Music Vids - Prt I (aka: this ain't your parents' MTV - but now I'm too old to say that)

Aside from the music, I love finding music videos that are hilarious, fucked up, and/or completely out in left field (all of the above is always a plus). And concert/studio footage/behind the scenes always peak my interest.  If I just flat out enjoy the song then that'll find its way here as well.

New band, old band, Metal, Rock, Punk, Thrash, Hard Rock, Gothic.....doesn't matter.

If it's here then I dig the band, the music, the video...it goes on...and on....and on....it's.....

Life Of Agony - This Time [Been into this band since 1989.]

Overkill - Goddamn Trouble [Their new album "The Grinding Wheel" is one of their best.]

Dimmu Borgir - Progenies of The Great Apocalypse [Classic Dimmu]

The Charm The Fury - Down On The Ropes [New album drops Mar 17th.]

Gojira - The Cell [These guys don't know how to suck at all. They're getting more popular these days.]

Misfits - Riotfest - Denver, CO Sep 4, 2016 [Misfits FINALLY reform and it's insane!]

Carcass - Unfit For Human Consumption [Always have and always will love this band. So melodic and heavy.]

Death Dealer - Hammer Down [ex-Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss still shredding.]

Ghost - Year Zero (Censored)  [The uncensored version was removed from YouTube].

Me And That Man - My Church Is Black  >> Great new band ft. Adam Darski [Behemoth]

Accept Some Y&T On Sabbath (aka: ASYTS)

Spending early Sunday afternoon with Accept. I was hooked on this band the day I heard "Fast As A Shark" back in he day.  Hollllllleeeeeeee shit! Been a fan ever since.

Accept - Blast From The Past Trailer (2002)

My mid-afternoon viewing pleasure. How can anyone not be a fan of Y&T? Dave Meniketti is such an underrated musician. The guy smokes on guitar (Rock, Blues - you name it) and capable of singing effortlessly (even to this day in 2017). Plus the late, great Phil Kennemore on bass. I'll never be able to watch this one enough. Definitely one of my favorite concert videos. And this CD/DVD was hard to come by as well. Was a thorn in my side for many years. 

Y&T - I Believe In You [Live: One Hot Night 2006]

 

Ended my afternoon with a look back at Black Sabbath's 2013 tour since today's Tony Iommi's birthday. Such a great show, even though Bill Ward wasn't onboard. So many fantastic songs here (aside from the classics). This was a nice little find. I had already pre-ordered the Blu-ray, then found out afterwards there was a CD/Blu-ray version released on the Vertigo label in the UK. Had to have it. The Deluxe Box set included three more songs, interviews and behind-the-scenes. Might have to get that at some point. And I'm looking forward to the package they'll be releasing later this year in regards to their final show (filmed a few weeks ago on Feb 4th). This time I'm waiting before I pre-order anything. 

Black Sabbath - Into The Void [Live 2013]

The Overdue Haul (aka: the over-haul)

Nice little haul today. Been wanting the Rock Candy remasters [Armored Saint, Vandenberg, and Krokus] for quite some time. I own the originals from the 80s, but the sound quality on these RC "Reloaded & Remastered" are far superior (normally the case with Rock Candy's releases). And I was able to get them for $10 a pop through RC's eBay store (last ones at that price too). Since they're based out of the UK, they're normally $18-$25 each. 

Haven't had a proper physical copy of Death Dealer and it's been out since 2013. If you're not familiar with this band, it consists of two Manowar alumni in its ranks; guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman and drummer Kenny "Rhino" Earl. Also includes Cage vocalist Sean Peck, guitarist Stu Marshall, bassist Mike Davis (Halford/Lizzy Borden). Such a MONSTER album. 

I finally have the new Kreator "Gods of Violence" in my clutches. I pre-ordered this months ago via UK because I wanted the Blu-ray edition of the 2014 concert instead of DVD. Usually if there's a CD deluxe edition that includes DVD then I'll opt for the Blu-ray instead. More for the sound quality than the video (but better video doesn't suck). Even if it means I have to order from the UK since many US distributors (including Amazon) won't carry the version I want. This also included an autographed Kreator CD booklet (which wa a bonus (talk about luck). 

And Hell Fire album "Metal Masses" released a strong album last year (March 2016). I didn't act on the pre-order so wound up grabbing the digi-album.  But they pressed new CDs and made them available last week. 

Some fantastic music today!

Playlist: Feb 12th-17th

I've listened to so much music this week.

Here are a few of my favorites.  They're worth searching YouTube, CD Baby, Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and/or ReverbNation.

