COMP SWAP XI - The reviews

SpectreFate wrote:

DallasBlack wrote:

Some guys have all the luck. .

You read my mind!

Delivered as promised:

Disc 1:

Dionysus-Spirit
Dionysus-Bringer Of War
This starts off with a bang! Some great melodic power metal. Vocals and solos (guitar/keyboard) are the stand outs of these songs. The vocalist sounded very familiar. He had an uncanny resemblance to D.C. Cooper in the higher register, but I knew for sure it wasn’t him. After looking at No Life Til Metal, I realize he is the vocalist from Luca Turilli’s solo material. The first song is a mid paced number and sticks in your head like glue. The second song picks up the pace but never reaches a level of speed. On the wantlist these guys go.

Magnitude 9-End Of Time
Magnitude 9-Into The Sun
We move right on into prog metal (a genre I love). This is your typical style prog metal but done really well and the songs are not so long as to cause one to lose interest. Plenty of melody and atmosphere with clean and pleasant vocals. Nothing really separates these guys from the plethora of bands performing this kind of music so it’s not something I feel I will go out of my way to get, but if I found a CD of theirs at a used CD store, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up (I find used prog metal all the time, it’s only a matter of time til I find something).

Vanden Plas-Scarlet Flower Fields
Vanden Plas-I can See
Vanden Plas-Far Off Grace
Vanden Plas-End Of All Days
The first of several bands I’m familiar with. I only have Christ 0 but have kept my eyes out for others. Vanden Plas is one of those prog bands stand out in the crowd. Their musical skills, hooky songs, and outstanding vocals is what does this for me. The first song is a slow atmospheric number and very mesmerizing. The second track is heavier and picks up the pace greatly. On this song, they manage to have just the right amount of aggressiveness while maintaining their melodic prowess. The third song starts with an acoustic intro and seems more along the lines of the first one. However, the pace does not stay the same, it fluctuates. That is needed as this song is one of your longer prog metal songs. That variety helps prevent it from getting stale. The final song is another long song (both over 7 minutes). This one starts with a soft intro but picks up pretty quickly then slows down again. This pattern holds which, as I said, is necessary for the long numbers like this. Definitely need to get some more of this band.

Pyramaze-Sleepy Hollow
Pyramaze-Power Of Imagination
Pyramaze-Until We Fade Away
Another familiar band for me, yet like VP, this comes from material I don’t have (the first one). I have the sophomore album and the one with Matt Barlow. I like both but never felt the need to get the first one. The first track opens up with a spoken part backed up by a haunting intro. Then Lance King’s voice rings out loud and clear and the heaviness kicks in. This song stays heavy and resembles more power than prog (as does all of Pyramaze). The second song starts out heavy and doesn’t let up except at the middle but that only lasts a short time before it picks back up. The third song does not get very heavy and is fairly subdued. All three songs are amazing power/prog with great musicmanship and one of my all time favorite vocalists.

Mehida-Wings Of Dove
Mehida-Stronghold
Some more prog metal but these songs are shorter and are more a mix of melodic metal, power, and prog. Some fantastic songs with great soaring vocals and awesome keyboard atmosphere. These guys are definitely going in my wantlist. Next to Dionysus, these guys are the most memorable on the first disc.

Disc 2:

All That Remains-Aggressive Opposition
All That Remains-Faithless
I have seen these guy’s albums in many different places but always dismissed them as one of your typical metalcore drones. You know speed & melody with monotonous vocals but no solos, feeling, or real musicmanship. I was wrong as these are some great modern metal songs. They are more like latter day Soilwork (Pantera-esqe growls mixed with clean vocals). There are plenty of solos and memorable songwriting and you can be sure All That Remains will eventually make it into my music library.

Angra-Ego Painted Grey
Angra-The Course Of Nature
More than familiar with Angra. Great power/progressive with melody, memorabiltiy, great musicmanship, and powerful vocals. The first song is a bit heavier than what I’m used to with this band but is still a fantastic song. The second is also a heavy number that seems different than what I’m used to. Still, both songs are very strong numbers and in no way lacking in quality. Certainly could use some more Angra in my collection.

At Vance-Fly To The Rainbow
This is some fine quality neo-classical power metal. The vocals are strong and soaring and the musicmanship it top notch. I knew I needed some At Vance before but this re-enforces than knowledge. Great song!

Eternal Reign-Gone To Far
Some grade A quality melodic power metal here. This genre is oversaturated and is filled with mediocre bands, it’s nice to be able to separate the good from the bad before chancing your money.

Essence Of Sorrow- Mind Control
Essence Of Sorrow-Embraced
We now head on into some very heavy power metal with some symphonic atmosphere. This is what I would describe as Divinefire with Nocturnal Rites vocals though not nearly as symphonic. Heavy as get out with great vocals, this band would be a welcome addition to my library.

Common Yet Forbidden-The Struggle
Common Yet Forbidden-Dead Alive
Now we get into the realm of death metal (blackened style). Heavy as hell and faster than a speeding bullet. I have seen these guys every time I’m in Mardel, but I wrote them off as one of the countless deathcore bands that oversaturate the Christian metal market. That was a mistake as these guys are great. Next time I shop at Mardel, I shall not make that mistake again.

