“Ace of Spades” 40^th Anniversary Deluxe Collectors Box Set

MOTÖRHEAD

BMG

3- 12” LP’s, 1- 10” EP, 1 DVD

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

In 1980, fresh off the back of two essential albums, “Overkill” and “Bomber” the previous year, MOTÖRHEAD continued to get bigger, better, louder and faster by the second. The “Ace Of Spades” album release was a magical moment in rock’n’roll history, an album which had enormous global impact and continues to resonate and inspire people worldwide. Fans to this day still remember where they were when they first heard it, and it immediately inspired bands worldwide to absorb the album’s energy, speed, and attitude into their own work. To commemorate the releases 40^th Anniversary BMG has released the “Ace of Spades” 40^th Anniversary Deluxe Collectors Box Set. The comes packed with 3 twelve inch LP’s, 1 ten inch EP, a Live DVD, Replica tour program, 40 page Ace of Spades history book, Rock Commando comic and to top it all off a poker dice game all of which comes housed in commemorative box which doubles as a game board.

 After the passing of MOTÖRHEAD founder and front-man Lemmy Kilmister in 2015 fans of the band were left wondering what would become of the work left behind by “The Worlds Loudest Band”. Thankfully BMG has been giving the bands catalog the royal treatment and nothing good be truer when it comes to this 40^th anniversary package. After setting the bar high with 2019’s “1979” box set which focused on the “Overkill” and “Bomber” releases the “Ace of Spades” Anniversary editions is built on that foundation and taken “One Louder”. Housed in a heavy weight box with faux wood burned graphics the set grabs your attention even before you can gaze upon it’s enclosed treasures. Box sets often tend to be hit or miss by either not having enough content or a repetitive track listing that includes multiple versions of one song. I am here to say that “Ace of Spades” is neither of those! Yes the release focuses solely on this one album however the box set feature not only just on the album itself but also this period of the band as a whole. From the half speed mastered version of the studio album which sounds absolutely amazing, to two different live performances from 1981, a 19 track album of outtakes, B-sides and rarities titled “The Good, The Broke and the Ugly and a 10” EP containing seven instrumental tracks from the “Ace of Spades” sessions. That’s just the audio portion of the release! Also included is a DVD titled “Ace on Your Screens” which showcases original interviews related to the album as well as live and studio performances. Most collections would stop there but not this one! Going even further down the MOTÖRHEAD rabbit hole fans are treated to a reproduction of the “Ace Up Your Sleeve” 1980 tour book, a reproduction of the 1980 “Rock Commando” comic, a 40 page compilation piece by Kris Needs titled “Born  To Lose- Live To Win The Ace of Spades Story” and to top it all off a MOTÖRHEAD themed poker dice game (with the game board being printed on the inside of the box cover) every piece of this release was carefully planned out with the true fan in mind.

I can’t say enough good things about the look and quality of this release. All the record sleeves are printed on high quality cardstock and paper which add to the release’s aesthetic as even when its just sitting on your shelf the collection begs to be picked up and played. Given the sheer amount of material contained listeners should not get bored easily as the video and literary pieces add to the music providing a multi-pronged attack on your senses. Though the set does not include digital downloads of the material you do get a really cool dice game which on game night may help you recruit a few new unsuspecting listeners to your jean vested battalion and well that can’t be all that bad. MOTÖRHEAD “Ace of Spades” 40^th Anniversary Deluxe Collectors Box Set is a must have for that headbanger in your life and with the holidays just around the corner get ahead of the game and tuck one of these beauties away.

BOX SET TRACKLISTING

Ace of Spades

Side One

Ace Of Spades

Love Me Like A Reptile

Shoot You In The Back

Live To Win

Fast And Loose

(We Are) The Road Crew

Side Two

Fire Fire

Jailbait

Dance

Bite The Bullet

The Chase Is Better Than The Catch

The Hammer

A Fistful Of Instrumentals

Side One

Ace Of Spades (demo)

Hump On Your Back (demo)

Shoot You In The Back (demo)

Fast And Loose (demo)

Side Two

Dirty Love (demo)

Love Me Like A Reptile (demo)

Dance (demo)

Riders Wearing Black

Live At Whitla Hall, Belfast – 23^rd Dec 1981

Side One

Ace Of Spades

Stay Clean

Over The Top

The Hammer

Shoot You In The Back

Metropolis

Side Two

(We Are) The Road Crew

No Class

Bite The Bullet

The Chase Is Better Than The Catch

Side Three

Jailbait

Leaving Here

Capricorn

Too Late, Too Late

Side Four

Overkill

Bomber

Motörhead

Dead Man’s Hand

Live At Parc Expo, Orleans – 5^th March 1981 Side One

Ace Of Spades

Stay Clean

Over The Top

Metropolis

Shoot You In The Back

Side Two

The Hammer

Jailbait

Leaving Here

Fire Fire

Love Me Like A Reptile

Side Three

Capricorn

Too Late, Too Late

(We Are) The Road Crew

No Class

Side Four

Bite The Bullet

The Chase Is Better Than The Catch

Overkill

Bomber

The Good, The Broke & The Ugly

Side One

Ace Of Spades (Alternative Version)

Dirty Love

Love Me Like A Reptile (Alternative Long Version)

