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RIOT – “RIOT LIVE” EP FROM 1982 IS A HEAVY METAL VINYL FIND!

RIOT – RIOT LIVE, was sitting there, on vinyl no less, in a pile of other vintage albums from years long past. In the middle of this antiques mall, there I staked claim to a rare and never seen by my eyes before, RIOT EP… and it was a live EP too! I decided to take a look around this antiques mall this past Sunday, not knowing what I might come across for Metal treasures. For five bucks, (U.S.), I did not hesitate to take this piece of Heavy Metal history home. The funny part of finding this RIOT album is that a Telly Savalas – Who Loves Ya, Baby? album was resting right against it! Whoa, that’s funky stuff… God rest Telly Savalas’s soul. Another funny part of this whole scenario is… someone out there will eventually buy that Telly Savalas album and be just as psyched about their find as I am about mine. Beauty is in the eye of the respective music beholder, in my case it is Old School Heavy Metal vinyl… that is rather… rare. It’s no secret that I own a turntable, uh, a few of them. Buying these Heavy Metal Vinyl Classics are to be enjoyed, by dropping that old needle down on those aging grooves.

These songs are live alright, they are Old School raw too. As I played this album for the first time, I could here the excitement resonating in the air during these live RIOT songs. I can understand that excitement, RIOT has always been a respected Hard & Heavy band, regardless of lineup changes through the years. RIOT has that early years of Metal vibe happening on this EP, I can hear and feel the roots of Heavy Metal from these songs. Despite the NWOBHM sound that was swarming across the Atlantic back in the very late ’70’s and early ’80’s, RIOT was American made. This was a RIOT band with four studio albums under their belt as of 1982 – Rock City (1977), Narita (1979), Fire Down Under (1981) and Restless Breed (1982).

Swords And Tequila is from the studio album the 1981 studio album – Fire Down Under. The other five songs on RIOT LIVE are from the 1982 studio album – Restless Breed.

The Track Listing For RIOT LIVE from 1982:

Hard Lovin’ Man

Showdown

Loved By You

Loanshark

Restless Breed

Swords And Tequila

* RIOT LIVE was released on Electra Records.

* You can hear Restless Breed from RIOT LIVE and many more RIOT songs from their catalog of albums, streaming on the RIOT MySpace Music Page by clicking here: RIOT – MySpace Music Page

Here is what the front cover of this album jacket for RIOT LIVE looks like:

* The bottom line of type on the front cover of RIOT LIVE reads: Limited Edition – Manufacturer Suggested List Price $4.98. That’s cool… I paid 2 cents more than it’s original 1982 price. (Granted, the condition of this vintage vinyl that I acquired is no longer mint).

Using an iphone to take this picture of my RIOT LIVE EP, the black background with the bright red type made for difficulty in clarity. The album jacket itself has worn edges and a few worn spots, that’s o.k. by me, it goes to show this RIOT EP was once loved hard by some other fan. Despite these imperfections of the album jacket, I still am Metal pleased to have found a copy of this RIOT LIVE EP. The album jacket’s back cover is a solid black, with the Elektra Records logo on the bottom center. Taking a pic of this back cover would not make much sense for it’s blankness. (In other words, there’s nothing to look at with the back cover).

LONG LIVE RIOT

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MASTODON – “DIVINATIONS” PICTURE DISC SINGLE IS A METAL MUSIC FIND!

Posted in collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, cool album covers, current progressive metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock music 2009, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal record finds, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, picture discs, prog metal albums, prog metal music, progressive hard rock albums, progressive hard rock music, progressive metal, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal bands, progressive metal music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags collecting heavy metal, collecting picture discs, current hard rock music, current progressive metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal bargains, heavy metal finds, heavy metal music, heavy metal picture discs, hot topic, mastodon, mastodon crack the skye album, mastodon divinations picture disc single, mastodon metal band, mastodon progressive metal band, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal albums, progressive metal bands, progressive metal music, rock music on January 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MASTODON. Hot Topic. What do these two Metal Music names have in common? I recently, (last weekend), found the Mastodon – Divinations, 12″ picture disc single… at Hot Topic. Oh, that’s not all… this Mastodon picture disc single only set me back $2.54! That’s not a type-o… $2.54. Much cheaper than a pound of imported ham, currently selling at the local deli. (The original retail price for this picture disc runs around $14). You might query, as to how did I pay such a rock bottom price for this unreal great, Mastodon picture disc. Clearance racks RULE. As I entered Hot Topic, my wife informed me she was heading to the back of the store… to the clearance racks, was my Metal suspicion. It’s funny how I always become engaged by looking over the other stuff at Hot Topic, each time I go there, forgetting to hit the clearance racks first. The t-shirts, rings, vinyl album and CD racks never fail to distract my attention from those glorious clearance racks. I can always count on my wife to hone in on those racks of discounted Metal treasures though!

It’s always a Metal thrill when you can score your favorite bands on the discount racks. This is not the first time we have found very cool vinyl, discounted at Hot Topic. Just as we were checking out at the register, one of the Hot Topic employees raced over to the discount racks where this Mastodon picture disc was found… this employee proceeded to nab the lone remaining copy of Divinations, as well as other assorted vinyl too. She said she wanted to make her move, before the discounted stuff was gone. I can’t blame her one Metal bit. We did pick up other discounted vinyl at Hot Topic that same visit… I will wait to blab about it on future posts because the finds are that unreal great.

This Mastodon Divinations, 12″ picture disc single has the following two songs:

Side A: Divinations – (From the 2009 release – Crack The Skye)

Side B: Divinations (Instrumental)

I really, really, like the Progressive Metal that simmers with touches of psychedelia, from the Crack The Skye album that Mastodon released in 2009. I like it so much that I picked it to be #7 in my list of top 25 Heavy Metal albums for 2009. You can check it out by clicking the link below:

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP 25 HEAVY METAL ALBUMS OF 2009

You can also just click on the header below to read my review for Mastodon – Crack The Skye, which I posted on May 6, 2009:

Mastodon “Crack The Skye” is a cool Metal journey to take

Here is the front view of this terrific Mastodon 12″ Divinations picture disc single:

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

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 Force – Odyssey. 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.

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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 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, blackie lawless guitarist, chris holmes guitarist, collecting heavy metal, current heavy metal bands, frankie banali drummer, heavy metal collectibles, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal records, heavy metal vinyl, johnny rod bass guitarist, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rare heavy metal records, rock music, the headless children album, the real me song, W.A.S.P., w.a.s.p. 1989 the real me 12" single, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band, w.a.s.p. the real me cover song 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.

