Introduction

  10 Years ago over on facebook The Metal And Punk A,B,C's began first on my own profile page and quickly soon after on a facebook group...

Monday, November 16, 2020

Punk Flashback

 Todays Punk Flashback The Pigs

The Pigs were a garage band from Bristol. The band formed in March 1977 and disbanded in March 1978.
The Pigs were a loveable Bristol band who, like so many, were galvanised by a another local band - The Cortinas - to form and play. Unlike many others they got to record a single for posterity - the excellent 'National Front'.
As the history below recounts there were the usual highs and lows including, stabbings, playing the Roxy, the single's release and it being played by John Peel and of course realising the dream was over.
As typical a story of a band as what was happening all over the UK at the time.
It's good to see their stuff being reissued by the mighty Bristol Archive Label.
Kit Gould
Eamonn McAndrew
Nigel Robinson
Ricky Galli

Hardcore Flashback

 Todays Hardcore Flashback Counnting The Days

Hardcore Band from Glen Burnie, Maryland, USA

Classic Flashback

 Todays Classic flashback David Essex


David Essex's first notable acting role was the lead in the stage musical, Godspell in 1971. Two years later, he starred in the film That'll Be The Day (1973) and recorded a major hit single, "Rock On" (which he wrote himself), in the same year. A second single, "Lamplight", also reached the British Top 10.

In the 1970s, Essex emerged as one of the UK's top performers. His biggest hits during this decade included a pair of Number One singles : "Gonna Make You A Star" (1974), a satirical look at his success; and "Hold Me Close" (1975), a cheerful singalong. He also appeared in Stardust, a 1974 sequel to That'll Be The Day; the title song was another Top 10 hit. In 1976, Essex covered the Beatles song, “Yesterday”, for the musical documentary All This and World War II.

Essex's pop idol looks gave him a strong female fan base and his British tours created scenes of hysteria reminiscent of Beatlemania. According to the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles - 16th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-190-X 'he was voted the number one British male vocalist in 1974, and was a teen idol for more than a decade'.

In 1978, he appeared on Jeff Wayne's concept album, a musical version of The War of the Worlds, as the Artilleryman. The two album set remains a bestseller.

In the same year, Essex played the character Che, loosely based on Che Guevara, in the original production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita, and his recording of the show's "Oh What a Circus" reached Number 3. Two years later, he starred in the film Silver Dream Racer; and the soundtrack song "Silver Dream Machine" was yet another Top 10 hit in the UK singles chart. In 1985, he wrote and starred as Fletcher Christian in the West End musical Mutiny!, based on the novel Mutiny on the Bounty by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall. The score produced two more hit singles, including "Tahiti," his tenth Top 10 success.

Essex has continued to perform in all areas of show business, to varying degrees of success. A 1989 sitcom, "The River", achieved good ratings. In 1991, a compilation entitled His Greatest Hits reached Number 13; a 1993 album, Cover Shot, peaked at Number 3. His autobiography, A Charmed Life, was published in 2002, and became a bestseller.

In 1999, Essex was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He still tours the UK on a yearly basis and releases albums through his website. Surprisingly, despite his long and thriving British career, he remains largely unknown in the United States. "Rock On" reached Number 5 in 1974, and was his only Billboard Top 40 hit single.

The grandson of an Irish Traveller, Essex told Jake Bowers of the BBC's Rokker Radio, a programme for Gypsies and Travellers, on 30th July 2006, that he has always been openly proud of his Traveller roots, but that having moved to the US, Essex has said he feels it inappropriate for him to continue as Patron of Britain's National Gypsy Council, which works for equal rights, education, and services for Romany and Irish Travellers.

In 2005, he appeared as a guest vocalist on Saint Etienne's album Tales from Turnpike House. Also that year, he appeared in the Channel 4 documentary Bring Back…The Christmas Number One.

Essex was due to join the cast of soap opera EastEnders, in early 2006, as new character Jack Edwards. However, the role was expanded beyond the three weeks planned, and Essex was unable to commit the time. The role instead went to Nicky Henson.

A model and recording of Essex is featured in the museum of West Ham United Football Club. In the recording, he explains his reasons for supporting West Ham and his love of the team. He remains a popular, hard working and respected star, who has nevertheless not achieved a more global presence.


