07 February 2010
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.
02 February 2010
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.
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.
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