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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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![A Twisted Christmas [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8024/8024283_sa.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
This is by far, my favorite Christmas album ever. Twisted Sister "A Twisted Christmas" is not just a standard Heavy Metal Christmas album, it is 10 songs that are truly played with spirited enthusiasm and high energy by Twisted Sister. Dee Snider really sings his heart out, honestly giving a tremendous effort especially on "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Dee Snider sings every verse of all the songs in eloquent fashion, accentuating the lyrics when the song dictates. The songs are not performed super fast, they are performed quite modestly, in Twisted Sister/Heavy Metal fashion. Lita Ford appears on vocals alongside Dee Snider on "I'll Be Home For Christmas", this song is done so well that it is an instant natural high! This is the original Twisted Sister lineup performing here. Twisted Sister puts their original sound and Heavy Metal flavor to these songs, yet they do this with the upmost class. These classic Christmas songs are treated here with respect, Twisted Sister in my opinion, has made a Heavy Metal Christmas classic. I can honestly say that this album puts me in the Christmas spirit, it has now become an annual listen starting at the beginning of November! You absolutely, positively, cannot serve yourself wrong by purchasing "A Twisted Christmas," you most certainly will be missing out on a good time if you don't!
What's great about it: Twisted Sister, Lita Ford guest vocals, very fun & puts you in the Christmas mood!
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Lightning Strikes Again [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8805/8805796_sa.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Dokken "Lightning Strikes Again" is a satisfying melodic Metal experience, Don Dokken and Jon Levin have collaborated on the song writing, with the exceptions of "I Remember" and "How I Miss Your Smile" written by Don Dokken and "Disease" written by Don Dokken and Mick Brown. This is excellence in song writing, song structure , vocal harmony and lyrics. The ballads "I Remember" and "How I Miss Your Smile" make for cool breaks between the heavier songs, sung with Dokken's mellow vocal brilliance. "Standing On The Outside", "Give Me A Reason" and "Heart To Stone" will sound reminiscent of 1980's Dokken, hearing the original Dokken sound on some of these songs is a flashback well worth listening to. "Disease", "Release Me" and "It Means" have a more current sound, both vocally and musically. Dokken has put together quite an enjoyable mix of their original sound, ballads and metal, while still accomplishing a current sound you can hear and feel. The liner notes are terrific, with 16 pages of full lyrics, band photos and credits. Dokken is: Don Dokken (lead vocals), Jon Levin (guitar), Barry Sparks (bass) and Mick Brown (drums, vocals).
What's great about it: Dokken vocals, lyrics, great melodic metal
What's not so great: no complaints
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Timeless Love [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7775/7775482_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Smokey Robinson makes "Timeless Love" timeless.
on October 22, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Smokey Robinson "Timeless Love" is a beautiful collection of timeless classics written by an array of legendary composers, (Jimmy Dorsey - Paul Mertz, Cole Porter, George Gershwin - Ira Gershwin) to name a few. Released in 2006, Smokey Robinson covers these songs with the reverence and tenderness they truly deserve. Smokey Robinson needs no introduction, he has been an inspiring contemporary singer/song writer for decades. "I Love Your Face" and "You're In My Me" are two Smokey Robinson originals that will inspire you to either fall in love or fall in love even more with your soul mate. This entire set of songs will make any moment of your day a mellow fantasy of all things good. The bonus interview has Smokey Robinson discussing in detail, reasons for writing "You're In My Me". Smokey explains the advantage of recording this album with all the musicians together, in the studio at the same time. Smokey mentions these songs were written and recorded during an era when the "song was king". On "Timeless Love" the song is king again and so is Smokey Robinson.
What's great about it: Soothing vocals of Smokey Robinson, covers the classics, bonus tracks
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Somewhere Back in Time: The Best of 1980-1989 [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9a88acd1-80b9-42bf-8d42-25e4cf107ca5.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
An Iron Maiden greatest hits you must own!
on October 22, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
"Somewhere Back In Time, The Best Of: 1980-1989" is a collection of quality choice material from the elite Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden raised the bar way back in 1980, storming onto the Heavy Metal scene with a brand of Progressive Metal so new and different. Iron Maiden's music was destined for greatness, with layered guitar rhythms and melodies that have proven intricacies do work when it is arranged with genius. Steve Harris plays bass like no other in the entire world of music, along with Bruce Dickinson bestowing operatic vocals put to Heavy Metal. The song selection here is grand, 15 songs to savor, Iron Maiden could very well have released a 30 song greatest hits, this is complimentary on my behalf. You are not going to buy a recycled collection of songs here, instead you will listen to an achievement of impeccable Metal, that should be looked and listened upon as a celebration of Iron Maiden. The liner notes are really a hit, with 20 pages of full lyrics, album history, credits and the Derek Riggs artwork of "Eddie" the mascot. This is as astute a start for any new Iron Maiden fan to begin their collection, a definitive must own for all veteran fans.
