COMP SWAP VIII - The reviews

I love Backyard Babies and Sabaton.

Metalguy if you don't like the Clash and then you most definitley should stay away from Rancid, since they owe their entire career (IMO) to the Clash, this is coming from a Rancid fan.

manny wrote:

Metalguy if you don't like the Clash and then you most definitley should stay away from Rancid, since they owe their entire career (IMO) to the Clash, this is coming from a Rancid fan.

I don't necessarily dislike the Clash, but I'm not a fan either. I'll take the Ramones brand of "1-2-3-4" punk over the Clash's pseudo-reggae, working man's stuff. Just a preference is all. As for Rancid, I'm only familiar with a coupla of songs. 'Ruby SoHo' (?) is catchy. That song by Lars on this comp doesn't sound like Rancid (or the Clash) to me.

OK, time for the second compilaton I got from Dave:

1. Isen Torr - Mighty And Superior

Taken from a limited EP (only 666 printed), Isen Torr from Huddersfield, England (see Fat Freddy's sig) delivers suprisingly US flavored, epic heavy metal. This is another band of which I have heard, but this is the first time I hear the music. A killer song from a band that has existed sinve 2003, but hae so far only recorded 2 songs and an instrumental!

2. Jag Panzer - Licensed To Kill

Jag Panzer is a famiilar name, and I own most of their albums. This track is from their 1984 debut, "Ample Destruction", which I don't have! This is old school power metal, with some speed metal leanings. Imagine if Manowar and Agent Steel had a baby! It would be called Jag Panzer!

3. Saracen - Heroes, Saints & Fools

It's incredible how many band Dave has dug up for me that I haven't even heard. Again, I know the name, but not the music. This is a fantastic NWOBHM ballad. It's an eclectic number that seems to be going everywherem but always throws you for a loop when you think you know what is coming next. Uriah Heep actually comes to mid when I lited to Saracen.

4. Tantrum - Knight Of Fire

I've never even heard of Tantrum. Dave delivers yet another band that has only ever released 1 EP during their short career. The year was 1984, and the band delivered 4 songs of New Jersey power metal, ehehehehee... The song starts as a ballad, but build in speed and intensity as it rolls by. It's nice to hear some good old vinyl-hissing again

5. Satan - Trial By Fire

Old story.... know the name, but not the music..... This song sounds very familiar though.... Pretty standard NWOBHM

6. Revelation - Long After Midnight

I actually added the bands entire discography to the Firestream Vault at one point in time. This is the first time I hear this doom metal band from Baltimore though. This is a speedy doom metal number, which means a mid-tempo metal number A rather long composition with some great twists and turns.

7. Praying Mantis - Cheated

Listening to Dave's comps make me feel like a metal nOOb. I should have heard all these NWOBHM classics. But this is my first meeting with Praying Mantis. It's the most melodic song on this comp, and I like it very much. A catchy song with some cool twin guitar work. Simple, yet effective. (Did you know that Praying Mantis is not listed in Encyclopedia Metallum aka The Metal Archives?)

8. Magnesium - Time Tells No Lies

Funny name, as magnesium is a light-weight metal, and not very heavy! Anyway, this is a side project/band for members of the Japanese cult thrash/black/death metal act, Sabbat. This really threw me for a loop, as this 7" single cut, released in 2006 (!!), has a totaly old school heavy metal sound. If someone told me that this was recorded in Britain in 1981 I wouldn't hesitate a second! A cool song, and I love the Engrish accent! "Time Tells No Reeeis" indeed!

9. Pagan Altar - Dance Of The Druids

Dave's favorite band? I remember the video he posted in the metal section here not long ago. This epic NWOBHM band is actually very good. There is an aura of mystic in their songs, and I think I could really fall in love with their sound in time. The twin guitars, the haunting vocals, the way the song actually sounds the way the title promises. Cool stuff.

10. The Obsessed - Brother Blue Steel

A bluesy doom metal band? These guys are semi-legendary, right? Sorry, this did very little for me....

