5 GREAT METAL BANDS FROM THE 80s!….
That you need to go and hear NOW!!

 
Ahh… 80’s Metal!… Actually I hate that term! Why should a group of years define a sound? I like to call it “Heavy metal that is fucking awesome that just happens to be recorded between 1980 and 1989.” I mean really, a great band can carry on the torch of a classic metal sound! Music is music no matter what time of day or what year it is. Still, it was a great decade. So much happened to Metal in such a short span of time.

This was the decade that Metal and it’s followers stopped being afraid of limitations. Evil (and lots of God) came to the front lines. Screams were EVERYWHERE! Guitars went from safe controlled heavy grooves to chaotic assaults that showed no mercy. All of a sudden we saw hair, spikes, leather, Bangs, Tits and ass!…and some cod pieces! (Thanks Manowar!), fake blood, grotesque and sexual riddled themes, Speed, lightning solo’s ,tales of Hell, rebellion, politics, history, motorcycles and the topic of Metal itself. There was loads of controversy, (PMRC anyone??) MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball was our only real outlet.

But mostly we had each other. Who, if true to the Metal Horde, would turn us on to the little guys who would either become big stars, or forgotten by most but remembered and deeply respected by few. This is what this list is. The latter.

This Metal was not refined punk or reinvented 70’s prog. This sound was it’s own. When the 90’s came it was nearly over. Either your band was obliterated by Nirvana and it’s clones and you ended up as a VH1 nostalgia. Or, there were a few survivors who never forgot the true sound of the time and it’s significance to the growth of the metal we know today. I am one of them. So, it is my duty and pleasure to Reawaken a few names that made (and still make) a difference in my life.

These are in alphabetical order. A good sampling of styles is included. Any problems with this list, (and I’m sure there are many!!) can be put in that fun area below called “Comments” I welcome them!

1. CITIES: Remember these guys? Anyone? Yes there was a metal band called Cities and they were awesome. They only had one album released in 1986 off of Metal Blade called “Annihilation Absolute.” It had a raw, real and yet clean production. It employed a minor celebrity in the form of A.J. Pero who was the drummer of Twisted Sister. His drumming is the best of his career here. They had a cool, straight ahead 80’s metal look and attitude. Their album cover was classic nuclear war theme with them painted in front of all the destruction. Guitarist Steve Mironovich came up with great powerful riffs and crafty songwriting. Ron Angel had a power croon with guts and shrieks in the mix. They were technical yet very accessible. Topics never got too deep but sounded serious when presented. The best cuts are “Fight for your life”, “Cruel Sea” and “Deceiver”. I’m still scratching my head why they never lasted. Maybe it’s that name “Cities”. It’s so not metal. In fact it is one of the dumbest names for a metal band ever. True story… I once asked a metal schoolmate if he “knew Cities with Annihilation Absolute” and he replied ” no I do not yet know if Laaz Rockit is stopping here on their tour.” Ah well, for me they will always Burn forever!

2. CORONER: In the eighties, the band “Death” were just too brutal and “Voivod” were just too annoying for me. (Sorry Dan.) But the Swiss band Coroner had something that really caught my attention. They truly sounded like nobody else and yet there were familiar aspects about them. The combo was mesmerizing. I first heard them off a Noise records sampler called Doomsday News and I was hooked. I found two cassettes from them the next day and I still spin them on a regular basis. They were “R.I.P’ and “Punishment for Decadence.” Their sound of German style thrash and a prototype black metal sound was so visual. Now, I love singers who sing but Ron Royce’s unearthly, almost indescribable voice pierced through the mist. A kind of fine charcoal ash sound if you will. Add that to blitzkrieg riffs and chaotic drumming and you got one gem of a band. Special mention goes to the brilliant guitar work of Tommy Baron, one of the most underrated guitarist of all time. Smooth, melodic solos that soared over the warlike sound that blended into a emulsion of timeless metal. Their third record was released during the last minutes of the 1980s called “No More color” that had a bleak yet soulful sound that said farewell to 80s metal. A great record that also looked toward the 90s. Their last three albums (The excellent “Mental Vortex” the so-so “Grin” and contract bound “Coroner”) finished their career. This was due to the change of direction that the 90’s forced on to so many bands. Today, regretfully, they are a shadow of a lost dream.

3.CRIMSON GLORY: This has to be the most tragic entry for this list. Such mystical magic came from these Florida five. In 86, Their first self titled debut emerged off Roadrunner Records (A fine label at the time.) Now, we all have seen some strange that were quite theatrical. Face paint, (Kiss, King Diamond) Shock, (Alice Cooper, Lizzy Borden) and just plain perverted (Venom, Anvil). These guys took the “Greek theater” mask approach. Also, they did not try to shock but rather entrance with their somewhat calm demeanor and fluid brand of metal. The look was a misfire. It made them look ridiculous and from what I hear, very uncomfortable to play live. But such music!! Cuts that ring so wonderfully include “Valhalla”, “Queen Of The Masquerade” and the stunning “Dragon Lady.” Some wrote them off as Queensryche copycats witch I can kind of see but I loved it anyway. Even though they never needed the mask’s they stuck and refined the design to be more “Phantom of the opera” like for their next opus “Transcendence”. They still looked stupid! I was almost embarrassed to admit to people I was a fan of these guys. To this day their fan base still whisper in small circles of their loyalty. The album however is considered to be one of metal’s finest. A perfect slab otherworldly music that will… well…transcend you! Midnights vocal soar to the stratosphere, Guitar themes galore and Jon Drenning’s classic solos. The best cuts are….all of em! It’s a pure diamond. Then it all ended. They got signed to Atlantic, Removed the masks, looked like hair metal and put out the gut wrenching awful “Strange and Beautiful.” Midnight quickly quit, went into a life of abuse from witch he never recovered. (He died last year of kidney and liver failure). Crimson Glory now exists as a ghost of it’s former self. But for those first two records, they will live in Metal’s Eternal World!