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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 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal songs, akira takasaki guitarist, Album Review, current heavy metal bands, heavy metal album review, heavy metal from japan, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, japanese heavy metal bands, loudness, loudness 1991, loudness heavy metal band, loudness on the prowl album, melodic heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, mike vescera vocalist, Music, obsession heavy metal band, on the prowl album 1991 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 warriors… Obsession. 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

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KISS – 1974 ALBUM “HOTTER THAN HELL” IS STILL JUST THAT IN 2010

Posted in 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's rock guitarists, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal albums, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, collecting classic rock, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, ace frehley guitarist, classic rock music, current heavy metal bands, gene simmons bass guitarist, hard rock music, heavy metal music, hotter than hell album 1974, hotter than hell song, josie and the pussycats cartoon, kiss, kiss 1974, kiss albums, kiss hard rock band, kiss heavy metal band, kiss hotter than hell album, metal odyssey, Music, paul stanley guitarist, peter criss drummer, rock music on January 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

In 1974 I was only eight years old. In 1974 KISS released their Hotter Than Hell album on Casablanca Records. I had not a clue as to who or what KISS was back in ’74. The heaviest bands I was listening to that year, was my mother’s Everly Brothers album and Josie And The Pussycats, (a Hanna-Barbera cartoon of a female Rock Band). It wasn’t until 1978 that I owned my very first KISS album, KISS Double Platinum, so I was only four years away from becoming a member of the KISS Army. I eventually traded for the vinyl/album copy of Hotter Than Hell, I was in High School at the time, now I can’t even recall the dude’s name who traded it to me. In later years, (sometime in the early to mid 1990’s), I sold this same Hotter Than Hell album to a crusty and shady record dealer. I regret that move… for a good number of years I went without replacing Hotter Than Hell in my Heavy Metal Music collection. Now, it is Metal safe to say, that I do own Hotter Than Hell on CD… and I am not parting with it – not a Metal chance. This is arguably, one of the greatest KISS albums ever created, a 1970’s Vintage Heavy Metal gem. Am I going too far or thick with the accolades here? Not a Metal chance again… just compare this album to a wide array of Hard Rock or Heavy Metal releases, just in the past decade alone, I am then convinced Hotter Than Hell is still just that in 2010 – Hotter Than Hell.

I will not lie to the fact, that this album does sound like it was recorded back in the early 1970’s. Dated? Alright, sure, only how much of a negative impact does that have on Hotter Than Hell as a whole? Not every song on Hotter Than Hell can be construed as dated either. I really can’t stomach the word dated when it comes to Rock, Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Music, it is a word that only should be used by archaeologists, who dig up ancient relics and/or artifacts underneath some pyramids or rain forest. Besides, the word dated has been politely replaced with two words that are more Metal politically correct… they are… Classic Rock. Whoever the dude or dudette is out there, that came up with the idea of creating the music genre – Classic Rock, is in my Metal mind… a very cool genius.

Excuse my going off on sort of a Metal tangent in the last paragraph, it has been awhile since my last one, plus it felt really, really good. It did.

When you listen to Strange Ways, the very last song on Hotter Than Hell, I cannot ignore the fact that Ace Frehley plays some unreal licks, all the while the repeated riff is decades worth of relevance. Comin’ Home is a KISS song that easily could have been on any KISS album up to and including their Unmasked album from 1980. Mainline is as authentic of a Hard Rock song from the 1970’s as I can ever point out. This is, (probably), my favorite Peter Criss sung KISS tune ever. Yes, that means I like Peter Criss singing Mainline a whole lot more than the ultra classic ballad… Beth. Hotter Than Hell and Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll are the two most famous songs from this album, they honestly are the top two tracks, only there are the other eight songs that truly shouldn’t take a back seat to them.

This vintage KISS album flows along like a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal dream gone wild… 1974 style. Goin’ Blind is Gene Simmons at his extreme best vocally, (in my Metal opinion), just an amazing KISS song that in Metal hindsight, is a pioneering power ballad. I can listen to Goin’ Blind 20 times in a row and still feel the need to hear it again… and again. No, I am not kidding about that. Regardless if you are a KISS fan or not, Hotter Than Hell belongs in any Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album collection… it’s that genuine.

Hotter Than Hell is an album to uphold, play loud and enjoy for a lifetime. Long Live KISS.

KISS On Hotter Than Hell:

Gene Simmons – bass guitar, vocals

Paul Stanley – rhythm guitar, vocals

Ace Frehley – lead guitar

Peter Criss – drums, percussion & vocals

Hey, cut me some Metal slack… I was only 8 years old when I was into Josie And The Pussycats.

I was a toddler… Gee Metal whiz.

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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 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal picture discs, am i evil? song, blitzkrieg heavy metal band, blitzkrieg song, collecting heavy metal, diamond head heavy metal band, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal picture discs, lightning to the nations album, metal music, metal odyssey, Metallica, metallica creeping death picture disc, metallica creeping death song, metallica picture discs, metallica ride the lightning album, metallica thrash metal band, Music, rock and roll hall of fame bands, thrash metal albums, thrash metal history, thrash metal music 1984 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.

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HEAVY METAL FLASHBACK: MONSTERS OF ROCK, U.K. 1980, CONCERT POSTER!

Here is a Heavy Metal blast from the past! Man, I wish I attended this Heavy Metal festival! This vintage poster promoted the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival at Castle Donington Raceway, Derbyshire, U.K., August 16, 1980. I was a freshman in High School back in 1980, plus I did not live in the U.K. either. Regardless, this is as fine a lineup of Heavy Metal bands that you could possibly ask for… going back to 1980. Rainbow headlining, with Graham Bonnet on lead vocals! Obviously, the Down To Earth Tour for Rainbow. Judas Priest, whoa, they were supporting their now ultra classic – British Steel album. Scorpions… wow… their Animal Magnetism album was already in the hands of fans when this festival took place. April Wine was out there supporting their Harder… Faster album, classic. Just how much praise can be said for Saxon? Tons! Saxon was out there, sandwiched in between supporting their Wheels Of Steel album, (released in May 1980) and their upcoming album – Strong Arm Of The Law, (released in October 1980).

Riot was out there supporting their Narita album, (an October 1979 release), while their Fire Down Under album was on the Metal horizon for a February, 1981 release. Touch was a relative newcomer, a melodic Rock/Hard Rock Band, they have the distinction of being the first band to open for this Castle Donington, U.K., Monsters Of Rock Festival. Touch was supporting their debut album, aptly titled… Touch. Neal Kaye I really do not know much about… maybe someone out there does? Drop a comment if you do, it would be Metal welcomed and appreciated.

This is without a Metal doubt, a vintage Heavy Metal concert poster I would love to own, an original printing would be preferred by me too. Aw, heck, I wouldn’t mind owning a reprint as well. I just really get into researching this stuff… it is Heavy Metal History, Rock History. Reading about and reflecting upon Heavy Metal History makes for a strong and great Metal mind. It is these concerts, festivals and the Heavy Metal Bands from yesteryear that played them… that make up the building blocks of what Heavy Metal is today… in 2010. Heavy Metal as we all know it today, would not be the same, without these legendary bands that played this historic Monsters Of Rock festival, back in 1980.

Judas Priest, Scorpions and Saxon are still Heavy Metal powerhouses… ’nuff said about their incredible legacies to Heavy Metal. Rainbow, despite not having a long standing band lineup or lead singer, is nonetheless as important as any Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band from their generation. Every Rainbow band lineup, will forever hold a special place in my Metal heart. From Ronnie James Dio fronted Rainbow to Doogie White at the mic, Rainbow… Rocks. Riot and April Wine may not have received the commercial acclaim of the other bands I have mentioned, regardless, they both are very important contributors to the historical development of Heavy Metal Music… in my Metal opinion.

LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL!

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KROKUS – NEW ALBUM “HOODOO” RELEASES ON FEBRUARY 26, 2010!

