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Nothing much is known about this band, apart from the fact that they've released one of the best singles I've come across. Both songs on this single are absolutely wonderful! They bring about that feeling of nostalgia for Life, Heavy Metal and everything that goes with it. Its a queer thing really. This single never ceases to make me smile and look back at my life with absolutely no regrets whatsoever. Wonderful music. You should get this!
It is very obvious from the name of this band that they took their name from Marvel Comics. For those who don't know, it is the city where Batman lived. Sometime in 1980, a guitarist by the name of Mårten Edlund, and a drummer, Jonas Östman, would start a band called Gotham City and recruit vocalist Ola Ohlsson, and bassy Björn-Erik Melander.
In 1981 they recorded their first known material, a 9 track demo which included some songs that ended up on their forthcoming studio releases. Songs like Black Writs, 1995, Borderline and Born to Rock Hard was later re-recorded and released on vinyl. They recorded The Green Manalishi Judas Priest-cover for that demo.
A year later Gotham City would get the opportunity to release a 2 track 7" single on Brute Force that would showcase the songs Gotham City and Killer Angels. A single that would sell out very quickly and become an instant hit in the underground. That single has now become a collectors item, and I've seen it fetch a really fair sum on ebay. The distribution company would promise them a tour before going bankrupt, and all plans of a tour being abandoned. Gotham City filled a few small arenas during their time, but never really went far from Umeå, their hometown. 1983 saw the release of the EP Black Writs. The muscianship and the occult-ish cover art now only serve to magnify the cult status of that release. It is said that the vocals threw many people off this, but somehow, for me, the vocals were really good, and went well with the way the band played. Yes, this is another collectors item now.
When things were going good for Gotham City, they would start to want even more, and that eventually leading to the replacement of vocalist Ola Ohlsson. In comes Anders Zackrisson, a vocalist with a much better range and skill, but then, looking back, they might have done better with Ola Ohlsson who gave them their characteristic sound that was so unique that if you ever listen to it with his vocals, you'd just know it was Gotham City. Anyway, let that not undermine how brilliant their only full length release is. Catchy riffs and choruses, well sung songs, the works...The Unknown was to be their first, and final full length release. Again, due to lack of funding, Gotham City stayed as the best kept secret in the underground. Anyway, after a couple of demos in 1985 and 86, there was friction among the band members due to a growing lack of interest. They slowly faded away sometime in 1987. Anders Zackrisson later went on to sing for Nocturnal Rites (first three albums). A Best of/Compilation was released in 2005, but a reunion is far from anything we can expect in the near future. Oh well...still, here's some excellent music for you. Whatever you do, listen to the 7" Single, and I promise you that it will be worth you while. The first song off that single is what you listen to when you play that youtube video on top. Enjoy...
Band: Elise Country: Netherlands Genre: Heavy/Power Metal
Tracklist:
Tracklist: 1. Cry For Mankind 2. Hell Of A Fight 3. Play With Edges 4. No Time For Masquerade 5. Lights 6. Witchfinder 7. Nightmare 8. Breaking Rules 9. Hiding 10. Seven Witches 11. Over
...so I was watching the 14th game of Euro 2008 yesterday, just the way I've religiously watched the other games so far. Personally, I was hoping France would win and throw the group into utter disarray where one wouldn't be able to predict who would go through to the quarters, and who wouldn't. But that was not to be. Whatever the French would do, the Dutch would do one better. 4-1 the final score in favor of Netherlands. It was during the second half when I watched Van Persie score when I realized I was humming a tune that I found so familiar that I'd to rack my brains until this morning to realize that it was this band, Elise. This is one of those unsung of releases that deserves a lot more people listening to it. The recording and production on this album are very good, and the music sure as hell doesn't disappoint. Cleverly crafted interludes ( Thomas Duiveman, Jannes Bloemert), a booming bassline (courtesy , Henk van Mierlo), and some simple drumming (Rieks Vogelzang) when combined with the vocals of Gerd Hento produce some very fine Heavy Metal that makes this a must listen. Like so many other bands that we've come across having only one full length release, we shall add Elise to the list. Just like so many other bands before and after them, they disbanded after this release didn't gain them the popularity that they deserved. But now, now...here it is for you. Let your ears feast on this.
If I have the time, I'll posting something even better a little later today. Until then, my friends, bang the head that doesn't bang!!!
For lack of my entire brain functionality (wait...before you imagine a headbanging money jumping up and down, I just woke up with one of the worst hangovers of my life) I bummed a lot about Helstar from wikipedia. Alright, I can't resist quoting a joke I heard somewhere or read someplace. It goes something like this... I told my girlfriend last night how much I loved her, and she said that I must have been out drinking again. I asked her why she would say that, and she said, "Because I'm your father".
Alright...Helstar! After being separated for 19 years, not the original lineup as it is often stated, but almost the complete Remnants of War line up(not seen since Remnants of War -1986, minus drummer Rene'Luna) reformed in 2006 and announced they would begin touring. Helstar was one of the classic American Power/Speed Metal bands of the eighties. Though superstardom eluded them, their five albums garnered critical praise and they were a fan favorite throughout their career, in addition to being an influence on many a nineties band.
They began with a more basic metal style in 1984 with the Burning Star album for Combat Records, making them label mates with Megadeth and Exodus. It was not long before inner struggle and management trouble broke that line up apart, exit Hector Pavon, Tom Rodgers and Paul Medina.
