Detritus
Mini-Issue #487.5
February 13, 2009
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
lof@...
http://www.lakeoffire.net/
http://www.myspace.com/visionlakeoffire

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@...
http://www.myspace.com/kdsteve

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-At long last, here is our 2008 recap. Sorry for the delay. But trust
me, it only *seems* like we're now about ready to do our recap on
2009. :) - Tim

*
*** AT THE ALTAR ***
*
by Patrick Brower (patrickbrower@...)

-I can't do it. This year I will not be ranking the Top Whatever
Number I Pick CDs of 2008. Oh, I'll list and comment on some, sure,
but I just don't have it in me to rank them. When going over my notes
for the year (yeah, I keep notes -- I HAVE to. I would never remember
this stuff at year's end) it seems I only acquired 20+ Metal CDs this
year. Well, 24 that I've listened to. I have a stack of stuff to get
to (thanks, Rick!), such as the new Metallica, but I just haven't had
the time to really LEARN the music yet.

This is an odd year for music. So many old bands have new music out,
but so much of it just doesn't work for me like their old stuff still
does. Sadly I found myself really getting into several non-metal CDs
this year, and that just hurts. If this list were to incorporate other
styles, well, let's just say it would be a very different list. But
it's not, and there is enough "great" and "very good" on this list to
make up for the just "good."

-ALBUMS OF 2008 – THE GREAT

Warrel Dane – PRAISES TO THE WAR MACHINE

This is the album I am listening to the most right now. This is the
Nevermore album I have always wanted. It's accessible and that is
something Warrel Dane needs to be. He has such a great voice that is
often lost in the weirdness and over-production of recent Nevermore
discs. This is really good and worthy of the high rankings it received
elsewhere.

Marco Sfogli – THERE'S HOPE

Instrumental album of the year. Marco is one of the guitar powerhouses
behind the James LaBrie solo album ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION. THERE'S
HOPE is a great rocking album where you don't really miss the vocals
because the guitar covers it all. This is the modern-day equivalent of
hearing Joe Satriani's SURFING WITH THE ALIEN for the first time.
Except for the very annoying "Texas BBQ" track.

Evergrey – TORN

Were I ranking albums this year, TORN would be #1. Not as listener-
friendly as MONDAY MORNING APOCALYPSE, but still a dark and brooding
treat for your ears. And as predictable as many Evergrey songs are
(most are one short song completely doubled, separated only by a solo
or two), that's okay. It works for them and it works for me. One of my
favorite current bands, this album can easily stand as an introduction
to them and their sound.

-ALBUMS OF 2008 – THE VERY GOOD

Tesla – FOREVER MORE
Serenity – FALLEN SANCTUARY
Kip Winger – FROM THE MOON TO THE SUN
Jorn Lande – LONELY ARE THE BRAVE
Circle II Circle – DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

-ALBUMS OF 2008 – THE GOOD

Whitesnake – GOOD TO BE BAD
Stephen Pearcy – UNDER MY SKIN
Pyramaze – IMMORTAL
King's X – XV
Jorn Lande – LONELY ARE THE BRAVE
Iced Earth – THE CRUCIBLE OF MAN (SOMETHING WICKED PART 2)
House Of Lords – COME TO MY KINGDOM
Honeymoon Suite – CLIFTON HILL
Falconer – AMONG BEGGARS AND THIEVES
Extreme – SAUDADES DE ROCK
Dokken – LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN
Def Leppard – SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE
Alice Cooper – ALONG CAME A SPIDER

-ALBUMS OF 2008 – THE OTHER

Kiss - KISSOLOGY

A collection of "classic" material covered by the current lineup.
First of all, stupid title, considering you just had three DVD sets
with the same name. Second of all, the new versions just don't have
the impact the originals did. If this is what we have to look forward
to with 2009's new 1970s-sounding Kiss album, well, I am a huge Kiss
fan who will be very disappointed.

Sammy Hagar – COSMIC UNIVERSAL FASHION

I really like the title track. Um, yeah... that's ONE good song here.
I thought it neat to hear his version of the Soul SirkUS song he wrote
(when it was Planet Us and he was in it) but I like the other version
better. And for G-d's sake, that Beastie Boys cover? Awful. Oh, Sammy,
you've given me decades of great music, but I guess that time is past.
That being said I will STILL go see you live every time you come to
Chicago.

DragonForce – ULTRA BEATDOWN

My niece, Stephanie, is a big fan of this disc. I don't know if it's
good or not, I just haven't really given it the time of day...

Motley Crue – SAINTS OF LOS ANGELES

I feel compelled to mention this because I did go out of my way to
pick it up. I don't really like it but I can see why people do.

-LIVE SHOWS OF 2008 (TOP, UM, 2)

Alice Cooper
Waukegan, IL
August 2008

Show of the Year! Cooper still has it and he performed like this was
Detroit in 1978. More fun than I could have possibly expected. Really,
a huge surprise.

Lizzy Borden
House Of Blues, Chicago, IL
November 2008

Sure they were only opening for Lordi and thus only played for 42
minutes, but it was as much metal mastery as could be crammed into 42
minutes, with Lizzy wearing something different for each song.
Although it may be time to retire Lizzy TV or to at least update to a
flatscreen...