Shoot You In The Back (Alternative Version)

Side Two

Hump On Your Back

Fast And Loose (Alternative Version)

(We Are) The Road Crew (Alternative Version)

Fire Fire (Alternative Version)

Jailbait (Alternative Version)

Side Three

Waltz Of The Vampire

The Hammer (Alternative Version)

Dirty Love (Alternative Long Version)

Bastard

Godzilla Akimbo

Side Four

Love Me Like A Reptile (Alternative Version)

Dirty Love (Alternative Version)

Please Don’t Touch (Performed by Headgirl)

Bomber (Performed by Girlschool)

Emergency

Ace On Your Screens DVD

Part 1: MOTÖRHEAD on TV 1980-1981

Part 2: BBC In The City; Live In Belfast ‘81

Part 3: 5.1 audio mix of Ace Of Spades

“Group Sex” 40^th Anniversary Edition

Circle Jerks

Trust Records

Tracks: 14 plus 5 bonus tracks

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The Circle Jerks seminal debut release “Group Sex” celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year. To mark this monumental occasion the newly formed Trust Records has released a Limited Deluxe Edition of the 14 track album from the Hermosa Beach natives. Featuring deluxe packaging by famed Nirvana “Nevermind” designer Robert Fisher the release also includes a 20 page booklet packed full of unreleased photos and stories from people like Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey and Ian Mackaye.  

Clocking in at just over fifteen minutes (minus bonus tracks) “Group Sex” punches you right between the eyes just as it had in 1980. Buzz saw like guitars and thumping drums combined with the razor like approach of front-man Keith Morris “Group Sex” is a testament to 80’s era West-Coast Punk. Tracks like “Wasted”, “World Up My Ass” and “Live Fast Die Young” ring just as true now as they did 40 years ago when the world was a much different place. The franticness of “Deny Everything”, “Operation” and “Red Tape” are like contents under pressure as they violently burst through your speakers thanks to the albums re-master which provides just the right amount of sonic freshness and attack while not straying too far from the original.      

Trust Records has done a great job with this release. Backed by the same DIY attitude that fueled the Circle Jerks and many other bands of the era the newly formed label is a fitting home for the 40^th anniversary of “Group Sex”.  Included with the re-mastered album is a 20 page booklet full of rare photos and interviews which are housed in heavyweight card stock sleeves complete with lyrics for each of the fourteen tracks. If that wasn’t enough the release also includes 5 bonus tracks (What’s Your Problem, Red Tape, I Just Want Some Skank/Beverly Hills, Live Fast Die Young) which were originally recorded in Keith Morris’s mom’s garage in 1980. Certainly a nice little added bonus which only further adds to the necessity of this being in your collection.     

Track Listing:

Side: 1

1.) Deny Everything

2.) I Just Want Some Skank

3.) Beverly Hills

4.) Operation

5.) Back Against The Wall

6.) Wasted

7.) Behind the Door

Side: 2

1.) World Up My Ass

9.) Paid Vacation

10.) Don’t Care

11.) Live Fast Die Young

12.) What’s Your Problem

13.) Group Sex

14.) Red Tape

Bonus Tracks

15.) What’s Your Problem

16.) Red Tape

17.) I Just Want Some Skank/ Beverly Hills

18.) Live Fast Die Young

“Scumdogs of the Universe” (30th Anniversary Edition – Remixed and Re-mastered)

GWAR

Pit Records

Tracks: 13

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The year is 2020, the day October 30th. An entire planet grasping for air, Impending doom hangs overhead like a thick fog, blinding all to the approaching hell. Mother Earth in chains, she pleads to her captor, “Spare the human race.” Emerging from a dank green cloud of alien gases, gripping his cuttlefish genitals, Oderus Urungus circa 1990 appears. Cocaine dust smeared beneath his nostrils, crust around his lips, Oderus stands before our earthly mother. He lifts his mighty sword to deliver one final blow. There is now no one standing between us and our alien masters. Our lords GWAR return to unleash their magnum opus upon us once again. Reborn, remixed, and re-mastered, “Scumdogs of the Universe” is back for the 30th Anniversary of human annihilation. Rest assured, doomsday sounds better this time around.

“So don’t you know? I’m so sick of you.” Croons front man Oderus Urungus  flanked by a legion of Scumdog brethren including Beefcake the Mighty, Flattus Maximus, Balsac the Jaws of Death, Jizmak Da Gusha,, one or two intergalactic hanger-ons and managed by the only human on earth coked out enough to tame these unwieldy beasts, the man with the “Worlds Tightest Pants”  Sleazy P. Martini. “Scumdogs of the Universe” is easily the bands least disliked album. Riddled with classics like “Sick of You”, Vlad the Impaler” and “Cool Place to Park” which along with the rest of the album received a special 30th anniversary Remix and Re-master courtesy of Ronan Chris Murphy.

Though GWAR may prefer to stick other things in their orifices, the music creeping its way into your pores is infectious and here to stay like a nasty case of Neptunian gonorrhea. Long time fans that by now should be well versed in these songs are given a fresh update that will help them relive the experience of hearing these tunes for the first time. This re-master is definitely one you need in your collection and butts up nicely against an original  Master pressing.