After a year or so, they had regrouped and came out more powerful than before, and released the Remnants of War album, also on Combat, produced by Randy Burns. Helstar soon left Combat with high hopes for the future, and in 1987 they moved to Los Angeles with another line up change bringing in guitarist Andre' Corbin and Frank Ferreira on drums. Helstar signed with Metal Blade records and recorded the A Distant Thunder album produced by the infamous Bill Metoyer(DRI, Slayer, Fates' Warning, Flotsam and Jetsam and a million others). Shortly there after, Helstar embarks on their first European tour, opening for Yngwie Malmsteens' Rising Force at the Masters of Rock Festival in Belgium, as well as touring with Tankard and Vendetta through out Holland, Germany and Switzerland.
Soon to follow was Nosferatu, a monumental album that was way ahead of its time, This would be known as the peak of this bands exsistance...Amazingly tight, blistering, melodic and intense, burning fretboards and melting picks, the dual guitar work of Larry Barragan and Andre'Corbin on this record, sets them apart from the rest for all time. Unfortunately it was not meant to be, the record gained popularity far too many years after the band had fallen apart. The label wasn't supporting the band, and the demand for Helstar in the U.S. just was not enough to sustain the band, moral was hitting bottom, and the guys drifted apart. After the departure of Andre' Corbin and Frank Ferreira, Helstar regrouped again and recorded a demo but gained no interest from the labels. Shortly there after, Larry left the band as well,and that really was it for the band. James Rivera has put together numerous line ups since those days and called it Helstar, such as for the Multiples of Black record, but never anything of the epic quality the band once was.
Helstar when through several reunions starting in 2001. These reunions were primarily organized by James riviera and longtime bassist Jerry Abarca. Several live albums came out of this period, but no new material. Finally, in 2006, for the first time in over fifteen years, James Rivera and Larry Barragan reunited and Helstar was officially declared musically active again. Along with Jerry, James and Larry also reunited with Remnants Of War era guitarist Robert Trevino and Multiples Of Black drummer Russell De'leon. They are expect to release new material this year, but not much word has come of it so far, apart from the fact that it was supposed to be released already. Haha...but such delays are common, and I'm going to sit tight and wait this one out. I feel that they are way past their prime, but somehow, I don't think I'll be disappointed. Hope this turns out to be one of those sixth sense things. Whatever that turns out to be, don't let that deter you from checking out this band. Their last album (which is barely worth a footnote in their career) apart, every other release is a classic!
If you were to ask me to name a bunch of bands that I consider some of the greatest of all time, this is one band that will surely be on that list. This is a band that is unmatched in their genre. Many will disagree, but, for me, this is the band that defines Thrash and then pushes that definition as far as that vortex of darkness in the brain can possibly push it. I remember one drunken night when a friend of mine played me a video saying something about that being an excellent band. The video was a song by the name of "Masked Jackal". Haha...
From their modest beginnings as roadies for Swiss metal legends Celtic Frost, the members of Coroner carved out one of the most unique careers in the European thrash metal scene. The trio was originally pegged as a conventional thrash band, but their jaw-dropping musicianship and increasingly complex, almost prog rock compositions soon won over most critics, some of which labeled them the Rush of thrash metal. Over the course of eight years and six albums, the band fought constantly to expand the limiting boundaries of thrash, yet achieved only limited (read as in understatement) commercial success for their efforts. Still, their fearless experiments have allowed their albums to endure and stand the test of time better than many of their more celebrated peers.
Guitarist Tommy T. Baron (real name Thomas Vetterli) and drummer Marquis Marky (aka Marky Edelmann) put in various tours of duty as roadies for the seminal Celtic Frost before founding Coroner with bassist/vocalist Ron Royce in 1985. In fact, Frost main man Tom Warrior sang on their Death Cult demo. He was never a member of Coroner. He did guest vocals on the Death Cult demo tape. Subsequently signing to the German Noise label, the band debuted with 1987's R.I.P., then quickly followed it with 1988's Punishment for Decadence, which featured a surprising cover of Hendrix's "Purple Haze." Thrash metal bands covering Hendrix is a tad bit odd, but Coroner take the idea and execute it flawlessly. This is a great and fun song by an otherwise dark band. With 1989's transitional No More Color, Coroner truly inaugurated their golden era and raised their standards on every front: from the stylized album artwork to the slower, tighter rhythms and riffs which revealed their incredible technical proficiency to the experiments which began breaking away from the limitations of thrash metal, both musically and lyrically.
This ambitious vision came to full fruition with 1991's amazing Mental Vortex, which included a daring reconstructed cover version of the Beatle's "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." The album is well worth buying for that cover alone (stop thinking of the Coroner as a Thrash Metal band, and you'll start to enjoy the song), but then again, we're given an album of such briliance that it makes it all the more worthwhile. Recorded by top thrash producer Tom Morris, many expected the album to push Coroner's career to the next level and introduce them to a wider audience. But whether due to changing musical climates (alternative rock had just arrived) or simply being too ahead of its time, things just didn't play out the way it was supposed to. Disappointed though they were, the band regrouped and came up with an even more daring, unconventional album in 1993's Grin, which abandoned much of the thrash-based aggression of their early days and focused on challenging dynamics and eerie atmospherics. This move proved too radical even for longtime fans, ironically, and they remain split over the album's merits, some seeing it as a disaster, while others consider it the band's greatest triumph. Coroner were apparently unsure themselves and succumbed to mounting inner tensions a short while later to go their separate ways.
Noise Records wasn't quite ready to let the band die, however, forcing guitarist Baron to compile 1995's Coroner (a collection of outtakes, new tracks, and classic cuts) nearly a year after the group's demise, which required the help of drummer Peter Haas stepping in for the uncooperative Edelmann. After this release, Vetterli temporarily fronted his own band, Clockwork, before joining German thrashers Kreator for one album. Edelmann assumed drum duties with his former mentor Tom Warrior's new band Apollyon Sun.
