Iron Maiden

 Today in 2002 Iron Maiden released the album Eddie's Archive

London, England Heavy Metal/NWOBHM

Status:Active

Years active: 1975-present

Iron Maiden is clearly one of the most recognizable and successful groups to emerge from the NWOBHM scene that came into being in the late seventies, as well as one of the most influential metal bands of all time, with an infinite number of 80's and later bands owing to their style. Like many long-standing group, their early albums really define the band with most feeling that either Killers, Number Of The Beast, or Piece Of Mind are the band's best (BNR favorite: Killers), and there even those who would claim that the early Di'Anno years were the band's best. One could argue that they haven't really changed or broadened their style over their long career, but they have perfected it, churning out album after album with nary a dip in popularity (save perhaps for the Blaze Bayley period, though the stagnation was hardly his fault). With Bruce Dickinson returning in 2000 on Brave New World (along with a three-guitar attack), Iron Maiden proved they still have plenty of life left in them. And they certainly remain a fan favorite, with a stunning 14 albums placing in the Internet Top Ten lists.

EMI Records

Compilation

- Paul Di'Anno / vocals

- Bruce Dickinson / vocals

- Blaze Bayley / vocals

- Steve Harris / bass

- Dave Murray / guitars

- Tony Parsons / guitars (The BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock show is his only recorded appearance with Iron Maiden)

- Dennis Stratton / guitars

- Adrian Smith / guitars

- Janick Gers / guitars

- Doug Sampson / drums

- Clive Burr (R.I.P. 2013)/ drums

- Nicko McBrain / drums

- Michael Kenney / keyboards

Disc 1: BBC Archives, Disc 1

BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock Show, 14th November 1979:

1. Iron Maiden (3:45)

2. Running Free (3:10)

3. Transylvania (4:02)

4. Sanctuary (3:44)

Reading Festival, UK 28th August 1982:

5. Wrathchild (3:31)

6. Run to the Hills (5:35)

7. Children of the Damned (4:48)

8. The Number of the Beast (5:28)

9. 22 Acacia Avenue (6:36)

10. Transylvania (6:19)

11. The Prisoner (5:49)

12. Hallowed Be Thy Name (7:36)

13. Phantom of the Opera (7:01)

14. Iron Maiden (4:57)

Total Time: 72:29

Disc 2: BBC Archives, Disc 2

Reading Festival, UK 23rd August 1980:

1. Prowler (4:26)

2. Remember Tomorrow (5:59)

3. Killers (4:43)

4. Running Free (3:52)

5. Transylvania (4:48)

6. Iron Maiden (4:56)

Doningon Monsters of Rock, UK 20th August 1988:

7. Moonchild (5:43)

8. Wrathchild (3:00)

9. Infinite Dreams (5:51)

10. The Trooper (4:04)

11. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (10:26)

12. The Number of the Beast (4:42)

13. Hallowed Be Thy Name (7:09)

14. Iron Maiden (6:01)

Total Time: 75:46

Disc 3: Beast Over Hammersmith (Hammersmith Odeon, 20 March 1982), Disc 1

1. Murders in the Rue Morgue (4:32)

2. Wrathchild (3:30)

3. Run to the Hills (4:19)

4. Children of the Damned (4:38)

5. The Number of the Beast (5:07)

6. Another Life (3:44)

7. Killers (5:46)

8. 22 Acacia Avenue (6:55)

9. Total Eclipse (4:14)

Total Time: 42:49

Disc 4: Beast Over Hammersmith (Hammersmith Odeon, 20 March 1982), Disc 2

1. Transylvania (5:50)

2. The Prisoner (5:48)

3. Hallowed Be Thy Name (7:30)

4. Phantom of the Opera (6:53)

5. Iron Maiden (4:20)

6. Sanctuary (4:12)

7. Drifter (9:18)

8. Running Free (3:44)

9. Prowler (5:00)

Total Time: 52:39

Disc 5: Best Of The B-Sides Disc 1 (1980-1988)