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal from switzerland, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, metal music, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, chris von rohr bass guitarist, current heavy metal bands, fernando von arb guitarist, freddy steady drummer, hard rock music 2010, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2010, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal from switzerland, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, krokus, krokus 2010, krokus heavy metal band, krokus hellraiser album, krokus hoodoo album, krokus rock the block album, marc storace vocalist, mark kohler guitarist, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal on January 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an album from a Heavy Metal heavy weight that I am counting down the days for… Hoodoo from KROKUS! Yes, my fellow Metalheads, Krokus. The Heavy Metal legends from Solothurn, Switzerland, are releasing Hoodoo to the Metal masses on February 26, 2010! It appears that the Metal year 2010 is going to kick into maximum Heavy Metal gear, once this album is unveiled. I will be making every Metal effort to purchase this new Krokus album on it’s release date. Metal source for the February 26, 2010 release date is: KROKUS – Official Website

My Metal anticipation is high for Hoodoo, I am looking forward to some Old School Heavy Metal meets 2010 heaviness. The memories of basking in the Heavy Metal sound of Krokus, back in the early to mid 1980’s, will never fade away for this Krokus fan.Upon my first listen to Metal Rendez-vous, all those years ago, with Headhunter solidifying my Krokus allegiance and The Blitz and Change Of Address strengthening my loyalty to this band, I am Metal smitten Krokus is back with their classic lineup. Sure, Krokus took a commercial route in the mid-late ’80’s… only it was damn good for my Metal ears. Rock The Block from 2003 and Hellraiser from 2006 reminded the planet that Krokus was not just lurking in the Metal woods… they made two back to back Metal legit studio albums. (You can check out my review for Hellraiser by clicking here: KROKUS – HELLRAISER – my review for Rock The Block is a click away on the header directly below:

KROKUS – “ROCK THE BLOCK” Has Rocked My Heavy Metal World

KROKUS IS HEAVY METAL… THE PAST IS BACK TO KICK OUR ASS!

KROKUS IS:

Marc Storace – vocals

Chris Von Rohr – bass

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Mark Kohler – Rhythm Guitar

Freddy Steady – Drums

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

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?

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MARIA BRINK/IN THIS MOMENT “PRAYERS” PICTURE DISC – PLUS IN THIS MOMENT DISCOGRAPHY

Posted in alternative metal music, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, diverse metal music, female heavy metal vocalists, female rock vocalists, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal favorites, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal picture discs, heavy metal records, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, melodic heavy metal music, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, metalcore bands, metalcore music, Music, rare picture discs, rock music, rock vocalists with tags female hard rock vocalists, female heavy metal vocalists, female rock vocalists, heavy metal albums, heavy metal collectibles, heavy metal music, in this moment, in this moment discography, in this moment heavy metal band, in this moment metalcore band, in this moment picture discs, in this moment prayers picture disc, in this moment songs, in this moment the dream album, maria brink lyricist, maria brink picture discs, maria brink prayers picture disc, maria brink vocalist, metal music, metal music 2007, metal music 2008, metal music 2009, metalcore, metalcore bands, metalodyssey, Music, prayers cd single, rare heavy metal picture discs, rock music on December 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I am always keeping a keen Metal eye out for Heavy Metal collectibles. Picture discs of my favorite bands are an irresistible item for me, with their usual low print run and display appeal. Picture discs are vinyl records, they come as either 7″ or 12″ and have graphics and/or images actually printed on the vinyl itself. Sometimes, picture discs can be found that are die-cut as well, making for an even more unique Heavy Metal collectible. Recently, I have been unearthing some of my Heavy Metal picture discs from years/decades passed, while picking up some new picture disc finds as well. I try not to spend a ton of money on these picture discs either, getting a great Metal deal is my long standing goal. One particular picture disc I purchased this past year is a Maria Brink/ In This Moment – Prayers 7″ and it is hand numbered 292/600. That is a very limited print run… just 600 of these picture discs exist! Um, I would lean towards this picture disc being considered rare. This picture disc was originally released in 2007. I bought this fine Maria Brink/In This Moment picture disc at Century Media Records online or CM Distro… for a whopping five dollars. Five dollars!

The two songs on this picture disc are taken from the In This Moment debut album – Beautiful Tragedy. The two songs are: prayers and daddy’s fallen angel.

This is the Maria Brink/In This Moment – Prayers 7″ Picture Disc I Bought Earlier In 2009:

Maria Brink is the lead vocalist for In This Moment, a Metalcore Band that released their U.S. debut album Beautiful Tragedy on March 20, 2007. Maria Brink delivered some of the heaviest vocals I have ever heard from a female lead Metal vocalist, her Death Metal growls caught my attention very quickly on this terrific album. Don’t be fooled however… Maria Brink can sing lights out, make no Metal mistake about it. This album I highly recommend, especially for fans of Metalcore and Metal female vocalists. Honestly, Beautiful Tragedy should pacify any yearning Extreme Metal fan.

The second album from In This Moment, features much more diverse and matured vocals from Maria Brink. A tremendously more commercial path In This Moment took, with The Dream. Released in the U.S. on September 30, 2008, The Dream not only took me by surprise with it’s 180 degree Metal Music turnaround, it is also one of my favorite albums from that year. The Dream in my Metal opinion, is a top ten Heavy Metal album from 2008. Maria Brink delivers harmonious and melodic vocals on The Dream. Her soothing and ultra emotional vocals on The Promise: Into The Light are beyond memorable for me.

You can read a more detailed album review I wrote on The Dream, by clicking here: IN THIS MOMENT – THE DREAM

Maria Brink has an amazing voice and is an extremely talented lyricist, in my Metal opinion. In 2009, In This Moment re-issued an expanded edition of The Dream, with several new bonus tracks. The one new song, (bonus track), that caught my Metal attention the most is the cover song Call Me from the legendary/Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee… Blondie. You can read more details I wrote about this song by clicking the heading below:

IN THIS MOMENT – Covers “Call Me” with Heavy Metal respect

A cool CD single I picked up from In This Moment is titled Prayers. I bought it due to my needing anything and everything that Maria Brink’s vocals are on. Plus, I am a collector of this band, so getting ahold of this CD single for only two bucks is a Metal deal of the century. Yes, this CD single was on the clearance rack at Century Media Records online… CM Distro.

Two other In This Moment CD singles are out there that I do not own, yet I will eventually. They are:

Beautiful Tragedy – released in 2007

Forever – released in 2008

I can’t say enough about the musicianship of the entire In This Moment band… both past and present members. After just two studio albums, this is a Metal Band that can only get even better… and I will be as eager as ever to listen. Maria Brink has already elevated herself to the very top of today’s female Metal vocalists, that is my Metal opinion and I am not bashful to admit it.

If anyone out there knows of any other Maria Brink and/or In This Moment picture discs, imports or CD singles that exist, feel free to comment… it would be appreciated with the highest Metal gratitude.