Novella-Colour Of Love
Novella-Fire In The House
For me, this was the crowning jewel of these comps. Melodic hard rock and AOR, as everyone knows, is my favorite genre (s) and I’m always looking out for good bands old and new. These guys are of the former. The melodies are super infectious and the vocals are clean and clear. What’s more, the CD is pretty damn cheap on Amazon ($6 used). Because of financial uncertainty, I can’t be getting too much and most bands on this comp are going to have to be on the backburner, but this one I can get right now…done.

Lost Horizon-Pure
Back to some power metal with a great melody line presented by the guitar. The vocals are powerful and high and the music is top notch. On the list it goes.

Impending Doom-More Than Conqueror
Another band I dismissed as one of the countless Christian metalcore bands. While they are more so than Common Yet Forbidden they aren’t half bad. I’m still not quite sure whether I will be getting anything from them though. I would need to hear more before making a financial investment. If they have guitar solos, it would go a long way to helping make the decision. As it is, it’s a bit monotonous for my taste.

Lincoln Brewster-Give Him Praise
Lincoln Brewster-Let Your Glory Shine
We close with some worship/praise music. Yet this ain’t your Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James crap. This is bluesy melodic hard rock with outstanding guitar solos and Gospel back up singing. This is what would happen if you got a band like The Black Crowes into the Christian brotherhood. This is how you worship!

I seem to make out like a bandit on these Comp Swaps and this is no exception. Thanks Bassman!

At Vance is one of the best bands out there when it comes to doing classical music. Almost every one of their albums has a classical cover on it. I bought their recent Best Of just so I could get them all on one disc. My favorite is their version of Vivaldi's "Spring":

Glad you enjoyed the comps, DB!

tohostudios wrote:

Hey, I have that The Format disc. I recognized the cover right away and I just checked The Vault and I still have it.

Cool. Thats a good album.

Olafsto wrote:

ZombieHavoc wrote:

Olafsto wrote:

Really enjoying Zombiehavoc`s comps! Very busy week but hope to have first review up in a few days.

I'm glad you are digging the discs! Yours still have not arrived yet, but once they do I will dig in and post up thoughts.

It usually takes one week so i would have thougth they be there by now. Let me know if they don`t show up and i`ll burn new ones or upload them digitally for you.

The discs arrived today. I hope to post some reviews by Wednesday, but if not it will be at the beginning of next week.

The bands here that I am familiar wtih are all excellent, but most of the stuff I have never heard of, so I'm looking forward to popping these in and hearing what it's all about.

DallasBlack wrote:

Delivered as promised:

Disc 1:


Novella-Colour Of Love
Novella-Fire In The House
For me, this was the crowning jewel of these comps. Melodic hard rock and AOR, as everyone knows, is my favorite genre (s) and I’m always looking out for good bands old and new. These guys are of the former. The melodies are super infectious and the vocals are clean and clear. What’s more, the CD is pretty damn cheap on Amazon ($6 used). Because of financial uncertainty, I can’t be getting too much and most bands on this comp are going to have to be on the backburner, but this one I can get right now…done.



Lincoln Brewster-Give Him Praise
Lincoln Brewster-Let Your Glory Shine
We close with some worship/praise music. Yet this ain’t your Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James crap. This is bluesy melodic hard rock with outstanding guitar solos and Gospel back up singing. This is what would happen if you got a band like The Black Crowes into the Christian brotherhood. This is how you worship!

I seem to make out like a bandit on these Comp Swaps and this is no exception. Thanks Bassman!

Both of those Novella albums are pure AOR genius!! I have them both now although "A Liquid Earth" which is the album these tracks are taken from is by far my favorite.

I will check out that Lincoln Brewster album as well, cuz you and I seem to have a fairly similar musical vibe.

Here we go folks, received two discs from SAHB Healer today in the mail. By request, he said to choose one for review. The discs were labeled, "Classic Rock Era" (1979-1989) and "Retro Rock" (1990-2012) I picked the "classic rock" to review here. Gonna use a standard school like grading system. A to F as means of rating each song.

1)Doc Holiday-Whiskey Train

I saw these guys in Macon, Geogia while visiting Duane Allman and Barry Oakley's gravesite. Great band but never had any albums by them. Love the oncoming train sound at the begining of the song. The opening riff has a Blackfoot element and the vocals are very much in the Danny Joe Brown vien. The leadwork is very Dickey betts like. Great tune,makes one wanna seek out more music by them. Aparetnly this is a cover of a Procul Harum tune. Rating B+

2)Bloodrock-Jessica

This band was something alot of older kids had in their vinyl collections when I was just getting into music. I have never owned anything by them. The first thing a listener picks up on is that they are very Purpl-ish in what they do. Rating B

3)Dakota-Posession

Never heard of this band before. Very late 70's-ish.... great harmonies in the vocals and guitar hook. I can't put my finger on who they remind me of ? Rating B-

4)Grinderswitch-redwing

One of the great bands on the Capricorn roster in the early/mid 70's. Another band I was familar with by name and not by music. I would of loved to see these guys live. Seems they could of just took off and jammed. My first impression is a ARS/MTB kinda vibe with this particular tune. Rating B