11. Metalucifer - Heavy Metal Chainsaw

Back to Japan, and another Sabbat-offshoot. This is the title track from the bands 2001 album. A very tacky metal tune, but kudos for keeping it true, right? This is heavy/speed metal from Japan.... I think you can imagine how this sounds.... I find it more funny than good.

12. Jonah Quizz - Gå

This is ex-Candlemass singer, Johan Langquist's former band. I heard this on StormSpell Records' website, and while I liked the music, I could never get past the Swedish lyrics. Not sure why, as many bands from Sweden sung in their native language back then. Just look to Leviticus and Jerusalem. Hmmm, I might just have to pick up the Anthology CD one day....

MetalGuy71 wrote:

14. Convicted – Copkiller
Hmmmmm, don’t care for this one. I like to think I’m pretty open-minded about lyrical content. Hail satan, curse like a drunken sailor, question authority, mock religion, whatever, it’s just entertainment and I don’t usually look too deep into that stuff. But songs advocating violence towards law enforcement rubs me the wrong way. It might seem silly to some, but it just does. I’ve got buddies that are cops and my late father-in-law was one as well, so I’m usually on their side when it comes to busting heads in the name of justice. It doesn’t help that the vocals here are too harsh for my tastes as well. Maybe if the song were better, I’d give it a go. I’m easily swayed by a catchy chorus. This review comes at a pretty bad time when I see that Locky is currently promoting this band through his record label. Sorry about that, mate. If it makes things any better, take comfort in knowing that most of my posts are pointless ramblings that no one in their right mind would take seriously. Don’t judge an entire album on one ass-hat’s opinion. I’d probably hit the skip button on this one, but I’m too lazy for that too. I’ll just sit here quietly, thinking about cuddly kittens and unicorns, waiting for the next song to come on.

Don't worry about that man, I've sold my two CD quota from this site already,

Thanks for the reviews all the same, sorry there wasn't more that you liked but I guess these comps at least open people up to some music that they may never have heard before, good or bad.

And you are correct, Mr. Rory Gallagher is seriously underrated, may he Rest In Peace

These comps also help shape our opinions of people's tastes. I always figured Locky was an exteme metal fanatic. Looking at the bands on his comps I realize we have a lot more bands in common that I ever thought we would.

tohostudios wrote:

These comps also help shape our opinions of people's tastes. I always figured Locky was an exteme metal fanatic. Looking at the bands on his comps I realize we have a lot more bands in common that I ever thought we would.

You know, I thought the same thing. I was expecting more thrash from Sir Locky.

Quote :

Thanks for the reviews all the same, sorry there wasn't more that you liked but I guess these comps at least open people up to some music that they may never have heard before, good or bad.

You got that right. Although there wasn't much that got my knickers in a twist, the overall experience of the cd swap was enjoyable and I ALWAYS enjoy getting new music in the mail. I'd gladly sign-up again.

tohostudios wrote:

I always figured Locky was an exteme metal fanatic.

Lord nooooooo, I gew up in the early 90's where Death Metal got more exposure over here and everything was on import then and nobody really had anything except for the auld tape trading, but that was a slow process when we over here could not get anything to begin trading with since everyone else in europe or the states already bloody well had it.

So the only bands playing gigs over here really were the british Death Bands like Benediction, Carcass, Brutal Truth etc....... but then with the communications getting better we were able to step back into the '80's scene and pick up what we missed out on so Thrash took off big time, the only bands in the 80's that got airplay here were the like of Bon Jovi, Europe, Whitesnake & Def Leppard as they were radio friendly.

I spend a minimum of 12 a day driving, if I was to only listen to one genre I'd be gone nuts, so my collection has everything from Agnostic Front to Cinderella to Darkthrone to Malevolent Creation to Savatage & Whitesnake, I also like good old 80's Hard Rock with a bit of Tiffany & Anastacia thrown in for good measure.