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MOTORHEAD – “THE ONE TO SING THE BLUES” WAS MY 1991 RECORD CONVENTION FIND

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal songs, 1990's heavy metal music, classic hard rock music, classic heavy metal, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting music, collecting rock music, essential heavy metal songs, everyday experiences, feel good stories, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal 45 rpm records, heavy metal bands, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1991, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal record finds, heavy metal records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, personal stories, rare heavy metal albums, rare vinyl record imports, record conventions, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, shopping for rock music, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs with tags 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, dead man's hand song, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, lemmy, lemmy kilmister bass guitarist, metal odyssey, Motorhead, motorhead 45 rpm the one to sing the blues, motorhead 45 rpm's, motorhead 7" singles, motorhead albums, motorhead imports, motorhead record imports, motorhead songs, motorhead vinyl, Music, new haven coliseum, phil campbell guitarist, philthy animal taylor drummer, record conventions, the one to sing the blues song, u.k. record imports, wtg records, wurzel guitarist on November 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Back in the early Spring of 1991, my girlfriend, (now my wife), and I ventured down to the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut… to frolic through a record convention. Record conventions are the best. I am guilty of not going to enough of these glorious events in my lifetime. Regardless, this record convention was chock full of vinyl, CD’s and all things Rock memorabilia that I could ever wish for. Oh yeah, there was Heavy Metal aplenty at this record convention back then… tons of it. The only parameter I needed to follow at this show was to narrow down my search, (I was not loaded with cash back then and I’m still not). Motorhead was at the top of my search list, going to this record convention. There was quite the choice of Motorhead vinyl, cassettes and CD’s to buy there… I settled on the 7″ vinyl, (45 rpm), The One To Sing The Blues. Even though I can’t remember what I actually paid for this Motorhead record, compared to purchasing a 12″ album import at the time, it was a good deal. Seven dollars keeps coming back to me, as to the purchase price though.

We left that record convention that day with just a couple of purchases. The other purchase I will save for a future post, (it was a cool piece of vinyl as well). I still own this Motorhead 45 rpm, rediscovering it recently as it was hidden away in my collection. Am I psyched that I still have it after 19 years? You betcha. I would safely guess this Motorhead record is kinda rare. The backside cover to this record sleeve has the header – Motorhead On Tour, it lists the U.K. concert dates for February 1991. There are 14 concert dates listed. Also on this backside record sleeve cover, are the complete lyrics to The One To Sing The Blues. Sure, I look back and wish I gobbled up every Motorhead vinyl treasure there was at that record convention, nonetheless, I am content with what I do have. This little record has it’s rightful place in my record collection, it being a Motorhead collectible and finding it with my wife, (then girlfriend), makes for a great memento.

Here is additional info on this Motorhead 45 rpm, The One To Sing The Blues:

Side A: The One To Sing The Blues

Side B: Dead Man’s Hand

* This record being bought in the U.S., is an import… with a Made In The U.K. sticker on the front sleeve of my copy I own.

* The One To Sing The Blues later appears on the Motorhead 1991 album – 1916. The backside record sleeve states this song as: Taken from the forthcoming LP/MC/CD “1916”

* The record label(s) as designated on the backside of the record sleeve and record: WTG Records and Epic

Motorhead, as they appeared on The One To Sing The Blues and Dead Man’s Hand:

Lemmy Kilmister – bass and lead vocals

Wurzel – guitar

Phil Campbell – guitar

Philthy Animal Taylor – drums

BRITNY FOX – 1989 “BOYS IN HEAT” IS A GLAM SLAM OF A HEAVY METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 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 songs, 1980's metal bands, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, cover songs, glam metal, glam metal music, Hair Metal, hair metal music, hair metal music genre, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's glam metal bands, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hair metal songs, 1980's heavy metal music, 1989 glam metal music, Album Review, billy childs bass guitarist, boys in heat album, britny fox, britny fox hair metal band, dean davidson vocalist & guitarist, hair metal albums 1989, hair of the dog cover song, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, johnny dee drummer, metal odyssey, michael kelly smith guitarist, Music, nazareth hard rock band, rock music on November 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The 1980’s, here I go again. There were Heavy Metal Bands aplenty to choose from back in the ’80’s, Britny Fox being one. Only thing is, I never bought any Britny Fox albums back then. It wasn’t because I did not like this band, it all came down to choice and what albums would I throw my (little) money at. Now it is 2009, (obviously) and the Britny Fox Boys In Heat CD is blaring it’s Hair Metal glory for me today. Um, I have to thank my best Metal buddy, Scott, for landing me this CD. Thanks dude. Would I have eventually bought this Britny Fox CD or any Britny Fox CD for that matter? The Metal answer is… probably yes. I just don’t know when precisely that would have happened. The same mindset holds true for me today, with so many choices out there and a reality cap of spending. I am in awe at times, realizing how much catching up I have in Heavy Metal listening. Catching up on Heavy Metal albums going back decades is not a bad hobby, I am not complaining. For all Metal intents and purposes, this Britny Fox CD, Boys In Heat, is some decent Hair Metal candy for my ears.

Cutting to the Metal chase here, my favorite song on Boys In Heat is the cover song – Hair of the Dog. With that stated, I do revere the original version of Hair of the Dog by that legendary band known as Nazareth. This cover of Hair of the Dog is not better than the original, however, Britny Fox did a glam slam job of covering it. Not that it matters, yet Britny Fox gets my Metal approval for their version of Hair of the Dog. Throughout this entire Boys In Heat album, the one constant that I notice is… Britny Fox can play. Britny Fox obviously came out with a throng of other Hair Metal Bands back in the mid to late ’80’s, what really sets this album apart from the Hair Metal pack? I always like quality, not quantity. Boys In Heat is a 13 song album that is consistent with quality, both in it’s Metal and vocals.

Long Way From Home has a kickin’ guitar solo, plus the song has more grooves than I can count. Dean Davidson on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, has those vintage Hair Metal pipes. I truly compare his vocals to that of Tom Keifer of Cinderella. Quite frankly, that is not a bad dude to be compared to. Stevie is as rock solid a Hair Metal song as I have ever heard. Shine On is a song that carries the beat non-stop, it is that kind of song I want to crank up extremely loud on my car CD player, with the windows down on a long drive. The melodic drive of each song on Boys In Heat, never ceases from the opening track of In Motion… this album epitomizes Hair Metal heavy. I also liken this album to be a funk buster, if Boys In Heat can’t get me out of a funk I’m in, then nothing will. What’s that? Did someone say feel good? Once again, if Boys In Heat can’t make me feel good, uh, then something is wrong.

Michael Kelly Smith on lead guitar is as cool as they come, his guitar licks are impressive on Boys In Heat. This album does not lack in the powered up lead and solo department, thanks to him. Billy Childs on bass and Johnny Dee on drums, give me every reason in the Metal world, to turn the bass control up to high, while this album is busting out. It is always a great experience to hear an album that is from years past and like it, especially when it is of the Heavy Metal genre. Britny Fox may not have been on my purchase list back in 1989, yet they are on my current playlist today… courtesy of my best Metal buddy Scott and this CD – Boys In Heat.

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HEAVEN – 1983 HEAVY METAL ALBUM “WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD” REMEMBERED

Back in the early 1980’s, I would buy just about any Heavy Metal album that had a cool or scary cover. I also would buy a Heavy Metal album just based on the bands name alone… if it was interesting enough. Usually, I was lucky with my choices, although there were those duds that I picked over the decades, (I won’t lie about that). Buying duds happens to any fan of any music genre, I would surmise. Not listening to an album before buying it was, (and still is), a risky Metal proposition, especially if you never heard the respective band before. Step in… Heaven. This Heavy Metal Band was not a dud.