5)Ultra-Seasons Pass

Another first for me...The vocals sound like Davey Pattison and the only thing that makes the song stand out. Rating C

6)Doc Holiday-Bad Love

Another tune from these guys. This one is more Skynyrd-ish with a taste of Blackfoot. I like this tune but not as much as the other one. Great tune nonetheless. Rating B

7)Les Dudek-Old Judge Jones

Great player !!!!!!! I have this album. I'd call it Steely Dan with a bit of the blues. Rating B+

8)Tin House-Be Good & Be Kind

Another first time listen. Upbeat tune with lots of little musical journey's between the verses. The guitar player has a killer tone. Makes me wanna hear more. Rating B+

9)Axe-Running The Gauntlet

One of those bands that had bad timing, I suppose ? I have this album and it is ver, very good. I saw them open for Motley Crue in 1983. Talk about a strange pairing. This song is way better than the one most folks may know them for, which is "Rock n Roll Party In The Streets". Rating B

10)Sojourn-I've Been Running

Another first time listen....decent AOR (IMHDO) The electronic drums kill it for me and it's the first song on the comp that I really don't wanna listen to all the way to the end. Though I did. Rating D

11)Firefall-Break of Dawn

I like alot of country flavored rock from the 70's. (Commander Cody, Burrito Bros, New Riders ect) Don't know if this is from that era or later ? This just doesn't do it for me, though it's not garbage. Just average sounding (IMHDO) Rating C

12)Wrabit-Pushin On

Another album I own...

Great song.....nice riff....great backing vocals....nice hooks.....cruntchy guitar. Reminds me of another Canadian band, Saga. But without the over satuation of keyboards. Rating B+

13)Lucifer-Sixteen

Another band I'd heard of but never heard. The vocals sound like dude from Blood Sweat and Tears. If this had horns in it, one might think it was them. Rating C+

14)Gypsy-Decision

Last but not least we have this great band that starts with this Haight/Asbury vibe and takes it to that progressive place without being overbearing or noodle-ish. The album this song is from is a killer headphone album. Rating A-

Overall this is a great comp, lots of variety. Bands that are unknown are always fun, at least to me. I rate it at a solid B.

Thank you SAHB Healer for a lil tatse of your musical palate

On to disc 3 from DallasBlack........this one focused a bit more toward the heavy end of the spectrum.....

Vanishing Point - Surrender
Another great transition song......power/prog with interesting musical arrangements and outstanding vocal harmonies. I want this!

Pentagram(Mezarkabul) - Anatolia
This one took a while to grow on me........odd time signature, heavy and slower paced, vocals are a bit odd but fits the overall ominous vibe of the music well.

Prototype - Mind In Motion
Ok, any song that starts with a clip from DUNE gets extra points from me......if that makes me a nerd, I'm sorry. A speedy tale of the desert planet with very nice vocal harmonies and the band is nice and tight with some tricky riffs. Another one I would like to have.

Gates Of Winter - Life Force Rapture
Proggy and heavy all at the same time, good use of keys into a stop/start kind of riff....a more modern metal sound......More music to buy.

Sentenced - Excuse Me While I Kill Myself
Very much a modern rock sound.......this one just didn't click with me.

Paradise Lost - Shadowkings
This reminds me of Vanishing Lessons - era Tourniquet......especially the vocals. Good song.....and on the want list it goes.

Moonlyght - From Home To Nothingness
SPEED! Growls begin to make an appearance, really like the riff changes in this song, vocals go from rough but clean, to deathy, to almost a black metal shriek.......yup, I like this one too.

Fear Of God - Emily
Female-fronted but not operatic, love the heavy riffage......vocals take some getting used to, she does a lot of spooky spoken word kind of stuff that fits the music but is a little hard to listen to.......but it does grow on you after a few spins.

Borknagar - The Genuine Pulse
Genius! This is great stuff......starts out with full-on blast beat and goes through a ton of changes as the song progresses.......very nice clean vocals and mid-paced riffs later in the song. Must buy immediately......

November's Doom - The Pale Haunt Departure
Heaviest song on the comp........and one of my top 3 picks. The overall impression is one of depth........deep vocals, deep guitars, deep drums....but the production is crystal clear, no muddiness at all. Another one I need to own.....

Divine Sin - Among The Shades
Acoustic intro, melodic but still heavy........good song.

Daath - Cosmic Forge
I like this one a lot, too. Fast double bass, growled vocals, lots of riff changes, very good guitar and keyboard work........I'll put it on the list.

Amorphis - The Gathering
This one has a bit of groove to the heavy riff........It's not James Brown funky, but definitely has more swing than anything else on the comp.

Abomination - Redeem Deny
Kind of an old school death/thrash sound with a shouted vocal.....I hear a Death influence for sure.

Arise - Master Of Gravity
Fast, vocal is a more high-pitched growl, a groovy riff, this is definitely mosh-able! I almost started a pit all by myself!

