Blog Archives
Anvil – Juggernaut of Justice
Anvil – Juggernaut Of Justice (2011, The End Records)
1. “Juggernaut of Justice” … 3:40
2. “When Hell Breaks Loose” … 3:11
3. “New Orleans Voo Doo” … 4:25
4. “On Fire” … 3:23
5. “Fuken Eh!” … 4:08
6. “Turn It Up” … 2:57
7. “This Ride” … 3:12
8. “Not Afraid” … 3:44
9. “Conspiracy” … 3:20
10. “Running” … 2:54
11. “Paranormal” … 7:04
12. “Swing Thing” … 3:00
Bonus Tracks
13. “The Station” … 3:24
14. “Tonight Is Coming” … 3:44
Band:
Steve “Lips” Kudlow – Vocals, Guitar
Glenn Five – Bass, Vocals
Robb Reiner – Drums
Producer: Bob Marlette
This is more like it! Anvil always sounds like Anvil but I was treading lightly going into this album after the solid but plodding This Is Thirteen. The band has obviously been re-energized since the release of “Anvil: The Story of Anvil” and this is their first new studio release since that documentary came out. With Bob Marlette producing, the band has turned in one of their best sounding albums yet and the entire band really shows just how talented they are. Lips turns in some great work on guitar and Robb is relentless on the drums. Even Glenn Five gets to shine a bit — he handles lead vocals on “This Ride” (and does a darn good job too).
Look, reviewing another Anvil release is like reviewing another Motorhead or AC/DC album. If you like these band, you’ll like each and every album they put out. But Juggernaut of Justice is definitely a step above This Is Thirteen. The album seems to be more aggressive and faster than the last effort. It just goes to show that 30 years on Anvil is still a powerful and relevant heavy metal machine that plays in that fast and furious speed & thrash metal style that to me is best summed up as good ol’ heavy metal! The one time the band does go outside the box on this album is with “Swing Thing”, a surprisingly good instrumental jazz metal number. When I initially heard about the track, I thought it was going to be pretty lame but it actually works pretty well and is one of my favorite tracks off the album.
At fourteen tracks, I thought the album was a bit long but apparently “The Station” and “Tonight Is Coming” are bonus tracks. My copy is apparently a “limited edition” and these two songs are not on the album proper for a reason — they are standard brain dead heavy metal numbers (“tonight is coming/all day long!”).
Highlights: “Juggernaut of Justice”, “When Hell Breaks Loose”, “New Orleans Voo Doo”, “Fuken Eh!”, “Conspiracy”, “Swing Thing”
http://www.anvilmetal.com/
http://www.facebook.com/anvilmetal
Exodus – Exhibit B: The Human Condition
Exodus – Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010, Nuclear Blast Records)
1. “The Ballad of Leonard and Charles” … 7:14
2. “Beyond the Pale” … 7:40
3. “Hammer and Life” … 3:31
4. “Class Dismissed (A Hate Primer)” … 7:15
5. “Downfall” … 6:22
6. “March of the Sycophants” … 6:45
7. “Nanking” … 7:22
8. “Burn, Hollywood, Burn” … 4:05
9. “Democide” … 6:36
10. “The Sun Is My Destroyer” … 9:33
11. “A Perpetual State of Indifference” … 2:25
12. “Good Riddance” … 5:33
Band:
Rob Dukes – Vocals
Gary Holt – Guitar
Lee Altus – Guitar
Jack Gibson – Bass
Tom Hunting – Drums, Percussion
Producer: Andy Sneap
Try as I might, I cannot get into this album. I have such a hard time with thrash these days. Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax really ruined me for everyone else. I’m finding that I’m not a huge fan of the retro thrash movement or the “second wave” of ’80s thrash bands. Overkill, Testament and Evile are okay, Death Angel I actually like a lot but Exodus is leaving me cold. The worst part of the album for me is Rob Dukes. I just can’t stand his screaming. It’s really ruining the music for me because it borders on that screamo/hardcore stuff I can’t stand.
I’ve listened to this album 4 or 5 times since buying it shortly after it came out in 2010. Yes, it’s been that hard for me to get into and listening to it again recently, there’s really nothing that sticks out. Is it terrible? No. There’s some good metal on the disc. Despite Dukes’ harsh vocals, “Nanking” is a pretty awesome song and is the best of the bunch for me. Very little stands out and none of what does is particularly memorable to my ears.