“Scumdogs of the Universe” 30th Anniversary Edition is available October 30th on Pit Records in a variety of formats. A must have for GWAR fans, profanity lovers, and metal-heads alike. Don’t miss the “Scumdogs XXX Live” live stream concert event the same day to see some live GWAR music. Check out GWAR.net for awesome pre-order packages of the album, tickets to the live stream event, and more updates on all things GWAR.

Track Listing:

1.) The Salaminizer

2.) Maggots

3.) Sick Of You

4.) Vlad The Impaler

5.) Slaughterama

6.) King Queen

7.) Horror Of Yig

8.) Love Surgery

9.) Sexecutioner

10.) The Years Without Light

11.) Black And Huge

12.) Death Pod

13.) Cool Place To Park

“Skeleton Coast”

The Lawrence Arms

Epitaph Records

Tracks: 14

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Chicago Punk’s The Lawrence Arms are set to release their 6^th studio album July 17^th titled “Skeleton Coast”.  The album which is being released via Epitaph records contains elements of the band’s sound which fans have come to love for nearly two decades. Although it was written and recorded before the Corona virus upended the world, “Skeleton Coast” sounds eerily prescient as it imagines an apocalyptic future where coyotes croon and wolf packs roam free

Coming in at 35 minutes spread over 14 tracks the latest offering from veteran punks The Lawrence Arms provides an upbeat lift during uncertain times. Don’t let the upbeat rhythms fool you as the albums lyrical content cuts deeps leaving a lasting impression that will stick with listeners long after the closing notes ring out. Having caught these guys last year opening for Bad Religion I was anxious to hear what the group’s latest studio album had to offer. Upon first listen I was drawn to tracks like “Quiet Storm”, “Belly of the Whale” and “Last Last Words” which are all straight ahead rockers showcasing the dual vocals of guitarist Chris McCaughan and bassist Brendan Kelly. The mixture of McCaughn’s smoothness with Kelly’s gravelly more rough and tumble approach give the band a solid one, two punch while drummer Neil Hennessy delivers the knock-out blow. For listeners wanting something a little more aggressive and fitting of the worlds current climate check out tracks like “Planes Trains and Automobiles”, “Demon” and “Goblin Fox Hunt” as they will certainly kick up the angst level.  

“Skeleton Coast” checks nearly all the boxes fans of melodic punk will be looking for.  As the follow up to 2014’s “Metropole” the album showcases the bands continued growth over the past six years between while still staying true to the sound which has endeared them to fans since the late 90’s. You have to commend The Lawrence Arms along with the countless other bands who are still putting out new music despite the inability to tour and support that material for the remainder of 2020. When an album is as good as “Skeleton Coast” is, I hope to hear these tracks echoing through our hometown venues sooner than later.

Track Listing:

1.) Quiet Storm

2.) Planes Trains and Automobiles

3.) Belly of the Whale

4.) Dead Man’s Coat

5.) Pigeons and Spies

6.) Last Last Words

7.) Demon

8.) Ghostwriter

9.) How to Rot

10.) Under Paris

11.) Goblin Fox Hunt

12.) Lose Control

13.) Don’t Look At Me

14.) Coyote Crown

“Lamb of God”

Lamb of God

Epic

Producer: Josh Wilbur

Tracks: 10

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

After a five year lapse veteran Virginia Metallers Lamb of God return with a brand new studio album simply titled “Lamb of God”. The ten track release which was produced by Josh Wilbur and is being released via Epic Records is the follow up to the bands critically acclaimed 2005 album “VII: Sturm und Drang”. “Lamb of God” is the first studio release to feature drummer Art Cruz who replaced Chris Adler after his departure from the group in 2019.   

Lamb of God wastes no time getting to the point with their latest self titled studio offering. The albums opening track “Momento Mori” features a haunting spoken lyric passage courtesy of Lead singer Randy Blythes while an equally eerie rolling guitar riff plays in the back background moments before giving way to a full on bombastic assault of your senses. “Momento Mori” is also the longest track of on the album clocking in at just under six minutes giving you ample time to get comfortable for the remaining nine tracks all of which pack an equally aggressive punch. Tracks like “Check Mate”, “New Colossal Hate” and “Resurrection Man” feature impressive dueling guitar work by Willie Adler and Mark Morton. The two players really complement one another in their attack giving each track a killer mix of equal parts shredding and chugging. Drummer Art Cruz is equally impressive across the board as his playing fits in seamlessly with that of bassist John Campbell providing a thunderous attack of low end thunder. “Lamb of God” also features a couple guest spots courtesy of Hatebreed front-man Jamey Jasta on the song “Poison Dream” and Chuck Billy of Testament on “Routes”. I highly recommend checking out both of those tracks as each of the guest performers spots add a little something special to an already impressive canvas.      

From front to back “Lamb of God” is a full on knock to your senses. Josh Wilbur hit it out of the park with the overall production of the album as it sounds great no matter if it’s played through ear buds or on large speakers. Each member’s performance seems to have been carefully crafted to insure it tied into the next without issue. Art Cruz undoubtedly had some big shoes to fill in his new full time role and he more than delivered as the band has never sounded tighter. Well worth the price of admission “Lamb of God” is a fitting soundtrack to this chaotic and uncertain time.   