And no, I didn't just go to two concerts this year. I feel that these
are the only two (metal) shows worth mentioning.

-ALBUMS OF 2009 – THE EXPECTATIONS

Kiss

Yeah, it won't be good (see KISSOLOGY above) but I'll still buy it.
And it will have been nine years since their last studio album. How
about we just let Paul Stanley release a few more solo discs instead?

Ace Frehley

Same as above.

Danger Danger

Why not?

Suspyre

Well... not super crazy excited by the thought of a new Suspyre CD,
but I'll still get it.

-That is it for two thousand and eight. This issue of Detritus is the
single most important issue of the year in regards to helping me catch
up on all the great music I missed without even knowing it. Check out
everybody's Best Of lists and see if there are things recommended that
you never even heard of! And then maybe take a chance on something we
like. And please, feel free to write in with your own Best Of 2008
lists.

*
*** CLASSIC ROCK MY @$$! ***
*
by Jan W. (jw4jzon@...)

-No Fork Needed: Overdone & Overexposed 2008

(or Things That Just Need An Overhaul)

10. Journey - Overtaxed & Overstayed

Okay, things happen: band members pass away, move on, quit, or leave
for various reasons. Many bands have moved on, successfully, with new
replacements in their musical group. But 2008 saw Journey soldiering
on with their fourth lead singer -- their fourth in the eyes of the
masses, at least those that have paid attention. Many don't remember
the singers before Steve Perry (few recall that Gregg Rolie sang lead
on a few songs, and barely a handful will remember George Tickner).
The reasons for Steve Augeri's departure were debated, and even hard-
core fans were displeased with the fiasco of Jeff Scott Soto's
dismissal. Their latest CD, REVELATION, with Arnel Pineda seemed to do
better than expected, but the turmoil has taken its toll. The stone
that is Journey has not been cracked -- it has been finely ground into
dust. It's time for Schon and company to retire the name and, if they
continue to tour and record, start over for the love of Pete!!!

9. Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame - Overcommercialized

Does anyone really understand the criteria for inductees? Even their
Web site is vague on the guidelines [
http://www.rockhall.com/visit/faq ], and most articles published about
induction mention suspicion that entry involves playing the "rock
politics" game. Everyone has their own opinion on who should get in
and who shouldn't, but generally there is a consensus that this is the
ROCK Hall Of Fame. So how do we explain Leonard Cohen's induction in
2008? What about this year's inductee, Run-D.M.C., who are
unmistakably rap? How do you explain Herb Alpert? Parliament
Funkadelic? (C'mon -- the Hall Of Fame's webpage for this band uses
the word "funk" more than six times to describe their music. When did
funk become rock?) If nothing else, the requirements need to be made
clear not just to the international voting body of "rock experts," but
to the fans -- without whom those inducted would not have a career.

8. MTV & VH1 - Overextended

They started as music channels and have become a vast wasteland of
unrelated crap. Let's get back to basics and (who would think I'd
quote Justin Timberlake?) play more videos! How does MTV have the
audacity to have video music awards when most videos are not seen
unless you are watching between 2 and 5 a.m.? If they must feed the
need for the glut of reality TV, create another station just for that.
Let's keep MTV and VH1 (which more cable subscribers receive as part
of the basic packages) for music videos and music-related shows. It's
time to say goodbye to "The Hills" and all those ridiculous dating
shows.

7. Ticketmaster - Major Overhaul

Aren't we all sick of fighting with this Web site for good seats at
concerts? Aren't we all sick of the inflated handling charges that can
almost double the cost of the ticket price? Even Eddie Vedder (Pearl
Jam) could not defeat the behemoth in the early '90s. It seems the
only way to fight them is to stop buying tickets, which will not
happen any time soon. Live Nation might be gearing up to be a
competitor after deals made in 2008 with U2, Jay-Z, and Nickelback [
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Nation ], but they are a spin-off
from Clear Channel [
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clear_Channel_Communications ] and we all
know Clear Channel has not changed radio for the better. We can only
hope that in 2009 will find a better way.

6. "American Idol" - Overblown

Are we finally burned out on this yet? They've added another judge
this year to shake things up -- or is it just because we are finally
tired of the endless parade of non-talent willing to make fools of
themselves for their 15 minutes of fame? One must begin to suspect
that we are not judging on true talent (William Hung actually got a
record deal from Koch Entertainment and Sanjaya's run seemed to
inspire viewers to "vote for the worst"). People continue to watch,
but 2008 should have been the end. Isn't everyone just a little tired
of Ryan Seacrest's mug every week?

5. Guns N' Roses' CHINESE DEMOCRACY - Overpublicized

We've heard about this release for well over 10 years. Axl has touted
its greatness for just as long. Whether you love it or hate it, aren't
we all glad this publicity hype is finished?

4. The Fall of the Independent Music Store - Overburdened

How can the little guy compete with the monster that is Walmart? How
can a fan get the music they want, if the only source is Walmart and
Walmart only sells edited versions of CDs? Where do you find music
from an obscure artist, an older release you have just discovered,
when music is hard to find? If it could happen to Tower Records, who
closed all its retail outlets in 2006, how is the independent music
store supposed to survive? By all accounts, in 2008 even Walmart
reduced floor space for music. There has been much debate lately over
the quality of digital downloads versus CDs, and even old-school vinyl
is gaining interest again. The rise of digital music may be too much
for them to bear. Support your local independent!