Highlights: “The Ballad of Leonard and Charles”, “Beyond the Pale”, “Nanking”, “Democide”
http://www.exodusattack.com/
http://www.facebook.com/exodusattack
http://www.myspace.com/exodus
Razorwyre – Coming Out
Razorwyre – Coming Out (2010, self-released)
1. “Party Of Five” … 3:19
2. “Fuck You Tonight” … 4:13
3. “Operation Market Garden” … 4:19
4. “Suspiria” … 4:41
5. “Battleshark” … 6:27
Band:
Z-Chylde – Vocals
Chris Calavrias – Guitar
James Murray – Guitar
Simon – Bass
Nick Oakes – Drums
Additional Musicians:
Tim “Diamond Tim” Shann – Bass, Backing Vocals
Producer: Tim “Diamond Tim” Shann
Coming Out is a great little EP featuring a fantastic young band from New Zealand! Razorwyre is influenced by and plays in the style of traditional metal, NWOBHM, speed and thrash. In short… they rock! The band never lets up throughout this great five-song set. Z-Chylde screams like a siren and Chris Calavrias & James Murray display some great Maiden-esque work along with some fine speed and thrashing while Nick Oakes smashes and bashes along with ‘em.
“Party Of Five” is a great way to start off the album, setting the pace for the rest of album and acting as a calling card for the band. And I love how the band uses thrash but isn’t only writing “evil”, nihilistic or depressing lyrics. “Fuck You Tonight” is a great example of that: “Tonight! Tonight, I’m gonna fuck you, tonight! I’ll be out the door tomorrow!” \m/ “Battleshark” is a great closer. Not only is the title great but there’s some great machine gun riffing going on and at 6 minutes and 27 seconds it stands as the band’s lone “epic” at this point.
Razorwyre is one of the most exciting new bands I’ve heard in a while to use the ’80s metal template. And best of all? This EP is FREE! So if you want to hear for yourself, head over to the band’s website and download it! They’re working on their first full-length album right now and here’s hoping it gets released ASAP! The world needs more Razorwyre!
One thing I found interesting about this band is that they were briefly known as Gaywyre. An odd band name but I thought maybe it was some type of New Zealand thing but then this EP is called Coming Out. Is there some type of message here or am I reading too much into it? Who cares! Razorwyre rocks!
Highlights: “Fuck You Tonight”, “Operation Market Garden”, “Battleshark”
http://www.razorwyreband.com/
http://www.facebook.com/razorwyre
http://www.myspace.com/razorwyreband
Death Angel – Relentless Retribution
Death Angel – Relentless Retribution (2010, Nuclear Blast Records)
1. “Relentless Revolution” … 4:28
2. “Claws In So Deep” … 7:44
3. “Truce” … 3:31
4. “Into The Arms Of Righteous Anger” … 4:31
5. “River Of Rapture” … 4:35
6. “Absence Of Light ” …4:32
7. “This Hate” … 3:33
8. “Death Of The Meek” … 5:15
9. “Opponents At Sides” … 6:21
10. “I Chose The Sky” … 4:06
11. “Volcanic” … 3:34
12. “Where They Lay” … 4:30
Band:
Mark Osegueda – Vocals
Rob Cavestany – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Ted Aguilar – Guitar
Damien Sisson – Bass
Will Carroll – Drums
Additional Musicians:
Rodrigo y Gabriela – Guitars (“Claws In So Deep”)
Jason Suecof – Guitar (“Truce”)
Producer: Jason Suecof
I’ve never followed Death Angel until this year. I know Act III is supposed to be their masterpiece and one of the better thrash albums out there but it wasn’t until this year that I finally picked it up. I’m very picky with my thrash. A lot of thrash bands sound like garbage to me. I like thrash but it’s not my favorite sub-genre of metal. And I have zero interest in any thrash band that pushes themselves towards any type of ”extreme metal” sound. So it often takes me a while to come around and try thrash bands I haven’t heard before.
The good news is that I’m enjoying Death Angel very much. I’ve had Act III since earlier in the year but I haven’t gotten around to reviewing it or listening to it a whole lot but I’m really liking Relentless Retribution. It’s a great balance of aggressive and melodic moments. There are pure thrashers like “Truce”, “River Of Rapture”, “Into The Arms of Righteous Anger” but then songs like “Relentless Revolution”, “Claws In So Deep”, “Volcanic” and “I Chose The Sky” throw in enough melodic moments to keep the album interesting.
Not that the full-throttle headbanging numbers are anything to sneeze at. There are some excellent moments all throughout this album and of the few recent thrash albums I’ve heard over the last two years or so, Relentless Retribution has proven to be my favorite so far.
I’ve heard some minor quibbles from longtime Death Angel fans that the album carries too much of a modern metal vibe. I’m not sure how true that it is but so what, I found myself enjoying this disc.
