Έχοντας
μπει ξανά σε δημιουργικό οίστρο από το 1993, οι αναμενόμενοι Riot της δεκαετίας
του '90, ήταν ένα απ' τα πιο τίμια και σταθερά σε απόδοση και συνθετική
δεινότητα συγκροτήματα της εποχής. Αυτό εδώ είναι το πιο αγαπημένο μου άλμπουμ
τους, μετά το Fire Down Under και έπεται τρίτο το Thundersteel. Ο ύμνος Angel
Eyes και φυσικά το σχετικό video clip απ' το CD αυτό, μου τους έμαθε περί το
1998, έχοντας μόνο άκουσμα τότε το Thundersteel CD από τον φίλο και συμπαίχτη
μουσικά Γιάννη Κ.Αν και προϊδεάζει πως
είναι ένα concept σχετικά με ιστορία της ιρλανδικής κοινότητας στην Αμερική (ο
τίτλος είναι κομμάτι του τελευταίου κομματιού - σουίτα Irish Trilogy), δεν
είναι έτσι. Ή τουλάχιστον δεν είναι θεματικό ,εφόσον τα κομμάτια δεν διηγούνται μια ιστορία με αρχή, μέση κι τέλος.
Απλά έχουν κάποιες αόριστες να αναφορές δύο τρία απ' αυτά. Ο ηγέτης τους
καιβιρτουόζος Mark Reale (RIP) έγραψε
riff τόσο χαρακτηριστικά αλλά και μοντέρνα κάτι που ακούγεταιστον δίσκο αυτόν όπου η όρεξη για
καλοπαιγμένο Heavy / Power Metal μας άφησε υλικό σαν τα Cry For The Dying,
Gypsy, Kings Are Falling, Liberty.
English
Text:
Discographic Revelation
Since rekindling their creative spark in 1993, Riot,
one of the most honest and consistently high-performing bands of the '90s,
stood out for their compositional prowess. This album is my favorite of theirs,
following "Fire Down Under," with "Thundersteel" coming in
third. The anthem "Angel Eyes," along with its corresponding music
video from this album, introduced me to the band around 1998. At that time, I
had only heard the "Thundersteel" CD, thanks to my friend and musical
bandmate, Yiannis K.
While the title may suggest a concept album about the
history of the Irish community in America (the title is part of the final
track, "Irish Trilogy Suite"), it isn’t actually a concept album. At
least, it’s not a thematic one, as the tracks don’t tell a story with a
beginning, middle, and end. There are only some vague references in two or
three of the songs. Their leader and virtuoso Mark Reale (RIP) crafted riffs
that were both distinctive and modern, as heard on this album, where the
passion for well-played Heavy/Power Metal gave us gems like "Cry For The
Dying," "Gypsy," "Kings Are Falling," and
"Liberty."
French Folk Metal band Antvmny, led by solo musician
Anthony Vignon, has released a new single "Solonion" from their
upcoming album. The single was recorded in Anthony's home studio and
mixed/mastered by his brother Bastien Vignon. Formed in 2022 in Grenoble,
France, Antvmny is an independent project that combines Folk and Pagan Metal
elements, inspired by Celtic culture, nature, fantasy, and science fiction. The
band's goal is to have artistic freedom in their creation.
Dwarven power metal band WIND ROSE has released their
second single, "To Be a Dwarf", from their upcoming album
Trollslayer, set to be released on October 4, 2024. The epic song takes
listeners on a journey into the depths of dwarven forges, telling the story of
life under the mountain. The music video showcases the adventures of dwarves,
including battles with dragons, treasure hunts, and mining. The album will be
released on the same day as WIND ROSE embarks on their biggest tour yet, the
Wolfsnächte 2024 arena tour with Powerwolf and HammerFall.
It’s been 12 years since the exceptional release with
the simple and meaningful title "II," which in Latin means
"2" and was the second album from the Canadian band FAST TRAIN UNION.
While many things can change over the course of 12 years, FAST TRAIN UNION have
remained steadfast in where and how they want to move musically. In short,
their new release, with the equally meaningful title "Analog
Outliers," picks up right where "II" left off.
You see, this band isn’t interested in creating music
for consumption or to impress. They don’t aim to write songs that you’ll hear
once and forget by the time the next hit song comes out. They create music for
people who understand that hard rock and heavy metal are genres that require
soul, passion, and emotion – elements that cannot be forced or commercialized.
