Metal Fatigue, Ebony Records' first compilation

I've just added this to my Ebony collection and I'm really chuffed with it. Its number is EBON1 which I assume means that it's the first of such compilations to issue forth from Darryl Johnson's stable.

First impressions are that the sound is remarkably good. The guitars sound very real and present, it's not the tinny distant sound heard on many Ebony releases. I'd love to know the technical reason for that.

It's a compilation of up-and-coming (at the time) bands. There's little to be found on many of the bands here, but one track is by Savage, who made some commercial full-length releases on the same label and then others.

As with the many compilations of this type, some of the songs sound amateurish, some much more professional and some of the songwriting is surprisingly good. It's a delightful listen throughout.

I really enjoyed my first listen of this record, it's a rewarding listen if you like NWOBHM / classic / 80s metal.

This One Goes to Eleven :: Rock and Metal playlist :: Episode 13 :: 22 Sep 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 13 (lucky for some) of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. This week's list reaches all the way back to 1971 with a classic Sabbbath track, plus there's a track from an excellent brand new album from veteran rockers Uriah Heep.   Read my notes for the lowdown and if you spot any connections that I haven't, or have suggestions for future playlists, leave them in the comments and earn yourself some kudos.

There's a link just below that you can and should subscribe to, and it will change and contain the latest selections each week. Below that is the playlist for episode 13. You can find all previous episodes / playlists by exploring the previous posts on this blog.

I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full. Underneath all 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




Mind Your Manners by Slash / Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators from Living the Dream (2018) An eagerly-anticipated new album from the killer combo of Slash with Myles Kennedy.

Victim of Fate (live) by Kai Hansen and friends from Live at Wacken (2017) a classic song from the first Helloween album with guest vocals from Gamma Ray vocalist Frank Beck

Unisonic by Unisonic from Unisonic (2012) Great material from the classic combo of Kiske / Hansen

Hardwired by Metallica from Hardwired (2016)

Fire Again by Vanik from Vanik (2016) A recent BandCamp discovery, apparently there is a new album imminent which I'm looking forward to. Classic metal with horror themes.

Suicide Blues by Hard Riot from The Blackened Heart (2014)  I don't know very much about this band except that I like them a lot.

Be My Wench by Omen from Battle Cry (1984)  Classic stuff

Spread Your Wings by Maurauder from Bullethead (2016)  Connection with the last track is vocalist Nikos Antonoyiannakis who is in both bands but not on the last track (although it sounds like him).

No Escape by Night Viper from Exterminator (2017)  Gothenburg band with vocalist Sofie-Lee Johansson definitely punching above her weight.

Devil's Child by WitchFyre from Grimorium Verum (2018)  Spanish black metal

Knocking at your Back Door by Deep Purple from Perfect Strangers (1984) a song about visiting a friend's house, apparently.

Digital Bitch by Black Sabbath from Born Again (1983) the second of a trio of Ian Gillan tracks. He seems a slightly incongruous choice for Sabbath vocalist, but it worked exceptionally well, if only for one outstanding album.

Future Shock by Gillan from Futureshock (1981)  Here's Ian Gillan with his own band including the legend that is John McCoy (McCoy, Mammoth).

Grazed by Heaven by Uriah Heep from Living the Dream (2018)  Two rock / metal albums out this week called Living the Dream?  This one was the surprise for me. I knew I'd enjoy it but didn't know I'd enjoy it quite so much. It's a keeper and up there in the favourite albums of the year. Those who enjoy a bit of psychadelic rock will enjoy it, and those who don't will probably still enjoy the album. It rocks.

Wheels from Hell by Leverage from The Devil's Turn (2018) More Scandinavian metal.

Children of the Grave by Black Sabbath from Master of Reality (1971) An epic to finish. Sneaking in another Sabbath, but the original line-up this time.



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 12 :: 15 Sep 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 12 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old.  Read my notes for the lowdown and if you spot any connections that I haven't, or have suggestions for future playlists, PLEASE leave them in the comments and earn yourself some kudos.

