Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #3

It's been fun putting this list together.  The tough thing as I've mentioned is that there was a lot to pick from this year, a few albums were missed that I've been spinning alot so at the end I'll do a quick extra 5 or so as honourable mentions...LOL  Next up at #3, Bullet - Highway Pirates.

Bullet is a band from Sweden that have been playing for a few years and have 4 albums.  This of course is their latest, and a new discovery for me.  These dudes are retro all the way in their sound, with great playing and production.  Only comparisions I could make would be a blend of AC/DC, Krokus and Accept, with some Lizzy-esque twin leads in for good measure.  Vocalist Hell Hofer (awesome name!) kicks this up a notch for me with his Udo inspired pipes.  This is the soundtrack to a night with the boys where the beer is cold and the music is loud.  The songs are reasonably simple structures, with great choruses and catchy riffs.  As with some of my other new discoveries over the past few years, I'm a fan of the retro sounds and bands that still carry the torch of hard rock and metal. 

For me there is no filler on this record. Every tune carries a catchy chorus with a great beat that will keep your head bangin'.  If I'm gonna pick a few, my fave track is Fire and Dynamite, along with the fantastic City Lights and Back On The Road.  Another band I'm already waiting for the next album!

I've found out that quite a few of my friends are reading my blog (thanks guys!!), and most of them are old schoolers like myself, so this pick is for them.  We all grew up with the bands I mentioned earlier in this post ,so here is a taste of the new breed.  Enjoy the official video for the album and stay wild!

Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #4

Getting down to the my final 4 picks for the year, been realizing that I've missed a few...of well, I'll maybe do an honourable mention list at the end ;)  Next up, new Canadian metal gods...#4 - Cauldron - Burning Fortune.

Cauldron is a Canadian three piece formed out of the ashes of Goat Horn.  They have released an EP, and this is their 2nd full-length. They are considered one of the front runners in the New Wave Of Tradition Metal, and are one of my faves.  Cauldron's sound is based in traditional metal stylings, and a classic NWOBHM vibe.  The one thing that really makes me dig these guys, is that there is a sense of honesty in the tunes.  They are not trying to be something they are not, or ride a wave of popularity, but staying true to what their roots are...a love of classic and obscure heavy metal. 

Burning Fortune is a collection of 9 tracks (incl a cover) that rock hard, but all carry great melodies and catchy choruses.

Lead off track All Or Nothing is a speedy little ditty that has some brilliant guitar work from Ian Chains.  Tunes like Miss You To Death and Tears Have Come carry great choruses that would sound great in a filled arena.  One truly original aspect of the band is Bassist/Vocalist Jason Decays vocals.  They are just unique enough to set them apart.  I'm probably a little more pumped about Cauldron being that they are fellow Canadians and I want to see them succeed.  Hopefully, they will back in the studio soon for album #3.  Just a suggestion...how about an Anvil, Exciter or Raven cover next time? Or maybe some early Rush? It would sound pretty good!  For those of you unfamiliar with the future of Canadian Hard Rock and Metal, here's a video of All or Nothing.  Until next time!

Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #5

This years list had a few comeback albums from some of the more established bands.  This one (along with my #2) were the suprises of the year for me. #5 Night Ranger - Somewhere In California.

Back in the day, I was a fan of Night Ranger's perfect blend of AOR and Hard Rock.  The first two albums Dawn Patrol and Midnight Madness both got a lot of play in my teenage years. They have kind of fallen of of my radar over the years, even though I knew they were still around.  I heard some reviews for this record stating a return to the classic sound, so I thought I'd pick up a copy.  It truly is a return to the classic sound, and Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Brad Gillis have never sounded better.  This is a straight up classic rock record with big choruses and great guitar, something that has gone missing in todays musical climate.  Maybe it's a bit of nostaligia, but good music is good music. 

The title track (and video) lead off the album in fine form with a great vibe that sets the tone for the rest of the record.  The album is full of the classic NR sound with rockers like Lay It On Me and No Time To Lose Ya blending perfectly with ballads like Time Of Our Lives.  A great album to pop in and just enjoy.  If you are a fan of full on metal, this may not be your thing, but give it a try.  I find it interesting that alot of bands try to tinker with their sound to be more creative, and then end up losing what they had in the first place.  Night Ranger decided to go back to their classic sound, and have released one of the best albums of their career.  Here is the video for the title track, perfect viewing for a cold winter day.  Horns Up!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #6

This record is one I've been waiting for a long time to hear.  Finally, they are back. #6 Anthrax - Worship Music.

