POWER METAL REVIEW - Damien - Stop This War (1989)

...Back doing reviews after a long while. Sorry about that, haha (although don't worry, there's plenty here to review).

Price Paid:
like...$3.

What Is It?
The sophomore album from Damien. I bought it based upon the cover alone, and interestingly enough I bought it the same day as Banshee's "Race Against Time". It is a pretty pure example of a mix between traditional and power metal. Overall it is DEVASTATING material.

The Rundown:
This record DESTROYS, and I get the feeling that the band and anyone who bought it at the time knew this after even a cursory spin. There is no lack of skill or musicianship on this one, that's for sure. The leads are crisp and agile, while the clean parts are tasteful and calm. The band arranged the songs well, leaving space for everyone to shine. Randy "Wolf" Mikelson's vocals are standout, especially on tracks like "Rising Dawn" where he contrasts a great singing voice with the ground-shaking screams in the chorus.

One of the reasons I bought this record was because of the song titles. I saw names like "Break Out", "Warlord", "The Priests Are Coming", and best of all, "Corpse Grinder". I thought "It can't be bad." Well, rest assured the songs all lived up to their names. I mentioned earlier that this album sounds like a mix of traditional and power metal. The band used great simple riffs as the bases for their songwriting...and by the time they were done they had things like a tapping lick or a sweep arpeggio layered with the choruses. Every little detail counts.

Recommended Tracks:
"Stop This War"
"Rising Dawn"
"30 St. Clair"
"Corpse Grinder"

Wrap-Up
Very catchy album, overall kicks major ass! Recommended. I just wish I would remember to put this one on more often. My rating would have to be an 8/10.

POWER/TRAD/BLUES. METAL REVIEW - Banshee - Race Against Time (1989)

Also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn4gp698uGI

Price Paid: $3.60

What Is It?
....This is why I collect vinyl. Every once in a while you happen upon an album that contains some of the most killer shit you've heard in years. This band fucking rules. I got the album yesterday, and have since listened to it 4+ times. They display a Traditional/Glam style infused with the flavor of 1989, some blues metal elements. It comes out sounding killer.

The Rundown:
It should tell you something that I kept going back again and again listening to this thing - It never tires. Not only are the songs catchy as hell, the individual musicians are quite competent with their instruments and each one stands out (amazing solos, crazy double kick, good basslines). It should be noted that the solos are RIDICULOUS. I don't think there is a song on the "Race Against Time" album I don't like. The album starts at 100mph and doesn't ever seem to let up - and they did this while still featuring ballads!

What I love about this record is how they are so in your face while still retaining a charming aesthetic. Banshee can write a song like hell and then play it flawlessly, leaving those who would only copy Zeppelin that year in the DUST. How they never got more recognition is a true mystery. There is an obvious virtuosity here...They grabbed the bull by the horns on this one. Now that I'm thinking about it, "Race Against Time" sounds JUST like a Maiden track! It should be mentioned that this album has its fair share of power metal sounding moments. It would be a far stretch to just call this a Glam/Hair record...

Recommended Tracks:
"Shoot Down The Night" (The opening scream is boner worthy)
"All Alone"
"Race Against Time"
"Call Of The Wild"
"Drive Like Hell"
"Missing You"

Wrap-Up
Let's just say this record might eventually make its way to Icon or Shok Paris status in my eyes. Incredibly enjoyable, and a total gem. Paying $3.60 for this was a steal. Great feelgood record, with (and I can't stress this enough) fucking AMAZING musicians behind it. 9/10 rating.

TRAD. METAL REVIEW - Bonfire - Don't Touch The Light (1986)

I've heard some of this band's previous incarnation, CACUMEN, and that is even better. Raw heavy metal. It appears when they changed their name to BONFIRE they went for a more commercial-traditional sound.

Price Paid: $3.60

The Players:
Claus Lessman (Lyrics)
Hans Ziller (Music)

What Is It?
A German hard rock/Traditional metal band that started as a heavier band (Cacumen), but went for a more glam-ish sound when they released this album in 1986. Don't let that throw you off, because they didn't move too far from awesome.