Track Listing:

1.) Momento Mori

2.) Check Mate

3.) Gears

4.) Reality Bath

5.) New Colossal Hate

6.) Resurrection Man

7.) Poison Dream (feat. Jamey Jasta)

8.) Routes (feat. Chuck Billy)

9.) Bloodshot Eyes

10.) On The Hook

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Lamb of God Bassist John Campbell here

“Lust For Life” Deluxe Edition

Iggy pop

Virgin

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Included as part of the upcoming “The Bowie Years” 7 disc set exploring Iggy Pop’s Berlin-era releases “Lust For Life” The Deluxe Edition will also be made available separately and includes the original release of “Lust For Life” along with a second disc “TV Eye” which is a live album featuring rare outtakes and alternate mixes. Also included is a 40 page book of lyrics, photos and interviews housed in special multi-fold packaging,

More than 40 years after its initial release Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life” remains as one of the most influential albums ever made as to this day it continues to inspire and influence artists of all genres both past and present. Disc 1 feature’s a newly mastered version of 1977’s “Lust For Life” courtesy of Tony Dixon. Each of the 9 tracks sounded great with the new mastering as there is just enough freshness added to make it the release shine on any of today’s audio format while still staying true to the albums original sound. Personally I really enjoyed tracks such as “The Passenger” and “Neighborhood Threat” as they just sounded so good blasting through my speakers that I had to listen to them multiple times.

Disc two of the release titled “TV Eye: 1977 Live” is a collection of liver performances from the year of the album’s release. Not a bad collection however, The audio does vary from song to song given not all the live recordings are from the same concert or appearance. A couple EQ tweaks took care of this fairly quickly making for a decent addition to the set.

If you don’t already own this release I highly recommend the Deluxe Edition as you will surely enjoy the new mastering and the other bonus material included in this package. If you are a long time Iggy fan there may not be enough here to warrant a repurchase however if you are live recording fan then you will need this for your collection you also get the 40 page booklet and alternate packaging which is pretty cool on its own. Both this title and “The Idiot” are available now or if you want to wait until the end of June and get the complete 7 disc “Bowie Years” Collection both new versions of “Lust For Life” and “The Idiot” are a part of that set.

Disc 1: “Lust For Life”

1.) Lust For Life

2.) Sixteen

3.) Some Weird Sin

4.) The Passenger

5.) Tonight

6.) Success

7.) Turn Blue

8.) Neighborhood Threat

9.) Fall In Love With Me

Disc 2: “T.V. Eye: 1977 Live”

1.) T.V. Eye

2.) Funtime

3.) Sixteen

4.) I Got A Right

5.) Lust For Life

6.) Dirt

7.) Nightclubbing

8.) I Wanna Be Your Dog

“A Forest”

Behemoth

Metal Blade Records

Tracks: 4

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

On May 29th Polish death metal legends Behemoth will release a new EP titled “A Forest” via Metal Blade Records. Dark and demonic, the EP consist of four unique tracks which instantly pull you away from the ongoing chaos of 2020 and is a welcomed taste of new Behemoth music.

The title track “A Forest” is very little like The Cure song you may be accustomed to. The phantom spirit of the original is still there, however Behemoth have managed to lace it with their own brand of black metal infused energy. Along with the help of Shining front-man and recognizable demon caller, Niklas Kvarforth, the songs very much stands on its own and fits right in to the bands catalog. 

The live version of “A Forest” is from the Merry Christless 2018 show in Warsaw, Poland and again features Niklas Kvarforth. Though not a bad inclusion there is nothing really different from the studio recording, besides a small dose of Behemoth’s live energy. The remaining two tracks are unreleased songs from the “I Loved You At Your Darkest” album sessions. “Shadows ov Ea Cast Upon Golgotha” is probably my favorite track on the EP and better than some songs on ILYAYD. Inferno’s drumming is relentless from the beginning and adds fist-pumping adrenaline to the otherwise less extreme release. “Evoe” is more akin to other tracks on ILYAYD and probably would have felt repetitive if included on that album. It works well here, but reminiscent of other more recent Behemoth offerings.

“A Forest” certainly is different, yet classic Behemoth at the same time. Niklas Kvarforth’s vocals on the title track and live version help make this release something truly unique while the other two new songs are worthy additions even if they do echo the band’s last album. Overall a great EP which is very much appreciated during this crazy time in history. It’s reassuring to know we can count on Behemoth to make things a little crazier for us all.

Track Listing:

1.) A Forest (The Cure Cover)

2.) A Forest (The Cure Cover) [Live from Merry Christless Warsaw Poland December 2018]

3.) Shadows ov Ea Cast Upon Golgotha

4.) Evoe

“Fake Names”

Fake Names

Epitaph Records

Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Fake Names’ self-titled debut gives a nod to early UK Punk and Power Pop as well as the seminal groups from which the members emerged. Consisting of Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion), Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace, One Last Wish), Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, INVSN), and Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys, Soulside) “Fake Names” is being released via Epitaph Records and includes 10 infectious tracks produced by Michael Hampton and Geoff Sanoff.