Loudblast - Wisdom (Father On)
This reminds me of Post Momentary Affliction-era Mortification....the riff style, the drum patterns......this a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

In Extremo - Kuss Mich
I tried really hard to like this one.....but I just can't. The music has a folky kind of thing going on.....very happy sounding, like people should be dancing around with a big mug of ale......but the vocals sound angry, in a Rammstein sort of way......the contrast is just a bit too much for me.


I had a great swap with DB this time around and have a ton of new CDs to buy.......standouts on this one include Vanishing Point, Prototype, Borknagar, and November's Doom.

Nicely done, DB!

Glad you liked the comp!

I will have to send you some more Sentenced. I can't stand the thought of someone thinking they are in any way modern rock. I will send you a comp much like the Amorphis one so you can get a sample of everything.

That Fear Of God is pricey in some circles. If you can't find it at a decent price, let me know. I can either find one for you or make you a copy.

In Extremo, like One Hundred Days was the wild card which is why it was at the end. That was the live version, the non-live one has less gruff vocals (but probably won't change your mind):

For some dumb reason, the video was cut short. For anybody interested, here is the full song:

Okay, I listened to the first disc from Olafsto. This first disc was excellent; there is not a single song I didn't enjoy.

*Note: For the bands I'm not familiar with already, I have not (yet) looked them up on Amazon or Wiki or anything. I wanted to write the reviews based 100% on the tunes, with no outside info. So I don't know what decades some these songs may be from, what country, notable band members, etc.

1. The Real McKenzies- The Tempest. Awesome opener. Put this into the category of bands I would never have checked out based on the name. But it is really good, and oddly sounds to me like something Bruce Springsteen would have recorded. Plus bagpipes and a Scottish accent. Very good track.

2. Oslo Ess- Kakkerlakkene. Fun punk rock tune. Plenty of 'whoas'. I am not sure what language they are singing in, but it's fun and anthemic.

3. The Alarm- Strength. This sounds like a kind of somewhat more upbeat-ish (kinda) new wave band. I could easily hear this on a mix tape right between Morrissey and Echo and the Bunnymen. I will definitely be checking this band out further.

4. Backstreet Girls- See and Be Seen. I had no idea what to expect, based on the name, but this is some kick-ass rock n' roll. I could see this band opening for Hanoi Rocks or Girl, or one of those types of NY Dolls-infused bands. Again, definitely going to look for more from this band.

5. Ballydowse- Walking On. Again, no idea what to expect based on the name, but this band is right up my alley. I don't know if this from the 70s or not, but it is straight up 70s-style punk, and I will never get enough of that stuff. Will be investigating this band.

6. Billy Bragg & Wilco- Birds and Ships. I am familiar with the name here, but that's it. I had some friends when I was in my 20s who were obsessed with Bragg, but I never checked anything out. I probably wouldn't have gotten into it back then, as everything had to be in-your-face to me at that time. Now I enjoy much more mellow music, and this is very pretty song.

7. Bob Catley- This Galant Band of Man. I expected something more singer/songwriter, since it was just a dude's name, but this is melodic metal. It was fun, and I really like the drums in it. Reminded me of the machine gun-sounding drums from bands like Mystic Prophecy. I don't know if I will be checking them out further, but this tune is certainly fun enough to listen to.

8. The Bones- Mighty Touchdown. This is kind of working class, Social Distortian-sounding punk, and I can definitely dig on that. Fun, anthemic tune.

9. Chastain- Child of Evermore. I don't own any Chastain records, but I know who David Chastain is, and have heard some stuff before. I've also listened to Leather's solo record on Spotify a bunch. This song is awesome. Heavy and angry. I need to add some Chastain to my collection.

10. Communic- Wayward Soul. I like this, to be sure, but it's probably my least favorite on the disc. It starts out slower, and it does pick up, but based on the opening, I was just expecting it to kick into some bombastic Iced Earth style riffage, and it just never did. So that was just due to my expectation.

11. Crashdiet- Generation Wild. I have this disc, and this is an excellent tune to throw on a comp. I always get stoked when I listen to it.

12. D.A.D.- Jihad. I have heard these guys on things like Hair Nation and Metal Mania, but I don't own anything. This song ruled, so I will have to change that.

13. Demon- Night of the Demon. I am pretty well versed in NWOBHM, so while I don't own this, I have heard it before. Stellar tune.

14. Strummer/Cash- Redemption Song. I have never heard this cover before. Two icons rendering a classic tune beautifully. And I like to picture the recording session looking like Extreme's "More than Words" video. Two dudes, in black and white, sitting on stools. and strumming. Awesome addtion to the comp.

15. Dreadnoughts- Old Maul. Fun working class, street punk, with a sort of "strolling minstrel" twist to it. I like it.

16. From the Inside- Nothing At All. I have never heard this band before, but I am familiar with Tyketto and other stuff Danny Vaughan has done. This song is excellent melodic rock, on par with anything else he's been involved with. And I assume the band name is taken from the Alice Cooper record, so points for that in my book.

17. Gypsy Pistoleros- Un Hombre Sin Rostro, Pistolero. This sounds like Spanish infused sleaze. And I love it. The chorus is infectious. Sung in both Spanish and English, I almost feel like I can sing along after just one listen (even though I don't speak Spanish). I will definitely look into these dudes.