Quote :

a bit of Tiffany

I gotta respect that in a man.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

tohostudios wrote:

These comps also help shape our opinions of people's tastes. I always figured Locky was an exteme metal fanatic. Looking at the bands on his comps I realize we have a lot more bands in common that I ever thought we would.

You know, I thought the same thing. I was expecting more thrash from Sir Locky.

I like my Thrash as much as the next fella but I peronally didn't want to throw in a full CD of just Thrash, I wanted to Vary it a little, I guess sending them CDs that I sent you to Sideshow or Stender may not go down well but I'd vary it too if I was / am ever poaired with them, I'll ask my trade partner if they don't like a certain genre like Black Metal (seems to be a pet hate for most) and I won't include any of that then in on the discs but other than that, anything goes

SpectreFate wrote:

Quote :

a bit of Tiffany

I gotta respect that in a man.

and I'm NOT ashamed to post a pic of the CD collection I have (I only have 2 or 3 Debbie CDs so please forgive me for not seeking out more todate)

Finally had a chance to review the second disc the esteemed Olaf sent to me. Disc 1 hit me a bit harder, but there was still some damn fine music on this one!

1. Communic - Frozen Asleep In The Park
I’d seen Kurt and Olaf (a few others as well) toss this name around a bit before. Descriptions never really did sound much like my style. Anyway, not a bad tune. Classic metal sound with some nice vocals. The singer has a low-to-mid range with a good amount of power. The drummer does a fantastic job! The riffs are decent but didn’t really stick in my head, though there were some nice change-ups around the middle of the song. The sudden up-tick in tempo in the middle and near the end was a nice surprise! I can’t say I’m gonna rush out and buy their stuff up, but if I ever see copies for cheap I’ll probably grab ‘em.

2. Iron Angel - Back From Hell
WOW! I had no idea these underground Speed / Thrash legends from Germany were still around. Their two underrated classics Winds Of War and Hellish Crossfire have been wants of mine for a LONG time (the SPV Mid-Price versions). I initially thought this was from one of those albums, but it’s actually from a demo the band did in 2007. The tune starts with keys and quire-like vocals. A nice mid-paced kick comes in and we’re off! Their sound has changed a bit, but that’s to be expected seeing as their last real release was back in ‘86. A decent tune, but doesn’t touch their early material. The guitar tone is a bit…..odd. I’d compare it to the tone heard on Annihilator’s Waking The Fury album. Stays pretty much mid-paced.

3. Street Dogs - Decency Police
PUNK!!!!! Can’t say as I’m familiar with these guys at all…. Anyway, typical punk tune (thank f**k for that!). Fast paced, full of attitude, and vocals spit out so fast and angry you can hardly understand ‘em! Good stuff! There is a hint of playful attitude to the music as well. If you like punk, you’d love this! Guess what? I LOVE this!!

4. Guardians Of Time - Faceless Society
Not bad stuff here. European power metal, but with a nice speed metal edge to it. Not overly keyboard laced shred-wank, but music with POWER and GUTS! There is even a hint sometimes of Mid-East music feeling in a riff or two used. The singer has a mid-to-high range voice with smooth transition back and forth. The drumming is a bit middle-of-the-road, but certainly not bad. As with Communic, I’m not rushing out to buy it, but would most likely grab it if I saw it cheap.

5. Holy Moses - Angel Cry
No self-respecting thrasher out there would admit to not knowing Holy Moses! German legends that have been thrashing out for over 25 years!! Sabina’s voice is as thick, gutty, and snarling as always. The riffs are nice full-throttle attacks, and the drum work is quite good. I had to really listen to pick up the bass sometimes, as it seemed a bit back in the mix, but that’s more of a personal preference with me. Another great tune from this long-running act, and one I hadn’t gotten around to hearing yet. Olaf has really pulled some surprises with this swap!!!

