Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #8 And #9!

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas day and were able to spend it with your friends and family.  I'm back with another couple of my faves from this past year, and like my last post two albums that don't have much in common except they both ROCK! Some straight up Rock n' Roll, and some Metal Punk (!)...is that a genre? Anyway...

#9 - Joan Jett - Unvarnished

A true rocker to her core, Joan is back with her 10th studio album, Unvarnished.  This record is full of classic hard rock, and showcases as always, her brilliant songwriting skills.  For any fan of her work, you know Joan wears her influences on her sleeve, so there are lots of nice 60's moments combined with 70's Punk and Hard Rock.  Dave Grohl and Joan wrote and perform the lead off track, Any Weather, and it is a reminder of her influence on other musicians.  An amazing track.  TMI is classic Jett, and Soulmates To Strangers (my fave) is one the best songs in her catalog.  A true return to form, from a musician who sticks to her guns, and lets the music do the talking.  If you ever liked Joan Jett, (and I still have a crush) you will not be disappointed!  A must!

# 8 - Toxic Holocaust - Chemistry Of Consciousness

...and now for something completely different.  Joel Grind and Co. come storming out of the gates again with Chemistry Of Consciousness.  A nice blend of classic Venom and Celtic Frost, with a hint of The Exploited, would be a good starting point.  Even with these influences, the album sounds unique and fresh.  Loads of heavy and fuzzy guitars riffs with cool tempo changes that really hit you on the head. Out of the Fire, Acid Fuzz, and a killer cover of L7's Wargasm keep it simple and to the point.  It's all over in about 28 minutes, and you just want to put it back on and go for the ride again.  A nice thrashy, retro record that goes well with the boys and some beer.  I delved into the past few records and they are cool as well.  A band I'll be keeping an eye on. Great!

More to come! Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season!  Now go use those gift cards and buy some great new music!  Until next time!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #10 and #11!

Continuing on with this years list, here we have a couple of records that don't have much in common musically, but are both great listens and I played the crap out of them this year. Amon Amarth and Michael Monroe.

#11. Amon Amarth - Deceiver Of The Gods

Sweden's favorite Death Metal sons have returned with another slab of inspired viking legend.  This album is chock full of the furious melodic riffing and crushing vocals that Amon Amarth are know for. These guys have been on my radar, but this is the first time I really delved into their music.  I'm glad I did. This is melodic death at it's finest, with shades of classic In Flames and Arch Enemy.  Fave tracks are the title track, full of speed and melody, along with Father Of The Wolf and We Shall Destroy. Amon Amarth let the guitar attack lead the way, while vocalist Johan Hegg growls take it up a level.  After discovering this gem, I've gone back and I am discovering their back catalog.  If you like your Metal catchy and heavy, check it out.

#10. Michael Monroe - Horns and Halos

The brilliant follow up to last years Sensory Overdrive, proves it was no fluke.  Michael Monroe returns with a record chock full of punk attitude, 70's hard rock, and a bit of real Glam. Although Ginger has moved on, the main band members are all present and have put together an album of great tracks. Songs like TNT Diet and Eighteen Angels show Michael channeling his inner Iggy, and a tune like Stained Glass Heart should be all over the radio. At 51, Michael Monroe has stayed true to his roots and along with Sensory Overdrive, Horns and Halos is the best music he has done in his career.  New artists could take a tip on songwriting from this guy.  Great album, and looking forward to the next one!

There's two more in the books for my list this year.  Stay tuned for the rest over the coming weeks!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #12 and #13!

Snow Day! Brutal weather is keeping me home from work today, so a perfect time to continue with my Top 15 of 2013.  The two today are both from veteran bands who continue to release solid material. Today it's Pretty Maids and Saxon.

#13. Pretty Maids - Motherland

Pretty Maids made a bit of headway in the mid to late 80's with their brilliant Future World album.  I haven't paid to much attention in the years that followed, but they are back big time with Motherland.  They still continue with the more aggressive rockers, with tons of melodies. The albums opener, Mother Of All Lies is instantly memorable, and shows the band still know how to write a GREAT song.  Pure perfection.  A tune like Sad To See You Suffer should be all over the radio, with it's powerful chorus and Ronnie Atkins soulful vocal delivery.
For fans of commercial hard rock, in the vein of Def Leppard (but better), you will do no wrong in picking this one up.  And while you're at it look into their back catalog to see what you've been missing.

