This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
All W.A.S.P. fans should be quite pleased with "Dominator". This W.A.S.P. album is not as heavy as "Dying For The World", yet it is just as heavy as "Still Not Black Enough". Any way you look at it, it is W.A.S.P. unleashing the Metal thunder, with the speed and heaviness you come to expect. "Take Me Up" is a mellower tune here, it is the atypical slowdown, mid paced rocker that Blackie Lawless has done so successfully many times before in the past. It is a cool song with great lyrics. "Mercy" and "The Burning Man" are two real winners here, the speed, guitar leads and solos are awesome with the trademark W.A.S.P. background vocals all executing with pure Metal precision. "Long, Long Way To Go" is the most political song on this album, probably the most political song W.A.S.P. has ever done. This song is quite fast and riveting. "Heaven's Hung In Black" is the ballad, and the way it is delivered with Blackie's vocals, along with the atmospheric melodies makes it quite inspiring and just plain outstanding! Overall, this showcases a very polished and mature Blackie Lawless executing his Metal genius in quite a formidable way. I feel it is a great W.A.S.P. album to own. After one listen you will throw away the comparisons and rate this as another masterful Metal W.A.S.P. offering. Any Metal fan is urged by me to buy "Dominator", you will be glad you did!
The current W.A.S.P. lineup for "Dominator" is: Blackie Lawless on vocals, guitar & keyboards, Mike Duda on bass & vocals, Mike Dupke on drums and Doug Blair on lead guitar. Darrell Roberts apperars on lead guitar for "Deal With The Devil". The liner notes are 12 pages in full color, of complete lyrics, photos of Blackie Lawless and lots of credits.
The complete song list for "Dominator" is as follows: "Mercy", "Long, Long Way To Go", "Take Me Up", "The Burning Man", "Heaven's Hung In Black", "Heaven's Blessed", "Teacher", "Heaven's Hung In Black (Reprise)", "Deal With The Devil"
What's great about it: Blackie Lawless on vocals, all 9 songs are Metal greatness from W.A.S.P.!
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
The Babys is 1970's Rock & Roll worth checking out
on November 18, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
In January of 1977, The Babys released their first album. "Broken Heart", their second album, came out later that year and "Silver Dreams" became a hit single found here on "The Best Of". "Everytime I Think of You", a mid paced ballad that is a melodic rocker of a song came from their "Head First" album in 1979. "Back On My Feet Again" is another hit single that incorporates what many of The Babys songs feature, that is keyboards with a strong bass line, Pop Rock lyrics with a strong Rock attitude. Add that the musicianship of The Babys is of the highest integrity and you will be listening to one of the late 1970's best kept secrets of mainstream Rock. John Waite provides more than just vocals, his emotion for the songs really come through. "Everytime I Think of You" is a perfect example of how John Waite adjusts his vocals based on the moment of the song.
The original lineup for The Babys was: John Waite on vocals/bass, Wally Stocker on guitar, Michael Corby on keyboards/guitar and Tony Brock on drums. Ricky Phillips joined The Babys in 1979 to play bass, as well as Jonathan Cain to play keyboards/guitar. Jonathan Cain later joined the legendary super band Journey. I recommend "The Best Of" The Babys to all 1970's Classic Rock enthusiasts as well as all fans of Rock & Roll. New fans should enjoy the accessibility of the music and the fine lyrics that made The Babys such a talented band. There are no liner notes, only a song selection, plus a group photo found on the front & back of the jewel case.
What's great about it: All good musicians, John Waite on vocals, greatest hits
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Europe definitely made the most of synthesizers/keyboards with their commercial approach to Heavy Metal. I have my moments when I need some good old fashioned '80's commercial Hair Metal to listen to. Europe "Super Hits" covers ground very solidly with what Europe had to offer from 1984 to 1991. I admire the guitar skills of John Norum, he offers up plenty of energetic & heavy leads and solos throughout. Joey Tempest has the vintage Arena Rock vocals, he could easily overpower the music, yet I feel he never has. Joey Tempest has tailor made Hair Metal vocals, not too aggressive or too sappy.
"Cherokee" is my favorite track on "Super Hits", it has a steady & heavy vibe that flows along with precise structure. "Time Has Come" rocks well, it is a deeper album cut that showcases John Norum very well on guitar. "Open Your Heart" sounds like a ballad, it is actually a hard rocking tune with Norum's signature guitar sound. "Let The Good Times Rock" is a feel good/party time Metal track that should be played the loudest for maximum enjoyment! "The Final Countdown" is Europe's biggest hit ever, it is a psyche you out tune that is now played at plenty of sporting events. You will hear ballads, with "Carrie" being the biggest one for Europe. If you like the Hair Metal from the '80's, then Europe "Super Hits" is a super choice at landing a complete 10 song collection of their best tunes. There are no liner notes really to speak of here, a brief one paragraph intro on the band plus the song credits is it.
