Armored Saint is an Old School Heavy Metal band, a band that proved to me years ago, they were all about Metal. One listen to any album from the Armored Saint catalog and one will understand what I mean about all Metal. One album in particular, that really drives the message home as to the serious Heavy Metal Music that Armored Saint delivers is “Revelation”, (released on March 7, 2000, on Metal Blade Records). I bought this album as exactly such… on vinyl. This album is a twelve song, two record set, with three songs per side of each album. There still is a cool Metal rush I experience when holding onto an actual record, placing it on a turntable, then letting the Heavy Metal roar. Armored Saint does exactly that, they storm out of the Heavy Metal gates on “Revelation”, this album sets me on the Metal path I belong on. It is going on ten years since this album was released, yet the Heavy Metal that blasts from “Revelation”, is just as exhilarating as any new Metal music releases I have heard lately.
“Revelation” is one of those rare albums where I flat out tell my fellow Metal peers… buy it and be glad you did. You are getting more than you expect with Armored Saint, no songs are watered down, the musicianship is Metal superior and lead vocalist John Bush is one of the greats at fronting a Heavy Metal band. Armored Saint may not be Thrash Metal, nor are they Death Metal… they are bona fide Heavy Metal with an extra dosage of heavy. “Tension”, “Creepy Feelings” and “Damaged” really showcase the vocals of John Bush, he never over reaches on any notes, he only defines how Heavy Metal is supposed to be sung. “Tension” is a song that is extremely relevant, lyrically, to what is currently taking place in corporate America. On “After Me, The Flood”, sure, John Bush lets out a scream or two, he mixes it up vocally with potent Metal fervor. “Revelation” seems to rupture at the seams with non-stop, great songs. If only every Metal album could be like this… skipping over tracks is totally unnecessary here.
“Den Of Thieves” is a heavy song that demonstrates the guitar brilliance of Phil Sandoval on lead guitar and Jeff Duncan on rhythm & lead guitar. This guitar duo erupts with melodic leads and contagious riffs that make my Metal day complete. “Control Issues” is arguably the heaviest song on this album, lyrically making quite the impact that the music itself intends. “No Me Digas” is the bonus track included on this album… it is sung in Spanish, the lyrics inside the album gatefold are in Spanish as well. I am not too fluent with my Spanish, however, I will say that this song rocks along well just the same. This song is proof to me, that Heavy Metal Music is without question, a universal language and expression – for us all to pump our fists in the air to. In the end, I have been Metal schooled again, this time by “No Me Digas” and Armored Saint.
As for the rhythm section of Joey Vera on bass and Gonzo Sandoval on drums, they play as tight and effective as any in Heavy Metal. The focal point of this band for me, is the all encompassing power of the music, without sacrificing a melodic moment here or there. I usually try not to spill over, too excessively, with Metal glee, in regards to a Heavy Metal album or band. “Revelation” is one Heavy Metal album that I want to put out to the world, to spread the Metal message that these songs need to be heard. Armored Saint deserves my admiration, every time I listen to this band and/or “Revelation”, it makes me Metal proud. Long live this Heavy Metal band they call – Armored Saint.
Rainbow was and still is one of the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal bands that I look upon with Metal reverence. The song writing, lyrics, musicianship, melodies, well, I could go on forever about why I have liked this band so much. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, in my Metal opinion, is a guitar legend, both with Deep Purple and Rainbow. Ritchie Blackmore collaborated with lead vocalist Joe Lynn Turner on a few releases, back in the 1980’s. “Bent Out Of Shape” is one of those albums they created, writing nine out of the ten songs together. “Bent Out Of Shape” can be taken as a commercial Hard Rock statement, only It is difficult for me to define this album as such. My standards for commercial Rock or Hard Rock/Heavy Metal definitely differ from other peoples standards. I need to hear consistent sappy ballads and/or radio – bubble gum – friendly songs before my stamp of commercialism is placed on an album. In other words, I feel “Bent Out Of Shape” is one mighty, melodic, Hard Rock album. Honestly, I have no problem with labeling “Bent Out Of Shape” as a Heavy Metal album. This album was released in 1983, the heaviness of Rainbow for back then, easily gave this band the label of Heavy Metal.