That’s why they release new work only when they feel they genuinely have
something to offer their audience.
Another key aspect of their musical philosophy is that
they insist on producing their sound in the way bands did in the '70s and '80s.
They avoid the conveniences of modern technology, which often results in new
releases sounding "plastic" and indistinguishable from each other. And
indeed, the results fully justify them, as their sound is clear, dynamic, and
full of character, allowing the talents of all the musicians involved in this
release to shine through.
This album will be available on both CD and vinyl,
with the CD format including the following 5 bonus tracks: “Union,” “Stand,”
“Closer To The Edge,” “Third Rail,” and “It's Not a Game” – tracks that in no
way could be considered as mere fillers.
FAST TRAIN UNION’s style is a mix of hard rock and
heavy metal influences that come exclusively from the '70s and '80s, without,
however, leading to blind and dogmatic imitation. On the contrary, it possesses
freshness and enthusiasm that are filtered through the maturity of the
musicians participating in this release. Their music is characterized by
beautiful melodies, a powerful rhythm section, outstanding lead parts, and
guitar solos with a strong blues touch, while the passionate and dynamic
performance of their singer, Sean Potvin, naturally stands out.
With all sincerity and without exaggeration, FAST
TRAIN UNION manages to create a sound that, while familiar, has its own
personality. Certainly, while listening to the album, you will find influences
from Michael Schenker, Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest,
RAINBOW, etc., but all these are incorporated into the FAST TRAIN UNION sound
in a completely natural way.
This is a high-quality release created with care and
with materials that give it a timeless character. In any case, this is an album
worth listening to, and for the writer, it stands out as one of the most
noteworthy releases of the year. Get a ticket for the FAST TRAIN UNION train,
and you’ll enjoy a musical journey with a strong '70s and '80s character.
Iron Maiden, one of the most iconic bands in the
history of heavy metal, is renowned not only for its electrifying music but
also for its thought-provoking lyrics. The band has consistently drawn
inspiration from a wide range of literary works, transforming classic novels,
poems, myths, and historical narratives into powerful metal anthems. This
article delves into the literary inspirations behind some of Iron Maiden’s most
memorable songs, revealing the deep intellectual currents that run through
their music.
1. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (1984) –
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
One of the most famous examples of Iron Maiden’s
literary adaptations, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," is a direct
retelling of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's epic poem. Featured on their 1984 album
*Powerslave*, this nearly 14-minute track captures the eerie atmosphere of the
poem, which tells the story of a sailor cursed for killing an albatross. The
song mirrors the poem’s structure, recounting the mariner’s tale of woe,
punishment, and eventual redemption, making it a musical masterpiece that
brings Coleridge’s words to life.
2. “Brave New World” (2000) – Aldous Huxley
The title track of Iron Maiden’s 2000 album *Brave New
World* draws inspiration from Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel of the same name.
The song explores themes of societal control, technological dominance, and the
loss of individuality, echoing the novel’s cautionary tale about the dangers of
an overly controlled society. Through its brooding melody and powerful lyrics,
Iron Maiden captures the eerie, controlled serenity of Huxley’s vision of the
future.
3. “To Tame a Land” (1983) – Frank Herbert
"To Tame a Land," from the 1983 album *Piece
of Mind*, is a tribute to Frank Herbert's science fiction epic *Dune*. The song
delves into the intricate world of Arrakis and reflects on themes of power,
destiny, and survival. Despite having to change the original title
"Dune" due to copyright issues, the song remains a faithful homage to
Herbert’s sprawling narrative and complex characters, capturing the vastness
and mystique of the desert planet.
4. “Where Eagles Dare” (1983) – Alistair
MacLean
Inspired by Alistair MacLean’s World War II novel and
its film adaptation, "Where Eagles Dare" opens Iron Maiden’s *Piece
of Mind* album with a thrilling narrative. The song recounts a daring commando
raid on a Nazi fortress, matching the novel’s high-stakes atmosphere with
intense instrumentation. It showcases Iron Maiden’s ability to translate a
story from page to song, making it an adrenaline-fueled tribute to the original
tale.