• The Wild! - Wild At Heart - [RELEASED TODAY]
• Fun, party, Jackyl-meets-AC/DC
• SITE: http://www.thewildrocknroll.com/
• Seventh Seal - The Crown EP (2017) -[RELEASED TODAY]
• Some Bullet for My Valentine gallops mix in open choruses ala Killswitch Engage, and sprinkle of Breaking Benjamin.
• SITE: https://seventhsealband.bandcamp.com/album/the-crown
• Thrown Into Exile - Safe Inside (2016)
• "Testa-minty" with a touch of Chimaira, crunch, and Act of Defiance vocalist, Henry Derek Bonner.
• SITE: https://thrownintoexile.bandcamp.com/album/safe-inside
• Dani Montoro - The Journey (2017)
• One man band. Progressive instrumental Metal. This is a damn good one.
• The full album: https://youtu.be/cdEb5wsrKrY
• Holy Mammoth - Sol EP (2016)
• Fuzzy-I need-a-shave-ahh-fuckit-Stoner Rock.  Another favorite.
• SITE: https://holymammothrocks.bandcamp.com/releases
• Heavenwood - The Tarot Of The Bohemians Part 1 (2017)
• Melodic Gothic Metal. Their fifth and probably best release. 
• SITE: https://www.facebook.com/HeavenwoodOfficial/app/2405167945/
• Rumble Jam - Redemption (2017)
• Stoner Rock out of Greece. This one is on repeat.
• SITE: https://rumblejam.bandcamp.com/album/redemption
• Hell's Fire - Rest in Riffs (2017)
• Groove/Southern Metal......from Spain (you'll be surprised).
• The full album: https://youtu.be/e5rh2_bLgEs

Happy New Music Friday!

Judas Priest - Turbo 30 (aka: Flair Metal God)

I received "Turbo 30 [30th Anniversary Edition]" a couple weeks ago and have been listening to it non-stop. Say what you will about the guitar-synths they used, but I had no problem with this when it was released back in '86.  And there are many Priest fans who wrote them off too.  Was it the follow-up to "Defenders of the Faith" I was expecting? Definitely not. I expected another guitar-driven, balls out, Glenn/KK all out guitar attack. Priest were having fun in the mid-80s, so this was their quintessential 80s party album.  It was light and had a lot of that pomp-and-flair.

Yes, I was surprised when I first heard Turbo Lover, Locked In, and Private Property.  But I listened to the album three times in one sitting, just to take it all in and not pass judgement on a band I've admired for so long. And suffice to say, I embraced this one wholeheartedly. Again, their party album during a fun period in their lives while riding another pinnacle of fan adoration.

This Turbo 30th anniversary edition (actually 31 yrs - ha ha) is remastered and includes the concert radio broadcast from Kemper Arena - Kansas City May 22, 1986. Oddly enough, this is a concert I have on cassette. I remember racing home from work so I could record it off the radio (ah, memories). Great package and it still sounds great. My hair still stands on end when I listen to Out In The Cold.

I also included my original ticket stub.  I saw them on the Turbo tour May 2, 1986.  And Raven was the support band (they had released "The Pack Is Back"....but I won't touch that one).

Blast From The Past: Sword "Metalized" (aka: best eight bucks ever spent in 1986)

Without a doubt, this gem is one of my favorites.  Sword's "Metalized" is that nugget of gold you have in your collection that you cherish. Well, I had this album on cassette (never owned it on vinyl) and bought it as one of those "chance" moments.  The one where you look at the cover and think, "Hmmmm, maybe it'll kick ass."  Well, this was one of those back in 1986.  Probably the best eight bucks spent back in the day. I was ready for it to suck when I popped it into my tape deck.  And it didn't.....it blew me away.

All I heard was amazing heavy metal music blaring from my speakers. Guitarist Mike Plant was riffing and throwing down some insane solos. And vocalist Rick Hughes commanded such a presence on every song.  Screamed, sang, the guy had it all. His brother Dan Hughes on drums; a monster in his own right. And bassist Mike Larock (loved his last name) lays down some solid work here too.

The production quality is something to be desired, even for the mid-80s, but that didn't keep me from jamming this all the time.  All the tracks are standouts in my opinion.  Not one bad song in the batch, but if I had to pick favorites it would be FTW, Children Of Heaven, Stoned Again, Dare To Spit, and Evil Spell (Rick's scream was worth the price alone).

I also own their second album "Sweet Dreams" which was released in 1988. That one is on deck. After their 2nd album failed to make any impact (and this is following an opening spot on Metallica's Master of Puppets 1986 tour).  After Sword disbanded, Rick formed a new band in the early 90s called Saints & Sinners and released one self-titled album in '92 in the vein of Bon Jovi-meets-most late 80s early 90s flair bands (yes, flair).  I distinctly remember a few things about this band. 1) I freaked when I learned Aldo Nova had produced it.  2) The "hit song "Walk That Walk" made me cringe...HARD  3) I saw this band perform at a small bar in Albuquerque, NM and they were way better live.

