Sentinel's Quick Reviews

Thank you for the kind words, sir. I agree, DT needs to get back to basics. They should have taken a page from one of their contemporaries in the Prog Metal genre, Symphony X, whose new album is, I think, terrific and is more a collection of great individual songs with a common theme rather than everything bent towards one concept.

the sentinel wrote:

I have also been alternating U.D.O. and Iron Maiden albums in the car to and from work, but I am spinning this neo classical masterpiece at the moment:


WOW. This one blew me away in Junior High. As I stated in the White Lion review I have been a fan of the shredders for a long time and it started with Yngwie. Technically, it wasn't this album but rather, "Trilogy" but it's still Malmsteen. I know people have strong opinions on the man and his ego but but I don't know him personally so I can't really comment on that. All I can say is that I have been a fan for years and own everything that he has put out.
EVH was always a fave growing up and I still count him as one today, but this was just different. Back then I didn't know the buzzwords like "neo classical" or "sweep arpeggio" that describe YJM's work the way I do now.I just knew it was different and it blew me away. The instrumentals outnumber the songs with lyrics but you don't go to a steak house for the sizzle. Still, this album is awesome. Yngwie's blistering guitar and Jeff Scott Soto's soaring vocals are what make the album for me.
Faves on this one:
Far Beyond the Sun, Icarus Dream Suite, Evil Eye

The outro at the end of Icarus Dream Suite has stuck with me for years.

Great album. I couldn't wait for this one to come out. I was a fan from his Steeler days. Yngwie was such an emotional player, with a precision and speed that just defied convention. This and Trilogy are my favorites. Never did see him live and always wondered how he was going to pull some of these songs off. I tried out his signature model strat and wow, no way. I agree with your assessment.

the sentinel wrote:

Been on a bit of a Dio kick today, so here we go:



Great live offering, well, two great live offerings here and RJD is at the top of his game. Awesome track selection ( a little Sabbath, some Rainbow, and a generous dose of solo material) and I love the crowd "banter" between Ronnie and the fine folks that came to the Castle those two days. Those of you who have been on here for years with me probably know I freakin' love live albums and that interplay between band and audience is a big reason why. Another reason is song selection. I love live Dio especially for the fact that he has a big body of work and you never know when a medley breaks out and the song goes in a different direction. Or becomes another song entirely.




We all know this one so I am not going to do a review or start gushing about how great an album it is. I will say this, though, and it's in no way a comparison of the two albums; but Europe's "The Final Countdown" is an example where the title track is clearly the best and most well known song on the album, while "Holy Diver" has a very well known title track that I feel is bested by songs like "Invisible" and "Straight Through the Heart." And totally annihilated by my fave cut on the album, "Don't Talk to Strangers." All just my humble opine of course.
Disc 2 of the deluxe edition includes the B sides from the singles off "HD" and a few stellar live cuts from the King Biscuit Flower Hour from 1983. Also, the alternate version of "Evil Eyes" is pretty cool as it definitely sounds different than the studio version.
One of the all-time greatest heavy metal discs, ever. By anyone! Of course I am a bit of a Dio fanboy.

You got the desire. So let it out.
You got the power. Stand up and shout...

Holy Diver is simply, how it's done. Donington is a rather recent acquisition. Love it. Two era's back to back. Hard to choose.

The wife and I have been snowed in here today on the last day of our 1st Anniversary weekend. Good thing we got the overnight stay and trip to Boston out of the way earlier in the weekend as all we have done is clean the house, shovel snow, and play music. Earlier, I spun the new Symphony X a couple times:



I have Ult to thank for getting me into these guys back in 2007. I own everything and really love "The Odyssey" the most. Big fan of Russell Allen's vox on anything he does; he always sounds great whether the style is Progressive or more straightforward Metal like Adrenaline Mob. Saw him with Trans Siberian last December and thoroughly enjoyed. Anyway, stellar album here. From Russ's vocals to  Mike Romeo's riffs and punchy guitar tone to the thundering drums of Jason Rullo. Good to see him back in the fold after some health issues a few years back. A great disc overall, that like other Symphony X albums, is a collection of songs with a common theme rather than a single concept. This one is of course based on Dante's Inferno and Orpheus in the Underworld. When I was a teacher, I remember covering Dante and the concept of going "to Hell and back" for something important to you was the central theme. Faves on this one: Nevermore, Kiss of Fire, To Hell and Back.

