This One Goes to Eleven :: Rock and Classic Metal playlist :: Episode 18 :: 28 Oct 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 18 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. There's more appropriate halloween stuff this week and loads of new releases making a longer playlist than usual, you lucky people.  My notes are down below 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 to a playlist 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 18. 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

The Last Vampire by Hollywood Vampires from Hollywood Vampires (2015)  A spine-tingling spoken word piece featuring the immortal Christopher Lee.

Bark at the Moon by Ozzy from Bark at the Moon (1983)  Lycanthropic fun from the Prince of Darkness himself.

Seven Gables to Ash by Them from Manor of the Se7en Gables (2018)  If 'Them' looks and sounds like a King Diamond tribute act then that's because they did start out that way. This is a stunning offering of original material with enough of an original sound for the band and album to stand in its own right.

King Diamond has influenced so many, Here are a couple more:

Burn the World by Portrait from Burn the World (2017)

Sanctimonious by Attic from Sanctimonious (2017)


Hearts of Stone by Fifth Angel from The Third Secret (2018) A great new album from an American band that goes all the way back to 1983 (albeit with a long break)

The Alchemist by Triple Kill from Age of Rebellion (2018)  Debut album from Australian speed metal band. Great stuff.

The Contract by Ironflame from Tales of Splendor and Sorrow (2018)  American power metal, second album

The Hunt by Iron Lamb from Blue Haze (2018)  From Ironflame to Iron Lamb. I used to think that Iron Lamb were influenced by Motorhead, it's not so obvious but still there.

Dr. Stein by Helloween from Keeper of the Seven Keys pt 2 (1988)  A classic song from the classic Helloween Lineup featuring Kiske and Hansen. Musically epic, lyrically fun and Halloween-appropriate.

Red and White by Derdian from DNA (2018) An album from earlier this year and definitely in my end-of-year list

Excalibur by Stormwitch from Walpurgis Night (1984)  Classic '80s metal, the horror themes are present in the album if not in this track.

White Witch by Angel Witch from Angel Witch (1980) More vintage stuff

Yakuza by Katana from The Greatest Victory (2015)  Swedish classic metal

Season of the Black by Rage from Seasons of the Black (2017) Not sure what's with the teeth on this band's mascot, they look scary but impractical

Gone Wild by Blizzen from Genesis Reversed (2015)  First commercial full-length from German heavy / speed metal band

The Flood by Icarus Witch from Goodbye Cruel World (2018) Setting out to revive traditional heavy metal, IW have mellowed a little

Chainsaw Charlie by W.A.S.P from The Crimson Idol (1992)  WASP have recently been performing this album live against a backdrop of a special black-and-white film.




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 Classic Metal playlist :: Episode 17 :: 20 Oct 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 17 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. There's plenty of good stuff from this week's releases and plenty of classic metal from the 80s.  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 to a playlist 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 17. 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


Under Jolly Roger by Running Wild from Under Jolly Roger (1987) Possibly the original pirate metal band, taking it all very seriously and still doing it just as well today.

Torches Ablaze by Speedtrap from Straight Shooter (2015)  Recent but classic-sounding speed metal

I am Eternal by Green Death from Hallowmass (2018) One of my favourites of the week's releases and a very Halloween-styled album, although not so obvious in this particular track.

Dynamite by Scorpions from Blackout (1982) One of the tracks I've heard this week reminded me of this Scorpions track, but now I can't find which one. But Dynamite is going in anyway because they were a favourite band of mine and this is such a good track. There are always new things to learn. I'd always assumed that guitarist Rudy Schenker posed for the picture on the cover of this album. He does dress as the character in the video for a song from a later album (and I've seen him do it on stage). But no, the picture is a self-portrait by artist Gottfried Helnwein.

Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer) by Greta Van Fleet from Anthem of the Peaceful Army (2018) I've been looking forward to this new album from Led Zep soundalikes. But I'm not sure that it lives up to the previous work. Or maybe they're just developing in a more mellow direction.

Chaos Unity by Final Breath from Of Death and Sin (2018)  Another good album from this week's crop. Good old thrash metal (with a black theme if the cover is anything to go by).

Eternal Solstice by Sacral Rage from Beyone Celestial Echoes (2018) And another great thrash metal release. You can't help thinking of King Diamond here, so....

Evil by Mercyful Fate from Melissa (1983) The King himself from an early Fate album.

Princess of the Night by Saxon from Denim and Leather (1981) There's an interview in the current Metal Hammer with Biff Byford about this steam-train-related song. In it he claims that Metallica have cited Saxon as an influence, and says that he can hear this on Seek and Destroy.

Seek and Destroy by Metallica from Kill 'Em All (1983)  The said track. I'm not really hearing Saxon except for a little chord sequence in the middle of POTN which does sound like "searchin', seek and destroy"   but hey, it's all good.

H.B. is in Control by Clutch from Book of Bad Decisions (2018)  Very bluesy / southern stuff.

