www.heavymetalblogspot.com

NEWS: Angel Witch Coming Out With New Album "As Above, So Below"

2012-03-03T02:54:00.004+02:00

(Kickass cover art borders NWOBHM and Doom)

Buy from Amazon.com | CD | Vinyl |

Legendary NWOBHM band Angel Witch are coming out with their first full-length album ever since Frontal Assault hit the stores at 1986! That is, if we're not counting their album "Resurrection", which was compilation of never before released demotapes between 1987-1998 or something close to that. The new album - called "As Above, So Below" - is released by both "Rise Above" and "Nuclear Blast" record labels, and is coming out at least in CD and 2-LP packages. The release date will be 12th March 2012 in Europe, and 27th March 2012 in North America by Rise Above, and 20th March by Nuclear blast (also in US as I understood).

Angel Witch was one of the original NWOBHM bands along with other english bands of the genre such as Diamond Head, Saxon, Demon, and Iron Maiden - formed early as 1976 under name Lucifer by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Heyborne, who is only original member left today. The band changed their name to Angel Witch at 1978 and released their first demo year later. At 1980 their first full length album "Angel Witch" (S/t) saw the light, and is today considered as one of the very classics - one of the cornerstones of NWOBHM. Their two later full lengths included "Screamin' n' Bleedin'" at 1985, and "Frontal Assault" at 1986, which saw them taking a turn towards more traditional, heavier but less doomy and crisp tone. This caused controversy among fans, although many still consider those two records good albums on their own right. Well, now "they" are back.

The new lineup seems to consist of Kevin Heybourne (Guitar/Vocals), only original member left. According to wikipedia, they have also acquired Bill Steer as secondary guitarist, and if he made it to the recordings of the album, it should be considerably interesting. Steer is known as the former of the band Carcass, and his work with Napalm Death also. The rest of the two members are Will Palmer (Bass), and Andy Prestridge (Drums, ex-Winters).

The new album has eight tracks, of which at least four are recordings of the songs, originally written decades ago. "Dead Sea Scrolls" and "Witching Hour" both are from 1983-1984, while "Into The Dark" and "Guillotine" date even prior to those years. That's pretty cool, and by listening the song down below called Dead Sea Scrolls, I would say that at least that song nods closer to the debut than Screamin' N' Bleedin'. Gloomy melodies, rocking NWOBHM riffage and vocals, plus crisp old fashioned guitar sound is back! Hopefully the rest of the album goes along the same tracks. Listen below and share your thoughts!

Tracks:

01. Dead Sea Scrolls
02. Into the Dark
03. Gebura
04. The Horla
05. Witching Hour
06. Upon this Cord
07. Guillotine
08. Brainwashed

REVIEW: Risk (GER) – The Daily Horror News (1988)

2012-03-01T02:10:00.003+02:00

During low amount of readers and general rush in current life I haven’t been writing many posts lately, so I think it’s time for one a new review – here’s one that might save a shitty day even. Risk was german band originally known as Faithful Breath, which was formed as early as 1967 – playing Progressive rock, Hard Rock, earlier on their career, and later on moving into more traditional heavy metal fields with quite typical german sound. The band took a turn into different metal fields after their “Skol” album released at 1985, last one under the flag of “Faithful Breath”, and changed their name to Risk. The Daily Horror News was a debut under the Risk name, bringing some changes musically and lineup-wise. While lineup was mostly the same than on Skol, they did bring a new second guitarist to replace Thilo Hermann (who also went to Running Wild later on). While Thilo certainly holds his own, the new guitarist was pretty interesting choice too. The replacement was Roman Keymer, who was already known from his work with Angel Dust (Ger) in Marching For Revenge Demo (1985) and Into The Dark Past (1986) full-length album. Angel Dust used to be speedier and thrashier band in the day. But lets stick to the topic.

This lineup change would back up the musical change presented between Faithful Breath release Skol and Risk debut The Daily Horror News. Past was traditional german heavy metal with hard rock influences, and the band took a turn to more power/speed approach with The Daily Horror News, with nods towards thrash scene. By previously hearing only Monkey Business by Risk, which is quite good album on it’s own, I was rather impressed with The Daily Horror News. While Monkey Business takes thrash influences even deeper nodding even at Bay Area Thrash time to time, The Daily Horror News remains more on power/speed field with taste of the thrash in the air at times. I think the combination of different heavy metal styles is near perfection at this album.

The sound is definitely quite raw, typical for many german heavy metal / power metal / speed metal bands of the 80’s with nods towards thrash scene. Guitar players have the sense of catchy melodies, something comparable to the Scanner (Ger) debut, or perhaps Running Wild (Ger). However the sound is more raw than Scanner’s “Hypertrace”. It comes from the fury of thunderous and speedy riffs of the album, with chainsaw-like palm muted rhythm section dominating, but leaving space for catchy melodies when needed. Let me tell you, for such a decently melodic album that Daily Horror News is, it’s absolutely ton of bricks to your face – piling up lightning fast.

Performance by the singer Heinz Mikus (who came from Faithful Breath) is also quite rapid. While he might not have the best range, he really adds his contribution to the songs with mid-ranged german accent flavored vocals, something comparable perhaps to Rock’n’Rolf Kasparek from Running Wild. Mikus likes to wander between bit roughly sung traditional vocal style combined with thrash-like shouts, and it fits very well into the music. I have to give credit also bay area-like backing vocals in the shout parts, which also stand out very well.

The cover art might look goofy indeed, but don’t let it fool you. That and the short intro within the first tracks with the Tarzan scream are goofy as this album gets, before it takes off with tons of energy. Living In Chaos starts to album with directly on your face attitude after the meaningless intro. This song is fine example of more speed/thrash mixture of a style, with hammering drums and chainsaw-like riffs, until the song leads into the slower crushing part combined with Bay Area like backing vocals “Chaos! Chaos!”. The second song “Roadwar” is the another favorite of mine, continuing along same speedy lines. However Roadwar shows the more power/speed side of the album with melodic powermetal-like leads added to the speedy chainsaw riffs, and gigantic solo. The trend of using quite massive backing vocal shouts along the chorus continues and works great. The third track “DNS Madness” is perhaps my third favorite of the album, dropping the pace into mid-fast and crushing on. The song could had fit well into Scanners Hypertrace as one of the bit slower moments. Once again, simple but massive shout chorus impresses. Of the remaining tracks worth mentioning are: Alien Terror which continues along the same Scanner like mid-fast style with DNS Madness, while Revolution Now is another fine power/speed track. Rommes Fritz presents ultra-fast instrumental melodic track, pick a melodic german speed metal band and throw Alex Skolnick of Testament to play lead and solos fast, and you get the picture of the song – while the song itself might be more of an actual showcase of “how skillfully we can play our instruments” than anything else. Actually Speed Kills is also decently good moment with thunderous fast drumming backing up speed/thrash approach of the song.

This leads to conclusion that there is no really weak moments in this album – while first half certainly tops the last in quality. The overall tone is really speedy with plenty of energy, while songs vary with others nodding more towards thrash flavored speed, and the others more towards power flavored speedmetal. Strong backing vocals really bring choruses alive in the album, the mid-ranged vocal performance of Mikus is very good, and solos are rather impressive. Drummer Jürgen Düsterloh also deserves a special mention for being absolutely furious at the best. I really enjoy the drumming, which kicks some more extra energy into the tracks. Sound mix is also very fine for year 1988, letting you to enjoy the music at it’s fittest. Do you like hard hitting rougher powermetal, speedmetal, or just generally german traditional heavy metal? I think that The Daily Horror News has much to offer for anyone generally enjoying anything above mentioned, even if you like classic thrashmetal, the album might be a treat for you. If you were one who enjoyed Running Wild’s early works, Rage’s Perfect Man, Scanner’s Hypertrace, or Headhunter’s Parody Of Life – you’re in for a real treat. On the other hand I don’t see why wouldn’t someone liking Destruction or Darkness (Ger) enjoy this either! Very all around great and thunderous hard hitting german speed assault with melody.

Rating: 89 / 100 (Borderline classic)

Check availability from Amazon.com - buy

Heinz Mikus - Vocals, Guitars

ex-Faithful Breath

Roman Keymer - Guitars

ex-Angel Dust

Peter Dell - Bass

ex-Faithful Breath

Jürgen Düsterloh - Drums

ex-Faithful Breath

1. Living In Chaos 05:25
2. Roadwar 04:13
3. DNS Madness 04:00
4. Revolution Now 05:44
5. Alien Terror 05:03
6. Speed Kills 05:19
7. Rommes Fritz 03:59
8. Strike 05:11

Playtime 38:54

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction, my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

Label – Steamhammer/087572
Type – LG/U/88
Near Mint – $14
Very Good+ - $8

NEWS: Running Wild - Shadowmaker - Cover art and Boxed Set Information Revealed

2012-01-24T23:10:00.002+02:00

Running Wild - Shadowmaker (to be released Germany 20th April, rest Europe 23rd April, and US/Can 24th April) artwork has been revealed today at Running Wild's official website running-wild.net. If you can by any way judge "the book by it's cover", then Shadowmaker is a bit of a mystery. The cover is quite exceptional and different by any previous album's cover artwork, and definetely does not nod to any pirate themes. It almost brings U.D.O's album covers to my mind a bit. It's simplified and sort of futuristic. I really don't know what to think out of this at the first glance -- but I certainly hope Rolf is not bringing out another Toxic Taste'laden record (Rolf's recent band project with more party hard rock feel). But we'll see. The cover was created by Jens Reinhold (Evergrey, Kingdom Come, Tank) and Rolf. You can see the cover of Shadowmaker below, feel free to express you opinion and expectations considering it!

The more specific info about different releases was also handed out:

Limited first edition CD in black jewel case with silver printing, slipcase plus a 40min bonus dvd containing making-of-documentary and track-by-track commentary by Rolf himself.

Double gatefold LP with printed innersleeves and clear vinyl.

Box-set limited to 1 000 copies containing 2 LP's (clear vinyl, same tracklist than regular "Double gatefold LP release"), black jewel case CD with bonus DVD (same as above I assume), poster, sticker, 30 page book in LP size about the history of the band with photos. The set is hard cardboard material with top

Obviously there should also be regular CD release, which was not mentioned in the official site.

Tracklist one more time:

01. Piece Of The Action
02. Riding On The Tide
03. I Am Who I Am
04. Black Shadow
05. Locomotive
06. Me & The Boys
07. Shadowmaker
08. Sailing Fire
09. Into The Black
10. Dracula

REVIEW: Norden Light (SWE) - Shadows From The Wilderness (1987)

2012-01-23T00:17:00.002+02:00

One more one record wonder and very unknown band from Sweden, Gothenburg. This band has no creation year available, but it featured Christer Mentzer on vocals, who previously had worked in Silver Mountain and Michael Von Knorring on drums, who had been in Yngwie J. Malmsteen band. The band released their only album at 1987.

This album is actually very pleasant surprise! It's not good album -- it's great! What we have here is a band, who I feel is bit ahead of it's time and some parts of this record almost feel like early 90's soaring heavy metal., but it still maintains definite 80's touch in it. Shadows From The Wilderness is balanced mixture of powerful yet melodic heavy metal melodies and strong, yet soaring clean vocals of Mr. Mentzer. He sings very melodic but has that bit more rougher edge also when needed, or should I say powerful edge. There's bit of AOR'ish touch at the times, mainly because of the keyboards. Have no fear tough, generally keyboard hater like me can fully enjoy this record for they are used as backup creating atmosphere rather than steal the show. As melodic as Norden Light is, the sound is also damn tight, and wall of sound is nicely thick with all the instruments combined. There's nods towards lighter bands like Europe and swedish Universe & Keen Hue, but these guys just generally play it louder most of the time. Definite swedish melody is still there though.

One big note is the tempo which sails mainly between bit slower and mid-fast pace. There's not that much fury of speed here, but even more there is great atmosphere and melodies. Mentzer's soaring vocal performance stands out greatly -- and so do backing vocals -- but that's not to say other members wouldn't shine either. Bass is quite loud and very audible, pounding and creating thickness to melodic guitars. Johan Herlogsson does very good job on guitars, with biting yet melodic riffs and nice shredding here and there. Drumming is pretty standard, but then again most of the songs don't require drummer to tear himself apart.

Shadows From The Wilderness surprised at least myself by combining swedish melodic heavy and powerful soaring heavy metal. It has pretty much best from the both worlds, not sounding sissy but not losing the unique melodic atmosphere either. And keyboards are well executed throughout the whole album. This album is melodic yet it also "rocks" hard. The thick rocking sound with pounding bass is in majority of songs: It Hurts, Shadows, Aspen, Dancer, Legends -- of which Dancer kicks most butt being dirty hard rocker with keyboard flavor, It Hurts is also ripping number. Save Me and Night Life are bit more AOR'ish moments and not bad of it's kind. Slow and atmospheric Crossfire is perfect chill out track. No Escape is really one of the attempts trying to be more fast and furious, but succeeds of being average at best.

I really enjoy this album as whole. It has no totally weak track at all and most of them are very good. If you like soaring powerful heavy metal with ripping but melodic guitarswork, and keyboards on background don't bother, then I warmly suggest checking this obscure record out! It's bit like heavier side of Europe and Universe on steroids when it's at it's best.

Rating: 87 / 100

Buy this album (may be unavailable)

Peter Bodefjord Bass
Michael Von Knorring Drums

See also: ex-Mentzer, ex-Yngwie J. Malmsteen

Johan Herlogsson Guitars

See also: ex-Mentzer

Peter Jeansson Keyboards
Christer Mentzer Vocals

See also: ex-Mentzer, ex-Silver Mountain

1. It Hurts 04:48
2. Shadows 03:59
3. Nightlife 04:03
4. Aspen 04:16
5. Dancer 03:17
6. Save Me 04:03
7. Crossfire 04:45
8. No Escape 04:04
9. Legends 03:58
10. Daytime Loser 04:43
Playing time 41:56

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction, my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

Label – Sonet/SLP2788
Type – LP/SW/87
Near Mint – $35
Very Good+ - $20
Notes - Reissued '95 on CD

New domain name www.heavymetalblogspot.com

2011-12-16T14:18:00.002+02:00

I have bought a new Domain Name for this blog - in future you can use www.heavymetalblogspot.com to enter this blog. Easy to remember I hope. You may or may not face some problems over the next few days browsing Dungeons Are Calling blog, sorry about that. In case you get 404 Page Not Found error -- try to refresh the current browser window!

Meanwhile let's enjoy some obscure heavy metal and have a beer:
Zen Venom - Brainwashed

ZDKTCNSHCMYZ

NEWS: Devastracktor - Warhorsepowers And A Megaton Of Balls release at 14.12

2011-12-12T13:36:00.018+02:00

Let me just first state out that there's a free legal pre-listen session available for whole album at Kaaoszine.fi set up in co-operation with the band members. Be sure to check it out at here:

Pre-Listen session at Kaaoszine.fi (with finnish buy-link): Devastracktor (FIN) - Warhorsepowers And A Megaton Of Balls

Mind you that the page is in finnish, just scroll down the site and you'll find the player with all the songs to be listened! Finnish customers can also order the album at bottom of the page.

English customers please check here about buying the album: Warhorsepowers And A Megaton Of Balls

Album introduction

Finnish thrash metallers Devastracktor are to release their debut album "Warhorsepowers And A Megaton Of Balls" day after tomorrow - 14.12.2011. It will be released by No Sign Of Life Records.

The lyrics are mainly about war, death, destruction and science-fiction. The band plays quite powerful and speedy straight-forward vivid thrash metal, though that's not to say there wouldn't be any cool leads to fill in though, making songs also sound pretty diverse. What I personally hear is definetely some mid-late 80's Slayer and Testament - which meets 80's euro thrashmetal bands like Destruction -- blend with some heavy metal/progressive influenced riffs into the mix also. Vocals are also typical rough Bay-Area style shouts and raspy singing - not forgetting powerful backing vocals on choruses. There's some quite technical leads thrown into the mix, bit progressive even at times. This is your speedy thrash metal massacre with fair amount of melody -- definetely nodding into the old school thrash metal waters..

(No Stories to Tell - one of more "experimental" songs in the album)

Songs in the album:

1. Strike Force 2099 04:16
2. Megasonic Boom 03:59
3. Devastracktor Battalion 04:22 Show lyrics
4. No Stories to Tell 04:48
5. Bring Upon the Fire 04:03
6. Brutallian 03:26 Show lyrics
7. I.D.G.A.S. 04:54 Show lyrics
8. Interlude 02:54
9. Poser Disposer 04:29 Show lyrics
Total Running Time - 37:11

Band Line-Up:

Jaakko Riihimäki - Vocals
Aki Järvinen - Guitar
Petri Salmio - Guitar
Joni Meriläinen - Bass
Kalle Salminen - Drums

Album song by song (I took freedom to translate band's original descriptions into english please butcher me now!):

1. Strike Force 2099:

Rock solid opener that kicks straight to the balls. Thrash-song influenced by B-Class Sci-Fi movies and thousands gallons of beer.