5. “The Trooper” (1983) – Alfred, Lord
Tennyson
One of Iron Maiden's most iconic songs, "The
Trooper," from the *Piece of Mind* album, is inspired by Alfred, Lord
Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade." The song captures
the poem’s themes of bravery and futility, with galloping rhythms and fierce
guitar riffs that evoke the chaos of battle. The lyrics mirror the grim
determination of the soldiers in the infamous charge during the Crimean War,
making it a powerful musical tribute.
6. “Out of the Silent Planet” (2000) – C.S.
Lewis
Inspired by C.S. Lewis's science fiction novel *Out of
the Silent Planet*, this song from Iron Maiden’s *Brave New World* album
explores themes of human arrogance, colonization, and cultural clash. The track
captures the novel’s underlying messages and the protagonist’s sense of
alienation in a new world, creating a fitting homage to Lewis’s work with its
otherworldly soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics.
7. “Lord of the Flies” (1995) – William Golding
"Lord of the Flies," from the album *The X
Factor* (1995), is based on William Golding’s novel of the same name. The song
delves into themes of human nature, savagery, and the loss of innocence,
reflecting the novel’s exploration of the darker aspects of humanity. Iron
Maiden’s dark and intense tone captures the descent into barbarism experienced
by the novel’s characters when isolated from civilization.
8. “Murders in the Rue Morgue” (1981) – Edgar
Allan Poe
From the album *Killers* (1981), "Murders in the
Rue Morgue" is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s detective story. The song
narrates a man’s discovery of a gruesome double murder and his subsequent
flight from suspicion. It captures the dark, mysterious atmosphere of Poe’s
tale with a fast-paced rhythm and intense lyrics, bringing the suspense of the
story into the realm of heavy metal.
9. “Revelations” (1983) – Aleister Crowley and
G.K. Chesterton
"Revelations," from the *Piece of Mind*
album (1983), is a complex track that incorporates themes from various sources,
including the writings of occultist Aleister Crowley and Christian apologist
G.K. Chesterton. The song juxtaposes religious and mystical imagery, creating a
multifaceted track that invites listeners to explore deeper spiritual and
existential questions.
10. “The Flight of Icarus” (1983) – Greek
Mythology
"The Flight of Icarus," inspired by the
Greek myth of Icarus, is a highlight of the *Piece of Mind* album. The song
tells the story of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, defying his father
Daedalus’s warnings, and fell to his death. The song emphasizes themes of
ambition and hubris, with soaring choruses and powerful guitar riffs that evoke
the sensation of flight and the inevitable fall.
11. “The Phantom of the Opera” (1980) – Gaston
Leroux
This track from Iron Maiden’s debut album (1980) is
based on Gaston Leroux’s novel *The Phantom of the Opera*. The song captures
the gothic atmosphere of the story, which centers on a disfigured musical
genius haunting the Paris Opera House. The intricate guitar work and dramatic
shifts in tempo reflect the tragic and tormented nature of the Phantom,
bringing the character’s emotions to the fore in a musical format.
12. “Stranger in a Strange Land” (1986) – Robert
A. Heinlein
While not a direct adaptation, "Stranger in a
Strange Land" from the album *Somewhere in Time* (1986) draws thematic
inspiration from Robert A. Heinlein’s science fiction novel. The song explores
feelings of alienation and isolation, resonating with the novel’s protagonist,
who struggles to understand human society after being raised by Martians. The
lyrics and tone of the song evoke a sense of being out of place, reflecting the
novel’s exploration of humanity and identity.
13. Children of the Damned” (1982) – John
Wyndham
"Children of the Damned," from *The Number
of the Beast* (1982), is inspired by John Wyndham’s novel *The Midwich
Cuckoos*, later adapted into the film *Village of the Damned*. The song
describes a group of psychic children, echoing the novel’s themes of alienation
and fear of the unknown. Iron Maiden’s haunting lyrics and melodies capture the
unsettling atmosphere of Wyndham’s story, portraying the children as both
innocent and terrifying.
14. “The Red and the Black” (2015) – Stendhal
From the album *The Book of Souls* (2015), "The
Red and the Black" nods to Stendhal's novel of the same name. Although not
a direct retelling, the song’s themes of fate, luck, and life’s
unpredictability parallel the novel’s exploration of social ambition and
personal struggle. The track’s complex musical arrangement and lyrical depth
reflect the intricate psychological and societal themes found in Stendhal's
work.