Happy Birthday

 Happy Birthday Logan Mader

Logan Mader was born on November 16, 1970 in Montreal, Canada. Is the former guitarist of the heavy metal band Machine Head, who formed in Oakland, California in 1992. Their 1994 debut, Burn My Eyes, was released by Roadrunner Records and quickly became the top-selling debut album in the label's history. Their second album, The More Things Change..., was released in 1997 and Logan left the band shortly thereafter to divert his energy and time to side projects

Happy Birthday

 Happy Birthday Fallon Bowman


Fallon Bowman (born November 16, 1983 in Cape Town, South Africa) is a musician from London, Ontario, Canada, best known for her involvement with Kittie. She is of Dutch and Indonesian descent. Since departing Kittie in 2001, Bowman has worked with Pigface and as a solo artist under the name Amphibious Assault, as well as under her own name


Artillery

 Today in 2018 Artillery released the album The Face of Fear

Taastrup,Denmark Thrash Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 1982-1991, 1998-2000, 2007-present

Artillery were one of the top technical thrash bands of the eighties, characterized by intense, energetic riffing and the somewhat unique vocals of Flemming Ronsdorf. The band had achieved worldwide acclaim even before their first album, thanks to some well-distributed demos (since repackaged and re-released as Deadly Relics). The first album, Fear Tomorrow, was a slight letdown from those demos due to a substandard production, but the songs were on track. Terror Squad fared better, and is probably their best album overall. The band disbanded in 1991, shortly after the release of the By Inheritance album. They reunited in 1999, and released a comeback album, B.A.C.K., in 2001, with the unique vocals of Ronsdorf and thrash riffing that were trademarks of the band in their prime still intact. Since then they've been relatively quite but have now stated that recording for a new album will commence in March 2009.

Metal Blade records


Michael Stützer Guitars (lead), Guitars (acoustic), Guitars (12 string), Vocals (backing)

Peter Thorslund Bass

Josua Madsen Drums

Michael Bastholm Dahl Vocals (lead), Vocals (backing)

Morten Stützer (R.I.P. 2019) Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing)

Guest/Session

Jay Boe Mellotron

Jan Bæktoft Christensen Vocals (backing) (tracks 2, 6, 9)


1. The Face of Fear 03:58    

2. Crossroads to Conspiracy 04:25  

3. New Rage 04:01   

4. Sworn Utopia 03:57   

5. Through the Ages of Atrocity 05:00  

6. Thirst for the Worst 04:18  

7. Pain 04:12   

8. Under Water 02:07   instrumental

9. Preaching to the Converted 03:58   

10. Mind of No Return 03:46   

11. Doctor Evil 05:50    

  45:32  


Tracks 10-11 are special bonus for first-edition versions:

Track 10 "Mind of No Return" is re-recorded song from band's first demo "We Are the Dead" (1982)

Track 11 "Doctor Evil" is re-recorded song from band's album "Legions" (2013).


Official music video:

- The Face of Fear

- Pain


Recording information:


Recorded, mixed, mastered and produced at Medley Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark, July/August 2018.



Amon Amarth

 Today in 2018 Amon Amarth released the album/DVD The Pursuit of Vikings: 25 Years in the Eye of the Storm

