There is the Big Four of thrash. And then there are Testament and Exodus. Even though the commercial and financial greatness eluded the latter two bands, they have always been musically on a par with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Well, almost. Exodus had a chronological advantage over Testament, in that they have been around longer than most, only to be blindsided by their record company's dire financial situation. Testament, on the other hand, could have been much bigger for entirely different reasons: they had the best vocalist and guitarist combo of all the thrash bands. Chuck Billy and Alex Skolnick deserve all the praise that are bestowed upon them. However, it was never meant to be. Fast forward to 2007 and Testament releases The Formation of Damnation. It is an album that screamed its way in to the mainstream heavy metal by people who don't reminisce about good old days, but remind us how good those days were.
I don't want to sound like somebody who has just discovered, or re-discovered, Testament in the last few years. I have been an ardent fan for ages and I'm absolutely chaffed that they are getting the recognition they fully deserve. So, with an air of self-imposed authority I went to see them at Shepherd's Bush Empire last week. Here's the low-down of what transpired.
I had bought the tickets online to pick them up at the venue. Now, I did a silly thing and went in line to think that our tickets were to be disposed to us at the venue (my memories of the Empire is a bit hazy, so I forgot that the box office is outside to the left of the main entrance). There were probably 50 metalheads ahead of me and I thought my chances are good to get a good spot and maybe get a brand-spanking-new t-shirt too. Sadly, the girl that checks our tickets told me that I needed to get mine from the box office. And that meant that I lost my place in line and went to the back of the line. No biggie, really. It wasn't a sold-out show.
The first disappointment of the show were the merchandise - boring as can be. I am wondering if Testament's merchandising department are up to date with international politics, but there hasn't been a Czechoslovakia for nearly two decades. And somehow Testament will be playing in that country next week. Hmmm. Money well saved for not buying that t-shirt.
The first band to appear were Warbringer. My first impression was very positive: the bassist was wearing a Zappa t-shirt and wouldn't have been out of place as a Mothers of Invention member; the lead guitarist had a Siouxsie and the Banshees shirt; and the vocalist had a Demolition Hammer shirt. This band has an interesting taste in music. And it somehow shows in their songs too. Albeit mildly. Theirs wasn't anything new or exciting. That is the main problem with the current batch of thrash bands - they are rehashing the same stuff from the 80s. They should have done what Testament did and embrace the new and the old.
Next up were Anaal Nakrath. Quite what the management of Testament were thinking when they picked this bunch. I have nothing against black metal, but it's just not something I can get in to. They were massively out of place and that showed in their stage presence. They were loud, non-sensical, and pretty fucking anonymous. But that's just me.
Testament, on the other hand, were a different breed altogether. Chuck Billy is now more menacing than ever, his stage presence mirrors his belt size. Alex Skolnick and the rest of the band couldn't have been tighter. Without the wrinkles in their faces, this could easily have been 1989. It was that good. It was a greatest hits show: "Burnt Offerings", "Alone in the Dark", "Practice What You Preach", "Souls of Black", "Low" ... the list goes on. The highlights, though, strangely were the songs off the new album. The versions of "More than Meets the Eye" and "The Formation of Damnation" are up there with some of the most amazing live performances I have experienced.
Testament should have been the fourth in the Big Four (just kick Anthrax out). Or at least they should have been the fifth. Surely they demonstrated tonight that they truly deserve commercial greatness.
Peace.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Best Testament
Having recently read at the newest edition of the Classic Rock magazine a brief interview with Testament's lead guitarist, Alex Skolnick, I was pleasanlty surprised and elated to learn that the band will be playing a best-of set that will also include some tracks from their latest release, the amazing The Formation of Damnation. Watch this space as there will be a review of this gig at Shepherd's Bush Empire.
Peace.
Peace.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Recent Downloads and Purchases
I have been away from my beloved Mac for some time and will be in the foreseeable future. There is a very good reason and the remedy is, unfortunately, beyond my reach. Suffice to say that I am stuck with what I have on my iPod - which is not too shabby at all - and the age-old tradition of listening to CDs. I am a product of the 90s, what can you say?
Anyhoo, I decided to break the silence in this blog by another lazy list - you have to start somewhere. Here's a list of my recent purchases and/or downloads. And a few words about them:
Ashes Against the Grain by Agalloch: This 2006 album by Portland's finest makes all other American metal resleases - at least in the extreme end of the spectrum - look pale by comparison. I think the only legitimate rival band to Opeth to come out of the US is Agalloch. The sublime "Not Unlike the Waves" is a testament to that. Check out the video - a shortened version - here.
Elegy by Amorphis: This is not strictly a new purchase, but a replacement. I used to own a pirated cassette tape of this a while back, but it got lost along the five hundred moves I have made over the years. This transition album by the Finnish metal stars is, in my opinion, their best. Even though not on the album, "My Kantele"'s acoustic version - which was released as EP the following year - is a great introduction to the band. And perhaps their best song.