Sometimes it feels almost miserable to know that such greatness was allowed only to pass by and not take the centerstage. It is said that an earlier incarnation of Coroner exists which recorded more Heavy Rock kind of music between 1983 and '85. If anyone has any of this, visualise me down on my bloody knees, begging you to kindly rip a copy and do the needful! Righto, I'm done talking, if you haven't heard of, or heard this band, you've seriously missed something in life. Get it, NOW!
Band: M.A.R.S. Album: Project: Driver Year: 1988 Country: United States of America Genre: Traditional Heavy / Power Metal Length: 36:00 Min Filesize: 33.56 MB
Tracklist: 1. Nations on Fire 2. Writings on the Wall 3. Stand up and Fight 4. Nostradamus 5. Unknown Survivor 6. Fantasy 7. Slave to My Touch 8. I Can See it in Your Eyes 9. You and I
Alright, this is more than a Tony MacAlpine album. This features some really big names in music, Tony MacAlpine, Rudy Sarzo-Bass (Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake) and Tommy Aldridge-Drums (Ozzy, Whitesnake and many others). This is full of great songs, great guitar playing, some of Tommys best drumming (his words).
Tony MacAlpine is a killer guitarist with a great sense of melody. Tommy Aldridge is one of the all time great rock drummers and was a double bass whiz before alot of today's hotshot double bassers were even born! Rudy Sarzo has been around the block a few times and does an admirable job, forming a tight rhythm section with Aldridge. Bob Rock's vocals are powerful and full of vigor.
If you don't own a copy of this album, its about time you did. Seriously, its about time you did.
Ensiferum - what name would suit a band playing battle metal better, than a name that in Latin means "the Swordbearer"?
After finding the band in 1995, Ensiferum's mastermind, guitarist/ main songwriter/ vocalist Markus Toivonen has taken the band safely through turmoils of line-up changes and busy schedules ever since. The band's career fully took flight in 2000 after Spinefarm Records released their self titled debut album "Ensiferum", and their busy touring made them a household favourite all over Finland. Their second album "Iron" took Ensiferum one step further, all the way to Copenhagen's Sweet Silence Studios. There in Denmark, during the Fall of 2003, their second album was recorded within the capable hands of producer Flemming Rasmussen, who in the past had recorded such masterpieces as Metallica's "Master of Puppets" and "Ride the Lightning".
"Iron" was a great success and grew the band's popularity to whole new heights. The album also got the band some extensive touring abroad, but these metallic recordings and gigs finally took such a toll on the band that the year 2004 saw three band members depart: drummer Oliver Fokin, bassist Jukka-Pekka Miettinen and vocalist Jari Mäenpää (later known for his work on Wintersun). This was not the end of the world for the kind of warriors that Ensiferum and its mastermind Markus are, they just took along new, excellent members to replace these sudden gaps in their lineup. Aboard stepped bassist / vocalist Sami Hinkka, drummer Janne Parviainen (also known for his work on Waltari and Barathrum), and vocalist / guitarist Petri Lindroos.
The new lineup was tried and tested on the road touring all through 2005, and from the tour the members headed straight for the studio to make a new mini-album. This mini-CD, later titled "Dragonheads", saw the band test their new growler Petri's vocals and their new bassist and drummer's antics in a recorded form. Such fun was the recording that the band did not stop with the mini-album, but also made a live DVD to honour their 10-year career. The "10th Anniversary Live" showed the new line-up playing hits from all Ensiferum-albums, from some of the earliest songs to the latest offerings from "Dragonheads". Selling thousands and thousands worldwide, the DVD was the definitive proof that Ensiferum was as strong as ever with its new members in its ranks.
Last year, Ensiferum took their gear to Helsinki's Sonic Pump Studios to record their third full-length album with producer Janne Joutsenniemi. And what an album they made! With metallic guitars combined to the traditional sounds of such instruments as the Finnish kantele, a bagpipe, nyckelharpa and bodhrans, the sound of "Victory songs" is a full, balanced mixture of folk, heavy and battle anthem-like power, complete with the gentle balance between Petri's growling vocals and Markus's and Sami's harmonised choruses.
So hearken to the call of one of the top ten metal albums of 2007, with the Victory Songs now rising in the night, telling all of their undying strength and might!
Band: BRONX Album: Welcome To The World Country: France Genre: Traditional Heavy Metal
Tracklist: 1. Ready To Kill 2. Welcome To The World 3. Fool For Life 4. Metal Straight To The Heart 5. Highway Child 6. Favorite Place 7. Loving Lips 8. Horses Of The Glory 9. First Visit
This is one album that you're to either going to like, or dislike. There's rarely a middle path for this one where you could say "Uhm...not baad". At least, none of my friends came back to me saying that this is just "okay". It was either "Nice! Good shit!", or a marathon of abuses that I'll conveniently fail to remember for now. This album(also happens to be their only release) has elements of Speed/Power Metal as well as bits and pieces of Glam combined with some good Heavy Metal. It has varying moods throughout the album, but the one predominant mood is that I smile most whilst listening to this. The first time I heard the song "Horses Of The Glory", I simply couldn't hold back from laughing at one point in the song. You'll know when you listen to it...haha. Anyway, watch out for the stomping basslines throughout. They're worthy of a mention. The arrangement isn't really very impressive, but, if you can get past that, you're in for a pretty good album. This one grew on me over a period of time actually. Hope you like this...