4. DESTRUCTION: I crack up whenever I hear band names that are so blatant. Destruction holds that honor for good reason…they DESTROY!! This once three piece, sometimes a quartet were never really big here in the States. Meanwhile they are considered one of the “Three Kings” of 80’s German thrash in Europe (along with Kreator and Sodom). These days they are still around doing what they do which is fine but mostly rehashed material with better production. I like them better when they were more sinew and true instead of being a business model of themselves. Formed around 83’ Their first EP “Sentence of Death” was as raw as it came. Complete with drum fuck ups, broken strings that did not matter and what sounded like one take, full run through vocal tracks (with overdubs on a second track). Who cares. It was visceral, and pure. The album cover photo looks like it was taken by one of their moms with a Polaroid. The sound however was like you were in front of an Uzi. They came into their own and got some money to put out the neck slashing “Infernal Overkill” filled with razor burn riffs and the strangest screams you ever heard from Marcel Schirmer. A metal classic. “Eternal Devastation” followed with an identical yet wonderful style. The tongue and cheek “Mad Butcher” is fine but a bit weak for my taste. Then they added second guitarist Harry Wilkens and recorded their what I considered their masterpiece “Release From Agony”. A mind bending, oil thick metal. So deep and curling are the songs like “Sign Of Fear”, “Unconscious Ruins” and the title track bring a quivering experience. It’s a wonderful and forgotten slab that was followed by the goofy “Cracked Brain”…..that came out in 1990. What is it about that year that seems to destroy great metal? Ah well.. the 80’s Destruction will live Beyond Eternity!

5. FATES WARNING: What a cool name for a band! This is probably the most well known entry but I am making a point to focus on the records during the 80’s. You know, when they were METAL! Sure they always had progressive tendencies but that did not blossom until the fantastic “Perfect Symmetry.” Their ironically and aptly titled 1989 crossover record. Once the 90’s arrived, they became “Prog Fates” which I dearly love mind you. But back to the gritty and 80’s Fates “Metal Blade” years. It started with “Night On Brocken”, whose original cover was a woman being burned at the stake. This was inexplicably replaced with a stock photo of the Moon for the reissue. Primitive sound, yet wonderful with thoughtful cuts like “The Calling” and “Damnation.” Then came “The Spectre Within” Which for some reason feels more raw and under produced than “Night On Brocken.” Still, gotta love that fucking cover!! Then came “Awaken The Guardian” Also a nice cover but don’t know how it relates to the title. This is a special record for it is the most mature so far. Great production and lots of heart went into this recording. John Arch is a very unique singer who has great range, genuine emotion and terrible diction. You will need a lyric card for this guy! Yet he is very respected and rightly so. Songs like “Fata Morgana”, Prelude To Ruin” and the deeply moving “Guardian” truly astound. **Total self brag here** I got to see the duet of this song in Hartford CT with both John Arch and Ray Alder. Fucking bliss! That and witnessing live the Buckner fumble at Shea at game 6! Too priceless! Back to Fates, Ray Alder came into the fold during the “No Exit” disk which was to be their last pure metal record. I loved it! Songs like “Anarchy Devine”, “Silent Cries” and the mammoth “Ivory Gate Of Dreams” stamped into my brain. Don’t get me wrong, I still embrace the “modern” Fates of today. Hell my favorite album, oddly, is “A Pleasant Shade Of Gray.” But I always love going back in time to discover their long time past.

5 honorable mentions..

1. Leatherwolf: They looked kinda like posers but actually RAWKED!! Triple axe attack and complex song structures brought them to a higher level than hair metal. Dumb name but cool band. Horns song: Rise and Fall

2. Sanctuary: They are one of my faves but they have had rediscovery now that Nevermore is everywhere. Still who does not feel the pure steel of “Refuge Denied” and the soul of “Into The Mirror Black?” Horns song: Battle Angels

3. Scanner: A 80’s German power metal treat! Thick accented German vocals, Fun heavy riffs and topics that just make you go Huh? I mean what is a “Galator” anyway? Who cares! They rule! Horns song: From The Dust Of Ages

4. Vicious Rumors: Another tragic loss on this list. Wonderful vox man Carl Albert died tragically after the recording “War of Words” and Geoff Thorpe never found his footing again. Still They had 3 great records from the 80’s (and one from the 90’s that is their masterpiece) that needs to be etched in stone. Horns song: Lady Took A Chance

5. Toxik Toxic: These guys could have been legends but it was not to be. Formed just 3 towns over from me, they had a power thrash assault with the craziest vox you ever heard. Whirlwind guitars and clever lyrics. But they also had two singers, an asshole guitarist and… well… were from the New York suburbs. They vanished in an instant…except from this metal heart. Horns song: World Circus.

In Metal!!

Michael Grant
Mike is the singer for Crescent Shield

Eddie Trunk was the master of ceremonies and started things off by stating how honored he was to be hosting such an event. Obviously Eddie is a huge Dio fan. He did a fine job as host and had a few entertaining personal stories regarding his relationship with Dio’s music and Dio the man.

One of the early speakers and also one of the highlights of the day was Dio’s high school friend (sorry I forgot his name). He gave a touching speech, stating how Dio would be missed at their 50th high school reunion and just how much he misses his friend.

Another one of the most interesting and moving speeches was from Ronnie James Dio’s son Dan Padavona. He related how he and his father shared a love of music. His dad was always someone who could totally understand his love of hard rock and heavy metal. Although Dan is not a musician, growing up with Ronnie James Dio as a father, it was inevitable he would develop a passion for heavy metal.

As the day went on we were treated to video clips and photos of each stage of Dio’s long music career, starting back with pictures from his early rockabilly days, through Elf, Rainbow, Sabbath, and Dio. Ronnie James Dio was a lifelong musician. He even received a scholarship to Julliard for trumpet at the age of 7. There was also a special video showing some of the more elaborate stage sets and theatrics from the Sacred Heart era. That brought back a few memories for me.