1. Burning Ambition (2:42)

2. Drifter (live) (6:03)

3. Invasion (2:39)

4. Remember Tomorrow (live) (5:28)

5. I've Got The Fire (Montrose cover) (2:39)

6. Cross-Eyed Mary (Jethro Tull cover) (3:56)

7. Rainbow's Gold (Beckett cover) (4:59)

8. King Of Twilight (Nektar cover) (4:53)

9. Reach Out (The Entire Population Of Hackney cover) (3:33)

10. That Girl (FM cover) (5:05)

11. Juanita (Marshall Fury cover) (3:47)

12. The Sheriff Of Huddersfield (3:35)

13. Black Bart Blues (6:41)

14. Prowler '88 (4:09)

15. Charlotte The Harlot '88 (4:13)

Total Time: 64:22

Disc 6: Best Of The B-Sides Disc 2 (1990-2000)

1. All In Your Mind (Stray cover) (4:31)

2. Kill Me Ce Soir (Golden Earring cover) (6:17)

3. I'm A Mover (Free cover) (3:29)

4. Communication Breakdown (Led Zeppelin cover) (2:42)

5. Nodding Donkey Blues (3:17)

6. Space Station No. 5 (Montrose cover) (3:47)

7. I Can't See My Feelings (Budgie cover) (3:50)

8. Roll Over Vic Vella (Chuck Berry cover) (4:48)

9. Justice Of The Peace (3:33)

10. Judgement Day (4:04)

11. My Generation (The Who cover) (3:37)

12. Doctor Doctor (UFO cover) (4:50)

13. Blood On The Worlds Hands (live) (6:07)

14. The Aftermath (live) (6:45)

15. Futureal (live) (3:01)

16. Wasted Years '99 (live) (5:07)

Total Time: 69:45

Box Set Total Time 378:01

Strictly Limited Edition embossed metal casket celebrating over 20 years of Iron Maiden containing a unique Eddie Crystal Shot Glass by Alchemy and an individually numbered Iron Maiden Family Tree parchment scroll as a certificate for the box rolled in a unique Eddie Pewter Ring.

Recording information:

Disc 1 tracks 1-4 recorded live on November 14th, 1979 in London, United Kingdom.

Disc 1 tracks 5-14 recorded live on August 28th, 1982 in Reading, United Kingdom.

Disc 2 tracks 1-6 recorded live on August 23rd, 1980 in Reading, United Kingdom.

Disc 2 tracks 7-14 recorded live on August 20th, 1988 at Monsters of Rock Festival in Castle Donington, United Kingdom.

Discs 3 & 4 recorded live on March 20th, 1982 in London, United Kingdom.

Disc 5 track 2 recorded live on April 3rd, 1980 in London, United Kingdom.

Disc 5 track 4 recorded live on October 29th, 1981 in Padua, Italy.

Disc 6 tracks 13-15 recorded live on November 1st, 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Disc 6 track 16 recorded live on September 29th, 1999 in Milan, Italy

Grave Digger

 Today in 2002 Grave Digger released the album Masterpieces

Gladbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia,Germany Heavy/Power Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 1980-1986, 1986-1987 (as Digger), 1988-1991 (as Hawaii), 1991-present

Grave Digger is one of a quartet of German bands that have been at the forefront of the German power metal field since the eighties, alongside Helloween, Running Wild, and Rage. Like the other three, Grave Digger was initially signed to Noise Records and was instrumental in the rise of that label, and like both Running Wild and Rage, have endured multiple lineup changes surrounding their front man, that man here being Chris Boltendahl. And like the other three, Grave Digger have released a slew of classic German power metal albums, with no signs of slowing down.

GUN Records

Compilation

1. Rebellion (The Clans Are Marching) 04:04

2. Heavy Metal Breakdown 04:29

3. The Round Table (Forever) 04:17

4. The Battle of Bannockburn 04:20

5. Circle of Witches 05:31

6. The Dark of the Sun 04:31

7. Witchhunter 03:13

8. Symphony of Death 04:25

9. Heart of Darkness 11:56

10. Fight the Fight 02:44

11. Lionheart 04:34

12. Headbanging Man 03:55

13. Excalibur 04:43

14. Scotland United 04:34

15. The Reaper 05:42

16. The Ballad of Mary (Queen of Scots) 04:59

01:17:57

Illustrations courtesy of the German painter Alfred Rethel.