3. Britney Spears - Overanalyzed & Overexposed

Google her name and you get over 93 million hits. Check out a magazine
rack anywhere and chances are you will see her face more than once on
a magazine cover. Turn on any entertainment news program and you will
hear about her at least once a week. Paparazzi are making money hand
over fist hounding her. Fan or hater, there's one thing we need to let
the paparazzi know: leave the girl alone. We've had enough, and
finally, maybe, so has she.

2. Zepplin Reunion Tour - Overruled

Since their show together in London to honor the late Ahmet Ertegun,
talk of a full-scale reunion tour went full tilt in 2008. After all,
this is the closest any fan could come to the real thing, with Jason
Bonham pounding the skins for his late father. However, Plant nixed
the tour in favor of hitting the road with Alison Krauss for their CD
duet, RAISING SAND, for a large portion of the year. While that was
understandably a new creative outlet for Plant, letting the rumors run
rampant that the possibility was imminent for so long was just a
communication breakdown that left fans dazed and confused. Thanks for
nothing, Mr. Plant.

1. Brett Michaels - Just Over

Very loosely, one could argue that all his "Rock Of Love" shows are
music related. But Michaels has swapped enough spit to fill an
Olympic-sized pool many times over. Nothing against the man or his
music, but 2008 should have been the end of his quest for his "soul
mate." We can only hope this season is his last bus stop on national
TV. Hey Brett -- just play your damn guitar!

*
*** FLAMES FROM THE LAKE ***
*
by Sean P. Gahgan (spgahgan@...)

-2008 was a down year for musical releases to me, although I listened
to a lot of material, not too much stood out to me thus my lists are
somewhat short this year. I have high hopes for 2009 as I anxiously
await new releases from Heaven & Hell, Killing Floor, Primal Fear,
Vanden Plas, Vision, Circus Maximus, Pyramaze, and Pagan's Mind.
ProgPower X in September is going to be a great concert as well, so
here's to a very musical 2009...

Records of the year. These are the CDs that spent the most time in my
various CD players this year (in no particular order).

SCREAM AIM FIRE – Bullet For My Valentine

I got this the second week of January, 2008 and it pretty much
remained in heavy rotation the first half of the year. Production is
great and the songs really get my blood pumping. As much as I dislike
the cookie monster style of vocal it is tolerable for me here as it is
used sparingly and to emphasize certain parts of the songs. The title
track, "Eye Of The Storm," "Hearts Burst Into Flames," "Forever And
Always" -- this CD is just a great CD from start to finish. It's heavy
yet full of tasty licks and lots of melody...

TORN – Evergrey

No surprise here right? After the disappointment that MONDAY MORNING
APACOLYPSE was, TORN was a welcomed release and probably my overall
favorite CD of 2008. Although the guitars are not as slick as on THE
INNER CIRCLE, they went for a heavier sound as on MONDAY MORNING
APACOLYPSE, the songs are top-notch, fast, slow, moody, gut wrenching,
everything I love Evergrey for!

FALLEN SANCTUARY – Serenity

Surprise of the year here. This CD really took me by surprise. I had
previously heard Serenity's second album, WORDS UNTOLD & DREAMS
UNLIVED and it did nothing for me. But when I first received FALLEN
SANTUARY it is the only thing I listened to for about a month. Georg
Neuhauser has an incredible voice with a soaring range and smooth
delivery; his melodies are both memorable and haunting. This CD has a
great production that accompanies the well crafted songs. I can't say
enough good things about this release.

Songs of the year (ranked)

3) "My Escape" by Sonic Syndicate

Just started getting into this band, great lyrics and arrangement.
Roland Johansson's vocal performance just takes you to the place where
the song surrounds you.

2) "Torn" by Evergrey

It's the emotion and desperation in which Tom S. Englund sings the
chorus that makes this song so memorable.

1) "A Day To Be Alone" by One Less Reason

I heard this song at the end of a movie which I can't even recall
right now, but the song had such a profound impact on me I went out
and bought it the next day. The lyrics are some of the best I've heard
and again, a fabulous vocal performance. I know the song isn't exactly
Metal but a good song is a good song!

*
*** FROM THE MEGA-VAULT ***
*
by Keith Abt (KeithAbt@...)

-This Week: "2008 IN REVIEW!"

Greetings, all. (Cue thumping bass line.) Another year bites the
dust...and wow, was it just me or did 2008 kinda suck? Not just in the
metal world, but in general? The economy crashed, gas prices went up
and down like a yo-yo, Heath Ledger died, Tina Fey (or someone who
looked a lot like her) ran for vice president, huge companies started
passing out layoff sandwiches left and right, dogs and cats were
living together without the benefit of marriage... I mean, what the
f**k, man? But hey, I got to see Iron Maiden for the third time this
past summer, so it wasn't all bad, I guess. Seriously, though, 2008
was definitely a weird one. I actually had some difficulty coming up
with my now-customary Top Ten list because I bought far fewer CDs in
2008 than I have in previous years (frickin' economy!), and of the
ones I DID buy, many were releases from '07 or prior. Therefore I
didn't have a heck of a lot of '08 releases to choose from. After much
pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth, I did finally manage to hammer
out a list of ten brilliantly pure hard rockin'/metallic CDs that
helped me survive this year, and now it's time to share them with the
Detritus faithful. Drum Roll, please!! I proudly present...

