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Danzig III - How the Gods Kill (Def American Recordings/1992)

5/1/2017

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A solid follow-up to the awe-inspiring Danzig II - Lucifuge, Danzig hits the heavy metal scene again circa 1992, but hey, it's never too late to celebrate a 25 year anniversary of a well appreciated release.  Glenn is back at it with his notorious vocal outputs and the rest of the band that was with them for the first three albums as well.  So yeah, you'll hear the heavy blues influenced John Christ, the rubble ling of Eerie Von's bass, and sick drum outputs by Chuck Biscuits.  The music is quite admirable, notably "Dirty Black Summer."  There were more, but that one (to me) stood out the most out of the whole album.  The tempos vary, some songs are slow, meaning tempo-wise.  Some filled with vigor.  All of them are very dark indeed though.  But that's what the whole reason for this concept that they've chosen for the album.

I like Danzig's vocals the most.  Not that the music wasn't that great, it's just that I've liked him ever since the Misfits.  I think that he did the heavy metal community just founding this band and making a sick-ass influence on it.  No the guitars aren't super-fast, the drums mild-tempo filled and Glenn's voice just suits this whole quartet. 

But hey, the lyrics I'm not big on.  In fact, I don't like them.  As long as I can appreciate the music, that's good enough for me.  But really, this is a band whose whole essence is dark music.  You wouldn't want to buy it if it was otherwise in the heavy metal spectacle. 

The sound?  I mean the production quality, that was superb.  Just everything mixed in well.  Glenn's voice was overpowering, but you can still hear the riffs.  The energy Glenn has is amazing.  He fuels his band to the limit.  And the fact that they're going to release a new album sometime soon this year (2017) shows what a 61-year old man can still hack it.  This is an album that should've been reviewed long ago.

If you've never heard of it before and you're a newbie in the heavy metal scene, YouTube it and see if it strikes a note in you.  Enough to want to order the physical CD.  That way you can assess, and if you like it, purchase the album.  That way you can play it whenever!!

Rate: 90%.

Reviewed By: Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).

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Dead Kennedys - Bedtime For Democracy (Alternative Tentacles/1986)

5/1/2017

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This is one of my favorite releases by this band, but then again, all of their albums with Jello Biafra are my favorite ones.  Just thought I'd write about what's mostly been on my playlist recently.  The songs here are pretty fast paced for a punk rock band.  East Bay Ray on the guitar just goes ballistic and Jello is all over the place.  As with most punk albums, the production quality was OK, but not the best.  The album itself is still really good.  It's original sounding, the lyrics are original too, as with what Jello writes about political topics (as the title for the album touts) being that he ran for mayor of San Francisco in 1979.  He didn't win, he placed third in the race.  But yeah, this is one of the few punk rock bands that I still like.  And another thing is that I can never get sick of DK.

There are many different time signature changes in the music with the vocals and guitar tanking out and going slowly.  But not every song is like this.  As a whole, it's a darn good release, all 21 songs on here.  Their energy is effervescent.  
This isn't the longest album the band has released, but close to it.  A lot of metal bands have a punk rock influence.  I stopped listening to DK after Jello left the band.  I just like his energy.  He fills the songs with his electric vocals.  There's something about him that I really like.  The sound of the vocals fit the music really well.  The guitars are like I said, sort of all over the place.  But they still hit home with me.

The band is full of energy based components.  There were some odd parts to this album, but that's what makes DK, DK.  The band has been around for a LONG TIME and if Jello was still with them, I'd buy more of their releases.  There was a conspiracy about the band members stealing the rights and Jello was left out of luck with them.  He still has the albums on his record label Alternative Tentacles.

Punk is dead, but of course, according to Jello "it's dead so it can be born again."

Rate: 95%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Dead Kennedys - Plastic Surgery Disasters (Alternative Tentacles/1982)

5/1/2017

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Another classic in punk rock history, this one I seem to favor as one of my favorites in the Dead Kennedys' entire discography.  I like it because it's pretty raw sounding in production quality, Jello's funny vocals, and guitar which was superb by East Bay Ray.  A lot of heavy metal musicians may have said to be influenced by punk rock.  The Dead Kennedys happen to be my favorite punk band.  You never really know what to expect in their song happenings.  And their use of politics makes them quite historical.  They cover various different topics besides politics though.  I just like the music the most.  The albums are now all on Jello's Alternative Tentacles record label.  Rightfully so, especially since he's no longer with the band after the  betrayal.

If I could single out a song that stood out the most, I'd have to say "all of them."  That's because they're filled with energy.  They're a funny punk rock band to idolize really.  I've never gotten sick of them.

I own 5 of their CD's.  I figured I'd support Jello since he really made the band larger than life.  His high IQ and stage antics make me a lifelong fan.  And the music is atypical yes, but it still kicks butt.

There really aren't any lead moments on here, just a few.  What matters is the vocals matching the music.  That they do and that's why like this one almost as much as Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables.  Now that one had some classic songs.  But really, as a follow-up from that one, they really came back around quite well.