6. Redrum - Power Corrupts
Now here is a tune (and band) I’m highly familiar with. I’ve got the original pressing of this album on Shred Recordings. I must say that the re-mastering has done this album a HUGE favor! The original had a thin sound that almost completely lacked bottom end. It now has force to it! Anway, on to the music; the singer has a nice smooth voice that stays in the higher registers (almost a speed metal vocalist). The riffs and bass work are pretty decent, though nothing that will blow your mind. The drum work is also decent, but again not mind blowing. The band WAS a bit generic, but seeing as I’m a lover of all things thrash, this isn’t a set-back with me!!! Starts as a mid-paced tune, but the throttle gets RAMPED up towards the end!

7. Not Fragile - Speed Loader
Wow, where did THIS come from?! I just got run over by a TRUCK!!!!! Full-bore thrash attack! I’m almost ashamed to admit that I’d never heard of this band before, though they’ve apparently been going with speed / thrash music since ‘88. The singer has a mid-range voice with some nice grit. The riffs are fast and furious! Bass thumps along nicely, but mostly follows the riffs (doesn’t ever really get too experimental on his own). Drum work is what you expect for thrash; mosh beats with loads of double-kick. There are even some death growls in the chorus (limited to when the song name is said). Olaf, you got me!!!

8. Violated - Out Of Focus
I’ve heard of this old-school thrash act from Norway. Even checked ‘em out on MySpace. I LOVE THIS!! Full-throttle, aggressive, and REALLY pissed-off! I always get a smile on my face when I hear new bands playing a style I’ve loved since I was 11-12 years old. There is a nice mix of tempo here, jumping back and forth between mid-paced stomping and full-bore thrashing. The vocalist has a gritty and gruff shout. The riffs are enjoyable, though not mind-blowing. Bass follows along, and is clearly present in the mix. Drum work is quite good! Need to get off my duff and get this one…

9. Overdrive - Trapped Under Ice
Classic heavy metal here with a large dose of the melodic scene. I was almost expecting a Metallica cover… hahaha. Anywho, decent tune, but left me a bit cold. I’ve heard it done, and done better. Still, I don’t want to sound too harsh. This isn’t usually my style, so take any criticism with a grain of salt. The band does have a forceful and convincing sound. The guitar work is well-done, as is the bass and drums. The singer has a nice voice; mid-to-high range with nice soaring passages.

10. Scariot - Strange To Numbers
Nice start to this one! Heavy, chugging riffs open it up with some nice a nice sweep at the end. Pounding drums and bass back it all up to give the music an almost menacing sound. My one complaint is the drummer almost LIVES on his double bass pedal…. The singer stays mostly mid-range, and his delivery leaves me a bit unconvinced here. It’s almost like he isn’t really given it everything. Overall, this reminds me quite a bit of Nevermore, though the singer isn’t as charismatic as Warrel. I must say, though, complaints aside, I did like this a good bit! A melodic passage is thrown in just after the middle of the song, which helps to relieve any monotony.

11. Suspended - Thrashing The Masses
Here’s one I’ve heard of before several times. Our boards own Scott Waters has been pushing them for a good little while after Ultimatum shared the stage with them. All-female thrash usually doesn’t have a lot of balls to it (no pun REALLY intended). Production is nice for a small self-release. A big punk-like attitude to this tune. It jumps from mid-paced stomp to full-throttle speed. Quite a short tune, only clocking in at just over 2 mintues. I must say, the few songs on their MySpace doesn’t do these chicks justice, as THIS tune is MUCH better! I liked this one.

12. Vindicator - The Dog Beneath The Skin
Keiran, you got a gem here!! Following up their full-length There Will Be Blood, Yank thrashers Vindicator put this and a few other blistering thrashers on a split release from our board’s own Locky! F**king GREAT stuff here!!! VERY convincing delivery of old-school thrash from this new(ish) band. Shredding guitar solos, fast and aggressive riffs (with a nice amount of variety), pounding bass that goes along for the ride with the riffs, and outstanding drum work! For me, though, the REAL highlight is the absolutely RABID vocal performance. What a nasty snarl and spit this fella has!!