What's great about it: Iron Maiden, song selection, musicianship & vocals
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
![Hole in the Sun [Bonus Tracks] [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8874/8874872_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Night Ranger "Hole In The Sun" is riveting Rock!
on October 21, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Do yourself a favor in 2008 and buy "Hole In The Sun" by Night Ranger. You are in for a Hard Rock treat with "Tell Your Vision" and "Drama Queen", both are heavy and steady with a current sound. "There Is Life" is an up-tempo and positive ballad that will certainly pick you up when the chips are down! "Hole In The Sun" has that vintage Night Ranger hard edge quality. "Revelation 4AM" is a melodic rocker that shows off the Pop Metal accessibility of Night Ranger. "Wrap It Up" and "Being" are two retrospective Hard Rock songs that epitomize why Jeff Watson is one valuable player in the Night Ranger franchise. The two bonus tracks "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian" are both acoustic versions. Due to the uniqueness of these acoustic versions, I honestly like these songs as much as the electric versions. When an original song becomes acoustic, a whole new musical flavor and mood sets in, giving the song an entirely new landscape of sound. This was a terrific way to celebrate these two Night Ranger classics. With original members Brad Gillis, Jeff Watson, Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy, this album sounds like a cohesive and talented musical bond only became stronger among them. New comer Michael Lardie on keyboards is obviously a welcomed talent to Night Ranger. Night Ranger shares lead vocal duties, song writing and lyrical contributions on this album, you cannot find a hint of any personal egos here. The liner notes are just what you want, plenty of band photos, full lyrics and credits, 14 pages in all. "Hole In The Sun" should serve as a template for other Rock bands to follow in creating a diversified and creatively sound Rock album.
What's great about it: Musicianship, song writing, no egos with this band
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Superheroes [EP] [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7459/7459546_sa.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Edguy is a Power Metal band from Germany. "Superheroes" is a 6 song EP that showcases one of the best Power Metal bands of today, with speed and precision these songs are energy packed and melodic. Tobias Sammet can certainly write music and sing, I like to compare his vocals to Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden. "Superheroes (epic version)" is the acoustic version of "Superheroes", both found on this album. I find that both the electric and acoustic versions of this song are fabulous. The electric version being super charged with an almost grandiose delivery on vocals, (Power Metal style), the acoustic being toned down with more feeling and emphasis on the true meaning of the lyrics. Edguy plays with enthusiasm and true Power Metal spirit, it definitely comes across this way on "Superheroes". The liner notes are top notch, (10 pages worth), with band photos and full lyrics and credits. This EP is a must for all Edguy and Power Metal fans. For Metal and Hard Rock fans in general, Edguy is worth a listen for the vocals alone.
What's great about it: Tobias Sammet on vocals, fun lyrics, melodic driven songs
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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![Born Into This [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8505/8505717_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
This is Hard Rock personified by The Cult.
on October 20, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
The Cult "Born Into This" is one dandy of a Hard Rock performance. I have never labeled The Cult as Heavy Metal, yet they always bestow shades of Metal musically when they kick in. The Cult have not strayed away from their sound they have made work so brilliantly over the years. Ian Astbury definitely has a unique and entertaining voice, his vocals set him apart from other Rock singers. The music here does not sound manufactured, what you will hear with "Born Into This" is an extremely talented and respected band that rocks every song with arena style energy and enthusiasm. "Holy Mountain" is the slow down moment, it is a ballad that does not get sappy whatsoever. This is actually a cool ballad based on how Ian Astbury delivers it. "Dirty Little Rockstar" is considered the hit single here, it is fast paced and does give one of many great moments that this album offers. "Born Into This" is the song opener that will get you moving, the rhythm section defines a groovy, funky spirit of sound if you will. The Cult is Ian Astbury on vocals, Billy Duffy on guitar, Chris Wyse on bass and John Tempesta on drums. There are no lyrics in the liner notes. Overall this is a decent Hard Rock release for 2008, I find it memorable and will be reaching for it quite often.
