Master Of Puppets turns 31 today + RTL concert 32 years to the day (aka: my mini metallica overload - you've been warned.)

This just in from the "holy shit I'm old" department.

My original Metallica "Master Of Puppets" cassette

Couple of Metallica anniversaries today:

1. Attended Metallica/Armored Saint concert 32 years ago today [Mar 03, 1985].
2. Metallica released "Master of Puppets" 31 years ago today [Mar 03, 1986].

I saw Metallica perform at a local club in Albuquerque, NM 32 years ago today at a local dance club/bar called Graham Central Station (complete with the multicolored dance floor straight out of 1977's Saturday Night Fever) and one year prior to "Master of Puppets" being released upon the masses.  Who knew that a musical juggernaut the size of the moon would be hurled at us in a years time down the road.  But before I go there, I have to reflect on this "Ride The Lightning" concert event of a lifetime.

My ticket stub from Metallica/Armored Saint - Albuquerque, NM  03-03-85

Prior to the concert (same day), Metallica did an in-store appearance at a local record store (Sound Warehouse) and the place was MOBBED.  The parking lot was.....well...a human parking lot. As spacious as Sound Warehouse was, it wasn't large enough for this crowd. And we're talking 1985, Metallica was not on the radio, not on MTV, and yet they had an underground following that was growing larger by the minute (maybe every half minute). 

After waiting in line for two hours, I walked up to a small platform (maybe three steps) where James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Cliff Fuckin' Burton were seated.  I had my "Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning" albums with me.  Walked up to James, nervously shook his hand, handed him both albums to sign and told him how much I loved the music.  He flashed that shit eating grin, thanked me for being a fan, signed the albums; scratched out "lightning" on RTL album cover with his black Sharpie and wrote "bar tab" over it. Next....haha.  Lars and Kirk were in their own world, but both signed the albums.  Then there was Cliff.  I was more nervous about meeting him than I was James. Cliff was kicking back on the end, talking to a few girls, smiling, laughing, just enjoying it all.  Then I walk up and he's super cool. We did the "bro handshake" [sideways, cupped palms] and talked about Kill 'Em All, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Misfits for a minute. He signed my stuff, stood up and gave me a "bro hug". Patted me on the back and sat back down to greet the next person (who happened to be my brother - who was still chatting away with Kirk and holding up the line....haha....people were pissed - but fuck 'em all). 

Concert time. Line was ridiculous to get in, but once in it looked so damn empty.  There were more people at the damn in-store than there were at the show - WTF?! Ticket's were $6.75....that's it!  If I had to guess, I'd say there were maybe 100 people at the concert - 150 tops.  Armored Saint opened (they were touring behind their debut "March of the Saint") and blew the power out after playing for 10 minutes.  Vocalist John Bush informed the crowd they were going to kick our asses harder once the power was restored - and they did. They played as though they were the headliners.  Love that band to this day.

Metallica hit the stage and it's complete anarchy on the floor. Mosh pits in full force. One big one, then two smaller ones. I was up front for the first two songs with my brother, then got the hell outta dodge.  Plus, I was recording the show (shhhhhh.....) on my micro cassette recorder and there was no way I was going to lose that.  The show was far beyond my expectations. I was blown away by the power, strength, and energy radiating from the stage. The guys played with extreme conviction proving their musical abilities not only to shred, but to kick everyone's collective ass. Of the hundreds of shows I've attended, that concert remains at the top of my all-time favorite list.  And I'll post photos of the signed albums once I dig them out of the archives (I've been digging through it lately anyway). They're both on the Megaforce label (prior to signing with Elektra Records and being re-released).

The setlist from the '85 gig:

  

+++++++++++++++++++++++I N T E R M I S S I O N+++++++++++++++++++++++

*******ACT II - Master Of Puppets is released*******

I was still on my 'Ride The Lightning' high in '86, I wasn't prepared for 'Tallica's next aural assault (I said 'aural').  "Master Of Puppets" split things wide open and set the music/album bar so damn high for every Thrash/Metal band in the world to try and match.  This band didn't make videos (yet) to cater to the MTV minions. They didn't wear spandex, tease their hair, or wear makeup. They wore their street clothes, drank from the bottle, killed it onstage, and flat out delivered the goods.

For a band with ZERO radio/MTV airplay, they did pretty damn good reaching the masses and building a global fan base.  The seeds were already planted with 'Kill 'Em All' and 'Ride', but 'Master of Puppets' and opening for Ozzy on the "Ultimate Sin" tour set things in motion....then it snowballed into something more massive.  