Throughout the day there were acoustic performances of many classic Dio and non Dio songs. Oni Logan performed a great version of a tune from one of Dio’s earlier recordings, ‘Sitting in a Dream’ from Roger Glover’s The Butterfly Ball. One of the most impressive performances of the day was from Joey Belladonna from Anthrax. He sang ‘Man on the Silver Mountain’. His voice sounded great and this acoustic version of the song was excellent. Geoff Tate was another highlight performing ‘Hallelujah’. Glenn Hughes, Dio’s favorite hard rock singer, closed out the performances with ‘Rainbow Eyes’ ‘Catch the Rainbow’.

Toward the end of the day we heard about Ronnie’s charity work with Children of the Night and his newly formed Stand Up and Shout Foundation. Stand Up and Shout is focused on early cancer detection and treatment and it was sad to hear Ronnie would have had a much better chance of beating his stomach cancer if it was diagnosed earlier. Looks like foundation is off to a good start as there was a long line of fans queued up to purchase a memorial shirt proceeds of which went to the charity. The foundation also plans to have two memorial concerts to honor Dio and raise funds. One is planned for London and the other for Los Angeles. They plan to make this a yearly event. During this time Wendy Dio said a few words about Ronnie and thanked the fans. She was obviously very emotional.

The memorial was a fitting send off for the best vocalist hard rock and heavy metal has ever known. It was really nice thing for the fans not only that this day was put together, but run so well. It was a pleasure to be part of a day honoring such a special songwriter, performer, and human being. I’ll miss you Dio.

Iron Maiden – Fear of the Dark

Manowar – Kings of Metal

Metallica – Battery

Angra – Carry On

Portal – Swarth
Here’s an album that definitely is not for everybody! Translation: this is some pretty weird stuff. Portal’s Swarth can be described as noisy, dissonant death metal, but that description doesn’t convey the impact of this music. There is a terrifying otherworldy quality to this album. The band’s moniker fits the music well because listening to this is like being transported to some hellish dark dimension. Every aspect of Swarth’s delivery is directed at making the listener uneasy. The riffs sound like a beast in its death throes, the bass bounds from a droning rumble to a thunderous gong, drums have an urgency verging on chaos, and the vocals are like a zombie trapped between worlds. The lyrics top it off with further weirdness. Many of the words appear to be invented by the band. Example:

Venous stasis fey terminus
Lugubrious everpuce perforate / disseminate
Polymouth clotting foul exsanguinate
Psyphonetaneous secrete

Swarth is an experience. It’s dirty, repulsive, atmospheric, scary, chaotic, raw, and unique. It takes time to fully discover and appreciate. To many it will just sound like a sloppy noisy mess, but as you begin to decipher the melodies and feel the affect of the music, you should discover what an artfully bizarre and disturbing experience Portal’s Swarth is.

Voivod – Infini
I consider Voivod to be one of the most innovative and consistent and ultimately best bands the history of metal. The final release with late guitarist/songwriter Piggy (Denis D’Amour) adds yet another fantastic recording to their extensive catalog of superb metal albums. This one is even better than their previous posthumous record Katorz. Piggy’s riffs are raw, glorious, and full of that distinct Piggy character. All the musicians deliver great performances actually. Jason Newstead’s bass is a great addition to Voivod’s ranks reminding me at times of the punishing bass attack of Blacky. My only complaint with latter day Voivod is Snake’s lyrics which are not as interesting as the cool scifi stuff from the 80s and 90s. With me, it’s a given when Voivod puts out an album it will be one of my favorite metal albums of the year. Its tremendously depressing that this will be the last one.

Slough Feg – Ape Uprising
I am so happy to say that Slough Feg’s lastest album Ape Uprising blows away their prior record Hardworlder. I dig everything about this record. I dig the ape theme, I dig the guitar playing, I dig the old school production, I dig the new drummer, I dig the artwork, and I dig Scalzi’s vocal delivery. Slough Feg is such a great band and it’s nice to see them gain a somewhat wider audience. If you don’t know them, check ‘em out. This is classic sounding heavy metal delivered with passion, authenticity and skill. They’ve been at this for years and they show no sign of deteriorating quality.

Vektor – Black Future
Retro thrash, rethrash, the thrash revival whatever you call it, hasn’t produced many bands of note. Unfortunately for me it’s produced only one band that’s worth listening to and that is Vektor. Most of these modern thrash bands, to put it politely, are “very heavily influenced” by Metallica, Exodus, and Slayer. Vektor comes from mix of German thrash legends Destruction and Canadian masters Voivod. Two of my favorite bands, no wonder I like Vektor I guess. These guys are way more than just a rehash of 80s thrash metal with stale lifeless modern production techniques. For one thing you can actually hear the bass guitar on this record. And it’s worth hearing to say the least. The interaction between the bass and guitars on this record is fantastic. The drumming is great too but what I really dig about this record besides all the killer riffs and solos, are the deadly screeching vocals of David Disanto. He sounds like the bastard son of Schmier from Destruction and Kenn Nardi of Anacrusis. The record has a cool sci fi theme and artwork obviously inspired by Voivod but Vektor have their own voice. Not only that, they’ve crafted one the most interesting, coherent, focused heavy metal records of 2009.

Wolves in the Throne Room – Malevolent Grain
I don’t listen to too much black metal but I am growing to like it more and more these days. I really have enjoyed this two song disc from Wolves in the Throne Room. I like the way it’s structured with a mostly slower acoustically driven song with a female vocalist to start the record. Then a more traditional faster black metal tune with harsh male vocals. That’s it, it’s an EP, two songs clocking in at 23 min total. These guys lean toward a more pagan rather than satanic approach to their lyrics. In an interview I read with them, I found their philosophies a bit peculiar. They appear to be very spiritual – you might say they are downright weird.  Well, their music fits their attitude because I find this CD to be hypnotic and almost trance-like at times yet vicious as well. It’s quite a feat that they managed to create this almost dichotomous atmosphere not to mention remain melodic as well. Additionally, the production on this recording is fantastic. You can really feel the intensity of the playing, like they’re almost playing dangerously fast yet they maintain it for a long period of time like a runaway train. This ain’t no digitally perfect, safe, overly compressed sounding record.