There's a link just below that you can and should subscribe to, and it will change and contain the latest selections each week. Below that is the playlist for episode 12. You can find all previous episodes / playlists by exploring the previous posts on this blog.

I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full. Underneath all 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




Antioch by Antioch from Antioch II:First Strike (2015)  Independent Canadian band, this is from the second and possibly the best of their three albums. They're available from bandcamp and note that you can buy their whole catalogue for a very modest price.

Until We Fall by Starkill (2018)  I don't usually pay much attention to singles released ahead of an album because it's a marketing exercise, but I do particularly love this track and look forward to the whole album.

She Took An Axe by Flotsam and Jetsam (1986)  from the early days of thrash, this is the debut album from the band that contained Jason Newstead, later Metallica's bassist. I remembered this track  about the real-life axe-murderer while putting together a Halloween-based playlist.

King of the Kill by Annihilator from King of the Kill  (1993)  Compatriots of Antioch featured a little earlier. Jeff Waters is a real hero and IMHO hasn't received the recognition that he deservers as songwriter and musician. This is from an early album, their fourth studio release.

Not All There by Annihilator from For the Demented (2017)  One more from Annihilator from their most recent album. A personal indulgence, I've enjoyed seeing them twice this year, supporting Testament, the first band to take them on tour.

Dressed in White from Fatal Portrait by King Diamond (1986)  This album may not be as heavily-layerd musically as the following concept albums (Abigail, Them) but still has a ghostly 'Dorian Grey' type story and some good music.

Warlords by La Chinga from Beyond the Sky (2018)  A new hard rock release from this band's third album.

All the Pretty Girls by The Darkness from Pinewood Smile (2017)  As often happens, a band that doesn't take itself seriously produces very good music and have staying power. They started out in 2000, have had a break and reformed (some members played as Stone Gods at this time) and this is their fifth studio album.

We Set Fire by Pennywise from Never Gonna Die (2018)  This is verging on punk but it's the kind of crossover that I really like.

A Brand New War by Shim from SHIM (2018)  A new release and a new artist on me. This first track from the album had me hooked, although the rest of the alum is much less raucous.

True Rocker by Monster Truck (feat. Dee Snider) from True Rockers (2018)  The third band from Ontario, Canada on our list this week.

Lies are a Business by Dee Snider from For the Love of Metal (2018)  The man himself and there's certainly a lot to love about metal.

Queen of Swords by Seven Thorns from II (2014) Fairly recent Danish band but drawing on old-school metal for influence.

Scream of Madness by De La Muerte from Venganza (2017)  I don't know anything about Mexican culture (except for what I've seen on Breaking Bad) but love the sounds this band produce.

Avec Vous by Vulcain from V8 (2013) This is from a relatively recent album by a band that goes all the way back to the early '80s. This sounds like it may have been recorded in the 80s too, but I value music over production.

Insane Pain by Grave Digger from The Living Dead (2018) This album reminds me very much of Lordi,  GD are from Germany, also reaching all the way back to the 80s. There's some wacky stuff on this new album but TBH I'd probably take their older stuff, being more old-school and a bit less commercial party metal.

Witches Prayer by Cultural Warfare from Warmageddon (2018) One more new release, I've been looking forward to the album since the first single was released. It lives up to the promise, old-school thrash influences are strong with this one.

Clear the Way by Iced Earth from Incorruptible (2017)  An epic track from an album that's become a real classic for me.


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 11 :: 8 Sep 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 11 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old.  Read my notes for the lowdown and if you spot any connections that I haven't, or have suggestions for future playlists, PLEASE leave them in the comments and earn yourself some kudos.

There's a link just below that you can and should subscribe to, and it will change and contain the latest selections each week. Below that is the permanent playlist for episode 11. You can find all previous episodes / playlists by exploring the previous posts on this blog.

I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full. Underneath all 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




Thunderstruck by AC/DC from The Razor's Edge (1990)  Strong music from a time when metal may have been losing its way a little.

