Sentinel's Quick Reviews

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.

Good album...I had this before "Countdown" made the teeny-boppers ooze for Joey.

My girlfriend back in middle school was gaga over him. I ran into her a couple years back before me and the wife moved to our new house. It was cool to see she was still a fan of the same music we had been listening to since we were kids. I asked her about Joey and she said he was "the only guy she would leave her husband for"

James B. wrote:

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.

or a lot of folks, post Arch FW is an acquired taste. I jumped in on Alder's first album and love it but was totally blown away by the John Arch era albums. Apples and oranges, ya know?

Boris2008 wrote:

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!

Nice.

James B. wrote:

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)

I have heard of a few of those bands and I will def put them on my "to check out" list. I have all the "popular" bands on CD from Shrapnel, but I would love to add a few of those titles on vinyl but I just don't see t around, so I think some of the really obscure ones are going to be cassette purchases just to have 'em in house. Instrumentals just take me back to a time and place, man, I love it. A couple of months back, Classic Rock Mag had a good article on Mike Varney and Shrapnel Records, "The Fastest Label On Earth." I wished they had put up a band roster.

James B. wrote:

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.

Oh yes. It certainly does!

James B. wrote:

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.

I should have put this in my review but this is one of the albums I burn a copy of for a coworker or friend when I realize all they know of Motorhead is "Ace" and nothing more.

James B. wrote:

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.

I am fairly certain you will enjoy it.

James B. wrote:

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.

Don't waste your time with the 4th album, James. I hate to say that about any band, let alone one I like, but it's true.

James B. wrote:

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.

You know, I don't totally disagree with you there; but it's a discussion for another time and thread I guess.

James B. wrote:

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

I have to say I am surprised. I thought you might like the first few albums at least. It's all good. You are still my fave James on HoM.

Oh, so I grabbed the rest of my cassettes from the closet of my old bedroom at my parent's house this afternoon and was surprised to see that I had TS "Love Is For Suckers" on tape. I totally forgot about that.

Battalions of Fear is awesome. But there are definitely hints of future grandiosity, if ever so subtle.

Also check out Blind Guardian Albums Ranked

[quote="James B."]

the sentinel wrote:

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.

Pissed is worth picking up if you can find it cheap. It's a worthy successor to their previous efforts. The times were changing and the darker tones of that album worked in their favor.

As for the one after Pissed, the less said about that album the better. It's like a totally different band and not in a good way. You know how some albums get a bad rap as a new release, but in hindsight, they might not be too bad? Not with that one. It's just as bad today as it was some 20 years ago.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

James B. wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

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.

Pissed is worth picking up if you can find it cheap. It's a worthy successor to their previous efforts. The times were changing and the darker tones of that album worked in their favor.

As for the one after Pissed, the less said about that album the better. It's like a totally different band and not in a good way. You know how some albums get a bad rap as a new release, but in hindsight, they might not be too bad? Not with that one. It's just as bad today as it was some 20 years ago.

Very well put, sir. You cannot polish a turd.

Finally scored myself a copy on CD:



I happened to read about these guys on No Life Til Metal about 4-5 years ago and then listened on youtube. I was floored. Awesome '80's American Metal! This was originally a 6 song EP upon it's initial release and the last three songs were tacked on for an international release. Whole albums crushes from start to finish but faves on this one are:

Stop the Race, Fight For Your Life, Not Alone In The Dark (feckin' love the drums), In The Still Of The Night, and Deceiver

I must have played this one about 50 times in the past few years on the 'tube; but tonight I got to spin my copy.

the sentinel wrote:

Finally scored myself a copy on CD:



I happened to read about these guys on No Life Til Metal about 4-5 years ago and then listened on youtube. I was floored. Awesome '80's American Metal! This was originally a 6 song EP upon it's initial release and the last three songs were tacked on for an international release. Whole albums crushes from start to finish but faves on this one are:

Stop the Race, Fight For Your Life, Not Alone In The Dark (feckin' love the drums), In The Still Of The Night, and Deceiver

I must have played this one about 50 times in the past few years on the 'tube; but tonight I got to spin my copy.

The late, great AJ Pero.

UNCLE SAXON'S KICKASS CDS wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

Finally scored myself a copy on CD:



I happened to read about these guys on No Life Til Metal about 4-5 years ago and then listened on youtube. I was floored. Awesome '80's American Metal! This was originally a 6 song EP upon it's initial release and the last three songs were tacked on for an international release. Whole albums crushes from start to finish but faves on this one are:

Stop the Race, Fight For Your Life, Not Alone In The Dark (feckin' love the drums), In The Still Of The Night, and Deceiver

I must have played this one about 50 times in the past few years on the 'tube; but tonight I got to spin my copy.