Next it was:



I only got into Raven about 5 years ago (again b/c of Ult) so they are not an all time fave or one I have a great history with. I was always aware of them from seeing a few of their albums in the bins back in the day and a few back patches on other peoples jackets, but I never dived in and bought any of their stuff until 2010 when "Walk Through Fire" was released in America. I hope that long time Raven lunatics don't turn up their nose at me as I agree I am not as qualified as some to give an in depth review.  I have been doing my best to add more Raven to my collection as the two I own now (Walk Through Fire and Extermination) are excellent. From time to time I listen to some older Raven and read comments and reviews about the albums. Regarding "Stay Hard" I know it was their major label debut and that the song is a bit more commercial than earlier albums, but I think this one rocks pretty hard. I have always known the song "On and On" from the crazy video with the hot chicks and the blue guy and always thought it was super catchy. So, that's obviously a fave for me here as well as the rewritten "Hard Ride." I think the instrumental is cool and a great way to end an album. Why don't more bands do that? I also like the title track and "Pray for the Sun" but I find "Power and Glory" to be pretty silly with he talking before the verses. Since most Raven stuff is rare and expensive on CD I will probably collect them on cassette as these seem to be plentiful n the online auction sites.

Lastly:



Now, here's an all time fave, a Speed Metal masterpiece. I have three versions of this one (4 if you add in cassette) and freakin' love every song. But, if I had to choose a few faves: Starlight, Gorgar, Heavy Metal Is The Law, Ride the Sky, and How Many Tears. This album, according to many Metal sites, set in motion a lot of Power Metal bands around the globe. I play this one every couple of weeks.

journeyman wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

Been on a bit of a Dio kick today, so here we go:



Great live offering, well, two great live offerings here and RJD is at the top of his game. Awesome track selection ( a little Sabbath, some Rainbow, and a generous dose of solo material) and I love the crowd "banter" between Ronnie and the fine folks that came to the Castle those two days. Those of you who have been on here for years with me probably know I freakin' love live albums and that interplay between band and audience is a big reason why. Another reason is song selection. I love live Dio especially for the fact that he has a big body of work and you never know when a medley breaks out and the song goes in a different direction. Or becomes another song entirely.




We all know this one so I am not going to do a review or start gushing about how great an album it is. I will say this, though, and it's in no way a comparison of the two albums; but Europe's "The Final Countdown" is an example where the title track is clearly the best and most well known song on the album, while "Holy Diver" has a very well known title track that I feel is bested by songs like "Invisible" and "Straight Through the Heart." And totally annihilated by my fave cut on the album, "Don't Talk to Strangers." All just my humble opine of course.
Disc 2 of the deluxe edition includes the B sides from the singles off "HD" and a few stellar live cuts from the King Biscuit Flower Hour from 1983. Also, the alternate version of "Evil Eyes" is pretty cool as it definitely sounds different than the studio version.
One of the all-time greatest heavy metal discs, ever. By anyone! Of course I am a bit of a Dio fanboy.

You got the desire. So let it out.
You got the power. Stand up and shout...

Holy Diver is simply, how it's done. Donington is a rather recent acquisition. Love it. Two era's back to back. Hard to choose.

Yeah, I don't think I could easily choose either. I hold out hope that Wendy's company, Niji entertainment releases more quality gems like these in the next few years. I see Dio'd solo stuff having a long legacy the way Hendrix music does.

the sentinel wrote:

This is my favorite TNT, but not the first album I heard by them. In '87 I saw the videos for "10,000 Lovers" and "Everyone's A Star" as I was hooked. I backtracked a year or so later and got this on cassette. Still have it on cassette as well as CD. I love Ronnie's riffs and guitar tone and find Tony's vocals just captivating as they soar above the meaty Metal riffs and scorching lead breaks. A raw and classic album. This whole album is great but standouts are  "Seven Seas" and "Tor With the Hammer" and I also really like "Last Summer's Evil" for the catchy chorus and the way it glides so smooth out of the instrumental "Klassisk Romance." Even the ballad, "Without Your Love," which really has a 70's AM feel to it is good as it comes across very sincere and not obligatory. Anyway, enjoy!