Curse the Light by Attacker from Giants of Canaan (2013)  an excellent album from veteran New Jersey band. Sounds good today while remaining true to their 80s roots

Slayer's Blade by Attacker from Battle at Helm's Deep (1985)  Two in a row from Attacker. This one from their debut 1985 album. A beautifully raw sound.

Salacious Behaviour by Jag Panzer from The Deviant Chord (2017) NWOBHM-inspired band still going strong. Guitarist Chris Broderick was with the band for some years in the 90's and 2000's, later joined Megadeth.

Sweating Bullets by Megadeth from Countdown to Extinction (1992)  ex-Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine was bitter about his expulsion from the band that became so huge, but we got Kurt in Metallica and Dave fronting his own band Megadeth  which is surely the best outcome.

Terminal Illusion by Metal Allegiance from Vol II Power Drunk Majesty (2018)  A great new album from the supergroup and I especially like this track as it features guest vocals from Accept's Mark Tornillo. The connection here is an obvious one, Megadeth's David Ellefson is one of the core members of Metal Allegiance.

Another World to Call Your Own by The Primals from All Love is True Love (2018) It surprised me to learn that this album is a debut album. It's a little on the alt / pop punk side of things for me, Husker Du or maybe the Foos. Some very enjoyable tracks.

Ghosts of Monongah by Satan from Cruel Magic (2018)  Another new release, one that I've really been looking forward to. Satan's style is classic metal but there's something unique and very recognisable in their sound. The band have a long history going back to 1979 with some gaps and some name changes too (aka Blind Fury and Pariah).

Feast or Famine by Black Wizard from Livin Oblivion (2018)  I discovered this track on a sampler album from Listenable Records which is free (or a donation of your choice) from Bandcamp. I recommend it, it's a great way to hear and own a number of great metal tracks. Plus cover art that looks (presumably not accidentally) like a real-life Judas Priest Hellion.

Screaming for Vengeance by Judas Priest from Screaming for Vengeance (1982)  For no other reason that the aforementioned Priest album is one of my favourites of all time.

 666Teen by Gama Bomb from forthcoming albumSpeed Between The Lines (2018) I usually try not to pay too much attention to singles released ahead of an album because it's just a marketing exercise and I'd rather listen to the whole new album. But I'm very excited about this forthcoming release and this track is fab.

Antisocial (live) by Anthrax from Kings Among Scotland (track originally 1988, this live version 2018)  I'm really not usually a fan of live albums but sometimes the performance of a song or a whole live album has something special about it. This is the concert closer and a classic track. This recent live version has an energy. As Joey says at the end, that's what it's all about, Rock n Roll.




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 10 :: 1 Sep 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. Episode 10 already! Read my notes for the lowdown and if you spot any connections that I haven't, PLEASE leave them in the comments and earn yourself some kudos.

There's a link just below that you can and should subscribe to, and it will change and contain the latest selections each week. Below that is the permanent playlist for episode 10. You can find all previous episodes / playlists by exploring the previous posts on this blog.

I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full. Underneath all 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




Eraser by U.D.O. from Steelfactory (2018)  A great new release from a Godfather of metal. Udo is the original singer of metal pioneers Accept. I prefer the vocals of current Accept singer Mark Tornillo to Udo's high-pitched growl but there's no denying his greatness or the greatness of this new album

Streets of Rage by Monument from Hair of the Dog (2016)  Not only do the band sound a lot like Maiden, their original songs are heavily-influenced too. This one in particular reminds me of....

Invaders by Iron Maiden from Number of the Beast (1982)  Classic stuff and one of those rare albums where every track is great.

Dead Sea Scrolls by Angel Witch from As Above, So Below (2012) A recent album from an early NWOBHM band. Apparently written and recorded after a 26-year break. Not bad but if you like the sound, their first self-titled album is a classic...

White Witch by Angel Witch from Angel Witch (1980)  classic track from said debut album.

Mistress of the Night by Antioch from Antioch II (2015)  while in a NWOBHM mood, this band are a more recent band, working very much within the classic metal style.