It's been 8 years since the last Anthrax album We've Come For You All.  Alot has happened in the meantime with singers Bellandonna and Bush in and out, but here we have what I have been waiting for, a new record with the (almost) classic lineup.  It's fresh and heavy, and true to their roots.  Of all the Big 4's last few releases, Anthrax is the one that is keeping it true, but modern, and sticking to their guns.  There has been a lot of hype around this record, and for good reason.

The opening trio of tracks, Earth On Hell, The Devil You Know, and Fight 'em Til You Can't set the pace for the album, and show that Anthrax is back in a big way. Great melodies, crushing guitars,and as always, the mighty Benante kicking the crap out of the kit. Fave tracks are the ones mentioned above, along with the brilliant In The End, possibly one of the best tracks they have ever recorded.  Check out a little more modern sounds in the track Crawl, a nod to the Bush years in terms of sound.  I'm glad the boys are back, I've always been a fan and have been waiting for this record.  Welcome back, I'm already looking forward to the next one.  This is a clip of the track In The End, a tribute to the late RJD and Dimebag Darrell. Cheers!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #7

I'm back with another great record from 2011.  This album was released in Europe in 2010, but not released here until this year, so it counts for me!  #7 Ghost - Opus Eponymous.

This is the debut (suprise!) from this 6 piece Swedish band. As I've mentioned in other blogs, I have always been a sucker for a band with an image,so picture a band with 5 cloaked figures and a lead singer who wears cardinal robes and skeleton facepaint.  Normally, alot of you might go running, but you need to hear the tunes first!  If you blended classic Sabbath, with Blue Oyster Cult, and Electric Light Orchestra, you'd still be off, but getting closer.  BTW, these attributes are what make this an incredible, original album.  Did I mention the lyrics have a satanic theme?

Opus Eponymous is full of great riffs, melodic vocals, and a 70's vibe.  Heck, they are being endorsed by members of Down and Metallica, so they must be good right?  The Ritual is the standout track for me.  Elizabeth, Satan's Prayer, and Stand By Him are all soon to be classics as well. Also be sure to check out more traditional metal in Con Clavi Con Dio.  I really hope this bands 2nd album will stay true to their sound, because they are on to something fresh and original!  No vids were done for the album, but I've found a great live performance of The Ritual for you all to check out.  Until next time, keep the faith!

Remember, Support The Bands You Like And Buy Their Albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #8

This is a band that never disappoints.  #8 Motorhead - The World Is Yours

I've been a huge fan of Motorhead for many years.  I've seen them live a couple of times as well, and they still are one of the best bands on the planet.  For anyone that has been following their career, you'll know that time has been kind to Lemmy and Co.  Since 1995's Sacrifice, through to 2002's Hammered (and all in between), and to the current record, they have continued to put out fantastic hard rock, and are one of the bands latter day output that stands with or above their classic albums.  Motorhead is a band you either love or hate.  Like their contemporaries, AC/DC, they don't stray too far from the classic sound, and keep it meat and potatoes.  Having said that, the current lineup breaks the mould a bit here and there strictly due to the great musicianship.  If you've never heard Phil Campbell or Mikkey Dee play, you are missing out...big time.

The only thing I can really say about The World Is Yours is that they have done it again.  Brilliant performances, edgy production and recording, and more of Lemmy's philosophical outlook on life. Hard hitting tracks like Born To Lose, Waiting For the Snake, and my fave, Brotherhood Of Man are reminders why Motorhead are legends and have become one of the most respected bands in hard rock.  Keep it up Lemmy! Thanks for the music!

Here is a vid for the first single, Get Back In Line. Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #9

This year seemed to have alot of releases in the traditional vein, so there were lots to pick from.  At #9, from California, White Wizzard - Flying Tigers.


I picked up on these guys a few years back with their High Speed GTO EP.  While not sounding exactly like Priest or Maiden, you can hear their influence. 