Sentinel and chewie bringing HoM some tunes you may not have heard yet. Feel free to comment.

Same here, cassette and all. I agree completely. Ha, I always thought Tor with a hammer was a misprint. Listening now, thanks. This is a band I've long forgotten about.

I know a lot of people always talk about a bands sound changing and all, but if every album a band created sounded the same, then there would be no "classic sound" or an album that "takes you back" to a particular time and place.

the sentinel wrote:

Thanks for the replies guys. Tonight's entry:



This is one of my all time favorite albums ever. I'm not kidding. I have been a fan of these guys since ' 86 when I first heard and saw the video for "The Final Countdown" and still am today. In fact, my wife and I walked in to that song at our wedding last year. I quickly backtracked and got this on cassette (still have it, of course) and found it streets ahead of TFC. It's not that I don't like TFC, I do. It's just too slick and polished up and the lyrics are corny in a "bad" way. It took me until 2007 to secure a copy of their awesome debut in a trade with SpectreFate; maybe I will review that one someday. Anyway, onto the album proper:

1.) Stormwind - Great opener. The intro guitar sound is excellent here and has been stuck in my head forever.
2.) Scream of Anger - Perhaps Europe's fastest, angriest song?
3.) Open Your Heart - Very good ballad and not overly sappy. Lookin' at you, Carrie.
4.) Treated Bad Again - Perhaps Europe's heaviest song? This one alone is worth the price of admission.
5.) Aphasia - is the sudden loss of the power of speech so naturally this is a killer instrumental.
6.) Wings of Tomorrow - Good song with a great, hooky chorus.
7.) Wasted Time - Upbeat, rockin' 1980's Metal track.
8.) Lyin' Eyes - Another very good track with some scorchin' soloing by John Norum.
9.) Dreamer - Beautiful piano track where Joey Tempest really shines.
10.) Dance the Night Away - Closes the album out on a high note.

Overall, a far more Metallic album ( much like the debut) than the multi platinum selling follow up. This one lays the groundwork for Europe's signature sound and really shows the influence of their '70's heroes like Thin Lizzy and UFO. I have to versions of this one. An original on CBS records, and then a re release from Lemon Records (2010) that has expanded liner notes and pictures. I am on the hunt for a nice copy on album, too.

I always thought The Final Countdown was their first and only found out about this and the first one years later. The first one is on Spotify, so I'll give it a try tomorrow. It's looking more and more like I'm going to be making an 80's trip down memory lane this week. Thanks.

the sentinel wrote:

journeyman wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

Been on a bit of a Dio kick today, so here we go:



Great live offering, well, two great live offerings here and RJD is at the top of his game. Awesome track selection ( a little Sabbath, some Rainbow, and a generous dose of solo material) and I love the crowd "banter" between Ronnie and the fine folks that came to the Castle those two days. Those of you who have been on here for years with me probably know I freakin' love live albums and that interplay between band and audience is a big reason why. Another reason is song selection. I love live Dio especially for the fact that he has a big body of work and you never know when a medley breaks out and the song goes in a different direction. Or becomes another song entirely.




We all know this one so I am not going to do a review or start gushing about how great an album it is. I will say this, though, and it's in no way a comparison of the two albums; but Europe's "The Final Countdown" is an example where the title track is clearly the best and most well known song on the album, while "Holy Diver" has a very well known title track that I feel is bested by songs like "Invisible" and "Straight Through the Heart." And totally annihilated by my fave cut on the album, "Don't Talk to Strangers." All just my humble opine of course.
Disc 2 of the deluxe edition includes the B sides from the singles off "HD" and a few stellar live cuts from the King Biscuit Flower Hour from 1983. Also, the alternate version of "Evil Eyes" is pretty cool as it definitely sounds different than the studio version.
One of the all-time greatest heavy metal discs, ever. By anyone! Of course I am a bit of a Dio fanboy.

