Top Albums of Q1/2018

Tribulation - Down Below

After the highly acclaimed The Children of the Night (2015) which significantly steered their sound into traditional heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and gothic rock, Tribulation is back with Down Below. A cohesive musical experience with 9 songs in 47 minutes, one being the beautiful instrumental "Purgatorio". I can't really pinpoint other songs, they are all great and don't stand out individually. But as a full length album from start to finish, there's a dark hypnotizing atmosphere that sucks you into it. Additionally the production is great, the guitars are fantastic and the vocals as dark as we came to know, growling with melody. We will be seeing this one in many year-end lists, no doubts and with merits.

Joe Satriani - What Happens Next

This album, while consistent with only direct and short songs, has a lot of diversity. Energetic songs like "Energy" and "Headrush" which resemble the Surfing With The Alien album. Love songs like "Smooth Soul" and "Forever and Ever" (featuring a fantastic Hendrix-like intro). A modern song that sounds like a cat robot trying to speak. Typical Satriani melodic songs like the title track. And of course great shredding. For the record, my favorite solo is on "Thunder High on the Mountain". Overall, this is Satriani back to basics, a great rock album. The grooves and rhythmic section with Glenn Hughes and Chad Smith are just perfect (check "Cherry Blossoms" and "Super Funky Badass" for example). A great addition to such a fabulous and long catalog.

Visigoth - Conqueror's Oath

"The hammers of heavy metal ring loud and true in the mountain halls of Salt Lake City, Utah!". The text from their own page says it all. Those Americans deliver traditional no nonsense heavy metal as if they were part of the NWOBHM. It's not original or reinventing the wheel, but it's very well executed and produced. The song writing is just great, clean powerful vocals, twin guitars and big choruses. All songs are great except "Salt City" which is a bit out of place to me. Highlights are "Outlive Them All" which could've been in Iron Maiden's Killers, the opener "Steel and Silver", the epic "Traitor's Gate" and the Candlemass-like title track. A great album for those looking for good old fashion Heavy Metal.

Long Distance Calling - Boundless
After the fantastic 2016's "Trips" which contained some solid vocals. The post-rockers from Germany are back and returning to their roots with a completely instrumental album. With the exception of a couple of songs, most of the tracks display a lively energy, heaviness, melodies and twists that grabbed my attention. One of the best instrumental albums I've recently listened to .

Watain - Trident Wolf Eclipse

The sixth full-length studio album by Watain comes more than 4 years after the predecessor The Wild Hunt. Back in 2013 vocalist Erik Danielsson performed a song with clean vocals for the first time in the track "They Rode On". While I enjoyed the song and the overall album quite a lot, many fans didn't. For those, you can rest assured because Trident Wolf Eclipse has no clean vocals. Actually the first nine tracks are a bulldozer that will crush you with fast and aggressive black metal. Only the 9th and last song, "Antikrists Mirakel" slows things down a bit and closes the album with a different vibe. Overall, it's a very good black metal album, no frills, no surprises, just straight up quality song writing that hooks you and makes it easy to listen to it repeatedly.

Hamferð - Támsins likam
Hamferð is a Faroese doom metal band from Tórshavn which formed in 2008. In early January 2014, lead singer Jón Aldará also joined the Finnish band Barren Earth. Together they released 2015's fantastic On Lonely Towers. I didn't know Hamferð but I was curious to give it a try given the good experience with Jón Aldará. I'm very happy I did because Támsins likam is a great funeral doom album.

Black Label Society - Grimmest Hits

Despite being quite busy with several other projects and bands, including a tour with Ozzy, Zakk Wylde had the time to put together another good Black Label Society album. No, it's not a compilation album despite the deceiving title. But it does set the tone of the record, a dark, mid tempo album with huge guitar riffs, great solos, heavy grooves, melodies and a Black Sabbath influence more prominent than previous albums. Additional shout out to John DeServio on bass, not only great basslines but also well placed in the mix. A great BLS album and a enjoyable homage to the creators of Heavy Metal.