What's great about it: All the hits are here, very melodic, John Norum can play guitar.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
AC/DC "Flick Of The Switch" in my opinion, is a great rockin' Metal album that is truly underrated. The opening track "Rising Power" is just that, a powerful song that increases with intensity! The riffs and rhythm section pound away like there is no tomorrow on "Rising Power", it is a great way to start off this album. "Guns For Hire" has for me, the single greatest song introduction in Metal history, that one riff that Angus Young repeats, it is power chord heaven. "Guns For Hire" is really one of my favorite Brian Johnson - AC/DC songs ever. "Deep In The Hole" has all the classic riffs and leads you expect from AC/DC, another great track found here. "Flick Of The Switch" is another standout song. To sum up this album, you are getting vintage AC/DC that holds nothing back, there are no filler songs to be found.
Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd were at the top of their game on "Flick Of The Switch". This album was produced by AC/DC. The liner notes are top quality, with 16 pages of full color band photos, concert photos, a history on the making of "Flick Of The Switch", plus tons of informational bits & pieces that are worth the read.
What's great about it: "Guns For Hire" is unreal, Brian Johnson and Angus Young
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I purchased Johnny Cash "Super Hits" for I owned not one Johnny Cash album. Am I ever glad I added this disc to my collection! I not only always respected Johnny Cash for his contributions to Country and Rock & Roll, I also respect the roots of Rock & Roll. Owning this Johnny Cash "Super Hits" is a must for new fans and makes for a fabulous addition to any music fans collection. My favorite tracks are "I Walk the Line", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", "Big River" and "Folsom Prison Blues". Johnny's vocals are so recognizable, they are gritty when necessary, yet soothing when they ought to be. Johnny's voice makes the song, every song! My best advice is to purchase a true American music legend and enjoy this disc.
The complete song list as follows: "Ring of Fire", Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", "I Walk the Line", "Folsom Prison Blues", "Understand Your Man", "Big River", "I Still Miss Someone", "Jackson" (with June Carter), "A Boy Named Sue" and "One Piece at a Time". There are no lyrics in the liner notes, the liner notes consist of other "Super Hits" titles to purchase.
What's great about it: Johnny Cash, his guitar and vocals are legend.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Slaughter is a worthwhile listen of melodic Metal.
on November 17, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
I purchased 'The Best Of Slaughter" for it is a decent overview of what this band offered for their brand of Metal in the early 1990's. Slaughter has been grouped into the Hair Metal genre, in my opinion that is fine, yet they are a more streamlined, commercially accessible, Metal band to me. My two favorite tracks are "Up All Night" and "Mad About You", these two songs do have an uplifting "let's Rock!" feeling and mood about them. I like all the songs, any ballad by Slaughter has for me, been ear friendly. Mark Slaughter has cool Arena Rock vocals, he obviously not only fronts the band, he is the focal point of this band. Overall, these tunes will do as they are supposed to, they will rock you with plenty of loud and heavy leads, riffs and melodic vocals. In my opinion, Slaughter played some good Rock & Metal in the early '90's. They may not have led the pack, however, they were a key part of it.
There are no liner notes with this disc.
What's great about it: A greatest hits, very melodic Metal, flamboyant vocals
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Obviously, I am an Over Kill fan, my goal is to let anyone who listens to know what an amazing Thrash Metal force this band is. "Wrecking Everything Live" is an excellent concert with outstanding sound and clarity. "Necroshine" sounds better here live than the studion version and the latter version is insanely riveting! Before "Evil Never Dies", Bobby "Blitz" talks to the crowd, I really dig this because it catches the true interaction of what really takes place during a live performance. "I Hate", "Battle", and "In Union We Stand" will blast through your speakers with Over Kill's heightened and furious blend of speed and Thrash power! Man, I cannot say enough about this disc, It gets me pumped and solidifies why I feel Over Kill is the most consistent and best Thrash Metal act for the last 20 plus years!
Bobby "Blitz Ellsworth on vocals is as defiant and solid as ever, D.D. Verni plays the bass here like a Metal god gone wild, Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer prove on this disc they are a formidable Thrash Metal guitar duo, Tim Mallare has it nailed down with his relentless, bombastic drumming. Over Kill takes a back seat to no band in the land. Power, Thrash, quality and consistency with every ounce of integrity, sums up this disc and the entire career of Over Kill! New fans will be hooked, veteran Over Kill and Metal fans have no excuse but to buy "Wrecking Everything Live". The liner notes are 16 pages of full color live concert photos of each band member, plus lots of credits. No lyrics are in the liner notes. Once again, THANK YOU Over Kill for releasing this music!
