This One Goes to Eleven :: Episode 3 :: 13 July 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if you didn't see last week's playlist. (It's here if you want to hear it). The list consists of proper solid rock and metal, new and old. Centring around NWOBHM / MWOTHM  extending to thrash, symphonic, hard / heavy rock, southern and possibly tentatively exploring other areas too.  Do make requests in the comments, but if it has 'core' in the genre or is too black or doomy or detuned it's unlikely to move me too much.

First is the Spotify playlist (I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full) scroll down further for my notes if you care about what I think.

- Shirley Knott

(In case the embed isn't working, the playlist is here)


Evil Metal Obsession and Night Adventures in a Desecrated Church by Humanash from Reborn from the Ashes (2017)  The first track is an intro, so I've included the next track too. This album was a Bandcamp purchase, and I'm delighted to discover it here on Spotify too so that I can share it. The Italian accent adds a seductive quality to the horror, don't you think?

A Dangerous Meeting by Mercyful Fate from Don't Break the Oath (1984) Keeping with the horror / black theme, this is from an all-time classic album. If you like the King's very distinctive style, try Portrait and Attic, both of whom are doing original work based on Mercyful Fate's style.

Sentenced to Life by Meliah Rage from Idol Hands (2018) an excellent new album. (We had a track from an early album included last time.) If this appeals then you'll like Iced Earth.

The Sentinel by Judas Priest from Defenders of the Faith (1984)  Back to genuine classic stuff. Not the best-known Priest track but one of my favourites.

Rip it Up by Midnite Hellion from Condemned to Hell (2017)  A recent release from a New Jersey band that sounds very classic.

When the Moon Shines by Chariot from The Warrior (1984)  The band appeared on a show called ECT, check it out. The quality of the sound and video suck on that video but it was probably recorded on VHS tape at the time. All the same you have to agree that the live performance has has something that the studio recording doesn't quite capture.

Ready for Rock by Nozomu Wakai's Destina from Metal Souls (2018)  How does Ronnie Romero find time for all the projects he's involved with? Here he's working with Guitar widdler Nozomu Wakai

This is Vengeance by Ross the Boss from By Blood Sworn (2018)  Ross the Boss (guitarist, Manowar) is keeping 'true metal' alive by playing Manowar classics and new material with his current eponymous band. This album is recently-released and it's difficult to select one track, so if you like it, have a listen to the whole album.   Ross received the Hall Of Heavy Metal History Global Metal Ambassador award at Wacken last year.

Primate  by Dog Fashion Disco from Experiments in Embryos (2018)  Very experimental music. This kind of genre-muddling makes me smile. I thought only Electric Six could do it well.

Black Widow of La Porte by John 5 and the Creatures from The Devil Knows My Name (2007)  Again inspired by the horror theme, John 5 has played and written with other bands as well as making many instrumental solo albums.  BW has been made famous by Guitar Hero and its technical difficulty but is a great track nonetheless.

Meanwhile, Back In the Garage by Graham Bonnet Band from Meanwhile, Back In the Garage (2018)  Album is released today as I write this list. It's a shame he only had a short time with Michael Schenker because that would have been quite a combo but he's making up for that by recording and touring with current project Michael Schenker Fest who I hope to see in November.  Rainbow's Down to Earth was a high point in his career, but he's been putting out consistently quality tunes and that powerful voice still rocks at age 70.

Killed by Death by Motörhead from No Remorse (1984) This compilation album (which came in a leather cover no less) contained four new studio recordings, this is one of them and my favourite Motorhead track.

Still Loving You by Scorpions from Love At First Sting (1984) It's the perfect time for a ballad. Heavy metal bands do them well and Scorpions do them particularly well. Rather annoyingly the later 'Wind of Change' became a huge commercial hit, but IMHO it wasn't a patch on some of their earlier ballads, including this one which holds particularly special memories for me. They've re-recorded this track, but I don't think it improves the original version.

Skeleton Swing by Deathless Legacy from The Gathering (2016) A fun closer from a horror / theatrical metal band.