THE FROM THE MEGA-VAULT TOP 10 CDs of 2008

(Note: some of these albums were released overseas in 2007 but didn't
get a U.S. release till '08. So please don't send me any nit-picky e-
mails telling me that so-and-so came out in 2007. Thank you.)

Bad Biscut – WE STILL BELIEVE THE HYPE (Main Man)

This semi-legendary (to me anyway) New Jersey hard rock/punk band
hasn't been active in over a decade so you could've knocked me over
with a feather when I discovered this new odds-and-ends/rarities
collection while trolling CDBaby.com one fine day, because I never
dreamed I'd hear anything from them again. I ordered it immediately
and have been spinning the hell out of it ever since. Even better news
came later in the year when I found out that the Biscut's long-lost
second studio album, SHAG ABBEY (which was supposed to be released
back in 1997), was about to see the light of day too! (Happy dance!)

Circle II Circle – DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR (AFM/Locomotive)

After a strong debut with 2003's WATCHING IN SILENCE, Zak Stevens'
last couple of C-II-C albums had come and gone without leaving much of
an impression on me. They finally hit a home run again on album #4 ,
which is their hardest rockin' disc thus far but which still maintains
the sense of melody which has become their trademark.

Dokken – LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN (Frontiers)

If this is going to be Dokken's last album (which Don has apparently
alluded to in several interviews) then at least he's going out on a
high note. This is Dokken's strongest offering since 1999's ERASE THE
SLATE.

Helstar - SINS OF THE PAST (Locomotive)

I'm usually not big on bands re-recording their past glories, but
Helstar's SINS OF THE PAST was a most excellent exception. The Texan
true metallers did a fine job of polishing up some of their most
classic tracks in order to re-introduce themselves to the scene after
a decade-plus layoff. The two new songs also provided a nice teaser
for their latest all-new album, THE KING OF HELL, which I haven't
heard yet but should be getting a U.S. release by the time you read
this.

Jon Oliva's Pain – GLOBAL WARNING (Locomotive)

It's the Mountain King in full effect!! In 2008's Battle Of The Former
Savatage Vocalists I still give Circle II Circle's latest disc a
higher ranking than Jon's, but GLOBAL WARNING is no slouch either,
filled with dark, doomy melodies and some of Jon's best vocals since
the end of his original Savatage tenure.

Pyramaze – IMMORTAL (Locomotive)

It was great to hear Matt Barlow's distinctive pipes making a return
to the metal world not once, but twice, this year (here and on Iced
Earth's THE CRUCIBLE OF MAN). Of the two albums Matt sang on,
surprisingly enough I greatly preferred his one-shot performance with
this Danish power/prog band. This was my first Pyramaze album but it
will not be my last (especially since I've found out that Matt's Pyra-
replacement is former Tad Morose vocalist Urban Breed!).

The Stoned - s/t (indie)

I'm a massive fanboy of Warrior Soul vocalist Kory Clarke, and though
I didn't get to hear Warrior Soul's new CHINESE DEMOCRACY (ha!) album
before the end of this year (else it would surely be on this list as
well), this four-track debut EP from his '70s dirt-rock influenced
side project gave me a decent buzz that should last me until I hear
more from the Clarke camp.

Pharaoh - BE GONE (Cruz Del Sur)

This band is too damn good to be so criminally ignored. Iron Maiden
fans who've become disenchanted with their more prog-oriented
direction should find solace in Pharaoh's decidedly POWERSLAVE-
inspired vibes. Fantastic shred work and soaring vocals, what's not to
like?

Motorhead - MOTORIZER (SPV)

Lemmy is going to outlive us all, y'know. The Unstoppable Mister
Kilmister cranks out yet another fine slab of Motor-mania that'll keep
the pits churning and the beer flowing...until the next Motorhead
album of course. God bless him.

Testament - THE FORMATION OF DAMNATION (Nuclear Blast)

Testament is also a contender for "Comeback Of The Year." The Bay Area
legends bounced back nicely from a couple of albums that leaned a
little too far on the "extreme metal" side for me and an additional
few years in the wilderness ready to tear everyone a new ass!! Chuck
Billy has never sounded better and the band is more energized than
they've been since 1994's LOW. One listen to "The Evil Has Landed" or
"More Than Meets The Eye" should be all the proof you'll need. Simply
excellent.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Metallica, DEATH MAGNETIC (Warner Bros.)

Like most "old school" Metallica fans, I threw in the towel after the
debacle known as ST. ANGER, and declared myself a "former" fan. So
who'da thunk that in 2008 they'd release something that was actually
listenable again? I sure didn't. DEATH MAGNETIC may not be a classic
for the ages but it's certainly the best thing to carry the Metallica
logo since ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL and it's a hopeful sign that perhaps
all is not completely lost for these former metal torchbearers.

