Lost/Forgotten Album #18

[Jon]

 

 

 

I forgot I had this album until it was grabbed from my collection and mixed in with other CD's so I would have no clue what was coming up next when driving back and forth to work.

 

When is was this CD's turn to play, I had no clue who it was but really dug the opening guitar intro. Then the second song kicked in and I put it all together and figured I was listening to Canada's contribution to thrash, Annihilator and their 1989 debut "Alice In Hell".

 

Since Halloween is on us, I figured it was as good a time as any to feature this album since the title and album artwork kind of fit in with that evil holiday spirit. Then I found out Rjhog posted a list of his 10 favorite songs with about women, so double whammy!

 

But that's not all...this is truly a fantastic speed/progressive metal album. Leader/guitarist Jeff Watson is and absolutely underrated guitarist. Just listen to some of the guitar interludes and the time changes and see of you're not amazed. Very intricate playing, but very heavy as well.  

 

The vocalist, Randy Rampage, may not be your cup of tea but it doesn't take away from the music. at all. 

 

Shame that Annihilator is not included when talking about the speed/thrash metal genre but maybe this will garner them some new fans. They're still around and releasing music (it's basically Jeff Watson and, well, whoever he wants to jam with) so sit back and take a listen to it HERE!

 

 

Alice In Hell 

 

1. Crystal Ann

2. Alison Hell*

3. W.T.Y.D.*

4. Wicked Mystic*

5. Burns Like A Buzzsaw Blade*

6. Word Salad

7. Schizos (Are Never Alone) Parts I & II*

8. Ligeia

9. Human Insecticide*

 

 

Availability: A couple options starting at around 5 bucks. I recommend the "Alice In Hell"/"Neverland" double disc set available for around 10 bucks since they sound pretty good and also come with bonus tracks. 

 

MSoTW: Scott, please let everyone know what the song was last week since nobody bothered to guess (sigh). This week is gonna be tough.   

 

 

 

 

 

[Scott]

Last weeks MSOTW was Nick Lowe. I even tried to leave a clue in my comments. Since his big American hit was CRUEL to be KIND, those two words were used as hints in my reply. oh well, I should learn to be more blatant when I know, nah nevermind that still wont work... lol!!!

[Jon]

Umm...it didn't even spark my brain nuggets. I saw the words and figured you were pushing your "kinder and nicer" platform or whatever it was. Must be the old age kicking in.

[TageRyche]

I loved Alison Hell, but beyond that when I got the whole album, I just didn't care much for the rest of the release.

[Scott]

ok, have idea who the MSOTW week is this time, but go with me on this and let me know if I'm on the right path...

Sounds very much like a 79-81 Gino Vanelli/Rex Smith type of track... ???

[Jon]

No.

[RJhog (Admin)]

The mystery song is....Wide Awake....by....I'm just kidding. I'm just going by the lyrics. But it's a cool song. I will be interested in finding out who it is. I'll listen to the LAOTW early next week.

[Niels (Mod)]

As usual, I have NO idea, who MSoTW is!!

I kinda like the album, but the singer stinks.

Nice with some old school-Metal!!

[Scott]

I like the guitar work, but that's about it. The music is just ok and the singer isn't working for me.

Still clueless on the MSOTW, may have to resort to my considerable google skills to help....

[RJhog (Admin)]

This doesn't work for me at all. Like Niels and Scott said, the singer blows. This would be about the only genre he could get a job in. And I'll mirror one of Jon's previous comments, I walked away and came back and couldn't tell if it was the same song.

[Jon]

Yep, I warned you all about the singer!

[Scott]

Last Desperate guess on the MSOTW. Google has failed me as the lyrics are too generic...

So... Vocally it sounds like very early Ambrosia or an early David Pack tune, or potentially Louisiana's Le Roux. But I have little confidence in either guess because stylistically it doesn't fit either one, it just has a vocalist who sounds kind of similar...

[Jon]

Yeah....you're WAY off base.