Fox Chase by Blackfoot from Tomcattin' (1980)  Because the Clutch track reminded me of Blackfoot and this is one of my favourites.

Black Wind, Fire and Steel by Manowar from Fighting the World (1987)  They claimed it was true metal and I wouldn't argue with them.




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 16 :: 13 Oct 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 16 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. On the 13th of the month it seems appropriate to start mixing some Halloween-inspired choices with the new releases.   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 to a playlist 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 16. 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

Last Halloween by Jyrki 69 from Helsinki Vampire (2017) An atmospheric start from lead vocalist of Finnish Band The 69 Eyes

The Wicker Man by Iron Maiden from Brave New World (2000) I watched the film again recently. What a great performance by Edwoodwoodwood and a haunting story. This album marked the return to the Iron Maiden fold by Bruce Dickinson and broke the curse of the previous two albums. It's a shame that the employment of Blaze Bayley didn't work out, he's a great vocalist and much closer to Paul Di'Anno than Brucie.

Walpyrgus Nights by Walpyrgus from Walpyrgus Nights (2017) melodic classic metal, a very enjoyable album with horror themes.

The Fighter by Those Damn Crows from Murder and the Motive (2018)  Hard Rock, reminding me of Thunder in places

Necropolis by Manilla Road from Crystal Logic (1983) Mark Shelton's (RIP) project had somehow passed me by but I'm glad I've discovered it now. Crystal Logic appears to be the most popular album. For something more thrashy, check out Out of the Abyss

Re-Animator by Arkham Witch from I am Providence (2015) Arkham Witch are delightful, they mix Lovecraft-inspired lyrics with lighthearted music somewhere between classic metal and punk ("2-3-4!")

Fire Again! by Vanik from Vanik (2016)  Another horror-inspired band. I'm looking forward to a new album out a little later this year.

Brunin by Skalmold from Sorgir (2018) A new release from slightly folky Icelandic metal band.

Hypocrisy by Impellitteri from The Nature of the Beast (2018)  This new release features new material and a couple of covers with Chris Impellitteri's fast shredding style.

Brother by Live from Local 717 (2018)

Pole to Pole by Nazareth from Tattooed on My Brain (2018) Veterans Nazareth are celebrating 50 years with a new album and new line-up. Long-time vocalist Dan McCafferty has passed the mic briefly to Linton Osbourne and now to Carl Sentance. I'm not sure that I'm keen on the new sound and I don't think the songwriting is strong, which is a shame.

Fire up by Verni from Barricade (2018) solo album (with guests) from D D Verni of Overkill

Kurt Russell by Gama Bomb from Speed Between The Lines (2018) I've been looking forward to this album. I love the quirky title of this track, and I'm sure I heard 'Walpyrgus Night' in the lyrics

 Armed and Ready by Michael Schenker Group (1980) Opening song from first album by MSG





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 15 :: 7 Oct 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 15 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. This week there's a lot of terrific eighties stuff with some of the best tracks from this week's new album releases.   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 to a playlist 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 15. 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




Man on the Edge by Iron Maiden from The X Factor (1995)  Bruce briefly left Iron Maiden, the band chose Blaze Bailey as his replacement. I'd seen BB with his band Wolfsbane in the late 80s (Supporting King Diamond) and it remains one of the best support act performances I've seen. He has a fantastic voice, much closer to Paul Di'Anno than Bruce Dickinson and this should have been a match made in heaven but unfortunately the two Maiden albums he fronted were decidedly lacklustre. This is one of the highlights with lyrics based on Falling Down, the mad Michael Douglas film.

Killing Machine by Wolfsbane from Did it for the Money (2012)  Blaze with Wolfsbane. Unfortunately Spotify don't have Wolfsbane's first album otherwise I would have included a track from that.

Are You Here by Blaze Bayley from The Redemption of William Black (Infinite Entanglement Part II) (2018) The third in the Blaze Bayley triple-bill is from a very recent solo album, the third in a series which tell a ponderous space adventure.

Hurricanado by Evil Scarecrow from Chapter IV:Antartarctica (2018)  I had the pleasure of witnessing the band kicking off the tour for this album last night in their home town of Nottingham. As is often the case with parody bands, the music is better than many who take themselves seriously.

The Sails of Charon by Scorpions from Taken By Force (1977) The Scorpions were without doubt my favourite band as a teen. This is the last studio album featuring the first lead guitarist Uli Jon Roth. The change of guitarist marked two distinct Scorpions eras. This is a slightly leftfield track but UJR's influence is clear.

Queen of New Orleans by Jon Bon Jovi from Destination Anywhere (1997) This solo album is a little bit pop (even more so than his band Bon Jovi) but I do still like this track.

Undying Evil by Enforcer from From Beyond (2015) Timeless old-school metal

Young Lust by Aerosmith from Pump (1989) This remains my favourite Aerosmith album. A career peak, possibly.