18. H.E.A.T.- Beg, Beg, Beg. Awesome CD closer, and one I am familiar with. I was obsessed with these dudes when the album first came out, but I haven't heard it in a while, so it was fun.

All around an excellent comp. I will be checking out almost all of the bands here. I can't wait to dig in to the second disc. Now, time to go add some stuff to my Amazon wishlist!

ZombieHavoc wrote:

5. Ballydowse- Walking On. Again, no idea what to expect based on the name, but this band is right up my alley. I don't know if this from the 70s or not, but it is straight up 70s-style punk, and I will never get enough of that stuff. Will be investigating this band.

I just looked this up on Amazon. Reviewers refer to it as Christian Celtic folk street punk, and it is circa 1999/2000ish.

I am intrigued.

WOW I am glad you liked so much of it Zombiehavoc!! I have an exam tomorrow, that`s why i haven`t had time to review yours, but thursday i will be back with reviews and additional comments on some of the bands on the discs i sent you.

Well, my computer has made teh suicide, so that is gonna set back my review of the second disc from the Ruskie a little bit. BUT, he still owes reviews for both so while I try to find a drive to regrab the songs and maybe put them on my phone, he can give me a writeup.

Its power metal so I'm having troubles remembering the songs. Patience.

BearOnUnicycle wrote:

Its power metal so I'm having troubles remembering the songs. Patience.

Foreshadow of a lukewarm review?

James B. wrote:

8)Tin House-Be Good & Be Kind

Another first time listen. Upbeat tune with lots of little musical journey's between the verses. The guitar player has a killer tone. Makes me wanna hear more.

that album credits Rick Derringer and Edgar Winter. I think they were from Florida. Interesting you mentioned Davey Pattison- after I sent this disc off I was regretting I maybe I put too much of a Gamma flavor to it- but I loved Gamma so couldn't help myself.(LOL). Thanks for the review, yours will be up tomorrow.

ZombieHavoc wrote:

7. Bob Catley- This Galant Band of Man. I expected something more singer/songwriter, since it was just a dude's name, but this is melodic metal. It was fun, and I really like the drums in it. Reminded me of the machine gun-sounding drums from bands like Mystic Prophecy. I don't know if I will be checking them out further, but this tune is certainly fun enough to listen to.

Bob Catley is the singer of Magnum who has released a number of solo albums, some of them written by Gary Hughes of Ten. He's also one of those guys who ends up singing on multi-vocalist rock operas, so you may have heard him on an Ayreon or Avantasia album.

Citanul wrote:

ZombieHavoc wrote:

7. Bob Catley- This Galant Band of Man. I expected something more singer/songwriter, since it was just a dude's name, but this is melodic metal. It was fun, and I really like the drums in it. Reminded me of the machine gun-sounding drums from bands like Mystic Prophecy. I don't know if I will be checking them out further, but this tune is certainly fun enough to listen to.

Bob Catley is the singer of Magnum who has released a number of solo albums, some of them written by Gary Hughes of Ten. He's also one of those guys who ends up singing on multi-vocalist rock operas, so you may have heard him on an Ayreon or Avantasia album.

Oh, I bet I have heard him then...I used to have several Avantasia CDs. I haven't thought about them in a long time.

Olafsto wrote:

WOW I am glad you liked so much of it Zombiehavoc!! I have an exam tomorrow, that`s why i haven`t had time to review yours, but thursday i will be back with reviews and additional comments on some of the bands on the discs i sent you.

No problem, man. And in the meantime, here is a review of the 2nd disc you sent:

1. Imperiet- C.C. Cowboys. This song gives me a very specific feeling. I don't really know how to classify its genre, but it sounds to me like a song that would've run during the credits of a 1990 horror movie. Then, as an adult, I would have a fondness for the song based on my attachment to that music, so I would've gone to seek it out. I know that says nothing to anyone about how it sounds, but that's what it conjures for me. Ha.

2. Ken Hensley- The End of Never. This is a fun kind of party rock sounding tune. It reminds me of guys like Johnny Lima. Just a dude playing rock n' roll and having some fun with it. Not sure if it is modern, or actually from the 80s/early 90s.

3. The Killigans- Santy Anno. This band is fun. It sounds to me like what Bad Religion would sound like if they played Celtic punk.

4. M.A.R.S.- Writings on the Wall. I actually have this album, and number it among my favorite metal releases. In fact, if I had been in more of a metal mood, I most assuredly would've put one of their songs on the comps I made...probably "Nostradamus".

5. Mantic Ritual- One by One. This song is enjoyable enough thrash, but since I have so much thrash, this stuff has to really grab me now in order to get me to check it out. Not a bad song by any means--I was definitely banging my head. But just nothing extra special, as far as thrash goes.

6. Marcus Rill- Hobo Dream. Excellent gravelly, train-hopping, Crazy Heart style country tune. I will be checking this guy out further, for sure.

7. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes- Sloop John B. I actually had never checked out Me First before, despite being well aware of them for a long time. This song is really fun, and I could imagine a whole album being quite addictive.

8. No Fuego- Stricken. This is the only song on either disc that I really did not like at all. It's metallic, but kind of modern, I don't know...emo, I guess. I hate that term. I don't really know what to call it, but it just wasn't really my thing.