Motorhead – Motorizer
I am so late to the game with Motorhead it’s not even funny. Rather sad actually. Yeah folks I only learned to appreciate Motorhead this year! No shit – 2009. But at least now I can finally say I love them. I’ve been discovering their catalog and it’s full of gems. Surprisingly one of my favorites they’ve done is their latest record from 2008, Motorizer. So close to 2009 I decided to include it here. It’s full of all the raw piss and vinegar, attitude, and Lemmy-wisdom Motorhead has been known for for the past thirty years. It’s a testament to the band that after such a long career they still have what it takes to put out a fucking ass kicker like Motorizer. No filler – all Lemmy and crew-styled killer! Rock out!

Honorable Mention

Crescent Shield – The Stars of Never Seen
That’s right — me!!! I am really proud of our 2009 release and we are lucky enough to be on some best metal of 2009 lists: namely Jeremy Morse and John Ray over at metalreview.com

Rules:

• Song must be over 7 minutes in length (or damn close)
• Song must feel epic
• It helps if it tells a story
• One song per band

10. Judas Priest – Victim of Changes
Judas Priest basically wrote the book on epic metal if not metal itself. Right out of the gate on their first album they presented the brilliant and melancholy epic metal masterpiece Run of the Mill. And this was in 1974! Then they follow it up on the next album with Victim of Changes! Well there you go folks, some of the earliest and best epics of all. It seems Halford’s voice is capable of anything and he certainly knows how to tell a story and take the listener on an emotional journey. And the KK’s guitar solo on this song is a journey in and of itself. A true classic.

9. Enslaved – Lunar Force
Blistering Intensity is natural to Enslaved. They are masterful songwriters skilled in dynamics, melody, primitive fury, and philosophical explorations. They are truly one of metal’s best bands and have produced a string of crushing epics throughout their history. It’s hard to pick a best one but Lunar Force stands out for for its juxtaposition of haunting melodies, otherworldly atmosphere, and bone shattering power. Delving into the sparse lyrics reveals an epic and tragic theme that is both surprising and multidimensional.

8. Queensryche – Suite Sister Mary
Queensryche has two inspired grandiose epic metal songs, Suite Sister Mary and Roads to Madness. Roads is incredible but I give the edge to this one. I just love the arrangement. There are not many riffs in the song but it moves along and captivates. Geoff Tate is exceptional. The main riff is pure metal bliss – deceptively complex and driven by a simple bass (drum) thump by Scott Rockenfield. But what makes the song truly haunting is Chris Degarmo’s stunning clean picked theme. A theatrical masterpiece.

7. Manowar – Bridge of Death
Manowar is one the greatest epic metal bands of all. It’s really hard to choose a best epic from them. You’ve got Mountains which I just love. You’ve got Battle Hymn, Guyana, Gates Of Valhalla, Revelation, and March for Revenge. “For When We March Your Sword Rides With Me” – that’s got be one of the most epic lines in all of metal history! I could really have placed any of these exalted metal classics on the list but, Bridge of Death is so awesome with its superb melodic riffs and imagery. And it’s so evil!

6. Fates Warning – The Ivory Gate of Dreams

Well here’s longest song on the list. A whole side of an album (if that means anything anymore). 21 minutes! And not one second of boredom. This song appeared on ‘No Exit’ which was new vocalist Ray Alder’s debut with Fates Warning. He undoubtedly had some huge shoes to fill and rose to the occasion in a big way. His screams are legendary as is his passionate and melodic delivery. Songwriter Jim Matheos really went all out on this song, piecing together eight distinct parts into an expansive and moving vision. Their previous epic songs with John Arch like Exodus or Prelude to Ruin are arguably better, but this song has a special place in my heart for its sheer ambition, passion, intensity, heaviness, and diversity.

5. Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell
Ronnie James Dio is responsible for taking metal fans on many epic journeys throughout his career. Heaven and Hell is one of the best. When he teamed up with Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler it was pure magic. It’s a testament to these massively talented guys that they have been involved in so many monumental metal projects. Just listen to classic main riff of this tune! Pure metal through and through. And I love Dio’s majestic yet “open to interpretation” lyrics. Yes you will see Black Sabbath again on this list but I get a pass because this is Dio-Sabbath, and Dio-Sabbath is especially worthy of note to say the least.

4. Mercyful Fate – Satan’s Fall
I’ve always been in awe of the genius of this song. The riffs never fucking repeat for 11+ minutes (until the very end)! But it still sounds like a focused and coherent song. Riff after brilliant riff, a flurry of catchy diverse vocal melodies, superbly creative drumming, one clever transition after another, and a slew of great solos – unbelievable! And it’s all packaged up to propel the listener on a wicked voyage to the depths of hell. The song is a beast that takes few listens to digest but it’s worth it. By the time that intro riff comes back around again you really feel like you’ve witnessed the rescue of Satan from a perilous demise.

3. Black Sabbath – War Pigs
There’s no metal fan who hasn’t heard this song is there? If anyone can claim to have invented metal it’s Sabbath. Well, they invented epic metal too. As soon as the haunting overture of War Pigs hits you, with sirens wailing, you know you’re in for a dark and sinister trip. Then the punch of the simple 2 chord riff and Ozzy’s chant-like vocals take us ever onward into the black oblivion of war and unchecked power. Sabbath has a long career of brilliant epic heavy metal classics. The Writ deserves special mention for its mind-blowing arrangement and shredding vocal performance by Ozzy. But War Pigs is one of metal’s most respected songs for good reason, it’s just brilliant on every level. And you will get little argument with that.