I was home sick the day 'Master Of Puppets' was released.  My brother picked up a cassette copy for me (see above photo - it's the original one he purchased - still have it) and left on my front doorstep. I had no idea he did that until later in the afternoon when I opened the front door to get the mail.  Forgot about the mail, picked up the cassette and made a bee line to my room.  Popped it into my stereo and it was life changing for this teenager.

"Battery" opened with a majestic acoustic guitar, then segued into ripping riffs in a matter of seconds. Then "Master Of Puppets" set a precedence not many songs can compete with to this day.  I probably listened to this song six times straight before moving onto the next track.  Those were the best 8 minutes and 36 seconds ever. 'Master Of Puppets' is my generation's "Stairway To Heaven". It's as simple as that. And how could this album continue to get better?  Then "The Thing That Should Not Be" kicked in.....just so colossal.  I couldn't get over the absolute heaviness of this song. "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" was next. It was the perfect balance of chaos, serenity, and melody.  I was then decimated by not one, but two devastating tracks ("Disposable Heroes" & "Leper Messiah") which had contained so many time changes and chugging riffs, I thought, "Who else can play like this?"  Pffft...no one. Then the almighty Cliff Burton laid his greatness upon us with "Orion".  Not that '(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth' wasn't already phenomenal, but 'Orion' is just gargantuan.  It gave me goosebumps when I first heard it and has the same effect on me to this day (as I'm sure it does for so many others).  The final track, "Damage, Inc." closes this masterpiece going a jillion miles an hour...

"Fuck it all and fucking no regrets
Never happy ending on these dark sets
All's fair for Damage Inc. you see

Step a little closer if you please...."

GAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Metallica then toured with Ozzy on the 'Ultimate Sin' tour.  I caught their show in May '86 and the place went totally off-the-hook during their set. Holy shit.  Biggest mosh pit ever. Judging by the number of people who attended this concert, most were there to see Metallica because more than half cleared out after their set ended.  True story.

Also, for many, 'Master' signaled the end of an era after Cliff died. Who knows how things would've turned out musically had Cliff lived.  There's no telling.  But he put his stamp on this and helped make it what it is and will always remain; a masterpiece.

Photos of my original MOP cassette [purchased Mar 03, 1986]:

The rust from the screws that hold the cassette together are visible on the inlay card.

And one of these days I'll crack this open.

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]

Black Sabbath "Live at Hammersmith Odeon" (aka: the Sabbath bully album that beats Live Evil's ass)

"Sing me a song, you're a singer"
"Do me a wrong, you're a bringer of evil........"

I remember purchasing this one on the Rhino/Warner Bros. website in 2007.  It was a series called "Rhino Handmade" and it was limited to 5000 copies. I made a conscious effort to purchase two copies for a few reasons; they're limited edition, numbered, and I wanted to keep one factory sealed so I could open the other.  Normally my plan of attack as long as the item I'm purchasing isn't too expensive. If I remember correctly, these were $15 a piece.  And Rhino/Warner Bros. had just released "Black Sabbath - The Dio Years" a month prior to this one.  Knowing the Dio Sabbath lineup was back in business and ready to roll as Heaven & Hell made my year. Sweetening the pot with this collector's item was just icing (molten metal) on the cake.

Having been a Ronnie James Dio fan since his Rainbow days (I didn't know about Elf until the late 70s) and LOVING "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules", buying this was a definite no-brainer. First and foremost, this was an unreleased concert from the Mob Rules tour. I did own (still do) a bootleg CD-R/silver copy; but the sound was pretty horrid.  I knew this mastered copy would sound incredible and probably better than the atrocious "Live Evil" quiet/no balls version (which wound up being true). I had only one gripe when I saw the track listing prior to buying it, "Where is "Sign of the Southern Cross"?!" But upon further inspection I saw two tracks not included on "Live Evil"; "Country Girl" and "Slipping Away", so that made up for it.  Threw my money at Rhino/Warner Bros., bought two copies and waited for them to arrive....patiently.

