Heavy Metal… in my Metal opinion. Is this the greatest Michael Schenker guitar led album ever? Not necessarily, yet Save Yourself does come across with it’s melodic Metal power – amazingly well for my liking. This is an album that I have never grown tired of, nor ever will. Is Robin McAuley my favorite vocalist on a Michael Schenker album? No, Gary Barden is, that is not an insult to Robin McAuley, it’s just my personal choice. I really like the vocals of Robin McAuley, Old School and never overreaching.

Metal Odyssey Warning: There is NOT one bad or sub-par song on Save Yourself, in my Metal opinion. Seek out this album and listen to it at your own Metal risk… you just might find yourself liking this album a great deal.

I Am Your Radio is a prototypical 1980’s Heavy Metal anthem. With its heavy stomping and power driven rhythm section, accompanied with a backdrop fused with all the electrifying guitar leads and riffs you can ask for… throw in a climactic solo for good Metal measure too. Can this song be construed as ’80’s corn dog? Not in my Metal mind… especially when this song is played LOUD, like it was meant to be heard. What We Need is an engaging Heavy Metal song, strong vocals from McAuley and muscular guitar licks from Schenker abound. Shadow Of The Night is rich with it’s Heavy Metal chorus, a true ’80’s melodic anthem, a sing-along for MSG die hards!

There Has To Be Another Way is the lone instrumental on Save Yourself. This is not Michael Schenker showing off, no ego is prevailing here… just a bitter sweet sound of emotion being spoken from his flying V. (As fine of a mellow/Metal guitar instrumental I’ve ever heard). Get Down To Bizness has the attitude and flamboyancy that late 1980’s Heavy Metal was so notorious for. Combine the vocals and solo of this song and you have a molten ball of Heavy Metal, raging with all the greatness of this era’s heavy music. Anytime is a power ballad THAT I EQUATE TO HEAVY METAL GREATNESS. That is correct… a ballad that I revere!! Wow, there really are Heavy Metal ballads that get Metal recognition on Metal Odyssey after all! Simply put, Anytime with it’s lyrics, melody, tempo and complete musicianship… is an all time favorite song of mine… period. Anytime gives me salamander bumps up and down my arms and across my face, each time I hear it. (Don’t repeat this to anyone… you all MUST Metal promise!).

Bad Boys gets the adrenaline flowing on high, it’s not a knock you out song, it’s just a song that has bite with raw undertones. Besides, Michael Schenker makes good on his guitar solo on Bad Boys, regardless of how shortened it is. Save Yourself as the album opener, opens with Michael Schenker letting it be known he is THE guitar god on this album and with his band. Save Yourself is arguably the heaviest song on this album. Take Me Back is the last song on this album, it is almost like Robin McAuley and Michael Schenker wanted to save one of the best for last… for Take Me Back IS one of the best songs on Save Yourself. A commercially accessible song is Take Me Back, still it is Heavy Metal with Michael Schenker leaving his signature – guitar stamp of approval all over it. Steve Mann, not to be ignored, plays alongside Michael Schenker on this album and my ears hear his credibility throughout, both on guitar and keyboards.

Check out and listen to the power ballad – Anytime… this song just gets better for me with each listen:

McAuley Schenker Group as they appeared on Save Yourself:

Michael Schenker – lead guitar

Robin McAuley – lead vocals

Steve Mann – guitar and keyboards

Rocky Newton – bass guitar

Bodo Schopf – drums

Track Listing For Save Yourself:

Save Yourself

Bad Boys

Anytime

Get Down To Bizness

Shadow Of The Night

What We Need

I Am Your Radio

There Has To Be Another Way (instrumental)

This Is My Heart

Destiny

Take Me Back (bonus track)

Save Yourself was originally released on Capitol Records.

SAXON – “BACK ON THE STREETS” APPLE SHAPED PICTURE DISC FROM 1985!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal picture discs, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, 1985 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, feel good stories, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1985, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal record finds, heavy metal records, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, old school heavy metal, picture discs, power metal bands, power metal music, rare heavy metal records, rare picture discs, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SAXON – Back On The Streets, (die-cut), shaped picture disc FIND!  This past week, I entered yet another antique mall and I stumbled upon this unreal great Saxon picture disc! I was in Metal glee, upon my eyes becoming affixed, to this piece of Saxon vinyl memorabilia. The price I paid for this Saxon find was $10, (U.S.), Metal money worth spending. I don’t know the actual value of this picture disc on the open Metal market, yet I have a funny feeling it is worth more than the $10 I spent on it. Looking around the world wide web, I did not find one dealer/site that has this Saxon picture disc for sale. (Now, can I honestly say it is not available anywhere on the internet? Of course not… I just have not seen one just yet). I will have to think, with Metal certainty, that this Saxon picture disc must be scarce. Oh, the feeling of making a Metal score like this! Why I feel so psyched is that this is a picture disc from 1985, it’s not as if it’s a current/newly released picture disc. Plus, the sheer fact that this is a Heavy Metal band that I really do like makes it only better.

SAXON – Back On The Streets – Shaped Picture Disc Specs:

Side A: Back On The Streets

Side B: Live Fast Die Young

* To the best of my Metal research, Live Fast Die Young has never appeared on any Saxon studio album. Maybe it has appeared on a Saxon bootleg? Anyone with further info on the song Live Fast Die Young is welcomed to comment. If this is to be the only Saxon recording that Live Fast Die Young is found on, man, that makes this picture disc all the more Metal important.

* This is a U.K. import, the picture disc code, (found at the bottom of Side B), is: RP 6103.

* Directly below the picture disc code is a small logo witch reads: Parlophone.

* Other text found at the bottom of Side B, reads: SAXONGS CARLIN MUSIC CORP., (and), 1985 Original Sound Recordings Made By EMI Records LTD., (and), 1985 EMI Records LTD.