Helix is a Heavy Metal band, (originating from Canada), one that I got the biggest Metal kick out of, back in the 1980’s. Released in 1983, “No Rest For The Wicked” is in my Metal opinion, one really cool Heavy Metal album… period. Helix has two very memorable songs off of this album, these songs are melodic and heavy, (yes, that is what the majority of 1980’s Heavy Metal was about… melodic and heavy. These two adjectives do coexist in song, no matter what any other professionally paid Rock Music critics may think. The two songs I am pointing out are: “Heavy Metal Love” and “White Lace and Black Leather”. Helix was – still is, a Heavy Metal band that came out of the same Metal Music mold as Krokus, (just to make a Metal comparison). “Heavy Metal Love” and “White Lace and Black Leather” are two songs that trudge along with that vintage 1980’s, Heavy Metal style of power. The entire album is a vintage trip of early 1980’s Heavy Metal, “Dirty Dog” and “Don’t Get Mad, Get Even” are two more notable tracks. As I reflect back, Helix did indeed get their FM radio play, especially on “Metal Shop”, (a Heavy Metal radio show back in… guess when? Ahhh, the 1980’s. 
Helix did a redo of “Heavy Metal Love”, it can be found on their 2007 studio release – “The Power Of Rock And Roll”. I like the 2007 version just as much as the 1983 version, albeit the new version of “Heavy Metal Love” Rocks along a tad faster. I wound up meeting my Heavy Metal Love, I eventually married her. (Please excuse me if that sounded a sliver corny, yet it is true). As a Heavy Metal fan, I always have attached good memories to my favorite bands, songs and concerts. Helix brings to the Metal table, a brand of Heavy Metal that makes me feel like it’s party time again and I don’t have to pay my bills. (Wishful thinking on the bill paying). That is what music does, it carries me off into my land of Metal… courtesy of terrific bands like Helix. Helix was all about Heavy Metal with their songs, lyrics and attitude. I am Metal cheery that they are still around to this very day. When you are a quality Heavy Metal band, that writes cool and memorable songs, Metal fans never will never forget you. Obviously, I have never forgotten about Helix.
Faster Pussycat debuted their self titled album back in 1987. Sure, I gave Faster Pussycat a listen back then, they were never a #1 favorite of mine, still this band Rocked – and they still Rock to this day. Nonetheless, I still find time to give this band a listen. I recall Faster Pussycat being a cool party band to rock out to, back in the late ’80’s. Faster Pussycat was tied into the Hair Metal genre, right out of L.A., yet I always had the sense that this band was a bit more edgier and heavier to be pigeon holed into that genre. I just stamp the old Heavy Metal label on this band and I am done with it. This group does deliver a whole bunch of Heavy Rock & Roll with their sound, Taime Downe on lead vocals is a sliver reminiscent of Marc Storace of Krokus fame, (in my Metal opinion). Why I say Heavy Rock & Roll when I describe the music of Faster Pussycat is for really one valid reason… the piano that is at times featured in their songs. “Cathouse” is a great example of when you hear the Rock piano getting it’s fair usage. Without ever knowing this band, I can hear influences from the legendary Aerosmith, Taime Downe really does remind me of Steven Tyler on “Slip Of The Tongue”.
I have come to the conclusion, that Progressive Metal and Progressive Hard Rock are the genres that keep me grounded. Dream Theater offers me the best of two worlds, like a one-two Metal punch… this band makes me want to Rock out, then again, I have many moments with their music when I want to chill, in a Metal sort of way. I am not at all stating that Dream Theater can be easy listening Progressive Music… no way. They offer the segues, interludes, intro’s and instrumentals that serve as that musical cushion to fall back on, while awaiting the heavy parts. This is what draws me into their music, to always expect the unexpected with the Progressive nature of Dream Theater. Dream Theater has for me, come so far, paid their Metal dues, to be now recognized as a Progressive Metal super power. It is difficult to dispute the vast landscape of progressive musical ingenuity that Dream Theater bestows. listening to their new music is a reminder to me, that you can erase any other thoughts in your mind and escape into an album of songs.
“A Rite Of Passage” is an amazing song, it reminds me of what maybe Rainbow would sound like, in 2009. The keyboards in this song is what has me thinking of vintage Rainbow, the melody also has a deep, rich, Classic Rock flavor. “A Nightmare To Remember”, the opening song, has all the dynamics I come to expect from Dream Theater, musically and lyrically. I am very glad the story line to this song has a happy ending, despite the child mentally reliving such a personal experience that is the referred nightmare. “Black Clouds & Silver Linings”, (released on June 23, 2009), has most certainly eclipsed my expectations of what to expect, both musically and lyrically. This new Dream Theater release deservedly reached #6 on the Billboard album charts on the initial week of it’s release. It is clear that new fans have embraced Dream Theater and all of their epic Progressive Metal.