Does It Suck?
No. It is a very, very Scorpions-esque album that explores a heavier realm with harmonies, upbeat tempos and heavy guitars. The vocal harmony choruses are much like Klaus Meine, but in a more polished vein. The entire album sounds very smooth and decently polished. The songs are all written in a typical lens, but they certainly sound different than what popular American bands were doing at the time. I find the album consistently satisfying..and I can't find anything wrong with it. After listening, it's apparent that they have a "style", but what's wrong with that?

The only "weak" thing about this album is the first side - it's decent, and "Starin' Eyes" is my favorite song from the album, but the rest is pretty mediocre. The second side just sounds deeper and more developed. I laughed when I heard "SDI" - it was obviously written in response to Reagan's "Star Wars" program. Favorites from the second side are "Hot to Rock" and "Don't Touch The Light", where the band's heavy side comes in, but I recommend the more ballad-y rest of the second side as well.

Recommended Tracks:
"Starin' Eyes"
Entire second side

Wrap-Up
Great metal, written in the heat of the cold war...The Scorpions comparisons could go on and on, but it's also obvious that Bonfire has their own charm. Not a traditional metal masterpiece by any means, but quite enjoyable for those who love vocal harmonies, great guitar work and well written metal. Overall great stuff. Recommended. 8/10.

TRAD. METAL REVIEW - 3rd Stage Alert EP (1984)

Sorry, this was the only track from the EP on YT - but there is another from Metal Massacre 2 that is seen here (below):



BEHOLD, THE RAREST RECORD EVER

Price Paid: $3.60

What Is It?
Some hard rock/metal EP from '84 that doesn't really break any new ground, but is somewhat fun to listen to. I was drawn to it because Ann Boleyn played keyboards on it and Yngwie produced and played guitar on it. I passed it up the first time I saw it, but I got it the second time. I am a sucker for EPs.

Does It Suck?
The songwriting here is the main draw. They aren't remarkably heavy but yet they have some good choruses and their skill shows through. Great riffs and in places, some very good overlaying of chords that add texture. The leads are a bit above average for mid 80s metal, which is refreshing. The only downside are the little things, like the off kilter vocal line in "Steppin' Out", until you hear a chord that puts the vocals in context...otherwise it would have sounded terrible! They can't really be lumped in with anything but Traditional Metal. I hear elements of hair metal and they probably have their fair share of Priest influence as well. The EP concludes with a classical and very nice sounding piece (with Mr. Malmsteen) called "Adagio (For a Dead Soldier)".

Recommended Tracks (too bad they're not on YT):
"The Stranger"
"Steppin' Out"

Wrap-Up
Not much can be said about it....a 5 track EP from '84. Sounds like you'd expect. The band only put this EP out, it appears. Par for the course traditional metal, nothing extraordinary. 7/10.

HEAVY METAL REVIEW - Slave Raider - Take The World By Storm (1986)

I have to review this album before I go insane.





Let's hear it for the local boys!

Price Paid: $3.00 (can you believe it? That was in Nashville, but recently back home I saw a copy for $14. Insane!)

The Player:
CHAINSAW!!

What Is It?
Many listens later and I have absolutely no clue. I love this fucking album because the SONIC FORCE has the capability to ROCK THINE FACE OFF, but you're puzzled as to how exactly it's done the whole time. I'll get to that later. It is a heavy metal album in a very pure sense. This band apparently played clubs all around my state and had a cult following. I first heard of them when my dad's friend mentioned them to me once - later I found Take The World By Storm on tape and then on a trip found the vinyl version of the album. I was mystified. How could such great metal come from the frozen bowels of my grim, frostbitten state?

Does It Suck?
Oooohahahhohohoh NO. I'll be honest, I had this album pegged as another shallow venture into the intricacies of "Rockin'", "Love" as manufactured by the media and so on....however it became clear that this album is worth much more than that. The album is almost frustrating in its mystery. The first side goes by like one would expect, judging by the album cover. A few favorites were pegged, including "Backstabbin'" and "Long Way From Home". Sounds like a lighter version of WASP.