One of numerous musical projects spearheaded by guitarist David T. Chastain, the heavy metal band that bears his name has been a fixture in America's underground metal scene for over two decades, but has rarely reared its head above ground. First formed in 1984, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chastain was immediately signed to the shred-loving Shrapnel label, and also featured ex-Rude Girl vocalist Leather Leone, bassist Mike Skimmerhorn, and future Cinderella drummer Fred Coury.
Few females in metal have the internal fortitude to go after it, to really take charge of a band and lead them into the realms of metal greatness. We've all seen our share of proverbial metal icons, all of which are male. The Geoff Tates, the Bruce Dickinsons, and the Rob Halfords of the world. But what about the other end of the spectrum, how about the other side of the fence? How many women can command that type of respect and admiration?
Sure, the world is aware of "rock" goddesses such as Pat Benatar, Lita Ford, and Joan Jett, but few can acquire that heavy metal edge that takes them into uncharted territory. Benatar won't win any metal awards. Lita was too rock oriented, and Joan Jett illuminates pop rock. So what is left for metal? Doro and her Warlock conspirators have always been true metal through and through, bellowing battle hymns from a metallic mountain that few Americans saw. Doro is and always will be a huge metal force and an inspiration for other female singers worldwide. But after Doro, what is left? Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Lullacry, After Forever, The Gathering, etc. All of these chicks demand a certain quality from their followers, a trendy quality of gothic aspirations. These bands don't really have the drive to take it to the top, with many of these vocalists playing the part of orchestra coordinator. I personally don't like headbanging to opera, and unfortunately that seems to be the case 99% of the time with today's modern female metalists.
In steps Leather Leone. No, let's take that back a sentence. In stomps Leather Leone, with the massive footsteps, attitude, internal drive, and commanding presence to wipe the slate clean, to even up the odds and take control of the metal boulevards. Leather Leone is the supreme heavy metal force, a female fronted assault on all senses, driving home the fact that metal isn't a boy-toy, but truly a universal feeling that transcends the gender boundaries, allowing all players to make the team and play in the big game.
Leather's melodic voice can do so many things in the blink of an eye. Her magical charm can sway the most aggressive of metal fans, but at the same time she manages to use her powerful demeanor to take flight, taking aim at the fiercest of the fierce, conquering many of the same legions as Dickinson, Halford, and Tate. Did you forget about those guys yet? With her powerful falsetto she can raise the roofs of the truest metal concert halls, rivaling only Halford for control of the highest skies. With her mid-temp range, she can rock and roll all night, making the Saturday nights all right for fighting. With the greatest of ease, Leather gets downright sulky, almost sexual with her angelic serenades, a whispered voice that can soothe the mightiest giants.
So, where have we heard her? The biggest portion of her career was spent with David Chastain and his power metal offspring, Chastain. Her voice served up some of the finest US metal albums of all time from '84 through '90. Her resume includes Chastain records "Mystery Of Illusion", "Ruler Of The Wasteland", "The Seventh Of Never", "Voice Of The Cult", and "For Those Who Dare". On her own she recorded "Shock Tactics" under the name of Leather, released originally in 1989. Before Chastain she spent some time with Malibu Barbie and Rude Girl, both of which were born from the San Francisco scene.
After her last record with Chastain, "For Those Who Dare" in 1990, Leather Leone disappeared. Chastain picked up another female voice in Kate French for his band, and then the great mystery begins. Where is Leather? The last known whereabouts of this metal goddess is that she was working as a veterinarian assistant. An animal doctor? One of the finest metal voices of all time is spending the majority of her time as an animal doctor? There is nothing wrong with this if we were talking about your average guy or gal, but let's keep in mind that Leather and Doro are in my opinion the two leading ladies of all time. They are the metal queens! In this current time where opera and art dominate metal integrity, Leather's voice needs to be heard again. Megadeth says the world needs a hero, and our hero is/was working in an animal hospital!
Anyway, for me, the next in line to carry the torch would be another Leather. Haha...yes, the vocalist of a Polish Heavy Metal band, Crystal Viper who goes under the pseudonym of Leather Wych (Marta Gabriel). If you haven't heard the Crystal Viper album(they've released only one so far...The Curse of The Crystal Viper), you should give it a listen as soon as possible! It is one of the best releases of 2007.
Back to Chastain. Rumour is on the rife that Kim Goss of Sinergy fame has stepped in to do vocals for a project under the name "Fools Gold" or as a direct vocal replacment for Kate French for Chastain. Lets see what happens...
This band was formed in 1987 under the name of Stormvarning. But they would soon change their name to what we now know as Count Raven. Their debut album Storm Warning was released on Hellhound Records, and it received raving reviews in Europe, but Linderson would leave soon after to join to join the legendary Saint Vitus for their C.O.D album. The band continued on as a trio, with Fondelius taking over the vocals, and from this period on, the band would suffer from an eternal comparison to Black Sabbath, mainly because of the vocals on the rest of their releases. After four releases, the band would break up in 1998, only to reband in 2003 and again disband sometime in 2006. Dan Fondelius formed a new band called Doomsday Gouvernment (also doom metal) when Count Raven broke up in 1998. To date, the band has only been featured on a few compilations.
Take the riffs of Candlemass, and to that add a Saint Vitus structure, and a very Ozzy-esque vocal style, and you have a fairly bland serving of Count Raven. Bland? Yes, bland is the word I'd use to describe some of their music. There is nothing much original about these guys, and on many occasions they lack the mysterious punch (like in the case of Saint Vitus, which always leaves the listener intrigued) or the depressive feel (as in Candlemass) in the music. Overall, they are a mediocre band(which is by no means bad). Their albums are far from being bad, but when you listen to their stuff, I doubt if you'll get that atmospheric feeling of beauty that one normally gets at the end of a very good Doom Metal album. Again, I repeat, this is not bad music. Just mediocre(and its only my opinion). I was contemplating whether I should post this a little while before I actually decided to do so. The reason why I finally decided to post this was because I found that a lot of people did like this band a lot for various reasons. So, here it is...