Heaven, a Heavy Metal Band from Australia, released three studio albums during their brief career, (1982-1985), on a major label being RCA. I used to own one of the three Heaven albums – Where Angels Fear To Tread. I bought this album at a Caldor department store, back in 1983. Caldor had one really fine album/records department for a large retail store. Caldor went belly up years ago, it was a shame to see, especially when it was responsible for my having such an array of Heavy Metal albums back in the ’80’s. I bought this Heaven album without ever hearing a single song from it… the bands name being Heaven, along with the front cover logo and artwork was too good to pass up. Plus, the backside of this album had a very large photo of the band, looking real tough, (Heavy Metal tough). In this photo, lead singer Alan Fryer is shown holding a leash with a black panther attached to it. (That is to the best of my Metal memory when describing this back cover photo, if I am in error in any way, please feel free to comment with a correction).

Back in 1983, this was all I needed to see to make a blind Heavy Metal album purchase. I believe the only Heaven song I ever heard on mainstream radio was on WCCC or WHCN, (on the FM dial in expensive Connecticut), the song was Rock School. Quite honestly, I remember really liking this album, yet it was not the Heavy Metal thunder of a Def Leppard, Krokus, Accept or even Helix from that time period. Nonetheless, Heaven was heavy and good enough for me to even be looking back upon, in 2009. Where Angels Fear To Tread was a Heavy Metal album that fit right in during 1983, still Heaven obviously never caught on with the Metal masses… for reasons that I may never know. Let’s face it, I never bought their first album – Twilight of Mischief/In The Beginning, nor did I buy their third album – Knockin’ On Heavens Door, so my Metal loyalty to Heaven was not up to task back in the early ’80’s. What was I supposed to do? There were literally tons of Heavy Metal Bands coming from all sides back then, from Vintage and Classic Rock bands to the birth of the Thrash, Black and Death Metal genres. Heaven just fell victim to choice, when it came to my album purchasing decisions.

As I look back, I really wish I kept Where Angels Fear To Tread, however, it does not appear to be in print on CD. From scoping out the world wide web, it seems that this album is unofficially in print and is referred to as a bootleg version, with five live bonus tracks included. I would be Metal smitten to land a copy of this Heaven album, especially on vinyl once again. Getting ahold of this CD seems to be doable, regardless of any low quality from it being described as a bootleg.

This might sound a tad strange when I state that my favorite song from Where Angels Fear To Tread is the cover song Love Child. Yup, that famous Love Child song originally done by The Supremes. Metal truth be told, Heaven made this song heavy and it Rocked for me back in good ol’ 1983. Aw heck, this entire Heaven album would sound good again for my ears, 26 years after it’s release. It would be interesting to see, with the current Heavy Metal revival ongoing, if Heaven was to resurface in some shape or form. As the old Metal saying goes… you can’t hold onto everything in life, this Heaven album on vinyl is a great example of that, for me anyways.

A quick Metal note: There was another band named Heaven… this particular band goes back to the early 1970’s. From everything I have researched, this Heaven band does not have any association to the Heaven Heavy Metal Band of the early ’80’s. I have never listened to this band, they are categorized as a Rock band and have an album titled: Brass Rock 1, released back in 1971 on Esoteric Records. (See pic of album cover on the left of this paragraph). I found this other Heaven band and Brass Rock 1 album on http://www.fye.com, yup, it was out of stock. This same Brass Rock 1 album is in stock on http://www.bestbuy.com, however, Best Buy categorizes this 1971 Heaven band as “Metal”… go figure. This other Heaven band’s Brass Rock 1 CD is priced at $20.99, U.S. dollars, a bit too pricey for me to take a gamble on. Plus neither f.y.e. or Best Buy offer music samples for this other Heaven Band’s CD, Brass Rock 1.

Here is the front cover for Where Angels Fear To Tread, by the early 1980’s Heavy Metal Band – Heaven. This cover does scream early ’80’s Heavy Metal with it’s color and artwork, the Heaven logo I feel was well done. This cover is nothing too fancy, nor is it uncool, in my Metal opinion.

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MOTORHEAD – “BEER DRINKERS” PICTURE DISC I HAVE FOR KEEPS!

MetalOdyssey Tonight I was going through a stash of Heavy Metal albums I own. This particular pile I have not looked at for about three years, since my family and I escaped from expensive Connecticut. Honestly, I don’t recall really looking through this pile for years… the movers handled our belongings, I am thankful nothing bad happened to them. Anyhow, there were some really cool picture discs among this pile. Motorhead too! Man, some of the stuff I found tonight I was certain was either sold, lost or given away. To say this pile of Vintage Heavy Metal vinyl put a grin on my face is a huge Metal understatement! One excellent picture disc that caught my eye and brought back neat memories for me is Motorhead Beer Drinkers. I can’t recall the exact year that I bought this gem… 1983 or 1984 is the ballpark for certain. I can remember playing this picture disc on my turntable years, uh, I mean decades ago. Like all picture discs, the overall sound quality is not as clear or good as regular vinyl. Nonetheless, this is a Motorhead picture disc that I played and displayed for quite a few years. I still cannot believe I found it buried in my collection tonight.

I am leaning towards the notion that this Beer Drinkers picture disc is rare. I don’t know and never knew the actual number of pressings that these picture discs had… back in the early ’80’s who gave a crap about that anyways? There are a few other great picture discs I found as well, I will share them with the world in the near future too. The track listing is below, (instead of the word “side”, the word “face” is printed on this picture disc. Check out the views of the front and back of this picture disc, real cool. There is a “Made In France” sticker on the outer plastic sleeve of this picture disc. The date on the picture disc is 1983, along with S.P.I. Paris. The first song – Beer Drinkers (And Hell Raisers) is a ZZ Top cover song. Uh, no, I am not going to part with this Motorhead Beer Drinkers picture disc… not a chance for it serves me right.

Face A:

Beer Drinkers (And Hell Raisers)

On Parole

Vibrator

White Line Fever

City Kids

Face B:

Instro

I’m Your Witch Doctor

Keep Us On The Road

Lost Johnny

Motorhead

Motorhead "Beer Drinkers" picture disc - front cover - x-large

Motorhead "Beer Drinkers" picture disc - back cover x-large

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BADLANDS – 1989 Heavy Metal Debut Album Still Reigns Supreme

Badlands was a Heavy Metal band that I caught onto the instant they released their debut/self titled album – Badlands, (on Atlantic Records), back in 1989. I purchased this Badlands cassette at Strawberries Records & Tapes, located right around the corner from Central Connecticut State University on New Britain Avenue. I was a student at CCSU back in 1989, very much broke to the Metal wind. Therefore, my Heavy Music purchases were not abundant, I chose quality over quantity. With so little funds to buy music as a college student back then, being choosy was a necessity. Badlands with their classic and ultra talented lineup of musicians became a necessity for me. From the very first listen through of this album, (in my case cassette), to say that Badlands left an earthshaking mark on me is the understatement of the decade. The Heavy Metal onslaught of cool and psyched out vibrations, that this Badlands album gave me back in 1989, has once again reintroduced me to that same experience this past weekend.

My best buddy – a.k.a. – best Metal buddy – a.k.a. – Scott, well, he remembered just how much Badlands and their debut album resonated with me back in the day, therefore Scott landed me a CD copy of Badlands. Scott was my roommate at CCSU, my best man at my wedding and if anyone knows my Metal tastes and background… it is him. Thank you Scott, for this Metal gift of Badlands this past Saturday. Getting Badlands on CD in the mail was like experiencing Christmas Day on this cold, dank and rainy day in October. F’n unbelievable surprise.

