Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s 'Rising Force' released 33 years ago today + '85 concert (aka: neo-classical shredder sets bar into stratosphere).

First time I heard Swede-shredder Yngwie Malmsteen was on Steeler's debut album (w/Ron Keel on vocals) and Alcatrazz ‘No Parole From Rock and Roll' (both released in '83). But man, first time I heard Yngwie's three-and-a-half-minute intro to Steeler's "Hot On Your Heels" I was absolutely floored.  I'd always admired Ritchie Blackmore's  neo-classical guitar style for years, but this neo-classical shredding was an absolute game changer and set another guitar playing style/technique bar very high.  And the 1984 Alcatrazz release 'Live Sentence' proved to me what Yngwie was capable of in a live setting.

When Yngwie released this '84 debut I knew it would be great, but I had no idea it would blow the doors off all three of the previously released albums (in my humble opinion).  I was familiar with 'Evil Eye' from the 'Live Sentence' album, but the studio version was so much better.  I enjoy every track, but two favorites will always be 'Icarus' Dream Suite Op. 4' and 'Far Beyond The Sun'.  Upon first listen though, I was surprised a vocalist was used at all. I became a fan of vocalist Jeff Scott Soto due to this album. Plus, having an opportunity to see him perform live made me realize he'd become more popular as time went on (never imagined he'd join Journey down the road). My brother and I listened to this album all the time. We played it frontward, backward, upside down. We played along to every friggin’ note….on air guitar of course.

Some fifteen months after this release, the local concert gods came through and Yngwie was coming to town June 19, 1985 (it was booked at the same dance club venue where I had seen Metallica three months prior - Graham Central Station). And as a HUGE added bonus, Talas (bass god Billy Sheehan's band) was providing support.  I already owned Talas' first two studio albums and "Live Speed On Ice" (another all-time favorite live album). I witnessed greatness that evening - one on guitar and the other on bass.  I remained up front for both sets have the highlights etched in my brain for life.  Both bands played as though they were performing in front of a sold out stadium of 50,000 fans. My jaw was sore from the many times it hit the ground during both Talas and Yngwie's sets. Remarkable musicianship and I never saw a concert quite like it ever again.

By the way, I can still play this album......note for air guitar note.

Sidebar: I always got a kick out of the ‘J’ he had added to his name. I get the classical connection, seriously, I get it…but I joked about that the most back in the day. Kinda went like this, “You have to listen to the new Ingvay Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Malmsteen album!"

Photos from my personal collection (original Polydor label):

Yngwie Malmsteen - Icarus' Dream Suite Op.4 (1984)

Cygnus and the Sea Monsters - One Night In Chicago 2005 (aka: Rush covers + old 70s children show = small masterpiece and a tear to my eye)

I have professed my love for the band Rush for most my life (late teens actually).  I'm not always onboard with bands performing cover songs of bands I hold in high regard (Rush being the biggest of them all). But there are two CDs which are exceptions to my rule;  Working Man (1996) which includes George Lynch, Jake E. Lee, James Murphy, Billy Sheehan and a slew of others....AND...this live show; Cygnus and the Sea Monsters - "One Night in Chicago".  I purchased the CD/DVD off Portnoy's website eleven years ago.  Time flies - crazy.  Looks like it's still available here: http://www.mikeportnoy.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=25 and Amazon too https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Chicago-CYGNUS-MONSTERS/dp/B001156MXW

This was recorded and filmed (there is a DVD version and of course it's posted via YouTube - I posted the video below) back in 2005.  It consists of Mike Portnoy (I'm sure you know who he is) on drums, Paul Gilbert (Racer X) on guitar, Sean Malone (Cynic) on bass and Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Watchtower, Broken Teeth, Ignition) on vocals.  This hour long set is nothing short of incredible. The band blazes through 2112, Cygnus X-1, Hemispheres, and YYZ as if they were just warming up.  Mike, Paul and Sean are consummate pros and have more talent in the dirt on their fingernails than most people have at all.  The only low-light to this is Jason.  I love the work this guy does in his other bands, but his screeching and almost screaming/screeching until he's breathless did not fit this otherwise killer set.  There's more music than vocals, so another reason why I'm okay with this one.

It's a blast to listen to (and watch) the guys play pretty much note-for-note and not cringing hoping they'll do the songs justice, because they do them all justice and then some. And also capable of throwing in improv portions as well.  In showcase settings such as this (Drum Pad's 20th Anniversary) normally one person has the spotlight.  Even though Mike gets in a drum solo, it's not just the "Mike Portnoy Show".  I've been a fan of Paul's since the first Racer X was released in '86. He can play anything and proves how well versed he is in Rush and the styles of Alex Lifeson.  Same goes for Mike and his adaptation of Neil Peart.  NOBODY can play like Peart, but Mike does a fine job replicating many aspects of the songs. And Sean, who is an accomplished bass player and does an impeccable job nailing the songs.  No keyboards and that's okay because it would've taken away the rawness.

Note: I was pretty ecstatic over the fact Mike incorporated my beloved Sid & Marty Krofft 70s children show "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters".  I've included a video clip of the show's opening song at the very bottom. Ahhh, the 70s.

Cygnus And The Sea Monsters - One Night In Chicago (2005)

Scans of my physical CD:

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters opening song (1973-1975) - posted for good measure.

