Done with Mirrors - Aerosmith

Today I decided to review an album that I... I don't know, why the fuck not do this. It's not painful to listen to and I quite enjoy some tunes on it, even if they aren't top notch. This is the eighth studio album released the Bad Boys from Boston themselves, Aerosmith. Yes, it is not one of my favorites. I still like it, regardless. This is both the first album after Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band, leaving in 1979 and 1982 respectively, and first to be released on Geffen. While they were away Joe formed Joe Perry Project and released 3 albums from 1980-1982. Brad also started a band with Derek St. Holmes, singer for Ted Nugent, called Whitford/St. Holmes. I don't know if it was a group or just a collaborative album. I do know it was released in 1982, and its follow up in 2016. That being said, it has been some 5 or 6 years (1979), since these guys all played on the same album together. So I kind of look at this as a test to see if the magic was still there.

1. Let The Music Do The Talking: This is a reworking of a songs that was the title track of the 1980 debut album of Joe Perry's solo project the Joe Perry Project. It has some different lyrics, a fact I have only ever read and not noticed. What's more noticeable is the faster tempo, kind of. That and the much more Aerosmith feelinjg to the song, which isn't solely because Steven is singing it. There is a this sort of the classic era vibe, mixed with shapes of the Geffen era to come. Well even though technically started with this album.... I mean more the good stuff from the 13 year period (85-98). This is a solid hard rock number, that while not the greatest tune, it isn't half bad. It does remind me of Draw the Line, which is actually quoted in the solo, but not nearly as good. Well maybe not as memorable as the classics would be a better way to put it. It's fun and a great way to show they're back and start the album off. 
2. My Fist Your Face: That's for sure! This song is not too bad. It's memorable in that I know the chorus and the hook to the song. I mean maybe I listened to it more then I thought back in 8th grade, but I recognize this. The song itself though doesn't hold up. I mean I was never heads over heals, but it could easily be forgotten if I hadn't heard it and it want ingrained in me. I guess the worst part is it's kind of generic. It also kind of reminds me of Pump. 
3. Shame on You: This is another tune, while I know it by heart and can recall what happens I can't say I love it. I enjoy it, but outside of occasion refreshers I can't say I like it. I like the riff there is some punch to it. 
4. The Reason a Dog: "Has so many friends, is he was his tail instead if his tongue". Ouch, the song itself isn't anything special. Very bare with some arpeggios and sounds like a rehearsal or them playing it the first time before its done. Joey was right about this sound like it wasn't finished. 
5. Shela: I like the drums on this and the guitar tone and riff, quite tasty. I like the replication of a siren with the lead in the intro. This song feels like, outside of mixing, it was done. This song isn't too bad and has a lot of nice parts. But the vocals aren't really anything that mind blowing, to me at least. 
6. Gypsy Boots: The guitar in the beginning puts me off a bit, but I like the song itself. Its kind of fun and has a nice vocal harmony that harkens back to Toys title track or Bright Light Fright. Actually this sounds like an 80s redux of Toys in the Attic. But the head is so bland and kills the songs momentum. Doesn't murder, but halts the song. Also great solo honestly, but this "head". Are you fucking me? The solo reminds me a little of Last Child. 
7. She's on Fire: There is some nice acoustic electric guitar in this tune in the beginning. This remind me of a later song but I can't think of it at the moment. This is another passible song. Nothing really mind blowing but you'll remember the chorus. The rest is kind of filler to be honest. Also there are timing and synchronization errors. And there isn't any thing wrong with my Cd because there aren't any scratches. I like the bass that thunders in the track. Nice solo, but the rest of the song takes away from my enjoyment of it. 
8. The Hop: I really dig the drums and the dance feeling to this. Its another fun song that just needed a bit more care. Like I feel like this would be a song that was recorded during the Get Back sessions. Which this kind of could be compared to kind of.  
9. Darkness: This is a bonus track that is exclusively on the CD version of the album. At first I didn't like this song, but then when I heard this in it's entirety, a few times, it hit me. This is one sick fucking song. I really like the band stand vibe. We also get an 80s piano ballad to end the album. Its a very welcome change of pace. I like the Duke Ellington vibe I'm getting from Steven's phrasing at parts. Reminicent of Take the A Train. I also live the tempo change and how the song actually feels urgent and flows. This could also be compared in feeling to Round and Round. This is a bit of a chaos to it but its welcome. Even if the lyrics are kind if cliche. The solo works but not mind blowing. 

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. First off, this is most definitely not one of their best albums. But one thing I love about these songs are that I still, after not hearing one of the songs for at least probably like a good year some even more, I know the choruses to almost every song and know the melody. There is also this weird sort of atmosphere to the songs. Not off putting but it feels almost like there's air. Maybe it was done digitally. I mean I enjoy this over all more than my overall experience with some of the later albums, now at least. Look at it as a transition from the band they were, to the band they would become. Not to say Pump or Permanent Vacation are bad albums, but post 89 isn't very positive in my opinion. Also I want to say I think this was important for the mere fact it was raw, like they used to make, and I guess they realized they couldn't do it anymore. 

5 Souls - Judas Priest

So I decided to break this review into two separate reviews, I originally planned to just do the deluxe version but I ended up wanting to do them separate since there is an EP of the bonus tracks. I don't really have more to add outside of the RoS album should be out soon and hopefully this once a week thing will work out I have already done an months work in advance. As in this is typed like a month before this is being posted.

1. Snakebite: This opens with a classic 80's feeling to it. One of the slower songs along the lines of You've Got Another Thing Comin', which this isn't actually that different from in set up. That isn't a bad thing, but I just don't completely jive with this. 
2. Tears of Blood: "Like tears of your blood, so now that your gone, embrace all that come, and die with a SMiLE". This song also opens like an 80's heavy metal cut, but the intro honestly made me laugh. There was a sort of Def Lepard feeling to it, like I could totally hear this being the rerecorded intro to Bringing on the Heartbreak. Then once the song starts it's faster and there is more agression than in the last track, but it feels like an older wearier Electric Eye. Like what Electric Eye would sound like if it was a person in it's 50's maybe. It's a solid tune if you get past that, but I just think it's okay. There is a solid solo, but honestly I can't retain a single note from it. Like Electric Eye, Living After Midnight, Hell Bent for Leather, You've Got Another Thing Comin', Painkiller, fuck I'd even include the section that replaces a solo in Breaking the Law there is no denying that you remember these guitar solos.They not only stick with you because they rock, there are some theory things behind it also, but point is it's very good and memorable. This sounds like a knock off of one or all of those.
3. Creatures: This track starts and I feel a bit unsure how to feel. Like I mean I've heard this before but I don't know what to compare it to. There is quite a bit of crunch and the song is a bit off. Then the chorus comes in and I'm like Metal Gods? This is okay, but I'm pretty sure I wont remember a part of it by the end of the review. 
4. Bring It On: This song isn't bad, but the lyrics are very cringe. The vocals also make it feel so cheesy that I can take Turbo Lover more serious. And isn't he fucking a motorcycle in that song..... Note I am aware he isn't. This is a better solo and the best thus far. This also is the most memorable that I have heard thus far, though it doesn't hold it's salt to the past solos from the bands heights. This also feels so cheesy, but I digress.
5. Never Forget: My favorite songs is the "lame" song. Ok I'm joking, but it's the sappy ballad. Now maybe it's because I'm a sucker for a pretty ballad, but this is the best (in my eyes) song I've heard before listening to the whole entire front to back. Literally, some of my favorite songs in history are the ballads by that German group, The Hunters. Kudos if you get the joke. This really reminds me of Wind of Change for some reason, either that or The Best is Yet to Come. Maybe more the Wind of Change that was on that 2011 Comeblack album. But I could literally go on for hours about the tones and what reminds me of what, but I know I wouldn't be interested in some snobby person's review that lasts forever. But let's go back about 93 words, or so. It sucks when people, a lah The Next Day, put some of my favorite tracks as the bonus tracks (or b-sides). Like honestly, screw Just Push Play. But really, this should have been on the album, almost any song could be cut to replace this. I get maybe it's out of place, but it's far better than at least 10 of the cuts from the actual album. {7/10}

Overall I have to give this track a 5/10. As you can see if you're fan you'll love this. But if you're not hardcore then I would avoid it, because it's nothing new really. This and Redeemer of Souls feel like they were just cut to fulfill a contract, or to go shit we need to make a new album.