2. Iron Maiden – Hallowed be Thy Name
Here we go again. It’s nearly impossible to pick just one epic metal song from Iron Maiden. They are one band that is known for their epics. And why not? To Tame a Land, Alexander the Great, The Rime (not Rhyme) of the Ancient Mariner. These are some of the best metal tunes of all time. Hail Steve Harris for weaving so many tales into enduring epic heavy metal songs. Hallowed be Thy Name is such a perfect song it seems. It’s so ominous, so filled with catchy riffs, so descriptive in its storytelling, so perfectly arranged, and so expertly performed.

1. Rainbow – Stargazer

This is perhaps the grand daddy of all epics. Towers, wizards, stars, rainbows – this is the textbook of epic metal imagery. But it’s so much more. The tragic nature of the song leaves a lasting impression. And the riff! Ritchie Blackmore has written so many great songs in his long career but this riff is perhaps the most meaningful in that it is the foundation for one of the best songs in the genre. And I can’t forget the magnificent solo which takes you to the brink of the precipice and tearfully nudges you over the edge. Add to that a truly magical performance by Ronnie James Dio and by the time you get to the fade out you never want it to end.

Here are a few runners up that deserve mention:

• Opeth – Godhead’s Lament (Opeth’s best)
• Voivod – Jack Luminous (Not known for epics but they crafted an awesome space epic!)
• Ozzy – Diary of a Madman (too short but massively epic feel)
• Metallica – Master of Puppets (doesn’t feel quite epic enough but a killer song)
• Helloween – Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 (a classic epic indeed)

There you have it. There are always dissenting opinions so if you feel compelled, add a comment below! And if you hunger for more, check out my own attempts at epic metal glory (’The Endurance’ is our 9 minute epic)!

JUDAS PRIEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Judas Priest – British Steel Live a the Gibson Amphitheater, Los Angeles CA.

They were beyond awesome!! British Steel live was fucking godly! I have new found love for this masterful heavy metal classic.
Highlights: The Rage (holy shit!!!), Steeler, Rapid Fire (no low points – all killer!)

The rest of the set was also killer!!
Highlights: Victim of Changes (screams!!), The Ripper, Diamonds and Rust
Low points: Nostradamus, Hell Patrol

The performance was filled with passion and energy. The lead playing was incredible, they were really feeling it. KK was fucking on fire, his leads on The Rage were amazing. The sound was intense, great guitar sound, crunchy but with character. Halford was just fucking incredible. What a voice and what a presence. My voice is shot, neck is sore, and I’m still recovering. PRIEST RULES!!

Heavy Metal is my religion! Halford is god, Priest are gods. All hail!!!

The 20 greatest Heavy Metal songs ever recorded

OK, here are the rules. This list is about great songs and why they are great due to their recording and production values. There are so many songs out there that others might think are better, but have you ever said to your self; “Ya know there is a good song here but I wish they did not use that drum sound, or, it’s not that tight, or, the production sucks.” Even the performances can be off.

The criteria for rating these songs is simple: The immediate visceral response I experienced from the aural assault presented.

You will notice that vocals are taken into account quite a bit cuz I’m a singer. No two bands are repeated but there are some same people who performed in different bands. Ballads are not included (because I said so – my list, my rules) and I do include 2 runner ups for each entry. Now, let the count down begin!!

20. BURNING BRIDGES Crimson Glory/Transcendence

This is one of my favorite metal records. Yes they looked silly with their masks and all but this disk is so rich with classic sounding material. Burning Bridges is so interestingly constructed. I love how the pre chorus is the extended main chorus riff sans vocals. They know how good their music is to pull a trick like that. It’s these little things that are why it is so special. I also love the beginning with that otherworldly melody. The drum sound is quite processed (they are real and played by a human contrary to belief) and the topic is a bit schmaltzy (Regret of abandoning a true love), but Midnight sings with such conviction that all the shortcomings are obliterated. This one is truly transcendent. Runner ups: Lady Of Winter, In Dark Places

19. FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK…WE SALUTE YOU AC/DC/For Those About To Rock

AC/DC is a rock band and this is their Metal song! The beginning itself commands that you pay attention. Brian Johnson’s vocals are so searing and true you believe the message even if you don’t like rock. The riff is so simple yet so complete. Add cannon fire to the mix and you got a song for the Metal ages! I salute you AC/DC! Runner ups: Who Made Who, Back In Black

18. THE DAWN OF BATTLE Manowar/The Dawn Of Battle EP

This is taken from a three song EP that makes me wonder why this song was not just put on a record. I guess they wanted to make more easy money or they thought that the song was good enough to stand alone. I think it is the latter. New Manowar listeners get the true essence of the band in a nice neat package. It has all the staples… Gut wrenching verses, grandiose choruses with giant hooks, a quiet “if I should fall in battle” middle, and a blistering solo. Erik Adams really sings like a king here showing his full range. Also, Joey uses a regular bass instead of that somewhat annoying piccolo bass. A real winner! Runner ups: Blood Of My Enemies, Hail And Kill

17. DETROIT ROCK CITY Kiss/Destroyer

This was the first Metal song I ever listened to. Yes, it is a Metal song! I was 5 years old and was blown away by Paul Stanley’s white hot screams. Since then I have never looked back. It comes from a landmark album. I liked the effects drenched “God of Thunder” too but this is a pure song. Wonderfully produced by Bob Erzin and some of the hardest hitting drums from Peter Criss. Even that piano is heavy! It’s also cool how the lyrics turn suddenly frightening at the end and the car crash bit still brings chills. It really is a stand alone and I’m glad it broke my cherry. Runner ups: Do You Love Me, Larger Than Life

16. BLACK HORSEMAN King Diamond/Abigail

Abigail is regarded as King Diamond’s finest record. Everybody is right. He could never seem to get that once in a lifetime sound and production again. I choose “Black Horseman” because it is one of his most unique numbers. A labyrinth of styles that so seamlessly flow together as one. King sings with so much passion and genuine emotion. Every voice style he has he showcases here. It also has some of the most beautiful melodies he has ever composed. The lyrics are cool too. It all comes together with a climatic awe that ends with one of the best closing lines. The drumming is mesmerizing and the guitars saturate the soul. A real one of a kind. Runner ups: A Broken spell, Into The Convent