3 Legged Dogg "Frozen Summer" (aka: not the dog on Alice In Chains's self-titled album or aka: yes, there's an extra "g" in "dog" on purpose)

Not sure how many people are familiar with the band 3 Legged Dogg, but it's an album worthy of more attention than it received.  The band was <deep breath>:  Vinny Appice on drums, the late great Jimmy Bain on bass, ex-Quiet Riot/current Ratt guitarist Carlos Cavazo, ex David Lee Roth/Beau Nasty guitarist Brian Young, and vocalist Chas West (ex-Lynch Mob/Tribe Of Gypsies/Foreigner; currently fronting Resurrection King - which is a great band that includes Craig Goldy and Vinny Appice).  <exhale>

Every musician on here gives it their all.  I bought this when it was released in 2006 because I was a fan of each one of these guys.  I didn't know what to expect and was relieved that the entire album is ass-kicking hard rock and NOT middle of the road or average by any means.  I've never heard Vinny's drums recorded this loud before.  He always pounds the shit out of his kit, but it seems there was more at stake here.  These songs rip and I can never just pinpoint only one song when there are many that highlight this disc. Take you pick, "Give and Take Away" (a radio hit that never came to be - ugh), "Wasted Life", "One Good Reason", and "Long Way Back From Hell" highlight the entire band's tenacity and power.  But again, every song here is very well structured.  The guys came together and created some heavy-groove-melodic oriented tunes.

This group more-or-less fell apart because Vinny was called up by Ronnie James Dio because the Dio Sabbath group was getting back together [NOTE: 3 Legged Dogg debut was released Oct 2006 and Black Sabbath - The Dio Years was released April 2007].  Not a bad reason.

And who knows if this really would've gone anywhere in this shitty musical climate that began to get much worse in the 2000s. And so many musicians (normally well-known) are offered a sizable chunk of money by certain labels to get together and churn out an album hoping to hit paydirt.  Who knows what could've been.

3 Legged Dogg - Frozen Summer (2006) [Full Album]

3 Legged Dogg - Promo Clip (2006)

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]

Saxon "Unleash the Beast" (aka: unleash the denim & leather)

Where were you in '97 when Saxon unleashed the beast? < sung to "Denim and Leather" > Yeah, dorky, but that song popped into my head when I started typing.

Let me preface this by saying I'm a HUGE Saxon fan. Love the classic stuff from the 80s and everything leading up to "Battering Ram" (2015) and their 10th live album "Let Me Feel Your Power" (2016). 1997's "Unleash the Beast" is one of my favorite Saxon releases of all time (behind "Power and the Glory" which is my favorite).  Pretty bold, I know.  Especially since it was the first album without Graham Oliver (guitarist and one of the founding members).

New axe slinger Doug Scarratt was brought into the fold in '96 (his first appearance with the band was 1996's live album "The Eagle Has Landed Prt II") and that classic Saxon sound was nowhere to be found. Graham has his own sound and style which no one can replicate. Yes, a little devil's advocate here, but as I mentioned, this one is second to PATG.

Every song is incredibly melodic, in-sync with the next song, and pretty damn heavy (with the exception of "Absent Friends" - but heavy lyrically) and that's been missing in the Saxon repertoire from Rock The Nations (1986) through Dogs of War (1995).  Of course just my opinion, but I've listened to those albums a lot and they don't pack a punch like any of the tunes on this album.

Doug brought in some much needed ass kicking riffs and solos. Entire album is tops, but choosing some "listen to these now" songs I'd go with "The Thin Red Line, "Circle Of Light", "Cut Out The Disease" (written about Graham Oliver - ouch), "Ministry Of Fools", and the title track. That's half the album right there (Track 1 "Gothic Dreams" is a 90 second intro). The rhythm, back line, solos, Biff well, being Biff.....what's not to like?

I cannot begin to fathom that this album will be 20 years old this year on Oct 14th.  I had a golden opportunity to see Saxon on this tour March 22, 1998 at a local podunk country facility called Midnight Rodeo (full capacity was 1600).  Sold out day before the concert.  I was able to interview Biff and Doug (on camera) for a local public access cable show (cue Wayne's World - "We're not worthy!") which my buddy did once a week; from a studio, not his basement. Dream come true to finally meet the band - especially Biff (hence the signed CD booklet - they also signed my Power and the Glory, Crusader and Wheels of Steel too).

Interview went well. I was a tad nervous sitting next to Biff; a vocalist I've idolized since 1981. And I royally screwed up pronouncing Doug Scarratt's last name (sounds like 'carrot' with an 'S') and I mispronounced it....twice...on camera.  STOP TAPING! And proceeded to bury my face in my hands. Biff put his arm around me, laughed and said it couldn't get any worse from here. HA! Doug laughed as well.  At first he seemed annoyed, but he knew I was nervous and 100% fanboy.  Hell, I tried not to.  I've met a ton of bands in my life and always kept my cool, but Saxon was just one of those legendary bands - idols.

Got through the interview unscathed, took pictures, signed album covers, CD booklets, and off I went to stash the video camera (as in VHS - video tape recorder) so I could be up front for the show.  Of course back then, I bootlegged many concerts I attended with a cool little micro-cassette recorder that I could hide on me.  If the end product was being able to identify each song, then the cassette was a keeper.

The concert was two hours and they played most of Unleashed and of course the anthems that put them on the map: Wheels of Steel, Denim & Leather, Princess of the Night, 20,000 Feet, Dallas 1 PM, Motorcycle Man, Strong Arm of the Law, Power and the Glory and Crusader.  I'm sure I'm missing a few more.  But the guys were on fire and it was awesome to see them in such an intimate setting.  Saxon normally plays to 5,000-20,000 people in stadiums over in Europe.

That night I had the time of my life.  My bootleg recording came out okay too. There was so much shoving, crushing and shit going on up front (as usual), that the recorder mic was covered up too much in my pocket.  I didn't think to check on it because I was having way too much fun.  Normally I checked on the mic position, but not that night.

A moment in time I'll always remember.

Saxon - Munich, GER  May 20, 1998 (bootleg - 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!

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)