Recording information:

Tracks 2, 7 and 12 were re-recorded.

Forgotten Silence

 Today in 2002 Forgotten Silence released the EP Yarim Ay

Rosice Czech Republic Experimental Progressive Death Metal/Folk/Jazz

Status:Active

Years active: 1993-present

Often it is the more remote, less traditional locales where truly original music can be found, and here is a case in point. Hailing from the Czech Republic, Forgotten Silence is really on to something here, with a style truly all their own that changes radically from one album to the next. Reviewing their last three albums, the styles range from the avant-garde death metal of Ka Ba Ach (replete with Hanka's wonderful jazzy mid-range vocals complementing death growls) to the experimental ethno-ambient work that is Bya Bamahe Neem to the clear 70's prog rock influences that are all over Kro Ni Ka. Of these three, Ka Ba Ach is the BNR favorite, a fascinating album that is highly recommended for those seeking an original twist on metal, but Kro Ni Ka is noteworthy as well. This is one of the most adventurous metal bands in existence, truly a hidden gem for those seeking something unique.

Independent

Krusty Vocals, Bass, Percussion

Hanka Nogolová Vocals (female)

Medvěd Guitars

Biggles Guitars, Vocals (backing)

Siki Cello

Side A

1. Göl / The Lake 08:13

2. Caminin Üzerindeki Sabah Ayı / The Morning Over The Mosque 04:58

Side B

3. Onward 08:07

21:18

7" picture disc vinyl.

One track with three parts.

A1 Göl / The Lake

A2 Caminin Üzerindeki Sabah Ayı / The Morning Over The Mosque

B Onward

Recording information:

Recorded & mixed at AudioLineStudio from August to October 2002.

Dionysus

 Today in 2002 Dionysus released there debut album Sign Of truth

Bålsta,Sweden Power Metal

Status:Split-up

Years active: 1999-2008

Dionysus was formed by drummer Ronny Milianowicz around the time he left his previous band Sinergy, eventually recruiting a respected set of musicians, all of which have previous ties to various European metal bands in one way or another. What we have here is yet another classically Germanic-styled melodic speedy power metal band, featuring the familiar happy choruses and rollicking leads that are the mainstays of the genre. The same positives and negatives that apply to countless other bands in this field are applicable here, the positives being a sterling production, top-notch musicianship (guitarist Johnny Öhlin and vocalist Olaf Hayer both give excellent performances) and a general band tightness and maturity, with the negatives being very little in the way of originality -- really, there just isn't much here that makes Dionysus stand out as a unique band. Nevertheless, the aforementioned good points make this band a recommended one for Euro power metal fans. The band managed three albums between 2002 and 2006 before breaking up in 2008.

Painful Lust Records

Kaspar Keyboards

Nobby Bass

Johnny Guitars

Olaf Vocals

Ronny Drums

1. Time Will Tell 05:04

2. Sign of Truth 05:32

3. Bringer of Salvation 04:33

4. Pouring Rain 05:20

5. Anthem (For the Children) 05:36

6. Holy War 05:24

7. Don't Forget 06:03

8. Walk on Fire 05:57

9. Never Wait 05:47

10. Loaded Gun 05:11

54:27

Note:

The bonus track "Loaded Gun" is to be found on every version of the album since it was released as limited edition only all over the world.

Blood Duster

 Today in 2002 Blood Duster released the EP D.F.F.

Melbourne, Victoria,Australia Death Metal/Grindcore (early), Grind 'n' Roll (later)

Status:Active

Years active: 1991-present

Blood Duster's brand of grindcore, speed bursts, and 30-second songs would normally be far removed from what I prefer to listen to, but the newest, Str8 Outta Northcote, slows the overall pace a bit and mixes some ultra-heavy downtuned riffing that I find strangely compelling. The album covers (and probably lyrics as well, given some of their album/song titles) are pretty gruesome. The band at one time labelled their style "grinding death rock", and that seems an apt term, at least for Northcote. Their newer albums mark a return to the faster grindcore style of their earlier work.

