Album Review, Metallica: Hardwired to Self-Destruct

We're So F**ked

$hit out of Luck

Hardwired to Self Destruct

Let me first say that I was not impressed with Metallica's Death Magnetic album. It seemed to be an attempt at a prog metal album, but it turned out to be just long. I gave up hope on that return to form thrash metal album that we had been waiting on for 20+ years. When I heard they were recording a new album, my first thought was 'Meh.' I wasn't expecting much, and they were pretty tight lipped about it. Then, came the first video from the new album, the title track, Hardwired. I was cautiously optimistic because that song freaking rocked! I thought about doing a blog post about how that song gave me hope, but I decided against it. What if the tune was a fluke? Then came the next song, Moth Into Flame. That song was incredible. A 6 minute juggernaut that would have easily fit on Master of Puppets. My cautious optimism turned into cautious hope, not only that this was the return to form album, but also the best album since Puppets? Maybe? Dare I hope? Read on! (I didn't really like And Justice For All. The songs are great, but I like bass in my metal.)

What can I say? This album is badass. Review over. Just kidding. First of all, there is no filler on this album. Every song is incredible in its own way. Metallica displays elements from all of their good albums from Kill Em All all the way up to Load and Reload, while having its own stand alone style. One thing that stands out is the harmony guitar between James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett which is back in a big way. Its featured in quite a few songs, most notably Atlas, Rise. One thing I never thought I'd hear again was James's vocal ability being on par with his voice on the first 5 albums. That was a very welcome surprise. Vocal harmonies are tight too. 

We're BACK!!!

One thing that really stands out and makes this a return to form album is the fact that Lars Ulrich and Rob Trujillo are extremely tight. Much moreso than on Death Magnetic. Trujillo is such an incredible bass player, I believe that he brought out the best in Ulrich on this album. In the song, Now That We're Dead, there is a Judas Priest type chug opening, with a thick double bass part. Its not as fast others like One, and anything off Puppets, but the song isn't that fast either. My point is that I doubt we would have had a double bass part on a song like that if the album had been released a year or two after Death Magnetic.

All the fast licks in the songs are back. Fast, heavy, brutal. And, while I hate to keep going back to Death Magnetic, I have to. That was their last album, so it needs to be compared. As I mentioned before, the DM songs were just long, with a bunch of different licks that didn't necessarily need to be there. On Hardwired,  there are 6-7 minute songs on this album with a bunch of different licks. The difference? They all fit.

There are no ballads on this album, but there are some acoustic intros. The acoustic guitar sound is the same sound that was used in Fade to Black, and Sanitarium. Murder One (among others) is a good example of this, yet the song slams into a really heavy yet slow groove that will make you want to break something. Another slow yet brutally heavy song is Dream No More. If The Thing That Should Not Be and Sad But True had a child, it would be this song. It also has the vocal harmony that was present on Load and Reload. This song is a perfect example of James still having his vocal ability from years past.

In classic sounds, the song Confusion, it has a vintage Metallica feel. Think Am I Evil. But while this song is badass from a musical perspective, its lyrics are powerful. Emotional. And, so is the video. Its about a soldier returning home from war, and suffering from PTSD. I won't spoil the video for you, but it is INTENSE. I lived near Ft. Bragg for a while, and I have seen how horrific PTSD can be to a soldier. Watching the video made me tear up a little bit. 

But, I know you all want to know, which song compares to Battery or Damage Inc. While Moth Into Flame could fit on Puppets OR Ride the Lightning, it isn't the heaviest song on the album. That designation belongs to Spit Out The Bone! Not only is it fast and heavy, it also has a distorted bass break. 

Is that a Miami Dolphins logo over Lar's left eye?

Basically, this is the Metallica album that we've all been waiting 20+ years for. Its the album that should have followed Master of Puppets. Was it worth the wait? I think so. It shows that the most influential metal band of all time next to Iron Maiden still has what it takes to grab us by the throat and not let go.

On DM, there is a song called The Day That Never Comes. Well, that day finally came today. Metallica is BACK with a VENGEANCE!!!! Buy this album! You will not be disappointed!

Prediction: Hardwired to Self-Destruct will debut on Billboard at #1. Metallica won't be self destructing any time soon.

