HIDDEN TREASURES #38 - Death to all Butt Metal

DEATH TO ALL BUTT METAL

I have a confession. I don't own lots of "Heavy Metal". There I said it! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good distorted guitar as much as anybody. But, when it comes to the truly Heavy side of Metal, I am picky...

When I think Heavy, I think Zeppelin, Priest, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and even some of KISS' work could go here. Times change and it seems that’s not heavy enough anymore.

The New Fusion of Metal contains terms like; "Thrash", "Death", "Doom", and “Gothic”, containing sounds generated by “The Drum Machine from Hell" and "Cookie Monster" vocalists. Images now require full body tattoos, make-up with outrageous accessories made to appear overly evil. Shock may be more important than the music. Even band names get the treatment; Metalcore is a very recent term and is comprised of bands with names such as "Suicidal Tendencies", "Dirty Rotten Imbeciles", and "Stormtroopers of Death".

Why such an image? Is there a problem with the music? If you go back and look at Zeppelin, Sabbath, KISS even with all their imagery, none hit it big until their music resonated with the people. At their core they were bands on a stage just killing it with their instruments.

Lately there is a small movement called "Retro-Metal" containing bands who are recalling the days of the "Deep Purple keyboards", and "Jimmy Page-worthy chordal riffing". Bands like WolfMother, Airbourne, and Eden’s Curse are some of the more encouraging bands leading this effort.

Let’s split this playlist into two equal parts...

HERES YOUR LINK...
http://www.podsnack.com/playlists/d15d21a3cc9e3d4ec4dd90a59a423928

Songs 1-5 ... Music Formerly Known as Heavy Metal...

TITLE: Rock Bottom
BAND: UFO
ALBUM: Phenomenon
YEAR: 1974
How many songs can you say that the Live version is the best of? Not many, in fact I'd bet you can’t use all the fingers on one hand to make that list. Sorry to disappoint but this isn’t the live version, but it still a great showcase of Schenker's masterful shredding. In September 2008, when asked what had inspired the song lyrically, Phil Mogg said it was a horror film, but that he had forgotten its title. It is possible though that he was influenced subconsciously by the traditional song/poem "The Unquiet Grave", which contains the phrase "one kiss of your clay-cold lips". Mogg uses the same phrase "one sweet kiss on your clay-cold lips" although in a different context. I'd say thats pretty Metal!

TITLE: Desert Plains
BAND: Judas Priest
ALBUM: Point of Entry
YEAR: 1981
Priest's twin guitar attack is normally the focal point of their well-known tracks. This one features a driving beat from the drums and bass line that really knock you over as the song progresses. Of course Halfords vocals and lyrics paint the picture very well, and the guitar solos are top notch as expected. A live version of this track appears on the same disc as well as the Ram It Down remastered disc. I don't own Ram It Down as it is not really very good... oh well...

TITLE: Burn The City Down
BAND: Axe
ALBUM: Offering
YEAR: 1981
There’s not a ton of information about this band, and almost none about this song. Bobby Barth still plays in several classic rock acts and by all accounts is quite successful. I wish this band would have hung around longer. This style of writing has just got all the right elements, a killer opening riff with a driving beat and a shredding solo in the middle. The perfect 3 minute Metal anthem!

TITLE: War Machine
BAND: KISS
ALBUM: Creatures of the Night
YEAR: 1982
Every now and then I like to Pander to the Admin, besides how could anyone put together a Metal playlist and leave off a Bryan Adams written tune? kidding... Creatures of the Night was a genuine return to rock and roll for KISS, one that was very welcomed by hard core fans, but not well received until much later. One of the heaviest and coolest riffs I can think of. Though it doesn’t come up in discussion about great riffs, it should, but then again, it wouldn't be a hidden treasure.

TITLE: Straight Through The Heart
BAND: Dio
ALBUM: Holy Diver
YEAR: 1983
The opening track of one of Metals finest albums. Holy Diver ranks #8 in IGN's top 25 Metal Albums list. The album also features a young Vivian Campbell, WOW is he being under-used in Def Leppard! I digress... Dio is the quintessential Heavy Metal Master, he is owed many thanks for his contributions.

Songs 6-10 ... Music Now Known as Retro Metal

TITLE: Take Control
BAND: Weezer
ALBUM: Maladroit
YEAR: 2002
The opening guitar tone sounds exactly like the opening guitar tones on Larger than Life from Side 4 of KISS Alive II. Quick RJ, check me on that, I think you'll find it quite interesting. Even for the (at least) one person who will not like the Weezer inclusion, I think you'll find this song quite appropriate as a Retro-Metal opener.

TITLE: Fat City
BAND: Airbourne
ALBUM: Runnin' Wild
YEAR: 2007
We've seen this band featured in the Videos of the Week forum. I think that was their new album though, this is from their 2007 debut. Ya ya, ACDC knock offs, agreed! But they do it really really well! And I'm enjoying this album lots. Their new one? eh, not as much. The riffs in Fat City remind me of the Highway to Hell era. Just lots of fun to crank up and listen to.