The second side starts out with samples of old politicians talking about nuclear war. Then, the RIFF. You're looking at the song "Survival Of The Fittest" and it KICKS ASS. It is obvious that the band did away with everything associated with the first side. Next, "The Devil Comes Out In Me" slightly harkens back to the glam stylings of the first side, but with a razor edge. Finally, "The Black Hole". I cannot describe such devastating heavy metal. It ventures into the realm of progressive metal, because of the many twists and turns the song takes. It even steps into a slightly speed metal vein in parts. The song ends with a glorious instrumental section and you're left sitting and drooling. The solos and pure riffage are enough to make you bang your head into the wall. What puzzles me so is the absolutely obvious transition from the first side which represents all things glam, to the second side that descends into pure chaos. I like both; It is just one puzzling feature of the band...

Recommended Tracks:
"Backstabbin'"
"Survival Of The Fittest"
"The Devil Comes Out In Me"
"The Black Hole"

Wrap-Up
Very enjoyable. The second side always has me headbanging relentlessly. Has overall a unique sound, comparable only to WASP or in places Motley Crue. Let's just say I'm proud to come from the same state as SLAVE RAIDER! This deserves an 8/10 easily.

NWOBHM REVIEW - DARK HEART - SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT (1984)

http://metal-archives.com/band.php?id=13332

Price Paid:
$4.00

What Is It?
A NWOBHM album released just as the movement was in major decline, arguably the "Last" year of it. This album often sounds to me like an English Mercyful Fate. Being that Mercyful Fate is my all time favorite band along with Judas Priest, this is a very, very good thing. The record exudes heavy metal. More specifically, Honourable English Metal. For country and king!

Does It Suck?
HELL NO. Let me just put things in perspective for you. When someone says "Metal", this album is what I think of. This record is "Writing A Great Metal Album 101" and here's why:

-Catchiness.
-Skill.
-Songwriting ability.
-A focus on the MUSIC!!

Recently I have come to a conclusion regarding those qualities. If they're all there, they equal more than the sum of their parts. Moreover, with this particular record, you'll notice how light of a touch the instruments have (the lead tone sounds like a Strat through a Blues combo) but yet it is very "Heavy". This is a phenomenon through which the aforementioned qualities, if all present, make the album exponentially heavier.

This album has very few flaws. The main thing it has going for it is the dramatic, "classic" metal aspect that Mercyful Fate employed. In this sense it is done right, and WELL. The only flaws this record has are minute. When I first heard the title track, the vocals were a bit tough to get used to, as I could tell the vocalist could sing but he was choosing not to - after a few listens, I realized it fits. Also - some songs drag on a bit, but usually the length is justified with a new riff or solo anyways. That brings me to my next point - I LOVE SOLOS! Hate to compare it to MF again, but there you go - the solos are plentiful and nicely executed. The rest of the band is also great, but it's hard to notice them when you're paying attention to the song - they are so well arranged and written!

Recommended Tracks:
-"Shadows Of The Night"
-"Dangerous Games"
-"Don't Break The Circle" (different song, but it still reminds me of DEMON!)
-"Shout It Out"

Wrap-Up
Highly, highly recommended. It is a shame they didn't put out a follow up record - such is the quandary of the NWOBHM. Every dynamic of classic and melodic heavy metal is explored on this record, and while not intending to smash you in the mouth (by any means) it tells us how to write a heavy record without resorting to that approach. Some songs are a little forgettable, but the rest are so damn catchy, and in some places, progressive. (I couldn't believe I had forgotten about this amazing record when I pulled it out...) Great for NWOBHM fans especially. My rating: 8.5/10

TRAD. METAL REVIEW - WILD DOGS - MAN'S BEST FRIEND (1984)

Youtuber (mikejrgb):"Man these guys suck. This is one band that had 1 good album [reign of terror] then decided to come back and do more shows?...."