"The MEH, WHATEVER AWARD"
(i.e. albums that didn't outright suck but didn't really grab me by
the nards either)

Judas Priest - NOSTRADAMUS (Epic/Sony)

Um...okay, Priest... I hope you guys had fun recording this thing. It
wasn't much fun to listen to. Did it really need to be two CDs?
Doubtful. This is Priest's version of MUSIC FROM "THE ELDER" -- an
overly ambitious project that a small cult faction of their fanbase
will embrace, while the rest of us say, "Ehh, it's okay. Halford's
next solo album will smoke it though."

Iced Earth - THE CRUCIBLE OF MAN (SOMETHING WICKED PART 2) (SPV)

The return of prodigal vocalist Matthew Barlow was cause to celebrate
of course, and this was way more listenable than the dry FRAMING
ARMAGEDDON, but still, by album's end I found myself breathing a sigh
of relief that it was over and hoping that Jon Schaffer is finally
done with this "X-Files" crap so we don't have to sit through a PART 3
in a year or two.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT:

X-Sinner - WORLD COVERED IN BLOOD (Image Records)

I waited 17 years (!) for new material from these Christian hard
rockers, and the end result was hardly worth it... After endless
delays we're given a cheap, hollow sounding recording packed with
lame, repetitive songs and vocals that sound like someone strangling a
cat. Skip this and replace your worn out cassette copy of GET IT on
eBay instead.

IGNORED INTENTIONALLY:

Guns N' Roses - CHINESE DEMOCRACY (Geffen)

Yawn.....

REISSUE ROULETTE:

As usual, lots of metal classics were given renewed shelf life in 2008
via reissues. My favorites were the long-awaited reappearance of
Crimson Glory's seminal 1986 s/t debut (Metal Mind) which FINALLY
reinstated the long-lost track "Dream Dancer" to the running order,
and the absolutely fan-frickin-tastic re-vamps of Deliverance's
classic s/t (1989) and WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE (1990) albums from
Retroactive Records, which have been taking up mucho spin time in my
stereo of late. Classic speed metal never goes out of style, and these
two discs still sound as good as they did 20 years ago.

FAVORITE DVD:

Iron Maiden's classic LIVE AFTER DEATH home video got its way-overdue
DVD release this year and it was well worth the wait. Bruce's epic
scream of "Screeeeeaaaaammm for me Long Beach!" sounds even better in
digital!! Another music related DVD of note that I discovered this
year was the documentary film "KISS Loves You," which is worth seeing
not only because it's a fascinating, sometimes disturbing,
occasionally hilarious look at the Kiss fan experience, but also
because I'm in it for a whole two seconds. (You're all adding it to
your Netflix queue right now, aren't you?)

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2009:

Shoot, I dunno.. what's coming out in 2009? Lord knows, I'll probably
still be getting caught up on all the 2008 stuff I missed out on until
well into this year. The aforementioned KING OF HELL by Helstar tops
my "I gotta hear that" list at the moment, along with the new Saxon
album. Jag Panzer should have a new disc out this year, and I believe
Overkill are about due for a new one in 2009 as well. As Raven Lunatic
Numero Uno on the Detritus staff, it would be uber-sweet to finally
hear that new Raven CD that's been in the works for seemingly forever,
too. I guess I'm pretty well "open" to whatever comes down the pike.
Happy New Year everyone, and may 2009 be just as metallic (or even
MORE metallic) than 2008. Keep it real and keep it cranked!!

*
*** LIFE AMONG THE RUINS
*
by Steve Shumake (vongoober@...)

Wow, I know I'm a slacker, but I didn't realize that I hadn't done a
column of my own since January of 2005. No excuses except to say that
I'm a loser, but then you all already knew that...or at least that is
what Wadzinski keeps telling me... :)

Here are the discs that made my musical world a much better place in
2008.

*Mercenary - ARCHITECT OF LIES
[ http://www.mercenary.dk/ ]
Definitely my album of the year! I just can't get enough of this band,
they just keep getting better and better. Every song on this disc is a
melo-death tour de force. The strangest thing to me about this disc is
that the limited edition bonus track "Death Connection" is the
strongest song IMO...and that is saying something since there are so
many good tracks. It is a shame that this is only available as an
import right now. Last I talked to the guys they said it wouldn't see
a Century Media release in the U.S. I don't know if that means that
they are looking at another label for U.S. release or what, but I
really hope something happens here as more peeps need to hear this!!

*Firewind - THE PREMONITION
[ http://www.firewind.gr/ ]
Gus G. just keeps releasing killer discs filled with awesome tunes.
Apollo's vocals are just made for this kind of music. It is great to
see that the video for "Mercenary Man" got/is getting some airtime on
MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball."

*Rage - CARVED IN STONE
[ http://www.rage-on.de/ ]
Peavy & Co. just know how to write and record great Power Metal. I
don't miss Mike Terrana's drumming and new skinman Andrι Hilgers
sounds great. But it is the songs that stand out. I find myself
humming the melodies constantly and reaching for the disc quite often.