OK, not so patiently because I visited my favorite FLAC (Lossless audio) site and someone had already received their copy and uploaded it for the world to procure (one of my favorite words).  I couldn't help myself and had to hear it. So I procured the FLAC files, burned them to a CD-R, threw on some headphones and was blown away.  Yeah, this is way superior over "Live Evil"...no doubt about it.  You could actually hear all the instruments!  Holy shit!!  That crappy "Live Evil" had everything lost in the mix.  This one has Tony's guitar in your face, Geezer's bass slapping you in the head, Vinny's pounding his drums where you could feel it in your chest, and Ronnie singing his damn ass off and not mixed way up over everyone.  Finally!  Someone did this band justice and released a live album to be proud of for eons. Neon Knights, Black Sabbath, Slipping Away, The Mob Rules, Heaven and Hell, and Voodoo are all show stoppers here.  Yes, there's feedback and squelching going on during the show, but it doesn't take away from the performance at all.  No telling how many times I listened to this in one sitting (okay okay....five times).  One of my favorite live albums of all-time.....period.  And a hell of a nod to Ronnie who we lost in 2010 and keyboardist Geoff Nicholls who we lost this year (both to cancer).

Fast forward to delivery day.  They arrived!  When I removed them from the packing envelope I just sat there trying to figure out which one I should open and which to keep sealed.  They're both numbered, but the number is found INSIDE the packaging, not outside on the back insert like most. UGH! Such a dilemma for me. Then I started thinking about the newly burned CD-R I had just created.  I already know what it sounds like so should I even open these? My final decision?  Never opened them. They're both sealed to this day.  I have no clue what they're numbered.  Maybe I have #0001 or #5000...who knows. Or, maybe when I'm on my death bed I'll crack them both open.

Side note: "Mob Rules" was re-released in 2010 as a deluxe edition and includes this show as the bonus second CD.  I'm sure you can find it on YouTube if you haven't already gone that route.

I own this concert below and it's another favorite of mine. Tony's pre-Black Sabbath guitar interlude is nice and easy then he fuckin' riffs into the song.  Love it! Only one Tony Iommi.

Black Sabbath - Live Tokyo 1980 [Audio Only]

Saber Tiger "Project One" {aka: the heaviest album Keel never made)

Being a fan of Ron Keel (Steeler, Keel, and yes...even Iron Horse) I had to track this CD down. If you're a Keel fan, then this one should be on your list of lists. I guarantee it's the heaviest album he's ever made. 

I was always interested in Japanese metal bands in the 80s. I bought all the #Loudness #EZO #Anthem and #Lazy I could find. But when I read about guitarist Akihito Kinoshita's Saber Tiger with Ron Keel on vocals, Anthem founder Naoto Shibata on bass, and ex-Loudness/EZO Hirotsugu HonmaI on drums, I knew I had to find this one. Thorn in my side for too many years.

So, getting back to it, this is Saber Tiger's major debut Project One released in 1997. Some twenty years ago I had read about this in a metal 'zine, but I was never able to find a copy. Remember, this was back before the internet became the monster it is now. I could never locate the '97 release on Fandango Records, but I was able to locate a copy of the 2003 VAP release from a local store in Japan. 

Make no mistake, this album kicks MAJOR ass. This has the shredding, melodies galore, a huge fat bottom end, and the production is top notch. It's too damn bad this album went completely unnoticed outside Japan because it’s a phenomenal release. 

Saber Tiger - I'll Still Be Loving You (1997)

Angra "Holy Live" EP (aka: it's not the size that matters)

I've always been a fan of live albums. I'm sure owning KISS Alive allowed that to happen. Not all live albums are worth their weight, but there are many I enjoy listening to more frequently than others. Angra's "Holy Live" EP is one of them. 

Fortunately, I jumped onto the Angra boat early on when their debut album Angels Cry was released in 1993. I was writing concert and CD reviews for a local music fanzine and their label had sent me a copy to review (still thankful to this day because I also interviewed guitarist Kiko Loureiro - Megadeth anyone?). 

I'm skipping past Angels Cry, Evil Warning EP (1994), and Holy Land (1996) for now because this little pitbull of a recording has a huge bite. First, it's a short one clocking in at 35 minutes, but it's a pretty powerful snapshot of a band gelling so well. The musicianship is Dream Theater-Rhapsody-Helloween level. Not bad for a young band at the time. And vocalist Andre Matos....kills it live. Why he's not considered one of the top vocalists in the world is beyond my thought capacity. 