I have an appetite for the most Extreme Metal Music out there. Job For A Cowboy is without question, a healthy dose of Extreme Metal. Death Metal is this bands calling card. Playing every musical instrument in their band extremely fast and heavy is an understatement. Blast beats and the infamous cookie monster vocals are lathered all over the songs on “Ruination”, (released on Metal Blade Records, July 7, 2009). So, with all of the expected characteristics of being an Extreme – Death Metal band aside, Job For A Cowboy does prove to me one thing… they are more concerned about global and societal troubles than one might expect. I am not going to admit, I can actually make out the lyrics to these songs, from the vocals of Jonny Davy. Nope, instead, I have the assistance of the sacred liner notes, that come with the complete lyrics for every song on “Ruination”. For me, not understanding the words being pronounced from the Death Metal growls of Jonny Davy comes with the territory of this Metal genre. With this genre of Metal, the lead vocalist is just as equally important as any of the musical instruments being played. It is the anger driven vocals that gives the songs on “Ruination” their intended extreme force and purpose, if you will. Jonny Davy on vocals is equivalent to a wasp nest being disturbed by a broom stick. His vocals will swarm all over your Metal soul, clutching it, beating it into shape and then slapping you in the face with it. Job For A Cowboy delivers a lesson in Extreme – Death Metal whoop ass that has me saying… thank you sir, can I please have more?
Just when I thought that Cannibal Corpse’s “Evisceration Plague” was the lightning strike of an Extreme – Death Metal album of 2009, well, now I have my own personal
Blind Guardian is a Power Metal meets Progressive Metal band, straight out of the fine country of Germany. I enjoy the Power Metal and Progressive Metal genres immensely, Blind Guardian for me, is always a cool listen. As I was browsing around the Century Media Records online site (CM Distro.com) several months ago, I happened to find an EP from Blind Guardian that quickly caught my Metal attention. The name of this EP is “Fly”, (released in 2006), it contains three songs: “Fly”, “Skalds and Shadows” and the cover version of the Iron Butterfly classic – “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”. I knew instantly I needed to purchase this EP. I have always and forever revered this Psychedelic, Classic Rock, gem of a song that Iron Butterfly created with “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”, (originally released in 1968). I placed my order for this Blind Guardian EP without ever hearing it first… I had complete confidence in Blind Guardian delivering a decent cover version of this song, plus as I stated earlier, their Power – Prog Metal style never put me in the doldrums whatsoever.
Blind Guardian “Fly”, as with any of this bands albums, never fail to peak my curiosity based on the album cover artwork on their releases. Going in, I knew they are a capable, talented and quality Metal band, with intellectual lyrics and story telling to coincide with their songs. I am pleased at purchasing “Fly”, all three songs are diverse, with my favorite being the cover song from Iron Butterfly “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” Blind Guardian’s version is very heavy, all power, it rocks tough and hard, while paying great respect to this songs originally intended hardness and dark landscape. The only key aspect here, is to know that this is the shortened cover version of this song, at 3:38 long, (the original Iron Butterfly album version is 17:05 long). Blind Guardian if anything, makes this song sound just as macabre and melancholy, (quite a musical feat), with the vocals and music sounding equally haunting as the original. Some may feel Blind Guardian makes “In-A-Gadda-Da Vida” sound more spooky than the original version… there have been times I have thought just that. Now, as to the age old argument… is the cover version better than the original? Of course, it would be a monstrous feat to blow away the original Iron Butterfly rendition of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”… I will always like the original version more. With that said… once you hear Blind Guardian cover this song, you may very well be like me and think – whoa, this is a really cool and heavy way to commemorate a classic… a Metal job well done.
Dee Snider is and forever will be a real Heavy Metal icon. (I have said this time and again, this is just how I feel). This man needs no introduction to Metalheads worldwide… he has flown the flag for Metal with unmistakable pride. Dee Snider had another kick to the face Heavy Metal Band during his illustrious career – Widowmaker. My best buddy in the universe introduced me to Widowmaker just a week ago. You heard that right, just one week ago. Let’s face it, there is an infinite amount of Hard Rock and Metal music out there to be heard and enjoyed. I could never fathom the task or have the time, to listen to everything ever created in Metal Music. Widowmaker just so happened to be a band I was always aware of, yet I never heard more than a couple of tracks from them throughout the years. Having my buddy give me a copy of “Blood And Bullets” was a great surprise, like a Heavy Metal bonus falling from the sky and into my lap.