And, while you're here, check out my review of Through the Never.

 

Album Review: Apocalyptic Lovers- Redemption, Volume 1

 One day you will be

Wrapped inside me...

But for right now,

I just changed frequency!

 And, you will too, once you hear this band! They need to be on EVERY frequency!

I've been slacking again. For that, I apologize. Damn real life issues! But, I've been jamming this album good and loud ever since the band sent it to me. We had the band on the show a while back, and they were among the best guests we've ever had, and their music kicks ass. 

Originally from Youngstown, OH, Apocalyptic Lovers formed in 1991 and gained success playing regionally, but they also took a trip out to the City of Angels. That earned them a writeup in Entertainment Weekly, which led to overseas distribution of their music. Now, the band has reformed and plans on releasing a 10 volume collection of EPs featuring new material and updated classics. The first will be released on April 16, 2016. Its a bold move, but they have assembled a crew of heavy hitters in order to put this venture together and have it be as big and bold sounding as the move itself. The 8 tracks on Volume 1, Redemption was produced by legendary producer, Michael Wagener. You might remember him from his work with Ozzy, Megadeth, Metallica, Dokken, Extreme, Motley Crue and more. 

And, it shows. The album explodes to start, kicking you in the face with Better Days. A heavy technical onslaught that shows influence from classic Ozzy albums among others. You are greeted by brutal guitar and powerful backup vocals right off the bat. It takes you back to the days when the music was not only fun to listen to, but it was also made you feel good, and musical talent was respected and expected. Another song that puts things into perspective is the slow and heavy groove, Who The Hell Are You. Something I'd like to ask the record executives that didn't sign these guys in the 90's. They are so much better than the cookie cutter glam bands that were forced on us at the tail end of the glam metal era. We won't even talk about grunge. Unfortunately, the band and the fans who would have loved them were Left in the Cold, (Another badass song) by these idiot record companies.

The musical skill on display here is top notch. Each member is a master at their instruments. Singer, Robert Kane has a very powerful and broad vocal range. Guitarist, Sean Magee is an axe slinger who could duel with anyone. Drummer, Dave Hope has the strength of Thor in his arms and legs. But the most unique thing about Apocalyptic Lovers is that they have TWO bass players. Mike Nagy and George Allen both play bass, and rhythm guitar, and they alternate on stage. And, all 5 members of the band can sing. 5 part harmonies are constantly on display on the album.

Like I said, all of the talent is showcased on all the songs, but one is particularly showcased. A song with a brutal groove, called simply The Groove. The band has commercial appeal too, and even in today's dark ages of rock and metal. 

If you like good metal from an extremely talented band, you owe it to yourself to pick up this album when its released. This band would have dominated the arenas and stadiums in the 80's, and they can do it again. You'll want to pay attention to them. 

Buy the album!

Follow them here:

Twitter

The band's website

ITunes: Buy the album. Now!

Facebook

Reverbnation 

And, don't forget the band's appearance on our radio show!

They even have a very good looking video for their song Change of Frequency. Click here for the YouTube page. 

I'm going back to listen to the album again. It ROCKS!

Mike Nagy, Bass/Guitar/Vocals- George Allen, Bass/Guitar, Vocals- Rob Kane, Lead Vocals- Dave Hope, Drums/Vocals- Sean Magee, Guitars/Vocals

Megadeth Vs Metallica: The Punishment Due

You will do what I say; 

when I say...

...If there's a new way, 

I'll be the first in line!

This post is something that I've been thinking about posting for a couple years now. I finally decided to do it after reviewing the new Megadeth album, Dystopia. I haven't reviewed any Metallica albums because they haven't released a new one since before I started blogging. Hard to believe they haven't released anything new since 2008, isn't it? Although, I did review their movie Through the Never. Anyway, let's answer that  'who's better' question, and go Into the Arena. 

If you've been living under a rock for 30+ years, or aren't that big of a metal fan, you might not know that Dave Mustaine of Megadeth was the Metallica guitarist prior to Kirk Hammett's arrival. He was kicked out of the band prior to their debut album, Kill Em All. Mustaine then met bassist, Dave Ellefson and Megadeth was born. Shortly after that, their debut album, Killing is My Business, and Business is Good was released. And, a war between the two rival thrash metal bands began, and its still going. If you want to know more about the back story, Google it. 