2. Megasonic Boom:

Tsar Bomba disguised into thrash metal form -- ripping the flesh apart, breaking bones to dust and boiling the blood.

3. Devastracktor Batallion:

Step aside for our engines ignite, Fuelled by a million posers blood. Nuff said

4. No Stories To Tell:

Slightly more "experimental" and more slow paced tune, with a lengthy instrumental part towards the end. Lyrics are about the horrors of war - "the horror.. the horror..".

5. Bring Upon The Fire:

Truely sensitive song about how trigger-happy politicians cover the earth on flames, after chaos swallows civilized World.

6. The Brutallian:

Brutallian -- the most brutal man in the world along John Matrix.

7. I.D.G.A.S.:

Another song with lyrics and atmosphere describing war, like in "No Stories To Tell", musically having bit more progressive edge. I just Don´t Give A Shit.

8. Interlude:

Yngie Malmsteen meets old era Metallica in shadowy alley.

9. Poser Disposer:

Needs no introduction what's this songs about!! I have my hacksaw and they know me by the name of…

6QWGVY8CT8XQ

REVIEW: Sacrifice (SWE) - Street Fighter/Innocent Victim (Single, 1985)

2011-12-08T05:25:00.002+02:00

Sacrifice was truly obscure heavy metal band from Sweden, only releasing this one specific 7" single -- thus never gaining much success, and man is that a shame. They were originally formed as Metal Muthas 1984, and since releasing one Demo before changing name into Sacrifice. They played classic old school heavy metal, with quite straight forward style, hugely influenced by NWOBHM bands of the era.

The style of Sacrifice blends -- what we could call classic 80's stereotypical swedish heavy metal -- with NWOBHM elements. The vocals are quite typical clean soaring swedish vocals with soaring touch and much of melody. The notes do hit bit above mid range, but never really go into Halford pitch. The singer Anders Strengberg reminds me of that singer from swedish Axe Witch, with occasional slight remiscent of Anvil's Lips Kudrow in his early career.

The leads are quite melodic like in typical swedish heavy metal band of that era and atmosphere is rather more mellow than saucy. Rhythm side of guitars nods towards NWOBHM though with that bit sharper and rock'n'rollish riffing. Add those funky keyboards into the mix and you get pretty authentic mix of heavy metal. The sound of this band is total pure and honest heavy metal.

Street Fighter has that simple and effective main riff with certain amount of gloom, certain amount of rocking attitude, and totally fucking killer melodic chorus, where the vocalist does wonderful job. The song in general is rather simple, but has great atmosphere due all the instruments and elements mixed in. Really catchy track, one of the best 80's heavy metal tracks of single releases for little while, that I've heard.

Innocent Victim is that rock'n'roll'ish track of yours that truly nods towards many NWOBHM bands, yet keeping the swedish heavy metal feeling alive on vocal department and with those melodic, even bit weird keyboards, that are quite audible on the track. Pounding bassline fits perfectly the tone. It's a bit weird, yet also quite catchy song and also worth the listen.

So we have one great, if not awesome track even, and another good rock'n'roller. This hidden gem is truly worth a listen, and I'll rank it almost as high as Charger's Desperadoes. Great sound, authentic style, kickass choruses and blend of regular swedish heavy metal with nods to NWOBHM can't go wrong. Check this one out!

Rating: 86/100 (Great)

Thomas Lundgren - Guitars

See also: ex-Metal Muthas

Thomas Axelsson - Guitars

See also: ex-Metal Muthas

Anders Strengberg - Vocals

See also: ex-Mercy, ex-Metal Muthas

1. Street Fighter 03:45
2. Innocent Victim 03:34

07:19

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

sorry - not included in the book

REVIEW: Attakk (US) - Attakk (EP, 1989)

2011-12-07T22:29:00.002+02:00

Attakk was american traditional heavy metal band hailing from California. They were mainly american with one japanese member, guitarist Hideo Inakuma. None of the members were really known of any other previous bands, except the vocalist Dave Anthony, who sung in one-EP-band Shire previously. It's a bit confusing since the band and guys here have kinda very professional sound, far far from garage band dirtiness, yet they only released only this one EP and vanished.

What we have here is late 80's EP considered as traditional heavy metal, with glimpses of 90's power metal and even a bit glam influences, especially on vocal field. Dave Anthony has kind of a more commercial power metal singer-like voice with that melodic soaring medium to high pitch, and he does occasional glass breaking high screams. It's like somewhere between total high pitched power metal singer and clean NWOBHM singer in my opinion. He manages to sound like not too whiny though, because he has a slightly rougher edge when using more medium than high pitch while singing. He's actually quite good for what he does, and sounds like a pro.

Guitar tone is very sharp and biting yet melodic, not really hitting the heavier notes, but is very pleasant nevertheless. Everything is pretty crystal clear, which amazes me a bit from a band with only one EP. Guitar work of Hideo Inakuma is very energetic and riffs are quite vivid with loads of hooks. Solos are flowing, leads have nice melody and rhythm section bites when the band plays heavier songs.

Drumwork of Steve Pokory is solid good work, and I like Gary Lee's audible bassplay a lot. Philip Wolfe is credited for keyboards, but they cannot be heard almost at all in many songs -- and just a slightly on background with a few. Doesn't really bother me though, the atmosphere might had been overly melodic if the keyboards would had been bring too much to front.

The lowpoints of the album? I'd say it's maybe slightly too "Commercial" in some areas, so it all depends of the mood. The is very vivid and soaring heavy metal, but it's not very heavy nor very authentic by style. Well maybe in exception of Inakuma's guitar work which is almost comparable to something like early Crimson Glory, very melodic, very catchy. They could had added bit more kick into the mix. Much as I think the singer sounds professional, perhaps more "heavier" voice could had fit better, but who knows. Still the band does very good job, and this EP generally manages to slightly surprise me by quality. The overall atmosphere is more uplifting and played in "major" scale than in "minor".

The main problem with the EP is "inconsistency". Should they had blasted through the whole album and maybe adding one more epic track perhaps out of six songs, it could had been totally amazing. The band's on their best when they play faster and heavier, while watering things down when exploring groovy or ballady territories. Glam like groove rocker Not Your Man is one of the less interesting points along the ballad-like Never Apart, which feels totally out of place.

That leaves four more songs to it, of which Without A Word is your standard keyboard backed soaring mid-tempo heavy metal song. Luckily the rest three will impress more. Opening track "Thunder In The Night" is bit faster soaring track with that "riding" rhythm guitar tempo, and magical sounding leads with some acoustic guitar fills added to the background. Different guitar tracks add some meat and variation over bit more thin and melodic style of playing, making it sounds actually very good. Quite complex track actually. Kiss The Dragon is more speedy and rocking heavy metal number with totally chugging guitars leading on the track. Almost german Sinner-like (80's) riffs can be found here, combined with some more complex melodic leads by Inakuma. Great chorus and guitarwork! The closing track titled simply "Attakk!", has acoustic guitar lead-in, which turns into sort of melodic speed/power track, being speediest moment of the album. Third very good number, and may well be the best of the album with it's most energetic atmosphere.

Very good EP with some inconsistency problems, but is well recommended for any classic soaring heavy/powermetal music fans. Slightly commercial sound, especially vocals, but that's ok. If you're not afraid of the high pitched vocals then you're most certainly in safe zone. A pleasant surprise and worth getting for three great songs.

Rating: 81/100

Sorry - not available through Amazon or Ebay at the moment

Gary Lee - Bass
Steve Pokory - Drums
Hideo Inakuma - Guitars
Phillip Wolfe - Keyboards
Dave Anthony - Vocals

See also: ex-Shire

1. Thunder in the Night 03:54 Show lyrics
2. Without A Word 04:13
3. Not Your Man 03:38
4. Never Apart 04:05
5. Ride the Dragon 05:12
6. Attakk 03:33

Total Running Time - 24:35

REVIEW: Rogue Male (UK) – Nail It (2009)

2011-11-05T18:39:00.006+02:00

Today we’re going to review Rogue Male’s newest almost totally unknown album “Nail It” released at 2009. Nail It was released by Rm2k label which I’ve personally never heard of. There’s hardly any information about this album to be found anywhere on internet – which is kinda weird because Rogue Male should have at least decent underground following. This album was released is available as CD and Download but personally only place I've ever seen it as CD is at rm2kmusic.com music store - and few places as download sale but that's it. I wonder why?

Rogue Male played quite rough sounding heavy metal with slight punk influences to be sensed in the 80’s. So it’s a pleasure to see Nail It following their old style quite well. Rogue Male have influences of T.A.N.K and perhaps some Motörhead and should appeal to fans of both bands.

The same rough and rocking attitude remains in Nail It than how they sounded in 80’s with punk influences. Trademarks on the album are pounding bass, quite rough vocals of Jim Lyttle with certain “insane vibe” and totally dirty and heavy sounding guitars. Those elements give Nail It quite raw vibe. This album certainly doesn’t sound over produced like the many do this day, yet it’s not a mess either. I instantly liked sound mix on Nail It since song one. Drumming is quite crushing with big bass drum sound – brings Rogue Male’s Animal Man to my mind. Actually Nail it style wise settles somewhere between Motörhead’ish debut album First Visit and more mid-tempo roller Animal Man.

So the sound mix is very pleasant, how are the actual material? Nail It has ten songs altogether and material is bit varying by quality. I mean as whole the album doesn’t quite live up to glory of First Visit although honors the band’s roots. Some songs feel slightly less furious and watered down than in First Visit – but still do pretty good job. At least the punk’ish attitude is still there and lives especially through Jim Lyttles vocals – who used to be one of my favorite singers along Algy Ward, Rock’n’Rolf, Halford, Udo Dirkschneider and several others. Jim Lyttle has lost some power and roughness over the years it seems. He’s not quite as striking than in First Visit and even Animal Man.. but he still fits the music very well and definitely does more good than bad here. Jim uses bit more clean shout vocals than what I’m used to from previous albums.

My favorite songs raising from this album are: T.A.N.K (Filth Hounds Of Hades) influenced Cold Blooded Man which opens up the album and classic Rogue Male song with fast beat and dirty punk’ish groove in it. Pretty crushing opener. Third track Up In The Smoke with totally pounding drums and rocking attitude – Jim Lyttle’s shouts fit perfectly merging in with simple but effective guitar riffs “do ya wanna see the world go up in smoke – do ya think life is, but a joke -- I don’t think so!” – this one would had fit well on Animal Man. Forever Wild which follows the lines of Cold Blooded Man with fast forward crushing riffage bit like Crazy Motorcycle from First Visit - this track is just very energetic with powerful drumming and Lyttle's rough shouts bite. And lastly most hard rocking headbanger of the bunch – Dangerzone – with tight guitar riffing dominating the track. The song really reminds of german band like Sinner with it’s attitude – not only due name.

Rest decent tracks are very groovy pounding number Street Credibility, more chilled down bluesy Stars ‘n’ Stripes that could’ve fit in newer Armored Saint album like La Raza or Revelation and one more groovy instrumental number called Meteorite. Straight forward rocker Never feels a bit of a filler, acoustic Time feels bit out of place and Bless My Soul with it’s blues rock style is not bad – but doesn’t impress either.

This album is overall quite good. It’s good to see band like Rogue Male put out nice album after this long time that actually does stick what band originally stood for: rough and dirty attitude and sound with slight punk and hard rock influences. Not too technical album but good straightforward dirty rocking heavy metal. While Jim Lyttles vocals are not as effective as before he still fits in perfectly. Think of First Visit and Animal Man blend together with slightly more relaxed atmosphere as whole and you get what Nail It has to offer. The reason this album is totally unknown and rare is mystery to me, maybe Rogue Male did not find proper record deal or publisher for their album? Regardless I hope for another album in future – if you’re fan of bands like T.A.N.K and Motörhead or Armored Saint you’ll most likely enjoy this one quite much.

Rating: 77/100 (Good)

Buy Rogue Male’s Nail It from rm2kmusic store

1. Cold Blooded Man 04:09
2. Street Credibility 05:00
3. Up in Smoke 05:42
4. Stars N Stripes 03:56
5. Time 03:34
6. Never 03:10
7. Meteorite 02:19
8. Forever Wild 05:32
9. Dangerzone 07:04
10. Bless My Soul 04:53

Total Running time - 45:19

Horror movie titled "Metal Maniac" will feature classic heavy metal music

2011-11-05T02:37:00.001+02:00

This goes more on the movie sector than music but nevertheless I found this news quite funny. Horror movie titled "Metal Maniac" is currently in filming yet without official released date set. Producer of the film Susan Kapostasy says that Metal Maniac is tribute her personal tribute to heavy metal music and horror movies.

Metal Maniac's soundtrack will include bands like Axemaster with their song "Slave to The Blade", Manilla Road, Nasty Savage, Deceased, Oz, Hobbs' Angel of Death, Black Death, Borrowed Time and more.

Whether this will be brainless horror flick or B-Class low budget movie I'll be seeing it just because of the great roster of bands included in a movie which is kinda rare. Movie with bands like this included in soundtrack cannot not be fun..

All pre-listen links moved from the Blog to independant Forum

2011-11-03T16:43:00.004+02:00

Meaning this blog is now clean of any direct download link.

Due some issues to get forum going and to get some actual album discussion as well as to keep the actual blog clean - any link to pre-listen album has now been moved out from this Blog to our Forum. This blog now contains pure zero links to download file of any sort making the actual blog legimate. Every video files linked are also from Youtube meaning the original person who uploaded the video is responsible for it's copyrights.

Please register to our forums to discuss about 80's heavy metal and browse goodies! Other than that enjoy reading the actual blog too.

New Aria (Ария) album is out - in case you missed it!

2011-10-28T21:00:00.005+03:00

This comes as news to me.
In case you missed it too, russian heavy metal veterans Aria have came out with a new album earlier at this month (5th of October, 2011)! This is their first album since 5 years of silence (well in case of long play releases anyway - I hear they have toured) and is called simply - Phoenix (Феникс).

The current lineup goes as follows:

Vladimir Holstinin - Guitars (1985-present)

Vitaliy Dubinin - Bass (1987-present)

Maxim Udalov - Drums (1987-1988, 2002-present), Drums (live) (1998)

See also: ex-Valkyria, ex-Чёрный Кофе

Sergey Popov - Guitars (2002-present)

See also: ex-Мастер

Mikhail Zhitnyakov - Vocals (2011-present)

See also: ex-КуражЪ, ex-Гран-КуражЪ

The vocalist is brand new and I don't want to comment more on this album yet since I'vent heard it as whole, but it will be pretty much one of the top albums on my "must listen"-list. So as we can see vocalist is new and another of the guitarists have been on the band since 2002 - while the rest three have longer career with Aria. You can see the cover below along with the tracklist (song names are converted with "internet languange translator" so might not be perfectly correct - sorry 'bout that):

ARIA-Phoenix (Феникс, 2011)

1. Black Square (Чёрный Квадрат) 05:20

2. Balance (Равновесие Сил)04:12

3. History of One Murderer (История Одного Убийцы) 06:22

4. Black Legend (Чёрная Легенда) 08:02

5. Fights without Rules (Бои без Правил) 06:53

6. Phoenix (Феникс) 06:34

7. The symphony of Fire (Симфония Огня) 05:30

8. Attila (Аттила) 07:56

9. The Headlight (Дальний Свет) 04:55

10. Requiem (Реквием) 04:25

Check it out! Can be bought at least from Ebay (4 left at the moment).

No downloads for new releases!

Running Wild is back - new album "Shadowmaker" at 2012

2011-10-21T16:30:00.009+03:00

Pre-Order Shadowmaker from Amazon.com:

Boxset (CD)

Limited (CD)

Regular (CD)

Thats right! Main man of german heavy metallers Running Wild - Rolf Kasparek - has decided to bring Running Wild back in business. Rolf had stated earlier at 2009 that Running Wild would be officially disbanded due the 2009 Farewell Show at Wacken Open Air Festival. This show was filmed and released as CD and DVD under title "The Final Jolly Roger" as late as June 2011 by label called Golden Core/XYZ. Rolf stated that:

"my comments in spring of 2009 about Running Wild calling it's quits were serious at the time - I really needed time out and to be honest, couldn't imagine even in Jan 2011 that I would ever feel like recording new album again. But when I had the inspiration for a best-of-album, to which I wanted to contribute four new numbers, I rediscovered how much I enjoy composing. From then on it was only a small step to record a full new studio album."

Rolf has written ten new songs for upcoming album - which will be called Shadowmaker - and is to be released in April 2012 via SPV/Steamhammer under the banner of Running Wild. Some of the songs include midtempo opener "Piece of The Action", the uptempo number "Shadowmaker" (which according to Rolf will be roughly same pace as "Angel of Mercy") and more epic eight-minute long "Dracula" which will be based on Bram Stoker's novel and Christopher Lee movies.