You got the desire. So let it out.
You got the power. Stand up and shout...

Holy Diver is simply, how it's done. Donington is a rather recent acquisition. Love it. Two era's back to back. Hard to choose.

Yeah, I don't think I could easily choose either. I hold out hope that Wendy's company, Niji entertainment releases more quality gems like these in the next few years. I see Dio'd solo stuff having a long legacy the way Hendrix music does.

I read somewhere that a follow up to Magica was in the works. I'd love to hear some more Dio live. I'm guessing/hoping there are quite a few recordings in the vaults.

journeyman wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

This is my favorite TNT, but not the first album I heard by them. In '87 I saw the videos for "10,000 Lovers" and "Everyone's A Star" as I was hooked. I backtracked a year or so later and got this on cassette. Still have it on cassette as well as CD. I love Ronnie's riffs and guitar tone and find Tony's vocals just captivating as they soar above the meaty Metal riffs and scorching lead breaks. A raw and classic album. This whole album is great but standouts are  "Seven Seas" and "Tor With the Hammer" and I also really like "Last Summer's Evil" for the catchy chorus and the way it glides so smooth out of the instrumental "Klassisk Romance." Even the ballad, "Without Your Love," which really has a 70's AM feel to it is good as it comes across very sincere and not obligatory. Anyway, enjoy!

Sentinel and chewie bringing HoM some tunes you may not have heard yet. Feel free to comment.

Same here, cassette and all. I agree completely. Ha, I always thought Tor with a hammer was a misprint. Listening now, thanks. This is a band I've long forgotten about.

Powergod cover Tor with a Hammer on their first tribute album, and made a point in noting that's how the song is spelled. I love the liner notes on that CD booklet.

Tor is the original Norwegian spelling of Thor, so it also makes sense a Norwegian band would use it.

Walls of Jericho- Love it! It never gets old. Still as good today as it was back then.

I think both Stay Hard (love the title track and On And On) and Walls Of Jericho are excellent listens. There's not a weak track on Walls Of Jericho.

journeyman wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

journeyman wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

Been on a bit of a Dio kick today, so here we go:



Great live offering, well, two great live offerings here and RJD is at the top of his game. Awesome track selection ( a little Sabbath, some Rainbow, and a generous dose of solo material) and I love the crowd "banter" between Ronnie and the fine folks that came to the Castle those two days. Those of you who have been on here for years with me probably know I freakin' love live albums and that interplay between band and audience is a big reason why. Another reason is song selection. I love live Dio especially for the fact that he has a big body of work and you never know when a medley breaks out and the song goes in a different direction. Or becomes another song entirely.




We all know this one so I am not going to do a review or start gushing about how great an album it is. I will say this, though, and it's in no way a comparison of the two albums; but Europe's "The Final Countdown" is an example where the title track is clearly the best and most well known song on the album, while "Holy Diver" has a very well known title track that I feel is bested by songs like "Invisible" and "Straight Through the Heart." And totally annihilated by my fave cut on the album, "Don't Talk to Strangers." All just my humble opine of course.
Disc 2 of the deluxe edition includes the B sides from the singles off "HD" and a few stellar live cuts from the King Biscuit Flower Hour from 1983. Also, the alternate version of "Evil Eyes" is pretty cool as it definitely sounds different than the studio version.
One of the all-time greatest heavy metal discs, ever. By anyone! Of course I am a bit of a Dio fanboy.

You got the desire. So let it out.
You got the power. Stand up and shout...

Holy Diver is simply, how it's done. Donington is a rather recent acquisition. Love it. Two era's back to back. Hard to choose.

Yeah, I don't think I could easily choose either. I hold out hope that Wendy's company, Niji entertainment releases more quality gems like these in the next few years. I see Dio'd solo stuff having a long legacy the way Hendrix music does.