"Matthew T."
"yeah but we sucked in front of a bunch of people
there is no new music... those reign of terror fans will be dissapointed that there are no skinny glam fags but this has always been my band....i owulda been skinny too but they didnt share their cocaine...i prefer beer... it keeps my erections coming and going....
you can grow up if ya want,, ill keep nice and immature...cmon this guitarist blows jeff outta the door...the original guys dont understand motorhead"

I wanted to post this dialogue between some youtuber and the original vocalist for this band, because it gave me greater respect for him. I love when old school metal bands have members that are 100% active on the internet. You get to know what went on...




(Click for larger image)

http://metal-archives.com/band.php?id=1568

Price Paid For Album:
$2.90

The Player:
Matthew T. McCourt

What Is It?
A burnin' hunk of 1984 US HEAVY FUCKING METAL! After reading that Youtube comment I felt a little reluctant to say this, but...judging by the pictures on the back of the album, the guys from Halford's wet dreams got together and formed a band! Seriously, Matthew T. looks like Rob plus give or take 150 bills. But enough about that. They have the standard awesome spiky metal attire for rocking people's faces off circa mid 80s, and Deen looks ready to join a black metal band. I was trying to figure out what to categorize Wild Dogs as... and a youtuber said it best - "the perfect mix between Saxon and Motorhead". Although it leans toward the melodic side of things, Man's Best Friend is a solid chunk of heavy metal.

Does It Suck?
No, and as a matter of fact every time I listen to it, the album grows on me exponentially. The vocals are great, and Matthew sounds just like someone else, but I can't put my finger on it...All I know is, I certainly wasn't expecting great Saxon-like vocals from such a huge guy. I mean, he's built like a brick shithouse! The guitarist, Jeff Mark definitely shines on this album with some (mainly) typical solos, but his rhythms are standout for mid 80s traditional metal. Deen Castronova (who appears to have played with EVERYONE) is a decent drummer, and stands out on the faster tracks. Danny Kurth, the bassist, is...a bassist. This record can overall be compared to a rougher and tougher "White Wolf". (Too bad there aren't any album cuts on YT. That'll have to change...).

I'll be honest - when I first saw the album, I was expecting, however unreasonably, an album of brutal proportions (the cover is a dude getting MASSACRED by a wild dog!) - after I looked at the back, I realized it was unrealistic but was pleasantly surprised with how it sounded without being "brutal". It does have a heavier side to it, however, on tracks like "Livin' On The Streets" and "Believe In Me". "Livin'...", The opener, within a few seconds blew me away with the drum fill and wrenching riffage. The album proceeds to kick some ass - but every time I listen it seems over way too quickly.

Wrap-Up
Let me just say this...at this point it looks like $2.90 was a STEAL for this album. I look forward to many future listens. A Motorhead with a few coatings of glam actually came out sounding pretty damned good (to MY ears). The songs are really catchy and sometimes "nasty"-heavy. This solid album deserves a solid 7.5/10 total from me. Recommended.

HEAVY ROCK REVIEW - BOSS - STEP ON IT (1984)

Ahh 1984.



/\ (the only vid I found on YT)

http://metal-archives.com/band.php?id=10171

Price Paid: $3.00

The Player:
Who knows

The Players:
Craig Csongrady, Kevin Pratt, Peter Sutcliffe, Scott Ginn, Joe Tatts, and John Dick (additional drums)

What is it?
A metal/heavy rock album by the band BOSS from Australia. Has some NWOBHM influences, by the sound of it. Simple songs, about on par with a friendly version of Def Leppard or White Wolf. They also seem to give off a vibe of their fellow countrymen AC/DC in some parts, but it is not prevalent (that's good, because I despise AC/DC - but enough about me...). EDIT: Well I'll be damned, the bassist played for AC/DC. Anyways, good melodic lines, but the choruses are a little too abundant in places. The back cover is a collage of pictures from backstage at, seemingly one gig or a place they played often. The walls have writing all over them - a source of entertainment.