The Stage - Avenged Sevenfold

This is new studio album from Avenged Sevenfold. It happens to be album number 7 and is their first for Capitol after a stint of 4 albums with Warner. This is also their first with new drummer Brooks Wackerman, brother of Chad Wackerman who drummed with Zappa for almost the entirety of the 80's (81-88) but then also did some overdub work from him I believe in 1993. Whatever he was Zappa's last drummer. I'm kinda glad they dropped in in October instead of December, though... the name is kinda... it's really stupid. Once I saw the credits I'm glad they have a nice variety of instruments that's probably a stupid thing to note but I think it works.

1. The Stage: So the first time I heard this I was not really excited. I saw the title and the single cover and though it was kinda dumb. Once I heard the song I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. I mean it isn't a bad song... but it felt like they were doing what they've already done before but not as effectively. Like where are the "chances" being taken and what not. I hear the melodic direction, and the aggression but I don't really feel the aggression or the punch. I really do like the ending though, with the nylon string guitar. Thought I feel like that could have been worked into the song better maybe. Like I don't know, it flows but not as well as it could have.... I don't know. The biggest fault though, imo, is the vocals. They don't really work with the delivery for this track. The opening reminded me of Not Ready to Die, played by Jason Freese, and the song portion kinda reminds me of Carry On or Flash of the Blade at first. The song isn't a travesty but I just don't jive with it the way I do with even Heretic. While Requiem is a song I still dig, and needed a dozen or so listens to appreciate.... I'm not getting anything here. The introduction should pump you up and take you there and it should only grow in its awesomeness. This just kinda doesn't go anywhere and the more I listen to this the less I feel a connection to it. Though I like the drums. The solo is pretty solid and I like how it slows down for a sort of feeling that I've heard on, Victim if memory serves. But again it's okay, but does nothing for me. And most insulting is I barely remember anything once it's over. Even right after I hear the album. I also wish the transition into the nylon string guitar was done a bit better maybe. 
2. Paradigm: This is pretty aggro, but again I'm finding error with the vocals. The feeling I get is there should be a swagger with the vocals in that intro, but I'm not quite feeling it. The drumming sounds great, and that growl sounds tasty but one of my initial impressions was "I feel like this needs more listens". The solo is pretty nice though, even though the first part doesn't do much. The second part has a punch and some power behind it, but it seems too buried in the mix for it to be fully aggro. I definitely think it should be turned up in the mix. 
3. Sunny Disposition: This introduction reminds me a bit of Waking the Fallen. I'm thinking Radiant Eclipse but heavier. The first time thought it seems a bit dizzying and I'm assuming this is intentional. The horns are a nice touch you wouldn't expect, though I feel strings could also add to the song at accenting the vocal line. There's also this Planets feeling to it a bit. Like it feels like a few different songs mixed together and blended to make this song that I don't know if it's a mess or if it's weird in a good way. I mean I get they wanted horns but not sure if they fit this track. It almost feels like ALPoH. It's kinda a jumble fuck. But worst of all it's too long. 
4. God Damn: What a bland song title. Whatever happened to Warmness on the Soul, Desecrate Through Reverence, Clairvoyant Disease, Lips of Deceit. While you may go, corny or lame, you can't deny those paint a picture in your head and make you think for a second. God Damn makes me go " okay, well I don't know if this'll be good but I don't care for the title". The song part is okay and the music isn't half bad. In fact the music during the chorus I've even warmed up to. I'm just not feeling these chorus lyrics, though as I've said I do like the harmonies and the sort of contrast to the verses music. It's lightens up, apposed to the aggression. And they just pulled on my nostalgic heart strings ah-lah, Desecrate Through Reverence/Heretic. Those fucking drums. I don't mind the solo, and I don't mind that Spanish Sidewinder section. But again this doesn't really do anything. 
5. Creating God: I can feel the weird feeling of this, and I like the four on the floor but I'm feeling like I've heard something like this somewhere else. This reminds me of a radio friendly type song, that while not really that weird people might go.... hey that's weird. I feel like, this'll be single. I'm calling it, this sounds like it was written for the radio. Especially the chorus, even though I think it's probably one of the weaker songs and isn't really challenging to me. I know I haven't read the lyrics to this song but the words I hear are having me scratch my head. Not in a I don't get it, but more of a I don't like this. The solo works, but I'm not feeling this one overall. The vocals are what kill it for me, the music is just okay, but the vocals kind of put it in this coffin. Though I guess that riff doesn't work to my savor. That's correct use of that right? Who cares.
6. Angels: This song, I don't know. I do like the eerie atmosphere to this one, it's kind of something I didn't expect and I'm glad they kinda keep in for the entire track. The solo is a nice solo, this could have used strings though. The second solo, played by the good old Papa Gates, is much more interesting I think than Syn's. I will say this track would benefit from that nylon string guitar at the ending more than the title track did. Though I'm not sure they would have worked with the next track as a segue. I want to point out the thing that kind of warms my heart a bit is that chorus, it sounds a bit like a mellotron is being used. I'm pretty sure they aren't using one, but it reminds me of one a bit. Like sampled strings, but a primitive one.
7. Simulation: So I do like the sound effects and the sort of electric piano sound that happens during the verses and the whole atmosphere that is created here. It sounds more like an organ, but whatever. It works for this type of album cover, well the intro at least. Now I feel like the two sections should flow better. Like the effects sound hold over into that drum roll for a few seconds before he starts talking. I think the whole drill sergeant thing doesn't really work that well, but they're going for chaotic. I'm not sure if this works though...... the idea is a cool idea and it kinda of reminds me of a variation of the Nightmare music video. Like maybe what they were saying but you couldn't hear because of the song. The nurse is actually Val, Matt's wife. I wanna point out the more I hear that part the more I cringe. I do think they achieved chaos in the song but I kind want more. I've recorded more chaotic stuff, though it's not complete yet, in my basement. They say that River James Sanders, who's Val and Matt's son, and Tennessee James Baker, who I assume is Zacky's son are backing vocalists on this track. I didn't hear their voices the first time though. I assume it might be mixed in though to the chaos. I guess the whole AI thing has to do with this track, whatever I'm not really digging into that bullshit. I'm more interested in the music and the profound nature of the lyrics. The most upsetting this is like nothing, I mean yeah the chaos sounds cool, but like I'm not feeling anything. I mean, to be honest, I'd much rather listen to Oxygen or For Adolphe Sax or I don't know something more chaotic. I will say though, after Val talks that solo is fucking tasty. Top notch and it is almost worth playing this song to get to it. Almost, but again, not completely. I mean I guess the evil prayer on Requiem is cheesy, but that song is not only bad ass but it works.
8. Higher: I don't think this works on spotify, you can't have interruptions in the middle of the songs. Like I feel like that completely ruined my impression of this song, given how it started. Fucking asshole commercials. I do like the song, but I didn't get the full impact until I picked up my CD copy. I did like the ideas going on and what was happening in the song, like the different flavors mixed in there. The piano and the multi tracked vocals work I think. I mean there is a bit where I'm like... eh, but for the most part I liked that introduction. Now the song starts and I'm not feeling that as much, I do like the sort of odd time to the riff. I can't pin the time signature, but it sounds like there is an extra 8th or 16th note. I like it. The chorus is nice, but first time thought it's too short. The vocals though, like they hurt my ears at parts. I like the sort of choir that is behind the prelude to the solo. I could be wrong, but did I correctly count 4 over 3. The choir that sound like its out of an 80's or 90's song. It kinda reminds me of Like A Prayer a bit. I don't really approve of the effect on his vocal, but I think it works. I like that piano that has a little part for just like two seconds. There are a lot of nice details in this song. It isn't prefect, but I like parts. And the piano towards the ending reminds me of Epic. It's a decent track {7/8}.
9. Roman Sky:  This opens promising, with a guitar that hark-ins to the ballad off the last album. So why are they fucking with his vocals. This feels like a shitty version of Crimson Day, or at least a version that doesn't click. I will say, the guitar is still pretty solid and I wonder what key or mode or scales he's using for this. But the strings are a bit irritating me, like the best part of the song is getting burried. And I guess as it progresses the instruments balance much better and the song unfolds into a solid track. But that first minute and a half or so is like a bit cluttered. The balance is all fucked. And I guess I could nit pick the balance with those strings are very fucking. Okay it's supposed to be gorgeous and heartfelt and pretty, and it feels generic. They are pretty, but it's not pulling on my heartstrings the same way Acid Rain does. It has it's moments, like during the solo, the arrangement works very well. In fact I hear some Malmsteen in the solo. But like I don't know, I don't think I can bold this track, there are to many moments it's off for me. And those two songs I compared this two, I actually went back and revisited them to hear why they work and it's because the lyrics are much better first, the vocals also are more effective. But you feel the emotion and the guitar doesn't come in and out it kind of plays it quite, until the solo. It's kinda like too much at once isn't good. Both of those ballads have phenomenal arrangements, this isn't really. Simple but effective, this is not simple and not effective.
10. Fermi Paradox: The drums introducing this song has a nice feeling to them and I like energy of this track. The intro also reminds me a bit of a not stripped version of something off Hail to the King. I still think the guitar should have more punch, but it works..... But I'll admit, the second the vocals started I made a fact that was like "did someone just shit down here". The vocals ruin this song, and the energy just dies. Like instantly, though I do like they guest guitar work from Yngwie. That's a joke by the way, but it sounds like something I could hear on one of his record. I like the vamp for the solo, and the solo itself works fine. Also I am aware of the Fermi Paradox, but I forgot what it was called. Like I have heard of it, I just didn't recall what it was called... if that makes any sense. The whole, we can logically assume this exists but if it does then why don't we have enough proof to suggest that it even could exist. Also I can't be the only one to cringe when I hear those "AMSR" vocal part. No, not good.
11. Exist: This albums sonic attempt at making a Save Me, or rather an epic closer kinda. I will say it's a pretty solid track that needed multiple listens, it's much more effective than Book of Souls.  longer cuts, and the composition is pretty nice. There are lots of sequences and classical touches and I think it's a well arranged track. There are parts in that intro where I feel it's up to the power of Save Me.The dual lead in the one descending riff is awesome. I also like the other descending riff, even though it also ascends. The horns reminds me a bit of Planets. Actually this could be a mix between Save Me and Planets. There is this sort of solo before the vocals section come in and it give me goosebumps. Loving that tone, and then I really love the electric "acoustic" guitar that leads introduces the vocals. I think the vocals are fine here, and this part in and of it's self is a great song. Kind reminds me a bit of Gunslinger. It's also a nice contrast and way more relaxed, and is a nice contrast of what happens later. Everybody sounds good here, though I am not crazy about the effect on Matt's voice. It doesn't ruin the vocals though, just a slight nit pick more than a real problem. I also love when the strings come in and I'm glad they had them come in... thought I'm not crazy about the drums at that part before the chorus. It kinda felt odd, or maybe off a bit. Like kinda oh lets put something rather than work I guess. I don't know. I really like the bass line in the track and everything works together to progress the song and the details are really nice. The transitions and developments into the solo are nice too, thought I don't think the solo is mixed loud enough, but that's just me. I do like the keyboard sequence here, the guitar also has a nice accent feeling. And I really like what's happening here. When I saw Neil deGrasse Tyson I kinda rolled my eyes. I was like wow, they would.... or anyone would really. I understand what he's saying works, but I don't think it sonically sounds that good. Like the way it is like it was over the phone in the background. Not really feeling that, but I think the words work I guess. The only thing is eventually there should be a part where Syn just fucking shreds. They probably kept it out to have the focus on the the words, but I don't know I kinda what that solo to add so there's something more to hear beyond listen 3 or 4. Also I mean I get what he's saying but I kind of disagree. Basically people are very shitty and self absorbed partially because we only see us. We need to realize how truly insignificant we actually are, and maybe then we'd "grow up". He uses bigger words to convey what he's saying, but I don't think people'd be less shitty if we did that. Maybe I'm misunderstanding that, maybe he's just saying he doesn't get caught up in the retardation that is us. But people have been around for how long? We still have many of the same problems like war, corruption/manipulation, intolerance, pride, ignorance, willingness to be ignorant among many others. So I doubt that'll ever change. If it somehow did, it would eventually crumble and we'd be fucked in the ass again, its only human. Well never be a Star Trek society unless you force us to be against our will. But this is a great tune and probably the best one here. The 15 minutes is justified. {8/10}