Urth by Helion Prime from Terror of the Cybernetic Space Monster (2018) Another exciting new release. I'm a fan of HP and have been awaiting this album eagerly. I was initially surprised by the male vocals. I was aware that the original singer had moved on and they'd employed Kayla Dixon (no relation) who did a great job for a short time. Apparently she moved on just before recording started on this album (she has one Helion Prime single to her name). The new male singer does a reasonable job. His wide range, plus guest vocals from Unleash the Archers singer Britney Hayes all helps to keep the classic HP sound.  The album is a little bit more progressive, more varied musically and with a SF storyline involving the monster of the album title aka their mascot Saibot. Listen to the first album for something a little more immediately accessible and IMHO a better sound.

Over the Wall by Testament from The Legacy (1987)  classic track from vintage 'big 5' (in my opinion) thrashers.

Gods Go First by Omnium Gatherum from The Burning Cold (2018)   a slightly incongruous mix of deathy vocals and very melodic music. If you like this sound (and it is a likeable sound), try Kvelertak.

Party Shark Shake by Devil's Teeth from Suki Yaki Hot (2018)  A leftfield entry,  the rockabilily / surf  sound mixed with metal / punk grabbed me.

Deceived by Red Dragon Cartel from Red Dragon Cartel (2013) An antidote to the thrash and weirdness. I've listened to this album a few times over the last few years, not realising that it was a project of Jake E Lee (Ozzy Osbourne band 1983-86). There's a new single out and new album on the way. This one is from the first RDC album.

See you in Hell by Grim Reaper from See you in Hell (1983)  that classic tinny Ebony Records sound doesn't matter when the songwriting and music is so good.

Rivers of Dust by Wheel in the Sky from Beyond the Pale (2018)  Finishing with something different. Psychedelic / prog rock with a bit of Who thrown in maybe. If you like this, check out this album by Horisont.




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 9 :: 25 Aug 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. See if you can spot some connections between the tracks. Read my notes for the lowdown and if you spot any connections that I haven't, PLEASE leave them in the comments and earn yourself some kudos.

There's a link just below that you can and should subscribe to, and it will change and contain the latest selections each week. Below that is the permanent playlist for episode 9. You can find all previous episodes / playlists by exploring the previous posts on this blog.

I think you have to click through to the Spotify app to listen to the songs in full. Underneath all 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





Rough Rider by Substratum from Permission to Rock (2018)  As classic as it gets and I love them so much.

Demonize by Demonscar from Demonscar II (or Demonscar Deluxe) (2018) Again a recent release and a recent Bandcamp discovery. The music is very varied, from punk to classic metal via Doctor Feelgood. Two EPS are listed on Spotify; Demonscar and Demonscar II. You can buy a 'Deluxe' album on Bandcamp for $7 or more, which consists of all the songs from these two EPs. The first EP is probably more punky, second more classic and rock 'n' roll.

Throne of Games by Machinae Supremacy from Phantom Shadow (2014) The album sounds like a concept album, possibly with a story based around technology or games.

You Won't See me Comin' by Billy Morris and the Sunset Strip from Holdin' all the Aces (2018) dirty rock 'n' roll. Does it remind anyone else of Thin Lizzy? (Track later.)

Buried and Dead by White Coast Rebels from Hangin' with the Bad Boys (2013) More upbeat party-style rock. If this isn't a tribute to Cinderella then I'll be surprised.

Bad Seamstress Blues / Fallin' Apart At The Seams by Cinderella from Long Cold Winter (1988)  The last track made me want to listen to this one, I think the Long Cold Winter album is their best (though it's not on Spotify as far as I can see, so this is from a greatest hits album).

Girlschool by Britny Fox from Britny Fox (1988) The connection here is that the band was formed with two former members of Cinderella - guitarist Michael Kelly Smith and drummer Tony Destra.

Please Don't Touch by Girlschool and Motörhead from the 'HeadGirl' St Valentine's Day Massacre EP (1980) A very obvious connection. The collaboration between Girlschool and Motörhead came about because of drummer Phil Taylor breaking his neck. Resulting in a classic EP.

