Today in 1997 Manowar released the Live album Hell on Wheels
Auburn, New York Heavy/Power Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 1980-present
After almost thirty years in the business, Manowar continues to rally around their "Death To False Metal" battle cry. Though their over-the-top image and lyrics occasionally come across as slightly cheesy, their determination to stand by their beliefs is commendable, and the fact of the matter is that songs such as "Blood Of My Enemies", "Guyana", "Battle Hymns", and "Defender" rank as among the most brilliant, majestic metal songs ever recorded by any band. It's amazing that, after all this time, Manowar still has a sound that really isn't like anyone else, highlighted by Eric Adam's excellent vocals and a pounding rhythm section led by bassist (and chief songwriter) Joey DeMaio. While Manowar fanatics will doubtless argue that all of their albums are equally outstanding and brilliant, the opinion here is that their early work, particularly the first four albums, are far superior to their later albums, with the 1984 pair of Hail To England and Sign Of The Hammer being their best works. They've mainly stuck to releasing live albums and DVDs over the last decade, along with two studio albums in 2002 and 2007, and they're clearly still a major metal force in Europe.
Universal Music Group
- Eric Adams / Vocals
- Karl Logan / Guitar
- Joey DeMaio / Bass Guitar
- Scott Colombus (R.I.P. 2011)/ Drums
Disc 1
1. Manowar (5:25)
2. Kings of Metal (3:35)
3. Kill With Power (3:31)
4. Sign of the Hammer (4:53)
5. My Spirit Lives On (4:27)
6. Piano Interlude (1:31)
7. Courage (4:17)
8. Spirit Horse of the Cherokee (5:09)
9. Blood of My Enemies (4:24)
10. Hail and Kill (8:19)
11. Warriors of the World (3:01)
Total Time: 48:38
Disc 2
1. Wheels of Fire (4:36)
2. Metal Warriors (3:49)
3. Army of the Immortals (4:53)
4. Black Arrows (10:17)
5. Fighting the World (4:26)
6. Thor (The Powerhead) (5:09)
7. King (5:00)
8. The Gods Made Heavy Metal (5:34)
9. Black Wind, Fire and Steel (7:26)
10. Return of the Warlord (4:42)
11. Carry On (3:09)
12. Battle Hymn (12:40)
Total Time: 71:46
'Warriors of the world' is actually not a song, but a gathering of fan crowds shoutings
Hell on Wheels is the ninth album by heavy metal band Manowar and is also the band's first live album
Today in 1997 Lux Occulta released the album Dionysos
Dukla (early), Cracow (later),Poland Black Metal (early), Extreme Avant-garde Metal (later)
Status:Active
Years active: 1994-2002, 2011-present
Lux Occulta had a relatively short run in the late nineties, but remains the clear BNR favorite among Polish metal bands. Formed in late 1994, they reached their peak with 1999's My Guardian Anger, where they harnessed their highly original brand of frenzied, technical black metal, most notable for some brilliant keyboard and drum work. The followup, 2001's The Mother And The Enemy, went off the rails a bit, clearly showing a band in conflict, as the album featured several tracks in the mold of their previous works but also tracks that branched out in bizarre directions, such as the odd but ultra-cool Portishead-styled trip-hop of "Midnight Crisis" and "Yet Another Armageddon", and the industrial death march of "Gambit". To some these alternate tracks made no sense whatsoever, though to these ears they were a fresh addition and a great contrast to their more traditional works. Unfortunately it was this lack of direction that most likely led to the band's demise soon after Mother's release. As late as 2007 a revamped lineup was still in existence, but all was quiet until 2012, when formal work commenced on a new album, now set for a spring 2014 release.
Pagan Records
Jaroslaw "Jaro.Slav." Szubrycht: Vocals
Kastor: Guitar
Vogg (from Polish death metal band Decapitated): Guitar
U.Reck: Keyboards
Martin (also from Decapitated): Bass
Additional Musicians
Jackie: Bass
Kriss: Drums
Flute: Marcin Rumiñski
Female Vocals: Anna Wesolowska, Wizenna Nowotarska
1. The Birth of the Race (7:40)
2. Blessed Be the Rain (7:25)
3. Chalice of Lunar Blood (8:48)
4. Nocturnal Dithyramb (6:42)
5. Ecstasy and Terror (9:19)
6. Upwards to Conquer Heaven (6:51)
Total Time: 46:46
CD and tape format.
Re-released as Digi-CD in 2001 by Metal Mind Productions with "The Forgotten Arts" demo as a bonus.
Recording information:
Recorded during July 1997 at Selani Studio.