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. My initial listen I was unsure if I liked, it was okay and I was satisfied. The one thing though is it didn't feel like Avenged. That's not a bad thing, but that's also not a really good thing. After a few listens, like enough to where I was like... "Okay, this is what I think" I realized something. I don't think I'm gonna be listening to this album by the time the next one comes out. Hell two months from this review I probably won't. There is something about it that just doesn't click for me. The other bands I've out grown almost completely, I like this more than them. But like, Brooks is a solid drummer, but I'm not sure he should have wrote with them. Though they kind of have to change their sound because they don't have The Rev anymore, and Arin's gone, so I don't know. I will applaud them for kind of throwing me off the trail of predicting what will happen next. So many bands make albums and I can listen to 10 seconds or 30 seconds and know what's gonna happen or have the basic idea. In fact, most of those bands you can listen to three songs and you've gotten more out of that than listening to the 11-15 tracks. I respect they aren't going back, or stripping down, they're pushing ahead. There's a lot of good ideas on this record, but like so close. I wonder if they were trying to do a more complex version of the last record. But they also made a less effective one, the tracks on that that are good still are good. I don't know, I think I'd rather revisit "We got it from Here.... Thank You 4 Your service." or for sure Blackstar and maybe untitled unmastered. I guess it's just depressing I bought two CDs this year, and one of them I only have to complete my collection. Ill probably do the next album by these guys but my stance on my fan hood has been shook. Maybe l'l do my favorite album of their next.

The End - Black Sabbath

This is the second, technically if you don't count album tracks, Ep by Black Sabbath. I could be wrong about that, but I'm pretty sure I'm not. I decided to review this, because I did review 13 and I've been wanting to do one of the group for some time now. I do plan on getting maybe Forbidden (:D really) or Mob Rules out before 2017 still, but you know.

1. Season of the Dead: Opening the album we get this sort of doomy, nice opening that I really am digging. The only real complaint is I could very much see this being any song really on the album. Like it's nothing that mind blowing, it's just kind of okay.
2. Cry All Night: I like the wah on this tunes opening. I mean this isn't a terrible tune, but the second time around it kind of loses some of it's interest. Like this isn't as good time number two or three. All thought "who gave you the right" made me laugh because it reminded me of Michael telling Toby "what gives you the right". Even thought the song changes into a slower pace I mean is that really that shocking. I mean did that take anyone by surprised they did this.
3. Take Me Home: "Tonight, I don't want to let the feeling go aria". Whatever, this is solid, but much like the other tunes, this sounds ike it's an outtake from the last record. Upon looking it up, I got to this track, I discovered it is and so are all the non live tracks...... Figures. While I do like the nylon string solo, I can't really say that took me off guard. I mean this is the band that put out Fluff and Planet Caravan. I mean that don't have to experiment, but that's what made (even the lesser of the album) 70's material so good. That had fun with it, kind of. 
4. Isolated Man: This really sounds like a lesser version of a Sabbath tunes that I kind of have tuned out, either that or Ozzy in the 2000's. There isn't anything here for me to really hold with me. It starts and ends. Also If I'm being honest, that intro reminds me a bit of Faith No More's 1989 tune Suprise Your Dead!. Just a hair. Tasty solo, but again, am I really surprised this is happening here.
5. God is Dead? (Live Sydney, Australia 4/27/13): Don't get me wrong, I like this tune, I think they vocal thing that sort of bothered me at parts sounds good here. The only down side to this live version, is it looses some of the atmosphere I think. It's not as eerie. It's kind of like if you were to hear a prerecorded version of a song for a live performance. There isn't much variety to this.
6. Under The Sun (Live Auckland, New Zealand 4/20/13): Of the live tunes, the only one to be not from the new album. This finds it's home on 1972's Vol. 4. This is still a solid performance, it's just..... I mean there isn't anything that makes this amazing you know. I just don't feel it you get me.
7. End Of The Beginning (Live Hamilton, ON Canada 4/11/14): This is just another live version of a song. It's okay it's not super amazing, or really that sick. I mean the one part reminds me of Fairies Wear Boots, but outside of that I'm just feeling neutral on this ditty. My biggest complaint though is even thought theses songs are very predictable, they are long as fuck. Like I've heard longer songs that end sooner.
8. Age Of Reason (Live Hamilton, ON Canada 4/11/14): Hey, he saved me the touble and said where the tunes from.... even though I knew, but it is what it is. This is just a live version of the song. You know I think I'm disappointed because even thought I'm not a huge fan they're records usually don't take forever to end for me. There is always something for me to admire you know. Here, I just don't know. All thought I do like the keys or the choir sounding thing in the middle of the song. All thought I will say, I'm glad this is the last track on the EP.