Rolf states that the new deal with Steamhammer/SPV is "a real stroke of luck and ideal partnership - the label is a long-established with an experienced team, so I know that Running Wild are in good hands. Besides, my band and the record company are based in the same German city (Hannover), which can't be a disadvantage for a smooth cooperation."

Olly Hahn (The A&R representative at SPV/Steamhammer) states that "Style-defining act such as Running Wild signed with us comes close to an accolade - band leader Rock'n'Rolf is one of the metal scene's last originals, and we at SPV are unbelievably proud that his choice fell on us."

More thoughts about the new Running Wild album and band's past can be seen on a video attached to below.

Demoted in google rankings dramatically - Google Penalty?

2011-09-27T14:58:00.005+03:00

Lately I searched for a reason why suddenly within one day daily readers amount dropped dramatically to 1-5. I've found out that this site has - for some reason - been demoted very badly in google rankings some day. I've checked quite often the blogs' ranking with a few keywords and it's been very good for over four months, but now suddenly Google Search does not want to find it. I don't know why?

For example before searching with a phrase "obscure heavy metal blog" ranked my site to first page around 2-4 first listings - usually straight after Strappado. "vintage heavy metal blog" 1st. "buy rare heavy metal" was also quite high, maybe second page? And much more.

Now none of those finds my page - but the page doesn't seem to be removed from the Google index fully either because afterall it is still indexed. I can find it with site:dungeonsarecalling.blogspot.com and with phrase "obscure vintage heavy metal blog" (whos gonna type that really anyway?) It's listed in bottom of the first page in results. So it's not banned either.

Now I'vent changed anything I could think of directly affecting to search results. Only major thing that I've done is those huge table listings of metal releases in the 80's which have a lot of repeating phrases (countries, year, genre). Could this have tricked Google to think the site is some kind of a fraud and due that demoting hugely rankings in search?

Well anyways, I'm going to keep adding stuff here anyway, so if you liked the blog please spread the word of the blog to those who might be interested in reading it. Thanks.

New section - SINGLES release year archives 1970-1989

2011-09-20T18:59:00.006+03:00

This section covers all SINGLES releases firstly in origin country order and then chronologic order by release year. I used metal-archives.com as an information source to make this list. Idea of the list is for anyone to browse through Single releases between 1970-1989 to see how many albums in each country was released and what bands these countries had. This list is also for my own personal use.

Singles section is interesting especially on N.W.O.B.H.M scene part as many bands of the genre only ever released single(s) - but never made it far enough to release EP or Full Length album. Enjoy browsing the archive!

Heavy metal SINGLES release year archives 1970-1989 by country

PS.I might still do the Demo archives later on but since there's more of those than EP/LP/Singles it's more work.

New Releases section updated

2011-09-18T01:17:00.012+03:00

The left side section with "new releases" has been updated with some of the bigger releases between 06/2011 - 09/2011 that are available through Amazon.com. Check them out! Particularly album by The Gate interests me, being a huge Running Wild fan the band has ex-Running Wild guitarist Preacher in it. There are also new releases from Anthrax (with Belladonna again) and Vader which did not fit into the widget - you can search them with right hand "Search from Amazon.com" search-field if you like.

Meanwhile also band called Arkham Witch from U.K has debuted with their first ever full length. I liked what I listened so I'm going to share this clip here:

This album is not available through Amazon.com and as I understood it would be quite limited pressing (pressing limited to 666 copies). You can get it from Doomanoid Records at here with only 8 pounds.

Weekly Metal Videos updated - Week 38

2011-09-18T00:31:00.008+03:00

The section is finally updated with five new videos. No time updating every week but I'll keep updating it once in a while. "Vote for your favorite video"-poll won't be anymore since it did not get votes last time - but may return in case this blog gets more daily readers where it could make sense. This time we have some Pariah, Razor, Raven, Heavy Load and Metal Church - check the new heavy metal videos out right here.. :-)

REVIEW: MP (aka Metal Priests) (GER) - Bursting out (1986)

2011-09-17T23:00:00.022+03:00

As results of the 80's poll results we're presenting three bands from Germany, and one from each: Sweden, U.K and U.S next. So lets get on with it, here's the first one. MP aka Metal Priests were an obscure heavy metal band formed in Germany at 1986. Later on same year they released their first full length album Bursting Out – eventually releasing three more albums after the debut at 1987 (Get It Now), 1988 (Showdown) and 1992 (Melting Point under changed band name “Melting Point”).

What we have here is quite damn straightforward set of heavy rockers, with a good vibe of energy. MP sound a bit like their country mates Noisehunter but being more rocking and dirtier – or perhaps even moreso their other country mates Tyrant. There is similar snotty’ness and roughness in their sound than Tyrant as well as the rocking attitude. Even singer is almost same caliber with over the top hoarse voice similar to Tyrant’s singer Kerrmit, but with occasional higher pitch in the voice which tends to sound a bit whiny even. Crossfire from Belgium also comes quite close style wise. Take the most straight forward riffs of Judas Priest and Accept and add over the top german hoarse voiced vocalist and you get pretty close to the end result what Metal Priests sound like. Even though the album has very hard rock'ish edge, it has certain level of heaviness in it's sound and manages to sound quite strong.

The material varies between safe mid fast tempo rockers and a few speedier moments. The material is perhaps sailing on a bit too “safe waters” with no much surprises – just regular in your face heavy metal with hard rocking edge. The choruses are basic and made to shout along with. Strong and crispy power chord riffage is all over the place and leads are quite minimal – however guitar solos are decently good and fluent and stand out when played. Stomping mid fast drumming and audible bass are also trademarks throughout the album.

As a highlights I’d pick the title track Bursting Out which is totally in your face speed metal song with nice lead guitar shredding and strong palm muted riffing. It’s just full of energy and chorus makes you want to shout out loud “Bursting, bursting! (Bursting Out!)”. MP (Metal Priests) is another one with mid-fast tempo, smashing drums and very simple but working power chord mania driving it forward. There’s just unresistable dirty groove in this song. Heavy slower stompers with massive drum pound – Startide Rising and Out For Love – work out well. The rest of the songs are pretty much more of the same but not as great as these tracks.

This album is nice to crank up while driving on highway and would as well to fit to some beer party. There’s quite strong uplifting general feeling in the album. Very enjoyable rocking solid heavy metal album from massive german touch to it – recommended for anyone who like bands like Tyrant (GER) and Crossfire (BEL) and dirty rocking german sound in general, in my opinion Bursting Out is very well up to par with best releases from those two bands. Not mind blowing but well enjoyable..
74/100 (Good)

(Not available through Amazon.com - you can however get the Live CD instead featuring many songs from Bursting Out)

Thomas Zeller - Vocals, Bass
Thomas Schneider - Drums, Backing Vocals
Andy Wolk - Guitars, Backing Vocals

1. Bursting Out 03:29
2. MP (Metal Priests) 02:44
3. Startide Rising 03:54
4. Pyromania 03:11
5. Out for Love 04:17
6. On the Loose Again 03:39
7. Fight For Your Life 04:22
8. Hellglow 02:00
9. No More Heroes 02:36
10. World of Tears 04:36

Total running time 34:48

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction - my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

-Sorry, not listed in the book-

Winner of the poll "Best heavy metal in 80s came from?"

2011-09-15T23:34:00.015+03:00

The poll has ended and the results for top 3 go as follows:

1.Germany - 10 votes
2.America / United Kingdom (Split) - 9 votes
3. Sweden - 6 votes

1. Germany - rough edged traditional heavy metal and thrash scene

There's no denying that Germany had a great bunch of bands at the time. They had their thrash scene with strong contenders like Sodom and Kreator among the more known ones of the scene. Then there was german traditional heavy metal with likes of Running Wild, Accept, Warlock, Scanner, Sinner, Rage (the list goes on). Not forgetting some unknown bands like Cutty Sark, Black Fate, Samain, Noisehunter.. some of the best heavy metal in the 80's certainly came from Germany.

2.1 America (United States) - Bay Area thrash and heavy metal

Slightly badly described in the poll, I should had set this as U.S and not America. Not surprised that America and U.K were high on the list also. America had their bay area thrash scene competing with the german counterparts. Exodus, Slayer, Testament, Megadeth, Metallica (who back in time released some good albums pre-90's!) - with perhaps more large thrash following than in Germany with several bit more obscure thrash bands like Nuclear Assault, Rigor Mortis, Death Angel, Dark Angel, Heathen, Vio-Lence and so on. Although german scene is quality - the U.S scene of the 80's is just so large that it cannot be but holding a great deal of awesome bands. Traditional heavy metal gems would be remembered such as Jag Panzer with their Ample Destruction, the horror themed Halloween with Don't Metal With Evil album, speedy and vicious Savage Grace, great high pitched vocals of singer "Midnight" in Crimson Glory.. not forgetting Vicious Rumors, Omen, the epic Manilla Road and many more.

2.2 United Kingdom - NWOBHM and then some

U.K on the other hand had very memorable early 80's and biggest thing remembered of the scene over there would be NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) - which is considered as a form of "(early) heavy metal". It was born from the rock, blues and punk rock music of the 70's when musicians took step to more aggressive and heavier form we know as NWOBHM. Some of the more known bands from that scene were Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, Diamond Head, Venom and Motörhead - the last two representing the most rough and heaviest form of the bunch. Some great semi-obscure bands were Angel Witch, TANK, Grim Reaper, Demon, Cloven Hoof, Satan, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Blitzkrieg, Witchfinder General, Jaguar, Witchfynde, Savage, Hell and Tokyo Blade. This was a great scene and one of my favorites. While not most aggressive form of heavy metal in general, it has great melodies (usually not overly happy) and soul in it. However my favorite obscure band so far would be perhaps rocking Battleaxe with a bit AC/DC'ish style combined to NWOBHM - with dirtier sound. That's not to say that after mid-80's U.K hadn't have anything good to offer which wasn't from NWOBHM genre. Some great obscure offerings were released like great speed metal effort Tröjan-Chasing The Storm at 1985 and for example two aggressive trash metal offerings from Deathwish at 1987 (At The Edge of Damnation) and 1989 (Demon Preacher), not forgetting bottom heavy as hell History Of A Time To Come (1988) by Sabbat and The Force by Onslaught among many others.

3. Sweden - mecca of melodic traditional heavy metal

Sweden on third place is a slight surprise because in a small country like that, the scene cannot be as huge as anything above. However Sweden bands pretty much pioneered in traditional melodic heavy metal and did it great. While Sweden didn't have many well known bands, they had great deal of melodic underground heavy metal scene going: Heavy Load, 220 Volt, Overdrive, Axe Witch, Gotham City, Six Feet Under, Keen Hue, Universe, Mercy, Silver Mountain and more hard rocking Torch. However the most known band coming from Sweden at 80's might very well be doom metal pioneers Candlemass - one of the very first bands in that genre. Either that or early black metallers of Bathory.

This remained quite little poll with not too many votes, however thanks for all who casted their votes! This means that out of next six reviews with full pre-listen available there will be three albums from Germany and one out of each: America, U.K and Sweden. Stay tuned!

REVIEW: Halloween (US) - Don't Metal With Evil (1984)

2011-08-23T01:46:00.021+03:00

Halloween was formed in United States at 1984 and play quite in-your-face heavy metal. Their themes often were about Halloween and horror specific. The band released their debut at the year of their creation – 1984 – called Don’t Metal With Evil. After this they released one live called Live From The Crypt and several demos.. they recorded their second full-length at 1986 called Victims Of The Night – but they didn’t have nor did get record deal at the time so record faded into “unreleased material” category for a decade. At 1997 however Victims Of The Night saw the light as it was finally released by Molten Metal Label and later on also reissued at 2002 and 2010 (with bonus tracks).

Halloween’s sound is kind of a funny, because it manages to be same time energetic, insane and “lazy” in cool way. Guitars are quite straight forward and vicious while vocals of Brian Thomas are wailing (bit whiny also – not in a bad meaning though this time) and haunting – clean mid range with occasional high screams. Very cool and totally 80’s. There’s certain wickedness in their melodies and lyrics although they are not totally evil or satanic. The songs make you kinda sense the insanity/madness but are still definitely headbangable for not being overly complex or anything.

Melodies in the album are mostly played in “minor” and slightly depressive – with few “neutral” moments but not much happy melodies. Halloween plays quite melodic heavy metal in a “minor” scale here. Compared to something like Accept for instance, Accept tends to play straight forward quite rhythm guitar based heavy metal with occasional great solos and melodies thrown in – while Halloween, being also quite straight forward, bases their hooks to shredding and melody parts and focuses a bit less to rhythm guitars. However melodies and solos are still quite easy side in complexity, there’s just quite plenty of shredding to be found here. Those parts sound often quite improvised - yet they work very well.

Don’t Metal With Evil is energetic piece of melodic horror heavy metal – with traditional 80’s US heavy metal having a touch of insane and haunting melodies. There’s plenty of good numbers: Album opens with with blasting speedy Busted with strong rhythm riffs dominating the song. There’s also some humor to be sensed in the lyrics:

“You, got caught, with your panties down
Tried to tell, your dad, you weren´t foolin´ around
He´s, no fool (yes he knows) where you´ve been
Yes, he caught you one, he just caught you again”

The high pitched wailing screams sound here quite insane and improvised. It’s just good for the atmosphere and makes it sound quite wild! Definetely one of the highlights here. More straight forward blasting and riffage is to be found in Trick Or Treat with a similar approach. These two are definitely speediest, most energetic moments of the album. To Fight The Beast is also speedy but cannot hold up to the two previous songs. Justice For All is is half acoustic depressive and anxious rocker which is good on its own right. Bit more groovy mid paced greatness is to be found in Scared To Death and The Wicked Witch with good support from the bassist. Title track Don’t Metal With Evil is one of the better tracks along the speediest ones. It’s mid fast madness with haunting base melody, pounding basslines and shout-along chorus.

Vocals are probably the barrier for many to either dislike/like this band. Personally I like them and feel they fit well to the music but I can see they’re not for everyone. Riffs here might be a slightly generic at times but energy of the band makes up for slight repetitiveness and complexity. Innovation on this album is the overall sound which succeeds to mix traditional heavy metal to haunting and horror themes – as much musically as lyrically – with certain sense of humor and cheesiness that is actually quite cool on this album. The improvised sounding high wailing vocals and guitar shreds seem to fit the music well and just adding certain “insane” and “wicked” vibe to the music. Overall this album is strong - only few songs of the latter ones don't live up to the A-side - which is the reason im going to rate this more to 80+ than less. Good traditional in-your-face heavy metal album with fair amount of melody – making exception to the rule – with more evil and “minor” scale approach to the music than many other traditional heavy metal bands tend to use.

Borderline "minor classic" - 80/100 (Great)

George Neal - Bass
Brian Thomas - Vocals
Billy Whyte - Drums
Rick Craig - Guitars

1. Busted 03:11
2. Scared to Death 02:37
3. Justice for All 03:08
4. Trick or Treat 03:11
5. The Wicked Witch 02:52
6. Don't Metal with Evil 03:02
7. What a Nice Place 02:59
8. Haunted 03:51
9. She's a Teazer 03:52
10. Tales from the Crypt 03:19
11. Fight the Beast 03:30

Total Running time 35:32

(One of the more speedy moments in the album)

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction . my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

Label – MCM
Type – LP/US/85
Near Mint – $95
Very Good+ - $50

What's going on?

2011-08-19T21:58:00.007+03:00

There's been lack up update speed there was while back - too much personal shit has been going on in life lately. I'll keep writing time to time though in future - meanwhile feel free to browse old posts and please report broken links in case you find any!

Meanwhile my Running Wild shirts arrived, haven't bough much band shirts or merchandise lately due lack of money but now it was time. They're really cool! Finally good re-prints of RuWi shirts. I've listened bit of a new albums also - The Black Riders-Chose Few has especially impressed me. It's kinda mixture of NWOBHM and Europe/Van Halen but certainly not as commercial - and not overly happy either - melodies are more in "minor" than "major".

I also listened the new Manilla Road album Playground Of The Damned and I've to say the band continues released good album after another. They have been like Saxon at 2000 century - releasing rock solid album after another. Safe and secure following bands present lines of style, but enjoyable, who could complain? I will review those albums later on when I have the time.

Stay tuned!

REVIEW: Fisc (FRA) - Tracker (1984)

2011-08-04T01:17:00.012+03:00

Fisc is french heavy metal band formed in 1981. They put out their first demo at 1982 and after that released four full lengths in 80s along with one EP and one single. Tracker is their debut from 1984.

Fisc play quite melodic and straight forward euro-metal with hard rocking edge in their music, but definetely falling more in heavy metal field at least with the debut album. Tracker was released under Mausoleum label which had loads of a bit similar standard rocking euro heavy metal bands under their wings like Ostrogoth, Crossfire and Wildfire. Fisc is stylistically bit similar to all of those. The sound is quite unpolished (but not really rough at all) and riffing is straight forward bit like Accept's rhythm guitars.