I wouldn't go so far to call Angra just power metal, because they're a bit prog too. Every time I listen to this, I crank it up loud and it feels like I'm transported back to this show in Paris in '96. My only complaint is that it's only 35 min and not maybe an hour. But their studio albums made up for that. Plus, Angra released a proper live album much later after a few members left (including Andre - ugh)....but I digress. 

Short, sweet, and to the Brazilian, prog-power metal point.

Angra - Carry On [Live Ludwigsburg 1996]

 

Soilwork kinda day (aka: just another melodic metal Monday)

I was on a complete old-school Soilwork kick today. I have nothing against recent releases (The Ride Majestic, The Living Infinite, The Panic Broadcast etc.), but they definitely don't crank out the ultra metal music they once did.

Which is why I started things off with their debut album Steelbath Suicide (1998). First Soilwork song I ever heard was #SadisticLullabye and the second was #TheAardvarkTrail Needless to say, I was hooked from there. The melodies are so insanely perfect.

Anyway, then it was onto The Chainheart Machine (2000). The second track #Bulletbeast" is such a phenomenal tune. Definitely one of my all-time favorites due to the minute and a half music interlude in the middle of the song. I'm sure I had that tune on repeat for a half hour.

Then it was on to their third release, A Predator's Portrait (2001). Floored by this one completely. Hard to choose a favorite, but #BastardChain #PredatorsPortrait, and #TheAnalyst come to mind. I'm a sucker for Swedish metal bands. And vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid has such a unique voice. He can scream and rage one minute, then sing clean the next. He's pretty remarkable and ranks up there as one of my Top 5 singer. Google/Wiki him and you'll see how many guest appearances he has on other albums outside of Soilwork.

Also, guitarists Peter Wichers and Ola Frenning lay down such intense fretwork and incorporate out of this world melodic overtones. It's a shame neither one of them are part of this band anymore.

If you've never heard of Soilwork, then now is a good time as any to check them out. I have a funny feeling I'll be listening to more Soilwork tomorrow.

Soilwork - Steelbath Suicide (1998)

Soilwork - The Chainheart Machine (2000)

Soilwork - A Predator's Portrait (2001)

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!

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)

L.O.V.E. Machine (aka: VD Cards)

Best Valentine's Day cards I've seen in a long time.

And why not go for the gold and bust out this classic today.

W.A.S.P. - "L.O.V.E. Machine" (1984)

And the video - all 80s cheese.....perfection.

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.

Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' Turns 30 Today - WTF?

This just in from the "holy shit I'm getting old department":

"It was THIRTY years ago today

Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play...."

OK, maybe not.  But thirty years ago today Metallica unleashed their juggernaut 'Master of Puppets' upon the masses. I was in awe of this album when it was released.  Thirty years later, it still floors me and it punishes so many other albums out there.  Granted, 'Master' isn't a traditional Thrash album like their debut 'Kill 'Em All', but the band had definitely gained a lot of confidence between it's predecessor 'Ride The Lightning' and this one.

I saw Metallica perform at a local dance club in Albuquerque, NM (Graham Central Station - Armored Saint serving as support band) on this exact date and one measly year prior to MOP being released.  Who the hell knew they had something so fuckin' gigantic brewing in the studio?  I was still on my 'Ride The Lightning' high in '85.  I wasn't prepared for 'Tallica's next aural assault.  And neither was the rest of the world.  Especially when they would tour with Ozzy on the Ultimate Sin tour.  I caught a show in May '86 and the place went totally fanatic over a band they hardly knew. I definitely witnessed greatness that evening.  I was there to see Metallica.  No disrespect to Ozzy and the band, but I probably would've skipped this show if Metallica weren't opening. Just sayin'.

Metallica split things wide open with 'Master' and showed the world the sheer power of 'underground music'. This band didn't make videos (yet) to cater the MTV minions. They didn't wear spandex, tease their hair or wear makeup. They wore their street clothes, drank from the bottle, killed it onstage and delivered the goods.  This was, quite possibly, the first Metal album to be taken seriously.  MOP turned many heads.  Fans, music critics, magazines, and bands/musicians took notice of the beast coming from San Francisco's Bay Area. 

For a band with ZERO radio or airplay, they did pretty damn good reaching the masses and building a Godzilla-sized fan base.  Metallica's performances were getting noticed and talked about every day between tape traders and music fans.  The seeds were already planted with 'Kill 'Em All' and 'Ride', but 'Master of Puppets' and the Ozzy tour exposure really set things in motion and then it caught fuckin' fire and went global.  