Stockholm,Sweden Melodic Death Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 1988-1992 (as Scum), 1992-present
Amon Amarth is a card-carrying member of a healthy Swedish death metal scene. There is little here that hasn't been done (or is being done) by fellow bands such as Hypocrisy or perhaps (earlier) In Flames, but they do deliver crunchy, energetic death metal with conviction and style. They've settled into a comfortable groove now, as their last few albums are virtually interchangeable with each other in terms of style and quality.
Columbia Records
Ted Lundström Bass
Olavi Mikkonen Guitars
Johan Hegg Vocals
Johan Söderberg Guitars
Jocke Wallgren Drums
Guest/Session
Doro Pesch Vocals (BD track 25; CD track 14)
Disc 1 (Blu-ray)
1. Warriors of the North 02:22
2. Dawn's First Light 02:42
3. First Kill 09:43
4. Valkyries Ride 06:43
5. Viking Hearts 08:45
6. Versus the World 07:47
7. Runes to a Memory 11:05
8. The Viking Way 14:28
9. Riffs of the Blackbirds 22:49
10. A Dream That Could Actually Be 11:15
11. Coming of the Tide 04:35
12. The Pursuit of Vikings 06:28
13. As Loke Falls 05:47
14. First Kill 04:30
15. The Way of Vikings 05:18
16. At Dawn's First Light 03:47
17. Cry of the Black Birds 04:40
18. Deceiver of the Gods 05:56
19. Destroyer of the Universe 05:01
20. Death in Fire 05:10
21. Father of the Wolf 05:51
22. Runes to My Memory 04:36
23. War of the Gods 05:56
24. Raise Your Horns 05:17
25. A Dream That Cannot Be 04:57
26. Guardians of Asgaard 04:54
27. Twilight of the Thunder God 10:13
03:10:35
Disc 2 (CD) - Live at the Summer Breeze - August 17th, 2017 Mainstage
1. The Pursuit of Vikings 06:19
2. As Loke Falls 04:23
3. First Kill 04:28
4. The Way of Vikings 05:18
5. At Dawn's First Light 03:44
6. Cry of the Blackbirds 04:42
7. Deceiver of the Gods 04:13
8. Destroyer of the Universe 03:42
9. Death in Fire 05:03
10. Father of the Wolf 05:35
11. Runes to My Memory 04:44
12. War of the Gods 04:45
13. Raise Your Horns 04:34
14. A Dream That Cannot Be 04:32
15. Guardians of Asgaard 04:43
16. Twilight of the Thunder God 06:51
01:17:36
Blu-ray composed of:
- tracks 1-11 The Pursuit of Vikings (25 Years in the Eye of the Storm) - Documentary
- tracks 12-27 Live at Summer Breeze: The Movies - August 17th, 2017 Mainstage
Recording information:
Recorded at two different sets at 2017's Summer Breeze Festival in Germany;
T-Stage Show: August 16th, 2017 (tracks 1-14) and Main Stage Show: August 17th, 2017 (tracks 15-30).

A Pale Horse Named Death

 Today in 2018 A Pale Horse Named Death released the sngle Love the Ones You Hate

New York City, New York Doom/Gothic Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 2010-present

A Pale Horse Named Death was formed by Sal Abruscato, who's well-known in the New York area due to his work in Type O Negative and Life Of Agony. Pairing up with guitarist/producer Matt Brown (who's also got a Type O tie-in, as he played in the post-TON band Seventh Void), the style here isn't too unexpected, as it's dark, doomy, gothy at times, frequently evoking a heavier, recent Alice In Chains.

Long Branch records


Sal Abruscato Vocals, Guitars

Eric Morgan Bass

Eddie Heedles Guitars

Johnny Kelly Drums

Joe Taylor Guitars



1. Love the Ones You Hate


Postmortem

 Today in 2012 Postmortem released the album Bloodground Messiah

Berlin,Germany Death Metal/Death 'n' Roll
Status:Active
Years active: 1991-present
Postmortem was founded in 1991. After numerous live appearances (including complete tours with Crematory and Atrocity) and two demos, the band signed its first record deal, with Husky Records, and recorded Screams Of Blackness, which sold out[citation needed] and was re-released in 1998. After that, they played live again with Crematory and at a few large festivals (Death Comes in Lithuania with Hypocrisy, Bands Battle with Rammstein, and many more). After the Totmacher EP, the band changed labels after some disagreements and moved to Morbid Records. The four releases were presented after a few tours, including a European tour with Morbid Angel, a Germany tour with Sodom) and almost every large festival (Wacken Open Air, With Full Force, Party San, Dynamo Open Air, Force Attack, Death Comes and many more. After the release of Storm Force the band separated from Morbid Records. In 1998 the band signed a license deal for the American market with Pavement Music. Join The Figh7club was released via Station 54/SimRec and was promoted live in 2004 on a European tour with Pro Pain and Carnal Forge. But despite a good response from the press[citation needed] and fans[citation needed], the drummer and the second guitarist left the band in 2004. 2006 the band found with Max Scheffler a new drummer and in 2007 Postmortem toured with that new line-up the Giant-Tour with Ektomorf and Onslaught. Im November 2008 Postmortem released with „Constant Hate“ their 4th studioalbum via „War-Anthem Records“ after 10 years without an official longplayer. „War-Anthem Records“ plans to release Postmortem's upcoming album "Seeds of Devastation" for November 2010
War Anthem Records
Marcus Marth Guitars
Matthias "Doc Putz" Rütz Vocals
Tilo "Mr. T" Voigtländer Bass
Max Scheffler Drums
Guest/Session
Peter "Brutus" Habermann Vocals (on Falling from Hell)
1. Exordium 00:39
2. Under Attack 03:07
3. Down for the Count 03:52
4. Santa Muerte 05:43
5. Machinegun Preacher 03:56
6. Calling the Undead 04:55
7. Black Flame 05:12
8. White Raven Black Sun 03:24
9. Falling from Hell 03:24
10. Drowned in Black 03:35
11. Can't Wait to Eliminate 02:52
40:43
Produced by Postmortem.
Recorded in Berlin at Daily Hero Studio.
Mastered at Time Tools Mastering.