Tesla has released an album of 12 brand new tunes this past year titled “Forever More”, it should not be ignored or overlooked. I feel this new Tesla album is a solid musical statement, (“Forever More” was released on October 7, 2008). All 12 songs are what I consider to be Hard Rock excellence that lyrically relates. The lyrics of these songs are a celebration of life’s ups and downs, delivered in true – blue collar, Hard Rock fashion from Tesla. “So What!” is a heavy, musically driven tune, it essentially tells you to shrug off the complaining in life, plus who cares about other people’s whining as well. “Pvt. Ledbetter” is a feel good track about a soldier who is going to come home from war, (not to give away the storyline), the first listen to this song had me worried that it would be a sad ending. Jeff Keith on vocals sounds like he is having the time of his life, he sings better than ever on “Forever More”, (in my Metal opinion).
Paul Dianno “The Living Dead” was released on May 16, 2006. Why I lead with this, is due to my impatience for waiting on this album… I counted the days leading up to it’s release. It was like I was eight years old again, waiting for Christmas morning to come. For the few who may not know, Paul Dianno was the original lead singer for Iron Maiden. Paul Dianno was lead vocalist on the debut “Iron Maiden” album and the “Killers” album. Of course you can count bootlegs and the “Maiden Japan” EP as well, with having Dianno as lead vocalist. If it wasn’t for Bruce Dickinson taking over as lead vocalist for Iron Maiden, starting with the “666 The Number of the Beast” album, I would say that Paul Dianno could never be replaced as lead vocalist. However, It is my Metal opinion that comparing Paul Dianno to Bruce Dickinson is apples to oranges. Why compare? They are both completely different vocalists, both in style and range. The Paul Dianno fronted version of Iron Maiden, with the first two studio albums, (mentioned above), are undisputed Metal classics, that are revered and influential to countless Metal fans and/or Metal musicians. I feel Paul Dianno shares the same equal glory among the other original members of Iron Maiden for these albums being so iconic. (Phew, I got that off my chest, now I can blab about the actual album – “The Living Dead”).
You bet your Metal memory I picked up the new and live double CD “Flight 666” from Iron Maiden, (released June 9, 2009). How could I possibly pass it up? This is Iron Maiden we are talking about… Metal icons… Metal elite. I first saw this new Iron Maiden CD, yesterday, at f.y.e., they were asking $16.99… I knew I could do better than that. So, I went to good ol’ Super Walmart to pick up necessities, like… food, then my body was on automatic pilot and went straight to the CD aisles. Iron Maiden is a necessity in my Metal life, therefore, I purchased “Flight 666” along with various food items from Walmart. I embarked for my car, with my daughters by my side and I am one happy dude. The Walmart price? I paid $13.88 for “Flight 666”, if I continued to search for a cheaper price than that, I would be wasting gas in my tank. Plus, I was able to save $3.23… sounds like chump change, yet it adds up throughout the years when you shop around a tad. I am going to put the DVD version of “Flight 666” on my want list for now… I listen to Metal light years more often than I watch Metal.
My wife is a loyal fan of Heavy Metal. (Thank goodness). Well, I knew this over 20 years ago before we ever married. This turned out to be quite the Metal bonus, having my wife being a fellow Metalhead. I get cool Metal gifts for my birthday and Christmas from her and she encourages and nurtures the love I have for Metal music. I am a very fortunate Metalhead to have a wife like her. Her favorite Heavy Metal band of all-time has always been Def Leppard… until I introduced her to Disturbed. (I still believe both these bands are tied for my wife’s favorite). So, as I write away with Metal Odyssey, she keeps looking over my shoulder… waiting to see when Disturbed makes it to this blog. I without further Metal ado… will give my Metal opinion on Disturbed. I feel Disturbed is an excellent Metal band. Sure, Disturbed came around during the Nu-Metal phenomenon, yet I still never would classify them as such. No matter how much I try to dissect it… Disturbed holds up as being Metal.