How does one chose their favorite 'Master of Puppets' track?  Still impossible for me to this day.  This is 54 minutes and 46 seconds of greatness:

• Battery
• Master of Puppets
• The Thing That Should Not Be
• Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
• Disposable Heroes
• Leper Messiah
• Orion
• Damage, Inc.

On the day 'Master of Puppets' was released, I purchased two on vinyl and one on cassette.  Listened to the album everyday when I was home (still own the vinyl - one on Music For Nations label and the other on Elektra).  But I listened to the cassette more often on my Walkman (yup, old guy right here) and wore it out.  Bought another one, wore it out and so on. And I still have the original copy I purchased for my archives.  

I got lost in this album.  "Battery" opened with majestic acoustic guitar playing, then ripped heads off in a matter of seconds. Then the namesake "Master of Puppets" set precedence. This was our (Metal fans) "Stairway To Heaven". How could this album continue to get better?  Then "The Thing That Should Not Be" kicked in and was so colossal.  I couldn't get over the heaviness of this song alone.  Then amazed by the slow moving "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" until it swelled and became a different animal all together.  I was then decimated by not one, but two devastating tracks ("Disposable Heroes" & "Leper Messiah") which had contained so many time changes and chugging riffs, I thought I had died and gone to Metal heaven...seriously. Who played like this?  Then the almighty Cliff Burton laid his greatness upon us with "Orion".  Not that his "(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth" from 'Kill 'Em All' wasn't already phenomenal enough with a metal spiked cherry on top, but 'Orion' was just sooooooo fucking epic.  It gave me goosebumps when I first heard it and has the same effect on me all these years later.  Then "Damage, Inc." closes this masterpiece out going a million miles an hour.......

"Fuck it all and fucking no regrets
Never happy ending on these dark sets
All's fair for Damage Inc. you see

Step a little closer if you please...."

GAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! 

To me and many others, 'Master' signaled the end of an era after Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident while on tour in Sweden in the Fall of '86. Who knows how things would've turned out musically had Cliff lived.  I will stop there because the magic captured in this album would never again be repeated or duplicated.

Metallica will always be my Rolling Stones.  I grew up with this band since 1981 and will always remain a loyal fan.  But there's always that something, that "what if" that will linger on forever.

They were the best of their time.

<cue 'Orion'>

<fade to black>

The 'Thrax...the whole 'Thrax and nothin' but the 'Thrax

"Now we're Anthrax and we take no shit
And we don't care for writing hits
The sound you hear is what we like
I'll steal your pop-tarts like I stole your.....Socks!"

Trying to catch up on my blog since last week and failing miserably.  First world problems, right?

Saw Anthrax last week (Wed Feb 10th Albuquerque, NM) then left for Vegas the day after to attend the Black Sabbath show.  Then returned home on Mon 15th, back into work-mode annnnnd it's Friday.

So, Anthrax.  I've never been let down by a performance by these guys over the years.  Show sold-out as well.  Been a loyal fan since their 1984 debut Fistful of Metal was released on Megaforce Records (when it was still an indie label).  I made damn sure to get that baby signed.

The Meet & Greet (M&G).

I took part in the M&G prior to the concert and brought A LOT of items with me to get signed by the guys. Kinda felt bad for guitarist Jon Donais (ex-Shadows Fall) since everything I brought was Anthrax/S.O.D. related (all prior to him joining the band in 2013).  I had memory relapse and forgot to grab my Shadows Falls CDs and the Anthrax live CD/Blu-ray Chile On Hell he appears on.  He signed a group photo we were given, but other than that, bupkis. He makes his studio album debut with the band on the upcoming release For All Kings (release date: Fri Feb 26th). I've had a copy for over a month and it's pretty amazing. I've read a few online reviews already and some people are slamming it.  But if you give it a proper listen all the way through without any distractions, you'll enjoy the hell out of it.

Back to the M&G.  Things kicked off about an hour before the doors opened.  Stood in a small group with others by the front doors. The people at the front of the long line were asking why we didn't go to the back of their line. Ugh, always some drama...Metal show or not.  Bonus part of an M&G is not only meeting the band and hanging out with them for a bit, but also early entry.  My patience run low nowadays listening to these kids complain about having to stand in line and wait to get in.  They have no idea.  But I digress.  There was a 16 yr old guy who was in line for VIP and befriended me by saying how much he loved my Ace Frehley shirt (a total KISS fan and who eats, sleeps, and shits 80s Metal). He was so mad about being born later in life and missing the 80s Metal shows. So, I passed the time talking with him about the many (huge understatement) shows I attended back in the 80s.  His mind couldn't take much more.  He had to sit down for a while (true story).  He made me feel pretty old...haha.  But it was fun talking with him and fielding a ton of questions.

