Obscure Heavy Metal Album Review: Griffin Flight of the Griffin

Yet another New Wave of British Heavy Metal influenced band from the US that came and went before there time was up. Griffin was formed back in 1981 in San Fransisco California of all places, they would release two demo's on in 1982 and another in 1983 before getting a deal with Steamhammer and releasing there aptly titled debut album Flight of the Griffin. Sadly this would be the bands only real hit and they would release one last album under the shrapnel label in 1986 before disappearing all together.



Cover Art: 5/5
What do you need to make a bad ass metal cover, well lets take a look at the HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVER CHECK LIST.
1.The cover features Some kind of Mythical Creature/Knight/Barbarian. Check
2.The cover also features Fire/Acid/Scantily Clad Women. Check
3.It's located on a Mountain Side/Cave/Desert/Distopia. Check
This is probably one of the better covers I've seen from a debut album on a back alley label and as such I really don't have much to say about it aside form the fact that it is metal a bit cliche but metal none the less!

Songs: 5/5
Now can the track list live up to level of bad ass that the cover has established? The long answer is "YOU BET YOUR FUCKING ASS MOTHER FUCKER" the short answer is "HELL YEAH". The opening track Hawk The Slayer begins with a intro monologue the is very reminiscent of Iron Maiden but not in a 'Well Maiden is doing it so maybe we should" kinda way. In keeping with the node to a much larger band, Fire in The Skye features intro that is a real nod to the Deep Purple/Sabbath/Zeppelin era of hard rock/metal. It really is nice to see some of them youngsters paying tribute to the bands that helped define the early metal genre. Though in my opinion he standout track here is the rather melodic Flight of The Griffin (what a surprise the title track kicks ass). This track is an awesome blend of the then popular (in the US anyways) Melodic Hard Rock style and the much Heavier NWOBHM sound and truthfully it works. The rest of the Song list while very metal and well done are pretty much par for the course and I don't mean that in a bad way either, If all of your tracks can evoke the power and sound of Deep Purple/Saxon/Battle Axe/Sabbath/Maiden and all the while still sound new and fresh then I think you've done one hell of a job.

Overall: 5/5
In closing this is definitely an album for the NWOBHM fans, it just oozes with that sound and style. I think this goes with out saying but if you find a copy be it on LP/CD/Cassette get it you will not be disappointed.







Track List:
1.Hawk The Slayer
2.Heavy Metal Attack
3.Submission
4.Creeper
5.Flight Of The Griffin
6.Fire in The Sky
7.Hell Runneth Over
8.Judgement Day
9.Travelling In Time

Obscure Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Kruiz Kruiz-1

When you think 80's metal what comes to mind maybe Dragons, Warriors, Knights, Communism? Yes that's right, I'm talking about classic soviet metal album Kruiz-1 released in 1985 by who else Kruiz.

Kruiz a long a storied past. Formed in 1977 in Moskva in the USSR they would explode onto the soviet hard rock scene in 1980 with their debut album The Top Keeps Turning which was followed up rather quickly in 1981 with Listen Man, both of which featured the amazing guitar work of soviet guitar master Valeri Gaina. Though by 1983 things began to sour between Gaina and then vocalist and keyboardist Alexander Dronov who wanted the band to take a more radio friendly pop sound. The original Kruiz would release one last album before splitting in 1983. Entitled P.S. To Be Continued which was more or less a Gaina solo album, but none the less amazing. Skip ahead 3 years it 1986 Kruiz has reunited sans Dronov and they are recoding tracks for what will become the most influential soviet metal album of the 1980's KRUIZ-1.



Cover Art: 3.5/5
The album cover which features the three band members looking amazingly 80's and well they are in the USSR and well all they know about American rock bands in what they see on illegal western music video's, so I'll cut them a break. Though aside for the bands amazingly 80's get up the cover isn't that bad, though it's definitely cheesy it is most assuredly 80's METAL!.


Songs: 5/5
Unlike the cover the songs on this album are nothing to laugh at, hell most of these songs rock harder than most western metal artist of the time could ever dream. The second the first track begins your ears are assaulted with some of the fastest and heaviest metal that the 1980's can deliver and that really sets the tone for the whole album. Each song is heavier than the last but until you've reach the second side you haven't heard anything. While Gaina's guitar work is fierce on side one he decides to crank it to 11 for side 2 and whats even more surprising he does this while injecting elements of American Melodic Hard Rock. All I can say is one So Come With Us comes on just turn it up and enjoy the show.