I read somewhere that a follow up to Magica was in the works. I'd love to hear some more Dio live. I'm guessing/hoping there are quite a few recordings in the vaults.

From what I have read, "Magica" was supposed to be a trilogy but of course, Ronnie passed on and only one song, "Elektra" was recorded and is a bonus on the re release of Magica.

Lari wrote:

journeyman wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

This is my favorite TNT, but not the first album I heard by them. In '87 I saw the videos for "10,000 Lovers" and "Everyone's A Star" as I was hooked. I backtracked a year or so later and got this on cassette. Still have it on cassette as well as CD. I love Ronnie's riffs and guitar tone and find Tony's vocals just captivating as they soar above the meaty Metal riffs and scorching lead breaks. A raw and classic album. This whole album is great but standouts are  "Seven Seas" and "Tor With the Hammer" and I also really like "Last Summer's Evil" for the catchy chorus and the way it glides so smooth out of the instrumental "Klassisk Romance." Even the ballad, "Without Your Love," which really has a 70's AM feel to it is good as it comes across very sincere and not obligatory. Anyway, enjoy!

Sentinel and chewie bringing HoM some tunes you may not have heard yet. Feel free to comment.

Same here, cassette and all. I agree completely. Ha, I always thought Tor with a hammer was a misprint. Listening now, thanks. This is a band I've long forgotten about.

Powergod cover Tor with a Hammer on their first tribute album, and made a point in noting that's how the song is spelled. I love the liner notes on that CD booklet.

Tor is the original Norwegian spelling of Thor, so it also makes sense a Norwegian band would use it.

I kind of figured that but thanks for the good second opinion. I have to check out some Powergod one of these days.

I have always struggled with listening to recorded product by this band after the first singer split.  The three shows I seen with Alder in the late 80's were not bad.  They opened for Warlock at one gig & King's X at another.  The third show was them and some local bands on The Strip, maybe Knight Riot & Arcane ?  

Maybe a fresh set of "old timer" ears may change my mind ?   I can't listen to Dream Theater much either.

the sentinel wrote:

This is my favorite TNT, but not the first album I heard by them. In '87 I saw the videos for "10,000 Lovers" and "Everyone's A Star" as I was hooked. I backtracked a year or so later and got this on cassette. Still have it on cassette as well as CD. I love Ronnie's riffs and guitar tone and find Tony's vocals just captivating as they soar above the meaty Metal riffs and scorching lead breaks. A raw and classic album. This whole album is great but standouts are  "Seven Seas" and "Tor With the Hammer" and I also really like "Last Summer's Evil" for the catchy chorus and the way it glides so smooth out of the instrumental "Klassisk Romance." Even the ballad, "Without Your Love," which really has a 70's AM feel to it is good as it comes across very sincere and not obligatory. Anyway, enjoy!

I was in New Orleans when this came out and played the crap out of it as we hit the gulf coast circuits. I was a little disappointed with the albums that came afterwards back then, but being I am a sucker for well written melodic stuff with some crunch...II changed my tune.

I've been meaning to pick up that Dio at Donington disc for ages. I was at the '87 show but was so very drunk that I might actually get to enjoy the set this time round!

the sentinel wrote:

I have always been a fan of the "Shredders" from back in the day. It's just so 1980's! I took guitar lessons in junior high but didn't have the patience to actually learn how to play more than just a few chords and halves of songs/ opening riffs. I mostly just ran around the room with it and played along to my cassettes. So I have kind of always been in awe of these guys and the sound of an electric guitar is what really drew me in to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music.

The "instrumental" guitar album really is special. No one was playing Satch or Macalpine at parties they were Dokken and Ratt and you don't really roll down the windows and crank it on a summer day the way you would AC/DC or KISS. We all remember where we were the first time we heard iconic songs and fan faves but the melodies and riffs of the instrumental guitar album really take me to a particular place in time. There are no lyrics that tell you a story like "Hall of the Mountain King" or confuse the heck out of you like "Holy Diver" so it can be whatever you want it to be. You write the script.