Everyday Demons by The Answer: The second album from Northern Ireland's brightest new band is a worthy follow-up to their amazing debut. More polished and sounding more "American", this album should see them receive more attention. And deservedly so. Here's "Keep Believin'" from their debut EP of the same name.
Scream by Chris Cornell: I have shed my thoughts on this album elsewhere. I have to say my thougts haven't changed much.
Diagonal by Diagonal: Prog-rock-is-back is now old news. The good news, though, is that it's not just some nostalgic trip like the current new breed of thrash bands coming out every day. There are bands, like Diagonal here, who push the boundaries and yet hark back to olden times. This is an outstanding album that is eerily similar to early King Crimson without being straight copies. Watch this band.
Heart on by Eagles of Death Metal: Back with a vengeance, the band is on blistering form on this album. How they manage to stay away from being mere parodies of themselves is due to their brilliant musical ability and the chops to write a decent tune or two. Double entendres galore, this is the ultimate party album. The lead-off single "WannaBe L.A." is a sample of what you could expect.
Harcdore Superstar by Hardcore Superstar: This Swedish quartet claim to be a thrash-glam band. And that is just as awesome as the name suggests. This is the album that Axl should have made instead of the shit he just put out. One blistering riff after another, the album just plainly rocks your socks off. Heed.
Crack the Skye by Mastodon: Arguably the most anticipated metal release of 2009 did not disappoint. Although Mastodon are getting "slower" by every album, musically they are growing more mature. It's not as immediately appealing as the brilliant Blood Mountain, but Crack the Skye will remain a pivotal release in this band's career. Check out the first single, "Divinations"
Believe in Nothing by Paradise Lost: I'm kickng myself for not appreciating this band earlier. On the other hand, it's great to have a band with a sizable back catalogue to discover. This is supposed to be one of their most commercial releases. It's not as heavy or dark as some of their other stuff and overall it's a disappointing album. But there are some real gems here, like "Fader".
Amor Vincit Omnia by Pure Reason Revolution: I have to admit I was pretty scared for this band - their debut, The Dark Third, was mind-blowingly good and there was no way they could have topped it. My fears were confirmed, but I was pleasantly surprised how good this album turned out to be. They take a more electronic route - and you know how I feel about that. I'm already dreading the new Muse album. But, the results are actually very good. This album ended up having more cojones than its predecessor. Now I wonder what new direction they will take.
Crooked Timber by Therapy?: As always, no hook or melody is wasted. Therapy?'s latest is another collection of great punk-rock with a unique touch. This time they add a little Joy Division and Cure in the mix and the result is fantastic. They just keep on releasing good stuff. How? I've no clue. Here's a blast from the past.
So these are the latest stuff that I've beem mulling over. I'm sure there'll be new stuff soon.
Peace.
Anyhoo, I decided to break the silence in this blog by another lazy list - you have to start somewhere. Here's a list of my recent purchases and/or downloads. And a few words about them:
Ashes Against the Grain by Agalloch: This 2006 album by Portland's finest makes all other American metal resleases - at least in the extreme end of the spectrum - look pale by comparison. I think the only legitimate rival band to Opeth to come out of the US is Agalloch. The sublime "Not Unlike the Waves" is a testament to that. Check out the video - a shortened version - here.
Elegy by Amorphis: This is not strictly a new purchase, but a replacement. I used to own a pirated cassette tape of this a while back, but it got lost along the five hundred moves I have made over the years. This transition album by the Finnish metal stars is, in my opinion, their best. Even though not on the album, "My Kantele"'s acoustic version - which was released as EP the following year - is a great introduction to the band. And perhaps their best song.
Everyday Demons by The Answer: The second album from Northern Ireland's brightest new band is a worthy follow-up to their amazing debut. More polished and sounding more "American", this album should see them receive more attention. And deservedly so. Here's "Keep Believin'" from their debut EP of the same name.
Scream by Chris Cornell: I have shed my thoughts on this album elsewhere. I have to say my thougts haven't changed much.
Diagonal by Diagonal: Prog-rock-is-back is now old news. The good news, though, is that it's not just some nostalgic trip like the current new breed of thrash bands coming out every day. There are bands, like Diagonal here, who push the boundaries and yet hark back to olden times. This is an outstanding album that is eerily similar to early King Crimson without being straight copies. Watch this band.
Heart on by Eagles of Death Metal: Back with a vengeance, the band is on blistering form on this album. How they manage to stay away from being mere parodies of themselves is due to their brilliant musical ability and the chops to write a decent tune or two. Double entendres galore, this is the ultimate party album. The lead-off single "WannaBe L.A." is a sample of what you could expect.
Harcdore Superstar by Hardcore Superstar: This Swedish quartet claim to be a thrash-glam band. And that is just as awesome as the name suggests. This is the album that Axl should have made instead of the shit he just put out. One blistering riff after another, the album just plainly rocks your socks off. Heed.