It is an unreal great feeling to have this Badlands CD finally in my collection. I have never let go of my Badlands cassette since 1989… and I never will. To the best of my Metal research, this Badlands CD is extremely hard to find at retail. Out of print perhaps? Badlands is definitely one of my favorite Heavy Metal albums that I have ever listened to. I only wish this band was able to stay together forever, yet lead vocalist Ray Gillen was called to heaven a little early, on December 1, 1993 at the age of 34. The unreal great guitarist – Jake E. Lee and Ray Gillan on vocals may be the two main musical focal points of Badlands, yet Eric Singer on drums and Greg Chaisson on bass make for an ear bending and jaw dropping rhythm section – stuff of legend. Anyone that knows and enjoys Old School Heavy Metal can certainly identify with Badlands, this band is from that mold. Jake E. Lee proved with Badlands that there was definitely a Heavy Metal life for him away from Ozzy Osbourne.

The eleven songs on Badlands encompass the melodic driven side of Heavy Metal enormously, with the late Ray Gillen’s unique vocals surpassing many of his peers of that time, when it came to harmony and range. I include the late Ray Gillen in with Tony Martin, Jeff Scott Soto, Gary Barden, Jorn Lande and Joe Lynn Turner when it comes to lead vocals status in Old School Heavy Metal. He belongs with this select group of singers. (I definitely left out some names here, yet I think my point is made). If not for his passing away at age 34, I am convinced Ray Gillen would have been a top tier Heavy Metal and/or Hard Rock vocalist to this very day. With so many new vocalists coming out of the woodwork in all of the Metal genres since the 1990’s, too many of them sound like each other or have little regard for originality. This is why I can never tire from the late Ray Gillen’s vocal talent.

My favorite song on Badlands is Dreams In The Dark, I played it six times over, very loud the other night and it served me right. Yes, I acted very silly jumping around in my basement like a psyched out kid, while this song and the rest of Badlands cranked. As the ultra great Blackie Lawless would say… I don’t need no doctor. All I need is to delve back into the Metal world of Old School Heavy Metal, (on a very consistent basis), turn on some Badlands and let the bull crap of the world around me, wallow in it’s own decrepit stank. I don’t look back upon Badlands as a supergroup, instead I look upon them as a fabulously talented Heavy Metal band that was too short lived. Long live the legacy of Badlands – their Heavy Metal still reigns supreme for me.

Track List For Badlands:

High Wire

Dreams in the Dark

Jade’s Song

Winter’s Call

Dancing on the Edge

Streets Cry Freedom

Hard Driver

Rumblin’ Train

Devil’s Stomp

Seasons

Ball & Chain – (this song is not on the vinyl record version of Badlands)

BADLANDS "Badlands" large album pic

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RAVAGE – “The End Of Tomorrow” – A Monster Of A Heavy Metal Album

Posted in Album Review, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, collecting rock music, cool album covers, cover songs, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, essential metal music albums, halloween songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands from boston, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music albums, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, rock music, scary album covers, speed metal, spooky album covers, spooky metal album covers, thrash metal music with tags al ravage vocalist, Album Review, classic heavy metal, current heavy metal albums, edward j. repka artist, eli firicano guitarist, g.t.b. drummer, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal bands from boston, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs 2009, howie snow bass guitarist, Metal, metal blade records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, nick izzo guitarist, old school heavy metal albums, old school heavy metal bands, ravage, ravage band members, ravage heavy metal band, ravage the end of tomorrow album, the end of tomorrow album, the end of tomorrow song, the grapes of wrath song, the shredder song, track listing for the end of tomorrow on October 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Ravage is a Heavy Metal Band from Boston, (actually Malden), Massachusetts and is hell bent on keeping Classic Metal Music alive, loud and damn proud. Every song on this second album from Ravage, The End Of Tomorrow, (their Metal Blade Records debut, released on August 18, 2009), is writhing with Old School Heavy Metal influence. Ravage does a credible job at flexing their Metal muscles on each song, heavy, hard and speed are irreversible elements that dominate The End Of Tomorrow. No where is the Old School Heavy Metal influence more evident than in the cover of the Judas Priest classic – Nightcrawler. Ravage shows Judas Priest their deserved Metal respect by not ripping Nightcrawler to pieces with any unnecessary fills or excessiveness. A fabulous cover Ravage does with this song, Nightcrawler is a genius choice to add to their track list on this album, based on it’s creepy and dark theme.

I have found that, the more I listen to The End Of Tomorrow, the more I am being convinced that this album was released back around 1985. Alas, that is not such the Metal case… Ravage brings forth to 2009 the Heavy Metal song structures and ambiance of what I have come to expect from vintage Metal Church and early Judas Priest and Armored Saint albums, to name just a few Old Schoolers. After each listen to this album, it is very obvious that the members of Ravage have done their Classic Heavy Metal homework. Knowing and creating all of the heavy nuances of their influences only catapults quality and integrity, on an upmost consistent level throughout The End Of Tomorrow. The Halls Of Madness not only has a vintage Metal title, it also is quite the convincing Heavy Metal instrumental intro that brings back memories of early Helloween and Savatage, for me. There really is not a scapegoat song to point out on The End Of Tomorrow, all twelve songs have their own distinctive Metal bite, an album that I can hit play and let the Heavy Metal assault take it’s natural course. Excuse me for a Metal second as I proclaim The End Of Tomorrow as being a top favorite Heavy Metal album for me in 2009, in my Metal opinion. Ravage can play Heavy Metal… their original brand too… I would not tell a Metal lie.

Reign Fall lyrically expresses the ghastly imagery of what happens to those who cannot think for themselves, wasting away at the mercy of ones very own doing. Reign Fall, as well as every song on The End Of Tomorrow, is a throwback Metal feast of melodic speed crashing into riffs that are beyond run of the mill. Al Ravage reminds me thoroughly of a young Rob Halford, (Judas Priest), intertwined with a young Paul Dianno, (of early Iron Maiden). Hey, I am by no means putting Al Ravage in this heroic class of Heavy Metal vocalists… (not yet anyways), what I am pointing out is Al Ravage can sing Heavy Metal with marked influences and originality combined. Ravage knows they are Old School, using this phrase so much doing a review may sound very redundant, yet for any veteran fan of Heavy Metal from yesteryear, you know just how juicy it can get when a new album excretes all things good about the glory days of Metal… The End Of Tomorrow is an unleashed monster of what I am talking about here.

My other favorite songs on this album are: The Grapes Of Wrath, which takes a Heavy Metal swipe at all the idiot talking heads on television, these plastic morons get called out on the Metal carpet by Al Ravage here rather eloquently. Plus, The Grapes Of Wrath is authentically memorable for my Metal mind, I just cannot shake this song out of my senses. The Shredder is another manifestation of early Judas Priest influence, only it takes on it’s own Ravage originality… reminding me of the Judas Priest classic – The Ripper, only The Shredder is absolutely not a knock off or copy cat by any means. The End Of Tomorrow is one powerful way to conclude this album, fittingly the title song… lyrically doom laden, the end result is a reality check on the life we are leading and living now. The End Of Tomorrow has a Power Metal approach that echos of great Heavy Metal triumphs to come in the future for this killer “new” band they call Ravage.