What differentiates this from for example Crossfire and Ostrogoth is more laid back, relaxed and lighter musical approach. Standard rocking heavy metal bands from 80's era especially under Mausoleum Records wings were quite rough sounding and dirty. Especially many bands from Belgium and Germany. Tracker sounds quite much lighter (partly because of the mix) and poppier even. This is kind of a band you could imagine drifting into glam metal scene from their original sound late 80's as it sounds somewhat natural transition when listening the album.

Despite even poppy heavy metal influences and overall bit more commercial approach than their label mates Ostrogoth and Crossfire - this album is not sucker. This album borrows elements from melodic NWOBHM - especially the leads while rhythm section is more straight forward biting Accept-Ostrogoth style but not as aggressive – there’s also fair amount of shredding in the mix which is the key here to bring these songs more alive. Vocals are decently good, not as snotty or rough like most Mausoleum label bands tend to have. Singer uses more clean voice from mid to mid-high pitched - with fair amount of soul. Reminds me of something like Omen's J.D. Kimball when he sings with more deep clean voice but less powerful - mixed with slightly hard rock ready roughness in his voice (but nodding more towards clean than rough).

Album opens quite fantastically with Accept’laden track Tracker with its simple yet powerful main rhythm riff. Pre-chorus/chorus is just really damn catchy with melodic lead guitar riff just nailing it in the background and shredding parts are skillful. Danger is more NWOBHM influenced track with it’s rock’n’roll’ish riffs - the damn chorus sounds it would fit into Angel Witch’s debut. Running With The Devil sounds a bit like Priest meets Maiden with rhythm section very much in favor of Priest while while lead melodies nod more to Maiden – definite true heavy metal track here. Don’t Dream Too Much is then bursting out totally straight forward pounding hard rock. A few catchy lead riffs to be found here although bit generic as the whole song is pretty much based on one simple rhythm riff. Rock’n’Roll follows with pretty much along the same lines with a more laid back rocking track focused around one simple rhythm riff with some leads added. Nothing spectacular but works nicely. More partylike upbeat moment on the album is Sad Girl with happier melodies and rock-heavy edge. Hungry For Blood allows a bit more space for creativity. It includes a lot of shredding and NWOBHM meets Priest style rhythm section. Bass lines are very audible and sound fine – actually bass dominates some parts here like the slowdown part where guitars silence for only vocals and bass to take the stage. The track brings somewhat Satanic Rites debut into my mind especially on the part of bass.

Problems with this album arise perhaps mediocrity of some things. On the other hand rhythm guitar riffs are bit too generic at times as are songs overall – but then again lead guitar riffs and shredding brings songs more alive, it’s certainly one of the strong points in this record. The band definitely has something going on here, but lack some aggression and power in my opinion. Record is too laid back overall and while sounds “nice” it just lacks the final “bite”. Especially the sound mix could be so much stronger. Singer is decent but could better. When he uses his more deep soulful voice he sounds great, bit like J.D.Kimball, but most of the times just fading into mediocrity. He has good voice but needs to learn use it better. Bass stands out and is definitely better areas in the record alongside the shredding and lead guitar melodies. Quite enjoyable combination of more commercial and laid back – yet straight forward Accept meets NWOBHM 80’s heavy metal – with more hard rock and poppy (but not too poppy) edge.. Worth of checking out although won’t blow your mind - especially for the first three songs - "Tracker" being my absolute favorite!
76/100 (Good)

(Unfortunately unavailable from Amazon.com - but why don't you get their second album Break Out from 1985 instead - click below)

Jean-Michel Mauffray - Guitar
Alain Aimé - Guitar
Pierre Bechet - Bass, Vocals
Dominique Henry - Drums

1. Tracker 03:19
2. Danger 03:16
3. Running With The Devil 04:15
4. Don't Dream Too Much 04:23
5. Sad Girl 03:29
6. Midnight Killer 02:56
7. Hungry For Blood 04:35
8. Rock'n'Roll 05:07
9. Teaser Woman 03:55

Total running time: 35:15

Metal Warning IV Festival in Finland 11.11-12.11.2011

2011-08-03T00:06:00.031+03:00

2.11.2011 Updated info
Ticket link was broken so it's fixed. Get Your tickets here.
Some new bands added to Saturday line-up that were not listed on this post before:

Minotaur (GER) 66,6min set
Santa Lucia (FIN) 60min set
Solitaire (FIN) 50min set

Check the newest poster here for more info.

This festival is worth advertising since these guys get usually cool bands to play in Finland. If history repeats itself there will be nice collection of old and newer heavy metal records for sale also before the gig! Last time I found pretty much cool stuff - Manilla Road, Living Death, Blitzkrieg, Halloween for example. This metal festival is nod to the old school more than for newer heavy metal.

So, METAL WARNING IV-heavy metal festival will be held at Friday 11.11.2011 - Saturday 12.11.2011 in Gloria club, located at Finland's capitol city Helsinki. The price for two day ticket is 30euros (one day tickets will be coming for sale later on) and age restriction is 18+. The doors will open at 19.00 both days. Finnish cult band OZ have recently reformed and will be the headliner for the festival!

Get your tickets at for Metal Warning Festival IV at tiketti.fi
More info about additional band changes etc. at:
http://lauta.imperiumi.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=35822

The bands already confirmed are following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FRIDAY 11.11.2011

OZ (Headliner)

HELVETETS PORT (Swe)

ARMOUR (Fin)

HANDS OF ORLAC (Ita)

+

EVIL-LÿN (Fin)
WITCHTIGER (Fin)

SATURDAY 12.11.2011

JUMALATION (Fin)

FORCED KILL (Fin)

ARCHITORTURE (Fin)

+ "heavy metal records - fair" held earlier on day
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's still possibility of new band additions to join in the lineup for either day.

Few new Armored Saint live shots on Youtube

2011-08-02T14:36:00.013+03:00

A couple of new Armored Saint live shots have magically appeared to Youtube. These clips are from 1991 Symbol Of Salvation Tour after Dave had already gone - with Jeff Duncan playing other guitars.. Enjoy!

PS. To make the site less heavier I included only 1/5 clips in this post. If you want to see the rest just go to Youtube through the video below and watch the clip there - the rest of the songs should appear at the right side in youtube where you see the list of other related/recommended video clips!

Lineup at the time:

John Bush - Vocals
Jeff Duncan - Guitars
Phil Sandoval - Guitars
Joey Vera - Bass
Gonzo Sandoval - Drums

Armored Saint - For the sake of heaviness (Live, 1991, Los Angeles, CA)

Gonzo hosting Armored Saint Magazine 2001 (Bloopers)

NEWS: Jag Panzer (US) disbands (1981-2011)

2011-08-01T00:22:00.030+03:00

Sadly it's not long back since we saw german heavy metallers Running Wild - one of my favourite bands - to disband and leave the heavy metal scene. Just when I had reviewed Jag Panzer's best and worst albums in my opinion, and stated ironically they had been releasing albums regularly ever since reforming in 1993 untill today I heard they have disbanded and are calling it quits.

(Early Jag Panzer lineup - most likely around '84 Ample Destruction era)

Jag Panzer were american traditional heavy metal band formed at 1981 (actually they were formed under name Tyrant as early as 1978 - however after legal issues with the name they changed it at '81 to what what we know today as Jag Panzer). Their style had alot of melodic edge on riffs and most albums were done with great vocalist Harry Conklin (also known from Titan Force and Satan's Host) and guitarists Mark Briody & Joey Tafolla/Chris Broderick. Their earliest stuff was a bit rougher and aggressive traditional heavy metal than what their later releases represent, where the sound is a bit softer and melodic yet enjoyable. Dissident alliance in between these styles made exception to the rule with touch of groove laden metal - modern metal influenced sound and almost metalcore vocals. This phase lasted only one album and is considered often as "a stain in otherwise good discography of the band".

(Ample Destruction (1984) remains highly regarded record untill today)

Jag Panzer for old school heavy metal fan was mostly known of their great debut Ample Destruction (1984) and rather disasterous (at least in eyes of many original fans) Dissident Alliance (1994). After the last mentioned album they managed to release quite a few decently good albums - though never reaching Ample Destructions glory again - still putting out quality heavy metal. If you manage to find original pressing of Ample Destruction as LP, well it's worth of alot of money today.

(The Scourge of The Light - lineup at 2011)

The journey however has now come to end at July 2011: "We are proud of every album we released and the support we've received from the heavy metal community. We've played so many places around the world and enjoyed every minute of it but the time has come where we just cannot move forward as a band." Says one of the former band members guitarist Mark Briody.

"Christian did an amazing job on 'The Scourge Of The Light' and it was a pleasure working with him. We wished Christian well but kept this quiet until we found a replacement". Continues Briody.

Drummer Rikard Stjernquist says, "Several guitar players applied for the job. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many young guitarists with advanced chops. One player, 19-year-old Jake Dreyer, submitted videos of him nailing solos from both Chris Broderick and Christian Lasegue. We were ready to welcome Jake into the band, but, unfortunately, that will not happen. There is no doubt in any of our minds that Jake will go on to be a household name in his own right."

Bassist John Tetley adds a final line: "In closing, we’d like to send out a huge heartfelt THANK YOU to metal fans throughout the world. You all rule!"

(Their last album The Scourge Of The Light (2011))

Released on February 28 of 2011 - Scourge of The Light will remain the last release of Jag Panzer setting their record at nine full lenghts, one DVD, three singles, one EP and five demos between the years 1981-2011. Harry Conklin currently handles vocal duties for a black/thrash metal band called Satan's Host. A full discography of Jag Panzer can be seen below:

Tyrants	EP	1983
Death Row	Single	1983
Ample Destruction	Full-length	1984
Demo 1985	Demo	1985
Demo 1986	Demo	1986
Shadow Thief	Demo	1986
Dissident Alliance	Demo	1993
Dissident Alliance	Full-length	1994
Jeffrey Behind the Gate	Single	1994
The Return	Demo	1996
The Fourth Judgement	Full-length	1997
The Age of Mastery	Full-length	1998
Thane to the Throne	Full-length	2000
Mechanized Warfare	Full-length	2001
The Era of Kings and Conflict	DVD	2002
Decade of the Nail-Spiked Bat	Compilation	2003
Chain of Command	Full-length	2004
Casting the Stones	Full-length	2004
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald	Single	2005
The Scourge of the Light	Full-length	2011

REVIEW: Jag Panzer (US) - Dissident Alliance (1994)

2011-07-31T18:00:00.012+03:00

Jag Panzer from US released one highly praised us heavy metal album at 80's before fading into a silent perioid. Ten years after the release of Ample Destruction they decided to reform and put out long awaited album - many fans probably had expectations high. Afterall Ample Destruction was quality record with great powerful high pitched vocals of mr. Conklin - melodic great guitar leads and biting rhythm section as well.

I can see how many fans were totally disappointed about the outcome after ten years of waiting a new record. Dissident Alliance sound like completely different band - with mostly all characteristics that made Ample Destruction classic album now gone. First of all Harry Conklin is no more with the band - the singer whos voice dominated Ample Destruction - instead we have man called Daniel Conca on vocals. Conklin later on rejoined the band and Conca left after this record. Conca sounds just lame here. He sounds like sloppy thrash singer with modern metalcore edge - his weak unmemorable performance is not helping under average songs at all.

Riffs have only occasional slightly brighter moments but mostly are very generic and sloppy here. I wonder how the very same guitarists who recorded Ample Destruction managed take this many steps back? Sounds like generic garage band mostly. Sacrified is mostly all of the previous melody for heavier thrashy sound. Except that this does not work since it's not thrash good way but instead powerless, sloppy and generic - even slightly modern - but mostly the main problem is just generic and sloppy riffage.

Standout points would be melodic lead riff in speedy GMV 407 which is boiled by otherwise unmemorable riffs and metalcore'ish vocal shouts. Decent and probably the best song on the album is The Church with pretty standard 90's metal sound and some decent lead guitars and melodies - but even it doesn't do much. Gloomy Eve of Penance has some bright moments and is perhaps the second best track. The Clown has some early 90's Antrax'esque riffing which is allright but then again vocals and lyrics stink:

"Little boy, little boy, tell me true
Johnny does the nasty, do you know who?
Little boy, little boy, did you cry?
Momma’s gone away, daddy tell a lie
...
He was a clown
She was a clown
We was a clown"

I usually don't care about cheesy lyrics if music is good but in this case music is below average and lyrics are so stupid they actually do bother. Not only case of total lyrical stupidity in this album. Edge of Blindless is listenable groove metal influenced track with nice acoustic part in the middle that actually works. Last Dying Breath sounds like 90's skater metal and is listenable but oh so unmemorable. That's about it. Whisper God is average at it's best and does not make one really turn down the volume but does not make one headbang either.

One can tell right from the start that this does not work. Opening track "Jeffrey - Behind The Gates" opens with chugging marching rhythm guitars which soon turns into groove metal with lousy metalcore vocals and you kinda lose interest to the rest of the album immiatedly. Forsaken Child is weird acoustic/tribal influenced track almost sounding like alternative rock or something. Oh man. Not fitting into Jag Panzer album although not worst song here. Plodding Psycho Next Door's slowdown moments with Conca's weak hardcore growling is total low blow. Think I've had enough.

They turned traditional us heavy metal band with great vocals into lousy band band what one could simply describe with word "metal" - with metalcore/groove/skater metal influences. Standout riffs are only a few and they are mostly leads - which are left to minimum. Rhythm guitar heavy thrash metal would not be bad either but this is just weak effort - generic and powerless. Last nail to coffin are the metalcore vocals. Is this album as bad as many metal fans state it to be? I was skeptical since I could undestrand any average album with changed style released after Ample Destruction would get unnecassary hating. But I'm no skeptical anymore - it IS a lousy record much below average.

I would not recommend getting this album unless you are a fan of Jag Panzer and want to collect their all albums despite the fact that this one's quite poor. "Highlight moments" are average at the best with The Church, Eve of Penance, Edge of Blindness, Last Dying Breath, GMV 407 and Whisper God where the first three mentioned raise perhaps very slightly above average. It just does not cut it since sound is mostly lousy and generic, over half of material is less than average by far and the best of the rest is about average at it's best. Without the songs mentioned above this album would deserve "Disaster" rating but now I'll just just "Very Poor". Even Conklin's vocals could not have saved this album. Luckily this phase did not last long untill Harry Conklin rejoined for the album The Fourth Judgement (1997) and style changed back to better.
44/100 (Very Poor)

Daniel Conca (R.I.P. 2004) - Vocals
Mark Briody - Guitars
Chris Kostka - Guitars
John Tetley - Bass
Rikard Stjernquist - Drums

1. Jeffrey - Behind the Gate 07:20
2. The Clown 03:11
3. Forsaken Child 05:29
4. Edge of Blindness 03:59
5. Eve of Penance 07:14
6. Last Dying Breath 05:12
7. Psycho Next Door 04:04
8. Spirit Suicide 05:44
9. GMV 407 04:32
10. The Church 05:01
11. Whisper God 04:18

Total running time 56:04

REVIEW: Jag Panzer (US) - Ample Destruction (1984)

2011-07-29T00:59:00.022+03:00

Jag Panzer are a band formed in US at 1981. They were originally named as Tyrant but legacy issues concerning the name forced them to change into Jag Panzer later same year. Earlier Jag Panzer was mainly US sounding traditional heavy metal. The band released only one full-length album in 80’s called Ample Destruction which got some praise among metalheads so I’d consider the band semi-obscure. Along this they released Tyrants EP earlier at 1983 and Deathrow single same year as well as Demos at 1985, twice 1986 and later on after silence period at 1993 – which led them to reunite and release Dissident Alliance at 1994. Jag Panzer have been quite active after this releasing eight albums ‘till 2011 all together after reuniting at 1993. Their newest being The Scourge of Light The Light released earlier this year.

At earlier times on the 80’s Jag Panzer had bit sharper toned Maiden influenced approach than what they sound today. Singer Harry Conklin has a voice a reminding slightly of Bruce Dickinson with melodic clean mid to high range falsettos that makes this record sound very classy. The music has influences of Maiden sure but is not a copy, sound is melodic, yet melodies used here don’t remind Maiden that much. The sound is more sharper US sound with more aggression. Especially guitars bite with sharp cutting high distortion (thrashy even at times) and melodic guitar passages sound very good. Guitarists Mark Briody and Joey Taffolla do a great job on Ample Destruction. The band reminds maybe a bit more of heavier Fates Warning with melodic traditional heavy metal approach to music.

Ample Destruction is a great example of melodic soaring 80’s heavy metal album with some – but not too much cheesiness – and yet manages to sound sharp and biting same time without losing all the heaviness to the melodic parts. Theres strong usage of power chords creating simple but effective wall of sound, some strong biting palm muted riffing and then melodic lead guitar work & shredding with Conklin’s soaring melodic yet aggressive voice on top of that making this sound very enjoyable indeed. Vocals are quite much dominating the music – in a good way – and backing vocals are used quite well also.