TITLE: Pilgrim
BAND: Wolfmother
ALBUM: Cosmic Egg
YEAR: 2009
Here’s an interesting band, their debut is just ok for me, but this one is on point! Lots of Zeppelin influences to be heard, even some Deep Purple. But the track I’ve posted here, I'll let you guess the influencing band. For me it was obvious, but it will be fun to see who you all come up with.

TITLE: No Holy Man
BAND: Eden’s Curse
ALBUM: Trinity
YEAR: 2011
I bought this cause of this song and RJ's Second Coming post. This is an impressive release! I may have to include it in an NMC when I can post one. The track gets a little help from Dream Theater's James Labrie on this track, so you know it’s heavy. Still very classic sounding. Smart track, written well, and executed perfectly. "No Holy Man" deals with the theme of religious intolerance, and with Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church in particular.

TITLE: Pills, Demons, & Etc...
BAND: Velvet Revolver
ALBUM: Libertad
YEAR: 2007
(Warning: Song uses the "F" word in one spot)
Probably the most appropriate song to end such a list with. Plus it has wocka-wocka-geetar*. A band whose future is uncertain...

Well there you have it, my preferred view of what Heavy Metal is... For what its worth, isn’t it great that we can agree to disagree on these types of topics and were all right?

* Copyright Hypo Luxa

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on March 21, 2011 at 4:48pm

Okay, I'll drop it.

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Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on March 21, 2011 at 4:54pm

Was'nt it Judas (Priest), that denied tree times??

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Permalink Reply by Scott on March 21, 2011 at 5:00pm

Are you talking about Judas Iscariot from the Bible? If so, then no, he was the betrayer of Jesus Christ. It was Simon Peter that denied Him 3 times...

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Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on March 21, 2011 at 5:33pm

Oh, my mistake. Bad joke!!

Permalink Reply by Jon on March 21, 2011 at 6:16pm

OK, to be TOTALLY 100% serious here...I am NOT Hypo Luxa so the copyright has been credited to someone who is not me. FIX IT!

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Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on March 21, 2011 at 3:12pm

I believe this will ascend to the SHT throne, as far as I'm concerned anyway. It's a great contrast to the easy listening Alan Parsons album from Jon that I listened to this morning. Only 2 slight hiccups here. By the way, nice, nice banner. I'll comment on each track as well.

1. UFO - Very nice. This is the first time I've heard it, although I've heard of it. Outstanding, long guitar solo. Is the rest of the album this good?

2. Judas Priest - I think I've been very clear that I'm not a fan of JP. But this song rocks. It's better than Living After Midnight and very close behind You've Got Another Thing Coming.

3. Axe - I like this a lot as well. Is this the same album with Eagle Flies Alone? If so, I'm getting it.

4. Kiss - You are 100 per cent right about that riff. It's awesome. Niels, do you not like Unholy from Revenge or Hate from Carnival of Souls. Both great tunes by Gene post-Creatures.

5. Dio - Agree again, great song from a great album.

6. Weezer - Never been much of a fan of this band, but this song is really good. Yes Scott, that rhythm guitar tone is very similar to Larger Than Life.

7. Airbourne - I just can't get into these guys. Honestly, I'd rather just hear AC/DC.

8. Wolfmother - Another nice tune. I need to revisit this album, maybe put it up as AOTW soon. The influence I'm hearing is two bands. The Beatles (some of the vocals) and The Who (listen to the bass guitar in parts). Who are you hearing Scott?

9. Eden's Curse - Unlike Niels, this is awesome. You already know I like 'em. Can't wait to get this album.

10. Velvet Revolver - Hiccup number 2. I just don't really like it.

Outstanding post bro!

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Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on March 21, 2011 at 3:20pm

No, not really. "Not for the innocent" from LIU is a very good song, but there have'nt (imo) been a better song from him since War machine.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on March 21, 2011 at 3:32pm

Thanks! I'm trying to find a style that works and allows me to evolve the forum. SO I appreciate the cool comments... Heres my track for track response...

1. YES!!!

2. Point of Entry is underrated

3. Nope, but if you want AXE in your colleciton, Offering and Nemesis are great!

4. Agree, Niels, check those out

5. One of Metals most hallowed!

6. Maladriot is the only release they really tried to generate a classic riff sound on, so its a good choice for this list, IMHO

7. Me too, until the 3-4 listen and theyve really gotten stronger, especially this album. Thieir follw-up release isnt that good though

8. I am liking Cosmic Egg more and more

9. Wait till you hear the rest?

10. Love to agree to disagree, Im a big Scott Weiland fan (as you know) so I have a bias, plus the wocka-wocka geetar was too tempting to pass up on...