Random thoughts and viewpoints on great bands and their music. I am a huge fan of classic metal and hard rock. It's what I grew up with, and what I continue to grow with. Feel free to post or comment, I really dig chatting with fellow music snobs. MUYA!
Hey, two weeks into January and I'm just finishing up my list. Better late than never! Here we go, my Top 3 for 2013.
3. Satan - Life Sentence
Finally the band that brought us 1983's legendary album Court In The Act, have finally returned with it's true follow up albeit 30 years later. Funny thing is, not much has changed other than the band members have gotten older, and they have possibly recorded an album that is better than their incredible debut. Razor sharp guitars blast over top of Brian Ross' vocals, Satan show they have truly caught lightning in a bottle. Opening duo of Time To Die and Twenty Twenty Five blow anything away off the debut, with their duel guitars in full force and melody everywhere. The thrashy, Maiden-esque Testimony, also shows that there might be more life left with this band. A great return to form. If you love NWOBHM, go get this now.
2. James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance
I'm a huge fan of James' main band, Dream Theater, but his solo stuff just keeps getting better than ever. I played this one far more than his main gigs new album, and it's a beauty. Again, he has assembled an amazing group of musicians, including drummer Peter Wildoer and keyboardist Matt Guillory, and has made an album full of hard rock, melodic death and pop. Every tune is a winner from the hard rocking, Agony, to the poppish I Got You to the ballad, Say You're Still Mine. I've always been a fan of James' vocals, but the songwriting on this proves he could be doing more in Dream Theater. A great record that will continue to get plays and praise from me.
1. Audrey Horne - Youngblood
I've been a fan of Audrey Horne for a few years, but I didn't see this coming at all. They've dropped the alt-rock leanings and come up with an absolute barnstormer of a hard rock record. Every song from top to bottom has killer choruses, beautiful vocals, and twin guitar melodies. The album carries a bit of a classic 70's rock vibe, hints of KISS and Lizzy, but not really sounding like anyone. The title track is a standout, and The Open Sea is a stunner. I'm hoping the band has finally hit their stide and discovered that playing to their influences has produced the best music of their career. I'm looking forward to your next album guys, and how about a Canadian tour? Two vids for you to enjoy below. Amazing.
I also want to mention a quick note about two more records from 2013 that I didn't really get until the end of the year, but should be on this list as well...Motorhead's Aftershock, and David Bowie's return in The Next Day. I'll be posting again soon, and hopefully a bit more often than I did in 2013. More classics from my past, fave albums, Top 5 and 10 lists, etc. Thanks for reading my Blog, and enjoying the rambling. MUYA!
So now I'm down to my Top 5 albums of the past year. There was ALOT of good music that came out over the past 12 months, it's getting hard to keep up with it all...most of the albums are from bands that I follow, and then there are those that come from out of nowhere to hit me on the head. Here's one of each! 5. W.E.T. - Rise Up
Unusual name, fantastic album. Featuring members of melodic rock bands, Work Of Art, Eclipse and Talisman, Rise Up is one of the best melodic rock albums I have ever heard. This is an example of where every track could be a single. Amazing vocals (as always) from the legendary Jeff Scott Soto, and stunning guitar work from Robert Sall. An album that harkens back to the classic AOR of Journey, Foreigner and Survivor, but with more bite. All the tracks are great, but faves would be Walk Away, What You Want and Learn To Live Again. An album with clean production and direction that never falters. A must for fans of melodic hard rock.
4. Stryper - No More Hell To Pay
I've been a fan of Stryper from literally the beginning, with the release of their Yellow and Black Attack in 1984. There were a few ups and downs, and now they have released possibly the best record of their career. No More Hell To Pay is classic Stryper from top to bottom, but heavier, with ALL the original members. Not a ballad to be seen, just great song after song that show there's lots of gas left in the tank. Seriously, there are not many men in their 50's that deliver vocals like Michael Sweet. Amazing. His brother Robert, continues to be an influence on the kit. Tracks like Sympathy, Legacy and the title track I would recommend to all who like their metal guitar driven and classic. Well done boys, and thanks for all the great music!
My top 3 of the year are to come, and then it's back to more posts about my fave albums and lost classics! Maybe some Top 5 lists this year too! See you all very soon! Crank it!
I'm never on time with these things, and the holidays didn't help...better late than never. My Top 15 of 2013 continues with two of my fave bands over the past few years, and both from Sweden! Crashdiet and Enforcer. 7. Enforcer - Death By Fire
Enforcer returns with album #3 this year, Death By Fire. I've been a big fan since the debut, and they have yet to disappoint. Firmly rooted in days of Metal gone by, Enforcer rock out fast and heavy, and keep thing fresh and interesting. Best comparison would be Kill 'em All era Metallica meets classic Maiden, with NWOBHM touches everywhere. Death Rides This Night kicks things off in fine fashion, and the tunes just get better. Mesmerized By Fire sounds like a thrashy Maiden (check out the vid below), and Take Me Out of This Nightmare has a great singalong chorus. Growing up with style of music, I'm happy the younger bands are still keeping it true, and delivering some great Heavy Metal. This one is a perfect example for past meets future. Great!
6. Crashdiet - The Savage Playground
Probably my fave band from the past 10 years, Crashdiet show that sometimes the grasshopper can usurp the master. They don't deny their love for 80's Metal ala Crue, Skid Row, et al, but they do it heavier, catchier, and now have 4 albums under their belt that all kick ass. New vocalist Simon Cruz joins the founding members, and adds a bit more violent punk attitude to the surroundings. I seriously cannot pick one fave track, as they are all fantastic. Start with tunes like Cocaine Cowboys, Damaged Kid or Excited to give yourself a taste of the Swedes. They finally did some dates in the US this year, so they are finally making some headway in North America. Brilliant, fun and rocking, Crashdiet are the leaders of the new wave of Glam Rock.
There will be another blog this weekend, to continue my list. I hope everyone had a great New Years and all the best to you in 2014! See ya soon!