13. Wolf - Moonlight
I’d heard this band mentioned a few times, and always meant to check them out, but never got around to it. The band play fairly classic metal. Pretty good stuff, I must say (though the album cover utterly sucks!). Convincing and forceful delivery in all facets; riffs, bass, drums, and vocals. The lead guitar work is pretty good, though doesn’t really strike me as being full of….emotion? Zeal? I don’t know what it is, but it just rings a tiny bit hollow. Anyhow, the tune is a pretty good one. Won’t rush out to buy, but will pick it up if I find it cheap enough!

14. Witchhammer - Enola ga-hey
Another one I’m very familiar with. Norway’s own speed / thrash legends Witchhammer laid down a mighty damn fine album with 1487. This tune is one of the many excellent works on it. Pure blistering speed metal with thrash influences. Love the singers voice, as he can transition from a mid-range shout to piercing screams and soaring passes effortlessly. The riffs are all fast, but carry a melodic hint here and there. Drum work is standard fare, but still quite good and always enjoyable. Bass is also standard, but capably handled. Solos are nice and quick, played with conviction. I’ve got the anniversary re-release, but I’m gonna hunt down the original vinyl of this, methinks. Great tune to wrap up the 2^nd and final disc from Olaf!


Thanks a TON dude! This swap was VERY enjoyable! Hell, you even managed to surprise me a few times with thrash tunes, no less!!

Glad you liked it man!!!
This comp swap round has been a great sucsess . I`m still spinning the ones you sent me, and plan on getting some of them even if they are bloody hard to find

Here's a review of Kmorg's last disc:

1. Jorn - Road of the Cross

The vocals on this one are really, really good, but unfortunately the chugga chugga riffs in the verse are not quite to me liking. However, the song on the whole is pretty good. This isn't quite something I would buy, but it's nothing too bad or anything.

2. Carnivora - The Masters and their Slaves

The vocals are a little weak on this track. The music is decent though, but nothing really sticks unfortunately. Average imo.

3. Scariot - Strange to Numbers

Again, weak vocals and average music. Heavy metal by the numbers. Nothing really terrible I guess, but nothing special either.

4. Extol - Paradigms

Okay... errr... what is this? Next!

5. In Vain - Det Rakner!

Cool death metal. Reminds me of Morbid Angel in parts. This is pretty good actually. The clean vocals around the 2:20 mark seem out of place, but overall there's definitely some good riffs. Not really the type of death metal I usually listen to, but it's not bad at all.

6. Griffin - Here Comes the Pain

Never heard the Norwegian Griffin before, as I was only familiar with the American band. This sounds much, much better than than the first four songs. While the music isn't all that different, there's a lot more hooks to be found in this tracks, and the vocals are just great! Good stuff.

As I have to get ready for class now, I'll finish the review either later today or tomorrow.

Olafsto wrote:

Glad you liked it man!!!
This comp swap round has been a great sucsess . I`m still spinning the ones you sent me, and plan on getting some of them even if they are bloody hard to find

That looks like a pretty sweet disc you sent to SideShow. I have a few of those cuts (Communic, Scariot, Redrum, Witchhammer & Wolf), but a pretty solid line-up overall.

Haha, looks like my Norwegian metal comp is falling flat in Dave's hands

The last disc was actually meant to start with "Stop!" from disc number 2, but WMP f**ked it up for me..... Oh well, looking forward read the rest

My Review of disc one of an old comp Manny sent me:

1. Bonzo Dog Band- Intro and Outro: Quirky little track, sounds alot like a Zappa intro mixed with a Monty Python sketch. Ok overall, but not something I'd seek out

2. Thunder- Dirty Love: Pretty basic sounding late 80's/early 90's rock track, reminds me alot of "Bad Medicene", but it's got a belter of an opening riff and a good groove, I like it.

3. Backyard Badies- Minus Celsius: More modern sounding track, nice melody to it and some good riffs. And a hell of a bass line.

4. Juliette Lewis- American Boy: Cool lyrics and quite a feel to it, but nothing really jumps out and grabs me.

5. Courtney Love- Hello!: I'm not a Courtney Love fan at all, but I really like this song! Has a real punky beat and feel too it. Punchy drums, sing along chorus and snotty lead vocals. Good stuff!