15. THE LEARNING Nevermore/The Politics Of Ecstasy

I’ll never forget how deeply involved I got into this song just after the first listen. I replayed it about 30 more times and almost forgot about the rest of the album. The possibility of A.I. is a subject I will always find fascinating. (Screaming In Digital and NM 156 from Queensryche also dabble in this….see below) Nevermore’s crushing score and Warrel Dane’s mind numbing lyrics give this subject a 9 minute plus workout. The record itself is the most sonically assaultive from the band. Warrel’s performance is that of bliss. From the heartfelt opening plea to the stabbing pre choruses to the de-resonating scream that caps the song, it is a journey that leaves no questions left to ask. This truly pierces the carbon soul. Runner ups: Dreaming Neon Black, The Sanity Assassin

14. HEADING FOR TOMORROW Gamma Ray/Heading For Tomorrow

Ralph Sheepers only sang on two Gamma Ray records before forming Primal Fear. I just love this song for the sheer scope of epic-ness. It is one of the most serious performances from Ralph who is a giant in the industry. I love how composer Kai Hansen (a less able but totally charming singer in later albums) gives us a full 16 minute unedited, unapologetic odyssey. Even the beginning tells the listener…”this is a huge song, your going on a journey!” At the end you might feel exhausted but so satisfied you are glad you went for the ride. Runner ups: Rebellion In Dreamland, All Of The Dammed

13. NICE DAY FOR A FUNERAL Overkill/Horrorscope

What? No “Wrecking Crew”, no “Elimination”, no “Rotten To The Core”?? No. It is this. This forgotten triumph from the Virgin Killers themselves! This is Overkill’s darkest moment. This song burns in you as if Blitz branded it to your brain! The riffs are straight forward, simple and unrelenting. The vocals come from the surface of the sun. The lyrics are so spot on disturbing that it’s like Blitz went into the mind of every suicidal soul and took the best lines of despair and futility. And that fucking solo! It still makes me weep. Dare if you will to take a dive into this dangerous and gut wrenching piece. You will never be the same. Runner ups: Who Tends The Fire, End Of The Line

12. SCREAMING IN DIGITAL Queensryche/Rage For Order

Rage For Order is my favorite Queensryche album. It is just so ahead of it’s time and it is Geoff Tate’s best performance. The world can go Mindcrime all it wants but the mold was broken here. I chose “Screaming” because it has personally influenced me big time on how I structure my vocals. The overlapping, the different characters with different voices and how Tate really sings across the riffs and not just with them. Again, I love the subject matter (A.I.’s again) and the buildup is very gripping. Also the use of different effects and sounds make this a true original. Runner ups: The Mission, Roads To Madness

11. MARCH OF TIME Helloween/Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 2

The drummer I play with said it best…” This song is the template on witch every other power metal song is built from.” I couldn’t agree more. It is a glorious song. Filled with speed and souring vocals from the great Michael Kiske. (So what if he is a douche bag) I love how epic the presentation is and how each member gets a little moment in the sun with carefully placed “mini solos”. Cool topic, lyrics and tight as a drum. Oh how I miss the old Helloween days! Runner Ups: Twilight Of The Gods, How Many Tears

10. BEYOND THE BLACK Metal Church/Metal Church

And how black it is. This chugger literally broods with darkness. The production is astounding because it is so “wet” and cryptic, yet clear. I don’t think I’ll ever hear such a crisp, sweet drum sound again. The late David Wayne had to have recorded his vocals from some deep dark catacomb or something. The tom/guitar harmony at the beginning is worth the song alone. The song drips metal good enough to destroy any church! And that is why their Metal always conquers! Runner ups: We Watch The Children Prey, Battalions

9. THE SENTINEL Judas Priest/Defenders Of The Faith

This is one of Judas Priest’s best songs hands down. Defenders is my favorite disk from Priest. It’s not crooney like the early stuff or cheesy like the albums that came soon after. The obvious choice from this one would have been “Freewheel Burning” but that has a few bits that borderline on silliness. The Sentinel has a wonderful structure. I love how the story is told and how the title character is described. It has sophistication and maturity. The middle section is nice and moody and Rob Halford does some of his most spine tingling screams (Especially at the end.) It is played live quite often and never disappoints. One for the ages! Runner Ups: Painkiller, Sinner

8. LAST IN LINE Dio/Last In Line

I guess you could call this one “Dio’s Number Of The Beast.” It’s his perfect song. It has a great thoughtful intro that bursts into a riff that instantly tattoos to your brain. The lyrics, (classic Dio scribe that always makes one go… “I’m not quite sure what he really means by that”) is so much fun to sing along to. It is wrapped up in a perfect package. The guitar solo by Vivian Campbell is also fabulous. While “Rainbow In The Dark” and “Hungry For Heaven” were ultimately the product of producers, Last In Line remains one of his most respected songs that is considered by the record executives “a hit.” Runner ups: Don’t Talk to Strangers, Strange Highways

7. EDEN LIES OBSCURED Sanctuary/Into The Mirror Black

Definitely the most obscure song on the list (no pun intended). Bathed in one of the most melancholy yet progressive riffs ever, this song still makes me shudder in awe. Warrel Dane is one of the greatest lyricists in metal. His ideas and words are spellbinding. The album itself is so devoid of comic relief and this is a showcase true to it’s words of human double standards. It’s pinnacle of sadness and raw anger. The emotions conveyed are so real you can almost see his veins bulging and tears flowing. But nowhere is a false feeling found. This is the real deal. Runner Ups: Long Since Dark, Veil Of Disguise

6. DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER Flotsam And Jetsam/Doomsday For The Deceiver

There is a reason this song is also the album title, it is so worthy for the metal hall of fame! A crushing power thrasher! It’s almost like a movement from some dark opera. The topic has to be one of the most bizarre twists on clichéd standard metal themes. In short, it is the battle of Satan and his “marked” human survivors vs. the masses of followers of the heavy metal created creature called “Flotzilla” after a nuclear war. Oh and it is fought on some street with weapons consisting of “Thrashing jaws, slashing claws and, yes,POWER METAL!!” Before Jason Newsted became lobotomized in Metallica, he had the most fun doing this band. He has no fear bringing his F+J masterpiece to the public. The intro is patient, the riffs unstoppable, the singing is stratospheric and the bass playing is on par to Steve Harris. The listener has to be an expert to sing along to this beast. If the Deceiver dooms this day…then we have won it! Runner ups: I Live You Die, Metal Shock

5. THROUGH EYES OF GLASS Forbidden/Forbidden Evil

One of Metal’s most thrilling songs! On the first listen I said to myself, “I will never tire of this….EVER!” Too bad Forbidden was always relegated to being second banana to all the other thrash bands who rose to stardom. There is an ocean of talent in this band. Even though these days they are starting to be credited as a true pioneer of new thrash metal ideas, they still remain one of Metal’s most underrated acts. They were also a farm band to lots of musicians who went on to storied careers. Matt, Russ and Craig never got out though. This song is the absolute standout on what is a cool yet somewhat chaotic record. The rather standard topic of clairvoyance is met by smooth verses that are so well sung by the unlikely singer Russ Anderson who looks like your local back of the store butcher but sings with an otherworldly voice. The riffs are very advanced yet very accessible. The solo’s are something to behold! 2 ½ min of pure axe perfection. They sound shred filled but are actually very pre composed. I’ll never get bored of this over the top, out of this world thrash classic! Runner ups: Hypnotized By The Rhythm, Infinite

4. STARGAZER Rainbow/Rising

Rainbow have never really been a metal band. More of a rock band. But they just so happened to write and record one of metal’s greatest songs! This is due to the fact that Dio was involved. Seems like wherever Dio goes, the magic follows. The fine materiel recorded by Rainbow during the Dio years were mostly Renaissance Faire-esce or straight ahead pool hall rockers. They did manage to cut three Metalers though. The other two are “Kill The King” (a close second) and “Gates Of Babylon” (A bit too progressive yet still cool.) “Stargazer” is a wonder and a winner. The lyrics and the performance is so mystical. The riff is very hard hitting and deadly infectious. It stays the course the entire time only to climax to an ending that will literally give you the power to fly. It’s nearly a perfect song. To this day I can still see the slaves of the now fallen wizard rising with the Rainbow. Pure magic! Runner ups: Gates Of Babylon, Kill The King

3. MASTER OF PUPPETS Metallica/Master Of Puppets

Metallica’s greatest song. It’s their “Ninth Symphony”. Every riff is perfect. A difficult song to play and one that is so easy to ingest. James’ vocal performance is one we will sadly never hear again. This is also their best record. It is so well produced. The sound still shatters my every bone even after 25 years of listening to it. The chorus is designed for concerts. The solo from Kirk is haunting and gum scraping. The bridge sections, count em…four, are so memorable you can hum them note for note even if you haven’t given the song a spin in say, two years. The lyrics are masterfully written that it will remove every ounce of hope you can muster. (“Chomp your breakfast on a mirror!”) The song ends with one of metal’s heaviest riffs (a simple variation on the main verse riff)…EVER! Too bad that in these days this has been demoted to being partially played live in god awful medleys. Please guys! Treat this as if it were your son who is worthy of the crown. It is the only level it deserves. Runner ups: Ride The Lightning, Disposable Heroes

2. THE MOB RULES Black Sabbath/Mob Rules

I first heard this song while watching the movie “Heavy Metal.” The first thing I asked myself is…”Who is that band and where can I find the record?!” Well, I got the soundtrack and the Black Sabbath record at the same time! There are actually two different recordings. The Proper album version wins hands down. It is much tighter and just fucking rocks! I have studied the lyrics for years and I still don’t know what Dio is really talking about. I guess it has to do with anarchy or something like that but who cares! This song is so Metal and just fills one’s head with such unique imagery. Not just the lyrics but the whole sound of it all. It is one of the best live songs performed. When I heard the boys crank this show opener at the Beacon Theater in New York during the “Dehumanizer” tour I was in Heaven and Hell!! The assaulting riff is so simple and so perfect. I just love the part when Dio screams “The Mob Rules” at the beginning of the solo. A metal classic that will forever be written in stone! Runner ups: Falling Off The Edge Of the World, Children Of The Sea

1. THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST Iron Maiden/The Number Of The Beast

The greatest heavy Metal song ever recorded. Perfected perfection. Perfect. It will never be championed. It is an enigma unto itself. I still don’t know how they did it. Every second of this song rules. From the moment the voice over starts reciting the passage of Revelations you know you are in for the experience of a lifetime and producer Martin Birch made sure of that. The guitars begin followed quickly by the first chilling lines of Bruce’s intense yet restrained singing. It builds and builds with perspiring caged madness. Then it explodes with Bruce’s most chilling scream ever. From there you are given the most unforgettable three minutes of such focused intensity. The lyrics are only matched by Bruce’s fiery singing that keeps you in a chokehold. The chorus hammers the listener with the three sixes with deadly precision. The solos weave in and out to the cannon fire drumming of Clive Burr. Steve’s Bass solo is so famous that it is regarded as his best. This song is even better that Run To the Hills. (I love that to death too.) As it gets scarier with each passing phrase, you, like Bruce get mesmerized. I still cower when the line “Can’t avoid their eyes” is sung. I must have listened to this song over 30,000 times in my life and I’m still not used to it. It’s that fucking good. Funny thing is (and I hear this has happened to many people) is that I thought this was the album opener. The weird labeling on the record confused many. Another great aspect is the added “warning verse” at the end. What ballsy songwriting. The prose lyrics also come at you without blinking an eye. I can still crank this today and be out of breath at the end. The only bad thing is when it is performed live. It doesn’t even come close to the recorded version. The price for perfection I guess. Maiden can die knowing that they have created the greatest Metal song ever recorded. One that will never fall from the throne. Runner ups: Run To The Hills, The Trooper