The single Back On The Streets is from the Saxon album Innocence Is No Excuse, (released in 1985).

Saxon, as they appeared on the 1985 album Innocence Is No Excuse:

Biff Byford – lead vocals

Paul Quinn – guitarist

Graham Oliver – guitarist

Steve Dawson – bass guitarist

Nigel Glockler – drums

This super fine picture disc is shaped like an apple, with the stem actually protruding out at the top! Here is what this Back On The Streets – shaped picture disc looks like:

Side A:

Side B:

I thank my wife for taking the pics for Metal Odyssey… she is quite a Metal asset for me in more ways than I can count, I honestly don’t know what I would do without her… that is a Metal fact!

MANOWAR – “WARRIORS OF THE WORLD UNITED” METAL MUSIC VIDEO DEFENDS FREEDOM!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's metal bands, 1990's power metal music, 2002 heavy metal albums, 2002 metal music, american heavy metal bands, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, old school metal bands, power metal bands, power metal music, power metal songs, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MANOWAR. THE KINGS OF METAL. I have always stated… I won’t argue with them on that. I’m cool with it. I have always pumped my fists into the air to Manowar Metal. Manowar is a core Metal Band for me. Warriors Of The World United is an absolute tremendous Metal anthem – defending the freedom we all cherish. Freedom I shall never, ever, take for granted. Manowar is an American Metal Band that I shall never take for granted. There are those Metal Bands and the songs they write, that stand for what I believe in… Manowar and Warriors Of The World United exemplifies this. Warriors Of The World United resonates the spirit and pride of being free, wherever you may live, especially in this undisputed great country of The United States of America. I cannot control the feeling of getting psyched out, each and every time I listen to this song. Hopefully, you may like this song and video as much as I do. I am proud to be an American, a Metalhead and a fan of Manowar. Long live MANOWAR!

* For all the latest Metal news and happenings with MANOWAR, check out their official website by clicking this link: MANOWAR – Official Website

* Manowar released the album Warriors Of The World, on Nuclear Blast Records, June 4, 2002.

MANOWAR as they appeared on the album Warriors Of The World:

Eric Adams – lead vocals

Karl Logan – guitar and keyboards

Joey DeMaio – bass guitar

Scott Columbus – drums

KROKUS – “ALIVE AND SCREAMIN'” IS A HEAVY METAL FIND ON VINYL!

Posted in 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal ballads, 1980's live heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1986 heavy metal albums, 1986 heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1986, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, live heavy metal albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Alive and Screamin’, on vinyl and in mint condition, with it’s original album plastic still covering it… there it was, on one of my recent Heavy Metal hunting expeditions, sitting in an antique mall screamin’ for me to buy it. Five bucks I shelled out to bring this vintage, Old School Heavy Metal album home with me. Five bucks. This great Krokus album was opened by someone in the past, still, the vinyl and original inner sleeve itself is mint! Plus, as a Metal bonus, it plays just fine! I deliberately went to visit this antique mall for a find … a Metal find that is. It’s not as if there are truck loads of vintage or current Heavy Metal albums and memorabilia at this antique mall, not in the least. I really have to scour the goods, peruse the aisles and sniff out the Heavy Metal from where it is hiding. It’s good times for me, searching for Heavy Metal albums or anything Hard Rock/Heavy Metal related at these kind of places. I’m a nostalgic Metalhead, always was, always will be. Finding and collecting the Heavy Metal vinyl I once owned or never owned is a natural Metal high for me, especially when I land them mint and cheap! As long as I have a turntable or two to play these albums on, the Metal enjoyment shall carry on long after the purchase.

Alive and Screamin’ marked the first live album released by Krokus. Overall, this live album has fantastic sound quality, a very well produced live album. This live Krokus album proves for me, to be an Old School and heavy warm-up to the new upcoming Krokus albumHoodoo, that is set for a February 26, 2010 release! What a heavy duty way for Alive and Screamin’ to start off, kicking into Heavy Metal gears with Long Stick Goes Boom, Krokus sets the tone for the remainder of this live album, they made the statement a long time ago… that they came to kick some Heavy Metal ass.

Stayed Awake All Night and Eat The Rich sound unreal great, with all of the heavy and live elements happening, it’s psyche you-out city! Metal truth be told, I really had a blast revisiting Alive and Screamin’… I actually spun this album on the turntable four times in a row! No skips or crackles… just a real mint album I found here. I actually wonder if this album was ever played in the past at all. I’m playing this album on a regular basis, loud too!

Headhunter is certainly the heaviest Krokus song on Alive and Screamin’, an all-time favorite Krokus song of mine too. Another Metal truth be told is: I actually like the live version of Midnite Maniac better than the studio version. Often times it happens this way for my Metal ears.

Screaming In The Night proves to be a quintessential Heavy Metal ballad, of historical Krokus importance. To this very day, I cannot get enough of Screaming In The Night, this song just seems to flow in it’s heavy uniqueness. Marc Storace on vocals sounds terrific on each song, the same can be said for each member of Krokus on Alive and Screamin’. Fernando Von Arb and Marc Kohler on guitars just  seem to ignite these classic Krokus songs.

Krokus, as they appeared on Alive and Screamin’:

Marc Storace – lead vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Mark Kohler – rhythm guitar

Tommy Keiser – bass guitar

Jeff Klaven – drums

* Alive and Screamin’ was recorded live in the following cities: Amarillo, Texas, Cincinnati Ohio, Baltimore Maryland, Poughkeepsie, New York and Toronto, Canada. (Source: liner notes on the inside album sleeve).