Social Distortion

 Today in 2010 Social Distortion released the single Machine Gun Blues

Fullerton, California Punk rockpop punk cowpunkpunk bluescountry rockrockabilly
Status:Active
Years active: 1978-present
The enduring L.A. punk band Social Distortion has overcome numerous personnel shifts, the demise of the Los Angeles hardcore scene that spawned them, and the heroin addiction of singer/guitarist/bandleader Mike Ness to achieve a measure mainstream acceptance for their rootsy, hard-hitting punk without compromise. Inspired by the fertile L.A. punk scene, Ness formed the group in 1978 with drummer Casey Royer and brothers Frank (bass) and Rikk Agnew (guitar). When the brothers left to join the Adolescents, Ness' schoolmate Dennis Danell joined on bass; the next few years saw a revolving-door membership. When the group finally recorded its debut album, Mommy's Little Monster in 1983, the band consisted of Ness, Danell (now on guitar), bassist Brent Liles, and drummer Derek O'Brien. Their music was often described as a punk version of the Rolling Stones, and "Another State of Mind" was one of the few punk videos to air on MTV in 1984. However, the band took four years to record a follow-up, as Ness descended into heroin addiction and self-consciously rebellious behavior. Liles and O'Brien left, and Ness, after straightening himself out, finally regrouped in 1988 with John Maurer on bass and Chris Reece on drums. This lineup recorded Prison Bound, a mature album broadening Social Distortion's roots rock influences with a country feel. Their self-titled 1990 effort included a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and returned the group to MTV via "Ball and Chain." Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell became their most popular album to date, producing a minor radio hit in "Bad Luck" and keeping with their now-established blend of punk, blues, country, and rockabilly.
White Light White Heat White TrashSocial Distortion took an extended hiatus following the release of Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, returning in 1996 with White Light, White Heat, White Trash, which proved to be a moderate hit on MTV and modern-rock radio; former Black Flag and D.O.A. drummer Chuck Biscuits made his debut on the album, following the departure of Reece. Live at the Roxy followed in 1998, and a year later Ness issued a pair of solo albums, Cheating at Solitaire and the covers collection Under the Influences. Danell died February 29, 2000 of an apparent brain aneurysm; the guitarist was just 38-years-old. In the fall of 2000, Jonny Wickersham signed on as the group's new guitarist, and Charlie Quintana took over on drums from the often busy Biscuits. After extensive touring, the band went back into the studio in 2004 to record Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll. Another six years passed before Social D returned to recording. Produced by Mike Ness himself, 2011's glossy-but-muscular Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes featured a new lineup, with bassist Brent Harding and the son of Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo, drummer David Hidalgo Jr. joining Wickersham and Ness.
Epitah
Mike Ness – lead vocals, guitar
Jonny Wickersham – guitar
Brent Harding – bass guitar
Josh Freese – drums, percussion
"Machine Gun Blues" is a song by Social Distortion. It was the first single from their seventh studio album, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes (2011). The song was featured on Season 4, Episode 7 of Sons of Anarchy. The song was also used by WWE to promote a feud between The Miz and Randy Orton at the 2011 WWE Royal Rumble.