Does It Suck?
No. It's pretty average - heavy rock with a nice melodic twist. The solos can get pretty wild, which works in their favor, most definitely. The album opens with the sound of construction and jackhammers - on the track titled most aptly "KICK ASS (ROCK N' ROLL)". Fuck yeah. It has its definite heavy or sweet melodic moments, but overall is kind of forgettable. One main thing to note is that the drums were actually recorded with a drum machine - This was cause for some controversy, but I couldn't really give less of a shit. They don't SOUND fake, and don't drag down the album's sound much, if at all. I also remember reading that the record did well in Britain, but not Australia. The drum machine was a turn off to some.

The album can come off as a heavy, wild rock album in parts and a soft melodic one in others.

Recommended tracks:
"KICK ASS (ROCK N' ROLL)"
"ESCAPEE"
"CRY CRY"
"TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT"

Wrap-Up
Meh, pretty average. Definitely has moments of greatness, but they aren't abundant. I originally found this album for $10 and was astounded by the awesome album cover. Later I found it at the same store for $3. I'm glad I waited to buy it then. I would say this record is worth $6-7 TOPS. Notable only for its relative rarity (the "having" is a big factor to me) and varied appeal. I'd give it 6/10 personally, but I know there are some out there who would fall in love with the record - you decide.

SHITTY METAL REVIEW - TYRANNY - MANIPULATOR

It is with great pains I bring myself to listen to this...piece..for the second time. I recommend going to these places before you read.

www.myspace.com/tyrannyrocks

http://www.sleazegrinder.com/flashmetaltyranny.htm (a great review!)



The Player - Robert Mirabilio

The Players - A bunch of other Italians that look like actors

Before I get started on the review, take a look at these goddamned pictures.



I can not stop looking at this picture and laughing. This man looks as if he is an 80 year old geriatric who is also blind and crippled. But no, I have him all wrong. Staring off into the void, he contemplates the universe.



And...HOLY SHIT! IT'S DAN AKROYD AND VAL KILMER! 'Nuff said.

What is it?
A 1987....piece...by a band that was probably only signed for their love for the LORD. The year it was released has basically no bearing on it - only that by this point all the riffs and simplistic songs would sound completely obsolete and hackneyed. If it were released in 1980 it would have only been slightly less laughable.

Does It Suck?
A wholehearted and resounding YES. Bear in mind, it's nothing like "Svati Vincent" or "Wheelz Of Steel", but at times it's embarrassing to listen to. Although, I will give them this: they do a pretty good job of covering up the fact that they can't play their instruments. If you heard the first 30 seconds of the record, you might infer that the record would be good. You would also be completely wrong. The only people who are actually competent with their instruments are the drummer and maybe the bassist. Often times the guitarist will go off on these rambling and timid sounding leads where he hits innumerable amounts of sour notes (the title track - prime example). There are a few catchy moments, but they are usually ruined by Patrick Swayze's vocals or a crappy take on a simplistic riff. And I didn't even mention the organ... Honestly, the only way the vocalist would fit in is if he would have been in a punk band circa 1978. There are some good vocal lines, but his whiny voice ruins them. Also, some songs, "Tyranny" and "Toxic Wastelands" are unbelievably short.

I paid five American dollars for that album. Five dollars. And for some reason I don't even regret it. When you see something that looks like it's an inbred hybrid of Poison and Stryper, BUY IT.

Notable Moments:
-Robert poses a deep question for us all on the track "Tyranny". How can you be a rock and roll sinner when you want to be a rock and roll star?

It appears that Tyranny has a Myspace page and Robert's son is the bassist in the new line up. They put out another "album" but really, if the songs on the page are of any indication, I could have made it sound better. There isn't even a human drummer. Not to mention the re-recordings they did sound WORSE than the originals. It really is a shame, as you'd think Mr. Mirabilio would have his shit together after 20 years.

Wrap-Up
Has a certain terrible charm in this shitstorm of jumbled riffs. It looks slightly rare. Can't say much more about it, but it somehow adds to my collection in the way that it is a gem of poor execution. I've said it over and over again, but one word describes the record: simplistic. Should be observed in a humorous light. Rating: 4/10