*Randy Piper's Animal - VIRUS
[ http://www.animalcave.net/ ]
As with their previous release, VIOLENT NEW BREED, this is the kind of
music that W.A.S.P. should be making. It kicks anything Blackie has
been doing for years. The production is outstanding which was lacking
on their first disc 900 LB. STEAM. If you like old school W.A.S.P.
from when Randy was in the band, you'll absolutely love this!

*Gun Barrel - OUTLAW INVASION
[ http://www.gunbarrel.de/ ]
These guys are really hitting their stride and this is a very strong
release. Nothing beats good melodic German metal!

*Iced Earth - THE CRUCIBLE OF MAN (SOMETHING WICKED PART 2)
[ http://www.icedearth.com/ ]
Matt Barlow is back and I'm enjoying IE once again. Ripper was good,
but IE needs Matt on vocals. I'm still digesting this disc, but I'm
happy with it.

*Pyramaze - IMMORTAL
[ http://www.pyramaze.com/ ]
I liked the previous Pyramaze stuff with Lance King on vocals, but
Matt Barlow from Iced Earth on vocals is awesome. Tasty stuff!

*Pagan's Mind - GOD'S EQUATION
[ http://www.pagansmind.com/ ]
Awesome Prog-Power Metal and one of the coolest album covers ever!

I'm very much looking forward to a new Virgin Steele album in 2009 and
that their 2006 disc, VISIONS OF EDEN, will finally get a U.S. release
this year.

I hope everyone had a good 2008 and I wish everyone the best for 2009.
I want to also thank Tim for putting up with me for all these years
and for letting me do a lot of piddly-ass stuff while he does the bulk
of each issue while still letting my name appear on each issue.

-= trinken gar aus =-

*
*** REALM OF SHRED ***
*
by Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

Favorites 2008

Man this came up quick this year, still poring over and reflecting on
all the releases that lit up 2008. A nice balance of melodic metal/
hard rock and heavier traditional metal completes my top albums list,
so we'll start off with it. Keep in mind I had some late arrivals
necessitating that I revise the list a bit, so this one goes to 11!

Albums:

Eden's Curse - THE SECOND COMING

For the second year in a row Eden's Curse sits atop my favorites list,
their blend of exquisite '80s inspired melodic metal/hard rock
recalling the early works of Great White and Y&T, with guitar heroics
from the Malmsteen/DeMartini school of tasty shred. Not a bad track on
it.

Helstar - THE KING OF HELL

The REMNANTS OF WAR lineup is back with a brand new offering of brutal
traditional metal, laying waste to everything in sight with explosive
riffs, burning solos and the inimitable vocals of James Rivera. Has to
be devastating live...

Dokken - LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN

Don succeeded at getting the right mix of his classic melodies with a
few modern ideas and production values on what very well could be the
last Dokken album. Probably played this more than anything else during
the Summer. Let's hope Don feels the fire again and decides to record
more new music!

Marshall Law - RAZORHEAD

In the "finally!" department, Marshall Law came roaring back after an
almost ten year long absence with this potent shot of traditional
English metal, a killer nod to Judas Priest, Vicious Rumors and the
NWOBHM.

Michael Vescera - A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME

I don't know why he didn't just call this Obsession, as A SIGN OF
THINGS TO COME could easily be the follow-up to 2006's CARNIVAL OF
LIES. Whatever moniker he chooses to use, all I have to say is "more
please!"

Testament - THE FORMATION OF DAMNATION

Never was a huge Testament fan but this album convinced me from the
first spin. Traditional thrash the way it was meant to be played, with
conviction and a killer production. What Metallica should be doing.

Firewind - THE PREMONITION

Another one that received lots of attention during the Summer, this
proved to be one of my favorite driving discs -- just great songs with
the always impressive axework of Gus G.

Judas Priest - NOSTRADAMUS

Probably on as many people's "Worst Of 2008" lists as on "Top 10"
inventories, I quite enjoyed this ambitious but flawed double album.
One which may be better appreciated years down the road...
Tygers Of Pan Tang - ANIMAL INSTINCT

NWOBHM veterans Tygers Of Pan Tang are back with what must certainly
be their best album since the mid-'80s. Great hard rock with a metal
edge, ANIMAL INSTINCT also has an interesting Diamond Head vibe due to
the vocals of newcomer Jacopo Meille.

Dominici - 03 A TRILOGY - PART 3

I always liked original Dream Theater vocalist Charlie Dominici, but I
get that his unique style is not for everyone. Still, if you liked
WHEN DREAM AND DAY UNITE and IMAGES AND WORDS you might enjoy the
heavy progressive metal found on 03 A TRILOGY - PART 3. The story is a
little unwieldy but you can't deny the passion and musicianship.

Michael Schenker Group - IN THE MIDST OF BEAUTY

Michael Schenker returns with a stellar lineup, including original
band mates Gary Barden, Don Airey and Simon Philips along with veteran
bassist Neil Murray for an album that takes some time to get into but
ultimately provides a very satisfying listening experience.