Highlights: “Relentless Revolution”, “Claws In So Deep”, “River Of Rapture”, “Absence Of Light”, “I Chose The Sky”, “Volcanic”
http://www.deathangel.us
http://www.myspace.com/deathangel
http://www.facebook.com/deathangel
Like this:
Metal Church – Metal Church
Metal Church – Metal Church (1985, Elektra Records)
1. “Beyond the Black” … 6:23
2. “Metal Church” … 5:03
3. “Merciless Onslaught” … 2:54
4. “Gods of Wrath” … 6:41
5. “Hitman” … 4:39
6. “In the Blood” … 3:31
7. “(My Favorite) Nightmare” … 3:12
8. “Battalions” … 4:53
9. “Highway Star” … 4:39
Band:
David Wayne – Vocals
Kurdt Vanderhoof – Guitar
Craig Wells – Guitar
Duke Erickson – Bass
Kirk Arrington – Drums
Producer: Metal Church and Terry Date
I have owned Metal Church’s second album, The Dark, for YEARS. For whatever reason, I was never a fan of it but constant praise for this group has convinced me to start from the very beginning. And what an album this debut is! Classic metal through and through as the band uses a more melodic brand of thrash and speed metal while also employing power metal as well.
Songs like “Beyond the Black”, “Metal Church” and “Battalions” are out and out metal classics that I have lived far too long without. They even do a great amped up version of “Highway Star”. It’s amazing that even with just this one album, the band wasn’t able to become metal superstars. They were even on the same label as Metallica… why didn’t this work out ?!? And that cover? Man, that cover is one of the most metal and evil looking album covers of all time!
Again, this is one of those great classic metal albums where I’m really at a loss for words other than to say that I think it’s great. I’ve even ordered a few more Church CDs and plan on revisiting The Dark in the near future.
Highlights: “Beyond the Black”, “Metal Church”, “Gods of Wrath”, “Battalions”, “Highway Star”
http://metalchurchmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/metalchurch
MEGADETH – Rust In Peace Live
Megadeth – Rust In Peace Live (2010, Shout! Factory)
1. “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” … 7:03
2. “Hangar 18″ … 5:06
3. “Take No Prisoners” … 3:25
4. “Five Magics” … 6:01
5. “Poison Was The Cure” … 3:36
6. “Lucretia” … 3:59
7. “Tornado of Souls” … 5:29
8. “Dawn Patrol” … 1:53
9. “Rust In Peace… Polaris” … 6:10
10. “Holy Wars – Reprise” … 4:16
11. “Skin O’ My Teeth” … 3:20
12. “In My Darkest Hour” … 6:12
13. “She-Wolf” … 3:37
14. “Trust” … 5:10
15. “Symphony of Destruction” … 4:01
16. “Peace Sells” … 4:47
Band:
Dave Mustaine – Vocals, Guitar
Chris Broderick – Guitar
David Ellefson – Bass
Shawn Drover – Drums
Producer: Bart Peters
Pretty odd that Shout! Factory would release this as I thought Megadeth still had a deal in place with Roadrunner Records, owing them one more album, but maybe that only applies to studio albums? Anyway, this show was recorded on March 31, 2010 at the historic Hollywood Palladium and is notable for being the first recording to feature David Ellefson back on bass after an 8 year absence from the band.
My feelings are mixed on Megadeth’s past live releases. I was totally unimpressed initially by 2001′s Rude Awakening. Looking back, it was an okay live album but it’s inferior compared to 2007′s That One Night: Live in Buenos Aires. Due to me liking That One Night so much, I wanted to pick this album up. I’m actually surprised very little marketing has been done for it, I only knew it existed because I was browsing through Amazon.com a few weeks ago and it popped up as a recommendation.
As you can tell by the title of the album, the band plays the entire Rust In Peace album. This was being done on the entire tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album. The “encore” is a number of Megadeth’s biggest hits and crowd favorites and every song on this album sounds fantastic. Megadeth has never had a problem performing in a live setting, Dave always has the cream of the crop in his band. It’s absolutely amazing the number of extremely talented co-guitarists he’s had over the years.
Though I’ve always thought Rust In Peace was overrated (very good, but still overrated), fans who are absolutely in love with that album should be absolutely in love with this live disc. The packaging is kinda low-budget though. You’d think there’d be some liner notes from Dave about the original album, or this tour or this one particular show, but nope, just some album credits and photos from this concert. Maybe such extra content is being saved for a special edition of Rust In Peace.
Still, Megadeth fans should be just as pleased with this release as the crowd was that night!
