Breezy's Top 5 of 2014!!

OK, the worlds worst blogger is back.  Been busy, haven't been on the blog for a bit and it's time to finish up my Top 15 of the year, because I know you're all waiting with baited breath...sigh. ;)  I'm gonna do this quick, so I can wrap it up and continue on with my fave records and lost classics of all time. So the fact that I'm doing this quick does not mean these records are not important...I spun the crap out of them last year and into the new year. Good music is good music.  I'll try to get better with the blogging, and in the meantime, here is my Top 5 of 2014:

5. Califonia Breed - S/T

Glenn Hughes came back last year after the demise of Black Country Communion with more proof that he is one of the greatest voices of all time. Wow, dude can sing lol.  Along for the ride are Jason Bonham on drums and newcomer Andrew Watt on guitar. Pure rock done in a retro style.  Amazing stuff, and only to find out the band has officially disbanded.  Oh well, I'll blast this for a while.





4. Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon

Iced Earth are one of the greatest metal bands today. I've been a fan for years, but started to drop off after Horror Show.  Fellow Canadian Stu Block brought me back big time with 2011's Dystopia.  He has brought a new energy to the band, and can sing and perform his butt off.  Caught them live on this tour and they were fantastic.  Plagues has all the classic elements of Iced Earth, ripping guitar, great melodies, and cool themes.  Cthulhu is one of the best tracks they've ever done. Throw in a cover of Highwayman (yeah, the country tune) and you have a great record. Already waiting for the next one boys.


3. Primal Fear - Delivering The Black

 Like Iced Earth, I've been a fan of Primal Fear for years.  Kind of lost touch the past couple of records and now I'm back with Delivering The Black. Ralph Scheepers, Mat Sinner and company came back in 2014 with a great platter of metal.  Lots of interesting vibes here, with Death Comes Knocking leading the way. Killer guitar and vocals.  The comparisons to Judas Priest are obvious, but I've always felt they have their own thing going on, and it's great. For fans of classic metal, go buy this.




2. H.E.A.T. - Tearing Down the Walls

Man, did this one surprise me. This is a band from Sweden, who much like countrymen Eclipse and Crashdiet, know a thing or two about writing a good tune. This album makes classic melodic hard rock acts like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi want to throw in the towel. So good.  Brilliant songwriting and performances abound.  Not a bad track on the album and I'm looking forward to their live album.  Their last album, Address The Nation, was good, but this one should be all over radio and in the hands of fellow hard rockers. Only one record got more spins than this one this year. Amazing.


1. Judas Priest - Redeemer Of Souls

Make no mistake, Judas Priest are one of my Top 5 bands of all time. Did I think at this point in their career that they would put out something as good as this? Wow. Totally classic Priest. Rob Halford at 63 continues to shine, along with bandmates Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and newcomer Richie Faulkner (the secret weapon here).  This is the best Priest record since Defenders Of The Faith (yes, better than Painkiller...and I never thought I'd say that).  so many great tracks, and full on classics like Halls of Valhalla and the title track prove that not only are The Priest back...but they have never gone away.  Buy it.

8. Overkill - White Devil Armory

It amazes me how some of the older thrash acts still can put out a solid album every single time. Overkill returned in 2014 with another brilliant piece of metal entitled White Devil Armory.  Consistency is the name of the game here, and here we have a collection of songs that not only rock hard, but stand alongside anything the band has ever done. Lead off single and vid, Bitter Pill shows the bands groovy side, and tunes like Pig, and the uber thrash of Wheres There's Smoke show Overkill have lots left in the tank.  Blitz still delivers the goods vocally, and Verni's bass sounds fantastic. Great production overall, White Devil Armory throws the gauntlet down to the Big 4.  Let's see them come up with an album like this next. Great stuff.

7.  Midnight - No Mercy For Mayhem

Probably this years biggest surprise for me, in that I stumbled across this album while snooping on youtube one night. From Cleveland, Midnight is kind of a one man project who has obviously listened to a lot of early Venom, Bathory, Motorhead and Celtic Frost.  Throw in some punk elements, old school production and blackened grooviness, and you'll hear where Midnight is coming from.  The mid paced stuff like Prowling Leather and Woman Of Flame really set these guys apart. I've been researching the band to find out they've been releasing music since 2003. Looks like more stuff to check out! Another band that borrows heavily from the past, but adds an energy and vibe that all hard rockers can get into.  Check out Degradation.

6. Grave Digger - Return Of The Reaper

Return of the Reaper, indeed.  German veterans came back in 2014 with another great record, that like Overkill, show how the big boys do it.  Full on classic metal that has elements of their early albums and their latest albums.  Plus, no bagpipes or Scottish history this time around ;)
Probably my favorite guitar tone this year (courtesy of Axel Ritt) it just rips.  Chris Boltendahl's vocals may be an aquired taste for some, but they are really what set Grave Digger apart.  Can't name a fave track (they are all good), although War God and the closing ballad Nothing Left To Believe stand out.  Personally after all these years, I'd love to see GD on a North American tour with Priest or Maiden, they'd gain a bunch more fans on this side of the pond.