Dionysos is the second album by the Polish symphonic black metal band Lux Occulta (Latin for "Hidden Light"). The 2002 re-release of the album by Metal Mind includes the band's demo The Forgotten Arts, which can also be found on the band's Maior Arcana compilation, in its entirety as bonus material. Unlike the version on Maior Arcana, the version appended to this album retains the same running order as on the original release
Sydney, Australia Hard rock, blues rock, rock and roll
Status:Active
Years active 1973 (1973)–present
Featuring one of the most recognizeable images in rock (diminutive guitarist Angus Young in his trademark schoolboy uniform), AC/DC has been in the business for more than forty years, scarcely changing their style from album to album but continuing to maintain a large following due to their simplistic yet effective hard rock and energetic live performances. They are undeniably Australia's most well-known rock export, and their style is one of the most recognizeable, and imitated, in the history of hard rock, rising to worldwide superstardom around the time of Highway To Hell, one of their seminal works. They've enduring setbacks in recent years (the failing health of Angus' brother Malcolm, the legal troubles of drummer Phil Rudd, resulting in both taking a leave of absence from the band), but Angus and crew soldier on.
East West Records
Live from the Atlantic Studios
Recorded live on 7 December 1977 at the Atlantic Recording Studios, New York, New York.
All tracks written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott.
4. "Back Seat Confidential" (First title and Lyrics to the riffs of "Beatin' Around the Bush") 5:24
5. "Get It Hot" (Same title as the track on Highway to Hell, different lyrics and music) 4:17
6. "Sin City" (Live 1978 from The Midnight Special) 4:58
7. "She's Got Balls" (Live 1977 from The Bondi Lifesaver, Sydney) 7:57
8. "School Days" (T.N.T., not otherwise released outside Australia) Chuck Berry 5:24
9. "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" (longer version from T.N.T.) 5:15
10. "Ride On" (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, followed by brief interviews) 10:03
Back in Black
All tracks written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson.
No. Title Length
1. "Hells Bells" 5:13
2. "Shoot to Thrill" 5:18
3. "What Do You Do for Money Honey" 3:36
4. "Given the Dog a Bone" 3:32
5. "Let Me Put My Love Into You" 4:15
6. "Back in Black" 4:16
7. "You Shook Me All Night Long" 3:30
8. "Have a Drink on Me" 3:59
9. "Shake a Leg" 4:06
10. "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" 4:16
Bonfire is a five-disc box set by Australian band AC/DC, released in 1997, and remastered with a release in Digipak format in 2003. It was created as a tribute to the band's earlier singer Bon Scott and included the two disc soundtrack to the movie Let There Be Rock, some early unreleased tracks, a live recording from the Atlantic Records studio in New York and a remastered version of Back in Black.
The album was originally released in 1997 with the CDs all packaged individually in jewel cases, complete with full artwork. The original issue also features a poster, a backstage pass, keyring and a few other extras depending on the region. When the album was reissued in 2003 it was packaged in a large digipak, similar to a longbox, which featured either four- or five-disc trays. The four-tray versions contained the remastered Back in Black in its own case with booklet. All versions of the box feature a large book full of liner notes and rare pictures of the band, mostly from before Scott's death.
The boxset was the subject of a bit of derision from AC/DC fans for its limited content - two live albums (one previously released) and a select few rarities, as well as the Scott-inspired Back in Black, which of course does not feature Scott on vocals. AC/DC defended the release, stating that there was very little recorded by Scott that wasn't released.
Today in 1996 Soundgarden released the single Blow Up the Outside World
Seattle, Washington Stoner/Heavy Metal/Grunge Rock
Status:Split Up
Years active: 1984-1997, 2010-2017
As one of the first bands to record for the legendary Sub Pop record label, Soundgarden is generally regarded as one of the founding fathers of grunge, even though much of their work was of a far more rock/metallic nature than the likes of Pearl Jam or a Mudhoney, or even Nirvana. From a metallic standpoint, their peak was 1991's Badmotorfinger, with the later albums such as Superunknown (featuring their biggest hit single, "Black Hole Sun") showing a more alternative side to the band. The band parted ways amicably in April of 1997 to pursue other interests, with vocalist Chris Cornell hooked up with several guys from Rage Against The Machine to form Audioslave, and later continued pursuing a solo career. Finally, the inevitable reformation of the band took place in 2010, and two years later the King Animal album was released. They continued to tour and were rumored to be working on new material when Cornell sadly passed away while on tour in May 2017, presumably putting an end to a standout career.
Today in 1996 Skew Siskin released the album Voices from the War
Berlin, Germany Hard Rock
Status:Active
Years active: 1990-Present
Fronted by charismatic female singer Nina Alice, Skew Siskin is first and foremost a heavy rock'n'roll band, with AC/DC being the plainest and most obvious influence. At their heaviest one can hear traces of Motorhead (Lemmy is apparently a big fan of the group). Their debut album scored a minor hit in America with "If The Walls Could Talk", which got some decent MTV play at the time. Skew Siskin clearly isn't about innovation, but for AC/DC-styled hard rock, they fit the bill perfectly. They haven't recorded since 2007 but are still active and touring.