Necrophobic - Mark Of The Necrogram
Not sure how or why, but I am late to the Necrophobic party. They are part of the first wave of Swedish death metal bands and have already issued a total of seven studio albums. But this is the first time I check them out. From the first song intro I was already sold. Overall, my first impression is of fantastic song writing which displays Amon Amarth with early Slayer and a hint of Watain. In other words, speed, killer riffs and catchy melodies.  So now I know where both Amon Amarth and Watain got some inspiration. The final touch is a fantastic cover by Kristian "Necrolord" Wåhlin. One of the best Death Metal albums of 2018 so far.

Audrey Horne - Blackout

I was blown way by their 2013's Youngblood. But I felt they rushed into releasing Pure Heavy in 2014 which I didn't like at all. Now 4 years later, it looks like they really took the time to create something special. Fantastic rock songs with guitar duo to amaze the Murray/Smith fans. And solid vocal performance from Torkjell Rød. While clearly referring to 70s and 80s rock sound, Audrey Horne has always been able to still sound fresh and new. I hope these guys will tour during the summer festivals, cause it's a perfect fit to a sunny day with beers.

Magnum - Lost on the Road to Eternity

There are not many rock/metal bands that reach the 20th studio album mark. Most importantly, there last few albums have all been really good. While there's nothing new here, it's again a very enjoyable album full of catchy riffs and choruses.

Corrosion of Conformity - No Cross No Crown

While I didn't know those guys very well, the fact that it’s been a dozen years since C.O.C. recorded new material with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan caught my attention. And I really liked what I heard. It's hard to define their sound: sludge, stoner, thrash, rock, it's all in there. But the trademark southern rock sound is impossible to miss. However with running time of 1hr, the album overstays its welcome and the second half kind of blends together.

Judas Priest - Firepower Review

Judas Priest - Firepower

When I was little and got into Metal, Judas Priest was releasing albums that didn't interest me like Turbo and Ram it Down. So I didn't get into Painkiller until 92 or so. Back then, Power Progressive Metal was by far my favorite music genre and I realized that the sound I was in love with (specially the singing style) was pretty much created by Judas Priest. I taped and listened to Painkiller. It later became one of my favorite albums of all times and Priest one of my favorite bands. It also initiated the process that led me to discover their whole discography. With that said, I'm not a fanboy and I do like Jugulator and some Demolition songs. Halford had "left us" and was doing crappy music while Tim Owens stepped up. Then Halford came back and the latest album are quite good except for Nostradamus. And now we have the pleasure to be blessed with a return to form from the metal gods. Let me get right into it, Firepower is their best album since Painkiller. And probably will remain among my top 10 Priest albums. It's full of energy, heavy great drumming and riffs, Halford did a great job and the production is fantastic (albeit a bit loud). Firepower sounds like Priest in 2018. Meaning, it clearly has several hallmarks of their classic sound, but it also sounds modern and timely. It's a very direct album, most of the songs are below 5 minutes and fast tempo.

The album opens with the title track which is one of the best of the album. It has a Painkiller vibe, so yes, heavy and fast, catchy chorus and great vocal harmonies. Without loosing any momentum the second track is the single "Lightning Strike" which follows the same vibe as the opener. Fantastic bridge and awesome chorus with Halford using some aggressive singing. "Evil Never Dies" keep things up on the same lines and features a catchy bridge/chorus and breakdown reminding me of "Nightcrawler". "Never the Heroes" is another single and it's a bit slower tempo. It's ready to be a sing along favorite, I can already see this one live. "Necromancer" picks up speed and it's the closest one to the Jugulator era. "Children of the Sun" has a nice groove, it's very Sabbath-like, great track. "Guardians" is the short instrumental to get some breath and then the fantastic "Rising From Ruins". A more epic and mid tempo song with a huge chorus. "Flame Thrower" is a rocker in the lines of their mid-80's singles. Another single, "Spectre", follows and displays a very modern sound and groove. Then it gets really epic with "Traitors Gate" the longest song on the album with almost 6 min and a power metal vibe that would fit a Manowar album, love it! "No Surrender" is the other rocker, the shortest track and catchy as hell.