As for this masterpiece, I like the whole of it, but standout cuts are "Daydream" and "Hero Without Honor." Another awesome track is "Lifeforce." I am trying to get my hands on as much Shrapnel shredder stuff as I can on whatever medium is most affordable. Some sick riffage on this platter!

I have a lot of the Shrapnel catalogue on vinyl. The more "obscure" band stuff like Apocrypha, Blitzkrieg, LeMans, Griffin, Hawaii, Hexx, London, Ravage, and Wild Dogs are just as god as the shredder instrumental stuff, as well as the more popular bands like Racer X, Vicious Rumors, Keel, Exciter, Fifth Angel, The Rods, M.A.R.S, and Chastain I am looking for Marty Freidman "Scenes" and the first Unsung Guitar Heroes compilation album. This is a pretty good alum (IMHO)

the sentinel wrote:

Eagerly awaiting the new Howe fronted Metal Church album so I figured I would spin this gem. I need to grab this on CD (or Vinyl) as my cassette is on it's last legs. "And Kingdoms Fall," "Shifting Fire," and "Evil For Evil" are the standouts imho of an absolute Metal Masterpiece!

Killer album, the EP that came out before it (Torture Knows No Boundary) kicks some butt too.

the sentinel wrote:

So, in honor and memoriam:



My second fave behind "Overkill" there is not a bad song on this one. I have a reissue with 3 bonus tracks. But my faves are "One Track Mind" and "Dancing on Your Grave" followed very closely by "Rock It." This is one kick ass platter but has a shite ton of melody. I have read that this one was a big flop back in the day and I can't see or hear why? Maybe it's me but I don't hear the bands core sound change much from Overkill/ Bomber /Ace /Iron Fist to APD if at all.

I enjoy this album , but missed Fast Eddie.

the sentinel wrote:

So, "Halls of Valhalla" came on one of my comps on the way home from work tonight and it put me in the mood to spin this one. I don't have much of a review on this one except to say that it's Priest and Halford sounds real good and it's just a kick ass disc. I picked this up day of release and spun it immediately. My first impression was that it sounded more like a Halford solo offering than a traditional Priest album, but after time, only the second disc makes me feel that way. Instantly more accessible and engaging than Nostradamus. But that's a whole nother review. The week this came out I took my wife to Mohegan Sun Casino so she could see her fave artist, Michael Buble. I caught Warrant playing a free show in the Wolf Den and then walked around the casino listening to this til her show let out.

Anyway, faves from this one: Valhalla, Dragonaut, Metalizer, Hell and Back, and the title track. Bonus disc: Snakebite, Creature

I haven't heard this yet. Plan to visit it when it comes up in my JP album polls.

the sentinel wrote:

This one's a classic. Driving home from work in the cold tonight made me long for a warm summer night with the windows down and the volume up. So, here we go. McMaster sounds great here and the boogie Metal has the party in full swing. Can't believe the piece of crap that comes after this album, but on this one, they are well...Pissd! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Made me want to go and listen to the whole album. I have the first two, but never heard this one. Have heard about the follow up, never heard that either.

the sentinel wrote:

Okay, folks, tonight's installment is a thrash classic that is on par (in my opine anyway) with anything the "Big 4" put out. The boys from NYC are at their best here. Again, my opinion. Ha. The whole thing is killer, but my faves are "Coma" and "Infectious" with "Nice Day...for a Funeral" right on their heels. Also love the Edgar Winter's cover a lot, too.

Fun fact: I couldn't find my copy of this when the missus and I moved a few years back so I bought a used copy for like $5. Of course, I find my original a week or so later so I gave the other one to a buddy at work today.