6. The Who- Emminence Front: Total classic! Love the heavy almost hypnotic feel this song has. Along with a guitar tone that beings images of noir movies/Miami Vice.

7. Glenn Hughes- So Much Love To Give: Awesome blusey ballad and Glenn sounds great!

8. David Bowie- Cracked Actor: Classic sleazy sounding Bowie! I really love the buzzing guitar in this one.

9. The Cramps- Can Your kitten Do The Dog?: One of my favorites from The Cramps! Surf punk never sounded better.

10. The Rolling Stones- Salt Of The Earth: I've never liked much of The Stones except a few songs, but this is an ok track, stumbles a bit at first but once it gets going it jams along loosely.

11. Saxon- Solid Ball Of Rock: Rock The Nations sucked so hilariously bad I never bothered with Saxon much afterwards until recently. This song is awesome though! Cool mounting intro with a chugging riff and punchy guitars. Saxon sounds back in their groove and at their best here! I have to search this album out.

12. Social Distortion- Bad Luck: Grungyesque rock, not too bad, has a nice plod to it, but doesn't really jump out.

13. T. Rex- Til Dawn: ANother classic track, gotta love the glam. \m/

14. Velvet Underground- Sweet Jane: For whatever reason I love Sweet Jane when played by Mott The Hoople, but not Velvet Underground. Just can't get into Undergroound's version of it, you can tell it's a good song, but it's not really together.

15. Roger Waters- Bravery Of Being Out Of Range: Never really got into Roger Waters solo stuff, but this is an intense little track with some blistering parts and a nice crunch with a real anthemic feel to it.

16. Concrete Blonde- Violence: Has a nice sleazy hypnotic feel to it, awesome guitar parts. One of my favorite songs on the comp.

17. The Runaways- Cherry Bomb: Another classic!

18. Rollins Band- The Number Is One: Pretty good song, rollins narrative is pretty forceful here.

19. Spinal Tap- Majesty Of Rock: Spinal Tap always makes me laugh with what they come up with, sounds like Rush mixed with Jethro Tull. Not bad. But, pretty cheesy.

Cool, Deathcult I am glad you find some songs on the disc that you enjoyed.

The Bonzo Dog Band has the British quirky humor that I love.

Courtney Love's solo album 'America's Sweetheart' is not a horrid album but IMO this is the best track on the CD.

I love the Velvet Underground but your last line 'not quite together' is not only aperfect description of this song but their entire discography! I am huge fan of this band.

Roger Waters first two solo albums where not bad but certainly not great, but his 'Amused to Death' album is a great album and features Jeff Beck on guitar.

Concrete Blonde is a band I love and I love the feel and lyrics to this song.

Chewie's Disc One (of three)

Vanden Plas - I Can See
One of those bands I've always meant to check out but never have. Love the keyboards that dance around the riffs.

Pink Cream 69 - Gods Come Together
Honestly thought I could never love a band named Pink Cream 69. I think the name kept me away. I've yet to encounter a disc of theirs I haven't liked.

Adriangale - The Thin Line
Whole song is like one giant hook. Killer solo near the end. Awesome.

Mother Earth - End Of All
Take what I would call female "alternative-esque" vocals and combine them with a classic metal sound. I would've like to have seen a little more range on the choruses though.

Mother Earth - Third Dimension
This one has a lot more personality on the choruses. It also rocks out a little harder too. First listen I liked the other song better. Subsequent listens has switched that opinion.

Galactic Cowboys - Kaptain Krude
That first GC album is one of those I always forget how much I like it until I hear something from it. This is one of my favorites from that album.

Galactic Cowboys - If I Were A Killer
Can never decide which I like better the debut or Space In Your Face. When this came out I was in a bit of metal downtime (and it had nothing to do with "grunge"). This is was the kind of thing to bring me out of the funk.