I am blown away by this new Thrash Metal band that call themselves – Lazarus A.D. – really blown away. This is not cookie cutter Thrash, nor is this band a bunch of Thrash wannabes either. Lazarus A.D. is for real. These dudes can play Thrash… with no cutting corners, just plain great – in your face – Thrash Metal. I read all of the articles and reviews I could get my Metal hands on regarding this band. Now, I have my hands on their debut release “The Onslaught”, (released March 3, 2009), the contents of this CD is ten tracks of unrelenting, intense and fired up Thrash. I am extremely Metal happy that a young Thrash band like Lazarus A.D. sounds and plays this good. I always say… we veteran Metalheads can never have enough younger bands to carry on the Metal tradition – the more new Heavy and/or Extreme bands, the better! I liken this band to being a throwback, to the days when Thrash Metal was felt, not just heard.
Enslaved, from Norway, has created quite the exquisite Black Metal album with “Vertebrae”. Why do I use the adjective exquisite to describe this album? Well, I revere the Progressive Metal of Mastodon and Dream Theater, the legendary Progressive Rock of Pink Floyd and the groove infested Black Metal of Satyricon. Enslaved encompasses the most Metal and progressively delicious elements from these favorite bands of mine, while incorporating them into their very own startlingly, mind popping sound. What Enslaved has done here, is taken Rock and Metal influences to a new level, creating an album that embraces everything that is brilliant about Heavy and Progressive music. (I am not saying Enslaved actually looked to these bands for inspiration, this is just my musical and Metal interpretation and/or opinion). Enslaved has their roots in Black Metal, a musical track record that overflows with Metal bragging rights… “Vertebrae” by no means exemplifies this band as not being original. This album is as original as it gets… I cannot truly count how many Metal bands there are, that dare to experiment with music so valiantly.
First of all, I am a fan of Ronny Munroe, the current lead vocalist for Metal Church. I just happen to gravitate towards the Old School Metal sound, both vocally and musically. Ronny Munroe in my Metal opinion, has the unmistakable Old School Heavy Metal vocals… and in no way do I subscribe to the opinion that this sound is dated. This brand of Old School Heavy Metal has been proven successful for decades now. For me, it is another Metal genre that lives on. With that said, I have obtained a copy of the new Ronny Munroe debut CD… “The Fire Within“, (released 2009), I am impressed by the total package of music here. This is Heavy Metal made the old school way, no frills, bells or whistles get in the way of the straight ahead approach that Ronny Munroe has taken on with “The Fire Within”. Honestly, Ronny Munroe comes with his Metal Church – front man credentials… he delivers a mightily solid twelve tunes alongside some talented friends. Rick Van Zandt of Metal Church, plays lead and rhythm guitars superbly throughout, with Michael Wilton of Queensryche delivering a solo on two tracks I will mention.
Saxon – the words durable, old school, enduring and still excellent at their Metal craft, come to my mind. Let’s be honest, this is not the same Saxon from their “Denim and Leather” days, yet they are Saxon 2009 – that is Metal-good enough for me. Saxon was an essential part of “the new wave of British Heavy Metal”, going back to the late 1970’s into the early 1980’s. When I first heard Saxon back then, I felt like I found a band no one else knew about… I had a cool Metal secret. Well, the secret was already out, as I later found. Saxon was justifiable a favorite of legions of Metalheads, therefore I was not alone with my new found Heavy Metal band after all. 
“into the Labyrinth” is the newest album from Saxon, released on January 13, 2009. “Battalions Of Steel” and “Valley Of The Kings” have an almost majestic Power Metal sound, complete with keyboards and what sounds to me like an enlightened choir. For me, Saxon pulls it off extremely well when they go the Power Metal route. “Live To Rock” is the single being pushed off of this album, it is bona fide Old School Heavy Metal with a cool, vintage, anthemic delivery to it. This is the fist raising – head banging tune that will stir up plenty of 80’s Heavy Metal memories for many. “Slow Lane Blues” is another fine example of how Saxon holds onto the Classic Metal approach, a fun tune that tells the complete story of a dude being pulled over by a cop for speeding. “Crime Of Passion” is heavy, heavy, Metal. Nigel Glockler punishes the drum kit on this song, again, head banging can and may occur when listening to this song too. If there is to be a song on this album that is considered a ballad, well, “Voice” is it. However, this is a heavy ballad – staunch Metalheads need not worry – Saxon does not get sappy here at all. “Hellcat” is my favorite track on this album, it is fast, furious and heavy. The three key Metal music ingredients I always embrace! “Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)” is a Heavy Metal exclamation point for Saxon on this album, man this song is good. “Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)” is a back woods – lets stomp in the swamp – foot stomping tune. It is a cool way to come down after the previous 12 tracks of fired up Heavy Metal.
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