No particular order, here's more of my favorites from 2008:

Alkemyst - THROUGH PAINFUL LANES
Evergrey - TORN
John Oliva's Pain - GLOBAL WARNING
Journey - REVELATION
Benedictum - SEASONS OF TRAGEDY
Whitesnake - GOOD TO BE BAD
Eclipse - ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?
AC/DC - BLACK ICE
Uriah Heep - WAKE THE SLEEPER
Cloudscape - GLOBAL DRAMA
Metallica - DEATH MAGNETIC
Brainstorm - DOWNBURST
Overdrive - LET THE METAL DO THE TALKING
Yngwie Malmsteen - PERPETUAL FLAME
Zero Hour - DARK DECEIVER
Jorn - LONELY ARE THE BRAVE
Uli Jon Roth - UNDER A DARK SKY

A few I didn't get to but I've heard great things about, looking
forward to hearing these:

Seventh Wonder - MERCY FALLS
Tony Mills - VITAL DESIGNS
Sister Sin - SWITCHBLADE SERENADE
Magician - TALES OF THE MAGICIAN
Gary Moore - BAD FOR YOU BABY

There are tons more of course but we only have so much room so moving
on...

Live Album:

Pat Travers - STICK WITH WHAT YOU KNOW - LIVE IN EUROPE

Instrumental:

Marco Sfogli - THERE'S HOPE
Paul Gilbert - SILENCE FOLLOWED BY A DEAFENING ROAR
Greg Howe - SOUND PROOF
Devil's Slingshot - CLINOPHOBIA
Ohm: - CIRCUS OF SOUND
Kiko Loureiro - UNIVERSO INVERSO
Jeff Loomis - ZERO ORDER PHASE
Joe Satriani - PROFESSOR SATCHAFUNKILUS AND THE MUSTERION OF ROCK

DVD:

Rush - SNAKES & ARROWS LIVE
Iron Maiden - LIVE AFTER DEATH
Halford - RESURRECTION WORLD TOUR: LIVE AT ROCK IN RIO III
Scorpions - LIVE AT WACKEN
Firewind - THE PREMONITION LIVE
ProgPower USA VIII
Thin Lizzy - LIVE AND DANGEROUS
Gamma Ray - HELL YEAH!!! THE AWESOME FOURSOME

Several I really wanted to check out but just didn't get to in time
were GET THRASHED, ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL and GLOBAL METAL.

Instructional:

Paul Gilbert - SILENCE FOLLOWED BY A DEAFENING ROAR (DVD)

Non Metal:

The Police - CERTIFIABLE (DVD/CD)

Media:

"That Metal Show"

Concerts:

Rush - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, Atlanta
Van Halen - The Arena at Gwinnett, Atlanta
ProgPower USA IX - Centerstage, Atlanta
Return To Forever - Cobb Performing Arts Energy Center, Atlanta
Johnny Winter - Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta

Farewell:

Munetaka Higuchi (Loudness)
Richard Wright (Pink Floyd)
Mike Baker (Shadow Gallery)
Michelle Meldrum (Phantom Blue)
Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix)
Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix)
Cliff Davies (Ted Nugent)

Predictions/Hopes for 2009:

We were able to get some long-awaited albums last year, hopefully the
trend will continue as I have many that are quite overdue on my list:

Heaven & Hell
Y&T
Vinnie Moore
Wolf
Ratt

Atlanta continues to be skipped often by major metal artists but
hopefully the concert scene will improve this year. Aside from the
sure thing that is ProgPower USA X I hope to see:

Judas Priest
Heaven & Hell
Scorpions
Riot
Pat Travers
Yngwie Malmsteen
Evergrey
Helstar
Queensryche
Vicious Rumors

I know, wishful thinking...

Everyone have a great 2009!

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

-I've heard from some people that 2009 was a banner year for melodic
metal and hard rock, and I've heard that it was, well, meh... I fall
somewhere in the middle. Maybe I'm getting old, jaded, or -- gasp! --
more mature, but I really haven't felt "the fire" about new music in
quite a while. That "less than enthusiastic" feeling is ugly and hard
to shake. Let's hope 2009 blows all our shorts off, eh?

Here are my highlights of '08, in no particular order:

· Shinedown - THE SOUND OF MADNESS (Atlantic Records)
Okay I lied, this is listed first because it is my favorite release of
'08. I can listen to the song "Devour" 30 times in a row without
getting tired. Yes, it's that good. I need to go back and dig through
this band's previous releases -- I like a good treasure hunt.

· Metallica - DEATH MAGNETIC (Warner Bros.)
Metallica is, without question, the Comeback Kid Of The Year winner
for '09. Debates about the sound quality / fidelity aside, DEATH
MAGNETIC is strong and very, very welcome.

· Bassinvaders - HELLBASSBEATERS (Frontiers)
What a cool idea from Helloween four-stringer Markus Grosskopf! He
teamed up with Rage's Peavy Wagner, Destruction's Schmier, and Sodom's
Tom Angelripper to record an album of bass-centric metal tunes, and
invited a ton of guests to contribute: Billy Sheehan, Rudy Sarzo, DD
Verni, Joey Vera, Nibbs Carter, Jens Becker, Dennis Ward, Apollo
Papathanasio, and many more. Amazingly there isn't a single note of
"regular" guitar anywhere to be found, but the songs still sound
normal. :) Great band name, too.