I have to give this a 5/10. It was better than Dystopia, not better than Blackstar or Heaven Adores You but it's only a month in the year so lets cross our fingers. I still have hopes for Waves, SVIIB

You can almost look at this as a sort of 5 Souls Ep and the Reedemer of Souls album. That just took the 5 bonus tracks from the deluxe edition and put them on vinyl for record store day. You can look at this as the cuts that weren't on that bonus disc. To be honest, this could have come out a few years ago. I don't see why they waited until now, I mean I understand "The End" but you could have turned that deluxe edition purchase worth someones while (The Next Day Extra *cough*). But in all seriousness this wasn't bad, I just wish they'd take a note from the Blackstar booklet (push themselves to make something truly great and new). To their credit the Ep was completed two years ago, sorta (the tunes were done 3 years ago). 

Motörhead

Recently, Lemmy passed away. Now I can't say I'm really a fan of this band, but I can say the first string of albums, at least up to Iron Fist (I haven't heard most of Another Perfect Day yet) are pretty solid all the way though. Of those albums, I remember this being my favorite. And while it's been a long time since I heard this album, I still remember enough to still fell the same. I may not be directly affected by this news, he has been in and out of the hospital numerous times these past few years, but you know it's better. No more worrying, no more him being sick. As much as it might seem weird to take it, for some people, I think death isn't the end. He's going to live on in the hearts of the people who love his music. That is where, more or less, he affects me. Many artists I love have been influenced by Lemmy so I really can't not do something to show I appreciate that he has, somewhat, affected my tastes and likes in music. Okay, this isn't the first album recorded, the first one recorded was On Parole. That was released in 1979, but features tracks recorded in 1975-1976. These were all recorded in 1977. The tracks ther were rerecorded were tracks 1-4 and 7. Also by reviewing this I'm going to reviewing everything released between 1977 and 1982. And probably Mean Machine (one of my favorite tracks by them).

1. Motörhead: This is a track, written by Lemmy, that was first featured as a B-Side  to King of Speed by Hawkwind in March 1975. Then obvioulsy, as stated earlier the whole On Parole, and now this 1977 version. I think this is probably the best recording of the track. When I hear this I think if punk. Like punk that is considered punk. Not hardcore or any other kind. Just punk. This is pretty raw, and sounds like it was done in one take. This song straight up rocks, killer playing, killer solo. This hasn't gotten old and I don't see it getting old any time soon.
2. Vibrator: Here's a factoid you may not know. This song was written Larry Willis, and another guy who isn't as important really, who was in early UFO. All that side, this is a rocker, and it really feels like punk. Like I could see Bonnie Rotten (haha) singing over this and it being on a Sex Pistol album. Or if Iggy sang over it it'd fit snugly on the Stooges debut or maybe Raw Power.
3. Lost Johnny: This is another straight forward track. There isn't much to say about this track that I haven't said before. Though this isn't as good as the last two track.
4. Iron Horse / Born to Lose: I really think the drums in this track are pretty cool, maybe it's my copy, but the bass is mixed way too low. I hear it doing some things, where I think it's interesting, but that could also be my imagination. I can't really make it out. The solo here is nice, but it's still nothing to write home about.
5. White Line Fever: I don't know if I ever heard this track but it always made me laugh. I don't know why, the title, but it just kind of did. Now that I hear it... I can say that it is very much in line with the other tracks.
6. Keep Us on the Road: There is a different feeling I'm getting from this track. While I can't pin it down, I can say this. It's nice for a bit to have a kind of different feeling. This is probably my favorite track so far that isn't the title track.
7. The Watcher: I really like this bass line, it's opening is pretty cool. This is very different from the rest of the tracks and stands out. This isn't my favorite version of the song, I prefer On Parole's version, but this is still a solid track. I do really like the ending, with the solos but there is something that I've heard with this same general melody at that part. I can't quite pin it down. Also I dig the phasing, reminds me of Hawkwind.
8. Train Kept A-Rollin': While the best version, seriously, of this is the 1974 epic by Aerosmith I still like this song. The Yardbirds have a great version, Tiny Bradshaw's original 1951 version is pretty great itself. I don't think I've heard a version of this I don't like. This is a pretty solid cover of the classic, and it's pretty similar to Aerosmith's version. I mean, besides maybe the change in the solo and vocals there isn't much new brought to the table with this verison. It closes, but it's not that much of a satisfying closer.

Overall I have to give this debut album by NWOBHM legends Motörhead a 6/10. This album has a more traditional punk feeling to it than later albums. Though punk is always present, to some extent, later records are more crushing (rock/metal). You could also argue on tracks like the title track and The Watcher there is still a Space Rock influence. Maybe I'm nuts, but I can imagine if it were a tad different it'd be one. This album is still a solid listen front to back, it's just that there isn't much variety. I don't know.... It's still fun to listen to . I feel like I should pick an album I know would get a better score, but I don't know. Maybe next time. Also, I can't wait to pick up Blackstar.

Metal Magic - Pantera

I planned on doing this New Years Eve, but I feel God had other plans. I don't really want to talk about it, because I know it's for the best, but my grandfather died on New Years Eve. I was there when he died, and he was surrounded by family, I couldn't ask for anything better. So I will still review this, just not the intended date. In honor of the recently release (December 4th, 2015) Pantera compilation 1990-2001 and the fact they won't pretty much don't acknowledge that they came out with albums before Cowboys, I decide to only review their 80's albums. After that I'll do the 90's, I may do all of their albums up to Reinventing the Steel, but not until the first four records have published reviews. In fact I think the only reason any knows this cover anymore is if they are a die hard, or have seen it on a list of worst cover. The other possible outcome being that they, like me, stumbled upon it one way or another. Oh by the way, don't say this isn't Pantera because the only member who was on Cowboys that wasn't on this is Phil. That's because Terry Glaze is on vocals for the his one. This album was released on their own label Metal Magic Records on June 10th, 1983. So 7 years prior to Cowboys. Also this was on the 20 terrible debuts by great artists list from rolling stone... So chances are its fucking good :)