Now the album is not perfect. With 60 minutes, Firepower is a bit too long! Despite the fact that it actually flows very well until the penultimate song. But then, the last two songs are not at the same level as the rest of the album. They could've been bonus tracks. The only other complain I have is that I miss the twin guitar and some more riffs a la classic 70's Judas Priest. The guitars are modern and the riffs are very thick. That's OK but not 100% Priest.

Overall very good album, classic Priest with a modern twist and full of instant classics. If this is their last album, which is a high probability, then one of the most legendary metal bands will leave us with a dignifying swansong.

Judas Priest Discography Review

On March 9th, Judas Priest will release their 18th album, Firepower. Since they are one of the greatest metal bands of all time. It calls for something special. So while I anxiously wait, I decided to listen and review all 17 studio albums. To the metal gods!

Rocka Rolla (1974) - 7.5
It's not a bad album at all, it's just not Judas Priest yet. Yes, some basic elements that would become part of their sound are there. But for the most part the album has several influences from bluesy moments, to Sabbath-like songs.

Sad Wings of Destiny (1976) - 9.0
What to say about an album that starts with two of the best metal songs ever? "Victim of Changes" and "The Ripper" are perfect metal anthems. With Sad Wings of Destiny Priest established their sound. Halford didn't hold back and shows his full range, the twin guitar riffs and great solos are all there. The albums is heavy at times, but very progressive with many different styles influences. An essential metal album.

Sin After Sin (1977) - 8.0
Sin After Sin is a natural evolution by taking the same elements from the predecessor while picking up the aggression and speed in tracks like "Dissident Aggressor" and the title track. I love the "Diamonds And Rust" cover. But it's not all that good, some long and slow tracks break the album flow.

Stained Class (1978) - 9.5
Sin After Sin showed the way forward and with Stained Class Priest perfected it and delivered a masterpiece. From the killer proto-speed metal anthem "Exciter" to the effective closer "Heroes End", this album is a collection of some of the best Priest songs ever. The album showcases one of Halford's best performances e.g. "Saints In Hell". Moreover, Stained Class never looses its heaviness and speed. Even the fantastic "Beyond The Realms Of Death" with its slow parts keep it interesting with amazing builds up and full of great riffs and solos. A heavy metal class that has influenced countless bands to this day.

Killing Machine (1978) - 8.0
Killing Machine (also known as Hell Bent for Leather in the US) was recorded less than a year after Stained Class. And therefore is a transitional album. While some songs such as "Delivering the Goods", the ultra classic "Hell Bent for Leather" and "Running Wild" are worthy of the previous album. Other songs fell flat in an attempt of a more accessible sound e.g.  "Evening Star" and "Take On the World".

British Steel (1980) - 8.5
British Steel is one of the most iconic Priest album and features two of their best songs ever "Metal Gods" and "Grinder". Overall it’s a strong album with fast and heavy songs like the opener “Rapid Fire”. And of course two of the most famous songs "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight". Now, both while good songs are too radio friendly for my taste and "United" is on the same line. So while I think it’s an excellent album, it has some less interesting moments.

Point of Entry (1981) - 7.5
Coming on the heels of their most successful album yet, Point of Entry had some big shoes to fill but unfortunately it didn't work. It's a soft and uninspired album with just a couple of good moments like "Heading Out To The Highway" and "Desert Plains".

Screaming for Vengeance (1982) - 9.0
If I take "Pain And Pleasure" and "Fever" out Screaming for Vengeance would be a perfect album. Because for the rest I have no complains. It features a huge hit "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" and all the other songs are heavy, fast and iconic like "Electric Eye" and the title track. This is Priest at its best, a metal masterpiece and an essential album.