First of all, Dave Mustaine was co-writer of 4 songs on Kill Em All, as well as 2 tracks (including the title track) of Ride The Lightning. Both albums were released before Killing is My Business was released. So, regardless of how much of the songs were actually written by Mustaine, Megadeth had to start from scratch. And, they had a long way to go...

Metallica's first 3 albums, Kill Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets are thrash metal icons. Master of Puppets is the greatest thrash album of all time. However, they lost a step when they released their fourth album, And Justice For All. Many metal fans, myself included felt that album was a let down after Master of Puppets. After all, topping that album has proven to be a hard feat to accomplish. Nobody (Including Metallica) has been able to top it. 

Megadeth's first 3 releases, Killing is my Business, Peace Sells but Who's Buying, and So Far So Good, So What were also wildly accepted by thrash metal fans as well, with each album getting better and better. But Megadeth's fourth and fifth albums, Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction destroyed Metallica's fourth and fifth albums. Metallica's first ever video for their song, One introduced millions of new fans to the band, and their fifth 'Black Album' was a golden goose, where Metallica went mainstream with the radio hits, Enter Sandman, Sad But True, and the ballad, Nothing Else Matters. But Megadeth also got noticed by the masses, and even scored a couple radio hits of their own. Rust in Peace had Holy Wars..The Punishment Due on the radio while the iconic video and musical skill of Hangar 18 dominated MTV. Countdown to Extinction had the radio hit, Symphony of Destruction and MTV hit, Sweating Bullets. Both bands were taking similar paths, but Metallica had the backing of the masses. But, with the release of Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction, people started noticing what Megadeth fans had known all along: Megadeth's music was better. The songs were better written, the guitar work was better, and over all, Megadeth was a more talented band. Solos sounded different. The songs flowed better. Most of this was due to the arrival of guitar god, Marty Friedman and drummer, Nick Menza, although if you listen to the first three albums, the skill of the guitarists has always been superior to James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's efforts. Not to mention, original drummer, Gar Samuelson (RIP) was far superior to Lars Ulrich. 

Gar Samuelson. I hung out with him once.

Next came grunge. <gag> Metallica released Load and Reload. Megadeth released Youthanasia, Cryptic Writings, and Risk. (And, you can probably include The World Needs A Hero in this group) All these albums were departures from their thrash roots, but were part of the band's evolution. Some diehard thrash metal fans hate those albums, but I don't. Both bands did what they needed to do to survive. Although, Metallica only put out one more album before Death Magnetic in 2008, which was St. Anger in 2003, which we won't talk about by name anymore, Megadeth released the ones I mentioned and two more before 2008. But while Metallica was writing simplistic radio hits, Megadeth was growing as a band musically, and had several radio hits of their own like Trust, Secret Place, Almost Honest, Use The Man, Breadline, and more. Did these songs blow up the bank account like Metallica's? No, but once again, musically, the Megadeth songs were superior. Some of the best guitar work I've ever heard is on the albums that lots of people overlook. In fact, one of my all time favorite songs, A Tout le Monde is on Youthanasia. Megadeth re recorded that song as a duet with Christina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, introducing the band to an even broader base of new fans.  

Mustaine and Scabbia

Still, Megadeth didn't stop. While Metallica was touring all over creation, and not releasing a new album in 8 years and counting, Megadeth kept releasing albums. Since Metallica's last album, Megadeth has released four albums. And, while some of the albums may not be as good as their best ones, their latest album, Dystopia as I mentioned in my review is the best since Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction. After Metallica's debacle 2003 album (the one we aren't mentioning by name) everyone was begging for a 'return to form' album from them. The result was Death Magnetic. An album where they attempted to make a good thrash album, but it proved they had forgotten how. The songs are unnecessarily long, and guitar riffs are just thrown together. Plus, honestly, James Hetfield just doesn't have the aggression in his voice anymore. Dave Mustaine, however does. In fact, his voice sounds better than ever. To be fair, the fans were wanting a 'return to form' album from Megadeth too. Megadeth delivered. Several times, with The System Has Failed, United Abominations, Endgame, TH1RT3EN, and of course, the new juggernaut, Dystopia.