1. Ride My Rocket: Opening with a title, that with this cover, is cheesy as hell. Opening the album we get what sounds like people cheering, then it progressively gets turned into a loop and hypnotic. I could almost see this being on a Hawkwind record. I can't imagine the song, but the main riff reminds me a tad of Detroit Rock City. When the song plays it isn't terrible, just kind of forgettable and generic. But I can tolerate it.
2. I'll Be Alright: I'm so damn close to making a Kenny Logins joke. I'm going to be 100% honest right now, this reminds me of Judas Priest. But one of the good songs by them. There a a lot of forgettable songs of their's from the 80's that seem to appear on greatest hits, songs like Delivering The Goods or Unity. Both terrible songs, this is more in line with the heavy hitters.
3. Tell Me If You Want It: "Tell Me if you need it. I'll be walking outside the door, around you I'll confide it". This is so 80's it isn't even funny. That isn't a bad thing, I just can totally see this being of it's time. Although, Diamond is really killing this solo. Nice to hear something that uses the same distortion as Cemetery Gates this early.
4. Latest Lover: This is pretty generic 80's I could almost mix this up for a number of bands. I don't know.
5. Biggest Part of Me: The beginning has synths that remind me of something I can't pin down. But this song turns into a pretty generic power ballad. Also maybe if the album was an Ep this would go over better.
6. Metal Magic: Do I like the title track, yes. To be completely honest, it makes sense this is how theyd sound. This is hair metal, but there are hints of like Priest in this. This was the first track i heard alone, and you know, I liked it. Honestly, outside of the vocals, this could be a priest song. I do like that Halloween-esque horror film vocal thing and its got tasty distortion on this. If I'm being honest, lots of glam metal/hair metal groups look and sound faggy. They just sound weak and don't deserve the Metal title. But this, while yeah it kind of is, its not half bad. I won't listen to it outside of maybe to remember because I forgot about it, but its not terrible. 
7. Widow Maker: I really don't know what to say other than, Priest track. Also terrible name for a song.
8. Nothin' On (But the Radio): I have to say, me personally, I think this is the stupidest fucking title ever. It bothers me a bit. What the fuck am I listen to, there is this beat in the beginning. It almost sounds like it's a joke, then it goes into a rendition of Hearbreakerby Pat Benetar. Shockingly, this chorus is more 80's than anything I've heard her.
9. Sad Lover: Ah, what could be better than hearing Diamond Darrell playing guitar on two song with the word Lover in the title, and it having a very ordinary word in front of it. To be honest that song came and went. Also I feel it takes too long with the fake ending and then how it comes back.
10. Rock  Out!: "With you cock out, like who this kid, it's just something I've seen Prince do. Its true. No matter what, I'm showing up Who gives a flying floating fuck What people say, or think? Cause end of the day, start of the day they all said we wouldn't get here anyway You blink, and Wolf Gang's in this bitch...". 

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. Is it their best, no. Is it a piece of shit, no. I still think it's worth checking out where they started. I hate when people do stupid shit and try to cover up their past. We deserve to hear it if you released it. Even if it's an hour of you shitting, you released it. Let us hear it. There was a episode of South Park and it brought up an interesting point. Once you put out art and it touches people it not longer is yours, it's everyone's. It's for anyone to enjoy and have and hold and used for their own use. Hiding this and covering it up is like cover up all the embarrassing parts of history because no one wants to admit it. I'm also of the belief, if you are truly a fan of something you will be able to critically analyze and understand why you don't like certain parts of their career, or story or whatever it may be. At the end of this confusing pointless paragraph, this is pretty generic but if you like 80's glam metal or Pantera then just check it out. If you want to just hear it for shitts and giggles, then there's that choice too. But I've heard far worse music than this.

The Book of Souls - Iron Maiden

Something I want to note is I think I wasn't clear about my list of disappointing albums. The thing is Motörhead has been making the same album since, who know how long. So honestly you really can't find.... there isn't really any point to argue. They do still play well, it's just not enough variety. This is the sixteenth studio album by NWOBHM legends Iron Maiden. This is a band I loved, the not so much loved as much as certain album's by them I love. For this album I was looking forward to it. I wasn't impressed as I wanted to be by Bad Magic and Beauty Beyond the Madness was good enough. So I was kinda hoping this would be interesting, which it is... kinda. I mean this band, even if the song is bland, almost always has great topics. Topics I couldn't ever imagine me writing a decent, let alone epic, song around. Something that should be noted is this is the longest record by the group, at 92 minutes, and it's also a double album. And this also contains the two of the longest songs by the group. Though they have been putting out more progressive structured songs. Or rather longer albums in general. Another thing I like is that this has some pretty cool song titles. Not the coolest, but that first and last track sure paint a picture in your head. But anyway, I might do reviews eventually for The Night Creeper (I plan on it), Repentless, Lost Themes, Chasing Shadows, A Raw Youth, I Worship Chaos, Sour Soul, The Magic Whip,  among others.

1. If Eternity Should Fall: For such a bad ass title, this track doesn't live up to it. With a title like this this should be the epic journey The Red and The Black wishes it could be. It should be in line with such tracks as The Odyssey, Paradise by The Dashboard Lights, The Foreigner Suite, Larks' Tongue in Aspic Part I, LA Woman and so on. Listen to this, and hear me out. I have a much better idea for a song that could be an epic. One could be a song about heaven literally falling, or figuratively and it fall to sin. It could be a metaphor or allegory for the way man is becoming less Godly. Another could be the fall of a relationship, on that you thought would last though eternity. Another could be the end of the world, and you standing witness to the end of everything you knew and loved. There is endless number of Epic topics for a title like this, and they did nothing of the sort. Fuck I might write one of those. the best part is anyone of the above topics are totally song topics they'd cover. 
2. Speed of Light: For a second track this leads to a whole lot of nothing. Seriously there isn't a single second of anything here you can't hear elsewhere. Not that this is bad, its just... Nothing special. This sounds like a Guns N Roses song. That intro is a spitting image of Nighttrain or I wanna say Double Jive Talk or Perfect Crime. The music is very similar during instrumental sections to that band.
3. The Great Unknown: While better than the previous track, tell me this doesn't scream Number of The Beast in the intro. I can't quite pin a specific song for the riff section, but that's because I need to revisit my Maiden. As I sat here, I though nice solo. I also thought, wow... .I don't know if I'm ever gonna review a new album by an old artist again. Unless it's Zappa of course ;)
4. The Red and The Black: This track sits just 12 seconds short of being the second longest track ever released by the group. Now will this hold up to it's epic 10+ minute brotheren. No, but let me explain. That riff is solid, it has power. But it has the same problem Music From Another Dimension has. There is no real punch. The guitar is mixed to low and it's played with force. Bruce also isn't singing with as much conviction as I want. This did cheer me up when the riff started reminding me of Rime (this is kinda of a reworked, less interesting version of the track). That vocal chant reminds me also , a little, of Rime. I guess I like the synths and keys, because they  are evoking Symphony X a little, but Underworld is a far more interesting progressive metal, or rather metal with progressive song structures, than this. I can assure you I'll never return to this or any track on this album again. (unless it's bolded). The ending picks up, but not enough. This doesn't have any business being this long. If you want to hear something that's got a real punch and's 19 minutes long, listen to Peter Brötzmann Trio's 1967 classic For Adolphe Sax, the title track specifically has a bad ass punch. Also that ending riff reminds me too much Róisín Dubh to forgive. :(
5. When The River Runs Deep: What can I say that I haven't said earlier. Well I guess I can say this song doesn't click. It kinda sounds like a cluster fuck. There are so many different elements here, and they just don't really compliment themselves. It's almost like a young punk band wanted to play and they add a melodic hook, and shift tempos and stuff as often as they want. There are some songs that reminds me of this one but it'll take to long to remember. If I figure it out I'll post it up after this goes up.
6. The Book of Souls: I really don't want to listen to this anymore at this point. But upon listening to it on it's own, I have to say I do have stuff to say. Listening to it on it's own helped me understand the song better. I read somewhere they took the tracks and kinda wrote them, rehearsed and recorded them at the same time. This is too, this proves (as with the other tracks) they can't hold a song this long (are any length) with it being well rehearsed. When I listen to this all I hear is re-arrangments that need to be done. This isn't that bad of a song, it's just not hammered out enough. Maybe a counter guitar lead over the riff. Make the bass more booming. Make me feel it in my gut. The thing is the reminds me a shit ton of Brave New World, at parts. I am kinda waiting in the pre-chorus sounding lines for him to say that. I actually like the synths in this track. They remind me of the little hidden synths in another album I was listening to earlier this year. I can't quite remember, but when I do I'll add it in. I feel like this song would be better if this band maybe listened to V: The New Mythology Suite. This could use more Egyptian/ancient/eastern scales. They could be using them, but I can't really pick up on them. But also I shot my ears (the pitches) out before listening so it's hard to hear the fine details. Even thought I've heard the intro to this song tons of times, even in non metal songs like Roundabout, I'll cut them some slack.

