This One Goes to Eleven :: Rock and Metal playlist :: Episode 7 :: 11 Aug 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. This one includes some good old proper NWOBHM as well as some of this week's new releases in the same style, with a few links between the tracks. Try spotting them or just read my notes.

Below is a permanent playlist containing the songs from this episode, along with a link to an 'updating' playlist that you can subscribe to that will contain each week's new selection.

Below is the Spotify playlist (I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full). Underneath that are my notes from this episode.

(Here is a link to the playlist that you need to subscribe to for the new episode each week )

- Shirley Knott





The Watcher by Destiny's End from Transition (2001)  A solid start from a Californian band, formed 1997 and sadly no longer with us.

Eyes of Fate by Wretch from Make This Garden Burn (2007)  Wretch go all the way back to 1984. This is from a later album but still has a classic sound.

Armed and Ready by Michael Schenker Group from Michael Schenker Group (1980)  Schenker has a long history that includes links to bands such as UFO and Scorpions.

Lovedrive by Scorpions from Lovedrive (1979)  The link here is that Michael Schenker (brother to Rudy Schenker, founding member of Scorpions) was part of the group during the recording of this classic album and claims some writing credit as well as performing on the album (lead guitar on this track and others).

Beast of Fire by Portrait from Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae (2011)  This Swedish band are heavily influenced by King Diamond and Mercyful Fate, although all of the material is original. This early album is an accomplished work but perhaps a little more accessible than their more recent output.

Thirteen Invitations by Mercyful Fate from In the Shadows (1993)  And this is the King himself with Mercyful Fate.

Claw by Motörhead from Orgasmatron (1986)  Maybe not one of the most well-known of their songs but one of my favourites. Lemmy knew what his claw was for.

20,000 ft by Saxon from Strong Arm of the Law (1980) The connection here is the drummer, Pete Gill. He played in Motorhead for the Orgasmatron album and the new tracks on the No Remorse compilation as well as being in Saxon for this album which came out at the height of their powers.

Ride the Sky by Van Canto from Trust in Rust (2018) Unbelievably the seventh album from what might seem like a novelty act. Their acapella metal style works well and obviously has staying power. I was especially delighted to hear this track, which is from an early Helloween album, and apparently Kai Hansen himself is guesting on this track, although I'm not sure exactly what part he's singing.

Halloween by Helloween from Keeper of the Seven Keys pt 1 (1987)  That last track has to be followed by actual Helloween, at their best (for me) with Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen.

You're Cut Off by Municipal Waste from The Fatal Feast (2012)  Veering dangerously close to punk crossover,

Dawn Rider by Night Demon from Live Darkness (2018) from this week's new releases. I'm not always the biggest fan of live albums but I've been looking forward to this one. Californian band  Night Demon really remind me of Chariot from the 80s.

That's the list for this week.

For all of the best rock and metal new releases, subscribe to my New Rock and Metal Album Releases playlist.

This One Goes to Eleven :: Rock and Metal playlist :: Episode 6 :: 4 Aug 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. This one has some Wacken-inspired choices because that's what I'm enjoying this weekend (broadcast for free).

I've chosen songs from a few bands that have played at the festival this weekend and also raiding my favourite albums from the last couple of years.

Below is a permanent playlist containing the songs from this episode, along with a link to an 'updating' playlist that you can subscribe to that will contain each week's new selection. You can access the playlists for previous issue sby exploring this blog's previous posts.

Below is the Spotify playlist (I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full). Underneath that are my notes from this episode.

(Here is a permanent link to Episode 6
and here is a link to the playlist that you need to subscribe to for the new episode each week )

- Shirley Knott






I Talk to the Dead by Cloven Hoof from Who Mourns for the Morning Star (2017) A NWOBHM band from the '80s who have had long breaks but are back with this brilliant album.

Salvation by Michael Schenker from Ressurection (2018) Definitely a top album from this year. The 'last supper' album cover with MS doing the 'big arms' thing does make me feel a little uneasy, but he's perhaps more entitled than some to pretend to be Jesus. I look forward to seeing Michael Schenker Fest later in the year, an act featuring three vocalists from his history, including the truly great Graham Bonnet.

A Dying Machine by Tremonti by Tremonti from A Dying Machine (2018)  Latest release, title track, from the solo project of Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti. Played an enjoyable set at Wacken Open Air 2018

Twisted Dream by Mindmaze from Resolve (2017)  More great female-fronted power metal.

Stop the War by Holy Dragons from Civilizator (2016)   From Kazakhstan apparently - obviously not a band that I know very much about but I do love this album. Imagine Bruce Dickinson had taken a slightly heavier and less commercial path.