Highlights: “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”, “Hangar 18″, “Take No Prisoners”, “Rust In Peace… Polaris”, “In My Darkest Hour”, “Trust”, “Symphony of Destruction”, “Peace Sells”
www.megadeth.com
www.myspace.com/megadeth
Like this:
FALLEN ANGEL – Crawling Out Of Hell
Fallen Angel – Crawling Out Of Hell (2010, Fallen Angel Records)
1. “Crash To Oblivion” … 0:48
2. “Sinner’s Vengeance” … 5:04
3. “March Into Hell” … 1:02
4. “Blood On My Soul” … 3:20
5. “The Grinding Wheels Of War” … 2:00
6. “The Reapers Shall Gather” … 3:19
7. “Arrival” … 1:12
8. “Dark Lord” … 4:35
9. “Darkness” … 4:37
10. “The One Who Walks Alone” … 4:52
11. “The Answer” … 5:56
12. “Respiration Desperation” … 1:09
13. “The Neutral Zone” … 4:41
14. “Life Or Death” … 3:50
15. “On And On” … 4:54
16. “Ashes To Ashes” … 1:01
17. “Leaving It All Behind” … 6:05
18. “Watching” … 3:37
19. “Sad Wings” … 6:15
20. “Grant Me Peace” … 4:00
Band:
Steve Seniuk – Lead Vocals
John Cruppe – Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Robb Lotta – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Joe Surace – Bass, Backing Vocals
Frankie Quaggs – Drums, Percussion
Producer: John Cruppe
In terms of visuals if the idea behind KISS was “four Alice Coopers” then Fallen Angel is four King Diamonds. Each member of this group has a freaky look that would lead you to believe this band is going to play some variation of black metal. Luckily, there are no helium vocals, Cookie Monster growls or any Satan-worshiping lyrics that will cause you to roll your eyes. The band’s MySpace page gave me a clue they might not sound like what the look like since that’s where they claim influences ranging from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Slayer, Rush, Korn and Pink Floyd! The end result of all those influences is an album that delivers power metal more than anything else alongside some elements of trash, prog and NWOBHM.
Years in the making, Crawling Out Of Hell is a concept album (the first in a planned trilogy) based on the novel of the same name that was written by the group’s guitarist/producer John Cruppe. Included in the CD booklet is some pretty cool art work and snippets of the story explaining what is going on. For any album it’s a well put together package but it’s even more impressive given that it is self-released. Also of note is the band’s other guitarist Robb Lotta who has worked with Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna in the past and lead vocalist Steve Seniuk who does an amazing job throughout the album with a number of vocal ranges.
At twenty tracks, this album can be a bit overwhelming but it is really not too bad when you keep in mind that six of these songs are instrumentals that clock in at two minutes or less. Personally, whenever a band releases a concept piece, I’m less concerned with whatever story they’re trying to tell and more focused on the music. Hey, if you can tie if all together and make the pieces fit that’s great but I want good music first and foremost. Not that I have to tell Fallen Angel that. Hey, look, a concept album that doesn’t dull itself and get lost in effects and trying to build atmosphere! Other than the few short instrumental breaks, this album gallops from start to finish with “Dark Lord” being my personal favorite. Seniuk really shines on that song, I think. Another favorite of mine is “The Answer”, which is a very good ballad that reminds me of Queensryche at times.
Overall, Crawling Out Of Hell is a solid debut that has much in common with classic metal bands of the past. This is definitely a band to keep an eye on. Now bring on those sequels!
Highlights: “Sinner’s Vengeance”, “Dark Lord”, “The One Who Walks Alone”, “The Answer”, “Leaving It All Behind”, “Grant Me Peace”
http://www.fallenangelofficialwebsite.com/
http://www.myspace.com/bandsitefallenangel
RAVEN – Walk Through Fire
Raven – Walk Through Fire (2010, Metal Blade Records)
Original Release: 2009, King Records (Japan only)
1. “Intro” … 0:52
2. “Against The Grain” … 3:52
3. “Breaking You Down” … 3:02
4. “Under Your Radar” … 4:05
5. “Walk Through Fire” … 3:20
6. “Bulldozer” … 3:53
7. “Long Day’s Journey” … 4:50
8. “Trainwreck” … 3:34
9. “Grip” … 3:31
10. “Running Around In Circles” … 3:40
11. “Hard Road” … 3:45
12. “Armageddon” … 6:31
13. “Attitude” … 3:24
14. “Space Station #5″ … 4:01
BONUS TRACKS
15. “Live At The Inferno” [live] … 4:17
16. “Rock Until You Drop” [live] … 5:32
Band:
John Gallagher – Vocals, Bass
Mark Gallagher – Guitar
Joe Hasselvander – Drums
Producer: Raven
This album was originally released exclusively in Japan in 2009 but received European/U.S. releases in 2010. I’m American and I have the American version that features two new bonus tracks, so that’s good enough to call this a 2010 album for me. Previous to buying this album, I owned only one Raven release — their debut Rock Until You Drop. It was okay but didn’t thrill me enough to catch up on the rest of their catalog. Still, I was willing to give this new release a try, even willing to buy the Japanese import but it was so expensive. I was relieved to hear a U.S. distribution deal was finally secured for this album.