I feel like I should favor what's been fancying the most lately.  I just want this experience with the album to match mine.  That's not enough to make a person want to listen to a band though.  The music is just so darn awesome though.  It's just so out there and original.  I loved it from start to finish.  I hope you do too!!

Rate: 100%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Sodom - Decision Day (Steamhammer/2016)

5/1/2017

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This one is definitely a step-up from 'Epitome of Torture', it just has more energy to it and is catchier.  I'll admit that I only have 2 Sodom albums in my collection.  I've never been a huge fan until 'Agent Orange' came out some 20+ years ago...then my interest faded after succeeding albums with lineup changes left me in disinterest with the band.  But I tried 'Epitome of Torture' and just ultimately didn't care for much.  I feel that 'Decision Day' is filled with good lyrics, fresh riffs, good leads and cool vocals by Tom Angelripper.  I think that this is one of their best albums that I've heard by them.  Helped a little with technology, the production quality is superb and the music just says it all.  It's simply original sounding and has a lot of balls to it.

Every song on here kicks butt.  I've read through the lyrical concepts too to each song and think that Tom is onto something here.  Just the fact that they're dark words, they do play a huge part in today's society.

I'm a big supporter of buying CD's, it could be because I'm 40 and I grew up with record stores all around me in California and now here in Chicago.  There's always a need for record stores to exist.  Some people still want to support this dying scene of everything gone digital.  But yeah, Tom and the newest line-up is what's fueled the release.  It didn't get good feedback for nothing.  These guys worked their butts off.

The fact that the songs aren't just with distorted guitars makes it more diverse.  I liked the album from start to finish.  I think that they just really made something significant.  It's really groove laden with the riffs, they match where the vocals should sound.  Definitely worth purchasing if you want the full experience.

Finally, I would say that Sodom was sort of dead to me with 'Decision Day' they seemed to be born again.

Rate: 95%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com.)
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Lethal Shock - Evil Aggressor (Witches Brew/2016)

5/1/2017

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A very Metallica - Kill em All based release...with a better production of course.  This is a debut album, it's only about 30 minutes in length, but it sure kicks butt.  I can't relate to the lyrics, but the vocals were just OK, the music I'm more keyed into than anything else on here.  The guitars just kick total ass.  For a debut, this sure is one to appreciate.  The music is speed sort of style of metal and it has a good mixing/production sound to it.  It's one of 2016's better releases by a band.  This album just simply rips from beginning to end.

The only reason why this isn't an "A" album to me are because of the vocals.  The music is just phenomenal.  But when I first heard it, it sounded like the introduction to Metallica's "Hit The Lights."  But no, it delved into something more than just that.  Throughout this album there are tempo changes and fresh guitars.

It's something to grow on in terms of quality-wise.  It's not generic though.  It's something to appreciate that can be found on YouTube to try out.  That's actually what I've done since I ordered the CD of it.

This band has a bandcamp site and you should check it out.  That way you can not only maybe hear a track, or just go on YouTube and listen to the whole album.  The guitarist just simply rips.

Again, this is pure speed metal and it's got a lot of lead guitar bits to it.  The riffs are 'Kill em All'-ish, but they have their own quality sound.  I'd say though that they went a little overboard on the solos.  My view only.

But yeah, support the band and the album by owning it!!

Rate: 85%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Kreator - Gods of Violence (Nuclear Blast/2017)

5/1/2017

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Now this far outweighs 'Phantom Antichrist', big time.  This is another Kreator album that's melodic, filled with hateful lyrics, Mille's unique vocals and music that's just totally kick ass.  These guys really did a number with this one.  I think it was worth the wait.  Mille said in an interview that metal can be "spiritual" which I totally agree with.  And that he picks out music that's like no one else's except for Kreator.  What he is implying is that it's all his own creation when writing songs, the whole process.  A lot of bands are bankrupt of ideas and turn to other artists/composers just to make and sell an album.  Kreator isn't like this.  Sure they've gone through musical changes over the years but yeah now they're back to their roots in thrash metal and they have been.

This whole album kicks ass "Satan Is Real" is a video and as the title implies that yes, Satan is real.  I think what he was driving at was that evil in the world exists and the music is just sick on that one.

Kreator has never really written about topics I like, but I like the melodic riffs and Mille's vocals.  I always have.  This is an album worth owning.  It's one of the best releases in 2017 to me.  It's just so darn awesome and original.  The music is what's most moving and the guitars simply shred.  Mille has also said though that he can be a little "sloppy" on rhythm guitar.  But he also said he's always learning.  Total honest musician about his own playing.  Not arrogant or haughty, but humble.  He's an admirable figure in metal.

I know this has been on YouTube for about a month and a half, but support music like buying the album.  It's why we have CD's still.  Everything isn't totally digital.  At least not for me.

'Gods of Violence' is one of the best Kreator albums since I'd say either 'Enemy of God' or 'Violent Revolution'.  It's hard to pick because these guys have 14 studio releases!!

Own it!!