From the albums new wave tinged opener “All For Sale” to edgier tracks like “Brick” and “Lost Cause” the debut offering from punk super-group Fake Names is a fun and fresh listen that packs a familiar feel courtesy of the bands well known line up. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes the album is a balance of sounds and influences which make up for the short run time. Tracks like “Darkest Days” and “Weight” were personal stand outs as they contained some really cool guitar riffs and sounds that I just kept going back to for multiple listens.       

I always find it interesting when groups like Fake Names come about as often times they showcase different sides of the musician involved. This album definitely gives you those moments while still offering the right amount of familiarity. Each member turns in a solid performance making it seem as though the band has been performing together for a long time. During this unique time in the world the debut offering from Fake Names is just what you need to lift your spirits. From its cohesive song structures and catchy choruses this is an album that will certainly brighten your day.

Track Listing:
1.     All For Sale
2.     Driver
3.     Being Them
4.     Brick
5.     Darkest Days
6.     Heavy Feather
7.     First Everlasting
8.     This Is Nothing
9.     Weight
10.  Lost Cause

The Studio Albums 1996-2004

“Angry Machines”, “Magica”, “Killing The Dragon”, “Master Of The Moon”

Dio

BMG

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you’re on the hunt for long out of print Ronnie James Dio solo albums, you’re in luck. Ten years after his passing, BMG has reissued the classic final four Dio albums. Each stunning release is fully re-mastered and features previously unreleased recordings and rarities.

Kicking things off is “Angry Machines”, originally released in 1996. The original album’s here in its entirety and damn it sounds great. Included is a bonus CD featuring 12 live recordings from the Angry Machines Tour 1997 featuring classics such as “The Last In Line” and “Rainbow In The Dark”. Next we have “Magica”, originally released in 2000. Not only do you get the long sought after album, but the bonus CD is packed with goodies. Included you’ll get 8 tracks (all from the “Magica” studio album) recorded live on the Magica Tour 2001. As well as the rare studio track “Electra” and the rare 18 minute “Magica Story” spoken-word piece, which is real treat for hardcore fans. “Electra”, originally intended for Dio’s never released “Magica II & III”, plays like a classic Dio track and is a great addition to your collection.

A personal favorite of mine is the “Killing The Dragon” reissue. The album was originally released in 2002 as somewhat of a concept album, Dio’s middle-finger to the digital age. Mascot Murray stands tall, bloody sword in hand, over a slain dragon in the badass Marc Sasso artwork. The bonus CD accompanying the original album includes 6 tracks recorded live on the Killing The Dragon Tour between 2002 and 2003. Not a whole lot new here, considering tracks like “Heaven and Hell” are on every live bonus disc besides the aforementioned “Magica”.

Last but not least is Dio’s epic “Master of the Moon”, originally released in 2004. The album that gave us headbanger’s like “One More For the Road” and “Shivers”. As with each release, the album sounds better than ever. The bonus CD included with “Master of the Moon” features four live tracks recorded on the Master Of The Moon Tour between 2004 and 2005. Also included is the rare studio track “Prisoner of Paradise”, originally included on the Japanese album pressing.

Each release is a must have for hardcore Dio fans, the re-masters are bar none. If you’ve already procured these albums in the past, the bonus live tracks and rarities are a special treat. The CD releases are gorgeous, featuring a solid media-book packaging and vibrant artwork. The colors of each cover pop brighter than ever before. Throughout the lyric pages more great artwork can be found and within the books themselves.

If you are a vinyl fan you are in for a treat as each of these four albums come pressed on heavy weight 180 gram vinyl packed in colorful gate-fold sleeves complete with lenticular covers and full color inserts. Overall a rather stunning release of reissues across all available formats.

“Angry Machines”

Disc One:

1. Institutional Man
2. Don’t Tell the Kids
3. Black
4. Hunter of the Heart
5. Stay Out of My Mind
6. Big Sister
7. Double Monday
8. Golden Rules
9. Dying in America
10. This Is Your Life

Disc Two:

1. Jesus, Mary & the Holy Ghost – Straight Through the Heart
2. Don’t Talk to Strangers
3. Double Monday
4. Hunter of the Heart
5. Holy Diver
6. Heaven and Hell
7. Long Live Rock and Roll
8. Man on the Silver Mountain
9. Rainbow in the Dark
10. The Last In Line
11. The Mob Rules
12. We Rock

“Magica”

Disc One:

1. Discovery
2. Magica Theme
3. Lord of the Last Day
4. Fever Dreams
5. Turn to Stone
6. Feed My Head
7. Eriel
8. Challis
9. As Long As It’s Not About Love
10. Losing My Insanity
11. Otherworld
12. Magica – Reprise
13. Lord of the Last Day – Reprise

Disc Two:

1. Discovery
2. Magica
3. Lord of the Last Day
4. Fever Dreams
5. Feed My Head
6. Eriel
7. Challis
8. Losing My Insanity
9. Otherworld
10. Electra (Studio)
11. Magica Story (Studio)

“Killing The Dragon”

Disc One:

1. Killing the Dragon
2. Along Comes a Spider
3. Scream
4. Better in the Dark
5. Rock & Roll
6. Push
7. Guilty
8. Throw Away Children
9. Before the Fall
10. Cold Feet

Disc Two:

1. Holy Diver
2. Heaven and Hell
3. Rock and Roll
4. Speed at Night
5. Killing the Dragon
6. Stand Up and Shout

“Master Of The Moon”

Disc One:

1. One More for the Road
2. Master of the Moon
3. The End of the World
4. Shivers
5. The Man Who Would Be King
6. The Eyes
7. Living the Lie
8. I Am
9. Death By Love
10. In Dreams

Disc Two:

1. Heaven and Hell
2. Rainbow in the Dark
3. Rock and Roll Children
4. The Eyes
5. Prisoner of Paradise

“Weapons of Tomorrow”

Warbringer

Napalm Records

Tracks: 10

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Warbringer returns with their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Weapons of Tomorrow, their second release on Napalm Records. The Californian thrash metallers leave no neck unbroken. This album is a pure adrenaline heavy metal powerhouse. Modern influences and old school thrash clash into an intricately woven, expertly produced metal classic. Have your neck brace handy, this release is relentless.

In a blaze of gunfire the album begins with “Firepower Kills,” a fiery tornado of riffs burning behind John Kevill’s earth scorching vocals. Not to mention a guitar solo surely to melt any face presented to it. Warbringer has never disappointed when it comes to guitars and Weapons of Tomorrow is no exception. All five members are at peak performance and every track from the very start shows this.

Pressing the pause button on your annihilation, “Defiance of Fate” creeps in. A melodic black metal thrash fusion you’ve needed desperately in your miserable life. Blended throughout the album are thrash metal ragers, as well as sweeping jaw-dropping epics. The former, “The Black Hand Reaches Out” is sure to go down in thrash history or at least open up some brutal circle pits. With never a dull moment, Weapons of Tomorrow is a metal genre fusing modern masterpiece.

Over ten years in, this band isn’t here to party, they’re here to destroy everything in their wake. A legit modern thrash metal band that trades in the red cups for ammunition boxes. The New Wave of Thrash, a genre this very band helped create, is over. Warbringer cement themselves as straight to the point, no nonsense, pure fucking thrash metal.

Track Listing:

1. Firepower Kills
2. The Black Hand Reaches Out
3. Crushed Beneath The Tracks
4. Defiance of Fate
5. Unraveling
6. Heart of Darkness
7. Power Unsurpassed
8. Outer Reaches
9. Notre Dame (King Of Fools)
10. Glorious End

“We Aren’t Big”

Take Two

Tracks: 9

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Punk rockers from upstate New York, Take Two have unleashed a brand new album “We Aren’t Big” upon the world. The album (the band’s 4th release) stampedes onto the scene like a mohawk clad rhinoceros whose metallic punk riffs run you over while the catchy choruses bring you back for another beating. From the vintage comic book cover art, to the New Found Glory and Descendents influences, “We Aren’t Big” screams PUNK ROCK! directly in your face.

Featuring nine raging tracks with a little something for everyone, I found “Hearts Will Remain” to be the stand out hit on the album. Its a classic pop punk track with a chorus capable of getting stuck in your head for eons. 90’s and early 2000’s fans of the genre will definitely approve. Going a little deeper thought provoking tracks like “Shots & Scars”, as well as “Red Eye”, are also solid stand outs as both recount tales of the road and the determination of a band never willing to give up. Now if you’re more in the mood for lights out, fist pumping mosh pits, look no further than “Burner” as nonstop head-banging will certainly ensue as the track closes out with a mega mosh riff which beckons a bloodbath of furious spinning back kicks and seismic circle pit activity measurable by the Fujita scale.

Take Two’s influences certainly shine through, making for a familiar listen However, the new territory the group covers brightens up an otherwise usual punk-fare. The metal riffs and intricate drum fills are a welcome flourish not to mention the heavier vocals and powerful choruses. Much of the album will inspire car ride sing along’s, as well as the previously stated mosh pits and neck cramps. Listening I couldn’t help but reminisce of said trips, beers with friends, and the girl at the rock show.

If you’re a fan of old school pop punk sing along’s, but also smashing beer cans on your forehead before jumpin’ in the pit, “We Aren’t Big” is a must for you! Every track brings something different to the table by mixing what you already love about punk with something new and fresh. The sky is the limit for the ambitious Take Two and I’m eager to see what they come up with next.

Track Listing:

1.) Lock Up

2.) Delf

3.) Shots and Scars

4.) Day Dreaming

5.) Red Eye

6.) Fall

7.) Hearts Will Remain

8.) Nothing to Lose

9.) Burner

Head over to Officialtaketwo.com for links to download “We Aren’t Big”

“Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years of Ash”

Ash

BMG

Tracks: 22/2 LP’s

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In celebration of their 25^th anniversary Irish rockers Ash have released a 22 song retrospective of the bands career thus far. “Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years of Ash” was compiled by the band themselves and features various songs from the groups eight studio albums along with one newly released track titled “Darkest Hour of the Night”. Since debuting in 1994 the band which has consisted of Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton, Rick McMurray and Charlotte Hatherley have turned out a catchy stream of garage/alternative rock earning them praises and recognition from all over the globe.