Track listing for Alive and Screamin’:

(Note: Krokus studio album from where song originated in parentheses)

Long Stick Goes Boom – (One Vice At A Time)

Eat The Rich – (Headhunter)

Screaming In The Night – (Headhunter)

Hot Shot City – (Change Of Address)

Midnite Maniac – (The Blitz)

Bedside Radio – (Metal Rendez-vous)

Lay Me Down – (Alive and Screamin’)

Stayed Awake All Night – (Headhunter)

Headhunter – (Headhunter)

* Lay Me Down was the first time this song appeared on a Krokus album.

* Alive and Screamin’ was released in October of 1986, on Arista Records.

* The front cover of Alive and Screamin’ was created by world renowned illustrator – Les Edwards.

* I really, really, really, dig the front cover album artwork of Les Edwards – that is one evil looking vampire. If it’s not a vampire, then it is one vile and evil looking dude that I would not want to encounter in a dark alley. Metal be damned, this evil face sincerely reminds me of my old High School chemistry teacher as well. I wouldn’t want to encounter a vampire or my old H.S. chemistry teacher in a dark alley either.

GRIM REAPER – “SEE YOU IN HELL” 1984 VIDEO EXPLODES OLD SCHOOL HEAVY METAL!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1984 heavy metal albums, 1984 heavy metal bands, 1984 heavy metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Grim Reaper – See You In Hell. This album was released in 1984, (on RCA Records). I was a senior in high school and in dire need of some Metal “pick-me-up” on a daily basis… Grim Reaper delivered with this album and song. Metal truth be told, See You In Hell was my very own anthem, that I would sing under my breath to my antagonists, back in those days. See You In Hell is still a very inspirational song for me today… and why not? It’s more polite to sing these lyrics under my breath at those who irritate me, than to say f**k off to them. I am a considerate Metalhead after all. Looking back on this debut album – See You In Hell from Grim Reaper, it just screams Old School Heavy Metal from every dark corner. Raw. Very raw. Grim Reaper later polished their Metal up a bit with their next two albums: Fear No Evil (1985) and Rock You To Hell (1987). Nonetheless, this debut album from Grim Reaper remains my favorite out of their three studio albums. I can remember catching this video for See You In Hell on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, it was absolutely a favorite Heavy Metal Music video of mine, back in the ’80’s… it still is.

At the end of the Metal day, See You In Hell is an album I look upon with the fondest of Metal memories. This wasn’t a superstar Heavy Metal band, instead this was a blue collar Metal band that brought the heavy goods to an eighteen year old who needed it most back in 1984. Grim Reaper was not built on selling their looks and style for GQ magazine… they were built on Metal. I understand lineup changes occur over the years, still, I sincerely hope for Steve Grimmett and Grim Reaper to maybe consider a strengthening of their Metal reformation – into a new album of headbanging songs… that would make my middle-aged Metal day.

The See You In Hell video below just explodes everything Old School Heavy Metal. From the overall production to the Metal of Grim Reaper… this was back in the day when the song and Metal mattered the most and not the smoke and mirrors of a visual experience.

To learn all you want about the career of Steve Grimmett, (lead vocalist of Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart and The Steve Grimmett Band, click on his MySpace Music Page link here: Steve Grimmett/Grim Reaper/Solo Artist – MySpace Music Page

Here is a cool Grim Reaper – Tribute Site to check out: GRIM REAPER – Tribute Site

Grim Reaper, as they appeared on See You In Hell:

Steve Grimmett on vocals

Nick Bowcott on guitar

Dave Wanklin on bass

Lee Harris on drums

Track listing for See You In Hell:

See You in Hell

Dead on Arrival

Liar

Wrath of the Ripper

Now or Never

Run for Your Life

The Show Must Go On

All Hell Let Loose

LONG LIVE GRIM REAPER!

SEE YOU IN HELL!

YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCE “HEAVEN TONIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's power metal bands, 1980's power metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, collecting heavy metal albums, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1988, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1988, heavy metal vocalists, melodic heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, power metal bands, power metal guitarists, power metal music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Due to some cool and Metal thought provoking – recent discussions and comments found on Metal Odyssey, (which I whole heartedly appreciate), I have decided to showcase a guitarist and lead vocalist that I really think the Metal world of. Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Joe Lynn Turner both joined Metal forces on the 1988 studio album – Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising ForceOdyssey. Yes, I bought the CD Odyssey right around it’s release date of March 28, 1988, with no Metal regrets. Here is the music video for Heaven Tonight… my favorite song from Odyssey. In my Metal opinion, this song resonates the power of 1980’s Heavy Metal, with the classic guitar brilliance of Yngwie J. Malmsteen and the combination of Joe Lynn Turner’s harmoniously heavy vocals, this was as potent a Heavy Metal combination as any from the late 1980’s. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I always have! Metal truth be told… this song psyches me out.

Not every Heavy Metal Band, album or song is going to make the same personal impact on everyone. Yeah, I have read the professionally paid Rock critics reviews over the years regarding the album Odyssey. If I was to listen to what every professionally paid Rock critic says or thinks over the decades… I would then have an album collection numbering around – twelve. Music is a form of self expression, a world of escape. Music is like food… not everyone likes sardines on their pizza. I like to escape to the Heavy Metal Music that moves me, just like… Heaven Tonight and the album Odyssey.

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN & JOE LYNN TURNER!

I’m sorry to admit, that after this video was available for “sharing” it unfortunately was “pulled” from being an available video to share. Regardless, this is a fantastic video of Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Joe Lynn Turner together.

LONG LIVE YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN.

LONG LIVE JOE LYNN TURNER.

Stone.