Now on to disc 2, and based on Disc 1 ............... :(. The biggest disappointment I'll come out and say right now is the fact that this album isn't epic. I know voices change over time, but this is a double album and should be so fucking epic you cum in your pants when your hear it's name mentioned. And yet I get flaccid when I think of this. Does that make any sense? And the fact it could have been (and still could be) Bruce's last record, only makes it worse. And honestly, after reading what was said about the album before it was released, and what should have happened, it doesn't even come close. There isn't anything here at all you can't easily find on another album by the band, minus an 18 minute long track. I kinda wish this was made in 1988.

1. Death or Glory: Again, nothing. On every album there's always a song that is really nothing. Like it doesn't equal to anything. This is very much a clone of those songs. Thought most of the songs here are pretty much clones of each other. Not much variation. But I will say this, this is the closest to excitement on the album I've heard. Excitement in the vein of Flash of the Blade (though over time I've grown sick of that cut), Number of the Beast, Wrathchild, Wasted Years, The Trooper even Transylvania (by far my favorite track by the group). So that's a positive. 
2. Shadows of the Valley: "As I walk though the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there's none left. 'Cause I've been brassing and laughing so long that Even my mamma thinks that my mind is gone But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of You better watch how you talking, and where you walking Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk I really hate to trip but I gotta lope As they croak I see myself in the pistol smoke fool I'm the kinda G that little homies want to be like On my knees in the night, saying prayers in the street light". Name this Tune. If you can I'll let you read what I have to say about this track. It opens very similar to what 1986 track. And it continues with a very similar feeling to that track. I guess it's a solid track, but really how solid is it. It's so.... I don't know.
3. Tears of a Clown: Being inspired to write the song about Robin Williams' suicide, Bruce has noted this is his favorite track. And honestly, this goes beyond the fact I don't like Williams, this song is not that good. I'll stick with Smokey Robinson's version.
4. The Man of Sorrows: More like Man of U.N.C.L.E. hahahaha that movies just came out, and I know about the show way before the movie was even announced. :) But this isn't half bad. It reminds me a little bit of Avenged Sevenfold, it also reminds me of Wasted Years. The song I'm thinking of specifically is one like a Crimson Day. Thought the solo in the beginning reminds me of Dear God, if I'm remembering correctly. Or maybe a song off City of Evil or Hail to The King. But it also reminds me of Symphony X a little. You know if I liked this album more, or way more interested I'd care to think harder but no. Then the song goes into a more "synyster" territory. Not awesome solo are awesome writing wise, just it gets darker but fucking looses it's evil grips and goes to just okay after about 5 seconds. What happened to these guys. The solo is also one of the most boring solos I've ever heard in my life. The pre-solo, not the fills, the pre-solo. It's so fucking un-energetic, it's no. And then the real solo, just barley gets to say it's anymore exciting. Even if they were going for a more subdued solo or a more emotional ballad solo, fucking listen to a Scorps record or something COME ON! and then another fucking solo. This album has so so so much you can just take out of it. If the healthy weight (for the analogy basically no filler) of this album is 150 pounds, this albums 600. And worst of all this tainted the only song I actually gave a shit about....................... (>XO)
5. Empire of the Clouds: This is the closer to the album, and is the longest track ever released by the band. Written by Dickenson, who also plays piano on the track, this sits at 18:01. The song that is behind this sits at 13:45 and was Rime the Ancient Mariner from 1984's Powerslave. That song was well worth the 13 minute length, now the problem here is, is the worth the 18 minutes. Another 18 minute track that is justified in it's length is Foreigner Suite. That song is amazing and works perfect. This song, while it isn't of the ranks of the aforementioned tracks, this is solid. I mean This is honestly the first track I heard from this album, I heard them out of order and listened to the long tracks and the single first, that I want to revisit. Not to better understand, but because I want to. Is it perfect, now, but it's a nice change. I mean even Seventh Son is kinda long, at 9 minutes, but the whole breakdown the build up is cool enough to let it go.

Overall I have to give this a 4/10. If you want to hear what this should sound like listen to Paradise Lost by Symphony X. Every track is different and each has a kick. Now back to the thingy, there are moments here that are the softest moments I've heard by the band. While I appreciate it, some softer moments don't live up to what they should. The closer on the last album was a soft ballad but that had some grit to it. These ballads go straight out ballad, but not as exciting. I've also heard more moving strung sections on a number of songs by other artists. As it stands though, with Bruce's illness in mind, this is a great last album. It's not hateful, nor is it angry, its kinda like they're looking back but fondly instead of with rage. In 1998 Brian Carroll released Colma, which was an album that is softer and easier to listen to than his prior work. It was made for his mother who was recovering from cancer treatments (if I am remembering correctly). This album reminded me of that album. Maybe not sound or style wise, but energy and loudness wise. I kinda feel like, unless this is a last hurrah there is no reason for this album to exist. That's kind of a dick thing to say, but seriously. And lastly, double albums need to be ambitious. I'm not talking about albums that are like Directions or Circle the Rounds or an archival concert album that happens to be a double albums worth. I'm talking albums recorded that are a double albums worth of new material. The Wall, Tommy, Bitches Brew, The White Album, Use Your Illusion, I can go on and on. Fuck Load & Reload are more ambitious than this album. If you want my suggestion on what to listen to by the group anything from The Soundhouse Tapes to Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (I will admit I've yet to hear either Real Live One or Real Dead One as of yet). Well on to Paper Gods and then Underworld. Or vice versa.

Super Collider - Megadeth

This is the 14th studio album by Megadeth, one of the Big Four. I remember this album coming out, but not anticipating it. I knew about it, but I never even realized it came out until the day it came out, I was at Best Buy and saw it. I didn't buy it, I wasn't there for that, I think I was there for something else. But I decided to review this because my friend Justin Stockton did (The guy who I did the So Far, So Good... So What? review for on his birthday) and I kind of wanna see what I think of this album. I do know I enjoyed TH1RT3EN which came out the same day as Lulu, and was also co produced by this Johnny K guy, so that's a good thing.

1. Kingmaker: The first song I heard was the last track, so after that I have the bar set a little higher. This is a relatively Megadeth song that sounds like the other songs at this point in their career. This song is good, my only complaint is it's a little long. I do like that arpeggios at the end of the song though.
2. Super Collider: This is another good song, thought I don't think it's amazing. I enjoy the solo on this song and I think it's cool. There is energy and the song isn't really boring. I like the chorus of this song, thought it is a little poppy for this band, but that's Ok. I don't want to damn Dave for that, he wanted it.
3. Burn!: This intro is a little more of a return to what I want from Megadeth and the song is too. Its good that this song follows up the previous. This is a song that could be a song that I see being on a "greatest hits of the '10s". This is pretty solid and rough. I just wish it ended at the first ending part.
4. Built For War: I like the drums in this track. This reminds me a little of High On Fire, instrumentation wise. You know, the riff during the verses of the song. That reminds me of them, and maybe sludge metal in general. The only thing is his voice isn't sludge oriented, if you know what I mean.
5. Off The Edge: This has much more sludge vocals to it. This is a good song that I could picture maybe Mastodon playing, except for the faster parts. The solo is pretty solid here too.
6. Dance In The Rain: David Draiman of the famous Chicago band Disturbed is on this song. I don't like Disturbed, just look at the review I did for them. To be completely honest, this is my only fear, I don't have high hopes for this song. This song reminds me of the vocals on Symphony of Destruction like the intro of the song kind of. It's a good song, but it's doing everything that's pointing towards it to just flop for me. It's getting tense. This song did work my nerves and is a "paranoid" song I could see being in a movie. If you got rid of Draiman, this would be an instant classic in their catalog. This is probably my favorite song because it almost seems, minus maybe the lyrics, like it was rerecorded and a song from the 80's. {9/10}
7. Beginning Of Sorrow: The bass in this song is something that reminds me of Korn. I'm not huge into Korn. Infact, I've never really been invested in them, outside of maybe a review or two or three for the future. I do like that this is a little departure from the rest of the album.
8. The Blackest Crow: I thought this was a commercial for Spotify, I can't believe it's on a Megadeth album. Never in 100 years would I think this would be there. This song is a neat idea and I think it's pretty good. I don't think that he over did the banjo, which is a very good thing. They were able to mix the two genres together and not overdo it. To that I applaud you. {7.5/10}
9. Forget To Remember: This is another good song, that with time, may grow on me, but as of right now it's just ok. Nothing special, nothing horrible. It's a good track, the ending is something cool though and that solo too, and right before the "solo"
10. Don't Turn Your Back: This has a Jimi Hendrix vibe to it. Until the song really starts. Then it gets into something heavy. Something good heavy. This is a song that I think it pretty good, and it's title reminds me of that Budgie album title. The guitar pre-solo reminds me of Jimi again. This is another solid solo on this LP.
11. Cold Sweat: This is a cover of the Thin Lizzy track that was on their 1983 Thunder And Lightning album. I thought it would have been from an earlier album, but whatever. Justin also pointed out that this is the first cover since 1988's So Far, So Good... So What? album. The original version of this song has a punch to it, and a kick, so I expect Dave to do a good job. I like how his "evil" vocals give it a gritty tone. This is also better produced, but that isn't saying much based on the difference in technology in the early 80's and the early 2010's. I do enjoy the solo in this song. It was relatively straight forward, they didn't really change much, but they still did a good job, an enjoyable track. This is a good ending to the LP.