Overall: 5/5
This is a definite must have for any 80's/foreign metal fan. Every thing about this album from the cover to the songs is just oozing with so much 1980's heavy metal that it's just METAL!



Track List: all videos are from the 1987 Trans-Soviet tour.
1. Intro
2. Distant Light
3. It Has Arrived
4. The Last Dawn
5. So Come With Us
6. Mirage
7. Time
8. Don't Lose Your Head
9. Mirage (alternate version)
10. Rock Is Eternal (was not officially released until 1989)

Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Wolf Edge of the World (Unreleased)

Another victim of the Pop/Radio Metal Craze the swept the world in the mid 1980's, wolf was poised to release their debut album Edge of the World in 1984. Formed by former Black Axe members Chris English (Vocals), Simon Sparkes (Lead guitar), and John Shearer (Percussion) in Newcastle England in 1981. They were joined by Bill Keir (rhythm guitar) and Stewart Richardson (bass) in 1982 for their debut single Head Contact released by Chrysalis Records. The single stirred up quite a bit of interested upon it's release and lead to the band sighing a record deal with Mausoleum records the following year.



















Cover Art:5/5
This cover is very well drawn and detailed, it's almost like it's mural on the side of some van in Milwaukee circa 1977. I personally like the blood dripping from the wolves mouths as they howl toward the sky on a lonely cliff as the moon rises behind them, it's just so METAL.

Songs 4.5/5
The album really starts out strong with the title track Edge of The World and that strength continues through the album, with only a minor hiccup here and there. While Songs like Edge of The World, Highway Rider, Heaven Will Rock N Roll are definitely Wolfs strength they do a rather solid job on the more melodic songs like A Soul For The Devil, Rest In Peace, and Medicine Man. This album is definitive proof that the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was far from waning in 1984, if only the record labels would have seen it that way.

Overall: 5/5
This is a solid album and is also one of the best examples of a NWOBHM band that had the talent and the drive but because of the change in musical tastes was shafted. If you can find a physical copy (which is easier said than done, see notes) or hell a digital copy do it, you won't regret it.


Notes: While this album was technically unreleased by Mausoleum it was released in 1988 in K-tel records METAL BOX collection.
John Shearer would leave that band and move to Florida in 1984 and would form Hurricane in 1984.

Song List:
01. Edge Of The World
02. Highway Rider
03. Heaven Will Rock'n'Roll
04. Shock Treatment
05. A Soul For The Devil
06. Head Contact
07. Rest In Peace
08. Too Close For Comfort
09. Red Lights
10. Medicine Man

Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Attila Rolling Thunder

The Glam Metal movement was at it's peek in 1986 and no one would think that in a few short years it would all come tumbling down, It seems that the 1985-1986 time frame was the time for an unknown band to release a debut album.

Enter a little known band called Rolling Thunder from New York city with a hunger for fame and an even stronger hunger for loud music, fast cars, women and drugs, they would change their name to Attila in 1985 upon receiving a record deal with Shattered Records who in 1986 would release their debut album.....Rolling Thunder, how original. Sadly the good time would come to a screeching halt during their 1987 promotional tour of the New York and Phillidelphia club scene when guitarist John "De" Lorion (real name John DeLeon) would be involved in a tragic car accident that would cost him his life.

Now that I've managed to bring you down lets review this mother.


Cover art: 1.5/5
This is one of the ugliest pieces of album art I have ever seen in my life. I can't really tell what is happening on this cover. The background places this in some post nuclear wasteland, and for some reason a truck busting through some guard rail with a ICBM either falling off the trailer or just sitting on it. This is just sad, even for an unknown band on a little back alley label.

Songs: 3.5/5
While this albums art may totally blow fat sweaty horse balls the actual musical content is a sonic triumph, though that isn't to say that the song list is without flaw. Now the only song that any one will probably know from this album and even then were talking like 25 people in New York in 1987 it would be the cover of Schools Out. Now while Alic Coopers 1972 original is with out a doubt superior, that doesn't mean it sucks quiet the apposite this song is really the stand out of the album. Now while it is kinda sad that one of the Strongest song on this album wasn't even written by the band, the album does still has it's original standouts. The first song that comes to mind (that was written by Attila) is Turn Up the Power, which is simply put about Rocking LOUD AND HARD! (that sounds a little dirty.) Now with any album their are stinkers, Gorky Park had Peace in Our Time and Winger had..... every song they ever wrote. Attila's is Thermonuclear Warrior which really just sounds like it was tossed on the album to fill space (which i does so..in theory), though I do know some people that do enjoy it.
Overall: 4/5
While this album may not be the greatest example of 80's metal it is a very good listen and I highly recommend it to any one that considers themselves a fan of 80's Metal.