W.A.S.P. – “THE REAL ME” 12″ SINGLE FROM 1989 REVISITED!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal cover songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting music, cool album covers, guitar legends, hard to find records, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal records, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rare heavy metal records, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Back in April of 1989, W.A.S.P. released The Headless Children, this proved to be THE album that really made me a lifetime fan of Blackie Lawless and his band. My best Metal buddy Scott, he is to blame for getting me into this album to begin with, I thank him for that. Sometime in 1989, (I can’t remember the exact month for Metal sakes), I bought the 12″ vinyl single of The Real Me from a back stabbing and obnoxious record dealer in very expensive Connecticut. The price back in ’89 for this W.A.S.P. record was $9.98. I could not resist the purchase, it was the only copy in that decrepit record store, it’s W.A.S.P. and the collectible side of my Metal brain always wins out in the end… especially when an item doesn’t cost a ton of dough. As a bonus, this 12″ single is enclosed inside a very, very, large W.A.S.P. poster, (see pics below). Back in ’89, I was still living at home, (with my parents), so my living space was a very small bedroom with walls already adorned with Metal posters… posters I just could not take down due to my loyalty and allegiance to so many bands. I am now glad I never hung this poster years ago, it’s basically in mint condition still.

The Real Me is a cover song from The Who, written by Pete Townshend… undisputed Rock legends. This song is found on The Headless Children album:

Here is what The Real Me 12″ single – record poster/jacket looks like when folded up flat:

The B – Side (or) Side Two Songs On The Real Me Single Are:

Lake Of Fools and War Cry

Lake Of Fools and War Cry are later found on the 1998 reissued CD version of The Headless Children.

The Real Me 12″ single was put out on Capitol Records. 1989 Sanctuary Productions Inc. is also printed on the back of this poster/cover.

Made In England is found on this same back poster/cover, (it appears to be rubber stamped). So, needless to say… this 12″ single of The Real Me is an import.

Please excuse the quality of my images below. Besides, being perfect is NOT Metal.

Here is the front side of this W.A.S.P. – The Real Me poster/record jacket:

The caricatures of Blackie Lawless, (guitar, vocals), Johnny Rod, (bass), Chris Holmes, (lead guitar) and Frankie Banali, (drums) are fun stuff. It’s Old School Heavy Metal. I probably won’t attempt to hang this poster up today… it’s just too vintage to ruin now. (Unless I find a poster frame large enough to hold it). Besides my picture disc of The Headless Children, this is the only other cool W.A.S.P. record I have, that is considered a limited vinyl collectible. I know I say this often, still, I’m just thankful for the stuff I did get ahold of and kept after all these years. Maybe I’ll find another W.A.S.P. vinyl collectible down the road, on one of my Metal hunts.

Here is the backside of this W.A.S.P. – The Real Me poster/record jacket:

The photo’s of W.A.S.P. on this poster are really cool and nostalgic to me. 1989 was a moment in Heavy Metal time that will never be forgotten by Metal Odyssey… I’m sure I speak for throngs of Metalheads worldwide.

LOUDNESS – 1991 ALBUM “ON THE PROWL” BULGES WITH MELODIC HEAVY METAL

Posted in 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, 1990's heavy metal songs, 1990's metal bands, Album Review, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hair metal bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1991, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1991, heavy metal music from japan, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, japanese heavy metal, melodic heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I listened to the 1991 album from Loudness today – On The Prowl. Alright, I actually listened to this album three times today. It’s that melodic driven Heavy Metal that gets me every time. Well, any quality Metal gets me every time it seems. My best Metal buddy Scott had landed me a copy of On The Prowl, he has great taste in Heavy Metal… I guess that is why we have tolerated each other for over two decades. For anyone not in the know about Loudness, they are a Japanese Heavy Metal Band that formed back around 1981. Thank you Japan. This is a darn good album, it plays out in three parts for me, with the first three songs Down ‘N Dirty, Playin’ Games and Love Toys being true to the core Hair Metal. Secondly, there is a power ballad, Never Again, which stands alone on it’s sole purpose to make the girls weepy. (I am not the power ballad guy… and this is the umpteenth time that this statement appears on Metal Odyssey). Nevertheless, Never Again is a good song, with lead vocalist Mike Vescera singing his emotion filled lungs out. (Mike Vescera is the lead vocalist for 1980’s Heavy Metal warriorsObsession. A great band is Obsession… without question, great. Obsession is alive and well in 2010 too… with Mike at lead vocals. You can check Obsession out by clicking here: OBSESSION – Official Website

Mike Vescera was also the lead vocalist for Yngwie Malmsteen, from 1994 to 1995. Recently, while discussing Heavy Metal with my buddy Scott, (usually a daily experience), we went from talking about Loudness and Mike Vescera to Obsession to Yngwie Malmsteen… realizing that yes, they are all absolutely Metal connected. Heavy Metal is a closely linked world… one big Metal family tree, it often times seems.

Where was I? I unintentionally went Metal astray while explaining the Mike Vescera Metal affiliations… oh yeah… the third part of this Loudness album! That being there are songs that are straight up Heavy Metal – Deadly Player, Take It Or Leave It and Girl are just the way I like ’em, real hard and heavy. The last song, Find A Way, is a muscular and melodic ending to an overall very strong Heavy Metal album from Loudness. I must add that the musicianship of Loudness on this album is excellent. Akira Takasaki is a welcomed Metal listen on lead guitar, coupled with the sensational vocals of Mike Vescera and On The Prowl is an early 1990’s Heavy Metal standout. Don’t hesitate to get ahold of On The Prowl, the Heavy Metal that Loudness unleashes with these songs are worth owning. Add the Metal fact, that the relevance these songs carry into 2010 is quite irrefutable as well.