There was about 20 of us doing the M&G. We all had albums, CDs, cassettes (yup), guitars, photos and all that jazz to have autographed.  We were given a VIP laminate, a deck of Anthrax For All Kings playing cards (signed by the band), turntable mat (Evil Twin single cover), photo of band, etc.
The band came out to the lobby where we were waiting and the M&G ensued.  Charlie was first in line, then Joey, Frankie, Jon and Scott. It was great to converse with these guys, especially Joey and Frankie. I try very hard not to fanboy out during these things. It was easier when I wrote for 'zines and interviewed bands because I could do that for an hour.  I told Joey I last met him when his solo band Belladonna opened for Motörhead in 1996. He had a good laugh with that one and went on to tell me about how great that tour was opening for Lemmy.  I always have so much to say and so little time.  Photo opp with the band (we used our own phones)....three photos and done.

  Quick shot of the beanie, t-shirt and a few CDs I had signed.  I brought three albums and nine CDs with me not expecting all of them to get signed.  Especially since some M&Gs specifically indicate to bring no more than two items.  No limit indicated for this one, so I figured it was fair game to bring a 'few' items (included Spreading The Disease [30th Anniversary Edition], Among The Living, Armed and Dangerous, Fistful Of Metal and S.O.D. - Speak English Or Die [30th Anniversary Edition].

The show.

This bad boy was sold-out (kind of rare for 'burque), which made the show even sweeter since this would've been a day off for them (currently on tour opening for Lamb of God).  Yes, opening for LoG. Again, I digress.  Best part about getting an Anthrax headline show...longer set. WIN! Anyway, the 'Thrax delivered a non-stop barrage of Thrash Metal from start to finish.  Riff upon riff. The pit action on the floor was a throwback to the old-school days.  I was up in the balcony snapping photos and making sure I didn't get caught in a mosh (I did plenty of that shit when I was much younger. Thanks but no thanks).   The band was feeding off the energy being thrown back at them from the audience and the band played heavier with every song.  Again, I've never been disappointed with any of their concerts (something I told Frankie earlier and he responded, "Man, I swear, you won't be disappointed by his one either.").  The man didn't lie.

Setlist:

Hymn 2 (tape intro)
A.I.R.
Lone Justice
Madhouse
Caught in a Mosh
Got the Time
Evil Twin (new song)
Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't
Breathing Lightning (new song)
Medusa
March of the S.O.D.
In the End
Antisocial

Encore:
I'm the Man --> total surprise!!
Indians
Among the Living

Another one for the books.

I'll always support this band, purchase albums and some swag.  I'm big on supporting the bands I love.  Be sure to pick up their new one For All Kings on Fri Feb 26th.  If you're like me and prefer the deluxe editions, then purchase the 2-CD UK version since it includes four live songs not included on the US version.

"I am the walkin' dude
I can see all the world
Twist your minds with fear
I'm the man with power
Among the living
Follow me or die...."

Some photos I shot with my phone.

Megadeth: Dystopia || A Return To Thrash Roots

Megadeth’s latest album, Dystopia, was released worldwide last week (Fri Jan 22nd).  I wanted to spend some time getting to know this one inside and out.  It certainly wasn't hard to like and didn't require any amount of time for it to grow on me. Having two new members join (Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro and Lamb Of God skinsman Chris Adler) alters a bands' sound.  Regardless of the high level of musicianship these two guys bring to the table, I just wanted to soak this up because I'm not only a huge Megadeth fan, but also a fan of Angra and LOG since day one.

A lot of fans hated (as in, ranked it next to Risk) the last release, Super Collider.  I enjoyed the nuances of it all.  I'm not a fan of the Risk album and can only assume that the fans were hoping for Rust In Peace Part 2.  That didn't happen and will never happen.

Many of the Megadeth albums released in the 2000s are hit or miss for me. Minus Dystopia, I'm split on the six studio albums they've released over the past 14 years.