Fear is the Killer by Q5 from New World Order (2016)  Yet another band from the 80s who decided to get back together (after some kind of festival reunion I believe) and have produced a terrific album. This one reminds me of one of the Scorpions' higher-octane offerings.

Black Smoke Rising by Greta Van Fleet from From the Fires (2017)  Pretty melodic hooky stuff, but the boy does sound like Robert Plant. Easy to like.

Rattlesnake Rock 'n' Roller by Blackfoot from Marauder (1981)  A blast from the southerny bluesy past. The band now called Blackfoot has no original members but is being 'mentored' by original member Rickey Medlocke. There are a couple of albums from around 1980 that represent their high point for me, Marauder and Tomcattin'

Pay to Pray by Tankard from One Foot in the Grave (2017)  The band have been around for a very long time. I'll be honest, some of their albums move me more than others. Here's one that does.

Happy Little Boozer by Korpiklaani (live) Such a joy to watch them play this one at Wacken.

Earthshaker Rock by Warlock from Hellbound (1986) It was very emotional seeing her perform this at Wacken 2018 because her band Warlock were the first band on at the first festival I went to. (Monsters of Rock, Donington Park 1986.) I'm sure they played this song at the start or near the start and I remember that excited feeling deep inside.

Fast as a Shark by Dirkschneider from Live Back to the Roots (2017)  A real classic song from 80's Accept. I prefer the slightly less gargly voice of Mark Tornillo with Accept. Udo Dirkschneider is doing his own thing as U.D.O and Dirkschneider which I've enjoyed in a nostalgic way. But his performance at Wacken 2018 was amazing. I was captivated and so glad that I saw it.   This is one of the best old Accept tracks and one he can't not perform everywhere.

Hate Crew Deathroll by Children of Bodom from Hate Crew Deathroll (2003)  Finnish melodic power / thrash metal. Brilliant performance at Wacken 2018

About Time by Horisont from About Time (2017) I don't know very much about this band except that they fall somewhere between hard rock and prog rock. A high level of musicianship and songwriting. I love this track, which is obviously based on Wells' Time Machine, with an album cover that makes me think of one of my favourite films, The Prestige.

Dr Stein by Helloween from Keeper of the Seven Keys pt II (1988)  The most singalong track from this very classic album. As I write this I've yet to see Helloween on stage at Wacken 2018 but I'm so looking forward to the reunion.

Wacken festival broadcasting to the world all weekend

 

Maybe not as good as being there in person, and they're not broadcasting all of the bands (unfortunately not Judas Priest later today) but the sound and video is great. Pipe it to a big screen and through your stereo and spend the next three days watching some great bands and soaking in the atmosphere. That's all I'll be doing till late Saturday night.

Today, Skyline, Tremonti, Dirchschneider, Behemoth, Sepultura
Tomorrow (Friday) Amorphis, Korpiklaani, Epica, Schandmaul, Children of Bodom, Doro, Nightwish
Saturday: Alestorm, Skindred, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Steel Panther, Ensiferum, Helloween, Dimu Borgir

https://stream.wacken.com
and
https://www.magenta-musik-360.de

This One Goes to Eleven :: Rock and Metal playlist :: Episode 5 :: 27 July 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time. This playlist, which is akin to an hour-long radio programme, 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.

There are a few weekly episodes available now, and you can find them by exploring this blog's previous posts.

Below is the Spotify playlist (I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full). Below that are my notes from this episode.

- Shirley Knott

In case the embedded player below doesn't work, here's a link.



Lies Are a Business by Dee Snider from For the Love of Metal (2018)  My ears have been looking forward to this one. I believe that a band is as good as its current material and I love it when classic acts put out solid new material rather than just going out and playing their old hits.

Gasoline and Ice Cold Gin by Evil Maquerade from The Digital Crucifix (2014) A lively Scandinavian metal band.

Avec Vous by Vulcain from V8 (2013) A band I discovered recently on BandCamp. This isn't from their most recent album but it's one that I particularly liked.

Fallen Brother by Kreator from Gods of Violence (2017)  A band that goes way back into the history of thrash metal, and once again they're putting out their best material ever.

Shining Perpetuity by Ultra-Violence from Operation Misdirection (2018)  Again one of this week's new releases. A new one on me but this is their third full-length. They seem to have an unhealthy interest in Clockwork Orange....

Upon the Knee by Chris Caffery from Jester's Court (2018)  Chris is a guitarist from the huge rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Red and White by Derdian from DNA (2018)  I think there's a serious concept going down here and some progressive power metal. This is a stand-out album and will make my list of best albums of the year.

F*cking Robots by Michael Romeo from War of the Worlds pt 1 (2018)  Another concept album. Without having dug too deeply yet, it seems to be based on the Wells novel, and I'm sure I heard a nod to Jeff Wayne's classic album in there. This track had me at the title, and I love the sound effects.