More to come, as I wrap up my list.  Remember, if you like any of these bands, support them by purchasing their music and checking out their shows. Until next time...

Breezy's Top 15 Of 2014!! Pt.2

Here is the next collection of great music from the past year! Some lesser know acts, but awesome nonetheless. Still trying to wrap up by New Years Day :)

#11. Bullet - Storm Of Blades

One of my fave bands from the past few years.  Unashamedly classic, unabashedly retro, and yet still fresh and new.  Bullet's past three records have all been fantastic, and have been on previous year end lists of mine. Storm Of Blades continues in their tradition of classic metal riffs and AC/DC-esque stompers. Hell Hofer's vocals lead the way again.  Tracks like Tornado, Hawk Eyes (do I hear Anvil?) and the title track will surely satisfy any fan of good old fashioned hard rock and metal. All held together with the amazing twin leads of Hampus Klang and Alexander Lyrbo, Storm Of Blades grabs you balls and doesn't let go.  Do you like AC/DC? Accept? Krokus?  Go get this record.

10. The Treatment - Running With the Dogs

The Treatment are a band that should be ruling the rock world.  Yeah, they're that good.  Young and cocky, and can write a great tune.  One of those bands that if they had come out in the mid 80's, they would have been massive.  Their last record, This Might Hurt kicked my butt, and this one continues the tradition.  Loads of overdriven guitar riffs and straight up drums recall classic AC/DC and Aerosmith.  If you don't like lead off track I Bleed Rock and Roll, you may as well stop listening to rock music. A true classic.  I've noticed a bit of a change in image over the past few years, but whatever. Keep the tunes coming.  These dudes were good enough for KISS and Motley to take them out on tour a while back.  Keep it up boys!

9. Skull Fist - Chasing The Dream

Canadian metal gods came back this year with the mighty Chasing The Dream.  Following in the wake of Head Of The Pack, Skull Fist has recorded another great record. Like Bullet, these guys keep things pretty true and make no apologies for their love of classic metal and hard rock.  They brilliantly combine the melodies of Dokken and Black n' Blue with the speed of classic thrash.  Zach Slaughter (wasn't it Jackie?) is a guitar god in waiting.  His solos are always the highlight of a Skull Fist record.  Bad For Good shows their melodic side, Call Of The Wild is pure NWOBHM, and Hour To Live shows them at their speediest.  One of Canada's hidden treasures.  I love that they stick to their guns and keep it real.  Bring on the next one!

See you all soon with my next batch of fave records from 2014!  Until next time...

Breezy's Top 15 of 2014! Pt.1

Hello all!  The world's worst blogger is back!  It's been a while since I've done a post in the Quarry, but thought I'd better get around to doing my Top 15 of the year.  I was going to try to blog more this past year, but life gets in the way.  At any rate, there was a lot of great music in 2014, and here is my Top 15.  Starting at the bottom...

#15. Night By Night - NXN

Young English upstarts Night By Night arrive on the scene this year with a brilliant album that harkens back to the rocking 80's.  There are a lot of comparisons to Def Leppard, but I hear a bit more an American sound in them ala classic Stryper and Dokken. Regardless, I love that there are bands that still carry the torch and do it with sincerity.  NXN is full of melodic hard rock and big choruses.  Fave tracks include Holding Onto Holding On, Can't Walk Away, and lead off video, A Thousand Lies.  These guys have the chops and talent to run with the big boys, and hopefully they can land a nice opening slot on a tour to bring their brand of melodic hard rock to the masses.  Def Leppard's Canadian tour might be a good place to start ;)  Great stuff.

#14. Gamma Ray - Empire Of The Undead

I've been a fan of Gamma Ray for a long time, but have lost track of them the past few years. I picked up the Master Of Confusion Ep leading up to this record, and was blown away.  I knew Gamma Ray had a monster on their hands.  Empire Of The Undead is classic Gamma Ray: tons of melody, ripping guitar solos, and all the majesty you'd expect.  This record sounds a bit more stripped down than past efforts, and that's a good thing. Check out epic opener, Avalon, the groovy Born To Fly, and the speedy title track. Also of note, the two covers on the Ep are fantastic (Sweet's Lost Angels and Holocaust's Death Or Glory), maybe will be added as bonus tracks on this record at some point. For fans of classic power metal, check this out.