Band: Zenith Album: Prisoner Country: Germany Genre: Traditional Heavy Metal
Tracklist: 1. She's a Lady 2. Nightmare 3. Sunrise 4. Prisoner 5. Turn Around 6. And I Feel 7. Alone in the City 8. Lovesong 9. Black out New York 10. Waiting for Her
Alright, I'd almost decided to stop posting for various reasons that I won't get into. For those of you who've followed the blog for a while now, thanks for all the coaxing and egging on. I will post some more soon. In the meanwhile, here's something for your ears...
Country: United Kingdom Genre: Traditional Metal/NWOBHM
Bitches Sin's unique brand of Metal has influenced the development of the metal scene over the years, with it's music receiving wide acclaim from all over the world. This legendary heavy metal band, based in the north of England, were formed in around 1980. After several changes, the definitive line-up of Ian Toomey, Pete Toomey, Frank Quegan, Billy Knowles and Mike Frazer, came together and produced some of the most influential heavy metal music of the 80's. This culminated in the cult classic, 'Invaders' album, released in 1986, which received rave reviews from Aardshock's Readers Poll, amongst many others. Invaders was essential listening for skate boarders across the USA. Often quoted 'skate or die'.
Tracklist: 1. Caput Draconis 2. Heavy Metal Axe 3. Spawn of Terror 4. The Cult of Doom 5. Necropolis (Manilla Road cover) 6. Wage the Demons' War 7. Covered in Blood of the Gods 8. The Nameless One 9. Battlerage
Country: United States of America Genre: Heavy/Thrash Metal
Tracklist: 1. World Of The Transparent 2. Red Sky Revolution 3. No Time For Sorrow 4. Bugs 5. Backstabber 6. What You Dont Know 7. And The Friendship Corrodes 8. The Reason 9. To Submerge Another 10. Beautality 11. Product Of Chance 12. Vultures And Ventriloquists
Tracklist: 1. Miami 2. United by Hatred 3. Violence Condoned 4. Electric Torture 5. Meaning of Pain 6. Stabbed in the Back 7. Shotgun Justice 8. Parricide 9. American Luck 10. Brass Knuckles 11. Burning Bridges 12. Concussion 13. Cranial Stomp 14. The Pugilist
Tracklist: 1. Heroes for Sale 2. Like a Walk on Ice 3. Stone Cold 4. Fight for the Rock 5. Killer 6. Twilight 7. The Price 8. Dust to Dust 9. Back Up the Law 10. Strike Back
Tracklist: 1. Renegade 2. The Falcon 3. Without Warning 4. Killing Fields 5. No Return 6. Destiny 7. Come Under Fire 8. Born in the City 9. Reprise 10. No Way Out
There's little I know about this obscure band that went by the name of Area. They played Power Metal and were from Germany(obvious, right?). But this isn't the kind of Power Metal you see nowadays. This is more like the Heavy/Power Metal with mindblowing choruses that we know of and crave so much. Personally, I can't find one single thing wrong with the music. Absolutely brilliant music! This is another one of those must have's, only that I'd like to stress on it a hundred thousand times if possible. Enjoy!
The band began with Greg Lindstrom, Robert Garven, Jerry Fogle and Pat Galligan (who would later go on to play guitar for Angry Samoans}, were playing in their first band "Titanic" in high school. With a desire to play heavier music, the rest of the band dumped Pat and reformed in 1972 as Cirith Ungol with Neal Beattie on vocals. It wasn't until 1980 that they were signed by Enigma and released their first record Frost And Fire with Tim Baker on vocals. After their fourth album Paradise Lost, they split up due to frustration caused by problems with their new record company. 2001 saw the light of a new Cirith Ungol album which contained old and unreleased demos and songs, but no new material. The album was supported by both Greg and Rob, but not by Tim.
Lindstrom now plays with his new band Falcon, who play some old Cirith Ungol songs.They took their name from the place Cirith Ungol in J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. The name Cirith Ungol is Elvish and means "Pass of the Spider". While the place in Tolkien's book is pronounced "kirith ungol", the band pronounced it "sirith ungol". The band said in a later interview they had some problems with the name.
Everyone in the band was a big "Sword and Sorcery" literature fan, especially Greg [Lindstrom, guitars] and I. He would always turn us on to the great writers who gave us inspiration for our music. We read all the books... Conan, Bran Mak Morn, etcetera, but the books that stood out in my mind are Michael Moorcock's masterpieces: Elric, Hawkmoon, Corum among others. Greg Lindstrom and I met at an English Literature class where the teacher was reading Lord of the Rings... and Greg and I read it and it had an influence on our music and feelings. In retrospect I wish we had picked something easier to remember because a lot of our trouble has been over our name. People couldn't pronounce it or remember it, but we figured once they did they wouldn't forget it! We've humorously been called "Sarah's Uncle" and "Serious Uncool," for example! I know other bands are using the Tolkien angle. Led Zeppelin even made references to it in their earlier songs. I think he was an influence both then and now on many people. ~Robert Garven
Disc 1 1. The French Way 2. No Time to Lose 3. Dear Doctor 4. Can Can 5. Motherly Love 6. I Felt No Pain 7. Not Tonight Josephine 8. Men's Lib 9. Percival 10. Kiss Like Rock & Roll 11. Cold Steel 12. Over and Over 13. Rock You Tonight 14. Lady of the Night
Disc 2 1. Walkin' Thro' the Night 2. Armed and Ready 3. Bring on the Dancing Girls 4. Some Like It Hot 5. Kites 6. Crazy 7. Walkin' on a High Wire 8. Touch the Night 9. Reach for the Night 10. After the Fall 11. Too Late 12. Gate Crashin' 13. Live Now Pay Later 14. Open Fire
Alright, for the benefit of those who don't follow my posts, Marseille was a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal(NWOBHM in short. If you're not into the genre, then this is a good time to start!) band from Liverpool, England. Its funny how I always manage to relate the word Liverpool to The Beatles, one of the greatest artists of all time. Just my opinion. We could always agree to disagree. Anyway, back to Marseille. The band was formed in 1976, and released their debut album, Red, White and Slightly Blue on the label Mountain in 1978. Members included Paul Dale (vocals), Neil Buchanan (guitar) and Steve Dinwoodie (bass).