The albums consists of ten songs (one short instrumental) all together clocking over 40 minutes which is about enough. Speedy Licensed To Kill opens up the album with stomping palm muted riffs in your face and Conklin’s powerful wailing falsettos dominate. While not my favorite track here it gives a promise of quality. Other speedier moments include: Generally Hostile with upbeat rhythm section but has a bit generic side riffs - and Reign of The Tyrants with some more forward driving ripping palm muted riffage fest. Reign of The Tyrants has great gloomy yet melodic chorus part where “under the knife - you'd better run for your life - 'cause you're under the knife!” lyrics and lead guitar melody just sticks to your head.

There’s more reasonably fast material than above mentioned. Bombastic drum intro and Conklin’s falsetto scream leads into Symphony Of Terror – which sounds patriotic track with it’s marching rhythm and has nice lead melodies along great usage of falsetto screams. Harder Than Steel is lyrically a bit on cheesy with it’s “Oh, you're harder than steel, yeah, ya feel - All for yourself and no one else”. Yet it’s not musically falling any behind. It’s a mid fast headbanging piece with strong palm muted riffs driving it forward dominating the track other than the chorus where Conklin once again shines. Bassist does very good job here promoting the rhythm section with heavy speedy basslines. Cardiac Arrest presents more lead guitar heavy groovy and rocking sound and melodies here are quite wicked. Conklin’s falsetto shows also slightly more dirtier/grittier side here sounding awesomely strong.

The good thing is not only Jag Panzer sound on a prime here when they speed things up - more laid back marching tempo seems to work great also - there's three songs on the album with laid back speed (not necassarily less heavier though): chugging rhythm guitars of Warfare kick in right from the start and rip you up. One of the heavier tracks in the album with laid back tempo and slower power chorded parts mostly focusing on Conklin’s aggressive and melodic vocals and chugging sharp palm muted main riff take turns leading eventually in a nice guitar solo. Shouted out loud backing vocals in chorus also sound great making one wanting to shout along “Warfare!”. Simple, heavy and effective song – one of my favorites here. The Watching brings up patriotic rhythm sections with riffs and tempos that remind me of army march of some kind – only presented in form of heavy metal. Lead guitar riffs are just insanely catchy here. This mid tempo and strong forward driving battle anthem is also one of my faves on this album. Vocals sound awesome on this song. The album closes with seven and half minutes long epic piece called The Crucifix starting as acoustic track with keyboard interludes - turning into slow and doomy and gloomy marching anthem - eventually speeding up in the end. This being perhaps the only track that has not grown on me that well (maybe because of the slow start), although wicked lead guitar melodies and shredding on the end side of the song are pretty impressive.

Very good album with nice shredding, catchy melodies, sharp and aggressive guitar playing with cheesy falsetto screams from Harry Conklin who despite all the cheese manages to sound great. This is how you should do high pitched vocals with aggression needed to sound effective. Overall very upbeat tempo album with some patriotic influences. Sounds remiscent to Maiden and Fates Warning but is more heavy and biting without sacrificing melody. For all fans of traditional 80’s heavy metal. This is classic in melodic traditional heavy metal field. 91/100 (Awesome!)

(As used CD)

Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin - Vocals
Mark Briody - Guitars
Joey Tafolla - Guitars
John Tetley - Bass
Rick Hilyard - Drums

1. Licensed to Kill 03:02
2. Warfare 05:11
3. Symphony of Terror 04:24
4. Harder Than Steel 04:54
5. Generally Hostile 03:20
6. The Watching 04:10
7. Reign of the Tyrants 03:33
8. Cardiac Arrest 03:12
9. The Crucifix 07:19

Total running time: 39:05

(Jag Panzer - Warfare presents more thrashy and heavy sound on the album)

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

I found my Ample Destruction LP from a second hand internet store almost ten years ago. The one I own however has not as cool cover as first pressing - this is the second and least valuable official vinyl pressing (Metalcore '90) with different cover.

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction -
my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

There's a four known releases of Ample Destruction LP in 80's and a few bootleg re-releases after that. Official pressing are quite damn valuable so here we go!

1.
Label – AZRA/IW1001 (Indie issue, first cover: horsemen)
Type – LP/US/84
Near Mint – $80
Very Good+ - $50

2.
Label – AZRA/ (Clear vinyl, pressing of 25)
Type – LP/US/84
Near Mint – $160
Very Good+ - $90

3.
Label – AZRA/ (Red vinyl ("Chain of Command" is a boot))
Type – LP/US/84
Near Mint – $125
Very Good+ - $70

4.
Label – Metalcore/ (Only official vinyl re-release at 90')
Type – LP/US/90?
Near Mint – $20
Very Good+ - $12

REVIEW: Samain (GER) - Vibrations of Doom (1984)

2011-07-24T23:44:00.022+03:00

Samain is traditional heavy metal band that was formed in Germany at 1982. The band then went on recording Thunderbolt Giants-demo at 1984 and releasing their first and only full lenght album same year titled Vibrations of Doom under label of Roadrunner Records. Despite releasing a quality album they never recorded full lenght again. They released two more demos and two VHS tapes before fading into nothingness.

The sound of Samain is indeed quite traditional german heavy metal sound of the 80s of which kind we have probably heard several times - but it never gets old when made with style - which is the case here. Samain represents a bit rocking heavy metal with biker/road ready edge on it. Music here is not very furious but laid back jam-along type with simple (slow-mid paced) chugging rhythm guitar riffs creating quite thick wall of sound behind lead guitars - which being simple but effective - like with Accept and Judas Priest - contribute the final touch. There are occasional great guitar solos and leads thrown in. Singer reminds bit of Udo Dirkschneider but being also more laid back and less aggressive - more moody. Samain remains more calm form of above mentioned bands with some brilliant and really catchy melodies.

This record is strong troughout from the beginning to end. Album opens with slightly gloomy ambient keyboard notes in instrumental Vibrations which leaves listener to wonder whats up to come - since at this point one really does not know. This leads to chugging gloomy - and a bit doomy blast even - called The Metal Breaks My Senses which is laid back mid paced number but truly catchy and enjoyable ride. Album then continues in veins of same chugging palm muted rhyhms with Straight Hammered Creed - being just tad more rock'n'rollish. Simple yet effective chorus just nails it with very good guitar solo part. Another great track! Seal Of A Jidda is also quite rocking number but less gloomy and well.. could well be in some of the late 70's/early 80's Judas Priest album in terms of riffs. Thank The Aerosmith is heavily lead riff driven rock'n'roll blast with biker bar style sound. You could just imagine cranking this up while riding a bike or driving car on highway in summer night. Thor is your slower pounding heavy hitter with bit more heroic melodies. A bit more NWOBHM'ish sound and elements can be found in Diamonds & Discgrace which at least to my ears sounds remiscent from Witchfynde's Cloak And Dagger album at some parts while others just rocks like the rest of this album. Gonna Swing My Chariot is great upbeat track in veins of bands like Saxon and Judas Priest, a bit mainstream but very catchy. The rest non-mentioned songs here are not suckers either.

Vibrations of Doom is a good mix between band's more original gloomy melodies and atmosphere versus more neutral rocking mainstream sound like early 80's Saxon and Judas Priest. Simple and effective like german Accept with that easily approachable sound - yet catchy, quite professional and tight sounding with nice guitar solos. A bit more relaxed and laid back approach than any of those mentioned above also mainly focusing on mid paced tempo rather than speeding it up. I just cannot get enough of this kind of music. Nothing groundbreaking yet truly deserves a listen by any heavy metal fan who has a respect for 80s metal music. Another just great forgotten classic heavy metal album. 85/100 (Great)

*Not available through Amazon.com unfortunately.. however you can check Ebay instead.

Peter Ancaster - vocals
Ralph Veety - guitar
Mauro Ballarini - guitar, vocals
Theo Touloupis - bass (Process Paths, Perfect Symmetry (Deu))
André Spickhoff - drums (Process Paths)

1. Vibrations 00:52
2. Straight Hammered Creed 04:32
3. The Seal of Jidda 03:22
4. Thank the Aerosmith 03:57
5. Seven Tears 03:26
6. Thor 03:29
7. (Tale of a) Giant Man 03:16
8. Diamonds & Disgrace 03:25
9. Gonna Swing my Chariot 04:29
10. The Metal Breaks my Senses 05:40

Total running time: 36:28

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

Fortunately I found this great LP once at a gig booth (even though it has a small cut). Here's my piece :-)

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction -
my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

Label – Roadrunner/RR9836 (Also CAN Roadrunner)
Type – LP/N/84
Near Mint – $20
Very Good+ - $12

USED RECORD: Running Wild - Gates To Purgatory LP

2011-07-24T13:51:00.006+03:00

Now for sale on Amazon.com - check it out here

Seller Information

New

Seller: ramses619
Seller Rating:100% positive over the past 12 months. (268 total ratings)
In Stock. Ships from CA, United States. Expedited shipping available.
Domestic shipping rates and return policy.
LP Vinyl - Cover jacket corner bend, brand new factory sealed

REVIEW: Ostrogoth (BEL) - Too Hot (1985)

2011-07-20T00:40:00.014+03:00

Ostrogoth are a heavy metal/power metal band from Belgium. They have that 80s German style hard rocking edge on their music at times but sound mainly traditional middle European heavy metal with some power metal influences. In their career they released three full lengths: Ecstasy and Danger (1984), Too Hot (1985) and Feelings of Fury (1987) along with one EP Full Moon's Eyes at (1983). This is their second album right here.

Ostrogoth sound quite much like many other Belgian or German heavy metal bands with that rocking heavy metal sound - dirty and powerful yet melodic guitars and pounding bass with gang sung simple but effective chorus lines. But the thing is Ostrogoth makes their traditional 80s heavy metal/power metal better than many C-class bands do. Guitars are dirty and sharp and cutting when palm muted. Their sound is quite bombastic and ballsy yet melodic same time. They sound something like later 80s Cloven Hoof mixed with little bit of early Helloween's power metal and Sinner's roughness.

Marc "Red Star" de Brauwer does his vocal job well. He's got same roughness than many vocalist from Belgium or Germany when he uses it, but most times he just sings with quite deep clean soaring voice. Brauwer has quite strong voice and supports well the overall quite heavy mix.

The songs vary from dirtier rockers to more power metall'ish melodic tracks. Song of Life is for example just one speedy power-metal track which have chorus that sounds something like later Cloven Hoof and early Helloween with its happy and melodic guitar riffs at times. Shoot back is more pounding heavy rocker with gloomier melodies and nice strong backing vocals in it's simple chorus "shoot back! (shoot back) shoot back! (shoot back!)". This track would very well be fit in German Railway's third album Climax for example. Title track Too Hot starts with pounding bass and drum rhythm which soon turns into a bit more speed metallic and melodic track with it's flying pre-chorus and chorus which sounds damn good. It's just energetic and strong track with soaring strong vocals. Main riff behind it all is very simple but works and there's a lot guitar shredding and soloing add some complexity. Instrumental The Gardens of Marrakesh then starts a bit silly with arabic sounding acoustic guitars that leads into very melodic shredding intro piece which sounds like straight out of some 90s power metal album like Gamma Ray - or anything which leads us into Love In The Streets - a bit pompous sounding power metal track. Despite poor name and wacky lyrics it's decent song with strong chorus where backing vocals shine. Along the title track Too Hot - comes my favorite Night Women (Don't Like Me). It's just overall dirty, rough and bombastic strong track with quite slow tempo pounding bass and drums led by chugging guitars and singers rougher side vocals. This track just kicks so much ass. Endless Winterdays is a bit more happy rocker and decent. Catch The Sound of Peace is your regular ballad with some electric guitar parts - a bit cheesy. Halloween is okay closer for the album with more gloomy melodies, but is perhaps a bit generic in terms of riffs and the spoken "evil" part in middle of song is a bit unnecessary.

Too Hot is another album in Mausoleum records who had many of German and Belgium bands under their wings like Ostrogoth - sounding a bit hard rocking, rough and dirty yet same time melodic. However it's not "just another Mausoleum album" because Ostrogoth manages to do mostly things right and well on Too Hot - better than many other bands with similar style under Mausoleum label. Guitar solos are strong, lead guitars are good when used, overall atmosphere is quite energetic and songs carry on well managing not to sound plodding. Riffing is mostly strong and singer is actually very good with his rough but strong melodic voice. A bit generic? Maybe yes but it's all well made and I have not much bad to say about this album except the ballad could be left off. Album is also a bit short on material considering it clocks only about 35 minutes of which there is one instrumental and one ballad. Your standard 80s heavy/power metal from Belgium - but made well as it was meant to be. Enjoyable ride. 79/100 (Good)

Unfortunately Too Hot is not available through amazon.com - but why don't you buy their third full-lenght and comeback album from '87 Feelings of Fury instead? Click below.

Rudy "White Shark" Vercruysse - Guitars (lead)
Marc "Red Star" de Brauwer - Vocals
Hans "Sphinx" van de Kerckhove - Guitars
Marnix "Bronco" van de Kauter - Bass
Mario "Grizzly" Pauwels - Drums

1. Too Hot 03:50
2. Shoot Back 03:45
3. Sign of Life 03:12
4. The Gardens of Marrakesh 03:13
5. Love in the Streets 03:38
6. Night Women (Don't Like Me) 04:31
7. Endless Winterdays 04:08
8. Catch the Sound of Peace 04:40
9. Halloween 04:28

Total Running Time: 35:25

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

For Collectors:
(Following prices have raised since ’99 but will give you direction -
my bet is you can double them up)
Used album price @ Martin Popoff’s Heavy Metal Record Price Guide (1999):

Label – Mausoleum/8374
Type – LP/B/85
Near Mint – $10.50
Very Good+ - $5.50

Used record prices added to album posts

2011-07-15T23:00:00.007+03:00

Prices are added only to those records that are included in Martin Popoff - Goldmine Heavy Metal Record Price Guide. That book was released in 1999 (US) and has majority of 80s heavy metal EPs and full lenghts included in it. However it lacks singles mostly - so those will be left out. The book also hasn't got much of the 90s records and newer than that.

I thought it would give some direction and chance to compare prices between the old records presented on Dungeons Are Calling. The book is quite good and large despite it being a decade old. Keep in mind that prices have gone up quite a bit within ten years - probably especially with the records were very rare already at 1999.

Nevertheless, have fun!

REVIEW: Lezlie Paice (SWE) - Fightning Man (1983, Single)

2011-07-15T19:25:00.017+03:00

Lezlie Paice were swedish traditional heavy metal band from Sweden who ever released only one single officially under Pang label. They could be compared to Heavy Load sound wise but not close as good or epic or their country mates Keen Hue. They play pretty straight forward melodic 80s traditional heavy metal.

This little single gets some things right. First of all, guitar tone is pretty good - just quite mid-full tone, dirty and totally overdriven. It's just very crispy and sounds great. Melodic backing vocals in songs works nicely. But that's pretty much all that is over average here. Riffs are quite generic and standard. This single doesn't sound too energetic but is more like jam-along middle tempo roamer. Singer Tony Tollerås has okay voice with quite regular sounding swedish melodic clean touch in it. However he sounds just bit too relaxed, tired even and bit out of key. There's few nice drum parts but it's mostly average too. Bass can be heard well and bassist Lars Andersson does his job well.

First song Fightning Man is your standard melodic middle tempo jam-along track with pounding bass lines. Would had been good maybe with stronger sounding singer. Now it ends up just sounding kinda good, but too peaceful - especially with singer singing overly relaxed way. Melodic backing vocals give some quality though and guitar solo is decently good. Song number two People Wanna Know begins with melodic shredding that leads into kinda poppy and rocking melodic track. Especially the chorus is poppy. Some decent lead guitars here and singing is slightly better here but other than that this song does not do much. If they just chose to include another traditional heavy song as second track would the score raise bit higher.

This single is not particularly bad or anything. There's hints of quality in some areas like some decent guitar leads and overall 80s melodic heavy metal attitude is always nice thing. Guitar tone is very good. But it just doesn't do much else. Fightning Man is just another average single - while nothing really badly wrong - nothing doesn't shine much either. Could be recommended for someone who likes to collect rare 80s swedish metal or just traditional heavy metal in general. Nice to give a listen or two but that's pretty much it. 67/100 (Average)

*Not available to buy through Amazon.com currently

Lars Andersson - Bass
Niclas Jerberg - Drums

See also: ex-Croam, ex-Livin' Parazite, ex-Revengia

Håkan Ljungtegen - Guitars (lead)
Mikael Mörk - Guitars (rhythm)
Tony Tillerås - Vocals

1. Fighting Man 05:03
2. People Wanna Know 04:33

Total running time: 09:36

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

REVIEW: Reverend (US) - Live EP (1992)

2011-07-12T16:56:00.021+03:00

I found this record collecting dust so it's time to crank it up again.
Reverend is a power/thrashmetal band from United States. Their lead singer David Wayne died in 2005 following the complications from a car crash. May he rest in peace. Wayne used to be original front man for Metal Church (US) in earlier 80's. After leaving Metal Church for his replacement Mike Howe, Wayne formed a new band called Reverend in 1989. Maybe you guys and gals remember Metal Church's two first albums - self titled and The Dark having thrash influences. Not sure if it was Wayne's influence, but Reverend continues pretty much in veins of early Metal Church with slightly thrashier approach. Reverend released one EP (Reverend EP, 1989), one single and two full lenghts in late 80's-early 90's. Full lengths were called World Won't Miss You (1990) and Play God (1991). They reunited in around 2000 and released one promising EP called Gathering Demons but never had change to release full lenght after this which is a shame.