Though I haven’t followed Raven’s career, I can at least report this album continues the NWBOHM meets early thrash/speed style they started with. For anyone else unfamiliar with this band, the closest comparison I can think of is Anvil. Both bands have that New Wave British metal sound while slightly pushing it to the limit and into the territories of speed & trash metal. I’m particularly impressed with John Gallagher’s high pitch vocals. It adds to the charm of this old school metal release.
Though this album isn’t going to make my Top 10 for the year, it’s still a fun heavy energetic listen carried by John’s vocals and great guitars. Hardcore Raven fans should be very pleased.
I hate this album cover, it’s so cheap looking but it appears they were maybe giving a nod to previous album covers for All For One and Live At The Inferno. In another bit of annoyance “Necessary Evil”, a new studio track, was left off the European/U.S. releases and replaced with two live “bonus” tracks. Frankly, I would have rather had a listen at another new song especially when John’s voice seems strained on “Rock Until You Drop” and the crowd seems rather subdued (small?).
Highlights: “Against The Grain’, “Under Your Radar”, “Long Day’s Journey”, “Trainwreck”, “Hard Road”
http://www.ravenlunatics.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ravenlunatics
OVERKILL – Ironbound
Overkill – Ironbound (2010, E1 Music)
1. “The Green and Black” … 8:14
2. “Ironbound” … 6:35
3. “Bring Me the Night” … 4:18
4. “The Goal Is Your Soul” … 6:43
5. “Give a Little” … 4:44
6. “Endless War” … 5:43
7. “The Head and Heart” … 5:13
8. “In Vain” … 5:15
9. “Killing for a Living” … 6:16
10. “The SRC” … 5:03
Band:
Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth – Vocals
Dave Linsk – Guitar
Derek Tailer – Guitar
DD Verni – Bass
Ron Lipnicki – Drums
Producer: Overkill
I don’t know whether something went wrong with mixing, mastering or maybe just during the album’s pressing but a buzz has built up online over many people hearing static throughout the songs. I held off on getting the album because of this problem yet other people say their copies are fine, so I eventually took a gamble and ended up buying it. I put it in my computer and it played fine. The next day, I put it in my car stereo and that’s when the static pops up. I check the disc and there’s tons of scratches on it. The static ranges from small crackles you might hear on a distant radio station to full-blown fuzz that totally dominates depending on the track you’re listening to. So then I get home and pop it in my computer again and it plays perfectly. My copy of Metallica’s Death Magnetic had a similar issue (with an entirely different car). What is going on ?!?
This is pretty annoying and I think there is no excuse, given technology these days, that an album is defective like this. Whether this problem began in the studio or at the manufacturing plant, someone is getting paid to catch mistakes like these and they obviously weren’t doing their job on this occasion. Luckily, it just so happens I listen to most of my music on my computer but it is still nice to have options, especially when the album is brand new and I want to listen to it whenever I can.
Despite owning this album since a few weeks or so after it was released and giving it a few spins, I couldn’t bring myself to review it. In my younger years, I was a bit more open and interested in thrash (even then I basically limited myself to the more accessible bands like Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax) and it’s only in the last year or so that I’ve slowly been dipping my toes into thrashy waters once again with the likes of Overkill, Testament and Evile. Therefore, I don’t really consider myself educated enough in the genre to give a fully formed opinion on albums and bands I’m not already familiar with. Oh well, let’s try it anyway…
Basically, to my ears, this is pure old school thrash and that’s the way I like it! “The Green and Black” and ‘Ironbound” (my favorite song off this album — great middle part) especially bring to mind ’80s thrash and the first four songs in particular are all very good. I don’t know how this compares to the rest of the band’s catalog but as a first-time listener, I am very satisfied and will be seeking out more Overkill albums.
Also, I love Ellsworth’s voice. He’s like a really ticked off and rougher sounding Bon Scott and all of this comesafter having had a stroke! Just amazing.
Highlights: “The Green and Black”, “Ironbound”, “Bring Me the Night”, “The Goal Is Your Soul”, “The Head and Heart”