Heaven & Hell

 Today in 2010 Heaven & Hell released the Live album Neon Nights: 30 Years of Heaven & Hell

Birmingham, England / New York, United States Heavy/Doom Metal
Status:Split-up
Years active:2006-2010
Surely one of the most talked-about band formations in some time, Heaven And Hell brought together the Black Sabbath lineup from their album of the same name ... well, actually not, it's the Mob Rules lineup, but that name was already taken! The debut album, 2009's The Devil You Know, lived up to the expectations, drawing rave reviews, and in general it's pretty much what one would expect, a more modernized version of the early 80's Sabbath sound. The band intended to play on, but Ronnie James Dio's illness and sad passing in May 2010 has brought the band to a close.
Armoury Records
Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P. 2010) Vocals
Tony Iommi Guitars
Geezer Butler Bass
Vinny Appice Drums
Guest/Session
Scott Warren Keyboards
1. The Mob Rules 03:47
2. Children of the Sea 06:31
3. I 06:17
4. Bible Black 06:30
5. Time Machine 04:40
6. Fear 04:36
7. Falling Off the Edge of the World 05:40
8. Follow the Tears 06:12
9. Die Young 06:42
10. Heaven and Hell 17:49
11. Neon Knights 05:45
01:14:29
Recorded live at "Wacken Open Air 2009" on July 30th 2009

Halestorm

 Today in 2010 Halestorm released the Live album Live in Philly 2010

Red Lion, Pennsylvania, Hard rock, heavy metal, alternative metal, post-grunge
Status:Active
Years active 1997–present
Siblings Elizabeth and Arejay Hale, the core members of the hard rock band Halestorm, formed the group in late 1997 near York, Pennsylvania, with Arejay on drums and Elizabeth on vocals and keyboard. Wanting to expand their sound, the duo invited their father, Roger, to play bass for Halestorm. Soon after their first professional gig in 1998 at the Blue Mountain Coffee House in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the band added various guitar players and released an EP, 1999's (Don't Mess with The) Time Man. More lineup changes occurred, but Halestorm finally solidified with Elizabeth (who was by then going by Lzzy) on vocals and guitar, Josh Smith on bass, Arejay on drums, and Joe Hottinger on guitar. The band caught the attention of producer David Ivory as well as Atlantic Records -- both were involved in the band's major-label debut, 2006's One and Done, a five-song EP recorded live at a show in Philadelphia. They would finally make their full-length studio debut in 2009 with the eponymous Halestorm, all the while maintaining a rigorous touring schedule that would see them playing upwards of 250 shows a year. The following year, Halestorm released the concert recording Live in Philly 2010, and Reanimate: The Covers EP appeared in 2011, featuring the band's takes on songs by Heart, Guns N' Roses, and Lady Gaga. Their sophomore album, The Strange Case Of..., followed in 2012, and the single "Love Bites (So Do I)" earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. Reanimate 2.0 was released in 2013, this time finding the band tackling Fleetwood Mac, Daft Punk, and Marilyn Manson. The band's eclectic third studio long-player, the Jay Joyce-produced Into the Wild Life, was released in April 2015, and was preceded by the single "Apocalyptic." The live EP Into the Wild Live: Chicago arrived in 2016, followed in early 2017 by Reanimate 3.0, which featured covers of songs by Whitesnake, Metallica, and Soundgarden.
Atlantic
Lzzy Hale - vocals, guitar, keyboard
Arejay Hale - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Joe Hottinger - guitar, backing vocals
Josh Smith - bass guitar, backing vocals
Track listing (CD)
No. Title Length
1. "It's Not You" 5:55
2. "Innocence" 4:14
3. "Bet U Wish U Had Me Back" 3:34
4. "Love/Hate Heartbreak" 5:24
5. "I'm Not An Angel" 4:41
6. "Familiar Taste of Poison" 5:18
7. "Boom City" 5:21
8. "Nothing to Do with Love" 4:08
9. "Dirty Work" 3:48
10. "I Get Off" 3:49
11. "Tell Me Where It Hurts" 4:07
12. "Better Sorry Than Safe" 3:42
Track listing (DVD)
"Intro." –
"It's Not You" –
"What Were You Expecting" –
"Innocence" –
"Bet U Wish U Had Me Back" –
"Love/Hate Heartbreak" –
"I'm Not An Angel" –
"Familiar Taste of Poison" –
"Boom City" –
"Nothing to Do with Love" –
"Dirty Work" –
"I Get Off" –
"Tell Me Where It Hurts" –
"Better Sorry Than Safe" –
Live in Philly 2010 is the first live performance released by the hard rock band Halestorm, and the second album released overall by them. The album was made available for pre–orders on October 21, 2010, but was not released until November 16, 2010. This live performance was recorded at the TLA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 30, 2010.