This is Reverend's short live EP consisting out of six songs released in 1992 - slightly after Reverend's second and last full length album. Despite containing only six songs, they are well picked from whole small category of Reverend up 'till 92: Three songs from World Won't Miss You, two from Play God and one from Reverend EP.

This is powerful thrash and powermetal mix here. Wayne's vocals have always been highly appreciated by me. He uses mid-high to high wailing shrieks that cuts like razor. His vocals very much fuels the music itself to sound quite evil. The riffs on this live album are sharp. Drumming is energetic. What also pleases is that this little EP has pretty clear and sharp sound mix, even though it might be slightly thin, it's not at least muddy at all. Quality is quite good actually.

Gunpoint and World Won't Miss You start strongly with slaughtering chainsaw riffs and Waynes' ripping vocals. These are more in your face thrashing headbanger songs. Scattered Wits offers half acoustic more haunting and depressive melodies with Wayne singing partly shierks and partly clean voice. This proves the guy can sing clean vocals well also. B.O.B (Butcher of Baghdad) offers more bay area style riffing and drumming - being really gloomy, dark and heavy. Promised land then offers more laid back mysterious sounding song - being more jam'along thrash. It has its gloomy and mysterious slowdown parts combined with regular thrashing moments and some groove. Last track out of six - Power of Persuasion - is probably my favorite though. It's only song here from Reverend EP. Guitarists play strong chugging palm-muted riffs that are all over the song with overall evil atmosphere.

Overall just good little live EP that should please any bay area thrash or early Metal Church fan well. Only matter here is that this little EP is EP - one would had wanted to hear more material in form of full lenght live. Band performance is solid and energetic. Backing vocals are used well. Worth of buying even for just six tracks. 79/100 (Good)

Brian Korban - Guitars
David Wayne (R.I.P. 2005) - Vocals
Stuart Fuji - Guitars
Dennis O'Hara - Bass
Rick Basha - Drums

1. Gunpoint 04:35
2. World Won't Miss You 04:52
3. Scattered Wits 04:49
4. Butcher Of Baghdad 03:53
5. Promised Land 02:58
6. The Power of Persuasion 04:05

Total running time 25:12

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

INTERVIEW: Joey Vera from Armored Saint interviewed July 9th 2011

2011-07-12T04:20:00.004+03:00

There's a new 20minutes long Joey Vera interview up. Interview took place at Key Club in Hollywood CA on July 9th 2011. Interview was made by Aniruddh 'Andrew' Bansal and video by Chad Alexander for Metal Assault. Watch it below.

REVIEW: KAT (POL) - 666 (1986)

2011-07-12T01:36:00.031+03:00

Kat is a polish band formed as far back in time as 1979. Kat is polish and stands for "executioner". Metal Encyclopedia describes their music as Heavy/Speed/Black Metal/Thrash Metal. On this album is evil sounding speed metal with occasional thrash moments thrown in and sounds very evil indeed. This album was released a year before in almost similar song lineup. I've never heard that one so I don't know if it was sung in english, but lyrics are written in english on that album which is called Metal And Hell. What we have here is totally great album.

This is speed metal with early thrash influences and some traditional heavy metal leads thrown in. Vocalist Roman Kostrzewski has totally hoarse powerful mid-range voice that sounds totally wicked and evil, with some high shrieks used time to time. Oh by the way vocals are sung in polish but doesn't bother quite a bit although one can't understand much of the lyrics except they are about evil, satan and occult. Fits the music perfectly. Material is made for headbanging and moshing with strong palm muted riffing and some additional melodic hooks from traditional heavy metal added. Guitar solos are also very good. Bass is audible and drumming is strong. Only thing really that is not so strong here is rough bit thin production. But even it cannot overshadow this album's greatness. Gloomy but energetic riffs with lots of sharp palm muted riffs and lost of flying guitar solos along evil atmosphere dominates this album. It's a mix of Running Wild's Gates to Purgatory and some middle european early thrash. Speed metal versus thrash metal battle.

Material is very good overall. No much filler to be found. Ultra fast speed metal riffing in Metal i Plekto with totally strong commanding chorus shouts makes you want to raise your fist along. Mid-fast Diabelski Dom cz i with it's riding-rhythm is a nod to more traditional 80s heavy metal but sounding more evil than anything traditional heavy I can fastly think of. Ripping bit more groovy Masz Mnie Wampirze is total headbanging moment. Noce Szanata sounds like something faster material from first TANK album Filth Hounds of Hades but is just very much sharper sounding. Wyrocznia is probably the most bottom heavy moment of the album in veins of something like bay early area thrash and just smokes. Last but not least is mid-fast very eerie sounding 666 with horror-style scream "iaaaarrrghhh" included in chorus with Satan!! Satan!! shouts. Quite winner combination in my opinion. Cheesy? Maybe. Cult? Definetely.

If you want to find a good slavic 80s band, be it early speed metal or thrash metal. Be sure to check KAT out. Some totally awesome stuff to be found in this album. Not too complex base riffs, but just energetic and guitar solos kick ass. But it is really the vocals that just nails it. Prepare for evil speed'n'thrash assault. 91/100 (Awesome)

*Currently unavailable to buy as new, but there's currently one used LP available!

Piotr Luczyk - Guitars
Ireneusz Loth - Drums
Tomasz Jaguś - Bass
Wojciech Mrowiec - Guitars
Roman Kostrzewski - Vocals

1. Metal i Piekło 02:43
2. Diabelski Dom - cz. I 04:46
3. Morderca 03:15
4. Masz Mnie Wampirze 03:11
5. Czas Zemsty 04:47
6. Noce Szatana 03:32
7. Diabelski Dom - cz. III 03:41
8. Wyrocznia 03:41
9. Czarne Zastępy 03:30
10. 666 03:26

Total running time 36:32

Weekly metal videos - week 28

2011-07-10T17:39:00.004+03:00

Weekly metal videos for week 28/2011 are up. Vote your favourite. I will update them every second week now unless we get some more votes than last time.

Check what music videos week 28 has to offer here

REVIEW: Cobra (UK) - Back From The Dead (1987)

2011-07-09T14:42:00.022+03:00

Cobra are band from England formed in 1984. Metal Encyclopedium classifies them as power/speed metal band. I would put them more on heavy/speed myself. They released two full-lenght albums in their career Warriors of The Dead and this one here - Back From the Dead.

Not much here that we haven't heard before. The songs are mostly mid-fast traditional 80s heavy in veins of something like rougher Ostrogoth/Tröjan meeting the melody of Iron Maiden/Omen falling somewhere in between. Just not quite as memorable. The sound is dirty and rough yet melodic. This is partly because the sound mix is quite rough edged. Partly because the vicious singer Paul Edmonson uses kind of shrieky high vocals. He's decent and at times even good, but quite often he sounds a bit out of key and out of place. He's bit unstabile but not totally bad. Just average shrieker who can use cleaner classic heavy vocals also, but he uses them quite little on this album. Riffs here are quite good standard, not too shiny but manage to keep album enjoyable. While riffs may be a bit generic, on the good side they are energetic at least to say. This album rarely sounds slow and plodding..

About half of the songs are quite good while other half is more unmemorable but decent. Opening track We're Going To Take What's Ours is more anthemic Maiden'ish track - especially the chorus - which would be cool to shout along. Speedy Devil's Daughter with doublebass drums, some cool shredding/soloing and uplifting atmosphere is very good track. Edmonson's vocal delivery is also very good here. Some good palm-muted melodic riffing can be found on more dramatic Night Creatures (even though vocals are bit out of key at times). Royal fast melody lead riffs open up Longest Night, which is great speedy song with very good lead guitar work - total headbanging material and probably best song on the album. Rest of the songs are just decent, except keyboard-laden half-acoustic Life's Door with clean vocals feels like it doesn't fit here and closer Quick Off The Mark is just unmemorable.

Conclusion? Speedier tracks generally work better than mid-paced. At best overall atmosphere is energetic. Worth of getting for We're Going To Take What's Ours anthem and speedy Devil's Daughter & Longest Night and some decently good shredding and guitar leads. Your quite standard speed/heavymetal from 80's with enough nice melodies and hooks to make it enjoyable album despite it's flaws - falling above average category. 75/100 (Good)

Steve Hughes - Guitars
Paul Edmonson - Vocals
Sean Parker - Bass
Chris Greer - Drums
Ian Beck - Guitars

1. We're Going to Take What's Ours 04:48
2. Maiden Flight 03:54
3. Devil's Daughter 03:55
4. Night Creatures 03:27
5. Longest Night 03:55
6. Curse of Eden 05:23
7. So Close 03:04
8. Life's Door 05:36
9. Quick Off the Mark 05:08

Total running time: 39:10

REVIEW: Black Fate (GER) - Commander of Fate (1986)

2011-07-06T18:33:00.016+03:00

Black Fate were a german heavy metal band in the 80s releasing only one full lenght album. Compared to latest reviewed Railway, sound here is more traditional german heavy metal than hard rocking Railway had with NWOBHM influences thrown in. Music could be described a combination something like Accept and early Running Wild meets NWOBHM. Singer Michael Hüttemann is able to use both more rough mid range voice (in Champange) as well as classic clean heavy metal vocals (in most of the songs) - despite being german - perhaps bit remiscent to Angel Witch Kevin Heybourne. Nice combination indeed.

Riffs are quite straightforward with standard palm muted mid-fast riffing in veins of Judas Priest, Accept and earlier Running Wild. With some songs occasionally having more melodic leads in veins of NWOBHM- like great Child Of Hell with its more epic and dramatic melodies. Chorus just screams classic melodic 80s heavy metal in this song - this song could very well be fit in somewhere like Angel Witch's second album Screamin'N'Bleedin'. Other more melody hooked tracks include speedier Wild In The Streets and mid-paced Warchild. Both tracks have great NWOBHM'ish vocals - especially choruses kick ass. Champange is speedy more early Running Wild meets Motörhead kinda track where singer uses his rough singing style. Frozen Tears is standard half-ballad with its acoustic guitars which meets eletric. Keyboards thrown on the background. Not too bad of a kind. Heaven Can Wait is your standard upbeat palm muted rhythm guitar-laden Accept flavored track but with clean vocals.

All in all this album is very good. Although german, it definitely sounds like mix of traditional german heavy metal and NWOBHM especially in vocals part. Riffs are quite standard with occasional nice melody hooks thrown in. Theres no department which couldn't stand on it's own. Guitars are tight enough, bass is audible, drummer does his job well and vocals are actually quite good. Not a classic but very enjoyable album holding it's opening track set quality awesomely well from first to last track. No really any real filler here. Check it out! 77/100 (Good)

Currently unavailable in Amazon.com, see if there's used in Ebay below

Frank Sondermann - Bass
Ralf Berndt - Drums
Stefan Witt - Guitars
Michael Roll - Guitars
Michael Hüttemann - Vocals

1. Heaven Can Wait 03:18
2. Champagne 03:36
3. Child Of Hell 06:03
4. Wild In The Streets 03:16
5. Warchild 06:00
6. Frozen Heart 06:04
7. Prelude 00:42
8. Midnight 05:12

Total running time: 34:11

REVIEW: Railway (GER) - Railway (1984)

2011-07-03T14:05:00.022+03:00

Railway was a german traditional heavy metal band formed in 1977. Their sound is traditional heavy metal with very hard rocking edge. Closest bands musically that come in my mind would be their countrymates Accept and Warlock, as well as perhaps slightly Judas Priest. While Accept and Warlock being more heavy metallic and Railway hard rock.

Theres not much bad to say about this record. It's very 80's, straightforward and entertaining. Just fun to listen to. Drum patterns are simple and drum sound is bombastic. Riffs are also quite simple based alot on mid-paced rhythm chugging. Guitar solos however are bit more complex and well - good. Bass is very audible in the mix. Singer is perhaps the weakest point of the album. While he seems to fit in the music, he can also be slight annoyance at times. Walter Wicha sings with mid-pitched slightly rough nasal voice which is definetely okay when he does so. But he also uses quite much higher screams which come out little wacky sometimes. He also seems to be bit out of key at times. Thats not to say he's all that bad though. But imagine they had more stabile singer - something along same lines than Wicha - but more stabile.

Somehow this all still rocks and kicks ass despite the plain non-complex riffs and drumming. Athmosphere is bombastic and dirty. Backing vocals by the rest of the band in choruses are used often and work very well. Choruses are definetely sing-along. Material is also very consistant in whole album. One of the best tracks is uplifting opening track Heavy Metal Fever with plain but great sing-along chorus. Mid-paced bombastic and rocking Screaming After Midnight is another high point. More chugging palm muted rhythm guitars smoke in Take It Away and especially in Out To Kill. Bass driven rocking Crazy is always fun to listen to. Some more good gang sung choruses can be found in speedier tracks Nightrider and Hell Soldiers. Very good 80s rocking heavy metal record in veins of Accept and Warlock. If you can tolerate a bit wacky side singer - you're in for a good ride. This record just screams for heavy metal party with beer. Simple, effective, rocking, sing-along and dirty. 82/100 (Great)

Werner Thaller - Bass
Hasi Haslinger - Drums
Robert Haslinger - Guitars
Walter Wicha - Vocals
Hermann Janowitz (R.I.P. 1988) - Guitars

1. Heavy Metal Fever 03:28
2. Out to Kill 03:29
3. Screaming After Midnight 03:04
4. Take It Away 02:53
5. Nightrider 04:16
6. Dirty Boys 03:21
7. Crazy 03:47
8. Stone In My Bed 04:13
9. Hell Soldiers 04:03
10. Break It Up (Bonus Track) 04:16
11. Can’t Stand It (Bonus Track) 03:43

Total running time: 40:33

Impressed with Portrait (SWE)

2011-07-01T23:43:00.010+03:00

I happened to stumble upon band called Portrait from Sweden in Youtube, after recommendation by a friend. I was quite impressed with their speedy traditional heavy metal approach flavoured with Mercyful Fate influences obviously. Singers quite high pitched King Diamond'ish wailing combined with rough mid-range screams sound quite non-standard and cool. Riffs scream for 80s heavy/speedmetal.

Sweden seems to be a mecca of new and old but active 80s sounding traditional heavy metal bands these days. Theres just plenty: Torch, RAM, Helvetets Port, Steelwing, Enforcer, Overdrive, Ghost, In Solitude and now also Portrait.

What do you think?

INTERVIEW: Dave King. from Battleaxe (UK) - The Untold Story

2011-07-01T00:19:00.007+03:00

Quite new 10 min interview with singer Dave King from Battleaxe UK. Enjoy!

REVIEW: Battleaxe (UK) - Burn This Town (1983)

2011-06-30T18:22:00.028+03:00

Battleaxe are and NWOBHM band coming from England. Their sound combines NWOBHM and rock'n'roll attitude. They remind a bit bands like Motörhead, TANK and Rogue Male. Perhaps also Spartan Warrior especially with basslines. Dave King's vocal delivery is raspy rock'n'rollish mid-range (but not as deep and raspy as Lemmy or Algy Ward) which fits athmosphere totally. Riffs in general are quite simple, straightforward, flashy and upbeat. Guitar sound has nice 80's crunch and overdrive, not sounding so bottom-heavy but tasty as hell. Drumwork on the album by Ian Thompson is notably good aswell. Pounding bass which is pretty loud in the mix, adds final touch. Production is slightly on thin side (but very clear) but considering it was released way back in 1983 it's great.

This is certainly something you would want to crank up while driving on highway. Great biker style heavy metal that borders the title "classic", being almost there. Rhythm guitars are great but this lacks few interesting leads. Otherwise everything is almost perfect. The album is strong troughout. Upbeat and rebellious Overdrive and rock'n'rolling Dirty Rocker belong to among the best tracks here. Mid-fast Ready To Deliver and Burn This Town also kick ass. Then theres more laid-back moment with mid-paced Her Mama Told Her with pounding rhythm. But my favourite has to be totally rocking NWOBHM track Running Out Of Time with flying guitar leads, pounding basslines and vocal delivery which, in my opinion is strongest on this track along the great sing-along chorus and nice solo part.