Long Live Loudness! Click here to get tons of Loudness info: Loudness MySpace Music Page

Track Listing For Loudness – On The Prowl:

Down ‘N Dirty

Playin’ Games

Love Toys

Never Again

Deadly Player

Take It Or Leave It

Girl

Long Distance

In The Mirror

Sleepless Night

Find A Way

METALLICA – “CREEPING DEATH” PICTURE DISC IS THRASH METAL HISTORY

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal picture discs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's thrash metal bands, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current thrash metal bands, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal picture discs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, old school heavy metal, old school thrash metal music, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock music, scary album covers, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal cover songs, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal picture discs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows, that from time to time, I like to post about Heavy Metal picture discs. This past year of 2009 was when I realized how much I really like collecting them… again. Back in the ’80’s, I picked up quite a few Heavy Metal picture discs. The picture discs that survived from being sold or traded by me over the decades, I have in recent months been showing to the world on Metal Odyssey. Here is a cool picture disc from Metallica, a Thrash Metal band that really needs no Metal introduction on Metal Odyssey. Metallica is in the elite class of Metal, a band that is partly responsible for my being a lifetime Metalhead. Uh, thank you, Metallica… very Metal much. Metallica’s first three groundbreaking albums will always be considered, in my Metal opinion, a major part of the puzzle in the creation and evolution of Thrash Metal Music. This is the Metallica I most revere, (and it is not due to my growing up with these first three albums either). The first three albums from Metallica experimented and brought forth a style of Metal Music that was/still is original as a personal signature. I pulled this Metallica gem out of a stash of mine this past week:

METALLICA – CREEPING DEATH – PICTURE DISC, 1st ISSUE

SIDE 1:

SIDE 2:

Why is this Creeping Death picture disc considered a 1st issue? Answer: There is NO barcode found on side 2, the 2nd issue of Creeping Death HAS the barcode on side 2.

Those pics of Metallica on Side 2 of this picture disc are now… vintage. Kirk Hammett on the left, Lars Ulrich on the top, the late Cliff Burton on the right and James Hetfield on the bottom. Yup, Metal time does seem to fly.

This Creeping Death picture disc was released sometime in 1984. (I just do not know the exact month/day of it’s 1984 release… I will continue my Metal research and update this post once I do know).

Although it is not printed on this actual picture disc that I own, this is a U.K. release, on the Music For Nations record label – I have found this information upon my Metal research through the years.

The infamous, picture disc letter & number code found on this Creeping Death 12″ is:

P12 KUT 112 – (you can see it, on the above side 2 image too)

I am absolutely psyched, that this Metallica Creeping Death picture disc is still in my collection. As I delve further into it’s track listing, the Thrash Metal History just seems to come alive… as you read on, you shall see what I mean!

The track listing on Creeping Death: (The image above, of side 2, shows it as well)

Side 1:

Creeping Death

Side 2:

Am I Evil?

Blitzkrieg

Am I Evil? and Blitzkrieg were two songs labeled together as – Garage Days Revisited, (the above image of side 2, shows this).

Creeping Death is from Metallica’s second studio album: Ride The Lightning, (released in July of 1984. I can remember the first time I listened to this Ride The Lightning album, it was sometime back in 1984… I held onto and stared at the album jacket as the songs played on and I never felt more awe struck in my entire young life. Yes, I do remember trembling, upon my very first listen to For Whom The Bell Tolls… it was a listening experience so unreal, I can never forget it. Creeping Death, however, was/is just as sensational a song from Ride The Lightning as any of the others.

Metallica Ride The Lightning greatness never fades, it only grows stronger.

Am I Evil? is the b-side single on Side 2, a song originally written and made famous by Metal legends… Diamond Head, from the Diamond Head 1980 debut album – Lightning To The Nations.

Metallica’s cover version of Am I Evil? was only found on this Creeping Death 12″ picture disc, up until it was released on the Metallica album – Garage Inc., (a double album of cover songs), in November of 1998.

Blitzkrieg is the second cover song on side 2, a song originally written and released by the Heavy Metal band – Blitzkrieg. This song was originally released in 1981, on the Blitzkrieg 7″ single – Buried Alive. The song Blitzkrieg was later released on the Blitzkrieg 1985 album – A Time For Changes.

So there you have it, some Thrash Metal and Heavy Metal History surrounding the 3 songs found on this Metallica Creeping Death 12″ picture disc. I find it of Metal importance, to understand where the songs originally came from… and from what band and/or album. Die hard fans back in 1984 knew who Diamond Head was for sure, yet for Metallica to also embrace a song from Blitzkieg and make it work as a Thrash Metal cover, just magnifies the brilliance that Metallica created together as a band. To just listen to a song is one thing, to know the linkage of a song makes it all the Metal better… it’s called Metal roots, Metal history.

W.A.S.P. “THE HEADLESS CHILDREN” 1989 PICTURE DISC IS FOR KEEPS!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal cover songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal picture discs, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1989 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal bands, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school metal bands, rare heavy metal records, rare picture discs, rock music, scary album covers with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I bought this W.A.S.P.The Headless Children picture disc way back in 1989, I don’t remember the actual month, all I remember is being completely thrilled by this W.A.S.P. album. I initially bought The Headless Children on cassette… I still have it too… in super duper mint condition. I’ve mentioned in past posts, that I am fortunate by keeping some of my Heavy Metal picture discs from the 1980’s. I really am psyched that I did keep this W.A.S.P. picture disc, especially since W.A.S.P. has never ceased with Heavy Metal output over the years. Add the fact that W.A.S.P. is in my top 5 of favorite lifetime bands and that about says it all. Now that I have immersed myself so deeply into the 2009 release from W.A.S.P. – Babylon, I find myself wanting to collect more offbeat and collectible W.A.S.P. stuff. Time, patience and greenbacks are all key, in striving to achieve any collection that I so crave. I will stumble upon some W.A.S.P. stuff in 2010… and when I do, I will blab away about it right here on Metal Odyssey, you betcha.

