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- Review count275
- Helpfulness votes196
- First reviewMay 21, 2008
- Last reviewJune 22, 2011
- Featured reviews2
- Average rating4.8
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![Rush [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/86dd3cfe-2778-4e57-9e9a-b808bfc6813a.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
The first Rush album is a MUST own & hear!
on November 7, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
The very first Rush album "Rush" is the launching pad for one of the world's greatest Rock & Roll/Progressive Rock bands ever. Rush fans must own this legendary album, new fans of Rush should make certain this is added to your collection now. This album without question is not Progressive Rock, it is vintage Hard Rock at it's old school best. Rush would soon follow with their extensive catalog of Progressive Rock albums that we all revere. The opening track "Finding My Way" shows how Geddy Lee had to be influenced in some way by Robert Plant. Geddy also shows shades of Robert Plant vocally on "Here Again". The most famous song from this album is "Working Man", which still gets Rock radio play to this day, has the Black Sabbath influenced riffs as its intro and throughout this song. It is so easy to see how Rush was influenced here by Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, this is the first Rush album and the year of it's release is 1974! It is safe to say that 34 years later, Rush created their own sound, both musically & vocally. It is just amazing to realize that this spectacular Hard Rock album was created 34 years ago!
"What You're Doing" has the Black Sabbath riffs happening as well, yet Alex Lifeson had already begun painting his own legendary style of lead guitar on this song, the leads are powerful and dynamic. "In The Mood" has Geddy Lee giving a vocal performance that would become his persona for the rest of his career, this is in my opinion the one song on this album that sounds like Geddy Lee singing like, well, Geddy Lee. "In The Mood" is a real original vocal performance. "Before And After" has that early 1970's fog covered, Rock & Roll shades sound and atmosphere to it, it is a wonderful song to listen to, the intro being a mellow instrumental that eventually breaks into a Hard Rock jam of delight. Each time I listen to "Rush", just knowing this was the very beginning for such an incredibly important Rock band, knowing and hearing how incredible the music is, I get those chills up and down my arms. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson give us a taste of how brilliant they are as musicians on "Rush", this was a sign of the remarkable career that was yet to come!
Yes, the master percussionist/drummer Neil Peart is absent on this first Rush album, I do miss him and his lyrics here, due to the fact of knowing how he sounds and writes on the future Rush catalog of albums! John Rutsey, in his own right, plays like an accomplished Rock drummer on this album, his tendency and talent for accentuating the Hard Rock beat is an appreciated listen. Anyone who loves Rock & Roll will be doing them self a favor by purchasing the first "Rush" album!
What's great about it: Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson's very first, every song is unique & Rocks!
What's not so great: Neil Peart is not the drummer yet!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Runnin' Wild [Roadrunner] [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7ad37a28-749b-477c-96fb-4699054440af.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Airbourne runs wild with some fun Rock n' Metal!
on November 7, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
One listen to Airbourne "Runnin' Wild" and you will hear influences of AC/DC, Krokus, Helix and Accept. There is absolutely nothing wrong, in my opinion, with wanting to emulate these legendary Metal acts. I really enjoy listening to "Runnin' Wild" due to the fact it is a good time, party and feel good Rock & Metal album. Rock & Roll was never supposed to be so serious anyway, Airbourne has taken the lead from Heavy Metal of yesteryear and decided to deliver a pumped up, get psyched, have fun with attitude album. There really is not one song here that you will fast forward through. You can hear the abundance of self confidence that Airbourne bestows musically, good for them. The album musically is simple, yet great Metal music can be achieved with just a few chords, this has been proven again here. After your first listen, you will swear Airbourne must have other albums, yet they will for certain in the future. This is just one of many bright points for the Metal world to look upon and say Heavy Metal is moving forward with some great young bands. Joel O' Keeffe on vocals and lead guitar is the leader, he sings and plays with seasoned confidence. Ryan O' Keeffe is on drums, David Roads is on guitar & backing vocals and Justin Street plays a mean bass along with backing vocals. The liner notes are justice with full lyrics, credits, and individual band member photos. If you want an escape from your stress and everyday worries, buy "Runnin' Wild" and have Airbourne to get you stoked and care free at your convenience!