One of the main criticisms about Megadeth I've heard is that the lineup has changed so many times. Your point? Have you heard Metallica's stuff? Maybe its time for them to change up. Mustaine has said that he will only bring in a guitarist that is better than he is. Those are some pretty heavy shoes to fill, but he's brought in greats such as Marty Friedman, Al Pitrelli, and newcomer, Kiko Loureiro, among others. Kirk Hammett wouldn't make it into Megadeth, and that's a fact. I can't think of a better way to challenge yourself to improve. And, this new album proves it. Actually, if you go back and listen to 2 songs from each album back to back and in order, you'll see how each album features something new, different, and better than before. You can't say that about Metallica. 

The age old adage: "When the history books are written, ______."  applies here. Because while Metallica reigned supreme being the greatest marketing band in the history of the world other than Kiss, Megadeth kept putting out good albums, with great songs. Ask any metal musician which is the better band, you will get Megadeth 9 out of 10 times. History has been written, and slowly but surely, more and more people are realizing it. Megadeth gets the last laugh, and is the superior band. Still doubt me? Ask the Metal God Himself, Rob Halford: 

 Click Here for Rob's answer.

And, don't come away from this thinking I don't like Metallica. I do. I love Master of Puppets and Ride The Lightning. I like Kill Em All. Black, Load, and Reload are okay. The rest, not so much.

Metal in the Super Bowl? Time For a Metal Crusade!

______________________________________

...Here comes the metal meltdown

Run for your life...

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Katy Perry, Prince, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, etc. They were all big time guests for the Super Bowl Halftime show, but they all have one thing in common. They aren't metal. The NFL and the record company moguls seem to be in lock step agreement about what the public wants to see on the biggest stage on Earth. They actually think that everybody wants to see either the current radio cash cows (Katy Perry, New Kids on the Block, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake) or the super classic artists (Paul McCartney, The Who, Prince, etc) And, they even threw us a bone with Aerosmith and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but sorry...That is not good enough.

I'll take a gigantic Eddie over a walking
tiger any day.

The fact of the matter is that there are 3 metal bands that fit BOTH categories...Record album sales and classic artist. They are: Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. And, they are all three still going strong. I'd include Black Sabbath, but they aren't going strong, despite a great showing with their latest album.

So, I am launching a 'Metal Crusade.' Simply put, I am going to do everything I can to make the NFL do the right thing, and schedule a metal band for the halftime show. You may like one of the bands I listed better than another, but if we throw the top 3 metal bands of all time in their face, they will have to pick one. Personally, I'd be stoked if any of these three were to be selected.

Think the halftime show would suck
with Priest? 'You Got Another
Think coming!"

So, how do we accomplish this? Its easy. Click this link and like and share the hell out of this Facebook page. Tell all your metal friends to do the same. Comment on the page repeatedly. If we get a million likes, then maybe the NFL will notice. Once we get to 500,000 REAL likes (meaning I am not going to enlist fake likes the way some people do) I will send the NFL an email a week until I get a reply. I'll post the contact info as well so that everyone can email.

You might think that I'm wasting my time because not everyone likes metal. You're wrong for several reasons. One, not everyone likes bubblegum pop garbage either. Katy Perry's huge tiger was cool, but her music sucks. How in the can you use the 'Eye of the Tiger' line in a song??? Next, is she going to come out with a song talking about being 'Comfortably Numb' on a 'Stairway to Heaven? Come on now. Anyway, let me get back on track here. There are just as many country fans in the US than there are metal fans. But, country fans actually LIKE Metallica. Seriously. One night years ago, I went to a country concert with a friend who had an extra ticket. The headliner took the stage at 9PM. (NINE? WTF?))) That was my reaction too. But after the early show ended, the cowfolk line danced the night away. One of the songs that they danced to was Enter Sandman by Metallica. No joke. They had a routine that looked like puppets on strings (MASTER!!!) and it really did twist my mind and smash my brain.

Say your prayers, little one, don't forget my son
to include every one!!!

Anyway, my point of that last paragraph was that even though we can't stand pop music, we all watched the rest of the half time show after we took a piss and grabbed some more beer and hot wings. Need proof? How many of you saw Janet Jackson's boob live? I know I did. But on the flip side of that coin, pop heads and country fans will watch a metal band if its on the halftime show. AND, the show would get enormous ratings which could pave the way for future metal bands to get the call.