Metal Odyssey Note: I just cannot wait to hit up the flea markets and thrift stores in 2010… Metal Music hunting will be turned up a notch this coming year, I vow to make the finds a Metal reality, at low end prices to boot! All of the discarded and unloved Metal memorabilia out there, shall be saved upon my finds! (That felt so tremendously great, to get that out of my system).

Uh, yeah, back to this unreal great picture disc. Blackie Lawless started to get a bit more serious with his song lyrics and themes on The Headless Children, the proof is in the listening and/or reading of these lyrics. My Metal buddy Scott agrees with me on that statement… I think he is the one who actually stated it to me! Blackie Lawless either wrote or co-wrote every song on this album, with the exception of The Real Me, (which was written by Pete Townshend – guitarist/vocalist for the ultra legendary The Who). The Heretic (The Lost Child) and Thunderhead are two songs on this album that Blackie Lawless co-wrote with lead guitarist Chris Holmes. The Headless Children and The Real Me are my two favorite songs on this album. Let me just say that every song on The Headless Children is Old School – wrecking ball – Heavy Metal. No one Metalhead out there can do wrong by buying this album, Metal truth be spoken… it is a must own. In my Metal opinion, I consider The Headless Children to be a very strong W.A.S.P. album, the foundation for the great run of albums Blackie Lawless delivered in the 1990’s. The Headless Children picture disc I have owned for so long, well, it IS a keeper.

The front cover/side A of this picture disc, has the original front cover album artwork, (see image below). On the B side of this picture disc are the complete lyrics to the songs, printed right onto the vinyl. The thick plastic sleeve that this picture disc has been safely stored in, for over 20 years, also came with a cardboard backing insert too… it has a black & white photo of Blackie Lawless with Chris Holmes to his left and Johnny Rod to his right. The cardboard backing – cover photo is right here… look below:

W.A.S.P. as they appeared on The Headless Children:

Blackie Lawless – lead vocals & guitar

Chris Holmes – lead guitar

Johnny Rod – bass guitar & vocals

Frankie Banali – drums

** Lita Ford – provides backing vocals on Thunderhead

The complete track listing, for the original 1989 album release and picture disc of The Headless Children:

Side One:

The Heretic (The Lost Child)

The Real Me

The Headless Children

Thunderhead

Side Two:

Mean Man

The Neutron Bomber

Mephisto Waltz

Forever Free

Maneater

Rebel In The F.D.G.

* A Metal Note: Maneater is NOT the Hall & Oates song, NOT! Ugh.

Release date for The Headless Children original album: April 15, 1989

Release date for The Headless Children picture disc: Sometime in 1989

Record Label: Capitol Records

The Headless Children picture disc code, (whatever that is, it’s on it anyways): ESTPD 2087

Here is what The Headless Children picture disc looks like, front/A side:

If you look really closely at the artwork on The Headless Children, there are quite a few real life bad dudes on the cover. How many can you identify?

JUDAS PRIEST – “A TOUCH OF EVIL LIVE” 2009 ALBUM IS LIVE AND LEGENDARY PRIEST

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, creepy album covers, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from england, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, live heavy metal albums, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal bands, old school heavy metal bands, old school metal bands, rock music, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Judas Priest is one Metal Band that I cannot ignore, especially when they release a new album. These Metal Gods can release a studio, greatest hits and as in this case, a live album and I will eagerly buy it. A Touch Of Evil Live is live with all the glorification of Judas Priest’s heavy history… and why shouldn’t this legendary Metal Band be glorified? The guitar duo of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing is dominant on each and every song, with the Metal God himself, (Rob Halford), showcasing his vocal exuberance. Ian Hill on bass guitar and Scott Travis on drums are in Metal sync together, they add all the more Metal fuel to these live Judas Priests songs. As I listen to A Touch Of Evil Live, understanding that this is live recordings from 2005 and 2008 fills me with total Metal wonderment, that this band has not grown old, only grown better. In my Metal opinion, Judas Priest sounds as heavy, fast, hard and vicious as they did in the early 1980’s. I would lay it on the Metal table and be truthful, if A Touch Of Evil Live sounded like a bunch of half enthused, Metal musicians, going through the motions. Judas Priest IS Metal, captured live with all the power and mystique that I have appreciated from them, these past three decades.

The song list on A Touch Of Evil Live is a very strong representation of vintage Metal, showing just how many great songs are in the Judas Priest catalog, dating back to 1977. This live album may not have the household hits from Judas Priest, instead, it encapsulates the deep album cuts that made Judas Priest legend. Dissident Aggressor, from the 1977 album Sin After Sin, is brought forth to live sensation three decades after it’s initial release. Beyond The Realms Of Death is re-energized live, giving a nod to the unreal great 1978 album – Stained Class. Eat Me Alive comes across live, with the same Metal nastiness that The Priest originally set out to convey, from their 1984 album Defenders Of The Faith. Painkiller, A Touch Of Evil and Between The Hammer & The Anvil are three potent Metal songs from the now classic Judas Priest album from 1990 – Painkiller.

Judas Rising and Hellrider are the first two songs on A Touch Of Evil Live, both songs cementing the Metal foundation to follow that is patented and hell bent Judas Priest. These two opening songs, have me appreciating the reunion album Angel Of Retribution from 2005… all the more. Riding On The Wind is a great choice to represent the Screaming For Vengeance album from 1982. Riding On The Wind deserves all the Metal acknowledgment it can derive, being a deeper track from such a monumental Judas Priest album. Prophecy and Death are the two songs taken from the newest Judas Priest studio album released in June 2008, the concept album – Nostradamus.