Here's Sword's entire "Metalized" album - thanks to YouTube. And Rick Hughes' Saints & Sinners CD for good measure.

Sword - Metalized (1986)

Saints & Sinners (1992)

Playlist: Feb 5th-11th

I've reacquainted myself with Bandcamp here recently and have listened to SO much music. It's amazing how many independent bands are out there doing their thing.  And aside from Bandcamp there's also Soundcloud, CD Baby, ReverbNation, Spotify, and the always uber-popular YouTube.

Some of the music I've been listening to last week:

• Overkill - Grinding Wheel (2017)
• Been a fan since their inception back in the 80s. They continue to release quality tunes, but with some filler tracks (just a couple). Their Thin Lizzy cover Emerald is pretty epic though.
• Accept - Restless and Live (2017)
• Can never get enough Accept in my life. This live one has so many classic songs. Even if you’re a diehard and can’t get past the fact that Udo doesn’t sing in this band anymore, you’ll dig Mark Tornillo (ex-TT Quick). He’s pretty damn close to emulating Udo without overdoing it.
• Judas Priest - Turbo 30 [3-CD 30th Anniversary Edition] (2017)
• The Priest album so many hated (or still hate). But I dug it immediately. Was it a change up? Absolutely. But I liked it right away when I heard “Locked In” and “Turbo Lover”. Plus this anniversary set comes with a 1986 concert; originally broadcasted over the radio live – I still have that on cassette too.
• Black Star Riders - Heavy Fire (2017)
• Can’t go wrong with this band. Especially having ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham involved. But the entire band are high caliber musicians. This is the band which was formed out of the ashes of Thin Lizzy in 2012. In my humble opinion, this is BSRs strongest release to date.
• MutinyWithin - Origin (2017)
• A band who had gone through so much turmoil – Google it.  Never thought there would ever be a third album and here it is.  I pre-ordered early enough to get a physical CD copy.  Happy about that since the MP3 files floating around online sound like absolute crap.
• Big Wreck - Grace Street (2017)
• Another band I’ve always liked since hearing “The Oaf (My Luck Is Wasted)” back in 1997.  Bandleader Ian Thornley is a genius.  
• Witherfall - Nocturnes and Requiems (2017)
• Formed by ex-members of White Wizzard, Kobra and the Lotus, and Into Eternity.  The music bears resemblance to Savatage and Nevermore.
• Iron Reagan - Crossover Ministry (2017)
• Crazy damn crossover Punk Thrash band which includes members of Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, and Darkest Hour.
• Zerozonic - Zerozonic (2017)
• I’ve been a longtime fan of Norwegian guitarist Daniel "Død" Olaisen going back to the early 90s days playing in Satyricon and then forming Scariot in 2000 (power/prog Metal) and Blood Red Throne (death metal) in 2001.  Daniel possesses so much melody when he plays.  One can tell his influences are Chuck Schuldiner, Dimebag Darrell, and Joe Satriani.
• The Offering - The Offering EP (2017)
• It’s a solid EP. Call them melodic death metal, heavy metal…..I don’t know.  It’s a mix of everything.  I’ve listened to it like 10 times already.

Ronnie James Dio Tribute CD “This Is Your Life”

Mark your online calendars for April 1st!!

To celebrate Ronnie James Dio, an all-star group of his friends recorded 13 of their favorite tracks for a tribute album entitled, “This Is Your Life” which will raise funds for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. This amazing tribute will be available from Rhino April 1st.

Pretty phenomenal track listing.  Majority are new recordings where a few have been released over the last few years.  So many highlights here, can’t wait to get my hands on this.  The album art is equally incredible (have a peek below). \m/\m/

“Neon Knights” – Anthrax*
“The Last In Line” – Tenacious D*
“The Mob Rules” – Adrenaline Mob
“Rainbow In The Dark” – Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Christian Martucci, Jason Christopher*
“Straight Through The Heart” – Halestorm*
“Starstruck” – Motörhead with Biff Byford*
“The Temple Of The King” – Scorpions*
“Egypt (The Chains Are On)” – Doro
“Holy Diver” – Killswitch Engage
“Catch The Rainbow” – Glenn Hughes, Simon Wright, Craig Goldy, Rudy Sarzo, Scott Warren*
“I” – Oni Logan, Jimmy Bain, Rowan Robertson, Brian Tichy*
“Man On The Silver Mountain” – Rob Halford, Vinny Appice, Doug Aldrich, Jeff Pilson, Scott Warren*
“Ronnie Rising Medley (Featuring A Light In The Black, Tarot Woman, Stargazer, Kill The King)” – Metallica*
“This Is Your Life” – Dio

* Previously unreleased