Today in 1996 Purgatory released there debut album Damage Done by Worms
Nossen, Saxony, Germany Death Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 1993-Present
PURGATORY officially started in the beginning of 1993 as the continuation of the two bands MUSICAL MASSACRE and PROCESSION. The founding members Uwe (bass) and René (guit./ voc.) came from MUSICAL MASSACRE and PROCESSION contributed Lutz (drums) for the new band. At that time PURGATORY was only a project with insignificant attention, but when MUSICAL MASSACRE and PROCESSION split up, PURGATORY became serious.
In October 1993 PURGATORY recorded their first demo tape, which was a live recording called "Live...Perversion". A half year later the band released their first single: The debut 7" Ep "Psychopathia Sexualis", which was released by PERVERTED TASTE RECORDS in March 1994.
In August 1994 Sick from DARK DECADE became the new vocalist. The following 7" Ep was recorded with him. It was called "Sadistic Spell" where PURGATORY refined their style and improved their sound and was also released by PERVERTED TASTE REC.
Their first CD "Damage Done By Worms" was finally released in October 1996. The next climax was the first tour with VADER, which was bigger than the others, but short time later Uwe left the band. Usche, who played guitar in the already mentioned death metal band DARK DECADE, was recruited to be the new bassist.
In the beginning of 1997 PURGATORY released a split Ep with the band SEIRIM. Their second full time CD "Bestial" followed shortly after that, which was promoted on tour with IMPENDING DOOM and COERCION and later with VADER.
1999 there was another change on the bass: Torsten came from APROSOPY and adapted at once in the preparations for the impending CD which was recorded in May 2000. This trendless, brutal and fast album was unleashed in September 2000. It was called "Blessed With Flames Of Hate" and was also a PERVERTED TASTE REC. release. A lot of gigs and tours followed with SEIRIM, AMON AMARTH, VADER, PENTACLE, CENTURIAN and a lot more.
Perverted Taste Records
Lutz Drums
René Guitars, Vocals
Sick Vocals
Uwe Bass
Guest/Session
Janett Vocals (female)
Jens Eisbein Keyboards
1. Orgy of Sickening Dreams 04:59
2. Deep Under the Light 03:48
3. Sodomizing Time 04:36
4. Robes of Skin 04:52
5. Psychopathia Sexualis Pt. II 02:33
6. Necrocannibalistical Insanity 04:37
7. Brood of Incest 04:11
8. Irresolute Subjection 04:48
9. The Final Breath 05:02
10. Frozen Braincells 03:41
11. Paroxysm of Mortal Lust 04:46
12. Sadistic Spell 03:44
13. Necromanical Necropsy 03:35
55:12
CD bonus tracks (10-13) from Sadistic Spell (EP, 1995))
Recording information:
Songs 1–9 were recorded, mixed and mastered in March / April 1996 at Brückenhaus Audio Productions Dresden.
Songs 10-13 were recorded and mixed in October 1994 and re-mastered in April 1996 at Brückenhaus Audio Productions Dresden.
Engineered and produced by Jens Eisbein, Michael Heidrich and Purgatory.
Today in 1996 Def Leppard released the single Breathe a Sigh
Sheffield, Yorkshire, England NWOBHM (early), Hard Rock (later)
Status:Active
Years active:1977 (as Atomic Mass), 1977-present
In 1980, just before the impact of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was truly felt, an unknown band by the name of Def Leppard released its debut album. On Through The Night has an accessible, undeniably British sound, yet was still had a rough metal style, unlike most of their future works, with tracks such as "Rock Brigade" and "Rocks Off" getting some good radio play. It's truly a great album, and is recommended even to those who aren't fans of the later DL albums. By the time of their next album, High And Dry, they had shifted producers and started developing the commercialized, pop-metal sound that would become their trademark for years to come. The rest of the eighties was owned by Def Leppard, with albums such as Pyromania and Hysteria proving massively successful while at the same time drawing the ire from "real" metal fans who found their work far too polished and poppy. Though they have had more of their share of ups and downs (drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a car accident, the loss of Steve Clark), they have stayed the course, continuing to tour and release albums with that classic DL sound (1996's Slang an exception to this, an attempt to toughen and broaden their sound that wasn't well received).
Bludgeon Riffola
Rick "Sav" SavageBass
Joe ElliottVocals
Rick AllenDrums
Phil CollenGuitars
Vivian CampbellGuitars
1.Breathe a Sigh04:06
2.Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) (live)03:08
3.Deliver Me (live)02:47
4.Slang (live)02:26
12:27
Tracks 2 & 3: recorded on August 31st, 1996 at The Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountainview, CA.
Track 4: recorded on September 15, 1996 at The Molson Centre, Montreal, CAN.