Fueled by Fire

 Today in 2010 Fueled By Fire released the album Plunging into Darkness

Norwalk, California Thrash Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 2002-present
The late eighties thrash scene was mightily revitalized in 2006 and 2007, with a host of bands reliving those glory days. Southern California was one place where several such bands originated, such as Bonded By Blood and this here Fueled By Fire. Like BBB and the others, the goal here isn't innovation, not by a long shot, but simply bringing back to life one of metal's finer moments. Who knows where these bands will be in five years' time, but for now they're great fun to listen to.
Annialation Records
Anthony Vasquez Bass
Carlos Gutierrez Drums
Chris Monroy Guitars (lead)
Rick Rangel Guitars (lead), Vocals
1. The Arrival 03:04 instrumental
2. Rising from Beneath 04:07
3. Within the Abyss 05:08
4. Unidentified Remains 02:04
5. Plunging into Darkness 04:11
6. Eye of the Demon 03:58
7. Intro 01:49 instrumental
8. Evoke the Curse 04:24
9. Amongst the Dead 03:50
10. Sickness of Humanity 04:12
11. Mass Infestation 03:31
40:18
They sold limited edition copies (200 only) of "Plunging into Darkness" during their European tour with Violator in 2010.
Re-released on April 27th, 2012 by NoiseArt Records including 1 bonus track:
12. Deadly Restraints (4:00)
Available on CD, gate-fold vinyl (blue, red, or black), and download.
Recording information:
Recorded at Love Juice Labs. Riverside. CA, USA

Warfect

 Today in 2009 Warfect released the album Depicting the Macabre

Uddevalla, Sweden Thrash Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 2003-2008 (as Incoma), 2008-present
Retro thrash is alive and well the world over, as Sweden's Warfect can attest. The band started out as Incoma in 2003 and changed name in 2008, with a debut, Depicting The Macabre in 2009 followed by Exoneration Denied in 2003 (interestingly, reviews of Depicting put that album in the melodic death metal camp, which Exoneration definitely is not, so it looks like a style shift took place). Right down to the 80's cover art, Exoneration leaves no doubt as to its target audience, the band pulling no punches with speedy thrash that, as always, harkens back to the days of Exodus's first album and the like. There isn't a lot of variation here, and by definition retro thrash isn't about originality, but these guys do it as well as anyone these days (though, how many WarX thrash bands do we need? Warbeast? Warbringer? Warpath? Who can keep up?).
My Kingdom Music
Kristian Martinsson Bass, Vocals (backing)
Mattias Kern Drums
Håkan Karlsson Guitars (rhythm), Vocals (backing)
Fredrik Wester Vocals, Guitars (lead)
1. Creation 03:38
2. Heathen Reigns 04:19
3. Depicting the Macabre 03:39
4. Symbol of Submission 03:32
5. I Factor 04:00
6. Supervised Life 03:56
7. Never to Return 04:45
8. Harvest of Trinity 03:42
9. Truth Untold 03:34
10. Atrocity 05:13
40:18
Recorded & mixed: on three different locations; drums recordings enginereed by Chris Dahlqvist
Mixed: by Chris Dahlqvist
Mastered: at Tailor Maid by Peter In De Betou

Pain of Salvation

Today in 2009 Pain Of Salvation released the EP Linoleum

Eskilstuna,Sweden Progressive Rock/Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 1984-present

Pain Of Salvation is making serious inroads towards becoming a premier progressive metal band. At first glance the familiar influences are found (early Queensryche, Dream Theater), but it doesn't take long before one realizes that this band is taking this style to another plane. The production is flawless, the musicianship top-notch, and the songs -- rich and majestic, thoughtful and complex. Pain Of Salvation exudes class and quality without being pretentious or self-indulgent. Clearly a top-level band.

InsideOut Music

Daniel Gildenlöw Vocals, Guitars, Bass

Johan Hallgren Guitars, Vocals

Fredrik Hermansson Keyboards

Léo Margarit Drums

Guest/Session

Per Schelander Bass on "Mortar Grind"

1. Linoleum 04:54

2. Mortar Grind 05:51

3. If You Wait 02:50

4. Gone 07:55

5. Bonus Track B 02:28

6. Yellow Raven (Scorpions cover) 05:39

29:37

A video was made for the title track.