Marseille gathered a small fanbase while promoting their first album as support for other groups such as UFO. Their debut, that suffered somewhat from lack in promotion and limitation of release, had very raunchy lyrics.
Their second release, the eponymous Marseille received airplay on local-radio, extending their fanbase. However record company issues and disinterest in the band caused Marseille to split-up after their third, and final release; Touch The Night.
For those whom I've bored so far...
Disc 1: Tracks one through nine are the Red White and Slightly Blue album minus "Lolita" and "She Gives Me Hell" (1978), 10 is from the single of the same name (1979), 11 is the b-side of The French Way single (1978), and 12 through 14 are from the Marseille LP (1979).
Disc 2: Tracks one, two, four and five are also from Marseille ("You're a Woman" and Don't Want to Hurt You" from this album were left off), track three is from the single of the same name (1979), and six through 14 are from the Touch the Night record (1984).
NWOBHM enthusiasts, get this NOW. This is one of the rarest releases around. I couldn't find one decent link to this release anywhere on the internet. Now, I proudly present this to you folks. I repeat, very special thanks to EmpressMish for this release. Cheers!
Rock Goddess was a London based all girl band that very nearly stole Girlschool's crown of top female achievers in the British rock scene. The band wrote catchy hard rocking songs blessed with Jody Turner's raucous high powered vocal delivery. The original line up comprised of the Turner sisters, (whose father John managed the band) Tracy Lamb (who would later go on to play for Girlschool) and keyboard player Donnica Camon. This line up had a track 'Make My Night' on the Girlfriend Records compilation 'Making Waves' and toured with The Gymslips to promote its release. A&M Records signed ROCK GODDESS shortly after a four track Vic Maile produced demo and a triumphant appearance at the 1982 Reading festival. Donnica left the band and they released their eponymous debut in 1983 as a trio. There were legal problems because Julie was still attending school and was restricted in the number of live gigs she could play. Lamb became disgruntled at what she perceived to be the domination of the Turners, quitting to initially form SHE, but ending up joining Girlschool in 1987. She was replaced by Dee O'Malley and the follow-up album, Hell Hath No Fury was released in 1984. The band co-headlined with Y&T and Iron Maiden on UK tours and with Saxon in France. O'Malley announced her pregnancy and left the band in 1986. She was replaced by Julia Longman on bass and Becky Axten joined on keyboards.
After their A&M contract expired, a third album, Young And Free was released in 1987 in France only, but their career was cut short by financial and contractual problems which forced them to disband shortly thereafter. They were forced to call it a day. During their heydays though, they toured as a supporting act to Saxon, Iron Maiden, and a bunch of other bands... All said and done, the first line written here about the band says it all. Rock Goddess was a London based all girl band that very nearly stole Girlschool's crown of top female achievers in the British rock scene...
Buckethead (born Brian Carroll in 1969[1]) is an American guitarist and composer. He is known for wearing a white plastic mask and a KFC bucket on his head. He is a prolific composer, having released 38 solo albums and performed on over 50 more. He has also made a guest appearance on 44 different albums from various artists. His music spans across diverse areas such as thrash metal, funk, electronica, jazz and avant-garde music.
Although a multi-instrumentalist (playing bass guitar, banjo,[2] and piano), Buckethead is best known for his electric guitar playing, characterized by diverse playing styles spanning thrash guitar, fingerpicking, and slap guitar. Guitar One voted him number 8 on a list of the "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time".[3]
Although Buckethead now works primarily as a solo artist touring the United States with a trio, he has had a wide variety of high profile collaborations with such artists as Les Claypool, Tony Williams, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Iggy Pop, Serj Tankian, Guns N' Roses, Saul Williams, Mike Patton, Viggo Mortensen and with Bill Laswell on Praxis.
Buckethead also has a career writing and performing music for major motion pictures. Some of the films he has worked on include: Saw II, Ghosts of Mars, Beverly Hills Ninja, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, Last Action Hero and the soundtrack of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.
Alright, in all probability this band would've never really made it into the blog if not for a request. I'm not much into Neurosis, but I do know a few people who swear by Neurosis. I don't know much, but I can tell you this much. Neurosis are something like Ulver(no, not in terms of music, but in terms of change). If you've followed this bands career long enough, then you know what I'm talking about. Here is a band that is heavily introspective and thoughtful, and it shows not just in their music, but in their lyrics as well...