9. Katzenjammer- A Bar in Amsterdam. This song is hard to describe--it's kind of polka influenced indie folk rock? As weird as it sounds, this is actually my favorite song out of either discs, and I will be definitely trying to acquire more of this. Really like the female vocalists.

10. Pogues- Greenland Whalefishers. While I don't own any Pogues stuff, I am well aware of the brilliance of Shane MacGowan. In fact, I put a different MacGowan band on the comp I made (The Nips, previously The Nipple Erectors). While The Nips are more powerpop, The Pogues are kind of Celtic punk/pop, I guess you'd call it. Fun tune.

11. Riot- You Burn in Me. I am not a Riot expert, but I've heard a bunch of tunes. This one, like all the rest I've heard, smokes.

12. Savage Rose- Wild Child. Based on the artist name and song title, I was expecting a bit of sleazy glam. Waaay wrong on that. A mellow tune with a strong female vocalist. It's not bad, but not something I'd probably look into further.

13. Sister Sin- End of the Line. Kick-ass female fronted sleaze. I don't own any albums, but this tune is further proof that I should.

14. Stage Dolls- Commandos. I've only ever heard one other ST song (the words "Toy Soldiers" come to mind, but I'm not sure if that's it). This song is a nice lighter melodic rock song. Makes me feel like it should be a summer night in 1989.

15. TNT- Break the Ice. I like every TNT song I've heard, and this is no exception. Need to get some.

16. Trashcan Darlings- Angel Lost. This is pure bubblegum glam, that hails from the school of Pretty Boy Floyd/Big Bang Babies sleaze. And that is a great thing, in my book. I really dug this tune, and will be checking this band out some more.

17. Uncle Tupelo- Train. I didn't really get into this song. I didn't like or dislike it. It was just playing while I was in the same room with it. No connection.

18. Volbeat- The Garden's Tale. When I first heard Volbeat a couple years ago, I couldn't decide if I liked them or not. I eventually decided I did, but I never bought anything from them. This track is further proof that they write some catchy as hell music.

19. Znowhite- Baptized by Fire. I'm already familiar with these guys and gal. One of my favorite thrash bands.

20. Street Dogs- Into the Valley. Excellent CD closer. They are a band that I've always known I needed to have in my collection. Awesome anthemic street punk.

Olafsto did a great job with these comps. They were both fun as hell to listen to, and I've listened to them both several times already. The first disc was definitely my favorite all around, but the second had my favorite individual song, so yeah. Thanks!

Review of comp from James B.
I'll use the letter grade system also

Canned Heat- Going Up Country
The Woodstock anthem. I've never taken to the recorded output of this band very much. I get the idea that they were the ultimate party band of that era, and maybe one of those bands where you had to be there at the time to fully appreciate. Still the song was beloved by a generation so I won't disrespect it. (B)

Dark Angel- Immigrant song
A thrash cover of the Zeppelin classic. I'm going to cop out and abstain from grading this one because I'm long since burnt out on the original, and I don't have a good knowledge of thrash. If you liked Nuclear Assault's version of Good Times, Bad Times you might like this song also. It's an up tempo song so probably a good fit for thrash. (no grade)

Death Angel- A Room With A view
This is off Act III. Since the last time I spun this album years ago, I've learned to appreciate songs like this through bands like Opeth and Katatonia. I enjoy it more now than I did back then. Dark, laid back, a little proggy, with bursts of power. Brilliant stuff. A great album too, one other song in this vein, and the rest mid paced thrash. I highly recommend this album (A+)

Hot Tuna- Killing Time In The Crystal City
Wow! I don't have this album (Double Dose Live). Thankfully It's available and I was able to order it, otherwise I'd have been heartbroken. Hot Tuna was an offshoot of Jefferson Airplane featuring Jourma Kaukonen. This is an acoustic number from a band that was known for it's acoustic sets. Kaukonen's "Quah" project (with Tom Hobson) is regarded as one of the greatest acoustic folk albums ever. They didn't just do acoustic though, when they plugged in they were legitimately one of the loudest bands of the 70's. Heavy, loud, and good, and I mean that. Recommended albums Yellow Fever and Hopkorv for metal fans (A)

Humble Pie- Four Day Creep
The opening track of the legenday Rockin' The Fillmore album. Allow me a short digression...
In the late 80's I went on some blind dates, and one of them was with two girls (not sure which one I was supposed to be with) who took me to a Reo Speedwagon concert. We all have bands that we just can't hack, and for me REO is that band, no big deal- I like Journey so I have my own weaknesses too, but REO ain't it. Didn't really hit it off with the two women, it was threatening a thunderstom, so I was feelin kinda glum. The opening act was billed as a late incarnation of Alvin Lee (he's ok, meh, not really a fan myself. So the MC gets up and says "we're sorry, Alvin Lee cancelled, but ladies and gentlemen welcome instead Humble Pie!"No Framton of course, but Steve Marriot was still (obviously) alive. I still remember them busting into Stone Cold Fever (my favorite HP song). It was outdoors and I could feel that riff pounding the side of the hill that I was sitting on. I went from being miserable to ecstatic in ten seconds. One of my best memories. Steve only lived another year of two so I'm lucky I got to see them. P.s.- it never did rain that day. (A)