Crack the Skye by Mastodon: Arguably the most anticipated metal release of 2009 did not disappoint. Although Mastodon are getting "slower" by every album, musically they are growing more mature. It's not as immediately appealing as the brilliant Blood Mountain, but Crack the Skye will remain a pivotal release in this band's career. Check out the first single, "Divinations"
Believe in Nothing by Paradise Lost: I'm kickng myself for not appreciating this band earlier. On the other hand, it's great to have a band with a sizable back catalogue to discover. This is supposed to be one of their most commercial releases. It's not as heavy or dark as some of their other stuff and overall it's a disappointing album. But there are some real gems here, like "Fader".
Amor Vincit Omnia by Pure Reason Revolution: I have to admit I was pretty scared for this band - their debut, The Dark Third, was mind-blowingly good and there was no way they could have topped it. My fears were confirmed, but I was pleasantly surprised how good this album turned out to be. They take a more electronic route - and you know how I feel about that. I'm already dreading the new Muse album. But, the results are actually very good. This album ended up having more cojones than its predecessor. Now I wonder what new direction they will take.
Crooked Timber by Therapy?: As always, no hook or melody is wasted. Therapy?'s latest is another collection of great punk-rock with a unique touch. This time they add a little Joy Division and Cure in the mix and the result is fantastic. They just keep on releasing good stuff. How? I've no clue. Here's a blast from the past.
So these are the latest stuff that I've beem mulling over. I'm sure there'll be new stuff soon.
Peace.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SOTD: "White Room" by Cream
It's been a while since the last Song of the Day. I have a little spare time in my hands, so let's get cracking. Today's song is a classic by the godfather of all power trios, Cream - the majestic and trippy "White Room".
This song has some of the best guitar playing by the Slow Hand and Ginger Baker's drumming is top notch too. It is a perfect mixture of psychedelia and a little dose of punk flavor too. Quite possibly my favorite Cream song.
This song has some of the best guitar playing by the Slow Hand and Ginger Baker's drumming is top notch too. It is a perfect mixture of psychedelia and a little dose of punk flavor too. Quite possibly my favorite Cream song.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
20 Greatest Thrash Metal Albums
It is the end of the year and I am in the mood for list-making. What follows is my list of 20 Greatest Thrash Albums ... That I Own Or At Some Point Listened To In My Life. Otherwise shortly known as "20 Greatest Albums of all Time". Without further ado, here be the list:
1- RUST IN PEACE / MEGADETH (1990)
2- REIGN IN BLOOD / SLAYER (1986)
3- RIDE THE LIGHTNING / METALLICA (1984)
4- BONDED BY BLOOD / EXODUS (1985)
5- THE LEGACY / TESTAMENT (1987)
6- BENEATH THE REMAINS / SEPULTURA (1989)
7- METAL CHURCH / METAL CHURCH (1984)
8- AMONG THE LIVING / ANTHRAX (1987)
9- COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION / MEGADETH (1992)
10- MASTER OF PUPPETS / METALLICA (1986)
11- ROOTS / SEPULTURA (1996)
12- DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER / FLOTSAM & JETSAM (1986)
13- PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH / TESTAMENT (1989)
14- TORTURED EXISTENCE / DEMOLITION HAMMER (1991)
15- SEASONS IN THE ABYSS / SLAYER (1990)
16- VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER / PANTERA (1992)
17- KILL 'EM ALL! / METALLICA (1984)
18- COWBOYS FROM HELL / PANTERA (1990)
19- TRAIL BLAZER / THE PENTAGRAM (1992)
20- CHAOS A.D. / SEPULTURA (1993)
1- RUST IN PEACE / MEGADETH (1990)
2- REIGN IN BLOOD / SLAYER (1986)
3- RIDE THE LIGHTNING / METALLICA (1984)
4- BONDED BY BLOOD / EXODUS (1985)
5- THE LEGACY / TESTAMENT (1987)
6- BENEATH THE REMAINS / SEPULTURA (1989)
7- METAL CHURCH / METAL CHURCH (1984)
8- AMONG THE LIVING / ANTHRAX (1987)
9- COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION / MEGADETH (1992)
10- MASTER OF PUPPETS / METALLICA (1986)
11- ROOTS / SEPULTURA (1996)
12- DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER / FLOTSAM & JETSAM (1986)
13- PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH / TESTAMENT (1989)
14- TORTURED EXISTENCE / DEMOLITION HAMMER (1991)
15- SEASONS IN THE ABYSS / SLAYER (1990)
16- VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER / PANTERA (1992)
17- KILL 'EM ALL! / METALLICA (1984)
18- COWBOYS FROM HELL / PANTERA (1990)
19- TRAIL BLAZER / THE PENTAGRAM (1992)
20- CHAOS A.D. / SEPULTURA (1993)
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