#12. Saxon - Sacrifice

NWOBHM gods Saxon just keep putting out the Metal year after year. For a band this deep in their career, it is really something to be releasing music that easily stands along their classic material.  Like contemporaries Motorhead, Saxon have improved with age, and if anything gotten quite a bit heavier over the years.  Sacrifice contains some killer moments as in Warriors Of The Road, which could have been on '83's Power And The Glory, and the full on Metal of Stand Up and Fight. I've always been a big Saxon fan, and they continue to impress with each new release. Biff has never sounded better. There's a reason I still listen to the older bands...they still kick ass.  If you like classic metal, make a point of getting this one.

So there's a couple more releases from the past year that grabbed my attention. There was a ton of great music this year, and I'll be reviewing more over the next few weeks . Keep the faith!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #14 and #15!

Here we go with another year end list of my fave records from the past 11 months or so.  #15 comes from a band that I have been following since their first record in 1983.  One of Canada's best, and underrated hard rock bands...Killer Dwarfs.

#15. Killer Dwarfs - Start @ One

What was to be their 6th studio album in 1993, has finally been released 20 years later!  This record is full of all the things that make the Dwarfs great.  Nice riffage, catchy choruses, and amazing vocals once again from Russ Dwarf.  This record sits along nicely with their catalog, and is a perfect follow up to 1992's Method To the Madness.  The opening trio of Lonely Road, Solid Ground, and Sky is Falling set the tone with lots of melody and classic metal. Down in Hollywood might be one of their best ever. Although recorded 20 years ago, the production has been brought up to todays standards and sounds great. The boys are out on tour supporting this album, and I personally hope this is the beginning of a new phase of their career, with a new studio record to come.  I have seen the Dwarfs live a couple of times, and they always deliver.  So buy the record, and go see them when they hit your town. Glad you are back! GO DUNK!


#14 Coney Hatch - Four 

Like the Dwarfs, Coney Hatch is back after an extended absence.  The last studio album was 1985's Friction, which should have put them into the upper echelons of Hard Rock and Metal.  It was not to be, and the band broke up soon after.
So here we are all these later, with all original members back with their fourth studio album.  If you ever enjoyed this band back in the day, go out and get this one.  Great melodic hard rock, with both Carl Dixon and Andy Curran handling vocals as always. Tunes like Boys Club, Blown Away, and a great cover of Angel City's Marseille, show Hatch hasn't lost a step.  Hopefully this is a new start to their career!  Welcome back boys!


Until next time, keep the faith and MUYA!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! The Ones Who Didn't Quite Make It!

Hey all! I'm back after a bit of an absence, and ready to Rock!  It's been a great year for music, and I had quite a few faves that were left out of my Top 15.  Here is a quick selection of albums that rocked me hard this year, but didn't crack my Top 15. 

1. Dream Theater - S/T. DT came back again this year with a brilliant piece of prog metal, that shows they still haven't lost a step since replacing drummer Mike Portnoy with the machine that is Mike Mangini.  This S/T album is full of all of DT's trademark riffs, keyboard flourishes, and soaring vocals.  I hear lots of Rush influences on this record on The Looking Glass and Surrender To Reason, and that a good thing.  In true DT style they close the record with an amazing 22 minute piece called Illumination Theory. This should probably be in my Top 10, but didn't get as many spins as some of the others.  I'm sure I'll regret that because it's killer. ;)

2. Sahg - Delusions Of Grandeur.  Again, I feel bad for leaving this out of the Top 15, because it is an amazing record.  The Norwegian four piece is back with another slab of retro style hard rock with a modern edge.  The Sabbath vibe of the previous three is not as apparent, though still there, and has more of a proggy ,sort of Pink Floyd meets VoiVod sound.  I like this record a lot, and the standouts for me are the opening song, Slip Off The Edge Of The Universe, and the closer, Sleeper's Gate To The Galaxy.  Again, would have placed much higher, but there were some records this year I could not stop listening to.  Recommended.

3. Havok - Unnatural Selection. A bit of a latecomer for me, I jumped all over this after hearing one or two tracks online.  Classic retro-Thrash from a band that make no bones where their influences lie. Think classic Anthrax, Kreator and Megadeth.  Technical prowess abounds with killer solos, and drums from Pete Webber. Standouts are pretty much everywhere, but really love Waste Of Life, and Chasing The Edge. With releases like this, Havok are definitely leaders of the new Thrash movement.  Great stuff and highly recommended. Will be checking out the back catalog.