What's great about it: Ian Astbury vocals, great musicians, high energy
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
![March [10 Tracks] [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9031/9031816_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Whoa! The March is Metal brutality unleashed!
on October 19, 2008
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
If you have not listened to or purchased "The March" by Unearth, please do not waste any more time waiting. This is one of the best Metal releases of 2008. Unearth unveils their brand of brutal, ferocious thrash that obviously overrides any past achievements they have done. This album begins with "My Will Be Done", brace yourself because this opener begins faster than you can blink and the grinding Metal onslaught delivered here will make you a believer in Unearth. Sure, there are flirtations with melody on "The March" yet it is packaged with incredibly fast fret work, explosively relentless drumming and bass that could crack concrete if played loud enough. The vocals are commanding, almost carrying you through this metal firestorm and Trevor Phipps makes you realize how important great vocals are in Extreme Metal. Unearth is: Trevor Phipps on vocals, Buz McGrath and Ken Susi on guitars, John "Slo" Maggard on bass and Derek Kerswill on drums. The liner notes are excellent with complete lyrics, a continuation of artistic images based on the front cover theme and a cool band photo. This is not the "same old song and dance" here if you find yourself pondering this album, this is "The March" and Unearth has staked their claim in the Thrash Metal world. Unearth is part of a new era of aggressive Metal and I feel fortunate to be around for it.
What's great about it: Aggressive, ferocious Metal that thrashes, all the songs, vocals
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Unmasked [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/17b3aa50-b847-460d-b2e2-f498a5e2d580.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
Kiss "Unmasked" is going to be more than you would expect to hear. Released in 1980, it is not a Kiss album that should be ignored. Seriously, this is not a shabby effort by any stretch of the imagination, with fun Rock & Roll lyrics that coincide with melodic, catchy, hook driven songs that have the Kiss attitude saturated all over them. All four original members of Kiss are on "Unmasked." Ace Frehley plays awesome lead guitar on "What Makes The World Go 'Round". Space Ace leads the way on vocals with "Two Sides Of The Coin" and it rocks. "Shandi" is the true Pop song on this album, a mid paced ballad with Paul Stanley giving it his velvet vocal touch. You will hear Gene Simmons belt out vocals on "Naked City" and "She's So European". "Is That You?" gets "Unmasked" started with Paul Stanley on vocals, this song sounds unreal when played on high volume. The liner notes are done well, no lyrics yet it has plenty of information regarding credits. Plus, the liner notes folds out to be a replica of the original Kiss poster found inside the original "Unmasked" vinyl LP. Realistically, "Unmasked" is better than half of the Hair Metal music that came out in the '80's, it has and always will have my respect as a legitimate effort from Kiss.
What's great about it: Original 4 Kiss members, catchy and melodic tunes, cool liner notes turn into fold out poster
What's not so great: None. Really.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
![Gods of the Earth [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8750/8750201_sa.jpg)
Posted by: Fiend
from Pennsylvania
I have read The Sword being described as Stoner Metal, Psychedelic and Doom Metal. At the end of the day, The Sword is a Heavy Metal band that fuses their Hard Rock and Metal influences together, to ignite an intriguing sound that is essentially retrospective of early 70's Metal. If you listen to Mountain, early Black Sabbath and are familiar with the early Metal tunnel echo of sound, just add a touch of modern day Metal vibe and you are in for a musical treat. The sound that The Sword has achieved here chugs along with the rhythm section sounding like a Metal march to armageddon. I like the lyrics, deep with a mother Earth theme throughout, mix in some fairies, wizards, black rivers, creatures, a witch and princess and you get the point. The band consists of: John D. Cronise on guitar & vocals, Kyle Shutt on guitar, Trivett Wingo on drums & percussion and Bryan Richie on bass. The vocals I enjoy, they are not abrasive and do not lend to be the focal point of the songs. The music does the talking here, the vocals to me, are not refined Arena Rock or in your face. The Sword is a band that has potential written all over them. The Sword has definitely made some ears perk up here in the world of Metal and I feel they are a welcomed addition to the Metal family.
What's great about it: An old school attitude, retro style Metal, intelligent lyrics
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
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