Having first heard of Ash back in the late 90’s amidst bands like Pavement, Blur and Weezer I never really got into the band aside from the songs “Kung Fu” and “Jack Names the Planets” which were featured in a couple popular movies from that time. Thankfully now with the release of “Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years of Ash” I was able to go back and discover some really great songs I inadvertently skipped over during their initial release. Tracks like “Girl From Mars”, “Burn Baby Burn” and “Shining Light” we definite highlights that had me reminiscing about my late teen years. Being this release was compiled by the band themselves it gave the album a more person feel as knowing that this wasn’t just another stock label compilation gave it extra value along with some great songs that may otherwise have been over looked without the bands input.  

The 2 LP set that we checked out had really great packaging which was printed on high quality card stock and included heavy weight sleeves for each record that featured additional photos and stories from the each era of the band. Though no remastering/mixing was noted each song had a bright mix which really stood out and the inclusion of the band’s latest single “Darkest hour of the Night” was a solid choice giving fans just a taste of the bands latest works. Available in a variety of formats including limited edition lenticular vinyl and a special 3 CD that includes an 18 track rarities CD. Needless to say there are plenty of ways to get your hands on this and we strongly encourage you to do so as “Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years of Ash” is a fresh breath of nostalgia that has been long overdue.

Track Listing:

Side A

1.) A Life Less Ordinary

2.) Arcadia

3.) Darkest Hour of the Night

4.) Kung Fu

5.) Cocoon

6.) You Can’t Have It All

Side B

1.) Girl From Mars

2.) Wildsurf

3.) Shining Light

4.) Starcrossed

5.) Buzzkill

6.) Goldfinger

Side C

1.) Burnbaby

2.) Dare to Dream

3.) Annabel

4.) Machinery

5.) Sometimes

Side D

1.) Oh Yeah

2.) Angel Interceptor

3.) Jesus Says

4.) Orpheus

5.) Jack Names the Planets

“Get Loud”

Agnostic Front

Nuclear Blast Records

Tracks: 14

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Agnostic Front is back with a brand new studio album simply titled “Get Loud”. The album which is being released via Nuclear Blast Records features 14 gut crushing tracks that are nothing short of classic hardcore. Picking up where 2015’s “The American Dream Died” left off “Get Loud” comes in hard and fast leaving a giant sized boot print on your senses.

Written after the release of Ian McFarland’s 2017 Documentary “The God Fathers of Hardcore” which depicts members of the band recounting there nearly 40 year career. “Get Loud” could serve as the perfect soundtrack to that film by solidifying where the band is today in 2019. Tracks like “Spray Painted Walls”, “Dead Silence” and “In My Blood” showcase a more modern metal/hardcore sound while tracks like “Anti Social”, “Attention” and “Pull The Trigger” contain that classic hardcore sound which blasted out of places like CBGB’s and the A7 during the gritty pre-Giuliani era New York City. Easily my favorite track of the album is “I Remember” which details the bond between front-man Roger Miret and guitarist Vinnie Stigma. The band recently released a really cool video for this song as well that’s packed with lots a vintage footage and photos.  

Clocking in at a swift thirty minutes, “Get Loud” wastes no time getting in and out. From a performance stand point each member of Agnostic Front brings their A game which smacks you upside the head leaving a mark on your senses. “Get Loud” offers something for the old school and new school hardcore fans making for a solid edition to your music collection.

Track Listing:

1.) Spray Painted Walls

2.) Anti Social

3.) Get Loud

4.) Conquer And Divide

5.) I Remember

6.) Dead Silence

7.) AF Stomp

8.) Urban Decay

9.) Snitches Get Stitches

10.) Isolated

11.) In My Blood

12.) Attention

13.) Pull the Trigger

14.) Devastated

“Motörhead ‘79”

Motörhead

BMG

7 LP’s/ 1-45

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The “Motörhead ’79” campaign celebrates the 40^th Anniversary of the incredible Overkill and Bomber albums with fantastic new deluxe editions, both as hardbound book-packs in two CD and triple LP format; featuring previously unheard concerts from the ’79 tours, interviews and many unseen photos created with the full cooperation and involvement of the estates of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, “Fast” Eddie Clarke and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor.

Over the past few years there have been a number of Motörhead releases honoring the career of “The Worlds Loudest Band”. The latest and possibly largest to date pays homage to the year 1979 when the band released not one but two studio albums “Overkill” and “Bomber”. To recognize this rare accomplishment BMG have compiled a box set like no other. The LP version of the release comes housed in a black biker jacket box which houses both 1979 studio albums, 2 never before heard live albums titled “Good and Loud” Live at Aylesbury Friars and “Sharpshooter” Live at Le Mans, a10 song LP of 1979 outtakes/B-sides and rarities titled “The Rest of ‘79”.

That’s not all though! You also get a reproduction 40 page magazine of corresponding photos of from the era, a reproduction “Bomber” tour program, an “Overkill” Sheet Music book, a 5 pin badge set and if that’s still not enough a “No Class” seven-inch complete with gatefold art. Each LP sounds great as they all have been pressed on 180-gram vinyl and with the reissued “Overkill” and “Bomber” albums being mastered at half speed directly from the original tape. There was just so much to look at and listen to as I merely scratched the surface on my first handful of listens. From studio tracks like “Overkill”, “Damage Case”, “Metropolis”, “Stone Dead Forever” and “Bomber” to live versions of “Motörhead”, “White Line Fever” and “Train Kept A-Rollin” it was impossible to appreciate everything without devoting several or more hours to this package.

