Anniversary Series - 1988!

The middle of the month means it's time for another Anniversary Article!  1988 is an interesting year, as we start to see the rock and metal scene shift and expand, resulting in quite the mix of genres.  While I sure I'm missing some stuff (let me know what you think of down in the comments below), here's a rundown of the big albums and songs that rocked folks 35 years ago!

The year starts off with a rather controversial group, Kingdom Come.  While at first they tried to deny it a little, but it's pretty clear they were intent on doing a glamified approach to the classic sound of Led Zeppelin, and to be honest, they were pretty good at it.  And it's not like they were the first to do so, as both Rush's first album and and some of Whitesnake's material come to mind.  In any case, one could see Kingdom Come as the beginning of the retro-clone style of bands that we see so much today, so maybe they're influential at least in that aspect.

Of course, the pop metal scene in general had plenty of albums going around, continuing to dominate the airwaves.  Scorpions came back after a four year album break with Savage Amusement, Europe went Out of This World, Winger was "Headed for a Heartbreak," Cinderella told us that we "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)," and Poison really blew up with Open Up and Say... Ahh!, featuring several big hits like "Nothin' But a Good Time," "Fallen Angel," and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."

Metal's various sub-genres also saw some decent representation this year.  Manowar and Candlemass brought the epicness with Kings of Metal and Ancient Dreams, respectively.  Helloween continued to establish the foundation of power metal with Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2.  Queensrÿche shifted into progressive metal with their concept album Operation: Mindcrime, and Iron Maiden pushed their proggy tendencies further with Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.  

However, the big winner of the year was thrash metal.  While all the big thrash bands put out albums this year (with Testament's probably being my personal favorite), it can't be denied that Metallica really put a spotlight on thrash with ...And Justice For All.  Despite the production problems, the album benefited from the music video for "One" getting plenty of airplay on MTV and the now-infamous snub at the Grammy's.  While some would argue that thrash's best year was 1986, the subgenre clearly started to break into the mainstream in 1988, and Metallica was leading the way.

So that's another year wrapped up.  Be sure to check out the playlist below for more great songs.  Until then, rock on! \m/

New Videos - January 2020!

Ever since I started doing these articles, I've been blown away by how much that gets released!  I'm still catching up on stuff from 2019 while keeping an eye on what's new.  Here's what I've come across lately!

Amberian Dawn has a long tradition of symphonic power metal, but with this track, it seems they've joined other bands in the synth metal wave.  It's pretty good, but I do wonder if maybe too many bands are trying to go in this direction now.

Meanwhile, Brothers of Metal keep chugging ahead with their Norse-drenched metal.  This one seems to venture closer to mid-tempo power metal, but it remains just as epic and cheesy as you would expect from a band like this.  Manowar would be proud!

So this is a team up of former Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon and Jani Liimatainen, known for his work with Sonata Arctica and Timo Kotipelto of Stratovarius, and frankly, those three bands some up what The Dark Element is up to: Symphonic Power Metal of the highest order, and it's great!

Queensryche keeps the videos coming with their brand of melodic prog metal.  Not a lot of surprises considering the band, but I think it's a pretty solid song.

Here's some more prog metal from the supergroup Sons of Apollo.  This one hits nice and heavy as a tribute to a lost friend, complete with an impressive, noodly synth solo!

Growing up in the US, Magnum isn't a band name that comes up, but I've since become aware Bob Catley due to his appearances on Avantasia albums.  However, this new album looks like a great way to get onboard, as this song is great hard rock!

New Videos - July 2019 Part Two!

Like I promised, here's one last article for July, and it's more of the latest and greatest of rock and metal!  Certainly quite the mix this time around, so check them out!

I guess these Danish rockers have been playing since the 80s, starting out more glam but now evolved into a straight-forward hard rock band.  While some of their guitars may look a little strange, this is some catchy stuff.  Worth a look!

Yes, more Sabaton, but I can't help it!  This is a little different though, going with a bouncy, swing-step groove that makes it a little light on its feet.  Then there's the hammond organ solo in the middle that fits like a glove.  Neat variations for band known for their otherwise iconic style.

Alter Bridge is a band I should spend more time with, given what a big Creed fan I am.  Here we have a very heavy, but somewhat atmospheric slab of hard rock, going for something a little more cinematic in tone.  Good stuff!

Old-school AOR!  Here we have The Defiants providing that classic 80s rock sound that makes even the smallest things seem larger than life.  This has some pretty strong Bryan Adams vibes, very summery and catchy.

Queensrÿche has always carved their own path, and this song from their latest album really shows their quirky song-writing style.  Jarring at times, soft and somber at others, all while letting their vocalist ring out those soaring notes.  It doesn't get more iconic than this.

DragonForce is one of those bands where either you like them or you can't stand them.  While the video very 80s, the song is DragonForce to a T, so don't expect any heavy synths or poppy interludes.  For me, DragonForce is a nostalgic sound to when I first got into power metal, so this song is like putting on an old, but comfortable pair of shoes.  Nice the see the guys keeping their pedal to the metal!