Flying Tigers carries on from where the debut and their 2nd album, Over The Top, left off.  However this time around they have sacrificed a bit of the speed and heaviness, and added another layer that really kicks off in the 2nd half of the record. The last 6 tracks are taken more as one larger progressive piece (called Starmans Son) with different tempos and moods.  Not to say it doesn't rock ,because it sure as hell does, but it was something I wasn't expecting from this act.  This is exactly where the charm lies in this recording. Great choruses, traditional riffage and brilliant vocals from Wyatt Anderson.

Tunes like Starchild, Night Stalker, and Night Train To Tokyo carry the NWOBHM flag high, while later tracks like the amazing Demons and Diamonds show a different and more ambitious side of the band.  Another record this year that was a bit of a grower for me, and still love listening to it.  I don't know all the details, but this band has had quite a few member changes (this album was recorded with three members), so I can only hope they get a solid lineup and contnue putting out some top notch metal.  No official vid from the album, but here is the previously mentioned Starchild.  Enjoy!

Please support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #10

This years list has quite a few bands that are new, or are new to me. This band is both. Next up is from a Canadian act, and their first full length. #10 - Skull Fist - Head Of The Pack.

Formed in 2006, in Toronto, Skull Fist are part of the New Wave Of Tradtional Metal, that seems to be producing some great music from Canada.  Along with Cauldron, Striker, and a few others, there are some great traditional sounds coming from our home country.

Judging from some of the song titles on the album, and the band name, there may be some collective groaning, but these guys are the real deal, and their album proves their love of all things heavy metal.  Frontman/Vocalist/Guitarist Jackie Slaughter is a brilliant player along with his partner Jonny Nesta (guitarists take note), and should carry this band to higher levels of greatness.  Plus, ANY band that does a Tokyo Blade cover...well enough said!

Their Facebook page carries the description "Seriously Serious Heavy Metal Dudes Fighting the World for the Greater Good of Rock!"  Sounds like a band I can get into!  

I can't really pin who Skull Fist sound like (which is a good thing), but think early 80's metal, NWOBHM, and a dash of Kill 'em All era Metallica, and you get the idea.  I don't know what it is with great Canadian vocalists, and the high register (Geddy Lee, Rik Emmett, Russ Dwarf ,Sebastian Bach), but add Jackie Slaughter to that list as well.  Great voice.

I don't think I have a fave tune on the record,  but the title track, Commanding The Night, and the mid paced  Commit To Rock are standouts.  I've said it before, I'm really happy that their are newer ,younger bands who did not grow up in the glory days of Metal, but continue to carry the flag high and respect it.  Not to mention doing a kick ass job themselves!  The Gods are proud. Here's to the new breed.

Remember To Support The Bands You Like And Buy Their Albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #11

My next pick for the year is a band I have only followed the past couple releases, and the new one is a killer.  #11 - Symphony X - Iconoclast. 

Symphony X is a progressive metal act from New Jersey.  Although I'm familiar with them over their career, I have not paid much attention until the past couple of albums.  This one is their 8th, and is probably the heaviest one they have ever done.  The guitars are crunchier, the drums are faster, and Russell Allen still proves he is one of the best vocalists on the planet.  This record is technical, heavy and catchy.  Guitarist Michael Romeo plays like his hands are on fire...just awesome.  This album is available in a 2 disc version, and a single disc version.  Most of the tunes hover around the 6 minute mark and really show the bands technical and creative ability.

The album is a nice blend of crushers like Heretic and Dehumanized, as well as catchier tunes like Children Of A Faceless God and The End Of Innocence.

This record took a couple of spins to sink in (like all the best albums do), and I find I'm spinning it quite often.  The boys are on tour this winter through Canada, and will be worth checking out for sure.

I'll sign off with a video clip from this album. Enjoy!

Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Of 2011! #12

Back with the next one in my best of 2011.  Another new band, this time from the UK.  #12 The Treatment - This Might Hurt.

The past few years have spawned some fantastic new young bands that are not afraid to take and show their influences from the best classic hard rock bands.  I don't know how old these guys are, but they were not around during the heyday of AC/DC, UFO, or even later bands like Tesla or Skid Row, but mix those up and you're getting a view of The Treatment.  I'm an avid reader and subscriber to the best music mag out right now, Classic Rock, and an article about them introduced me to the band.  

The Treatment is a five piece from Cambridge.  As their bio states, they are classic sounds filtered through young hearts and minds.  