I love when bands and labels put together packages that not only are appealing sonically but visually as well. No expense seemed to be spared with “Motörhead ‘79”. From the heavy grade vinyl and rich sound production to the beautifully recreated photos and artwork that adorn not only the album sleeves but the included books, pins and packaging everything you get in this release is top notch. With the holidays right around the corner this is the perfect gift for the music lover on your list. Be prepared though as this thing is heavy both literally and figuratively!

“Overkill” Track listing

1.) Overkill

2.) Stay Clean

3.) (I Won’t) Pay Your Price

4.) I’ll Be Your Sister

5.) Capricorn

6.) No Class

7.) Damage Case

8.) Tear Ya Down

9.) Metropolis

10.) Limb From Limb

“Bomber” Track Listing

1.) Dead Men Tell No Tales

2.) Lawman

3.) Sweet Revenge

4.) Sharpshooter

5.) Poison

6.) Stone Dead Forever

7.) All The Aces

8.) Step Down

9.) Talking Head

10.) Bomber

“Good ‘n’ Loud” Track Listing

1.) Overkill

2.) Stay Clean

3.) Keep Us On The Road

4.) No Class

5.) Leaving Here

6.) Iron Horse/Born to Lose

7.) Metropolis

8.) The Watcher

9.) Damage Case

10.) (I Won’t) Pay Your Price

11.) Capricorn

12.) Too Late, Too Late

13.) I’ll Be Your Sister

14.) I’m Your Witchdoctor

15.) Train Kept A-Rollin’

16.)  White Line Fever

17.) Motörhead

“Sharpshooter” Track Listing

1.) Overkill

2.) Stay Clean

3.) No Class

4.) Metropolis

5.) All The Aces

6.) Dead Men Tell No Tales

7.) I’ll Be Your Sister

8.) Lawman

9.) Too Late, Too Late

10.) Poison

11.) (I Won’t) Pay Your Price

12.) Sharpshooter

13.) Capricorn

14.) Train Kept A-Rollin’

15.) Bomber

16.) Limb From Limb

17.) White Line Fever

18.) Motörhead

“B-Sides, Rarities & Outtakes” Track Listing

1.) Too Late, Too Late

2.) Like A Nightmare

3.) Over The Top

4.) Stone Dead Forever

5.) Sharpshooter

6.) Bomber

7.) Step Down

8.) Fun On The Farm

9.) Treat Me Nice

10.) You Ain’t Gonna Live Forever

“No Class” Track Listing

1.) No Class

2.) Like A Nightmare

“Throwing Copper” 25^th Anniversary Edition

Live

Radioactive/MCA/UMe

Producer: Jerry Harrison/Live

2 LP’s

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In celebration of Live’s momentous, platinum-selling album “Throwing Copper” 25^th anniversary fans can now celebrate the album that started it all for the Pennsylvania-based band via a Special Edition double LP. First released on April 26, 1994, “Throwing Copper” transformed Live into one of the most lyrically impactful and instrumentally powerful bands of the modern alternative-rock era.

In the mid to late nineties it was almost impossible to turn on the radio or MTV and not hear or see a song/video from Live and the album “Throwing Copper”. As the follow up to Live’s 1991 major label debut “Mental Jewelry”, the album was a big step for the band hailing from the small town of York, PA and would spawn two No.1 Modern Rock singles (“Lightning Crashes,” “Selling The Drama”) and since been certified 8x multiplatinum by the RIAA, selling over 8 million copies. The 25^th Anniversary release of “Throwing Copper” is a fitting recognition the monumental release and comes packed in a full color, dual gatefold sleeve with linear notes and is pressed on either standard black or limited edition red and olive heavy weight vinyl. Though no remixing and mastering was done to this package you do get 3 bonus tracks “Hold Me Up”, “We Deal In Dreams” and “Susquehanna” along with the track “Horse” which was included on the original release as a hidden track.

Revisiting this album in vinyl form was really a lot of fun. It instantly conjured up memories of when I had first heard some of these songs or when I was lucky enough to catch the band on one of their many college tours. Each track offered a warm, more natural sound than what I remember hearing on my digital version so that alone was worth the listen. The addition of the three bonus tracks was also a plus especial the track “Hold Me Up” which was featured in the Kevin Smith film “Zach and Miri Make a Porno”. If you every owned this album and reluctantly sold it to one of those “cash for cd’s” music stores that used to be popular around the same time as when this album first came out then I highly recommend you grab a copy of this album on vinyl as it will surely put a smile on your face while affirming that the 90’s weren’t all bad.     

Track Listing:

Side A:

1. The Dam At Otter Creek

2. Selling The Drama

3. I Alone

4. Iris

Side B:

5. Lighting Crashes

6. Top

7. All Over You

8. Shit Towne

9. T.B.D.

Side C:

10.) Stage

11. Waitress

12. Pillar Of Davidson

13. White, Discussion

Side D:

14.) Horse (Hidden Track On Original Release)

15.) Hold Me Up (Bonus Track)

16.) We Deal In Dream (Bonus Track)

17.) Susquehanna (Bonus Track)