· Revolution Renaissance - NEW ERA (Blistering Records)
I believe the songs on this disc were written for Stratovarius, but
when that gig folded Timo Tolkki started this new outfit and brought
the tunes with him. Fine by me. And Timo, THANK YOU for bringing back
Michael Kiske to sing half the album. (Edguy's Tobias Sammet also
appears on two tracks.)

· Judas Priest - NOSTRADAMUS (Epic)
Truthfully, this is a mixed bag. There is some killer stuff here but
the bloat factor is high. I think the band included every single note
of music they wrote for this beast... Edit, edit! :) And honestly, I
still can't believe the band had the balls to do a conceptual double
album at this point in its storied career.

· Dokken - LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN (Rhino)
This wasn't the complete masterpiece I was hoping for, but it
certainly was a return to form. Kudos to Don & Co. Too bad I didn't
get to see them live, though, and it'd suck if this does indeed turn
out to be the band's final album.

· Michael Schenker Group - IN THE MIDST OF BEAUTY (Inakustik)
This isn't Herr Schenker's finest hour but, c'mon, Gary Barden is back
on vocals!

· Ross The Boss - NEW METAL LEADER (AFM)
Wow, surprise! This appeared out of nowhere (well, to me at least) and
made me smile, as it rekindled memories of being a 16-year-old kid
discovering Manowar for the first time. Welcome back, Ross, and
thanks.

· Journey - REVELATION (Nomota LLC)
I was never a *huge* Journey fan but I must admit this is a keeper,
and you can't beat the price for a two-disc set with a bonus live DVD.
This is how music should be presented on physical media!

· Brainstorm - DOWNBURST (Metal Blade Records)
This came out so early in the year that I almost forgot about it now.
Another monster disc from a very consistent band.

· Lordi - DEADACHE (The End Records)
My 4-year-old calls these guys "The Monster Band." Catchy, fun,
simple, and kinda stupid. Love it.

· Power Quest - MASTER OF ILLUSION (Napalm Records)
I never did get around to reviewing this (sorry, Napalm!) but I don't
want it to slip through the cracks. Goofy/cheesy band name, yes, but
if you're into melodic power metal then seek these guys out.

· Xystus - EQUILIBRIO (Sensory)
I'm still getting used to this puppy, as it's a rather involved
listen, but I must say it's livelier -- more vibrant, maybe? -- than a
host of other similar releases. You know, the whole "rock opera with
several different singers" spiel.

And here's what I'm looking forward to in 2009:

· Armored Saint is back. Can't wait for the new album, and hey, maybe
they'll tour with Anthrax? Nah, probably not.

· Edguy's TINNITUS SANCTUS. I don't think this band has ever
disappointed me. (Although main man Tobias Sammet's '08 effort, THE
SCARECROW, didn't blow me away as I'd hoped.) C'mon guys, do it again!

· HammerFall's NO SACRIFICE, NO VICTORY. I still regard LEGACY OF
KINGS as a near-classic, but HammerFall's been off my radar for a
while. Let's see how the revamped lineup fares on this new disc.

· Heaven & Hell's THE DEVIL YOU KNOW. You've simply got to give these
masters their props. All hail Iommo, Butler, and Dio.

· Judas Priest -- will they tour again this year? Unfortunately, I
missed last year's NOSTRADAMUS jaunt.

· New studio albums from Kiss and Ace Frehley. What can we expect
here, really? I'm a fan so I'll buy 'em, but they better be good.
Ace's has been delayed for a while... I had been thinking it would be
cute if his came out and was better than the recent solo output from
Peter Criss, Paul Stanley, and Gene Simmons -- 1978 all over again --
but now he's in position to go up against the whole band. :)

· Lillian Axe's SAD DAY ON PLANET EARTH. I love this band too much to
ever NOT get whatever they release, but, to quote every character in
"Star Wars," "I've got a bad feeling about this." Something about that
recent press release has me thinking this album might be too dark or
modern for my tastes. I hope I'm proven wrong.

· Pretty Maids. One of my all-time favorite bands, and I haven't heard
much from their camp lately. Let's have some new material, okay?

· Queensryche's AMERICAN SOLDIER. I love OPERATION:MINDCRIME but I am
tired of it and all its incarnations. Let's move on, and let's kick
some ass. The new album seems like it should be very powerful.

· Savatage resurrected? I still have my fingers crossed the guys will
regroup and do...something...anything. Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery are
fine on their own, sure, but can't they just reteam -- perhaps even
without Paul O'Neill (gasp!) -- and do a wicked, old school 'tage
record?

· Saxon on the road in North America? The new disc INTO THE LABYRINTH
is good and I hope they head my way on tour. It's been too long since
I've seen them live.

· U.D.O. See "Pretty Maids" above.

· Virgin Steele's new studio album. I kinda forgot how long it's been
since we last heard from them. I hope David DeFeis' sword hasn't
gotten all rusty and stuff. :)

· Wolf's RAVENOUS. These guys are derivative, yes, but they're also
very cool and fun. Guest spots from Hank Shermann and Mark Boals can't
hurt, either.

-That'll do 'er. Take care everyone.

*
*** OUT ***
*