What's great about it: Bobby "Blitz" on vocals, D.D. on bass, ALL 13 songs, Quality sound!!
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
This "Extended Versions" of Motorhead is all live, ten songs that are from the back catalog of this legendary trio. For new fans of Motorhead or for someone who has never really listened to their music, this is a really cool start. My favorite track here is "Killed By Death", it has an enormous Heavy Metal aura about it, from the thumping bass courtesy of Lemmy to the searing guitar. True Motorhead classics are here, "Ace Of Spades", "Overkill", and "Iron Fist" are live staples at any Motorhead performance. Overall, the quality of sound is fine, there are no unnecessary noises or wasted moments on this live disc.
Lemmy is terrific as usual, his raspy, old school vocals are stuff of legend. Mikkey Dee on drums and Phil Campbell on guitar round out this titanium trio of Rock & Roll. Let Motorhead introduce you to their variety of Metal, you will not be disappointed and it will serve you right!
There are no line notes with this disc, only song titles and running time.
What's great about it: Great live Motorhead Rock & Roll. Lemmy, Phil & Mikkey can play.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
2008 has been an awesome year for Heavy Metal reunions, releases, tours and music. Cavalera Conspiracy "Infliketd" is a reunion of Max and Iggor Cavalera, together again since the days of Sepultura, (a Thrash/Death band they founded together). This release is hardened, aggressive, filled with the built up fires of pain, war and death. "Inflikted" is one gigantic monster of a Metal album. It is Thrash meets Death Metal with extreme attitude blasting straight from Max Cavalera's vocals and Iggor Cavalera's blast beats. After one listen, I wish Cavalera Conspiracy would release a new album every year! With other "full time" bands these musicians star in, Cavalera Conspiracy is a juggernaut of a project Metal band. I found every song on this album to be equally strong, forceful and plainly put, great. Cavalera Conspiracy definitely gets my vote for having one of the best Metal albums of 2008, this should make a top ten list of Metal albums for the whole decade!
Max Cavalera on vocals is astounding, his voice is like a Metal tidal wave that hits you from the get go, never letting up, never backing down. Rex Brown from Pantera & Down fame, appears on guest bass. Joe Duplantier from Gojira is on bass, two magnificent bass players on this album! The always ready and steady Marc Rizzo plays lead and rhythm guitar. Cavalera Conspiracy is obviously an all star lineup, yet you will not find a thread of ego or pompousness here. What you will find when you listen to "Inflikted" is what real Metal is supposed to sound like when you fuse the two greatest genres of Thrash and Death Metal together and layer it with old school Metal genius.
The liner notes come with 12 pages of complete lyrics, a few band photos and lots of credits.
What's great about it: Max and Iggor Cavalera together, every song, Rex Brown on guest bass
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Judas Priest has proven over the decades, they are the leaders of the new wave of British Heavy Metal. With "The Best Of Judas Priest: Living After Midnight", you will hear rip and tear riffs galore from the legendary Metal guitar tandem of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. Rob Halford is the quintessential Metal vocalist whose operatic vocal highs not only thrill, they are down right jaw dropping. Ian Hill has always played a booming bass that never goes unnoticed. Judas Priest has been lucky to have two incredibly gifted drummers over the years with Dave Holland and current skins man Scott Travis.
You will hear the loyalty and allegiance that Judas Priest has for Heavy Metal in their music, both lyrically and musically. Judas Priest is Heavy Metal, they have defined and refined the genre with blistering cuts such as "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll", "Ram It Down", and "Heading Out To The Highway". "The Hellion" is in my opinion, the greatest Heavy Metal introduction there ever was or will be. This inspiring guitar laden instrumental will leave you in awe, it leaves me in Metal bewilderment despite hearing it so often over the years! "Electric Eye" could never be as powerful of a Metal song without "The Hellion" introducing it. Yes, the instant hits are here as well, with "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" and "Living After Midnight", yet it is the deeper album tracks that are so vicious and straight ahead Metal. "Freewheel Burning", "The Green Manalishi" and "Hot Rockin'" are songs that will surprise new fans and have them searching the Judas Priest catalog. The five songs that are live here are just as great, if not better than the studio recordings. The liner notes are ultra incredible, with a 12 page fold out with lots of concert photos of the band. An abbreviated, yet decent written history about the band is also in the liner notes too. I endorse all fans of Rock and Metal to buy this CD and listen to Heavy Metal history as it was shaped by Judas Priest!!
What's great about it: The entire band, every song, 6 bonus tracks! Metal history!