* My favorite song on A Touch Of Evil Live is… A Touch Of Evil. The thunderous Metal charge, that this song pounds away with, gets me 100%, certified psyched out. Trudging with flares of being an anthem, A Touch Of Evil IS as bona fide a Judas Priest song you can ever ask for.

I have always been a fan of live albums, especially when they are not tweaked apart to death, this live album from Judas Priest is not tweaked over, in my Metal opinion. A Touch Of Evil Live has all the hard and heavy that I have come to expect from Judas Priest, they give these songs that extra Metal power – live. Hey, this is not the greatest Judas Priest album ever, nor is it the greatest live Metal album ever made either. What A Touch Of Evil Live does demonstrate, is that Judas Priest has kicked some Metal butt the past five years, reestablishing themselves as one of the Metal elder statesmen that do and should command Metal respect. Since 2005, one thing has been Metal certain… The Priest Is Back! A Touch Of Evil Live is a very good, live Metal album from an ultra great and Metal historic band… Judas Priest.

A Touch Of Evil Live Was Released On July 14, 2009

IRON MAIDEN – 1993 FLASHBACK: “A REAL LIVE ONE” AND “A REAL DEAD ONE”

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, collecting metal music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1993, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1993, live heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Maiden was alive and well back in the decade that supposedly ignored Heavy Metal… the 1990’s. The year was 1993 and Iron Maiden released not one but TWO live albums. You read that correctly, two. What a splendid feeling it was, back in 1993, to have Iron Maiden release these two live albums. Oh, yeah, here are the two live album titles: A Real Live One and A Real Dead One. (Yes, I did use the word splendid on Metal Odyssey two lines ago). You see, Heavy Metal did exist in the 1990’s, it never went away, nor did it hide for cover due to any Grunge Bands coming out of Seattle, Washington either. In my Metal opinion, Grunge only enhanced the diversity of Metal Music… Alice In Chains epitomizes that school of thought. Heavy Metal and Iron Maiden never went astray during the 1990’s, all one has to do is just uncover this decade for it’s bounty of Metal worth… it’s out there. Well, not to get off track here, Iron Maiden quietly released these two live albums during what was supposedly “the heart” of the Grunge Music invasion… and they both are really good too.

I totally disregard any lame reviews that these two live Iron Maiden albums have received over the years, (from of course, professionally paid Rock critics), instead I embrace these two albums as being legit as anything Iron Maiden has ever done. No, I am not ever going to say A Real Live One and A Real Dead One are equal to or better than the Iron Maiden classic from 1985 – Live After Death. What these two 1993 live Iron Maiden albums have accomplished is capturing this band at what they do best, playing fast and non-mainstream Heavy Metal in which proves to be an incredible listen as well as Metal historical. How often are fans trying to find live bootleg CD’s and/or DVD’s of their favorite bands? So many times the notion of bootlegs surfacing is considered cool and “must have”… well here are two live Iron Maiden albums that were legitimately released, (originally on Capitol Records) and are light years better in quality than any bootleg available.

In 1993, Iron Maiden stuck to their Metal guns and released two live albums for their fans to embrace. Regardless of what was the mainstream/Rolling Stone Magazine flavor of the month back then, Iron Maiden provided what they always were known for up to that point in time… real Metal. Real live Metal as well. Lately, I have been on an Iron Maiden kick, Metal be damned I’m proud of it. I bought A Real Live One and A Real Dead One on cassette back in 1993. I still have both cassettes too… in super mint condition. I took really great care of the music I bought, regardless if it was an album, cassette or CD… for the Metal Music I bought throughout the decades has taken great care of me.

A Metal Note: The Iron Maiden Band Lineup For Both A REAL LIVE ONE and A REAL DEAD ONE:

Bruce Dickinson – vocalist

Steve Harris – bass guitarist

Dave Murray – guitarist

Janick Gers – guitarist

Nicko McBrain – drummer

A REAL LIVE ONE – was released on March 22, 1993

The Track Listing for A REAL LIVE ONE:

Side One:

Be Quick Or Be Dead

From Here To Eternity

Can I Play With Madness

Wasting Love

Tailgunner

The Evil That Men Do

Side Two:

Afraid To Shoot Strangers

Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter

Heaven Can Wait

The Clairvoyant

Fear Of The Dark

* A REAL LIVE ONE was recorded on the Iron Maiden – Fear Of The Dark Tour 1992. The liner notes of A REAL LIVE ONE, (my cassette version from 1993), contains fabulous full color photos of each band member, (the liner notes fold out into 6 panels, double sided). A detailed equipment list for each band member is shown, as well as the usual credits and a cool thank you from Steve Harris/bass guitarist. These liner notes are done right and are very cool indeed. (I said indeed again, wow).

A REAL DEAD ONE – was released on October 18, 1993

The Track Listing for A REAL DEAD ONE:

Side One:

The Number Of The Beast

The Trooper

Prowler

Transylvania

Remember Tomorrow

Where Eagles Dare

Side Two:

Sanctuary

Running Free

Run To The Hills

2 Minutes To Midnight

Iron Maiden

Hallowed Be Thy Name

* The liner notes for A REAL DEAD ONE, (my cassette version from 1993), do not contain any photo’s or fold out panels like A REAL LIVE ONE does. A REAL DEAD ONE does contain a fold-out mini poster though!! Yeah man!! It came inside of this cassette back in 1993! My copy is in mint shape, with the crispest of edges too! (Save for the original creases from it having to be folded, to fit inside the cassette box). On the front side of this great little Iron Maiden poster are dozens of mini concert photos of all the Iron Maiden members of 1993! At the top/across of this mini poster is the classic Iron Maiden logo in all of it’s vintage Metal glory! The backside of this mini poster has – get this – an Iron Maiden Family Tree!! Yeah Man! It details all of the Iron Maiden members, (up to 1993, of course), with their respective bands they were a part of, both pre-Iron Maiden and post-Iron Maiden! Iron Maiden history, all detailed here on this mini poster gem!