Plus, metal is kicking its way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The time is right to do this, but it doesn't matter. Which conquering army ever asked permission to invade?

You know you were watching!
Don't lie!

So, I am calling the metalheads to action! Let's get this done, and bitch slap the corporate douchebags in the record industry by demanding a metal band on the world's biggest stage! Lets get it done. Let's show the world that metal is more relevant than all this candy ass pop. I'd bet that Powerslave by Iron Maiden has sold more copies than all of Katy Perry's albums combined.

Hey, NFL..You will do what the fans say
when the fans say!!!

So, let's do this!!! Don't disregard this post and Facebook page as just another fan page. It isn't! Its a call to action to all metal lovers not just in the US, but the world. The NFL wants a team in London? I'm looking at you British metalheads too! Up the Irons! Summon the Metal Gods, and lets shove some metal up the NFL's ass!!!

"It has to start somewhere, It has to start some time. What better place than here? What better time than NOW???"

If you don't get on board, don't bitch about lame halftime shows. Its as simple as that.

WHAT'S in the BAG??? A Review of Metallica: Through the Never

I wasn't sure what to expect when I rented this on Amazon Instant View. But, I was actually a little worried that Metallica's performances would be diminished by the story. I was WRONG! In fact, you could say that the opposite is true. The movie is centered around a Metallica concert and a local hired roadie. First, I want to say that the band still puts on one hell of a show live. I was blown away. Not only by the music, and Jame's voice but the stage. It would be impossible to tour with that stage.

___________________________________

SPOILERS!!!

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The movie opens with a guy named Trip entering dome stadium where a Metallica concert is going to be taking place. I'm assuming he is local hired help for the crew because nobody knew who he was, but he did have a pass. The tour manager tells him to go watch the show, but to stay close in case they need something. The show opens with Creeping Death, and we see Trip in the aisle jamming out to the song. However, he is quickly whisked away by the tour manager who has a job for him. One of their box trucks has run out of gas, and Trip's job is to find it, gas it up, and accompany it back to the stadium. So, Trip reluctantly goes and fires up his van, pops a pill, and goes to look for the box truck. Seems easy enough, right?

Its amusing to see James Hetfield trying to mimic 
Rob Trujillo's creeping moves along with him

We'll get back to the story, and Trip's adventure. Right now, I gotta tell you about that stage. I mentioned before that the stage would be impossible to tour with. There were props that would have required 2 18 wheelers to transport. And that's just the props. It was a huge in the round type stage, that had 4 hydraulic beams that had lights, and other things that moved throughout the show. It was LOADED with pyrotechnics. But, that is just the surface. The band brought to life four of their album covers literally.

For Ride the Lightning, a huge working
electric chair came down from the ceiling,
 and zapped electricity all over the place.

For Master of Puppets, about 20 cross shaped
headstones that were lit up came out of the floor.

For Death Magnetic, 6 enormous coffins
appeared, suspended from the ceiling, with screens
on them showing people inside trying to get out.

And as impressive as those three were, they
 were all outdone by the brought to life version
of ...And Justice For All. They actually had a construction
crew on stage buildin a 20 foot high statue of Lady Justice.
Made out of stone, and piece by piece, this monstrosity took
 shape. I'm not telling you what it did though. SEE THE MOVIE!

The song, One was a mini concert in itself. The spectacle
of that 'one' production is mind boggling. Just the production
for And Justice For All and One probably cost more than some
band's entire concerts from stage to lights, to PA. It was incredible.

And, there is also a story that develops throughout the concert as well, but I'm not going to spoil that for you. Lets just say that if this were to happen at a concert on a real tour, the way Metallica handled it would be the most metal moment of all time.

This was a hell of a show, and very likely the most expensive and extravagant stage ever built. I would have loved to have been there for the filming of this. And, there are no songs from St. Anger or Lulu, I promise.