15. “For the Greater Good of God” (2006) –
Religious and Philosophical Texts
"For the Greater Good of God," from *A
Matter of Life and Death* (2006), delves into the moral complexities of war
waged in the name of religion. While not based on a single book, the song’s
lyrics resonate with themes explored in religious and philosophical texts,
questioning the morality of using faith to justify violence. It’s a profound
and reflective track that challenges listeners to consider the complexities of
faith and morality.
16. “The Clansman” (1998) – Scottish History and
"Braveheart"
Inspired by themes of freedom and Scottish
independence, "The Clansman" from *Virtual XI* (1998) reflects the
spirit of Mel Gibson’s film *Braveheart* and Scottish history. Although not
based on a specific book, the song captures the historical narratives and
struggles for independence often explored in literature about Scotland. The
powerful refrain of "Freedom!" encapsulates the defiant spirit of
those who fought for their country’s sovereignty.
17. “Alexander the Great” (1986) – Historical
Accounts
This track from *Somewhere in Time* (1986) serves as a
musical biography of Alexander the Great. While based on historical records
rather than a specific literary work, the song’s storytelling approach mirrors
that of epic poetry or historical novels, recounting Alexander’s conquests and
legacy in a manner that is both educational and entertaining.
18. “Quest for Fire” (1983) – J. -H. Rosny Aine
"Quest for Fire," from the *Piece of Mind*
album, is inspired by J. -H. Rosny Aine novel *La Guerre du Feu* (translated as
*The Quest for Fire*). The song recounts the journey of a prehistoric tribe in
their quest to find fire, a vital resource for their survival. The song’s
tribal rhythm and primal energy reflect the raw, untamed nature of prehistoric
life, capturing the urgency and significance of fire in early human history.
Iron Maiden’s deep engagement with literature and
history has allowed them to create a unique fusion of storytelling and heavy
metal. Their songs not only entertain but also introduce fans to classic
literary works and historical narratives, bridging the gap between these two
worlds. Whether inspired by novels, poems, myths, or historical events, Iron
Maiden’s music demonstrates the enduring power of storytelling, offering
listeners both a musical experience and an intellectual journey through some of
the greatest stories ever told.
Οι
τύποι είναι σχολή από μόνοι τους και μετά το εφιαλτικά καλό ντεμπούτο τους
Altars of Madness ήρθε αυτό εδώ το Death Metal διαμάντι να μας οδηγήσει στη
κόλαση της μουσικής τους. Οι τέσσερις μουσικοί και διεστραμμένοι / αργόσυσρτοι
καταστροφείς της μελωδικότητας με αρκετές εξάρσεις Thrash καταγωγής David
Vincent φωνή & μπάσο,Trey Azagthoth
κιθάραRichard Brunelle κιθάρα , Pete
Sandoval ντραμς, σε δεκατρία tracks ενός δίσκου που συνεχίζει και κρατάει ακόμα
το ενδιαφέρον μας γύρω απ' τον μύθο τους. Κόλαση, απόκρυφα μονοπάτια και
σκοτεινές οντότητες αναμεμειγμένα αρμονικά (ακούγεται κάπως αυτό αλλά ΟΚ) σε
ύμνους του ακραίου αυτού είδους σαν τα Fall From Grace, Brainstorm, Rebel
Lands, Blessede are the Sick / Leading the Rats, φυσικά το κομμάτι που έκανε
γνωστό το άλμπουμ Day of Suffering, Unholy Blasphemies, Abominations, Desolate
Ways, The Ancient Ones.
English:
On the Path of Perdition.
These guys are a genre unto themselves. After their
nightmarishly good debut, *Altars of Madness*, this Death Metal gem came along
to lead us into the hellish depths of their music. The four musicians—twisted,
slow-grinding destroyers of melody with frequent outbursts of Thrash—are: David
Vincent (vocals & bass), Trey Azagthoth (guitar), Richard Brunelle
(guitar), and Pete Sandoval (drums). Across thirteen tracks, this album
continues to captivate us, adding to their legendary status. Hellish realms,
occult pathways, and dark entities are harmoniously woven together (it may
sound strange, but it works) into hymns of this extreme genre, such as *Fall
From Grace*, *Brainstorm*, *Rebel Lands*, *Blessed Are the Sick / Leading the
Rats*, and of course, the track that made the album famous, *Day of Suffering*,
*Unholy Blasphemies*, *Abominations*, *Desolate Ways*, and *The Ancient Ones*.