MSG- Captain Nemo
Instrumental off Assault Attack? I'm not a big instrumental guy. But the rhythm section is Chris Glen and Ted McKenna from Alex Harvey's band (SAHB), and it's Michael Schenker on guitar so it can't be bad (B)

The Outlaws- Keep Prayin'
Classic Twin guitar southern rock, which is something I can't get enough of. (B+)

Quicksilver Messenger Service- What about Me?
I haven't followed this band as much as I should. This is the ultimate counterculture song. I know this band for John Cippolina's guitar, but this song features some brass and a bossa nova beat. Interesting but not my thing, and the lyrics are kinda dated (like me-LOL). Still, I need to check QMS out more, because I liked Cippolina's rock & roll projects like Copperhead and Terry & The Pirates a lot. Did he do much of that in QMS?(C)

Savoy Brown- Needle and Spoon
This one is also a laid back song, blues with some brass. It does feature a couple of blistering guitar solos (is that Dave Peverett or Kim Simmonds?)
My favorite era of Savoy Brown was the Dave Walker era (Lions Share etc.) I think Walker was the original candidate to replace Ozzy in Sabbath, that would have been interesting, but it couldn't have turned out as well as Dio did. (B)

Tesla- Ball of Confusion
Cover of the Temptations song. It's better than the original to my ears of course. I'd rather have had a Tesla original, but I know where to find them. The first compact discs I ever bought were a Tesla and a Cult, I'm gonna get them out and spin them now (B-)

Thin Lizzy- She Knows
Off Nightlife. I've never really warmed up to the mellow side of Lizzy, I don't own the first four albums or Black Rose either. I'm the same way with Queen, BOC, and Styx, I just like the heavy stuff for some reason. Still, it's early Gorham/Robertson so (B)

This was fun to listen to. It motivated me to Order the Hot Tuna Live album, as well as the new Outlaws album. I'm very excited about getting those, it's been awhile since I've looked forward to getting something so much.
This comp featured a very dynamic group of bands, and generally has a laid back west coast hippie vibe to it (with obvious exceptions). James could have used the same bands and made a massively heavy comp, but I enjoyed the subtle approach also. I especially enjoyed rediscovering the Death Angel album, that thing rules.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Glad ya dug on it Mark, I called it a day in my musical ears (or somethin like that) for a reason. I am glad ya noticed it could of gone heavier with the same bands. That was where my head was the day I made it. Thanks for the patience regarding my software grief and Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Laterz

Time to show my awesome writing skills. But first, OCI cheated with this comp - including early Rage track automatically makes it great. Heard about all of the bands included, actually listened to the very few of them, well, cause it is power metal

Labyrith - The Shooting Star, Vertigo, In The Shade
Perfect. All three. It reminds why I bought the first album of theirs this summer (and haven''t listened to it yet). All three tracks, even the instrumental "Vertigo" simply rules. First degree prog-power. I've heard a lot of good stuff about Labyrinth, but the thing that they are from Italy - country being famous with its "cartoonish" prog bands - really held me. Now all doubts faded away. Want more. Now.

Skyliner - The Alchemist, Undying Winds
Self promotion, and guess what - these two are my favorites. I've heard them somewhere on HoM spaces already. Both tunes combines melody aggression in right proportions thus making it a brilliant tracks in my world - this kind of metal I enjoy the most. Instant favorites.

Crescent Shield - The Grand Horizon, The Last of My Kind.
Being held in high regard on this board, the band has been already checked by me some years ago. I've really tried to like them over time, but that kind of epic metal doesn't click. It is good while playing, and while I really enjoy some parts of songs, as a whole they are not buying me. I'll stick with Sacred Oath and Attacker when in the mood of something epic.

Rage - Without a Trace, Vertigo, Innocent.
As mentioned before, "Without a Trace" can save even Cognitive Dissonance comp. It is completely unnecessary in this case though - just an example of the greatness of Rage. "Secrets .." is a desert island disc. After a year of trying to like the band they finally got me with "Reflections...", and with "Secrets..." I've become their lifelong fan. The early work - especially 88-92 - is exceptional, and just like with almost every great album, it took a few listens to really appreciate their legacy.
"Black in Mind" and onward, on the other hand, seems like a different band to me. Something is missing for me, they've become too heavy and lifeless to me. And while I liked both 'Vertigo' and, even more so, 'Innocent', not sure if able to sit through a full album.

Lanfear - Unrestrained, The Reverend.
German bands of this kind of metal have a common element to their sound I can't describe accurately but can easily spot it, and which I like a lot. Something airy, sincere and mellow with a touch of bright sadness in the of heavy, technically accurate and mighty shell. And as we all know, German metal rarely gets bad. "Unrestrained" is awesome. The second track, while good, has that uneven, start-stop structure that bugs me. But that's nit picking.

Kelidian - The Ghost of Icarus, Requiem of Light
There's a topic about this band in which praises are sung. I questioned myself if they really are that good, but was always too lazy to spend 5 minutes on youtube. Cause they play power metal. It appears that yes, they definitely are that good. Maybe even slightly better.
I'm positive I can't find anything bad about their music. Bye bye stipend.