Now, back to the story. Trip goes out, and is driving down the streets in a city. The streets are deserted. Maybe because everyone is at the concert? Who knows, but Trip quickly finds out why. After retrieving a mysterious duffel bag from the box truck, Trip winds up crashing his van, he comes on a mob being led by a man with a gas mask on a horse. He also carries a hammer on a long stick. They are staring down a SWAT team, and they eventually start fighting. The leader is hanging people from light poles.

Dane DeHann plays Trip. Look for 
him to break out in the future. I bet 
this kid turns into one hell of an actor.

Trip manages to elude them for a while but they do find him. We aren't told what exactly is going on, but I'm going to assume that it is some kind of gas in the air that makes everyone crazy (hence the gas mask) because the next time we see the mob, the SWAT team members are with them. They corner Trip, who (once again...gas in the air) lights himself on fire, and charges. He still gets his ass kicked, but somehow gets away. However, he does have a showdown with the rider, and wins. Trip gets back to the stadium, and the concert is over. He puts the duffel bag on the stage, and goes to sit down. The band comes out, and plays Orion. We never get to find out what's in the bag.

This story could be a number of things, but I think that the underlying story is that being a roadie isn't all its cracked up to be because those poor guys go through hell. So, the movie is basically a very long Metallica video, with a story in the background. This movie is an all out assault on your senses. Its a movie you will want to watch on the largest screen possible, with the sound turned up to 11. Congrats, guys...This was an awesome production. If you're a Metallica fan, this is a must. If you're a student of film and video production, this movie should become required viewing for the class. But, as awesome as it is, I look for Kiss to try to top it at some point. You know they will, but for a band that already seems larger than life to lots of people, this movie seems to make them even larger than life than they already are, and that's saying something.

That's about all I have to say about it. Hit the lights!!!

EDIT! Click here to read my review of Hardwired to Self Destruct!!!!

Top 11 Best Metal Anthems of All Time!

I've gotten away from music a little too much this month, so to make it up to my readers, its time for the baddest and the loudest list you'll ever see, and you'll be cranking it, I promise. Grab a beer, and get ready to rock!

Now, I have a criteria. This is strictly metal anthems. There will be no death metal, and no nu metal or grunge. There will only be glam if the song or band is considered metal. For example, Slayer used to be glam, but they were always metal. There will also be no classic rock bands like Foreigner or Led Zeppelin. Its just METAL! Also, only one entry per band. Makes it more difficult, and more entertaining to list.

So, here we go with the top 11 (HAD to be 11, and you know why!) songs that make us want to break out the air guitar, and rip out some air solos, while throwing the horns, and just all out jamming!

So, crank it to 11, sit back, and get ready to head bang! Ready? Too bad! We're starting!!!

Number 11: Death to All but Metal by Steel Panther Sure, I've mentioned them before, but this song HAS to be included. You can't get much more metal than calling for the death of lame acts in a song with a brutally tough guitar lick, blistering solo and piercing screams. Say what you want, but Steel Panther is partially responsible for the resurgence that metal is seeing right now.









Number 10: Bang Your Head (Metal Health) by Quiet Riot You can't have a metal countdown without this song somewhere. The press hated this band, but they didn't care, and the fans loved them. Plus, it spawned 2 legends on guitar and bass. Of course, I'm talking about Randy Rhoads, and Rudy Sarzo.

Number 9: Caught in a Mosh by Anthrax This one brought the mosh pit into the spotlight, and made parents from coast to coast consider insuring their kids before they went to an Anthrax concert.

Number 8: Soldiers Under Command by Stryper
Some of you guys are going to give me grief on this one, I know it. But this song has it all. Twin axe attack, blistering high notes, powerful rhythm section, huge chorus, and one of the most legendary opening riffs there is. Funny...I never knew they made a video for this song.







Number 7: Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth I know Megadeth has lots of better songs than this, but this one fits with the anthem format, since that's what we are going with here. Hangar 18 just doesn't have the chorus that you would want to sing along with. Sure, Peace Sells could be on here too, but I can only pick one, and everybody picks Peace Sells. We like to be different and not cliche. Wait..Wrong band. Anyway, CRANK IT UP!!!

Number 6: Master of Puppets by Metallica How could we not include this one? If this is #6, what could possibly be #1??? Be patient, my friends. This song defined a genre. This was the song that put thrash metal on the map, and blew everyone's doors off. I still remember being afraid of this album when I first heard it. Master of Puppets was my first thrash album.