What's great about it: Every song is pumped up, a legitimate throwback Metal band
What's not so great: No Complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Light From Above [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8680/8680313_sa.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
It is refreshing to hear a group of young and talented musicians like Black Tide play Metal with a flair of old school flavor. Black Tide mixes it up with some Thrash and straight on old fashioned Heavy Metal. You are not going to hear over aggressive and over the top Thrash with "Light From Above", nor will you hear commercialized Heavy Metal. "Light From Above" is a solid and tight album throughout, Lead vocalist and guitarist Gabriel Garcia is a future star of Metal. He can not only play well, his voice is taylor made for Metal, both the fast and slower songs. Yes, "Shockwave" is catchy and fast, do not overlook that this entire album is quite better than the opening track. "Hit The Lights" is covered here nicely, a fine compliment to Metallica. Alexander Nunez on guitar, Zachary Sandler on bass and Steven Spence on drums round out Black Tide, they have all done a great job on their first release. The liner notes are cool with lyrics, background art, credits and band photos. It makes the Metal community feel confident knowing younger bands like Black Tide are taking the torch of Metal and running with it.
What's great about it: A young, enthusiastic Metal band that can play
What's not so great: No complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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!['74 Jailbreak [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/701e5db2-864f-4521-8d48-49450151e4ab.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Originally released in October of 1984, this 5 song EP from AC/DC is pure Rock & Roll. Add the late Bon Scott's vocals with Angus Young's leads and riffs and what you have is the early days of AC/DC's sound. It is Hard Rock unleashed, these 5 songs are solid and could easily be played on mainstream Rock radio today, anywhere! No one has ever sounded like Bon Scott, no one ever will. The late Bon Scott was an original vocalist, he will forever live on with AC/DC, entertaining generations of new fans. "'74 Jailbreak" is taken from the Australian album version of "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap". "You Ain't Got A Hold On Me", "Show Business", "Soul Stripper" and "Baby, Please Don't Go" are all taken from the Australian album version of the AC/DC debut album "High Voltage". "Baby, Please Don't Go" is a cover song from Big Joe Williams. You will hear early AC/DC sound that is obvious and not so obvious, such as the percussion that is added nicely into "Show Business". The liner notes are superb, a 12 page full color booklet details the history of this legendary album, credits, and great photos of Bon Scott, Angus Young and the boys. No lyrics are in the liner notes. "'74 Jailbreak is a little treasure of 5 songs that is without question a must own for all AC/DC fans and fans of all Rock & Roll.
What's great about it: Bon Scott on vocals, early AC/DC sound, all 5 songs are solid
What's not so great: NO complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Crimson Idol [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8760/8760021_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
W.A.S.P. created a conceptual Metal work of art!
on November 5, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
"The Crimson Idol" is one of those rare albums that you are proud to own, it is an album that you think about even when you are not listening to it. This is a concept album from W.A.S.P. and the Metal genius of Blackie Lawless. The storyline surrounds the main character, Jonathon Aaron Steel, the songs detail his life. From the beginning dreams of becoming a Rock Star, to actually fulfilling a Rock Star's dream, the journey of Jonathon Aaron Steel is anything but glamourous. A gypsy fortune teller haunts Jonathon with her remark, "be careful what you wish for - it might come true." The only true wish this character has is to be accepted by his parents, in the end that wish does not come true at all.