Rate: 90%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Vektor - Terminal Redux (Earache/2016)

5/1/2017

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This album resembles 'Outer Isolation', but to me it's better.  It's lengthy too, clocking in over an hour long.  Progressive thrash which isn't my type of genre but the music is so awesome on this album.  Way technical guitar work.  The only thing that I don't like about the album or band are the vocals.  They sort of shriek.  The guitars make up for that.  I suppose that THAT is the concept behind the music, is the vocals to try to match the guitar work.  I would presume that's the case.  Otherwise, I'd say get different vocals.  The guitars are so technical here and really perfection to the tee.  It's amazing the leads and music overall.

I can't single out one track on here that I disliked.  The whole album is good.  They've signed onto a major label now too, Earache.  Appropriate.  It's good that they've gotten such a huge response in the metal community.

These guys deserve praise.  For what they do in making their music original and noteworthy, they're a sort of newer band that's still evolving.  They just keep getting better and better with each succeeding release.  They have ousted 'Outer Isolation' and entered a new realm.  It's just better overall.  Musically and production wise.

The vocals as much as I dislike them fit the music well though.  That's going to be my only complaint.  I want you metal heads to listen to this one and see if it is something you'd get into.  I am, big time.

Support the band by buying the album, I'm sure they'd appreciate it!!

Rate: 95%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Megadeth - Dystopia (Tradecraft/2016)

5/1/2017

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For a while, I hated Megadeth.  That is, until I bought their remastered 'Peace Sells...' CD that I had on tape 25 years ago.  I think it was the vocals that killed my interest.  Now that I have that CD, I appreciate it more and more.  And with this new album, it's a great follow-up from from a flop album 'Super Collider'.  This one rips in every respect.  It just doesn't let up in originality, the vocals are tolerable and the music/leads are fantastic.

If I were to name some top albums of 2016, this one with fit in with it.  The energy is just so overwhelmingly powerful.  The title-track is my favorite song, hands down.  The main guitar during the vocals!!

I've grown to respect Megadeth in the realm of the metal community.  But really, 'Peace Sells..' will always be my favorite by them.  Even though this one is strong and original, no album can replace my favorite.  This one is a close second and 'Holy Wars...' is another one that hits home with me.

Dave's got a biography out I think.  It's available in bookstores everywhere or should be.  It's worth checking out like this new album.  Buy the album, don't rely just on YouTube to play it for you.  Keep the scene alive!!

Rate: 85%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Borknagar - Winter Thrice (Century Media/2016)

5/1/2017

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This album is a gem, it's deeply emotional.  Not a fast paced release, only in some parts.  There are mood changes to this one, it can go from melodic to quicker, screaming vocals to clean.  It really is unpredictable when those swings come up.  But that doesn't take away from the magic of the album.  I'd say this is one of the best releases in 2016.  It's hard to put this band in a category they're sort of viking/folk metal.  The viking sort reflects that of Amon Amarth and the folk kind of like Falconer but not so much with the vocals.  Just sort of like that, but not totally exact.  They have their own sound and vibe to them.  But yeah, mood-swings.

This is a long release but just amazing music.  It's fresh too, doesn't sound like anything that I have except for what I've mentioned.  They really have their own sound which is graceful.  The guitars are simply amazing.  There are the tempo changes but the music fluctuates and never gets boring.  It's a strong release the whole way through.  It may take some spins to get used to, but when you're into it, you'll appreciate it more.

Really it is admirable the whole way through.  The aura is grim, but the clean vocals make it more serene.  Totally one of the best of 2016.  This band should be bigger than they really are.  I am a recent fan, even though I've heard older releases but didn't get into them until I heard this one.

The music is just awe-inspiring.  There needs to be more fans of this band!!  The album is available via Amazon and if you want to listen first, it's on YouTube.  But as I always say, buy the CD!!

This is a special album.  Enjoy every moment of it!!

Rate: 100%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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Dead Kennedys - Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death (Alternative Tentacles/1987)

5/1/2017

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This one isn't as raw or loud, it's more collected.  Still funny though, especially with Jello on vocals.  The music is catchy especially tunes like "Holiday In Cambodia" and "Too Drunk To Fuck."  But the whole album is good, even Jello's story about his Portland experience.  This is a hardcore punk rock band that's got a huge history.  The 5 albums that I own on CD are all good.  This one has a better production sound, it's not really as extreme as previous releases.  This is the last one that I have with Jello on vocals.  And it's the last one I'll ever own.

The music is loud, but not as much say 'Plastic Surgery Disasters' or 'Bedtime For Democracy'.  It's still really good though.  Just not my favorite.  Maybe it's because I've heard it too many times.

But yeah, it's still a classic in their discography.  It's more collected.  An awesome punk rock album that every fan should own.  I know that punk is dead nowadays, but I'll say it again that it's influential.

Jello's vocals are still funny, just not as crazy really.  He's not all over the place.  He doesn't have as much energy on this one, but it's still good.  I prefer their older material.  But some prefer this.  It's subjective.

Get this CD and support music!!  You can check it out on YouTube first if you want.  But owning the CD supports the music community.  Don't let it die out, purchase it on Amazon or your record store!!

Rate: 85%.

Reviewed By Death8699 (ryanfanucchi@gmail.com).
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