4. Annihilator - Feast. Canada's premiere thrashers are back for 2013.  This one got quite a few spins on the workouts this year lol.
Jeff Waters has put together again a great record full of tight thrashers like Deadlock (my fave), left turns (Wrapped) and metal epics (One Falls, Two Rise). Dave Padden has proved himself again that he should always be THE Annihilator vocalist, and Feast is probably their best record in almost 20 years.  The two CD set comes with a disc of re-recorded classics that sound as good as they did when they were released. Nice to see these guys still making great Metal. Awesome.

5. Helker - Somewhere In The Circle. Argentina's own, Helker are another new find for me, and a great band they are.  These guys are very traditional in their overall vibe, sounding a little like Priest, Maiden, as well as Gamma Ray and Primal Fear. Standout for me is vocalist Diego Valdez, who sounds like the little brother of Rob Halford and Ronnie James Dio.  An absolute monster.  If you love your metal REAL, do yourself a favor and check out tracks like No Chance to Be Reborn and Wake Up. A great album from a band I'm glad I discovered.  Excellent.


There are a few I'm missing too, Hatchet's Dawn of The End, Ashes Of Ares S/T and Black Spiders This Savage Land.  Anyway, I'd go on forever.  Lots of great records to get through, so keep checking back and I'll be posting my Top 15.  There's a few surprises (even for me)! See Ya Soon and Keep The Faith.

CHECK OUT THE MUSIC PLAYER AT THE TOP TO HEAR SOME GREAT TUNES!
SUPPORT YOUR FAVE ARTISTS AND BUY THEIR MUSIC!!

                                                             

Lost Classic #3

Being from Canada, I have always followed a lot of the Hard Rock and Metal bands our country has produced.  Most have not gone on to multi-platinum success, but the quality has been high, and always influential. Ottawa's Exciter were one of the premier forces in North American Metal in the early 80's.  While other bands like Anthrax, Metallica and Slayer went on to larger audiences, and bigger successes, Exciter was left behind, but not before releasing some of the greatest Metal of the era.  

Their second album, Violence & Force is a classic.  At the time, when I was a teeneager, we were always on the lookout for new bands, and discovered a ton of great stuff from the era.  Bands like Raven, Anvil, Mercyful Fate and Venom were a big part of our musical tastes at that age.  I bought this as a blind buy, it had a crazy cover, and the band members on the back looked pretty cool.  I remember actually sending a note to the band asking for a patch for my jacket...and I'm still waiting lol.  Anyway, this record is full of classic metal, and really should be considered (along with the crushing debut Heavy Metal Maniac) as one of the original examples of Thrash.


 Not a bad track on the record, full of pounding drums and thrashy riffs.  The highlight for me has always been drummer Dan Beehler's voice.  The record is full of true metal anthems such as Scream In the Night, Pounding Metal, Delivering To The Master, and the blistering title track.  I've often felt that although fans in the know get it, Exciter really should have been bigger.  At the time they were playing shows with Motorhead, Anthrax and Mercyful Fate, and those bands all became legendary.  However, it's not a popularity contest, and Exciter put out some classic records.  It's too bad people weren't paying attention.  Violence & Force needs to be recognized as a classic of the genre.  Here's the title track.  Until next time, Horns Up!

My All Time Fave Albums #25

Here's another great record that had a huge influence on me growing up.  A band ahead of their time, with chops, a great image, and most importantly, incredible songs that stand the test of time.  I bring you Sweet, and their 1974 masterpiece, Desolation Boulevard.

My first experience with this album was through a neighbors teenage son, who one afternoon introduced us 8 year old kids to Ballroom Blitz, knowing that we all loved KISS.  After hearing that, I was hooked.  I actually didn't own a copy of it until Junior High, and once that happened, it was in regular rotation.  The version of the record we grew up with was not the same version that was released in the UK.  Our version was a combination of the UK Desolation Boulevard, and their previous album, the amazing Sweet Fanny Adams, along with the two singles Ballroom Blitz and Fox On The Run.  This was something I didn't realize until sometime in the last 15 years.  I now have both versions ,and they both rule in their own right.  

Desolation Boulevard is full of pop rock/glam hooks and chunks of Andy Scott's proto-metal guitar and Steve Priest's bass.  Songs like the above mentioned hit singles blend along deep hard rockers like Set Me Free, Into The Night and Sweet F.A.  The record also includes one of their greatest tracks ever in The Six Teens, where vocalist Brian Connolly really shines.  The UK version includes the riffy Turn It Down, more Glam Metal in Medusa, and drummer Mick Tucker's (who should be mentioned in the same breath as Bonham and Moon) tour de force, The Man With The Golden Arm.