The late, great AJ Pero.

Yup. He crushes it on this one

.

Well, this was one of those youtube discoveries I just happened upon while searching for something else. I don't even remember what I was originally looking for (Sinner? Jack Starr? maybe) but I clicked on the link and really liked it. I know it's probably never been pressed to CD other than a boot. Which is ironic cuz these guys are from Greece. From the minimal amount of info available on these guys, it sounds as though thy were quite influential in the, then burgeoning, Greek Metal scene of the late 1980's. Maybe this is their "British Steel" or "Master of Puppets" who knows? Anyway, kick ass album here. Opener, "Street Fighter" starts it off slow and then explodes , and "Lead Me On" continues the assault. "Lady Of The Night" is a galloping rocker while "Explosion" is a ripping metal romp. "Walk Alone" is mellow, but good nonetheless. And the last two tracks leave me wanting more with the chorus to "Evil Thoughts Around" playing over in my head long after it's over. Overall, a solid album that I give an 8/10. My only issue is the vocals are sometimes hard to understand b/c of the accent of the lead singer. But, I think this adds to the charm. I am probably late to the party as a few of you (probably Witchfinder   ) might already have this on LP and have been enjoying it for years. If not, then enjoy, my Metal brothers, and Metal sister.

the sentinel wrote:

.

Well, this was one of those youtube discoveries I just happened upon while searching for something else. I don't even remember what I was originally looking for (Sinner? Jack Starr? maybe) but I clicked on the link and really liked it. I know it's probably never been pressed to CD other than a boot. Which is ironic cuz these guys are from Greece. From the minimal amount of info available on these guys, it sounds as though thy were quite influential in the, then burgeoning, Greek Metal scene of the late 1980's. Maybe this is their "British Steel" or "Master of Puppets" who knows? Anyway, kick ass album here. Opener, "Street Fighter" starts it off slow and then explodes , and "Lead Me On" continues the assault. "Lady Of The Night" is a galloping rocker while "Explosion" is a ripping metal romp. "Walk Alone" is mellow, but good nonetheless. And the last two tracks leave me wanting more with the chorus to "Evil Thoughts Around" playing over in my head long after it's over. Overall, a solid album that I give an 8/10. My only issue is the vocals are sometimes hard to understand b/c of the accent of the lead singer. But, I think this adds to the charm. I am probably late to the party as a few of you (probably Witchfinder   ) might already have this on LP and have been enjoying it for years. If not, then enjoy, my Metal brothers, and Metal sister.

Ha! I do know these guys! This is a solid album that was pretty good for 1986, and very weird because it was Greek. I became aware of them around 2001 when Unisound released a CD pressing of this. You can still find that floating around for not too much, but the vinyl usually goes for close to $100.

I have not heard their 2009 album Die Fighting.

Witchfinder wrote:

the sentinel wrote:

.

Well, this was one of those youtube discoveries I just happened upon while searching for something else. I don't even remember what I was originally looking for (Sinner? Jack Starr? maybe) but I clicked on the link and really liked it. I know it's probably never been pressed to CD other than a boot. Which is ironic cuz these guys are from Greece. From the minimal amount of info available on these guys, it sounds as though thy were quite influential in the, then burgeoning, Greek Metal scene of the late 1980's. Maybe this is their "British Steel" or "Master of Puppets" who knows? Anyway, kick ass album here. Opener, "Street Fighter" starts it off slow and then explodes , and "Lead Me On" continues the assault. "Lady Of The Night" is a galloping rocker while "Explosion" is a ripping metal romp. "Walk Alone" is mellow, but good nonetheless. And the last two tracks leave me wanting more with the chorus to "Evil Thoughts Around" playing over in my head long after it's over. Overall, a solid album that I give an 8/10. My only issue is the vocals are sometimes hard to understand b/c of the accent of the lead singer. But, I think this adds to the charm. I am probably late to the party as a few of you (probably Witchfinder   ) might already have this on LP and have been enjoying it for years. If not, then enjoy, my Metal brothers, and Metal sister.

Ha!  I do know these guys!  This is a solid album that was pretty good for 1986, and very weird because it was Greek.  I became aware of them around 2001 when Unisound released a CD pressing of this.  You can still find that floating around for not too much, but the vinyl usually goes for close to $100.  

I have not heard their 2009 album Die Fighting.

Yeah, I keep meaning to check that one out, but I always forget. I will have to keep an eye out for the Unisound pressing. I check the bay and amazon from time to time for their stuff. Thanks for the helpful hints as always, WF.