1. Crazy 2. Walking On A High Wire 3. After The Fall 4. Touch The Night 5. Reach For The Night 6. Too Late 7. Gate Crashin' 8. Live Now Pay Later 9. Open Fire
After one more of those little absences that I manage to keep up with what can almost be called routine now, I'm proud to present to you a very, very rare album by an extremely rare NWOBHM band. This is Marseille's third and final full length album. They released two albums before this one, titled "Red White And Slighty Blue"(1978) and a self titled full length in 1979. If my memory serves me right, they disbanded sometime after the release of "Marseille" and then reunited in 1982 which eventually led to their 1984 release. Neil Buchanan(who played guitars on the first two Marseille releases) now hosts the children's TV program "Art Attack" for the British CITV channel. Interesting, isn't it?
A highly influential and successful Stockholm Metal outfit, HEAVY LOAD saw regular chart placings in their home country with a series of strong self-financed albums. The band date to 1976 when brothers Ragne and Styrbjörn Wahlquist teamed up with bassist Michael 'Bachler' Backlund. Heavy gigging ensued and the following year Backlund departed to be replaced by Dan Molén.
HEAVY LOAD scored its first album release in November 1978 when Stockholm Record store Heavy Sound released 'Full Speed At High Level', recorded at Mill Recording Studio in July, and the trio undertook a headline tour of Sweden to promote its release. HEAVY LOAD’s brand of Metal was both enthusiastically riff orientated and melodious. Curiously, in the visual stakes, they would also take on every Heavy Metal cliché in the book with each and every album cover depicting a Viking warrior in battle mode.
By 1979 the touring schedule had taken its toll on Molen who quit. HEAVY LOAD added bassist Eero Koivisto and rhythm guitarist Leif 'Lillen' Liljegren to become a quartet. However, within months both new members had left and later formed RED BARON in 1985, Liljegren also turned up as a member of TREAT at one point.
During the summer of 1979 the band found replacements in bassist Torbjörn Ragnesjö and ex-HIGHBROW guitarist Eddy Malm. HEAVY LOAD's next release was the September 1981 mini-album 'Metal Conquest' cut at Decibel Studios that July, which gained the band many honours, beating many international acts to grab the number one airplay position on the H.M.H. Metal radio station playlist and charting in the national Swedish listings. Naturally the album sleeve featured Vikings at war. This success was capitalised on by an extensive headline tour, which included two live radio broadcasts from Malmö and Stockholm. A further album, 'Death Or Glory', arrived in October 1982 with another national chart placing at number 47. First editions of this record came packaged with a free 7" single, 'Take Me Away' / 'Trespasser'. 'Death Or Glory'’s artwork now saw an axe wielding Viking pitched against a polar bear.
1983 started with HEAVY LOAD releasing a concert video and recording the 'Stronger Than Evil' album, sporting a Viking atop a pile of recently slaughtered foes, for issue in October. THIN LIZZY's enigmatic frontman PHIL LYNOTT, who was in Sweden promoting his solo album at the time appeared on the track 'Free'. At this point HEAVY LOAD extended their touring into Europe as album sales got stronger, although gigs were curtailed in mid 1984 when Ragnesjö departed. It was 1985 by the time HEAVY LOAD added new bassist Andreas Fritz to the ranks.
Having been self-financed since inception the band now sought a major record deal and soon signed with WEA. A single, 'Monsters Of The Night', was released backed up by further Swedish dates, but a projected album never materialized and Malm left to pursue a solo project. As a result HEAVY LOAD was put on ice as the Wahlquist brothers concentrated on building a recording studio that would be used later by CANDLEMASS amongst others. Ragne Wahlquist scored a significant production credit on the monumental CANDLEMASS debut in 1986, 'Epicus, Doomicus, Metallicus'.
In 1986 HEAVY LOAD recruited guitarist Patrik Karlsson to work on a new album, although further delays were caused when Fritz left to work with ex-member Malm. Still intent on recording a new album, ex-THE DAMNED and UFO bassist Paul Gray joined up, but business considerations at the recording studio forestalled any release, although a new HEAVY LOAD album apparently still remained a possibility.
Still, the Wahlquist brothers have resurrected their Thunderload label to release the Christian Metal VENI DOMINE album 'Material Sanctuary' in 1995. The band's legacy was still strong in 2000 as evident by Swedish Metal kings HAMMERFALL cutting a version of HEAVY LOAD's 'Run With The Devil' for a bonus track on their chart single 'Renegade'. Italian Power Metal band NOBLE SAVAGE covered the HEAVY LOAD track 'Dreaming' on their 'Killing For The Glory' album in 2005.
Taken from Rockdetector
This band plays some excellent heavy metal. A must have!
Country: United States of America Genre: Power Metal
Tracklist:
1. At Night 2. Some Other Time Some Other Place 3. Axes & Honor 4. To Be a Champion 5. Infinitum 6. Fight to Be Free 7. Transfixed 8. By My Hand 9. Guardian Bloodline 10. The Reflecting Pool
Twisted Tower Dire...what can one say that is actually bad about these guys? Its very hard to actually find something bad in the style of music this band plays. I used to listen to a bit of American Heavy Metal here and there, but never really too much, until I heard this album. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine called me up and was raving about a band called "Twisted Tower Dire" and wouldn't stop until I borrowed the album from him promising him that I'll listen to them really soon. I didn't keep that promise. The album would rot away in my collection for another three months or so until one fine day, I summoned up the nerve to give it a spin. I was a little more than apprehensive as to whether it was really going to be worth it. How good can a band by the name of "Twisted Tower Dire" be? Yes, sometimes I do tend to be a little closed minded. Anyway, I half expected to listen to some cheesy power metal, or some sort of weird new age stuff. Anyway, I decided to give it a spin nonetheless. Even in my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined what a monumental experience awaited me. Right from the word go, these guys have belted out a flawless album(at least, thats how I see it...even now)! Its a funny thing...you think you've heard it all while most new bands aren't really doing much, but suddenly...out of the blue, comes a band that simply takes heavy metal and puts it on a pedestal. There’s nothing fancy going on in the songwriting department as the band doesn't waste any time in getting to the point. The songs are straightforward and have a great flow to them using the classic verse-bridge-refrain structure, augmented by the occasional well played and fitting solo. The vocals are well-rounded, melodic, occasionally soaring and intense, and always catchy. The guitars are heavy and the riffs varied. Bland description maybe, but all of the instruments stand out, which makes it hard for me to point out highlights. These guys are more like Iron Savior and Firewind. An obvious comparison would be Iron Savior since Piet Sielck has produced, and influenced, both bands. It is sometimes funny how an album such as this didn't get the fame it rightfully deserved. It got a few heads turning, but not nearly enough. If you haven't heard this, get it, listen to it, and buy the album and support the chaps who play such great metal!