All the rest songs not mentioned here are good here too. The first six songs just smoke while four last ones stand their ground, dropping quality just very slightly. Same attitude runs through whole album. Just straightforward, rebellious, NWOBHM/Rock'n'roll that does deliver! In my opinion as an overall record this beats TANK's debut Filth Hounds Of Hades as well as Rogue Male's First Visit, which both are great records. Major points come just from awesome overall attitude in this album. Little more interesting leads is all it would take Burn This Town to be a full blooded classic but I rate this so high in my books that I'll give borderline score of
90/100 (Awesome)

Currently unavailable in Amazon.com, see if there's used in Ebay below

Dave King - Vocals
Steve Hardy - Guitars
Brian Smith - Bass
Ian Thompson - Drums

1. Ready To Deliver 03:02
2. Her Mama Told Her 03:44
3. Burn This Town 03:31
4. Dirty Rocker 03:28
5. Overdrive 04:23
6. Runnin' Outta Time 03:29
7. Battleaxe 03:40
8. Starmaker 02:55
9. Thor Thunder angel 03:44
10. Hands Off 04:36

Total running time: 36:32

REVIEW: Striker (CAN) - Eyes In The Night (2010)

2011-06-29T00:27:00.031+03:00

Striker is a canadian speed metal band formed in 2007. The band released their first demo in 2008 and first EP in 2009 called Road Warrior. This is a young band with fresh guys in heavy metal field. I was quite unfamiliar with this band too, but their sound caught my attention immeatedly (which doesn't happen too often in case of new bands). Striker plays tight sounding speed metal with powerfull speedy palm-muted riffs and melodic leads thrown in to the mix. Guitars practically slaughter with the chainsaw-rhythms and screaming guitar squeals (pick harmonics) used very often. The drumming is also quite thunderous on this album. Vocals on Dan Cleary remind a bit of Sean Peck of Cage or perhaps Halford at higher pitched screams. He uses his range from mid-high to high pitched well and sounds quite powerfull. Cleary has very slightly rough edge in his melodic voice meaning he's not totally clean but almost. Expect alot of high notes on this album but they fit well and aren't done so overly or out of key that it would annoy the listener. Also backup vocals are used at places to make vocals more strong.

Music sounds very much rooted 80's speed metal and overall athmosphere is really flashy yet melodic. Along the strong chainsaw riffs - lead melodies, very good solos and pick harmonics create multidimensional sound that doesn't sound too flat and boring but instead creates strong wall-of-sound. Everything is pretty much in your face headbanging material. This can be also slightly minus since when closing at the end of B-side of the album theres a bit of repetition. Still whole album is made with style and is enjoyable throughout.

My favourites here are: opening track Full Speed Or No Speed, which is furious headbanger and soaring vocal delivery from Cleary and some backup vocals done well. Solo doesn't let down either. More athmospheric Never Ending Nights with it's half-acoustic parts, slowdown parts mixed with faster headbanging ones and some melodic leads screaming. This is propably most moody and rocking song on the album yet manages not to sound overly pu*sy. The White Knight with ultra-speedy chainsaw rhythms and great lead guitar work and high pitched screams from Cleary and once again well used backup vocals from the band. Slightly laid back but still heavy Ice Cold that has slightly Maiden'ish feel in its chorus part practically at it's soaring vocal delivery and great pick harmonics along with some shredding. But my number one favourite has to be Eyes Of The Night. Just damn awesome guitar harmonics at the intro which leads to great lead guitar riffing which continues through whole song with double bass drums setting the rhythm. Melodies just stick to your head.

Overall a speed metal album from a young band done by great style. One can hear they certainly have talent. Very slightly repetitive but it doesn't really matter as all the songs are good-very good. Promising at least to say. I think they got their countrymates Cauldron's newest album beat with this record. Recommended to anyone who likes straightforward in-your-face speed metal rooted to 80's with high pitched strong screams and melodic lead guitar work added to the mix. 80/100 (Great)

Dan Cleary - Vocals
Ian Sandercock - Guitars
Chris Segger - Guitars
Dave Arnold - Bass
Magnus Burdeniuk - Drums

1. Full Speed or No Speed 03:09
2. Eyes in the Night 04:13
3. We Don't Play by the Rules 03:42
4. Never Ending Nights 04:37
5. The White Knight 03:55
6. Voice of Rock 04:09
7. Ice Cold 04:54
8. Terrorizer 04:22
9. Believe in Me 05:48
10. Hang on (To Your Life) 04:16

Total running time: 43:05

REVIEW: Obsession (US) - Marshall Law EP (1983)

2011-06-27T22:11:00.021+03:00

Obsession are US Heavy/Powermetal band formed in 1982.
This is their first EP consisting of four great tracks. Material here is great piece of early speedy heavy/powermetal with very good axework. Michael Vescera delivers mid-range vocal performance with occassional high pitched screams well. He also uses variation between his clean soaring voice and more snotty delivery. This all sounds quite good and fits to music. Guitar play here is also very good with good leads and great flying solos (especially in Execution)! Bass is audible and can be heard also other than background element at times.

Songs vary from fast paced speedy Only The Strong Will Survive to mid-fast headbangers Execution and Marshall Law to slower doomy Hatred Unto Death. All of them are very good. My personal favourite would be Marshall Law with it's headbanging riffs and great chorus screams ("Marshall Laaaaaw... Marshall LAW!!). Performance of the band in this EP is powerful despite having much melody within. Fast falm muted riffing and partly snotty vocal delivery along the clean vocals take care of that. Recommended to anyone who likes older speedy US heavy/powermetal. 85/100 (Great)

Michael Vescera - Vocals
Bruce Vitale - Guitars
Art Maco - Guitars
Matt Karagus - Bass
Jay Mezias - Drums

1. Only the Strong Will Survive 03:22
2. Hatred unto Death 06:55
3. Execution 04:52
4. Marshall Law 04:19

Total running time: 19:28

NEWS: doom metallers Cardinals Folly releasing first full-lenght in August

2011-06-27T14:54:00.013+03:00

Finnish doom metal band Cardinals Folly is releasing their first full-lenght album in August.
They were formerly known as The Coven (formed in 2004 - releasing two EP's and one live under that name) but changed name to Cardinals Folly in 2007. They have two EP's under their belt so far (Heretic's Hangover EP 2008 and
Orthodox Faces EP 2009).

The album is coming out on 2nd of August 2011 released by Shadow Kingdom Records label by title "Such Power Is Dangerous!". The tracklist is following:

1. The Hammer Speaks
2. Such Power Is Dangerous!
3. Valkyries I Avenge
4. The Spear of Destiny
5. Antediluvian Dreams
6. Uncharted Seas
7. The Secret War

Pre-order CD through Amazon:

Listen their song BLOOD AXIS RAIDERS from 2009.

Weekly metal videos - week 26

2011-06-27T03:16:00.012+03:00

Walpurgis Night is now behind.
It's time for a week 26 and new music videos to be found
on WEEKLY METAL VIDEOS page.

From now on you can also cast your vote, I'll archive previous rankings.
This week we'll have Running Wild, Vendetta, Holy Moses, Witch Cross and Warlock.
Check out weekly metal videos from week 26 here.

NEWS: Manilla Road to release new album within two months

2011-06-23T03:43:00.014+03:00

Long line epic heavy metallers from Wichita, United States, will be releasing a new album this year which will be their 15th full lenght. The album is called Playground Of The Damned and exact release date has been set to August 12th, 2011. Recording have already been finished and took place at Midgard Sound Labs, Wichita. It won't be a concept album this time. Mark and Hellroadie are singing 50% of the songs each.

This will be long awaited album since last one called Voyager came out three years ago being very solid album.
Manilla Road have been recording a great album after another for over three decades now (were on break 1992-2000) and don't show sign slowing down. They are propably one of the most consistant performers out there. The band has also always stayed to their roots of honest epic heavy metal. Two more months and waiting will be over!
In the meantime here's the cover art (which is damn incredible) and tracklist:

1. Jackhammer
2. Into the Maelstrom
3. Playground of the Damned
4. Grindhouse
5. Abattoir de la Mort
6. Fire of Ashurbanipal
7. Brethren of the Hammer
8. Art of War

REVIEW: Charger (UK) - Desperadoes (1987, Single)

2011-06-21T20:08:00.024+03:00

Charger is a obscure heavy metal/NWOBHM band from UK who only released one single, so not much is known about the band. This single is really good! Here we have strong sounding quite quite speedy pure heavy metal. Singer has nice clean mid-range voice with ocassional rough'ish screams that fits the heavy but melodic athmosphere well. Especially guitars sound here with good rhytm parts, great shredding and solos. This is just two tracks of honest pure heavy metal with strength and melody. (It's an LP rip, theres a small scratch at beginning of second track, sorry äbout that).

It's little bit like Dark Heart meets Cloven Hoof (Dominator-Sultan's Ransom) and wanders somewhere in-between for not being as power-metallish as Cloven Hoof's later work nor as laid back as melodic Dark Heart. Great single, both songs here are definete headbanging material. This all leaves me wonder why they never released anything else. If you ever bump into this single (which I doubt) and it's not totally insanely priced, get it. Highly recommended! 92/100 (Awesome)

Colin Bell - Bass, Vocals

See also: ex-Holosade, ex-Dark Heart

Steve Hall - Drums
Barry "Baz" Cummins - Guitars

1. Desperadoes 02:54
2. Are You Out There 03:51

Total running time: 06:45

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

Associate music store opened

2011-06-21T12:50:00.016+03:00

I've opened a music and merchandise store for the site.
Its Amazon affiliate store so I cannot affect the prices but I'm trying to find all worthy stuff in their catalogue to add them in DungeonsAreCalling affiliate store. I'm using categories quite hard there so you can browse the records way you like. The store can be found in top bar of this site.

Catalogue is still in its processing-state. So far NWOBHM catalogue is pretty much ready, then theres some 70's and HARD ROCK records. T-shirts for cool bands propably also incoming. First I was thinking to add only obscure releases, but decided to also add more known stuff from the 80's there like Maiden. Give some feedback when you check it out.

This site will stay otherwise ad-free - buying through my affiliate Amazon store or donating will be the ways to support the blog. Despite the store I will keep uploading obscure releases fully here also. The store is an option if you liked what you downloaded, you can try finding it from the store (it has no all albums that this site reviews - Amazon's selection is limited).

I will keep building this up, enjoy!
DungeonsAreCalling store

Battle of semi-obscure Debuts I has started!

2011-06-21T00:32:00.007+03:00

The battle between old school heavy metal debuts has started!
We're waiting 30 days for first round votes untill locking the votes and eliminating losers from the game. Competition will then advance to round 2. If theres less than 10 votes for a winner after 30 days then we will wait all the winners in round 1 to reach 10 votes. When the last album reaches 10 votes out of the winners, we will lock the votes. The brackets are following:

Go now to DungeonsAreCalling forums and join up for voting your favourite debuts!
If this all gets enought votes, we're going to have BATTLE #2. Go vote and have fun:-) Remember you can also suggest debut albums to the next battle. Remember to read the rules for voting!

Album ratings are archived

2011-06-20T19:00:00.005+03:00

For a quick overview you can check the album ratings from here.

I have started out with my favourites so obviously there is nothing below "Good" yet ;-)

Review ratings

2011-06-20T04:38:00.013+03:00

90-100 awesome stuff - major obscure classics, GET THEM NOW!
80-89 great stuff - minor classics and overall kickass albums, highly recommended!
70-79 good stuff - recommended for the fans of a genre, has its highpoints
60-69 average stuff - recommended for the fans of a band only, unmemorable
50-59 poor stuff - you can listen if you insist
30-49 stuff.. brown of a kind
0-29 classified below any stuff, even a brown one - highly propably braindamage material

REVIEW: Overdrive (SWE) - Angelmaker (2011)

2011-06-20T03:09:00.030+03:00

Overdrive was formed in Sweden, Karlsham, at the year 1980.
They released couple of demos before debuting with full-lenght album Metal Attack at 1983. They released one more full-lenght at 1984 before disappearing from the scene (at least in form of releases). Overdrive returned to scene with singles at 2001 and 2006 before releasing NWOBHM'ish Let The Metal Do The Talking at 2008.

Angelmaker is their fourth full-lenght album release.
I happened to see Overdrive about a year back live in Finland which was pretty good gig. Although propably overshadowed by their countrymates Torch at the gig (just in my opinion) and were up to par with RAM, it looked like their comeback certainly was not a failure. Many of the 80's reunions after a decade of two inactivity lack energy and aggression the bands once had.

This album offers nicely back to the roots classic heavy metal with slight sound of power-metal perhaps, yes I think this is a twist towards traditional heavy/power from NWOBHM sound of previous album. Bit like Cage (US) meets Iron Maiden though still drifting more into euro category side..sounding quite like their countrymates RAM (SWE). Production of course sounds slightly modernized compared to the 80's sound but not in the bad meaning. Its just pure heavy metal with quite strong-palm muted riffing and nice melody passages. Singer doesn't really stand out in a good or bad way. He's just very stable mid-range - slightly high range singer with enought power in his voice not to sound whiny. Angelmaker may lack slightly innovation and surprises, but stands its ground being enjoyable 80's roots euro heavy metal with its headbanging moments along melodic guitar passages and nice solos. Still at the end of the day you're left with feeling you just listened very enjoyable album where nothing is wrong to begin with, but might not remember what really stood out.

The standout tracks include: I Know There's Something going on, slightly rock'ish and more modern power-metallish track. Something I could see Helloween doing with slightly more experimental song (I'm not a big Helloween fan but this song somehow works), speedy kicking Iron Maiden'ish Under The Influence, speedy in-your-face riffage-fests the title track and Sings All Over, more jam-along headbanger In Gut We Trust and melodic speedblast To Grow with its cool shredding. B-side doesn't come on quite as strong though is not really letdown either.

Overall I could recommend this to anyone who likes 80's roots melodic euro heavy metal with strong riffage as well as anyone who likes "newer" heavy/power metal bands like Helloween, Gamma Ray, Cage, RAM and so on. My taste is slightly more drifted into rough 80's german heavy metal and NWOBHM than melodic heavy/power but I do like this kind of stuff also. Not standout album, but enjoyable and traditional. More material in future is more appreciated than not appreciated from Overdrive. Quite solid album from talented band. 74/100 (good)

Kenth Ericsson - Bass
Kenta Svensson - Drums
Janne Stark - Guitars
Kjell Jacobsson - Guitars
Per Lengstedt - Vocals

1. Signs All Over 03:48
2. In Gut We Trust 03:48
3. Angelmaker 03:54
4. I Know There's Something Going On 04:39
5. Under The Influence 03:41
6. On With The Action 05:50
7. See The Light 03:46
8. To Grow 05:00
9. Mother Earth 05:26
10. It’s A Thriller 04:31
11. Cold Blood Chaser 03:34
12. The Wavebreaker 10:01

Total Running time: 57:58

REVIEW: Prowler (UK) - Alcatraz (1985, single)

2011-06-18T23:45:00.020+03:00

This is short two-song single from unknown UK band Alcatraz.
They play quite nice NWOBHM style heavy metal with melodic mid-range vocals accompanied with ocassional high screams. Kind of remiscent to Angel Witch's vocals being as melodic mid-range, but not as gloomy. Bass lines are pounding and riffs show some promise with nice melodies added to basic rhytm-guitars. Melodies created with some shredding/solos here and there bring the songs more alive.

Especially the slower jam-along title track is very good here with its pounding drums'n'bass. Shredding guitars and strong basic rhyhm-guitar play. Metal-archives.com only has one review to this where reviewer gives 52/100 score to this single and claims its average in every possible way, I've to disagree. Title track itself is one of the better single/demo songs from 80's I've heard in a while. So Lonely is enjoyable track also, while not as strong. Theres some talent here but it's too bad Prowler never made it to full lenght record with better production. 75/100 (Good)

Steve Philpotts - Drums
Chris Vye - Guitars
Rob Philpotts - Guitars
Ian Morrison - Vocals, bass

1. Alcatraz 04:22
2. So Lonely 03:47

Total running time: 08:09

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

NEWS: Finnish former 80's band OZ is back

2011-06-18T23:11:00.010+03:00

Thats right, OZ is back (one more to the recent former 80's reunions) with a new single called Dominator.
I myself will be left waiting for a full-lenght 'cause i've always liked OZ's 80's stuff and this new single doesn't sound too bad. Not all original members are in this reunion though. But go listen here and judge yourselves:

Just for comparison here's OZ's song called Third Warning from 1984:

REVIEW: Angel Witch (UK) - Frontal Assault (1986)

2011-06-18T22:25:00.023+03:00

Many of you know Angel Witch from their quite legendary self-titled NWOBHM debut album. Also many who think debut album's style is the only real one have kinda dismissed the later two Angel Witch releases. The style compared from pure NWOBHM first released to 3rd release Frontal Assault has changed noticeably for sure. Angel Witch still plays metal true to 80's roots but instead of pure NWOBHM what we have here is at least as melodic album than the debut, but in different form. NWOBHM has changed a bit more towards regular heavy metal with tighter riffing, maybe even more towards US heavy metal sound than NWOBHM. This album has quite tight and heavier riffs than before, yet still staying very melodic.

I still love gloomy vocals here, they are mid-range melodic and fit very well to overall strong but melodic riffage. Melodies are kinda dramatic and melodic, a bit moody also. I myself do like Angel Witch's first album NWOBHM alot, but I have to admit I do also like this more US sounding heavy metal riffage-fest damn much. Overall the album is good, though A-side is definetely better than the later half B-side.