The record kicks off in killer fashion with the opener, Departed, and my fave track, The Doctor.  Think high energy AC/DC and classic Aerosmith...Vocalist Matt Jones really shines on the slower Just Tell Me Why, and proves he's a genuine talent.  They have a potential hit single in the power ballad Nothing To Lose.  Honestly, there isn't a bad track on the album, and probably could have rated higher on my list this year.  A perfect summer album to crank up (being that is winter now, crank it up anyway).  They did a tour in the UK with Alice Cooper this year, so I hope they gain some momentum and eventually take over the world.  Looking forward to album #2.  Great!

This is the first single, a little ditty entitled, Drink, F**k Fight.

As always, Support The Bands You Like And Buy Their Albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Of 2011! #13

Hello again! I'm back with my next pick for the year.  About half the bands on my best of list this year are new discoveries for me. The is band has been around for a few years, and have about 4 full lengths under their belt.  This is their latest, #13 Widow - Life's Blood.

These three guys are from Raleigh, NC., and have been around since 2000.  I stumbled across this while buying CD's online, and thought I'd take a chance...I'm glad that I did.  

Definitely influenced by the glory days of Metal (Priest, Maiden, Malmsteen) and classic NWOBHM, Life's Blood is a stormer from start to finish.  Great vocals, guitars, and melodies.  If you are a fan of more traditional metal, you need to check this album out (I know I will be researching their back catalog).  They would have been a big deal back in the mid 80's for sure (and I mean that as a compliment).  I'm glad there are bands that still hold the traditional flag high.  Going to sign off with a clip of my fave tune from the record, it's one of the faster tracks and will give you a good idea of where Widow is coming from.  Until next time...

Remember, support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Albums Of 2011! #14

With the amount that I blog (sorry guys), I figured I better get to it or I'll never get these 15 albums done!  I am a real old schooler, but I do always keep my out for newer acts.  This band has been around for a few years, but they are new to me. #14 - In Solitude - The World, The Flesh, The Devil.

These Swedish upstarts have been compared to the mighty Mercyful Fate (what is it with all the new bands dropping MF as an influence?) and that is the main reason I wanted to check them out.  I don't hear alot of MF in these guys, but they do have a classic NWOBHM sound, and an obvious love for all things Black Sabbath.  A little doomy, cool vocals from Hornper, and not as extreme as the cover and title might suggest. 

I enjoy a band that mix things up a bit.  Most of the tracks hover around the six minute mark, and vary in tempo and atmosphere. The musicianship and energy will have you bobbing your head in no time.  My fave tracks are the more off the top off the album: the title track, and the brilliant Serpents Are Rising and Demons.  If you like your Metal with tasty hooks, twin guitars and a hint of Sabbath, then check this out.  Here is a clip, enjoy!  Back soon with #13!
Remember, support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Albums of 2011! #15

There is a music board I have posted on for years that has a Best Of list every December.  I thought it would be fun to post my picks here on the Quarry, and share my picks with all my friends.  I'll have them all up by Christmas Day, and hopefully have some fun doing it.  Don't expect long reviews and in depth thoughts on each record (even thought I love each record), I'll just give a quick synopsis and why I dig them.

My taste in music is actually quite broad, but it's generally gotta rock hard, with passion, and creativity.  I love great vocals, and melodies, and always a taste of old school. ;)  So to start things off: #15...Journey - Eclipse.

Although I'm generally a hard rock and metal guy, I have always been a fan of Journey.  Since around the time of their classic live album, Captured, and their classic Escape, I have listened to their albums and kept up with their career.  2008's Revelation was their true return to form with new vocalist Arnel Pineda. This is the follow up.

The first thing I really noticed about this album is that guitarist Neal Schon is back in a big way.  I'm not sure if he has played as many brilliant leads as he does on this record.  Pineda is proving he is not a Steve Perry clone, and his vocals soar. Overall a great record and I'm already looking forward to the next one. There is really something to be said for the older acts who can release a new record and have it sit proudly beside their classic material.  The last two Journey records do just that.  Standout tracks are City Of Hope, Edge Of The Moment, and Chain Of Love.  For all fans of Journey and AOR...get this album.  Here's a clip of a tune off of Eclipse.  Remember, support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Watch for my list to continue! #14 is coming up.