I didn't have a clue what a "Sad Iron" was until I made a search on it only a moment ago. Turns out it's an old-fashioned word for an iron, i.e. the kind of iron you iron out the wrinkles on your IRON MAIDEN-shirt(not that it really needs ironing...the clumsier, the better...haha) with."Total Damnation" is one of the finest Dutch Metal records of it's time, despite some corniness in the lyrical department. "We all praise the devil, he is so fine..." had me laughing out loud the first time I heard it, but the sheer heaviness and quality of the song shut me up pretty quickly. SAD IRON play fast, hard, heavy & remorseless HEAVY METAL without one ounce of wimpness. Simple, yes, but very inspiring & uplifting with great leads and riffing + even a harmony or 2, which more than makes up for the small imperfections in the vocals and musicianship. Proto-Speed Metal monsters like "Demon's Night" and "Prisoners", the NWOBHMy "Hellfighter" and especially the monstrous, epic title track all comes with really catchy choruses and rudimentary hooks. Even the token R'n'R song "Rock 'n Roll Rendez-vous" kicks ass, sounding somewhat like a metallized DEAD KENNEDYS. "Three Crown Saws" closes the album in a more intricate manner, with plenty of different fast-heavy-melodic parts scrambled together MERCYFUL FATE-style. The lyrics to this one confuses a little, though. "Never trust the devil.../...He will destroy your life" doesn't quite rhyme with their earlier "praise the devil!"-exhortations, but I guess the man's got the right to change his mind, right? Musically I'd put 'em in the same bunch as early GOTHAM CITY, ACID and even EXCITER at times, so fans of said combos know what to do.
Another useless fact from I'm-not-sure-which-part-of-my-brain-this-comes-from...the drummer of Sad Iron is also the Drummer for Picture, the first Dutch Heavy Metal band. On a personal note, they're (Picture) my favourite dutch Heavy Metal band...
Country: United Kingdom Genre: NWOBHM/Traditional Metal
Tracklist:
1. The Star Of Beshaan 2. Pandora's Box 3. Hold High The Flame 4. Children Of Tomorrow 5. Trial By Fire 6. Starflight 7. Dead Man's Gold 8. Treachery (Ride Like The Wind) 9. Son Of Odin
This is the first album by a band called Elixir, an NWOBHM band that was born a little late for the scene, to be honest. By the year 1986(the year this album, their debut abum, was released), many things that were trademark NWOBHM were becoming so overused and cliché that record labels as well as the bands had realised that they were not going to be successful by playing to the mainstream rock audience. The dual guitar harmonies are used rather sparingly, and gone are the songs about love. Instead, this has a whole lot of good old Heavy Metal influences with a nice epic feel as its topping. A little interesting fact for all those interested...ex-Iron Maiden drummer, Clive Burr, would join this band for their second album.
The album has fairly average production, and everything seems to be fairly in place. Nothing really extraordinary, but nothing bad either. A special note to the mid range vocals...Paul Taylor does an excellent job on this album. He sings more complex vocals when compared to older NWOBHM bands wherein the vocals were fairly simple in structure.
When the suns rise from the west That's the time that you should start to pray When the eagle leaves the nest That's the sign that he is on his way The Son of Odin
According to the legend of Ragnarok, the sons of Odin, Vidar and Váli, will be among the few gods to survive that final conflict. The song itself is rather unclear as to which particular one it’s referring to, as the eagle isn’t a symbol of either as far as I know, and both are associated with the vengeance the song hints at: Vidar avenged his father’s death at the hands (paws?) of Fenris, and Váli slew blind Hod, Baldur’s killer. But regardless, this song tells of hope rather than the unmitigated despair of the previous tracks. It really serves as a fitting end to the album, and shows the band was concerned not only with the individual songs, but also with the album’s overall effect. It’s this attention to the “big picture” that cements The Son of Odin as an absolute quality album. Apparently this band caused a stir back in its day, but now they’re just one of countless criminally under-appreciated mid 80’s metal acts. For those of you who don't know...this band is still active. If I'm not much mistaken, they broke up after their second album Lethal Potion and later reunited in 2001, and have continued belting out records to this day...
A Stoke on Trent quintet, formed in 1980 with original guitarist Amos Sanfillipo, LE GRIFFE's debut release ('Fast bikes' EP) sold out of the first pressing of 2000 following a short British club tour in early 1983. Another EP ('You're Killing Me') followed later that year. Unfortunately LE GRIFFE split in 1984 after the release of their EP(some call it their debut album...) 'Breaking Strain' with Kev Collier then joining ROGUE MALE.
Band: Calamine