The storyline and it's imagery comes to life through the music of W.A.S.P., the energy level and intense aggression can not only be heard, it is felt. Blackie Lawless has always been one of the most passionate singer/song writers in Heavy Metal, he certainly has maintained that persona here on "The Crimson Idol." Let it be known, this concept album is undeniably W.A.S.P. and Heavy Metal at it's most prolific. The heightened approach to the musicianship is clearly achieved here, breathtaking is the best way to sum up "The Crimson Idol." The second CD is loaded with bonus tracks, most notably the cover of The Who's "The Real Me" performed live, as well as the W.A.S.P. classic "Wild Child" performed live. The cover of Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" is an outstanding studio cut. The breakdown of W.A.S.P. on "The Crimson idol" is as follows: Blackie Lawless on vocals, bass, lead & rhythm guitars and keyboards, Frankie Banali & Stet Howland on drums and Bob Kulick on lead guitar. This album will impress and convince all Heavy Metal fans just how interesting and intellectual Blackie Lawless can truly be. The liner notes are formidable, with complete lyrics, story line and credits. This is an album that can be enjoyed by any Rock & Roll fan, it is heavy yes, yet there is substance and an epic state to the entire project of "The Crimson Idol" that can never be denied.
What's great about it: Blackie Lawless and his musical genius, 2 CD set, fabulous bonus CD!
What's not so great: NO complaints!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Back into Your System [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4883/4883362_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Saliva's "Back Into Your System" rocks steady!
on November 5, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Saliva is a Hard Rock band that really walks that fine line with Heavy Metal. On "Back Into Your System", the opening track "Superstar ll" is clearly Metal. This song is a far out way to start this album. "Back Into Your System" is my favorite track here, it combines the flavor of both Hard Rock and Metal both musically and vocally. This is how the entire album is arranged quite honestly, the songs are structured where melody is heard throughout, yet the music and vocals do bestow their heaviness. The backing vocals throughout this album are evident and done right. There are plenty of mellow breaks to be found, yet that does not detract from what Saliva accomplishes here, this is one legitimate heavy hitter. "Raise Up" is Hard Rock meets Rap, sprinkled with a touch of Metal. "Pride" is the heaviest song with plenty of attitude and patriotism, this is the track that gets the volume turned up! "Famous Monsters" is the ballad that has edginess and melancholy written all over it, not a sappy tune at all. It is safe to say that Saliva incorporates a few genres of Rock on this album, mixing it up and delivering a rock solid album of 12 songs. Josey Scott on vocals proves he can sing the crunch along with the mellow. Wayne Swinny on lead guitar is a treat to listen to and Chris D. (rhythm guitar), Dave Novotny (bass) and Paul Crosby (drums) rounds out this fine band. The liner notes are done right with full lyrics, credits and band photos. If you are into melodious Hard Rock that flirts with heaviness musically, "Back Into Your System" will be an enjoyable and repeated listen.
What's great about it: Melodic Hard Rock, cool vocals, song writing & lyrics
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![This Present Wasteland [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7e000bc9-fd86-4814-a2de-65ea8d7ff922.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Metal Church is back, this is an amazing album!
on November 4, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Metal Church has proven that greatness is "This Present Wasteland." This album is so incredible, I encourage even Hard Rock fans to dive into it! Metal Church over the years have incorporated Heavy Metal and Thrash into their own blend of powerful Metal sound. Ronny Munroe on vocals is prolific and should be heralded as one of the best front men in Metal today. Ronny, without a doubt, is an inspirational Metal vocalist, who makes these songs on this album jump out at you and come to life. "Monster" and "Crawling To Extinction" are unreal with the intensity of the music and delivery of the vocals. Lyrically, all the songs make sense, especially "Monster", where the internet has clearly taken over someone's soul. "The Company Of Sorrow" and "The Perfect Crime" define which direction this album really goes, which is a non stop, Heavy Metal Thrash bounty of greatness. This is honestly one of the best Metal albums of 2008. Metal Church deserves all the respect and adulation they receive for "This Present Wasteland", this is a band that has defined what survivors means and defied any critics along the way. The Metal Church lineup is Kurdt Vanderhoof on guitar, mellotron, mini moog and a true Heavy Metal hero, Ronny Munroe on vocals who is astonishing with range, Jeff Plate on drums and percussion, Rick Van Zandt on guitar and Steve Unger on bass and backing vocals. Important to note are the special guest musicians here, Angus Clark plays lead guitar on "Monster", Chris Cafferey plays lead guitar on "Mass Hysteria" and Matt Leff plays lead guitar on "Congregation". The liner notes are super with complete lyrics and credits, along with artwork created by Metal Church fans from all over the world. The artwork from the fans is really cool, a perfect addition to the total package here. This is one incredible Metal album, "This Present Wasteland" is a purchase no Metal fan will regret, it will only be revered!