For me, Sweet (along with the mighty Slade) is a band that although they did have some great success with their early hit singles, should have been one of the biggest rock bands ever. The four albums from Sweet F.A. through to Off The Record are as good (or better) than most hard rock stuff from the 70's.  Now, I list them along all the great rock acts of all time..., most know them for Little Willy and Ballroom Blitz.  A criminally underrated band (especially in North America), Sweets's influence can be heard in almost everyone from Def Leppard to Motley Crue, and most of the late 80's L.A. hard rock scene.  One of the all time greats.  Here's a vid of their amazing (and personal fave), Turn It Down!  Do exactly that!! R.I.P Brian and Mick. Until next time...

My All Time Fave Albums #24

Back with another classic slab of tunage.  The next album that I'd like to talk about is one I've been spinning for 30 years or so.  The band was originally a leader in the NWOBHM movement (even though they don't like to admit it), and went on to become one of the biggest selling hard rock acts ever.  The band is Def Leppard, and the album is High N' Dry.

I have very fond memories of this time of my life, and there are many albums I consider to be the soundtrack to my my life, and in particular my teenage years.   This record is one of them. I discovered this album right before Pyromania set the world on fire. High N' Dry is a steamroller of heavy riffs, a killer rhythm section, and NWOBHM 's youthful energy.  Mutt Lange came on board for this album to refine the Lep's sound, and brought out what I consider (along with the follow up Pyromania) to be the bands greatest performances.  High N' Dry contains not one bad track, and is a stormer from start to finish.  Lead off track, Let It Go starts the proceedings with an AC/DC influenced main riff, and a gritty edge that flows throughout the record.

It continues from there.  (Another) Hit and Run is my all time fave Lep track. Chunks of melodic hard rock follow in deep cuts like Lady Strange, Mirror Mirror, and the stunning instrumental, Switch 625.  A combination of timing (Metal was enjoying a resurgence in 1981), great songwriting, and top end production would culminate in Def Lep producing not only their best album, but one of the greatest Metal records of all time.  There have been many a summer night with myself and the boys blasting this in the warmth of brotherhood and cold beer.  Still in regular rotation (I'm spinning it now), High N' Dry stands as a testament to British Metal and youthful exuberance.  Although a different beast, Lep still continue on, and I'm glad to see they still throw a couple tracks from this record into their tour setlist.

Enjoy the classic vid of the title track!  RIP Steve Clark

I'll be back soon with some of my fave records from the past. Stay tuned.

NWOBHM forever.

Breezy's Top 15 of 2012!! Pt.4

So my computer at home went down, and I haven't been able to blog at all.  I figured since I finally do have a new computer, it might be time to finish out my Top 15 of 2012.  Not to mention my ipod is also down, so trying to remember a few from the list is tricky.  I'm glad I still buy CD's ,but to go through them all would be a bit of a job to remember my complete list from 2012.  This was my Top 5.

5. Viking Skull - Cursed By The Sword

Viking Skull have become a fave of mine over the past few years.  From the UK, they combine the foot stomping attitude of AC/DC, with the buzzsaw riffs and vocals of Motorhead and a touch of classic Sabbath.  Straight up, no frills, drink too much heavy rock n' roll. Cursed by the Sword is full of killer riffs ,and big fat drums. Vocalist Roddy Stone sounds like Lemmy's little brother, and guitarists Dom Wallace and Frank Reagan lay down some brilliant riffage.  Fave tracks include Five Fingers Of Steel, the moody This Is The End, and the soon-to-be-classic, My Bitch Talks Too Much.  If you're a fan of real rock n' roll, you need to get this record now.  And I know if you read my blog, you're already looking for it.  Enjoy!


4. Eclipse - Bleed & Scream

This record, along with my #3 pick, are my surprises for 2012.  Eclipse are pretty much the opposite of Viking Skull.  Way more stream lined, tons of vocals, with a nice blend of classic AOR and Hard Rock.  When I was in High School in the mid 80's, a record like this would have been at the top of the charts, a blend of say Survivor, Def Leppard and Motley Crue, all with a very modern edge.  Vocalist Erik Martensson is the star of the show here, but his bandmates prove they are no slouches either, in particular the tasty solos pulled off by guitarist Magnus Henriksson.  Every song on this record is a winner, and no song got more play from me this year than the title track.  Seriously, if you like melodic hard rock, stop what you are doing and go get this album.