Track List:
1.Turn Up The Power
2.Urban Commandos
3.March Of Kings
4.Defcon 1
5.Thermonuclear Warrior
6.Rolling Thunder
7.Wild
8.School's Out (Alice Cooper cover)
9.Chains Around Heaven
10.Tryst

Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Tanks Filth Hounds of Hades

Another veteran of the NWOBHM Tank arrived on the scene in 1980 and by 1982 were prepared to release their first album but what to call it how about Tanked? or Treader? no.... maybe Shell-shocked?... Earth Shaker? no lets call it Filth Hounds of Hades?????????? Well despite its long, slightly cumbersome and mildly confusing name this album is on of the shining gems of the era and is considered by many to be one of the best NWOBHM albums ever released.







Cover art: 3/5
The album art is the weakest part of the album, though that isn't to say it sucks it's just not what I would expect a band named TANK to have on the cover of their album and I also wouldn't expect it to be called Filth Hounds of Hades (though that is a fairly kick ass name).


Songs: 5/5
Let me stat by saying that every single one of the songs on this album are completely AWESOME! Their is not one song on this record that I don't like (and that's not very common). Though do still have my favorites like the excellently executed Shell shock with it's epic tribal chant starting things off (trust me it's more bad ass then it sounds), the classic Who Needs Love Songs which is simply put one of the best damn songs I've ever heard, and who could forget the Classic (He Fell in Love With A) Storm trooper the touching tale of a boy who falls in love with well a Storm trooper (not the ones from Star Wars). They have also come out with a reissue edition for those of you that haven't experienced the awesomeness that is Filth Hounds of Hades and have even included a large number of bonus tracks for those of you who demand you have more content than those of us who own the vinyl.


Overall: 5/5
In my opinion this is Tanks strongest album to date and probably in my top 10 NWOBHM albums of all time. If you've never heard this record then as a metal fan it is your duty to seek out and listen to this album and bask in the metalness that radiates from it's gleaming vinyl exterior.

Track List:
1.Shellshock
2.Struck by Lightning
3.Run Like Hell
4.Blood, Guts and Beer
5.That's What Dreams Are Made Of
6.Turn Your Head Around
7.Heavy Artillery
8.Who Needs Love Songs
9.Filth Hounds of Hades
10.(He Fell in Love with a) Stormtrooper

Heavy Metal Album Reviews: Saxon's Crusader

In 1984 the NWOBHM was at it's peek, and it was at this time Saxon released their sixth studio ablum which would go on to become one of thier best selling albums to date. Crusader was released to high aclaim by fans and like most NWOBHM albums it was derided by critics.

Ok now that the history lesson is out of the way lets get on with this review.

















Album Cover: 5/5
The cover art for this album is Epic especially if you own the original LP pressing (which I do). The cover features the now classic Saxon logo with the stylized S so as to take the form of two battle axe heads under which the album name appears. The actual image of the gleaming Crusaders towering over the impaled corpses of the "Pagans and the Saracens" is truly Metal and the oil painting appearance just makes it that much more kick ass.


Songs: 4/5
This album really shows the Epic side of Saxon and for all you fans of Wheels of Steel they keep the hard hitting riffs and bass lines they perfected on their second outing. This album has it's fair share of memorable songs Sailing to America, Rock City, and Run for Your Life to name a few. Though the real stand out hear is the title track Crusader which even has it's own Prelude featuring the thunderous charge and war caries of the Crusaders as they ride into battle.


Overall: 4/5
This is one of Saxons more solid album of the later 80's (thing only went down hill form here). Though one of this albums major flaws is that the Title Track set the bar so high that some songs (A Little Bit of what You Fancy and Bad Boys (Like To Rock and Roll)come to mind) kinda fall a little flat in comparison and still other just sound out of place (Do It All For You), but I digress if your a fan of NWOBHM bands of just a metal fan in general you should definably give this album a listen.

Track List:
1.The Crusader Prelude
2.Crusader
3.A Little Bit Of What You Fancy
4.Sailing To America
5.Set Me Free
6.Just Let Me Rock
7.Bad Boys (Like To Rock N' Roll)
8.Do It All For You
9.Rock City
10.Run For Your Lives