#13. Buzzcocks - The Way

I've always enjoyed a wide variety of music, as long as it is guitar driven, and has some passion and power behind it.  Buzzcocks are one of the original punk bands from the UK in the 70's.  Albums like Another Music In a Different Kitchen and Singles Going Steady have always been in my collection, but I had no idea they were still going. This was my surprise of the year.  Still led by Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle, The Way is an amazing rock record. Tracks like Chasing Rainbows/Modern Times and Keep On Believing wave the punk flag high with great melodies and energy.  Lots of variety in that In The Back has a hint of Bowie, and Virtually Real has a great sci-fi vibe.  A great album, I'm glad I stumbled across it.

#12. Ace Frehley - Space Invader

The mighty Ace Frehley has returned. Finally.  My fave guitarist of all time has released his first record in five years.  I'll be honest, the clips I heard before the album was released didn't really impress me, but after picking up the album and giving it multiple spins, Ace has released his best record since the first Frehley's Comet album. This album is full of Ace's signature guitar riffage, and his spacey vocals.  What Every Girl Wants and I Wanna Hold You (both of which show how important his sound was in the original KISS lineup) are two of the best tracks he has ever written. Ace stays true to his roots, and shows a bit of variety in tracks like Change and a cover of Steve Miller's The Joker. There's talk of another record coming soon, and I'm already looking forward to it! Ack!

 There's my opening batch of fave records from this year!  Lots more to come, and I will do my best to have them all up by the end of the year.  I'd like to promise that I'll blog more in the coming year, but I've said that before!  Enjoy the music, and remember to support the artists and buy their albums!
 

My All Time Fave Albums #27

The early to mid 1980's was an amazing time to be a fan of hard rock and heavy metal.  So many great bands making quality music across the world. Los Angeles was a hotbed for sure, with the likes of Quiet Riot, Motley Crue, Ratt, Dokken and W.A.S.P. all releasing seminal albums by 1984.  There were also some bands from that era and time that released some excellent music, but may not have reached the heights of some of their peers.  One of those bands moved from Portland, Oregon to L.A. to achieve success, and in the process recorded a brilliant debut.  That band was Black n' Blue.

This record was something that I remember seeing somewhere in a copy of Hit Parader, a new band with a new album, something I had to check out.  As with a quite a few of my purchases from back in the day, this was a blind buy.  The first time I listened to it, I was hooked.  They were labeled as America's answer to Def Leppard, but I didn't hear that.  Black n' Blue's S/T album is full of hooky hard rock ,with a bit of edge, and not overpolished.  Every track is a winner, from speedster Autoblast, to a great cover of Sweet's Action. Hold On To 18 is my fave track on the album, and has become a bit of a rally for myself and friends who are now all older than 18.  Deep cut Chains Around Heaven is a classic, and has recently been covered by Cauldron.

Black n' Blue's S/T is steeped more in the tradition of 70's acts like KISS, Starz, and Sweet, rather than the full on metal of Judas Priest. The real key with this record aside from great performances all around, is the songs, and the songwriting.  Perfectly crafted chunks of catchy hard rock.  The band did gain momentum after this record, and have some other gems in their catalog as well, but this record is still my fave.  Sometimes with older stuff, there is a lot of nostalgia involved, but listening to this record again today is a reminder that it's just damn good music.

Black n' Blue still carries on today, minus two original members (one of which is Tommy Thayer, currently rocking lead guitar in KISS).  Lots of great tunes, here's the video for Hold On To 18.  Lets do exactly that. Cheers!

My All Time Fave Albums #26

There are always those albums that you discover a few years after their release, and you wonder why you missed it the first time around.  Those records sometimes become some of the most important music in your life. This is one such album. Marillion - Misplaced Childhood

I discovered Marillion in High School with their live EP, Real to Reel. It was a more progressive approach to the music I was listening to at the time, but the lyrics and guitar work had me returning to it often. Misplaced Childhood was released in the summer of 1985, and was getting a bit of press in mags like Kerrang.  For whatever reason, I did not pick this album up until probably a dozen years later when I found the two disc set for a good price.  I would say this record is a desert island for me, with it's great concept, Fish's outstanding and touching poetry, Steve Rothery's tasteful playing, and it's fresh take on bands like Genesis and Floyd without ripping them off.  I've introduced a few friends to it, and nobody is ever disappointed.

Misplaced Childhood is a concept album, where all of the tracks run together seamlessly. The lyrics touch on loneliness, sadness, lost love, and losing the innocence of childhood.  Sounds a little depressing, doesn't it? It's done in a very moving way and the album ends on a positive and triumphant note with White Feather.  When an album is this good,it's hard to pick fave tracks.  From the brilliant prog pop of single Kayleigh, through the stellar Bitter Suite/Heart of Lothian and masterpiece Blind Curve, this is a record for people who love good music, and good music is ALWAYS a great discovery.

Although Marillion has forged on all these years (minus Fish) and still making quality music, nothing has caught lightning in a bottle like they did in 1985.  Here is the video for Kayleigh. Enjoy!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013!! The Top 3!

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!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #4 And #5!

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!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #6 And #7!

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!

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.

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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...