Defenders of the Faith (1984) - 8.5
At last and to our delight Defenders of the Faith did not greatly depart from its predecessor and contained some of the greatest metal anthems: "Freewheel Burning", "Jawbreaker" and "The Sentinel". Overall there are no bad songs in this album, very heavy, fast and even progressive at times, Defenders of the Faith is a masterpiece. But I have one problem with it, "Love Bites" which was an experiment that led to 1986's Turbo.

Turbo  (1986) - 7.0
The album marked the band's first use of guitar synthesizers. It's a controversial album that did very well in sales but since it focused more on light and pop rather than metal, it is also not appreciated by many fans. There's certainly a glam vibe in the album and it's hard to compared to any of the previous albums. But listening to it "independently", it's not all that bad.

Ram It Down (1988) - 7.5
Ram It Down is a transitional album still influenced by the Turbo experiment (e.g. "Blood Red Skies") and flirting with the glam metal sound which was in an all time high in 1988 (e.g. "Heavy Metal").  There are still a few gems in it like the title track and "Come And Get It" which hint into the direction the band would take in the next album. While not a bad album, it's one of their worst.

Painkiller (1990) - 10
Not only Priest's best album but one of the best metal albums of all times, Painkiller is basically perfect. Every single song is powerful and amazing. Halford is impeccable and the twin guitars better than ever. Moreover, Scott Travis debut behind the kit brought new energy to the band. The tittle track drum fill intro is one of the best in metal. The songs are not only heavy but also so perfectly crafted and in a way progressive. The song structures are diverse and the simple choices to add a bridge here or a solo there are all fantastic. All of that makes Painkiller a perfect metal album.

Jugulator (1997) - 8.0
Released 7 years after the magnificent, Painkiller, Jugulator is the first album without Rob Halford on vocals. Tim "The Ripper" Owens who was singing on a tribute band took over vocal duties after impressive audition performances singing classic Priest songs. Of course it was an immense the challenge for the band to not only replace Halford but also follow-up one of the best Metal albums ever. Given all that, I think Jugulator is an underrated album. While having some basic Priest elements from Painkiller, it does sound different, more modern and heavier, and I really like it.  Ripper did a fantastic job and most of the songs are great.

Demolition (2001) - 7.5
If Jugulator was a pleasant surprise, Demolition was not. Simply put there's only three songs that are really worth it "Hell Is Home", "Feed on Me" and "One on One". With that said, I must say, I really like those songs.

Angel of Retribution (2005) - 8.0
Angel of Retribution was a return to form but still the band was taking some risks which I appreciate. But not all of them worked for me, for example the epic 13 min "Lochness" is a bit dull and "Revolution" sounds uninspired. But I did like "Worth Fighting For". For the rest, most of the songs are Priest back to its classic sound, including some fantastic performances from Halford, specially on "Deal with the Devil".

Nostradamus  (2008) - 6.5
Priest is not the band to release a double concept album. I never got into this one. Kudos for trying something different, but in the end it didn't work for me.

Redeemer of Souls (2014) - 8.0

When the album came out, I really liked it. Most of the songs are classic Priest. But the album is too long and 4 years later, I realize I rarely go back to it.

There you go! It took some time, but totally worth it. And now if I'd rank them from most to least favorite, it would look like this...

1 Painkiller
2 Stained Glass
3 Screaming for Vengeance
4 Sad Wings of Destiny
5 Defenders of the Faith
6 British Steel
7 Sin After Sin
8 Killing Machine
9 Angel of Retribution
10 Jugulator
11 Redeemer Of Souls
12 Rocka Rolla
13 Point of Entry
14 Ram It Down
15 Demolition
16 Turbo
17 Nostradamus

Priest! Priest! Priest!