10 HONORABLE MENTIONS They almost made it! In no order.

• Angel Of Death- Slayer… Venom invented it, Slayer refined it. A classic thrasher.
• Misery Loves Company- Anthrax… This is a Thrax song that nobody else cares about.
• I Am A Viking- Yngwie Malmsteen… The Best song from Yngwie EVER!
• Mastermind- Vicious Rumors… No one knew these guys. I did and I’m glad!
• Hall Of The Mountain King- Savatage… Their masterpiece. So dramatic and Metal!
• Komaniac- Artillery… Fleming Rassmussan produced this. Their only good record.
• In Mourning- Megadeth… This is without a doubt their heaviest song. Black Friday!
• Night Of The Unborn- Merciful Fate… Blood wet production and scary!
• Gettysburg- Iced Earth… I have always had a soft spot for Ripper. He is awesome.
• Heaven Is Hell- Accept… Udo sounds like he is slowly driving a screw into your skull.

Metal doth RULE!

Michael

Mike is the singer for Crescent Shield, a killer melodic metal band!

Iron Maiden’s ‘The Number of the Beast’ is the single greatest heavy metal album ever recorded. The release of the album heralded a new arrival of metal. Maiden didn’t invent metal, but with Beast they crafted a package that honed and polished the genre and ultimately redefined it.

It could easily be argued that Black Sabbath set the standard for metal back in 1970 with the monumental ‘Paranoid’. Or any number of Judas Priest’s records could be considered the pinnacle of metal. ‘Screaming for Vengeance’, or perhaps ‘Stained Class’, ‘Sin After Sin’ or ‘Sad Wings of Destiny.’ As worthy as they or any other recording might be, Beast is the quintessential, the holiest of holy, the ultimate zenith of heavy metal. Maiden’s two prior releases were brilliant, but with Beast, all the gears meshed perfectly. The songwriting, the performance, the production, the lyrics; everything clicked.

One can’t talk of Iron Maiden without mentioning the artwork. Maiden’s artwork and their perpetual mascot Eddie, is of major appeal to their fans. Eddie’s silver haired, decaying zombie-like figure is eerily irresistible. The first Maiden song I heard was the title track to Beast. My cousin recorded it from the radio, and I knew it only as “666.” I was blown away. Days later, while browsing in a record store, I first saw the iconic Beast album cover: Eddie with arm outstretched manipulating the devil with invisible puppet strings while hellfire rages with the title written out in dripping blood lettering. It is an image that was seared permanently into my retina. Immediately it clicked, “this is that song, ‘666’.” Needless to say I purchased the cassette. The power and magnetism of Derek Riggs’ artwork cannot be underestimated.

Of course, a great cover does not make a great album. The prime ingredient of any recording is the songwriting, and Maiden had one of metal’s all time great songwriters at the helm. Steve Harris is easily one of the greatest and most influential bass players of all time, but his brilliant songwriting make him one of the most revered figures in metal history. It’s difficult to fathom how one man could pen so many of metal’s landmark songs, and on one single album. ‘Children of the Damned’, ‘Run to the Hills’, ‘Hallowed be thy Name’, and the title track are some of the most enduring masterpieces in metal. Not to mention the grossly underrated ‘Invaders’, and the two other classics ‘The Prisoner’ and ‘22 Acacia Avenue’ co-written with Adrian Smith. Galloping up behind these seven gems is ‘Gangland’, a classic in its own right, written by Smith and having the unfair circumstance of existing in the shadow of metal’s most cherished songs.

Brilliant songwriting is essential but Beast would not be the classic it is without stellar performances and top notch production values. A key feature of Maiden’s unique sound is the twin guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. Standing on the shoulders of Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest, Maiden employed the dual guitar harmonies to the greatest effect. The stature of ‘Hallowed be thy Name’ as the most exalted twin guitar epic is undeniable. Murray and Smith also have unique voices unto themselves. Every solo on Beast is a memorable and melodic gem, characteristic of each of their individual styles. The release of Beast secured Harris’ position as a bass guitar virtuoso. His bass lines are impeccable. They are so interesting that you could listen to the entire album focusing only on the bass and be completely enthralled. Clive Burr’s drumming has an aggressiveness and conviction that is second to none. His drum beats and fills are so memorable and influential. The intro to ‘Run to the Hills’ must have been played by everyone that has ever sat behind a drum kit. Bruce Dickinson’s performance on Beast was both a first for Maiden and a first for metal. Never before has a metal singer put so much intensity and throat scarring recklessness into a performance. Maybe he was out to prove he was a worthy successor to Paul Dianno. If so, he certainly succeeded. Can any metal scream compare to the closing scream of ‘Run to the Hills’? Perhaps only the searing physical and emotional agony of the final note of ‘Children of the Damned’. Or the benchmark opening scream of the title track. The whole opening section of the title track is undeniably brilliant. The intensity of it is staggering, perhaps only matched by the final verse of ‘Invaders’. Dickinson laid down a performance on Beast that instantly raised him to the upper echelon of metal vocalists; it’s a performance he has never surpassed. Martin Birch is surely the heavy metal producer with the most impressive resume (Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rainbow, etc.). He obviously understood Maiden’s music and was able to elicit incredible performances from the band members. In addition, the unique tones he achieved with his engineering expertise set a new standard in metal; and the mix allowed every instrument to be heard with clarity while creating a thick, powerful, and explosive sound.

It’s been over 20 years since Beast’s release and every time I hear it, it’s as good as the second time I heard it (nothing can compare to the first time – that was a fucking religious experience.) Beast combined all the necessary ingredients to create a masterpiece. It’s an achievement that will never be outdone.

If you like Iron Maiden you may like my band! Check out our new song Lifespan.
Lots of band play covers of other band’s songs – here’s a cool post about Rock Covers