3. Imperial State Electric - Pop War

After leaving The Hellacopters, Nicke Andersson formed Imperial State Electric.  This is their 2nd full length, and what a record it is.  Wearing his influences on his sleeve, the record sounds like the bastard child of 70's stalwarts The Runaways, KISS, and Cheap Trick.  Some of the best classic pop rock songwriting I have heard in a while.  If classic rock radio ever got a hold of this they could make it massive.  Straight up rock anthems like Uh Huh and Sheltered In The Sand, rub elbows with more creative numbers like Waltz For Vincent. I have gone back to check out their first album and the multitude of singles, and they all rock.  This is a band that I will be following from here on in.  Hopefully Nicke and the boys can make it to this side of the pond so I can see them live.  Great record.

2. KISS - Monster

 
I never thought that almost 40 years after becoming a KISS fan, they would still be putting out music, little lone putting out stuff that would rival their greatest albums.  After the brilliant comeback that was Sonic Boom, KISS has actually topped it.  Staying to their roots and influences, with no outside writers or producers, Monster is the record KISS should have made over 20 years ago.  Full of great riffs, and nods to the past (I hear Humble Pie, The Who, Small Faces, Stones), here is a band in the winter of their career putting out some of their best music.  If you were ever a fan of KISS, you will dig this album.  If not, you never listened in the first place.  KISS, welcome back ,The Army is proud.

 
1. Rush - Clockwork Angels

So here we are at Number 1. Like KISS, Rush has released a record this late in their career that can stand aside the classics, and is the best record they have done since 1984's Grace Under Pressure.
A concept album with a steampunk theme, Clockwork Angels rocks when it needs to and pulls back when necessary. Tunes like Caravan and Headlong Flight are some of the heaviest stuff they have ever done, and The Wreckers is one of the best Rush songs ever.  Closer, The Garden is one of the most brilliant creative songs they have ever recorded.  I have caught them once on this tour, and will seeing a 2nd show this summer.  Rush still dominates on stage and on record.  This cannot be the end.


I hope you all enjoyed my list this year!  I'll be back soon with more classic albums that rounded my musical tastes and sensibilties.  Look for posts on classic records from Def Leppard, Sweet and Sex Pistols.  As always keep the faith and MUYA! 


  


 

 

Breezy's Top 15 of 2012! Pt. 3

Here we go with a few more of my  top albums for the year.  3 more great releases touching on all things that are great about hard rock and metal.

#9 - Flying Colors - S/T

After Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater, I was already wondering what his next project would be.  Well, he has a few on the go, and this one is the one I'm enjoying the most.  Flying Colors is a supergroup of sorts, featuring members from bands such as Spock's Beard, Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple.  The album is a great mix of Hard Rock, Pop and Prog.  If this record ever got some Radio attention ,there are a couple of possible hits in tunes like Kayla and The Storm, and a pretty ballad in Better Than Walking Away.  Performances from all members are stunning, in particular guitarist Steve Morse, and singer Casey McPherson.  A great record from start to finish with hints of the members Prog abilities, and a fresh sound that really should have them leading the way for awhile.  Looking forward to the live DVD.

#8 - Cauldron - Tomorrow's Lost

Toronto's Cauldron are back with their 3rd full length, and are on my list again this year.  Tomorrow's Lost continues on the path of the previous records.  Old schoolers will appreciate the guitars and melodies, complete with catchy choruses and worship of all things NWOBHM. I hear lots of stuff everywhere from Mercyful Fate, to Saxon, to even bands like Dokken and Skid Row.  A blend of all styles that makes them somewhat unique. Tunes like opener, End Of Time, or the ultra catchy Fight For Day is the kind of stuff I could listen to all day.  First single and video, Nitebreaker, show the bands penchant for writing a great hook without sacrificing power.  All you old horror movie fans need to check out the video below.  One of Canada's best.

#7 - Kreator - Phantom Antichrist

German gods Kreator return with their next slab of power in Phantom Antichrist.  This album is really a continuation of the sound of their previous 3 releases that started with the legendary Violent Revolution in 2001.  Lots of speed and thrash here, but with some cool breakdown and instumental passages.  Like all the records on my list, there is no filler.  Fave tracks are Death to the World and United in Hate. For a band that has been around the Thrash scene since the mid 80's, Kreator have proven once again that they are the leaders, and not the followers, and that the Big 4 should really pay attention because their peers are playing circles around them these days. The live DVD included with the album shows Kreator still can bring it live, with power and violence, along with musicianship and melody. Awesome.