Love it.... killer album
They would make my "Big 4" over Anthrax & Slayer. I have a hard time even justifying Metallica with 4 albums from them.

the sentinel wrote:

Been on a bit of a Megadeth kick lately in anticipation of the new one coming out on the 22nd. Spun "Endgame" in the car to and from work today and cued this up earlier in the eve:



In the summer of 1988, this cassette dominated the Walkman. I have fond memories of riding my bike at the beach house we used to rent and listening to this over and over. A short little number that's not much longer than most Ep's. I won't waste time with stuff we all know like Dave's drug problems at this time or that it was the only album for so and so. I'll just say that I have always loved the way the instrumental "Into the Lungs of Hell" flows into "Set the World Afire" and MegaDave's snarling vocals on the Sex Pistols ' cover. Also really like "502" and "Liar" and if pressed, would pick "Hook In Mouth" as my fave track. So, Chewie, 007, Thrasher, and Witchfinder...what do you all think?

This is a good album

the sentinel wrote:

Since I got out of work on time and it was an off night for the gym (and the wife and I cooked a few dinners earlier in the week) I had time for a few albums.

First it was:



I am going back through the Deth catalog in anticipation of "Dystopia" and chose this one. I like it. It starts off with a killer track in "Blackmail the Universe" and after a more mellow number, punches you in the gut with "Kick the Chair." However, there is a bit of fluff and filler until you get to the awesome" Back in the Day" with it's thought provoking lyrics and NWOBHM inspired riffage. I love the way the album ends with "Shadow Of Deth" moving abruptly into "My Kingdom Come." Good melodic Metal album overall ( a 7/10 if you like) but nowhere near the epic Thrash that was the 80's early 90's. I feel like some of the songs should have been instrumentals as the music is fine but the lyrics seem a bit lacking and therefore half of the songs don't have a hook or seem to go anywhere ("I Know Jack" and "Tears In A Vial"). I would have liked there to be more thrashy jams like "Into the Lungs of Hell" or "Dialectic Chaos." I also could have done without the Beatle-esque intro to "Mice and Men."  The back catalog overall is really good and I will always be a first day buyer. But, since this album it's been about half killer/ half filler on each album.

Nest, I took it down a notch. Okay, ...a few notches.



Oh, boy. What to say about this one. Well, I hadn't heard it in a while so I figured I would give it a spin and it's a pretty short album. It's funny, I own all the stuff I play/ review but I have to get a youtube link (just in case there is someone unfamiliar with whatever band /artist I am talking about and wants to hear it) and when I do I notice just how short some of our fave albums are. Anyway, as we all know, big let down when this one first came out back in '87. I always liked it as this style of music was right in my wheelhouse when I was in Junior High, but I remember a lot of the faithful, longtime Sister fans really bashing them. Much better than the album that came before it, but was still missing that raw energy and angst. Dee said it himself in their VH1 BtM episode how now that he had money and fame it was hard to be angry and write the next great teenage anthem like those that graced the first three TS offerings. It was probably the change in style of a lot of favorite bands of the time that pushed me to seek out something heavier and faster. "Wake Up The Sleeping Giant" is a killer track and great opener and "Hot Love" is good and certainly was a product of its time (Manager/ label execs pushing for a radio hit). To my ears, "One Bad Habit"  has always sounded like a Kiss song.

And thirdly:



We go back up few notches in heaviness and awesomeness! In my humble opine anyway. Love this one. My only real complaint is that it's much too short. I feel that BG can do no wrong on the first 4-5 albums, but this one is different. There are no neo classical influences (or bombastic tendencies) and I get a strong Helloween meets Maiden vibe. Which is great b/c I love both those bands. This is especially apparent in songs like "Majesty" and "Run for the Night" and the title track. Also, the second to last instrumental (Gates of Moria) really gives me a feel for Hansi and Co.'s influences. It's weird that two instrumntals end the album but I think the "Gandalf" one is a bonus track. It's good, but really short. Faves on this one, "Majesty," Guardian of the Blind," "Run for the Night," and the title track.

I am finishing out the night with Heretic's Breaking Point, but I already covered that one.

Dig "The System Has Failed"
"Love is For Suckers" is not as bad as people have said over the years. I feel that way about a lot of stuff I missed back then (or when ever) and hear it isn't good, then listen nowadays and enjoy them for what they are or are not.

I don't like Blind Guardian and didn't bother to listening to it