Shine by Motörhead from Another Perfect Day (1983) Just Motorhead and a different sound thanks to guitarist Brian Johnson. The vinyl album featured a strip cartoon showing Brian plugging in and starting to play and Lemmy commenting "a bit musical, ain't he?"

Jailbreak by Thin Lizzy from Jailbreak (1976)  Before Motorhead, Brian Johnson had played guitar with Thin Lizzy. That's a varied C.V.

Stand Up And Shout by Dio from Holy Diver (1983)  The connection is guitarist Vivian Campbell who had served time in Thin Lizzy and was an early member of Dio

Dirty Women by Black Sabbath from Technical Ecstasy (1976) A late Ozzy-era Sabbath album and a particular favourite of mine. I was so chuffed when they chose to include this track on their final tour.

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 8 :: 18 Aug 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. More connections than ever this time, see if you can spot them. Read my notes for the lowdown and if you spot any connections that I haven't, PLEASE leave them in the comments and earn yourself some kudos.

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



Mob Rules by Black Sabbath from Mob Rules (1981)  The second album after Ozzy's departure, Ronnie James Dio brought amazing lyrical ability plus his exceptional vocal style

Egypt (The Chains Are On) by Doro from This is Your Life (2014) Easy connection this. The track is a Ronnie James Dio song. Dio was singing with Sabbath on the last track. The album is a recent tribute to RJD with various people performing Dio songs.

Sign of Satan by Warlock from Burning the Witches (1984) Warlock was Dorothee Pesch's band before she changed the name of the band to Doro

If I can't have you - No One Will by Doro and Johan Hegg from Forever Warriors (2018) A new release. The album is 25 tracks long, a celebration of 35 years on the stage and 20th studio album. Johan is an actual real-life viking and singer of Amon Amarth, one of my current favourite bands. If you saw them perform this song at Wacken, you'll have thought the same thing as me - what an amazing-looking couple those two make, and what god-like children they would have together.

Bark at the Moon by Ozzy from Bark at the Moon (1983)  the solo Ozzy headlined Monsters of Rock (Donington) in 1986, in the days when you got one stage, one day and half a dozen acts. Warlock were first on that day. He was of course the original singer with Black Sabbath of our opening track.

A Touch of Evil by Judas Priest from Painkiller (1990)  Features Don Airey on keyboards. He played with Ozzy's band on Bark at the Moon. He recorded keyboards for the whole of this excellent album but they were only used on this track.

Heart of a Lion by Racer X from Second Heat (1987)  You might even guess from the sound of this track that it's a Priest cover. Plus Scott Travis played drums on the track, having left JP for Racer X

Be my Wench by Omen from Battle Cry (1984)  From the debut album of this American classic metal band

Infernal Overdrive by White Wizzard from Internal Overdrive (2018)  Only a recent discovery, but unfortunately after this year's Infernal Overdrive album they have decided to split, which is a shame.

My Evil Eye by Gama Bomb from Untouchable Glory (2015)  Label mates of White Wizzard (earache records)

Wide Legged and Headless by Blitzkrieg from Judge Not! (2018)  An amusingly distasteful song from a recent album by a classic band. Their proudest claim to fame is the Metallica cover of their eponymous song Blitzkrieg.

Among the Dead by Iron Fire from Among the Dead (2016) Danish power metal band

Black Flag by Iced Earth from Incorruptible (2017)  For no other reason than the Iron Fire album reminded me of Iced Earth

Flight of the Warrior by Riot from Thundersteel (1988)  Now known as Riot V

Riff Raff (live) by AC/DC from If you Want Blood (1978)  I'm not big on live albums but there's something very special about this recording of this song and the whole album generally. I remember Tommy Vance playing Let There Be Rock from this album, and letting it run into Rocker. He said it was because he was enjoying it so much, but a friend of mine was sure that it was because he'd gone to the toilet and not made it back in time. The very tentative connection is that Riot supported AC/DC in the mid-late 70s.


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.