What's great about it: Ronny Munroe on vocals, tight and powerful musically, lyrics
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Feel the Fire [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8137fe37-16bb-4436-aaf6-8bef70fa3642.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Feel the Fire is where it all began for Over Kill!
on November 3, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
"Feel the Fire" is the first album from Over Kill and it is required Thrash listening! I have never grown tired of this first effort, it is coated with everything that is old school Thrash Metal. From the attitude and lyrics to the blazing guitar, from the blasting beats of the drums to the monstrous bass, the Metal icing on the top is the vocals. "Hammerhead", "Overkill" and "Feel the Fire" are and always have been my choice cut favorites, yet all 10 songs are solid. The Over Kill lineup for their very first here are Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth on vocals, D.D. Verni on bass, Bobby Gustafson on guitar and "Rat" Skates on drums. Make no mistake, this album if released today, would be a huge deal within the Thrash Metal world. "Feel the Fire" launched a legacy for Over Kill and it is the right choice for all Metal fans to grab.
What's great about it: Over Kill's first Thrash effort, old school Thrash that is current, fast and furious
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![4:13 Dream [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/c50cba04-b3c9-49ea-aefb-acf48e2a7dec.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
The Cure have made it clear here with "4:13 Dream", they are keeping their original sense of song structure and unique sound while creating a dynamic and embracing album. The Cure are one of the very few "College" Rock bands to survive mediocrity while still making a strong statement for Alternative Rock & Roll. The Cure, by releasing "4:13 Dream" have convinced me that not only do they belong on the radar, the Alternative Rock genre does as well. All 13 songs flow together well, musically setting a pace of rhythmic tones and beats that will make you feel like you are lost in a fantastic escape. Robert Smith on vocals is as original and entertaining as any vocalist I have ever listened to, simply put, he engages the listener to step into The Cure's music and not just listen but feel the music. Besides his vocals, Robert Smith is as accomplished a musician and lyricist as well. The entire lineup of The Cure should feel they have created a remarkable album here, you will too when you embark your listening senses to "4:13 Dream."
What's great about it: 13 songs that belong, musicianship, lyrics
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Taking Over [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/0b78b526-c4df-4b95-9333-e77a03117e47.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Overkill takes over with old school Thrash Metal!
on November 2, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
The album "Taking Over" by Over Kill is an important Thrash Metal work. This is as true, blue collar and fierce as you will hear when it comes to old school Thrash Metal. "In Union We Stand" has always been for me, the real Thrash anthem for this genre. This song alone makes owning "Taking Over" worth every penny. All 9 songs are ground splitting, thunderous, shock and awe Thrash. Released in 1987, this album is not just a must for all Thrash and Metal fans, this is in my opinion a top ten Thrash album of all time. The Over Kill lineup for "Taking Over is the legendary duo of Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth on vocals and D.D. Verni on bass, with Bobby Gustafson on guitars and Rat Skates on drums. Over Kill has taken over fans for decades, one listen to this album and you will understand why.
What's great about it: Bobby "Blitz" on vocals, D.D. Verni on bass, true Thrash Metal
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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3of 3voted this as helpful.
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