Damn The Machine - Russians
My local Hastings has this used and I'm always tempted. It has sat there for awhile now. When I saw this on the track list I figured this could make or break my decision to buy it. First listen I thought I'd pass. But it's a grower. Several listens later I'm inclined to pick it up. One of those songs that sneaks up on you with repeated plays.

Watchtower - Instruments Of Random Murder
From one of my top wants. A great galloping song with cool high vocals. Love how varied this song is.

Watchtower - Energetic Disassembly
Music needs more bass solos that lead to guitar solos. Watchtower does such a good job of incorporating the progressive elements without it seeming like it's "progressive". Have to get this album too. Oh, and I also think this is one of those cases where the lesser (it's 1985, what can you do) production adds to the charm.

Racer X - Loud And Clear
Despite being one of my favorite band names, I only own the two live volumes and barely ever break them out. This is the kind of song to cruise around with the stereo cranked and the windows down. Perfect driving music.

Racer X - Motor Man
Nice speedy song with a cool shredding solo.

Steel Dragon - Reckless
With the name and guitar intro I thought for sure I was in for a power metal feast. Guess again. Very modern sounding with the rock-y rap thing going on. I liked it. Can easily picture what the video might be like.

Europe - Scream Of Anger
Early pre-Final Countdown Europe doesn't get enough love. I remember getting this on tape from the budget bin in the eighties and thinking "what the hell?" Then after listening to it pretty much never looked back on The Final Countdown.

MacAlpine - Urban Days
The solo is what draws you to it and what you're waiting for. It doesn't dissapoint. But the rest of the song is also worthy in that late eighties/early nineties rock radio way.

Dokken - Paris
So strange to hear this as a studio recording. Either version it is still such a strong song.

Ayreon - Dawn Of A Million Souls
I'm not as big a fan of Lucassen's stuff as I was a few years back. But there is no denying how epic this is. Also the orchestration is sweeping and catchy. "What a show/behold, behold/ the dawn of a million souls"

I'm glad you liked it. That Adriangale has the singer Jamie Rowe from Guardian(I believe) on it. I used to go to school and work with the singer from Mother Earth and saw them live a couple of times. I always thought that she sounded like Pat Benetar.

Now the Steel Dragon song: I searched high and low on the internet for this one. It's actually a left off song from the Rock Star movie soundtrack(there are two of them). It's the song that Mark Walhberg sings/raps the beginning when they go to do the new album and they say Whoa! No! Do it again. The guitar groove in that song is just waaaaay coool. It should have included his version and been on the soundtrack.....


oh yeah... I'll be doin' yours this week.

WatchTower

Comp VIII Review Disc 1:



First of all I did like every song on this disc. This is a great cd to cruise with in the car. I’ve heard of some of these bands but just never got around to getting any of their albums. So here goes my first review, I hope it’s not to badly written.



Crimson Glory – Mayday: I had forgotten that I had Astronomica by these guys. if that album sounds as good as this I’m gonna have to whip it out again.



Holy Terror – Guardians Of The Netherworld: I like how this one starts out slow and then just rips at the end… Solo Fiesta



Forced Entry – As Of Yesterday: Something about this reminds me of Watchtower in the beginning, but then it slows down to a groove like Sad But True. I’ve seen this band mentioned around here…Good stuff



Cyclone Temple – Silence So Loud: This a just a kick ass tune!!!!



Outrage – Days Of Rage: This has a bit of a crossover sound that I like and when the solo hits it starts galloping along.



Blessed Death – Shadows Of The Living: This has an Anthrax mixed with NWOBHM and is another hit. His voice reminds me of Joey Belladonna.



Hydra Vein – Misanthropic: Just savage… I love it!!!!!



Sodom – Resurrection: Just some Good Rockin’ stuff. this is a band that I have heard of and I thought that they would sound more like the next band…….



Exumer – Sorrows Of Judgement: At first I thought that this was just plain noisy… and then it kicked in… and couldn’t stop crankin’ it in my car. He’s kinda got a Dave M. sound to his voice.