High Voltage Productions Records

Jason P.C. Bass, Vocals, Drums (track -2)

Tony Vocals

M.Lo Pantz Guitars, Vocals (backing)

Matt Rizzo Drums, Vocals (backing), Guitars (track -2), Maracas

J.J.La whore Guitars

Guest/Session

Rob Wog Vocals (backing) (track 2)

Ja Vocals (track 2)

Rick Vocals (backing) (track 2)

Olivia Vocals (backing) (track 2)

Dianne Vocals (backing) (track 2)

Mike Filth Vocals (backing) (track 2)

Tommy Guitars (track -2)

Youngy Bass (track -2)

Andy Christ Hammond Organ (track 1)

1. Ornery Hornery 01:14

2. D.F.F. 02:09

3. 66.6 on Your FM Dial 00:49

4. Ticket to Ride / Htabbaskcalb Part 2 02:50

5. Let's Fuck (The Dwarves cover) 00:57

07:59

There are also 2 hidden tracks. They are found by holding the rewind button after the start of the first track.

1. The Spirit of Sore Throat has Long Since Died (00:17)

2. Painfull Noise Entitled "Htabbaskcalb" (04:03)

There is also another hidden track after "Lets Fuck"; it is 57:54 of silence

"D.F.F." stands for "Drink Fight Fuck".

Recording information:

Recorded at Toyland Studios (Northcote, Melbourne).

Bathory

 Today in 2002 Bathory released the album Nordland I

Stockholm,Sweden Black/Viking Metal (early), Thrash Metal (mid), Viking Metal (later)

Status:Split-up

Years active: 1983-2004

Bathory must be considered a major influence, either directly or indirectly, on virtually every black metal band in the last decade. It was Bathory, along with Venom, who helped pioneer the raw death/black style and gutteral vocals that are now standard in the genre. Basically a one-man band (with a scattered few early-career exceptions), Bathory's work have run the gamut from more simplistic Venom-ish fare (first two albums, the debut in particular) to a more epic, Manowar-ish style, steeped in Norse mythology, on much of the middle and later albums, to a more thrash-based style on releases such as Octagon. Quorthon (the man himself) also recorded apart from the Bathory name, releasing two albums under the name Quorthon, said to be very un-Bathory-like. The last releases were the two part Nordland effort released in 2002 and 2003, with an expected new album in 2004 cut short by the unfortunate and unexpected passing of Quorthon in June of that year.

Black Mark Production

Quorthon (R.I.P. 2004) – all instruments

1. Prelude (2:34)

2. Nordland (9:20)

3. Vinterblot (5:17)

4. Dragons Breath (6:45)

5. Ring of Gold (5:34)

6. Foreverdark Woods (8:06)

7. Broken Sword (5:34)

8. Great Hall Awaits a Fallen Brother (8:16)

9. Mother Earth Father Thunder (5:37)

10. Heimfard (2:12)

Total Time: 59:21

Recorded in July-September 2002.

The album was also released as a digipack

Nordland I is the eleventh studio album by Swedish extreme metal band Bathory. It was released on 18 November 2002, through Black Mark Productions. It is a return to the Viking metal of Bathory's middle period, and features songs mainly concerning Norse mythology. It was to be the first in a projected four-album set,[citation needed] but Quorthon only lived long enough to finish the first two volumes (2003's Nordland II being the second

Amon Amarth

 Today in 2002 Amon Amarth released the Versus the World

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.

Metal Blade Records

Johan Hegg Vocals

Ted Lundström Bass

Johan Söderberg Guitars

Olavi Mikkonen Guitars

Fredrik Andersson Drums

1. Death in Fire 04:54

2. For the Stabwounds in Our Backs 04:56

3. Where Silent Gods Stand Guard 05:47

4. Vs the World 05:22

5. Across the Rainbow Bridge 04:51

6. Down the Slopes of Death 04:08

7. Thousand Years of Oppression 05:41

8. Bloodshed 05:14

9. ...and Soon the World Will Cease to Be 06:57

47:50

Trivia:

- Track 4 is intentionally entitled "Vs the World" on most pressings.

Music video:

- Death in Fire

Recording information:

Recorded at Berno Studio in August 2002.