Winterborn - Last Train to Hell, Overture 1939, The Winter War.
Owned "Cold Reality", couldn't remember anything of it, put it somewhere in the backgrounds. Now I question myself why. While nothing original and mindblowing, they are quite good, with little hard rock touch. Time to find out where the CD is. Liked the first track a lot more though.

I'll post the 2nd half later cause this wall of text is of scary scales.

ZombieHavoc wrote:

Olafsto wrote:

WOW I am glad you liked so much of it Zombiehavoc!! I have an exam tomorrow, that`s why i haven`t had time to review yours, but thursday i will be back with reviews and additional comments on some of the bands on the discs i sent you.

No problem, man. And in the meantime, here is a review of the 2nd disc you sent:

1. Imperiet- C.C. Cowboys. This song gives me a very specific feeling. I don't really know how to classify its genre, but it sounds to me like a song that would've run during the credits of a 1990 horror movie. Then, as an adult, I would have a fondness for the song based on my attachment to that music, so I would've gone to seek it out. I know that says nothing to anyone about how it sounds, but that's what it conjures for me. Ha.

2. Ken Hensley- The End of Never. This is a fun kind of party rock sounding tune. It reminds me of guys like Johnny Lima. Just a dude playing rock n' roll and having some fun with it. Not sure if it is modern, or actually from the 80s/early 90s.

3. The Killigans- Santy Anno. This band is fun. It sounds to me like what Bad Religion would sound like if they played Celtic punk.

4. M.A.R.S.- Writings on the Wall. I actually have this album, and number it among my favorite metal releases. In fact, if I had been in more of a metal mood, I most assuredly would've put one of their songs on the comps I made...probably "Nostradamus".

5. Mantic Ritual- One by One. This song is enjoyable enough thrash, but since I have so much thrash, this stuff has to really grab me now in order to get me to check it out. Not a bad song by any means--I was definitely banging my head. But just nothing extra special, as far as thrash goes.

6. Marcus Rill- Hobo Dream. Excellent gravelly, train-hopping, Crazy Heart style country tune. I will be checking this guy out further, for sure.

7. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes- Sloop John B. I actually had never checked out Me First before, despite being well aware of them for a long time. This song is really fun, and I could imagine a whole album being quite addictive.

8. No Fuego- Stricken. This is the only song on either disc that I really did not like at all. It's metallic, but kind of modern, I don't know...emo, I guess. I hate that term. I don't really know what to call it, but it just wasn't really my thing.

9. Katzenjammer- A Bar in Amsterdam. This song is hard to describe--it's kind of polka influenced indie folk rock? As weird as it sounds, this is actually my favorite song out of either discs, and I will be definitely trying to acquire more of this. Really like the female vocalists.

10. Pogues- Greenland Whalefishers. While I don't own any Pogues stuff, I am well aware of the brilliance of Shane MacGowan. In fact, I put a different MacGowan band on the comp I made (The Nips, previously The Nipple Erectors). While The Nips are more powerpop, The Pogues are kind of Celtic punk/pop, I guess you'd call it. Fun tune.

11. Riot- You Burn in Me. I am not a Riot expert, but I've heard a bunch of tunes. This one, like all the rest I've heard, smokes.

12. Savage Rose- Wild Child. Based on the artist name and song title, I was expecting a bit of sleazy glam. Waaay wrong on that. A mellow tune with a strong female vocalist. It's not bad, but not something I'd probably look into further.

13. Sister Sin- End of the Line. Kick-ass female fronted sleaze. I don't own any albums, but this tune is further proof that I should.

14. Stage Dolls- Commandos. I've only ever heard one other ST song (the words "Toy Soldiers" come to mind, but I'm not sure if that's it). This song is a nice lighter melodic rock song. Makes me feel like it should be a summer night in 1989.

15. TNT- Break the Ice. I like every TNT song I've heard, and this is no exception. Need to get some.

16. Trashcan Darlings- Angel Lost. This is pure bubblegum glam, that hails from the school of Pretty Boy Floyd/Big Bang Babies sleaze. And that is a great thing, in my book. I really dug this tune, and will be checking this band out some more.

17. Uncle Tupelo- Train. I didn't really get into this song. I didn't like or dislike it. It was just playing while I was in the same room with it. No connection.

18. Volbeat- The Garden's Tale. When I first heard Volbeat a couple years ago, I couldn't decide if I liked them or not. I eventually decided I did, but I never bought anything from them. This track is further proof that they write some catchy as hell music.

19. Znowhite- Baptized by Fire. I'm already familiar with these guys and gal. One of my favorite thrash bands.

20. Street Dogs- Into the Valley. Excellent CD closer. They are a band that I've always known I needed to have in my collection. Awesome anthemic street punk.

Olafsto did a great job with these comps. They were both fun as hell to listen to, and I've listened to them both several times already. The first disc was definitely my favorite all around, but the second had my favorite individual song, so yeah. Thanks!

Based on those 2 discs, Olaf and I defnitely need to do a swap next time. I see lots of stuff I could get into on those two reviews.