Number 5: Mister Crowley by Ozzy Some of the finest guitar work ever done, and it is unmatched to this day. If I were to do an air guitar list, this song would likely be #1. I think this song also has some of Ozzy's best vocals too.

Number 4: Holy Diver by Dio Never before has there been a bigger voice from such a little guy. He is one of the 4 singers that when you hear their name, you think METAL. The other 3 are also on this list too. This song put Ronnie James Dio on the map as a solo artist. And by the way...He didn't die. He was killed by a dragon. I am convinced of this.

Number 3 Hallowed be thy Name by Iron Maiden So many to choose from Iron Maiden. I chose this one because of the guitar work, however its vocals are raw power, especially when the song kicks into full speed. Out of Iron Maiden's many masterpieces, I would rank this one definitely top 5. You can't go wrong here, and if my memory serves, this was the song that got me into Iron Maiden.

Number 2: Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath I had a very hard time choosing this one. It was between 4 songs. This, Black Sabbath, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and NIB. I finally went with this because it would have required choosing between 3 Ozzy songs, and I couldn't do it. Plus, Heaven and Hell has that anthem sing along feel to it on top of the dark overtones. Plus, what would it hurt to have a second tribute to RJD?

Number 1: Painkiller by Judas Priest And, now here we are at number one. This song is so badass that it KNOWS it is #1 It even has its own drumroll to intro the song to the number one slot. Sure, Priest has lots of songs that are more anthem like than Painkiller like Metal Gods, Breaking The Law, Another Think Coming, Electric Eye, and the list goes on and on. But, this song is their most heavy hitting, and is the epitome of what a metal anthem should be. Plus, the number one song shouldn't be in my opinion a radio hit. So, get ready to blast it, and get the air guitars blazing because Painkiller is bad. Think there's a better song than Painkiller to be number one? Well, you got another think coming!




So, there you have it. The top 11 Metal Anthems of all time. I hope you enjoyed it. I sure as hell did. As always, I welcome comments. And as always, if its not METAL, TURN IT OFF!!!

Metallica is Dead. Sad But True!

 Oh, I'm going to take some shots for this one...Before we get started, let me give you a summary of my view of Metallica. I think that with the albums Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets, the band peaked. While And Justice For All is a good album, it was a serious letdown to be the followup to Master of Puppets. Although topping Master of Puppets is a pretty tall order, considering that album is one of the top 5 greatest metal albums of all time. I'm not even going to get into the bass guitar or lack thereof on And Justice For All.

Anyway, Metallica released the Black album next, and while it had to grow on me, I eventually accepted it as their third best album. It was certainly their best sounding album as far as production goes. After that, Load and Reload were released. They did grow on me to the point that if it were done by a band NOT called Metallica, they would be great albums. Both albums are good and solid metal albums. Then came St. Anger. WTF were they thinking? No guitar solos? Lars Ulrich's drums sound like he is beating on a garbage can, and the guitar sound is like nails on a chalkboard. By far, the WORST Metallica album to date.

In late 2007, we started hearing rumors coming out of the studio that Metallica was working on a juggernaut of a metal album, and that the answers to all of the fans prayers would be released later the next year. We all waited in anticipation. Finally, Death Magnetic was released, and we all bought it...only to be let down once again. The songs are unnecessarily long, with extra musical bits that don't really fit with the song, seemingly just to make the song longer. And, James Hetfield confirms what we all suspected after hearing St. Anger. He does not have the voice anymore. And, if you saw them live, you would agree. Lars is slower, and that is to be expected. He's 50 something years old, and the drum parts in the first 4 albums were among the fastest recorded at the time.

So, we are still waiting for that breakthrough return to form album. You might say that it isn't possible. You would be wrong. Earlier this year, an amazing return to form or reboot album was released by another band. Click here to find out who it is.

But, all this is not even why I am saying the band is dead. Death Magnetic did not suck, and Metallica still puts on a hell of a show live, even though it isn't as fast as it was. I'm saying they are dead because of things they have said and done in interviews, and behind the scenes.