Miseration

 Today in 2009 Miseration released the album The Mirroring Shadow

Sweden Melodic Death Metal (early), Death Metal (later)
Status:Active
Years active: 2006-present
Miseration is a melodic death metal collaboration between Jani Stefanovich (DivineFire, Essence of Sorrow, ex-Crimson Moonlight, ex-Renascent, ex-Am I Blood, ex-Sins of Omission, ex-Hilastherion) and vocalist Christian Älvestam (Incapacity, Solar Dawn, Torchbearer, Quest of Aidance, guest for Zonaria,ex-Scar Symmetry, ex-Syconaut, ex-Angel Blake, ex-Carnalized, Unmoored, Solution .45) Others involved in the sessions included guitarist Patrik Gardberg of Ammotrack and Divinefire plus former Renascent vocalist Barry Haldan.
The project released its debut album, 'Your Demons - Their Angels', on December 21st 2006 in Japan through King Records. A European release came in early 2007 through Rivel Records.
Lifeforce Records
Johan Ylenstrand Bass
Stuka Drums
Marcus Skägget Guitars
Christian Älvestam Vocals
Jani Stefanović Guitars, Keyboards
1. Dreamdecipher 02:13
2. Blueprinted Aeon Collapse 03:58
3. Voyaging the Seas of Thought 04:05
4. The Mirroring Shadow 04:55
5. A Trail Blazed Through Time 03:36
6. Dimorphic 04:30
7. Sulphury Sun 04:20
8. Imago 2.0 04:16
9. Theca 04:10
36:03
Release dates:
Europe - November 16, 2009
North America - January 19, 2010
Recording information:
Recorded at Panic Room Studios.

Hirax

 Today in 2009 Hirax released the album El Rostro de la Muerte

Buena Park, California Thrash/Speed Metal/Crossover
Status:Active
Years active: 1981-1983 (as L.A. Kaos), 1983-1984 (as K.G.B.), 1984-1989, 2000-present
A long-lost (until recently) cult LA band, Hirax was one of the earlier Metal Blade signings in the mid-eighties. They specialized in frenzied speed/thrash metal, almost hardcore in style with the notable exception of Katon DePena's vocals, who steered well clear of the usual gruff thrash or barked hardcore styles, instead employing a mid-range clean, yet almost atonal sound, which was enough to give the band just a bit of originality. Two albums were released, along with assorted singles and live tracks, before disbanding in the late 80's. DePena later was in a band called Phantasm, featuring no less than original Metallica bassist Ron McGovney, though only a rough demo came of this. Sensing that the band's popularity has not waned over the years, DePena reformed the band in 200, at one point possibly featuring the other original members but later with an all-new lineup, and have recorded quite steadily ever since.
Black Devil Records
Katon W. De Pena - Vocals
Glenn Rogers - Guitar
Lance Harrison - Guitar
Steve Harrison - Bass
Jorge Iacobellis - Drums
1. Baptized by Fire (4:19)
2. Flesh and Blood (5:45)
3. Eradicate Mankind (3:39)
4. Chaos and Brutality (3:38)
5. El rostro de la muerte (The Face of Death) (6:24)
6. Blind Faith (2:51)
7. Horrified (2:52)
8. Battle of the North (1:34)
9. The Laws of Temptation (4:40)
10. Death Militia (1:52)
11. Broken Neck (2:01)
12. Violent Assault (3:31)
13. Cuando cae la oscuridad (When Darkness Falls) (1:54)
14. Satan's Fall (6:25)
Recorded by John Haddad at Trench Studio in Corona, CA
Mixed by Andy Haller at Android Audio
Mastered by Maor Appelbaum
"Chaos and Brutality" is a bonus track, originally released in Europe (Selfmadegod Records).
Released in Argentina by Hurling Metal Records with two bonus tracks. They are mistakenly listed, the order of the songs should be listed this way:
15. El Diablo Negro (04:13)
16. Bombs Of Death (01:49)
El Rostro de la Muerte is the fourth album by thrash metal band Hirax and the second after the reunion