Ravage, as they appear on The End Of Tomorrow:

Al Ravage on lead vocals

Eli Firicano on lead and rhythm guitars

Nick Izzo on lead and rhythm guitars

G.T.B. on drums

Howie Snow on bass

Track Listing for The End Of Tomorrow:

The Halls Of Madness

Reign Fall

Freedom Fighter

Damn Nation

The Shredder

Into The Shackles

In Shattered Dreams

The Nightmare’s Hold: Part One

Nightcrawler

The Nightmare’s Hold: Part Two

Grapes Of Wrath

The End Of Tomorrow

C’mon, is this album cover OLD SCHOOL HEAVY METAL or what? Not only does the Heavy Metal of Ravage stand on it’s own, (they could have issued a plain blue cover and that would not change the quality of Metal songs heard inside one bit), yet man, this is cool throwback artwork happening here. I cry out a huge Metal bravo! – to artist Edward J. Repka for creating a REAL Heavy Metal album cover for Ravage.

Ravage - "The End Of Tomorrow" x-large pic

1 Comment »

How I Discovered Motorhead And My Favorite Motorhead Song Ever

Motorhead is and always will be a core favorite Heavy Metal Band of mine, (a top 3 band without a doubt). I was first introduced to this prolific band back around 1983, a friend of mine in high school gave me an 8-track of a live Motorhead bootleg. (This dudes name was Rich, I am glad we had crossed paths back then). The sound was enormously awful, (the actual 8-track didn’t help), the lead vocals were beyond raspy and unclear and the Heavy Metal Music being played was raw, uncommercial and unlike anything I had ever heard before in my young life. I loved it. I was beyond thrilled at listening to this Motorhead 8-track. I was enamored by every unpolished intricacy that my rookie Metalhead ears heard. Here is this band, on a beat up 8-track, recorded as a live bootleg somewhere far away in the world, that only a dozen or so dudes in my high school even knew about at that time in 1983. All that was written on the blank white sticker on this 8-track was a barely legible – Motorhead Live. I’ll never forget that… an Old School Metal memory at it’s most innocent. I was awe struck by the unnatural vocals of Lemmy Kilmister and his bass was over powering to boot. Gimme some more Motorhead is what I said.

I wound up buying the Iron Fist album by Motorhead first, (on vinyl of course). This Iron Fist album was released on April 17, 1982, I bought it sometime in 1983… owning a real Motorhead album became a dire Metal necessity then, I needed to get the Metal ball rolling in starting my Motorhead collection. Not having too much money as a teenager, I did not make another Motorhead album purchase until the double album No Remorse was released – which was September 15, 1984. (I can’t recall if I actually bought No Remorse on it’s release date, who would care now? I do remember that I bought it right away though!). Buying No Remorse heightened my awareness, attitude and respect for Metal Music in 1984 – I now had a legitimate greatest hits of Motorhead in my possession. My favorite Motorhead song ever, is on No Remorse, it actually was a brand new song added to this greatest hits track list at the time. Killed By Death. An unreal and damn incredible Metal song for me then… still is now in 2009.

When I listen to Killed By Death today, it is like I am hearing it for the very first time again. I cannot figure that out, why bother? All I know is what this song does for me, it gets me extremely pumped up and motivated beyond Metal belief. The Heavy Metal and Roll vibe and groove that Killed By Death bestows is unlike any Motorhead song pre-1984. I was so fascinated back in 1984, while holding the double album jacket, staring at the front cover artwork of Snaggletooth, a.k.a. War-Pig and having my ears being ignited by Motorhead Metal. It felt like my little teenage world was made into a more tolerable place to exist in, with the Heavy Metal of Motorhead being at the ready for me to escape in. I could never forget just how much this No Remorse album of greatest hits means to me still, especially the song Killed By Death. Yes, I still have this No Remorse album, this double album is like Metal gold to me. I have kept it in pristine condition since September of 1984, this album is one of the fortunate ones that never was traded, sold, lost or given away by me.

I bought No Remorse at the no longer existing – Strawberries Records & Tapes. I even begged, bribed and pestered the Strawberries manager for months, to give me the Motorhead No Remorse promotional poster that hung on the store wall. (Back then, large record stores had class, they would actually give away any and all promotional posters for free, that is correct… for free). This Strawberries manager turned out to be a Metal hero for me… upon one of my extremely many trips there, he saw me enter the store and informed me the No Remorse promo poster was mine. That’s one cool memory – simple, innocent and Metal. This Motorhead No Remorse promo poster was hung up on my college dorm wall at Central Connecticut State University and survived. (I don’t know how it survived either). This same poster now adorns my basement wall… surrounded by many, many other Metal posters. However, this Motorhead No Remorse promo poster will forever remain as the Metal epicenter of my Rocked out basement, while the No Remorse album will remain as an integral reason as to why I revere Motorhead and Metal Music in the first place.

*My original copy of this Motorhead No Remorse – double album, depicts the same artwork on the front cover, however, the graphics Motorhead No Remorse are in deep red type.

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TONY IOMMI & GLENN HUGHES – 1996 DEP SESSIONS ALBUM- OLD SCHOOL HEAVY METAL

Posted in 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock guitarists, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1986 heavy metal albums, 1986 heavy metal music, 1990's classic rock albums, 1990's classic rock music, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's heavy metal albums, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, Black Sabbath, century media records, classic hard rock, classic hard rock music, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock vocalists, collecting classic rock, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting music, cool album covers, essential classic rock albums, essential hard rock albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential rock albums, hard rock music, hard rock songs, hard rock vocalists, hard to find rock albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock music, rock vocalists, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist, vintage hard rock bands, vintage heavy metal bands with tags 1970's hard rock music, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's rock music, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, black sabbath heavy metal band, black sabbath seventh star album, classic hard rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, deep purple hard rock band, glenn hughes bass guitarist, glenn hughes vocalist, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, iommi and glenn hughes, iommi with glenn hughes the 1996 dep sessions album, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, the 1996 dep sessions album, tony iommi guitarist on October 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I found IOMMI With Glenn Hughes – the 1996 Dep Sessions on the Century Media Records online store CM Distro.com. This CD set me back 3 bucks plus shipping. (I bought a few CD’s so the total shipping cost of 5 bucks was reasonable to me). This CD was in the clearance section at CM Distro.com, proving to be a cool Metal find for me. Tony Iommi is the lead guitarist for the ultra legendary/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee – Black Sabbath. Glenn Hughes has had a stellar career of his own, most notably being a vocalist and bass guitarist for Deep Purple on their Burn and Stormbringer studio albums from 1974. Glenn Hughes is also on the Deep Purple studio album – Come Taste the Band from 1975, as well as several Deep Purple live albums, the most notable being Deep Purple – Made In Europe, from 1976. Glenn Hughes was a member of Black Sabbath, (hey, it is an official Black Sabbath album – Black Sabbath Featuring Tony Iommi – Seventh Star). This studio album, Seventh Star, was released back in January of 1986 and Glenn Hughes was the lead vocalist only… Dave Spitz played bass on Seventh Star. This background information on Glenn Hughes is to help anyone who may be unfamiliar with his musicianship and/or career. Trust me, it would be a very long post to acknowledge everything Glenn Hughes has done during his illustrious music career dating back to 1968.