What I liked:

• The System Has Failed (2004)
• Endgame (2009)
• Super Collider (2013)

What I didn't like:

• The World Needs A Hero (2001)
• United Abominations (2007)
• Thirteen (2011)

I honestly believe 2009's Endgame is their one album that set the bar since the Rust In Peace days of yore.  Endgame has substance.  It has that Mega-grit feel to it when "Dialectic Chaos" begins and kicks into "This Day We Fight!". Then it's "44 Minutes", "1,320" and so on.

As a fan, you want a band you watched develop before your eyes and ears to achieve greatness with every album.  Megadeth had that from 1985s Killing Is My Business... to 1994s Youthanasia.  Now Cryptic Writings isn't a slouch, but there were signs of change.  It's no secret that Dave had been after the all elusive radio hit.  Closest 'hit' they had was "Symphony Of Destruction".  Some say he's been chasing Metallica over the years.  But it would be impossible to duplicate the mega-success (pun intended....too soon?) of the Black Album.  But hell, the albums Dave cranked out were far heavier than Black Album, Load, Reload and St. Anger combined.  And not for nothing, I wanted the new album to sucker-punch my ass and stop hoping for Endgame Part II.

OK Rick, so what does all this have to do with Dystopia?  Hold on, I'm getting there.

Endgame was THE bar...the one to top.  Dystopia is THAT album.

Dystopia is catchy, heavy, ferocious, melodic, thrashy, riff-o-rama-mama and quite arguably the band’s best since 2009's Endgame (sorry, I know I have a hard-on for that album) or anything they released in the 90s (besides Risk). No offense to those who like that album. 

Dave and Co. channel the days of early 'Deth.  The old-school fans will eat up “Fatal Illusion,” “Death From Within” (tells a story of the Greeks invading Troy), and “Post American World”,  The instrumental “Conquer Or Die!” begins with layered acoustic guitar work that either pays homage to Van Halen's "Spanish Fly" or Randy Rhoads’ “Diary Of A Madman” intro. The song that nails it for me is "Poisonous Shadows".  It's one that Kiko had a hand putting together and the solo that threw ol' Dave on his ass.  Truth be told, I pitched in to their PledgeMusic about eight months ago and watched the studio video footage of Kiko and Dave throwing down on guitar.  Plus, I got an autographed CD booklet out of it too.  And also bought the Best Buy Box Set (Virtual Reality goggles and two bonus songs ["Look Who's Talking" and "Last Dying Wish"] not on the original release).  Posted a picture of both at the bottom of this blog.

SIDEBAR:  Give the new Eddie Trunk podcast a listen. He interviews Dave and there's quite a bit of Kiko props given. LINK >  Eddie Trunk Podcast - Dave Mustaine

I was swayed back and forth between older styles and all the exciting new sounds emanating from my speakers. Megadeth returned to that familiar mix of their old-school sound with The System Has Failed style vocals (some of Dave's best). The guitar hooks are downright thrashy (‘The Threat Is Real’ and 'Fatal Illusion" - jeez, every track). Dystopia is crammed with tons of melodic riffing.  The solo's peppered throughout this album are guaranteed to rip your face off.

If you're a diehard fan you won't be disappointed. There aren't any fillers to be found here.  No weak tunes. Just Megadeth going for it...balls out....tearing it up and unleashing a sound that's all too familiar to those of us who knew this was dwelling inside Mustaine.

If Dave is finished chasing after that elusive hit radio song, then thank fucking God!  Because this is the album we've been waiting for.  Nothing against Marty Friedman or Nick Menza because they rule for many reasons, but I wasn't wanting the Rust In Peace lineup to get back together. I know Dave tried to do that (listen to that Eddie Trunk podcast) and it didn't work out.  Again, thank fuckin' God! This album wouldn't exist if it did work out and Kiko and Chris wouldn't have joined.

And I suck.  I hardly mentioned Chris Adler or Dave Ellefson at all.  Let me fix that.  Ellefson must've replaced a few spark plugs because he's firing on all of them now.  Maybe his time in that all-star band Metal Allegiance has him breathing new life. Whatever happened, he's back to the Dave (or Jr) we know and love. Now for Adler - he runs circles around every drummer ever to set foot in Megadeth. Yeah, I went there. Not sure how Shawn Drover stayed as long as he did.  Shit, I just went there, again!  The guy doesn't let up anywhere.

With all that said, I give this 2 out of 5 stars. Kidding.....shit!  One, I don't do that star ranking crap. And two, Dystopia should be up for 'Album of the Year'.

Strong words?  Strong album.