Fly on the Wall by AC/DC from Fly on the Wall (1985) From the fourth Brian Johnson album. It's only my opinion but I can't help feeling that they lost their way a little after this album. A few good singles followed but a lot of filler too.

Sweet Child O'Mine by Guns 'n' Roses from Appetite (1987) An obvious track but still great

Take a Shit and get Hit by Lizzies from On Thin Ice (2018)  The album is the second full-length from Spanish all-female NWOBHM-style band. The song is actually called 'Talk Shit and Get Hit' but it's always amusing when a girl says 'take a shit' because we don't... obviously.

Locust Plague by Hammer King from Poseiden will Carry Us Home (2018)  I'm not sure how serious the band takes itself but it features Ross the Boss vocalist Titan Fox

Red Hot by Mötley Crüe from Shout at the Devil (1983) 

Helter Skelter by Vow Wow from VIBe (1988) This Beatles cover (believe it or not) also featured on Crue's Shout at the Devil

Iron Maiden by Flotsam and Jetsam from Flotsam and Jetsam (2016) What better than to finish with some real thrash, and a connection with the band that we started with (but only in the song title). It's so good when a classic band come up with killer new material. Such a killer album that they named it after the band. (or maybe they just couldn't think up a title, who knows).





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 14 :: 29 Sep 2018

Welcome back, or just welcome if it's your first time, for Episode 14 of the usual mix of rock and metal, new and old. The NWOBHM is strong with this week's list, some old tracks and some new ones in the same style.   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 to a playlist 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 14. 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





Get Out by Hypnos from Set Fire to the Sky (2018)  A recent release but sounding very classic 70s and 80s rock / metal. Swedish band, now four albums in.

Race with the Devil by Girlschool from Demolition (1980)  One of the most classic songs from one of the most classic bands.

Rough Ride by Avenger by Blood Sports (1984)  Newcastle band, label mates (Neat Records) with the mighty Venom

Bound By Silence by Metal Allegiance (2018) Another track from this new album from the supergroup, this time featuring John Bush on lungs.

You Belong To Me by Skull Fist (2018) Such a new release that the album isn't out yet, this is the second of two singles so far from the forthcoming album.

Chasing the Dream by Skull Fist (2014) The second of a double-bill from Skull Fist.

Genie's Got a Problem from The Cruel Intentions from No Sign of Relief (2018)  pop-punk crossover.

Bier, Bier, Bier ist die Seele vom Klavier by Onkel Tom from Bier Ernst (2018)  I have to confess that I love the folky metal from Germany (see also Korpiklaani, Schandmaul, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter and many others). Onkel Tom is a new one on me but I'm glad I spotted the album release this week.

Steel and Silver by Visigoth from Conquerer's Oath (2018)  only the second album from American power-metal band.

Let it Loose by Savage from Loose 'n' Lethal (1983)  This is one of the bands featured on Metal Fatigue from Ebony, one of two 'taster' compilation appearances the band made before beginning their run of full-length albums with debut Loose 'n' Lethal. Ebony Records' strength was talent-spotting.

The Wolverine by Night Viper from Night Viper (2015)  We're getting close to Halloween now! Closer to the time I'll do a Halloween special playlist. In the meantime this is a taster from female-fronted Gothenberg band, compatriots of Hypnos, our opener this week.

The Doomsday Clock by Satan from Cruel Magic (2018)  This is another track from an album that came out a week or two. It'll in my list of favourite albums of the year. A great sound and disturbing cover image.

Deuce by Kiss from Alive (1975)  This album came up in a conversation with a friend about classic live albums. On the whole I'm not a fan of live performances, but my favourite all-time albums include some amazing live albums (Tokyo Tapes by Scorpions, If You Want Blood by AC/DC, Alive by Kiss, No Sleep Till Hammersmith by Motörhead  Live Evil by Black Sabbath (RJD era) to name a few). Sometimes the performances and atmosphere outshine the studio originals.  If you like this track, there's worthwhile black and white footage of the band performing the song.

Creatures of the Night by Kiss from Creatures of the Night (1982)  Second in a double-bill from Kiss, this one a little more recent (though I realise with some horror that the time since this track is two or three times that since Creatures.... ). As Paul used to say when they played this live "this is the album you put on when you want to turn your brain to jelly". From memory this was the last album before they took their make-up off. It's sad that they're doing shows now with make-up on, and with band members wearing Peter Criss and Ace Frehley faces. They should be leaving that stuff for the tribute bands IMHO.

Carry On by Avenged Sevenfold from Black Reign (2018)  The Stage is a brilliant album which was released to everyone's surprise with no publicity. It seems that they've done the same thing with this EP. (I saw none and came across the release by accident).

Hungry and Angry by U.D.O from Steelfactory (2018)  Another track from the Godfather's recent album.

Welcome Home (Sanitorium) by Metallica from Master of Puppets (1986) The last Cliff Burton album, and arguably their best album. Certainly one of my favourites of all-time and this track is epic.




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.

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.