Overall I have to give this album a 7.6/10. If you want to check out Justin's review you can see it here. He chose a good album, and though it's not gonna be my next review, let's see what else he does. He might just pick another good album again and surprise me. From what I remember of TH1RT3EN this is a relatively similar follow up, partially probably because of Johnny K. The solos on this album are pretty solid and I can't really complain. At this point in a career being able to put out these albums, of this quality, that's pretty great. This album is somewhat diverse, I respect that. That's why Slayer isn't my fav or the big four. It's Metallica, thought Megadeth is awesome too. I ''don't'' know when, but I'm gonna be reviewing Persistence of Time in March of this year. That's a promise. And overtime this may grow on me. Also don't let the "silly" un-menacing cover fool you about his album.

Point Of Entry - Judas Priest

This is the seventh album by UK band Judas Priest. I've been meaning to do a review for this band, now, for a while. So I decided to do the album that I've never heard a single song off. You know, I was never really interested in actually listening to this album. Maybe because of the artwork, but also cuz I felt like it might not be anything special. Especially since it's in between their two biggest albums British Steel and Screaming For Vengeance. Now, I'm not saying those are their best, but biggest. They are both good albums, but not my favorite. I like their 70's stuff more, but that's just me.

1. Heading Out to the Highway: This is a pretty solid beginning. This song kind of reminds me of the last album. But the solo in it is pretty sick. I think that the tone they used for the short solo is pretty sick.
2. Don't Go: This song sound like an 80's song. This song isn't anything special. I kind of feel, I heard some of the tracks out of order, that this is kind of "Gay?".
3. Hot Rockin': This song sounds like a Priest song. The chorus of this song is kind of... lame. I'm sorry, but it kind of is. That kind of hurts the song for me. And well, the solo doesn't save the song for me either. :(
4. Turning Circles: The guitar riff in the beginning of this reminds me of Katy Perry. Really guys, why? I need some Hell Bent For Leather or Electric Eye or Breaking The Law or something like that. This is like a gay version of Living After Midnight. After hearing this more than once, it grows on you, and becomes less gay. This isn't Turbo Lover, but I don't know.
5. Desert Plains: This song isn't that bad. I don't know why, but I think it's ok.
6. Solar Angels: The beginning of this song is kind of bringing my faith in the album back. But then when he starts singing it kind of starts to fade away.
7. Yes Say Yes: :(
8. All The Way: This song sound like it would be a song that was maybe later in the 80's. :( "Put you hands on you hips".
9. Troubleshooter: This song doesn't really do much for me.
10. On the Run: When I first heard this song I was like "Fuck! this might be a good album". This is one pretty sick song. I know it has the same song title as the 4th, 3rd on the CD, track off Dark Side, but it's not the same song. There are actually words. This song rocks. And it definitely made me really want to hear this whole album. I was wrong.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. I really don't know what to say. This album is good, but I don't think it's mind blowing. Some of the song titles on this are cool, some are lame. I don't really know, you might like this more than I did, but I still though it was ok. I know I said this album was kind of soft, but that doesn't mean I don't think it's ok. I wish it were heavier. I don't really know if I'll be coming back to this album. You can tell they were going for a more radio friendly production on this thing.

Bomber - Motörhead

This is the third, and second released in 1979, album by British Heavy Metal band Motörhead. I don't have a ton of experience with Motörhead, but I do know some of their stuff. I've listened to about 90% of the 1980 release Ace Of Spades, and various other releases I've heard a decent amount off. For some reason I can't recall ever hearing anything off Bomber. My friend, Justin, was supposed to have this up for his 18th birthday, but we made a deal. Since I goofed about the whole understanding of the review I do Bomber today, and Phantom Antichrist tomorrow. I did So Far, So Good... So What last year. This album was produced by Jimmy Miller, look him up, he has a pretty neat discography for production. This includes the first three Traffic albums, Blind Faith's sole album, the five Stones albums between Beggars Banquet and Goat Head Soup and albums two & three for Motörhead. There are other's but lets get back to the review.

1. Dead Men Tell No Tales: This song starts out with a type of intro that I would recognize as Motörhead. This sounds like a classic Motörhead song. The first time through I don't really know what to say about it. I think the solo's distortion is pretty cool.
2. Lawman: I like this song a little more than the last. Maybe because it's kind of sinking in. I was reading about this song and it says that it's one of his more "ferocious" because it's "hitting hard at the police". I don't really know what that means but I think it doesn't sounds anymore aggressive, lyrically maybe, but not sound wise. And after looking at the lyrics, they are kind of aggressive. Upon second listen this song kind of has a march to it. I think it's a pretty decent song actually.
3. Sweet Revenge: I like the guitar in this song. I like the like scream "REVENGE" at the fade out. This is a pretty cool song. I am curious as to how they got that guitar sounds. Though I like the sound of this song it is kind of "wearing" my interest in the album down. This totally reminds me of Priest off Sad Wings Of Destiny.
4. Sharpshooter: Yes, an uptempo song. This song kind of reminds me of Iron Fist. Which might be my favorite Motörhead song. Either that or Mean Machine off 1986's Orgasmatron. The guitar is awesome, and I think that solo is pretty sick. This is what I needed. This kind of lifted my spirits in listening to this. I'm not dissing the album, but from the first three tracks it kind of wore me down, but this has gained my interest back.
5. Poison: The lyrics to this are kind of a "backlash" at his father for leaving his mother. That's from what I read. I think this is another Ok song.
6. Stone Dead Forever: Before I started this song I went and did a "favorite hits" of my own to kind of get more in the spirit to listen more intently. This is a pretty decent song. Better than those side 1 songs.
7. All The Aces: Does that include Spades? This song isn't really any different from any other songs. I think it's ok, but yeah.
8. Step Down: This also reminds me of '70s Priest. The guitar and whole entire "darkness" to it. Eddie's voice even reminds me a ton of Judas Priest. I could see this being a tribute or a cover of a song by them. This song UGH!
9. Talking Head: I doubt that this is a reference to the band, mainly because their first album came out in '77, but who knows. It's actually about TV. The beginning of this riff reminds me of Lonely Boy by The Black Keys. I did a review of the album that was on. I also own that CD. The bass in this song reminds me of that song. The guitar in it is also awesome.
10. Bomber: This is a pretty good way to end this album. Don't pussy out, make it mad! Go out with a bang! It's A Bama, It's A Bama, It's Obama?