Hot for Teacher by Van Halen from 1984 (1984) From the sublime to the ridiculous. The Dee Snider album put me in an 80s frame of mind and this is the track that floated to the top of the tank when I gave it a stir.

Queen of Swords by Seven Thorns from II (2014) I don't know very much about the band but I like the sound. Scandinavian, unsurprisingly.

Life Finds a Way by Helion Prime from Helion Prime (2016) I really like this album. Since it was made they've changed their singer and I've been eagerly awaiting the next (still waiting).

Here Again by Rush from Rush (1974)  Proper old rock from a band that are still putting out quality material (I almost included a track from Clockwork Angels, and will do in a future playlist.)

Holy Diver by Dio from Holy Diver (1983)  Finishing with a song from my heyday and one of the finest singers in rock ever. This particular track is a classic but doesn't really show off his talent for lyric writing.
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This One Goes to Eleven :: Episode 4 :: 22 July 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time. 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.

Below is the Spotify playlist (I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full). No notes this time because I'm on holiday.

- Shirley Knott

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

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.

This One Goes to Eleven :: Episode 2 :: 6 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). It 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.

- Shirley Knott

Koolaid by Accept from Rise of Chaos (2017) I'm much more of a fan of the Mark Tornillo Accept than the Udo era, and their performance at Wacken last year was legendary. As if the new material isn't great enough, they were joined in the middle by an orchestra to perform some of Wolf Hoffman's classical / rock mashups.

Lightning Strike by Judas Priest from Firepower (2018) Priest have been consistently good through the decades but Firepower was nevertheless a particularly exciting release.

Black Metal by Venom from Black Metal (1982) The time was the early 80's. Vocalists weren't generally growling and the Venom formula also included Satan and a bit of anarchy. All players are still playing but we now have one of those situations where the band splits and both halves want to keep using the name. So now we have Cronos still putting out albums as Venom, and Mantas & Abaddon working under the name Venom Inc. And it's all good. This song popped up recently on random play in the car to remind me how good it was.

Kraid's Lair by Powerglove from Continue  (2018)  Guitar-based instrumental metal based on video game themes.

Slither by Velvet Revolver from Contraband (2004) Slash, Duff and Matt from Guns and Roses with Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots, a great combination, though I don't think the later Slash / Myles Kennedy combo can be beaten.

Awful Fellow by Hound from Settle Your Scores (2018) classic rock / stoner but with huge balls. As is often the case, the last track on an album is the maverick.

Copperhead Road by DevilDriver from Outlaws Till The End Vol 1 (2018) Brand new release, bizarrely an album of metal covers of country songs which makes for something maybe a little more melodic than you'd expect from DD (only a little) but surprisingly good.

Deja Vu by Monument from Hellhound (2018) A British band that have somehow got away with writing songs that often sound just like that Maiden track that you just can't quite place. That's something I respect much more than if they'd taken the 'tribute band' route. They acknowledge the influence on their recent album with this cover from the (not very classic) '86 Maiden album Somewhere in Time. 

Darkside of Aquarius by (the real) Bruce Dickinson from Scream for me Sarajevo (2018) I have to acknowledge this album although I'm not a huge fan of it. It seems that if you give a singer a free hand, you get something quite ponderous. I read that before his departure from Maiden, Bruce had wanted to take the band in a more acoustic direction which led to tension, and although the softer stuff isn't too prominent in  his solo albums, it seems to be the direction he felt more appropriate for this historic concert in besieged Sarajevo. This is one of louder tracks.

S.A.T.O by Ozzy Osbourne from Diary of a Madman (1981)  As far as Ozzy's solo career goes, I think the first two 'Blizzard of Ozz' albums featuring Randy Rhoads were the height of his powers. (thanks in large part to the creativity of Randy, who sadly died after these two albums). Each album features an epic track verging into classical territory (Revelation Mother Earth on Blizzard of Ozz and the title track of Diary of a Madman). S.A.T.O is from 'Diary' and bonus points for anyone who knows what it stands for.

Eternal Rest by Hidden Intent from Fear, Prey, Demise (2018)  Brand new groovy thrash release from Aussie three-piece. From their second full-length album.

In Hell by Defiatory from Hades Rising (2018)  A recent Bandcamp discovery, proper old-school thrash, second album by Swedish band.

Win Hands Down by Armoured Saint from Win Hands Down (2015)  A recent album from an 80's band.

Instrumental, Meliah Rage by Meliah Rage from Kill to Survive (1988) a quality debut full-length from the band, listed incorrectly on Spotify as a 2018 release) A real Metallica / Megadeth influence here. If you like those bands, give the rest of Kill To Survive a listen. The track I've chosen here is an instrumental but it's worthwhile hearing some of the vocal tracks from the album too.