Well, I can't get enough of this album. I have spun it each night since I got it. I had heard the name mentioned over the years but never acquainted myself with the band. I remember a local record shop having the promo poster for this album hanging up on their back wall, but I never inquired about them. This would have been right in my wheel house back in '87. They are from Cleveland (in case anyone didn't know) and they remind me of a cross between Riot, Savatage, and early Alcatrazz, with a bit of Malice and TT Quick. So, basically, awesome American Metal. A savage twin guitar attack with soaring gravely vocals that remind me of a cross between Graham Bonnet and Jon Oliva. It wasn't until Witchfinder sent me some links that I really went crazy for these guys. I grabbed it on cassette and then my wife got me the re release with the bonuses and a different mix.  Anyway, on to the album proper:


1. Exhibit A - Excellent opener where Vik Hix really sounds like GB, and the opening line just gets stuck in your head for hours.
2. Steel and Starlight - Great song and an amazing melody. Another one that you will sing long after it's over.  
3. Tokyo Rose - Powerful song made even more so by the delivery of the Hix.
4. Rocked Outta Love - Full throttle rocker that sounds like it should have been on Savatage's Power of the Night album.
5. Castle Walls - Acoustic/ electric somber intro before the song kicks into heavy high gear.
6. On Your Feet - Awesome opening riff accompanied by thundering drums and a catchy chorus.
7. Lost Queen - Another great Metal song where the chorus is catchy and rents space in your mind.
8. Hot On Your Heels - See previous tracks description.
9.  The Minutemen - Proof that SP were a band that wrote about more than lost love (tracks 1,3,and 7 show this too).
10. Go Down Fighting - Terrific intro guitar work that builds to a crescendo and then the song starts and changes gear.
11. Fallin' For You - Another catchy melodic metal number.
12. Streets of Pleasure - This is a killer tune with terrific guitar and vocals.

Bonus Tracks: Raw production here, obviously.

13. The Best (Demo) - Good tune that sounds like it was intended for a soundtrack to Rocky or Karate Kid type movie.
14. Storm Warning (Demo) - Just so '80's and awesome.
15. Napoleon's War (Demo) - Cool instrumental that has really rough recording and a NWOBHM sound.
16. Midnight Oil (Demo) -  Another catchy chorus that stays with you and makes you want to listen all over again.

the sentinel wrote:

Well, I can't get enough of this album. I have spun it each night since I got it. I had heard the name mentioned over the years but never acquainted myself with the band. I remember a local record shop having the promo poster for this album hanging up on their back wall, but I never inquired about them. This would have been right in my wheel house back in '87. They are from Cleveland (in case anyone didn't know) and they remind me of a cross between Riot, Savatage, and early Alcatrazz, with a bit of Malice and TT Quick. So, basically, awesome American Metal. A savage twin guitar attack with soaring gravely vocals that remind me of a cross between Graham Bonnet and Jon Oliva. It wasn't until Witchfinder sent me some links that I really went crazy for these guys. I grabbed it on cassette and then my wife got me the re release with the bonuses and a different mix.  Anyway, on to the album proper:


1. Exhibit A - Excellent opener where Vik Hix really sounds like GB, and the opening line just gets stuck in your head for hours.
2. Steel and Starlight - Great song and an amazing melody. Another one that you will sing long after it's over.  
3. Tokyo Rose - Powerful song made even more so by the delivery of the Hix.
4. Rocked Outta Love - Full throttle rocker that sounds like it should have been on Savatage's Power of the Night album.
5. Castle Walls - Acoustic/ electric somber intro before the song kicks into heavy high gear.
6. On Your Feet - Awesome opening riff accompanied by thundering drums and a catchy chorus.
7. Lost Queen - Another great Metal song where the chorus is catchy and rents space in your mind.
8. Hot On Your Heels - See previous tracks description.
9.  The Minutemen - Proof that SP were a band that wrote about more than lost love (tracks 1,3,and 7 show this too).
10. Go Down Fighting - Terrific intro guitar work that builds to a crescendo and then the song starts and changes gear.
11. Fallin' For You - Another catchy melodic metal number.
12. Streets of Pleasure - This is a killer tune with terrific guitar and vocals.

Bonus Tracks: Raw production here, obviously.

13. The Best (Demo) - Good tune that sounds like it was intended for a soundtrack to Rocky or Karate Kid type movie.
14. Storm Warning (Demo) - Just so '80's and awesome.
15. Napoleon's War (Demo) - Cool instrumental that has really rough recording and a NWOBHM sound.
16. Midnight Oil (Demo) -  Another catchy chorus that stays with you and makes you want to listen all over again.

I am happy to hear that you like the album!

Also, I really like your reviews. Please keep doing them!

Concrete Killers is really good, as well. The debut is ok, but the next two are great.

I have the debut and it is good. I had Steel And Starlight on cassette and loved it. Never heard Concrete Killers.