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. The lyrics on this thing are pretty aggressive any "angry". That doesn't play any part in the score, but it's kind of neat that there was obvious passion that went into these lyrics. I like that the songs are no longer than, minus 1, about 4 minutes long. Part of what frustrates me is that the songs, you can't really understand Lemmy. It's frustrating to me. I have to look at the lyrics to understand what the hell, beside the title of the songs, he was saying. But because of songs like Talking Head and Sharpshooter, Talking Head, Step Down. Also the kind of Priest vibes I got from this helped me enjoy this. So I hope you like this review Justin. And look for tomorrows review, tomorrow. The 2nd side is much better, I think, than the first.

Roadkill - Meanstreak

This is the, to my knowledge, the only album by all female thrash metal band Meanstreak. I found out about this band via looking for "bad album covers" on the web. This is actually a pretty funny album cover after finding out that they were a girl band. This album was released in 1988, and to my luck the whole thing is up on Spotify for me to listen to.

1. Roadkill: This song is a good intro to an album. I swore that this was a mans vocals. It kind of reminds me of a Priest off their 1991 album Painkiller. This song actually somewhat reminds me of that song. The singer also kind of reminds me of the singer from Fates Warning.
2. Searching Forever: This song kind of reminds me of Iron Maiden but before around 1981, 1982. This also kind of reminds me of Judas Priest on their album Stained Class.
3. Snakepit: This has this kind of Egyptian intro to it. The riff is kind of cool sounding and there is this rattle that sounds like a snake. I don't know why, but this song kind of reminds me a little of the song Shout at the Devil. The way the riff is in the verses. He voice also kind of reminds me a little of Halestorm. I actually saw them at the first Uproar when it was here in Chicago. About halfway thorough the song it speeds up until there is a drumfill and the normal speed comes back for a solo. I think that the tone is pretty cool sounding. And the girl can shred.
4. Nostradamus: This is a pretty solid song. It's kind of  like the last few. It's pretty cool sounding.
5. It Seems to Me: For some reason this riff reminded me of Aerosmith but on one of their older albums. The vocals on this song reminds me of 1986's Wasted Years by Maiden.
6. Lost Stranger: Not much to say about this song. It's kind of the same.
7. The Warning: This kind of further reminds me of Fates Warning. The name of the song is The Warning. This song actually kind of reminds me of them. I think the name is appropriate.
8. The Congregation: I like how the bass sounds heavy on this. This really reminds me of Maiden.

Overall I have to give this a 7.5/10. If you like 80's metal then you'll probably like this album. Even thought they are an all girl band they don't really sound like it. If you like metal you will probably like this album a lot. Trust me, I would know. I don't really care for female metal singers, but this is an exception. The solos didn't WOW me, but they were pretty solid.

Night On Bröcken - Fates Warning

I found out about his band through a Last.fm chat room or something like that. I visited it because of a thing for Black Tide. The first song that I heard by these guys is Buried Alive. Well I guess that these guys are a progressive metal band, which helped form progressive metal, from 1983 and Connecticut. This is the first Progressive Metal album I've reviewed. I'm not huge on progressive metal, ie  

1. Buried Alive: I've heard this song a frickin ton of times. This was the first song that I ever heard by these guys. The riff in this reminds me of Judas Priest. The vocals also remind me of Rob Halford's vocals on Priests old school stuff from the '70s. This song is a frickin awesome way to start off an album and gives a good impression on this album. The solo on this song is a heavy metal solo that in a way reminds me of Hell Bent For Leather's guitar solo. (That is one of my favorite guitar solos ever). This is a just Bad Ass song, and is one of my favorite songs I've heard, and I can think of, that were released in 1984.
2. The Calling: The riff in this song sounds like on that would be on Killing Machine or British Steel. This is a very cool sounding riff. Yeah the chorus and the vocals and everything about this song remind me of Priest. This could seriously be a cover version of a song by a tribute band, that sounds like them. There is a part where the riff and song gets more intense and leads up to the solo. This solo is cool cuz instead of all over the place it's only a few notes but strummed fast. Not super fast but fast enough.
3. Kiss Of Death: The riff in this song reminds me of something off Peace Sells album by Megadeth. The beginning is kind of don't mess around, angry feel to it. This also reminds me of Priest. I think that the drums on this song are really cool. I wish the bass was easier to hear in the mix, instead of it being buried in the back.The riff also reminds me somewhat of Barracuda by that sweet ol' Heart (get it). This song is a little different from the rest of the tracks in the matter that it is much more heavy metal oriented. And also this is, thus far on the album, the best and longest solo. It is a few seconds short of 1 minute vs the other songs solos that are probably 30 seconds.
4. Night On Bröcken: This song defiantly sound like a Maiden song. NO DOUBT IN MY MIND. That's why I like this. It reminds me, kind of, Translyvania. I know a lot of song remind me of that, but they do. I wish that this was instrumental, it would be so much cooler and powerful. This song is one of the strongest song on this album, big time. There is a power and a feel that I get from this song that pump me, like Shadowfax. There is a breakdown and they use wind chimes to go into that. This reminds me of Strange World's guitar part in the beginning arpeggios. After the arpeggios are done this goes into a song that reminds me of like a "power filled" power ballad. It almost reminds me of Scorpions 1975 In Trance except more power behind it. The second half of the song VERY much so reminds me of '70s Scorpions. It ends with that same Strange World thing. {10/10}
5. S.E.K.: This reminds me of the beginning of They Need A Million by the Scorpions off their 1974 album Fly To The Rainbow. This is a pretty song and a good way to lay back and have a break from the rest of the songs. And I think a good way to end a side on a vinyl.
6. Misfit: The riff and the drums in this song are cool. The drums are more hear-able in this track. I think that this feels like it is together. Also you can hear the bass on this song better than on one of my other favorite songs Kiss of Death. The riff in this song is right on. This has a solo that reminds me of, well what do you think. None the less it is fucking sick. There is a part in the lyrics where it says "You live by the sword and die by the sword". That whole entire verse where that is said reminds me of Iron Maiden's song Flash of the Blade, which appeared on 1984's Powerslave. {9/10}
7. Shadowfax: The instrumentation of the beginning of this song are perfect for an instrumental. It has this Medieval feel to it. It reminds me of Iron Maiden's first album. Not so much a particular track, but I could see this being on that album. The whole entire song is set up like one. After the intro just after 2 minutes the song goes on fucking steroids and goes into seizure mode. The song gets more intense than any other song on this album, excluding the self titled track. Not only is it fast paced and length wise, but it cuts. WHY!!!!!!! {10/10}
8. Damnation: There is a whole Children of the Damned feel to the beginning of this song. There is an acoustic intro to it and it sounds pretty. It is kind of touching, considering that this is like Children of the Damned, which is one of my favorite Maiden songs. When I listen to this song all I can do really is picture that song. I'm not saying that theses guys copied them, all I'm saying it that it sounds similar, but it a very good way. This song is a fucking bad ass mother fucker.
9. Soldier Boy: This song is good, I think that it is very... Consistent. I don't think that this is all that amazing of a song. I think it is a little to similar to the rest of the ideas of the songs on the album. I'm digging the solo, just not really the rest of the song. This has so much potential and it isn't met. I feel like the way this song is that it fucking take me away. I mean the solo is awesome, just not the rest of the song. There is dual harmony guitar parts, much like Iron Maiden and Priest often do on older stuff. There is also an evil laugh in the song. At the end of the song it sounds like something is collapsing. I do think that that is pretty cool sound effect and a cool way to end this album. {7/10}

Overall I think that this is 8.8/10. I liked this album. There were some duds on this album, so that hurt the score I gave it. Now there weren't a ton of those. In fact I want to get this on CD and on Vinyl in the future. The album gets a lot better after if you try to forget about track 2. I think that the album is a little consistent on the sound of the songs. There isn't that huge of a variation among the tracks and some sound similar. That isn't that much of a problem for me when it comes to this album. The only thing it does is bring down the score. By the end of this I almost want to start listening to the Iron Maiden self titled album.