I have always revered the vocals of Glenn Hughes, not to mention his bass guitar exploits. When I listen to Glenn Hughes sing, it is the real deal for me… real Hard Rock vocals, real Heavy Metal vocals and yes, even soulful vocals on some of his solo work as well. Tony Iommi in my Metal opinion, is… if not the founding father of Heavy Metal guitar, then one of the very first. The combination of Glenn Hughes on vocals and Tony Iommi on guitar worked just fine for me on the Black Sabbath album, Seventh Star. Certainly, it was not the most famous music achievement for either Tony Iommi or Glenn Hughes, still it remains a standout album for me due to it’s Old School – Heavy Metal resonance and quality of songs.

This 1996 DEP Sessions album seems to rekindle that Old School Heavy Metal and Old School Hard Rock sound from the late 1970’s into the ’80’s. Do not expect a layered and very heavy album here, you will not be listening to Heaven and Hell or Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Even the Heavy Metal fog storm of Seventh Star is not revisited here by Iommi and Hughes. What I hear, is an appropriate blend of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vocals from Glenn Hughes, to correspond with the diverse guitar brilliance of Tony Iommi. The riffs are plentiful, extremely distinguishable that this is Tony Iommi – the Old School, Heavy Metal riff king himself. Iommi does not shy away from writing and playing tremendously melodic leads as well, in a Metal nutshell… Tony Iommi’s guitar is the dominant musical force on this 1996 DEP Sessions album, (of course). Unlike the Black Sabbath albums with Geezer Butler on bass and Bill Ward on drums, the rhythm section on this album honestly does take a back seat… albeit intentional during production or it just may be my aging Metal ears.

My three favorite songs on this 1996 DEP Sessions album are: Gone – which plays out as the heaviest song, the opening riff is vintage Tony Iommi. I‘m Not The Same Man – has reality check lyrics and is driven with melodic hardness at every nook and cranny. Fine – is a Hard Rock ballad that just grabs my attention on a personal level, plus Tony Iommi and Glenn Hughes really deliver a genuine song here. All eight songs are memorable and good quality, both musically and lyrically. I won’t yell out loud that this album is unreal great and the best stuff these two Heavy Music legends have ever done. I will attest that this album has been a damn cool listening experience for me though. 1996 DEP Sessions is definitely worth picking up if you are a fan of Old School Heavy Metal and/or Hard Rock, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. Glenn Hughes and Tony Iommi fans have to own this album of course, the value is in the overall musicianship and diversity in songs. I will be playing this album regularly in the future, the combination of Glenn Hughes and Tony Iommi is just too cool to ignore.

Track Listing For: IOMMI with Glenn Hughes the 1996 Dep Sessions:

Gone

From Another World

Don’t You Tell Me

Don’t Drag The River

Fine

Time Is The Healer

I’m Not The Same Man

It Falls Through Me

* the 1996 Dep Sessions IOMMI with Glenn Hughes was released on September 28, 2004, on Sanctuary and Mayan Records.

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SKELETONWITCH – “Breathing the Fire” Set My Metal World Ablaze

Posted in Album Review, Black Metal, black metal 2009, black metal albums 2009, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current black metal albums, current black metal music, current death metal albums, current death metal music, current extreme metal albums, current extreme metal music, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current metal albums, current thrash metal, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, Death Metal, death metal 2009, death metal guitarists, death metal music, death metal vocalists, essential death metal albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, essential thrash metal albums, Extreme Metal, extreme metal bands, extreme metal music, extreme metal music albums, extreme music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, melodic death metal albums, melodic death metal music, Metal, metal music, metal music today, metal odyssey, Metal Reviews, Music, new thrash metal albums, scary album covers, scary rock music songs, spooky album covers, spooky metal album covers, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags Album Review, black metal music, blinding black rage song, breathing the fire album 2009, chance garnette vocalist, Death Metal, death metal albums, death metal music, derrick "mullet chad" nau drummer, evan "loosh" linger bass guitarist, extreme metal albums, extreme metal music, f.y.e., Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, Metal, metal albums 2009, metal music, metal music 2009, metal odyssey, Music, nate "n8 feet under" garnette guitarist, scott "scunty d." hedrick guitarist, skeletonwitch, skeletonwitch breathing the fire album, skeletonwitch extreme metal band, skeletonwitch heavy metal band, Thrash Metal, thrash metal music on October 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

SKELETONWITCH released their second full studio album with Prosthetic Records, Breathing the Fire, on October 13, 2009. I could not resist the Metal temptation and need of picking up this new CD on my visit to f.y.e. today. As I stood there staring at the hellish and downright evil artwork on the front cover of Breathing the Fire, it dawned on me… the Metal wait is over for this new Skeletonwitch. Yeah, very often enough I want my Metal pretty damned fast and extreme in every musical facet. All twelve songs on this album are extremely worthy, I can’t point out any skip overs whatsoever. Skeletonwitch does not fall short of Extreme Metal – every song on Breathing the Fire is blended with the very best of several Metal genres.

Skeletonwitch brings forth the Thrash Metal attack combined with Old School Speed Metal, adding Death Metal and Black Metal influences just for great Metal measure. With all of these incredible Metal genres explored here, Skeletonwitch is a Metal band that I cannot pigeonhole into one genre. That is fine with me, I am sure Skeletonwitch could care in the least as well… Metal is… Metal. Breathing the Fire is one incredible Metal album to look back upon for 2009, it is like the late season, supercharged and extreme power blast of Metal Music that has set my Metal world ablaze. I always say, that with Metal bands like this, it makes me feel confident knowing that the flag for Metal will be waving high for years to come. Chance Garnette on lead vocals is as mean and talented as I could hope for – his dual Death Metal growls and Black Metal screams are what this music is about. Anyone familiar with Extreme Metal should agree, that this style of Metal was not meant for crooning out the ballads. Chance Garnette gets my Metal horns with thunderous praise. In my Metal opinion, Skeletonwitch can play, it’s not the easiest task to make an album of this Metal genre sound like a standout.

The guitar leads, dual leads and solos have a melodic, Old School – Speed Metal appeal, while never taking away from the overall dark mood of any of the songs. The rhythm section holds everything together like a vice and these songs grip my Metal psyche with pure Metal domination. I once read a professionally paid Rock critic write – melodic and heavy do not coexist… uh, they do. The Metal proof is in actually listening to Skeletonwitch and Breathing the Fire… the rest is Extreme and at times, melodic Metal candy for your ears. To extract each song and dissect it here would be nonsense, the overall themes to know are that these songs are about death and submitting to evil. ‘Nuff said. Ah, Metal. I will state, Blinding Black Rage is as horrific, evil and nightmarish of a song lyrically that I have ever heard. Ah, Metal… Extreme Metal, I love this stuff. This is the new generation of Extreme Metal, take it or leave it… I’m taking it. If you are looking for the current Metal that is happening now, take my advice and give Skeletonwitch – Breathing the Fire a thorough listen… it served me right.

Skeletonwitch as they appear on Breathing the Fire:

Nate “N8 Feet Under” Garnette – guitars

Chance Garnette – lead vocals

Derrick “Mullet Chad” Nau – drums

Scott “Scunty D.” Hedrick – guitars

Evan “Loosh” Linger – bass

Track Listing For Breathing the Fire:

Submit to the Suffering

Longing for Domination

Where the Light has Failed

Released from the Catacombs

Stand Fight and Die

The Despoiler of Human Life

Crushed Beyond Dust

Blinding Black Rage

Gorge Upon My Soul

Repulsive Salvation

Strangled by Unseen Hands

… And into the Flame

Skeletonwitch "Breathing The Fire" large album pic

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