* This mini poster is an oddball piece of Iron Maiden memorabilia… at an oddball size too, it measures approximately 7″ x 11.5″. I really wonder, just how many of these mini posters survived from A REAL DEAD ONE cassettes over the years? How many Metalheads threw them away? How many became ruined from spilled beer? How many were tacked up onto walls and were subsequently faded and torn? I will go out on a Metal limb right here, stating this mini poster just might be… semi rare… to… rare?

For the first time today, I decided to take this mini poster of Iron Maiden from the safe storage of it’s A REAL DEAD ONE cassette box… and finally put it into a thick and sturdy poster sleeve. Now I can better enjoy it, display it and read the Iron Maiden Family Tree whenever I want to! Yeah! From Steve Harris’s first band Gypsy’s Kiss to Adrian Smith’s band in 1992 – Untouchables, with Bruce Dickinson’s bands – Shots and  Samson in between! Trust me, there is quite a bit involved with this Iron Maiden Family Tree, (and it is only up to 1993), thus making for quite a detailed – future post on Metal Odyssey… that would be a tremendous amount of keystroking!

In Metal summary, I rediscovered A REAL LIVE ONE and A REAL DEAD ONE from 1993, Iron Maiden does not disappoint me. Plus, the rediscovery of the Iron Maiden mini poster and Iron Maiden Family Tree makes this Metal flashback all the more sweeter indeed. (Wow, I said indeed for a third time, as well as the word sweeter… on Metal Odyssey).

LONG LIVE IRON MAIDEN

IRON MAIDEN – “KILLERS” STILL REIGNS AS A KILLER OF A METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1981 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1981, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from england, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, progressive metal, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

As decades pass and thousands of Heavy Metal albums are released, there will always be those select titles that are still left standing tall. Iron Maiden Killers is one of those select albums that reigns as a killer for me… 28 years after it’s June 1981, U.S. release. Killers epitomizes Old School Heavy Metal, plus Iron Maiden legitimizes the single word – Metal, as it’s very own sub genre. Whenever I think of “Metal” the first band that comes to my mind is Iron Maiden. I sometimes debate myself senseless, asking why isn’t Iron Maiden my favorite Heavy Metal band of all time? Then, I ease my confusion by just knowing that Iron Maiden is and forever will be a “core” band of mine. Killers essentially was faster and harder than many traditional Heavy Metal albums of it’s time… the great part is that Iron Maiden was just beginning to “touch upon” the progressive side of Metal Music, an attribute they became so legendary for.

Back in 1981, the Thrash Metal movement was the welcomed storm on the horizon… Iron Maiden was the baddest and heaviest outside of just a select group of their peers. Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Scorpions and Accept come to mind, when deciphering which Metal bands were as hard and heavy as Iron Maiden, back in 1981. Still, outside of Motorhead, Iron Maiden was about speed, the songs on Killers are overall – fast. Exceptions do exist, Prodigal Son is a slower paced Iron Maiden song without a doubt. The tempo being dictated by the acoustic guitars only magnifies the slender tempered sound of Prodigal Son. (Going back to the debut Iron Maiden album, Remember Tomorrow signified the flirtation with somberness that this legendary band would revisit in future albums, Prodigal Son carry’s over this assertion).

Backtracking to the intro of Killers, The Ides Of March, I insist that this was the sign of all Metal things to come on this prolific album. The Ides Of March is heavy, it is melancholy, dark and foreboding… in essence, a Metal prelude or warning if you will, that Iron Maiden was not fabricating or pretending. Twilight Zone is the song from Killers, where I feel Paul Di’Anno is at his giant best, vocally. Certainly, it is my personal opinion, as is the case with this entire article. Genghis Khan is the Metal instrumental that catapulted the musical identity of Iron Maiden, the trademark sound of this soon to be – historic Metal band. My eyeballs still pop open wide, to this very day, each time I listen to Genghis Khan.

When it comes down to musicianship, what honestly can be nit picked here? Iron Maiden as a unit on Killers made layering famous and vogue – basically instigating Progressive Metal from it’s dormancy. I cannot and never will find a fault with this legendary Iron Maiden lineup, Paul Di’Anno was the lead singer for this band in 1981 and a damned great one too… Metal case closed. Even back in the mid 1980’s, I never gave a damn about comparing Paul Di’Anno to Bruce Dickinson… what’s the point? Any seasoned Metalhead knew then and should know now, that these two lead singers are worlds apart with technique and range. In my Metal opinion, one is not better than the other, they are both unique and stylistically genuine. Paul Di’Anno gave the songs on Killers a mysterious tone, his vocals created a fog invading sound scape that bordered on macabre.

Murders In The Rue Morgue is my favorite song on Killers. Again, it’s speed, hard and heavy that this song illuminates. Paul Di’Anno never needed to hit the highest note on the planet to make Murders In The Rue Morgue an Iron Maiden classic, instead his fiery swagger is not just heard vocally, it is felt. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith unleashing their duo guitar leads proved that there was another one-two Metal guitar punch out there… alongside Metal guitar legends Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing of Judas Priest. Clive Burr on drums was not an enigma, he was THE drummer for Iron Maiden during the most important years of their maturation. And then, there is THE bass guitarist for Iron Maiden. To better accentuate my Metal point here, what Babe Ruth will forever be to the history of baseball, what the Mona Lisa will forever be to the history of fine art portraits, Steve Harris will forever be of equal importance to the history of Heavy Metal and Metal Music. Go ahead, listen or re-listen to Iron Maiden Killers… then listen really closely to the bass guitar playing of Steve Harris, hopefully you might just understand what I mean.

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