Dramatic and melodic title track just kicks ass as does the second more moody Dream World with slight keyboards added to the background at times to spice up. Rendezvous With The Blade has more thrashy main-riffs while slower Religion (Born Again) is more laid back one and drifts again to more moody and anxious side. B-side tracks are not turn-off either while don't stand up against the first half material. Straight To Hell continues the mid-fast dramatic riffage-fest and is propably the best of the rest songs. Something Wrong is half-ballad and has quite nice melodic chorus part. She Don't Lie and Take To The Wing both stand their ground. Underdogs is a bit filler but not bad. Theres maybe slightly repetition between the tracks though but not total let-downs or suckers here. Very enjoyable album throughout in my opinion. I do recommend. 83/100 (Great)

Dave Tattum - Vocals
Kevin Heybourne - Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Pete Gordelier - Bass, Vocals (backing)
Spencer Holman - Drums

1. Frontal Assault 04:05
2. Dreamworld 03:52
3. Rendezvous With the Blade 06:28
4. Religion (Born Again) 04:08
5. Straight From Hell 04:21
6. She Don't Lie 05:56
7. Take to the Wing 03:48
8. Something Wrong 04:40
9. Undergods 03:41

Total playing time: 40:59

REVIEW: Armored Saint - A Trip Thru Red Times 1982-1990 DVD

2011-06-17T01:58:00.021+03:00

Armored Saint is a heavy metal band from US Los Angeles.
They were created under name Armored Saint at 1982 and remained pretty much semi-known band that never made it to real fame (many of the best metal bands never did, because in most cases fame means mainstream in style). Armored Saint played classic US heavy metal and you could perhaps hear slight glam influences in their sound also. When things looked allright for them, their guitarist (may he rest in peace) Dave Prichard died of leukemia in 1990 with Saint having 3 full-lenghts under their belt at that time. Their fourth studio album was just on the way to be recorded and released before Dave died. He took part on composing songs to the 4th full lenght called Symbol of Salvation, but never recorded the songs to the album except demo-versions. Instead Jeff Duncan from Odin took the 2nd guitarist job to the album. As I understand this DVD is dedication for Saint's early years and Dave. A Trip Thru Red Times was originally released in 1991 on VHS, but was later re-released on DVD with more extras added in 2003. This review is about DVD version.

So, enought about history.
A Trip Thru Red Times is pretty much value for money. I haven't seen that many history-style dvd's from different bands but this one is definetely my favourite so far along with Story of Anvil (Anvil UK). Ok, so menus might not look the best but they are ok and have certain theme that fits to Armored Saint. But who cares really, material is quite gold.

First of all, theres loads of extras that are quite worthy. Extra videos have two official music videos (Reign of Fire and Last Train Home from '91) and four extra live clips. Then theres a "Interview + slide show" clip which is over an hour long interview with band from early 2000's where they talk about how it all started and about their friendship, development of the band from early times to nowadays. Interview is enchanted with slide shows. Pretty damn interesting interview at least in the eyes of a fan. Almost as worthy as the actual main video itself. Theres also actual slideshow photo-gallery which is always plus. Last but not least theres a small bonus CD with five songs recorded live in 1984. Pretty much moneys worth of bonus material I'd say!

Now to the actual main video which is the original '91 release from A Trip Thru Red Times VHS. It runs slightly less than hour. Its nicely compiled from live-clips in chronological order consisting of 11 songs played live. They are taken from different shows but it doesn't really matter cause the way the video is compiled. After each clip there's an interview or other video with the band members hosting the video and leading watcher to the next live clip. This kinda compiles band's live performances and short interviews with humorous commentary of the band members. It works really well and whole 52minutes manages to keep at least a fan interested. Main video is not only live pieces set together, with band members commentary it succeeds to be a more like documentary about band's history.

The quality in live pieces vary but its mostly fine considering the time of the recording. Video quality is slighly on worse side on live songs and I can see how someone could complain about it a bit. The sound quality manages to be pretty good in my opinion. Nothing so bad in quality that it would had bothered myself.

So what we have here is nice history documentary about Armored Saint with humorous commentary by the band, alongside with quite nice bonus material. Have to give the points especially for the long interesting interview with the band spiced up with slideshow picture material. If you find this somewhere and don't mind slightly dated video quality and are interested about history documentary-style DVD then get this. Highly recommended! 88/100 (Great)

A Trip Thru Red Times VHS:
-Main video running time 52min
Extras:
-Interview running time 1h 5min
-Extra videos - Two music videos + four live clips
-Four songs extra live-cd '84
-Photo gallery

John Bush - Vocals
Jeff Duncan - Guitars
Dave Prichard (R.I.P. 1990) - Guitars
Phil Sandoval - Guitars
Joey Vera - Bass
Gonzo Sandoval - Drums

Weekly metal videos

2011-06-17T01:41:00.007+03:00

I will be holding weekly-metal-videos-page which will be updated on weekly basis having my weekly favourites out of official and unofficial music videos as well as a few live shots.

You can find WEEKLY METAL VIDEOS under the "pages" on right side of the webpage
or you can directly go to weekly metal videos by clicking here

Feel free to comment which was cool and which sucked :)

Your favourite new bands that sound like 80s?

2011-06-16T21:29:00.007+03:00

Thats right folks,
even I don't know the newer bands so well.
Please share with rest of us your favourite newer bands that stay true to the 80's styles wether be it NWOBHM, heavy, speed or doom.

I'll start:

Armour (FIN)
Cast Iron (FIN)
Cauldron (CAN)
Enforcer (SWE)
Helvetet's Port (SWE)
Nightmare (COL)
RAM (SWE)

Please register to DungeonsAreCalling forums and post your faves to bands discussion area!

Go here and share your experiences with us in THE FORUM!

The blog has been re-created!

2011-06-16T02:09:00.013+03:00

Hi all fellow metalheads.

About a year ago I had an idea to make a blog about 80's heavy metal. Not so original idea, but it's what I like so this is what I did. However I really never finished creating the blog for good. It was dumbed down by looks and I stopped updating it leaving only about 10 posts or so..

This week I've decided to rejuvenate the old farty blog to a.. little less stinking version. I'm quite happy that it actually looks ok for now. I've decided also to expand the post topics from only album related posts to old interviews, music videos, interesting news and other miscellaneous heavy metal articles. All the old links have been fixed.

If you're looking to pre-listen a newer fully reviewed album, search for a tag "REVIEW". I will link a music video or song from youtube with new album review. If you think its kick ass then support the band and go buy the album :)

If you're looking to pre-listen whole album, I do give chance to this with only older 80's albums which most are at least moderately obscure. This will be my policy. Remember to support the bands and buy the older albums too when you can afford and run into old obscure stuff! Theres also a chance a few of these albums are so rare they cannot almost to be found to be bought. Especially out of print LP-only releases or demo tapes.

I've decided to do this as a hobby and heavy metal fan to share you some of my favourite 80's heavy metal music. I aim to get a small amount of money out of this but even if I don't I will continue updating the blog. Just if I do get some donations it will motivate me update the blog more often. Donations are completely optional but very welcome to support my blog. To begin with I don't have much money now to buy new albums, but with donations I may afford, rip them and upload for "prelisten". Or maybe go to a gig (they also often have those used-lp-sellers hanging around there - damn them because I myself cannot resist from buying something!). I've also tried to keep advertisement on this page minimum, but I did allow one small text-ad. Not expecting much from it, but hey, if I one day notice it has given me 5$ free money - it's few "free" beers from writing a heavy metal blog and I may as well sit down with a stout and start writing the blog. What could be better?

Remember also that there are three ways for searching a specific fully pre-listenable album. 1. For starters use the webpage search function and type "UL" to find all posted albums. 2. Check "Blog archive" for any post with "UL" in its title. 3. Check very bottom of the page for list of pre-listenable full albums

Also remember to go register DungeonsAreCalling FORUM! Let's get some heavy metal conversation going there.

-Welcome to re-created Dungeons Are Calling blog.

REVIEW: Thor (CAN) - Only The Strong (1985)

2011-06-15T19:23:00.052+03:00

Thor is band of Jon Mikl Thor who was professional bodybuilder. He decided to start his own band at 1973 which first was called Mikl Body Rock" and "Thor and the Imps" but name was changed few years later to THOR. Only The Strong is second album by THOR and propably highlight of the band's career. What we have here is something of a pre-power metal or early form of power metal with pounding rhytms and ballsy vocals. Theres no much complex riffs but more like in-your-face guitars with slightly hard rock'ish edge at the times. Headbanging material guaranteed.

Highlights here include: Only The Strong with its strong in-your-face riffage, slower pounding and more rocking Knock'em Down and along same lines follows Let The Blood Run Red with ballsy chorus and bit more metallic Thunder on The Tundra with melodic chorus part which kicks ass.

Overall very consistant rock solid record throughout from beginning to end. Although heres no much surprises and this album doesn't specifically shine in any of the areas (singing is kinda average but fits to the music well etc.) its just rock solid very good material that doesn't let you down. 83/100 (Great)

Jon Mikl Thor - Vocals
Cherry Bom - Vocals (backing)
Steve Price - Guitars
Keith Zazzi - Bass
Mike Favata - Drums

1. 2045 00:52
2. Only The Strong 03:06
3. Start Raising Hell 03:50
4. Knock 'Em Down 04:12
5. Let The Blood Run Red 04:28
6. When Gods Collide 04:38
7. Rock The City 04:10
8. Now Comes The Storm
9. Thunder On The Tundra
10. Hot Flames 03:10
11. Ride Of The Chariots

Total playing time: 38:30

VIDEO: Dee Snider vs PMRC (1985)

2011-06-15T18:43:00.011+03:00

Funny clip about PMRC hearing of Dee Snider who fights against accusations of immoral lyrical content. Enjoy:

INTERVIEW: Lemmy Kilmister rant against PMRC (1989)

2011-06-15T16:25:00.014+03:00

Lemmy from Motörhead rants about how PMRC sucks in 1989. PMRC filed a several lawsuits against multiple artist about their lyrical content. For you who are not familiar with the term PMRC:

The Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) is an American committee formed in 1985 with the goal of increasing parental control over the access of children to music deemed to be violent or sexually suggestive. The committee was founded by four women: Tipper Gore, wife of Senator and later Vice President Al Gore; Susan Baker, wife of Treasury Secretary James Baker; Pam Howar, wife of Washington realtor Raymond Howar; and Sally Nevius, wife of former Washington City Council Chairman John Nevius. They were known as the "Washington wives" – a reference to their husbands' connections with government in the Washington, D.C. area.

the PMRC also released the "Filthy Fifteen", a list of the 15 songs they found most objectionable (as we can see heavy metal pretty much their main target):

# Artist Song title Lyrical content
1 Prince "Darling Nikki" Sex
2 Sheena Easton "Sugar Walls" Sex
3 Judas Priest "Eat Me Alive" Sex
4 Vanity "Strap on Robbie Baby" Sex
5 Mötley Crüe "Bastard" Violence
6 AC/DC "Let Me Put My Love into You" Sex
7 Twisted Sister "We're Not Gonna Take It" Violence
8 Madonna "Dress You Up" Sex
9 W.A.S.P. "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)" Sex/Language
10 Def Leppard "High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night)" Drug and alcohol use
11 Mercyful Fate "Into the Coven" Occult
12 Black Sabbath "Trashed" Drug and alcohol use
13 Mary Jane Girls "In My House" Sex
14 Venom "Possessed" Occult
15 Cyndi Lauper "She Bop" Sex

INTERVIEW: Joey Vera and David Prichard from Armored Saint short clip (1988)

2011-06-15T05:09:00.009+03:00

Very short clip where Laaz Rockit guys appear first - then Joey Vera and David Prichard from Armored Saint.

"Theres two sorts of people in this world - followers - and leaders - be a leader" -David Prichard (R.I.P)

REVIEW: Running Wild (GER) - Heavy Metal Like a Hammerblow (1983)

2011-06-15T04:33:00.027+03:00

This should be promo version of Running Wild's Heavy Metal Like Hammerblow which is compilation of few pre-debut album demos and live pieces. Piece of very early Running Wild here! Always interesting despite quite poor sound quality (not totally shit though). Warchild is not the same track than on Port Royal-album and Hallow The Hell never ended to album. Other tracks made to full-lenght release later on. I find quite promise in this release, band sound pretty tight especially in Hallow The Hell and Adrian S.O.S songs. Rough more straightforward even speed-metal'ish sound at times did fit well to Running Wild. After this would be soon released the debut Gates To Purgatory which followed along same lines of this demo and ended up being very good. Running Wild then started to chance style a bit with the release of Under Jolly Roger which led to melodic Port Royal after that. Both styles, aggressive rough early style and more melodic late 80's-early 90's are great though. I always thought that later more melodic Running Wild times the key was Rolf's quite rough midrange vocals which balanced the melodic athmosphere..

Anyways the band is still on progression here showing some promise, while sound is not as tight as it's going to be on the debut it's still interesting to listen this enjoyable demo-compilation for any fan. 71/100 (Good)

Rock 'n' Rolf - Vocals, Guitars (Lead)
Preacher - Guitars, Vocals
Stephan - Bass
Hasche - Drums

1. Intro 01:40
2. Hallow the Hell 01:30
3. Warchild 02:29
4. Adrian S.O.S. 02:49
5. Chains and Leather 05:42
6. Genghis Khan (live) 04:11
7. Soldiers of Hell (live) 03:23

Total playing time: 21:44

Please check our forum about info how to pre-listen this album!

INTERVIEW: Blackie Lawless from W.A.S.P. (1986)

2011-06-15T04:13:00.008+03:00

One more to interview series. This interview is propably from 1986 since they are advertising Inside Electric Circus album there. Enjoy:

INTERVIEW: Bobby Blitz and Bobby Gustafson from Overkill (1987)

2011-06-15T04:06:00.007+03:00

Originally aired 1987 at Sky Channel. Enjoy:

INTERVIEW: Bobby Blitz from Overkill and David White from Heathen (2011)

2011-06-15T04:02:00.008+03:00

An interview with Bobby Blitz and David White made by Stormbringer magazine around 2011. Enjoy:

INTERVIEW: Bobby Blitz from Overkill in Get Thrashed magazine

2011-06-15T03:49:00.007+03:00

A short interview with Bobby telling about the time he had cancer.
One tough fella.

VIDEO: The History of Heavy Metal (pt1.)

2011-06-15T03:39:00.007+03:00

Not by any means perfect history lesson especially not in obscure metal. This movie handles mostly known bands from the pre-heavy metal times - who influenced bands of actual heavy metal later on - to actual heavy metal bands of 80's-90's. Well anyway I think its a fun movie to watch. Well made but the actual band content lacks a bit.

REVIEW: Sinner (GER) - Touch of Sin (1985)

2011-06-15T02:57:00.022+03:00

Sinner are from germany. Many of you metalheads propably know them from this album's predecessor Danger Zone. Compared to this we have a slightly more commercialized sounding album here being not as quite straightforward as Danger Zone which was pretty much 100% to your face. This still comes quite close in terms of that. I would call this quite typical whiskey and biker heavy metal with definite german sound on it. What Sinner manages to create here is heavy rocking sound and i mean heavy! This is definite headbanging material right here, what it lacks in terms of overall speed it catches up in bottom heavy and evil rocking sound. Mat Sinner's kinda rough singing voice with slight german accent and part time higher shrieks fits like fist to face. This album is almost as kickass in terms of asskicking as Danger Zone, but wins in better melodies. What crowns the athmosphere is quite loud bass and bass drums. Theres nothing too complicated stuff here, just in your face HEAVY rocking metal and small amount of melodic parts.

Slower pounding rockers here include my favourites Born to Rock and Out of Control, which despite their kinda annoying short intro pieces rock. Faster and melodic headbangers include Bad Girl, Masquerade and Emerald of which especially later mentioned kicks ass. Shout is just mid-fast in-your-face track with nice guitar solo parts and may well be the best track of the album despite its kinda funny lyrics ("we are fools for girls - and we love money - there are alot of chicks - who wanna taste our honey"). Unmemorable tracks in my opinion are faster paced Too Late To Runaway which is just average, Open Arms which fails with the chorus, pop-rocky Fast Decision and half-assed ballad The Storm Broke Loose.

Still overall strong record. You know you want to have a drink for this one when you hear it. Not many things are better than heavy evil sounding rocking 80's german metal. 86/100 (Great)

Mat Sinner - Vocals, Bass
SG Stoner - Guitars
Herman Frank - Guitars
Bernie van der Graaf - Drums

1. Born To Rock 04:01
2. Emerald 03:54
3. Bad Girl 03:52
4. Shout! 03:42
5. The Storm Broke Loose 04:16
6. Out Of Control 03:44
7. Too Late To Run Away 03:45
8. Hand Of Fate 03:49
9. Masquerade 03:18
10. Open Arms 04:10

Total running time: 38:31