Razor – Instant Death: Someone has this as their avatar, I Likeeee



Slaughter – Time Warp: WTW!!! This isn’t Up All Night! This jams pretty good…



Crucified – It’s All About Fear: Some crazy drumming and some just plain craziness with a tiny bit of crossover.



Mordred – Falling Away: I did not expect this bound to sound like this. I thought that they would sound more like Exumer. A very nice melodic guitar solo. Sweeet!!!!



Uncle Slam – The Prophecy: Just more good stuff and a strong way to end this disc.



Overall, It’s a great CD that I will keep in my car to drive around with and writing reviews is a bit harder than I thought it would be.

Forgot I had written this up a few weeks back and then didn't to post it. And before that it took me awhile to get to it - I wanted to be in a "proggier" mood when looking at Chewie's second disc. I'm not the biggest fan of this genre, but more from not investigating it enough than anything else. So here it is (better late than never)

Mahavishnu Orchestra - Birds Of Fire
First off really dig the name of the band. Second I love an amplified violin and cello which I believe both are present for this instrumental. Also like the chaotic nature of the song.

Ice Age - Join (Home demo version)
Really doesn't sound demo-y at all. Nice sweeping epic song. The vocals really sold it for me. I'm curious to hear the studio version.

Dream Theater - Don't Look Past Me (John Hendricks)
I'll admit to a "like/no real feeling" toward Dream Theater. In the right mood I'm a fan. This is a nice typical number. And it is has a flowing pace and length, plus it's actually catchy in the chorus.

Magellan - Just One Bridge/Breaking These Circles/ Turning Point
Killer song. Has everything I like in a 8+ minute song. Everything works on this one.

Magellan - Critic's Carnival
I'm going to definitely have to seek some Magellan out. Both songs really delivered. Reminds me why I like lengthy numbers.

Spock's Beard - Thoughts (Part II)
I've always been intrigued by this band. The name and the way people are really into them. Wasn't what I was expecting - but acapella harmonized choruses will always score points with me. Along with acoustic to bass to strings solos. Spock's Beard goes on the list for sure.

Giraffe - Air Dance
This one was a little too lilting for me. It does pick up a little bit toward the last third.

Ayreon - Temple Of The Cat
Ayreon impressed me on the last disc. Liking the female vocals here. Maybe would have like to seen a rock out portion to the song.

Ayreon - Into The Black Hole: a)The Eye Of The Universe b)Halo Of Darkness c)The Final Door
Epic! Plenty of rock out in this one. Makes me want to climb mountains or sail to distant lands. Good stuff.

Ambrosia - Life Beyond LA
Since I love LA, any song with it in the title automatically raises my interest. Ambrosia sounds very familiar to me. I believe I have something by them on vinyl. This is a cool song with a funky seventies style groove going on.

NRG - Mephisto's Tarantella
This one went on a little long for me. They had me for the first four minutes though. I'll blame Ambrosia's leaving me wanting more for this.

King Crimson - Red
So I have to tell my King Crimson discovery story. Back in high school we had this independent art class which was just refugees from harder classes with tough teachers. Anyway everyone was constantly fighting over the boombox and what would get played. Personally I like everything but at that age I felt I had to carry the metal and rap banner. And protest against everything else. Well this girl Christie always wanted King Crimson. I always said it sucked, let's play Anthrax's State Of Euphoria. Of course I also would secretly take the King Crimson tapes home and make dupes of them. And boy was it hard explaining to her why I had all this King Crimson in my car (we secretly um .... dated/fooled around? for a bit) when I so boldly detested them. So yes I can admit today - I love King Crimson.

jstate wrote:

And boy was it hard explaining to her why I had all this King Crimson in my car (we secretly um .... dated/fooled around? for a bit) when I so boldly detested them. So yes I can admit today - I love King Crimson.

Imagine a punked-out teenage Uncle Sax with man-love for Prince and Daryl Hall. Actually, I did not hide it as I thought it was much more "punk" to tell people about it. I never told folks that I thought Waylon Jennings was cool though [that would have been way too extreme!! haha]!!