It all started with S&M...Although I thought that was a pretty cool thing to do, lots of people thought Metallica playing with an orchestra was a major non metal moment. In fact, VH1 listed that as the #23 non metal moment of all time. Some songs sounded like a train wreck, like One. Others sounded great like For Whom The Bell Tolls. The Scorpions and Deep Purple did it too.

 But, in my opinion, it started to go downhill with them in the Some Kind of Monster movie, where they showed scenes with Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine having a heart to heart. I thought they were going to hug and start crying. Later in the movie, James Hetfield was airing out his feelings like an after school special. Yep. That was the beginning of the end. In fact, here is a blog post written by a MAN no less, explaining why non metalheads will like the Monster movie. (the quote is also a link)

The user-friendly film focuses on the band's therapy sessions over a three-year period. It lets you see how the members react to their time with therapist and personal-enhancement coach Phil Towle and to each other, as expressed to the ever-present cameras

Next came VH1's #38 least metal moment. Avril Lavigne playing Fuel at Metallica's Icon dedication. Once again, I thought that was pretty cool. I know I'm not doing myself any favors or lending myself any credibility by saying that I think that these are pretty cool in a blog post where I am trying to make the case that Metallica is dead. Believe me. You will understand when I am finished. You know, Avril Lavigne is a rocker chick. She writes her own songs, and can actually play guitar well. I am not a fan of hers but based on the few songs I heard of hers back in 2003, I would rather hear her music than 90% of the crap that is on the radio today. I've never understood what VH1 had against her doing Fuel for that show.

Speaking of VH1's list of nonmetal moments, what I am leading up to would surely make number one on an updated list. This is worse than the current number one which is 1. Vince Neil Leads Giant Chicken Dance. 

Then came Lulu. Metallica releases an album with the late great Lou Reed. The burning question on everyone's mind was "WHY???" As the follow up to Death Magnetic, which was a letdown, this does not send a message of hope to the fans that somewhere underneath was the band that released Puppets and Lightning. One review states:

In qualitative terms, this album makes St Anger look like Master Of Puppets.

Nothing Else Matters crosses a line in my opinion. And, while Metallica can't control who covers their music, this whole mess could have been avoided if maybe...I don't know...METALLICA HAD NEVER WRITTEN THAT DAMN SONG IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

Now, the band obviously can't control who covers their songs, but Macy Gray covering 

While that is bad, brace yourselves. This is the story that signals the demise of Metallica. No one should ever take them seriously again after this. What could be so horrible?

From TMZ: Metallica -- yes, Metallica -- just professed their love and admiration for all things Justin Bieber… and they weren’t kidding … like not even a little bit.

The band was giving an interview with a rock magazine about Bieber's recent take on their mega-hit "Fade to Black," when lead singer James Hetfield admitted, "Are we Beliebers? Yes."

Drummer Lars Ulrich backed James up ... saying, "I think the kid's really talented and obviously to go through what he's going through at that early age must be a mindf**k. So the fact that he still goes out there and does it, I admire that and I think he's super talented, so I guess I am kind of a Belieber.”Bassist Robert Trujillo added "As long as he stays out of trouble, I'll be a Belieber.”  

Now, this whole story was started because of the picture above with Justin Bieber wearing the Metallica shirt, and a 20 second video clip of Beiber vocalizing the lead intro to Fade to Black. I don't see what is so special about that, but TMZ of course had to ask the band what they thought of it. Now, the METAL thing to say would have been along the lines of "Hey, its cool. We love all our fans, but if Bieber really is a Metallica fan, we'd love to hear some influence in his music." 

Instead, the band gave Bieber yet another ego stroking by enabling him to say "Even Metallica are Beliebers!" Its SAD BUT TRUE, and what's even worse is the possibility of yet another collaboration album. 

The thing that should not be...

So, RIP Metallica. Its been real. But unfortunately, the ONLY thing that can redeem you from this would be to release an album that ranks as the number 3 Metallica album behind Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. We won't hold our breath.

Rob Halford had it right on That Metal Show, when he said this: 

Although that was before Metallica came out as Justin Bieber fans. Had it been afterwards, he might have had something more to say other than what he did.

We'll miss you, Metallica, but we will still crank the good albums up to 11 and remember the good times. As for new music, we still have Megadeth. 

Listen to my radio show, The Will and Thunder Show as we discuss this topic. Click here.