Όχι,
είχε απειλήσει ότι μετά την No More Tours περιοδεία του που κράτησε δύο χρόνια
κοντά, θα κρεμούσε...ο, τί κρεμάνε οι τραγουδιστές! Δε το έκανε ποτέ τότε
βέβαια. Εδώ ο θεόμουρλος Ozzy, παρέα με Mike Inez σε μπάσο, Zakk Wylde κιθάρα
και Randy Castillo σε ντραμς σε μια ανθολογία των ζωντανών επιτυχιών του τόσο
απ'την εποχή των Black Sabbath (προφανώς) αλλά και κυρίως σόλο.Ένα διπλό και αρκούντως χορταστικό άλμπουμ/CD
που έχει και τη λογική του greatest hits σε ζωντανή ηχογράφηση βέβαια.
Απολαυστικό!
English:
And after that, he stopped...
No, he had threatened that after his "No More
Tours" tour, which lasted nearly two years, he would hang up... well,
whatever it is that singers hang up! Of course, he never actually did it back
then. Here we have the absolutely crazy Ozzy, along with Mike Inez on bass,
Zakk Wylde on guitar, and Randy Castillo on drums, in an anthology of his live
hits, both from his Black Sabbath days (obviously) and mostly from his solo
career. A double and quite satisfying album/CD that also has the feel of a
greatest hits collection recorded live. Enjoyable!
When discussing the origins of heavy metal, Budgie
often flies under the radar compared to giants like Black Sabbath and Led
Zeppelin. However, this Welsh trio, led by Burke Shelley, was pivotal in
shaping the genre. Their 1973 album, *Never Turn Your Back On A Friend*, is a
masterclass in early heavy metal, blending raw power with intricate melodies.
Budgie's influence extended to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and
even inspired Metallica, who famously covered "Breadfan."
Track by Track Analysis
1. **Breadfan**
- The album
opens with "Breadfan," a quintessential heavy metal track. With its
galloping riff and dynamic shifts, it perfectly captures Budgie's ability to
combine aggression with melody. This song's legacy was cemented when Metallica
covered it, highlighting its enduring influence on metal.
2. **Baby Please Don't Go**
- A
hard-rocking cover of Big Joe Williams' blues standard, Budgie injects this
track with a gritty energy that transforms the classic into a powerhouse
rocker. Shelley’s raw vocals and Bourge’s fierce guitar work make it uniquely
their own.
3. **You Know I'll Always Love You**
- A brief
acoustic interlude, this track offers a moment of tenderness amid the album’s
heaviness. At under two minutes, it showcases Budgie’s versatility, proving
they could deliver emotional depth alongside powerful riffs.
4. **You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk**
- Returning to a heavier sound, this track features a
chunky, groove-laden riff and playful lyrics. It’s a prime example of Budgie's
ability to blend humor with serious musicianship, with Bourge’s guitar work
shining throughout.
5. **In The Grip Of A Tyre Fitter's Hand**
- One of the album’s highlights, this track combines a
brooding intro with explosive sections, showcasing the band’s skill in creating
complex, dynamic compositions. The dark, introspective lyrics add to its
impact, with Bourge delivering an urgent and desperate guitar solo.
6. **Riding My Nightmare**
- This brief interlude is more experimental, featuring
ethereal guitar lines and echoing vocals that create a haunting atmosphere. It
serves as a bridge between the album’s heavier tracks, highlighting Budgie’s
willingness to explore different sonic landscapes.
7. **Parents**
- The album closes with "Parents," an epic
nearly eleven-minute track. This song blends a gentle acoustic intro with
powerful, emotionally charged passages. The reflective lyrics on generational
conflict, paired with Bourge’s delicate yet fiery guitar work, make it a
fitting conclusion to the album.
Never Turn Your Back On A Friend* is a foundational
album for heavy metal, showcasing Budgie's innovative blend of crushing riffs
and melodic intricacies. Though often overlooked, Budgie’s influence on the
NWOBHM and bands like Metallica is undeniable. This album stands as a testament
to their lasting impact, proving that Budgie was a pioneer deserving of greater
recognition in the pantheon of heavy metal.
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