Back In Black Ice!

Artist: AC/DC
Title: Black Ice
Year: 2008
Format: 2-LP (G)
Label: Columbia
Catalogue Number: 88697383771
Country: Germany +

The Times That Were... They Still Are!

Not long ago I got hold of a copy of a compilation simply titled 'The Friday Rock Show'. Of course this was the show hosted by the late Tommy Vance on BBC Radio 1 between 1978 and 1993, having a significant impact on the British Metal scene, enabling not only established acts to get airplay, but also new aspiring talent.

Featured on the record are bands like Spider, Sweet Savage, Witchfynde and Black Axe, bands probably not remembered by everyone today, but who all made their entrance with the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal in the late 70's. Perhaps they never quite made it in the long run, depending on how you look at it, but what's so rewarding about this compilation is that you can really hear the enthusiasm, the creativity and the originality in the expression, not yet completely in the hands of the music industry and its demand for a more polished sound.

When you look at it, this record is probably what it's all about, when pure honest enthusiasm and dedication to the music, both professionally and fan wise, strikes a spark that eventually becomes a truly fantastic movement. As with all movements, there comes a time when the pioneer spirit dies and it transformes into mass fabrication, directed by record companies. But we should be grateful for the times that were, because in a sense they still are. This record is a fantastic document of the times, right out there to be picked up by younger generations. And with them the spirit lives on.

In a time when Heavy Metal was seen upon as a lower form of artistic expression, Tommy stood his ground and kept championing the music he lived for. To quote the man himself from the back of the album cover:

People often ask me what I hear in Rock Music and why I like it. Well now's my chance to put it on record. I'm firmly of the opinion that Rock Music should be measured alongside all other classic music forms that are accepted by the western ear because it spans the same breadth of the aural spectrum. Contrary to what some misinformed people think, it's never been all head banging and strident metal chords as any rock fan knows. One minute it can be aggressive, vicious, and harsh, the next soft, sensual and seductive. Virtually all the really great rock acts have comprised musicians and singers who have developed their act and skill in such a fashion that they could portray emotion on any level. No mean feat. Rocks come in all sizes from a pebble to a planet. Rock music occupies the same dimensions. It's the music that matters.

Tommy Vance, 1981



Artist: Various
Title: The Friday Rock Show - From BBC Radio 1
Year: 1981
Format: 1-LP
Label: BBC
Catalogue Number: REH 426
Country: U.K.

16 Ripping Cuts Of New School Thrash

'Thrashing Like A Maniac' is the title of the 2007 Earache release, featuring songs from the upcomers in the newly revitalized Thrash Metal scene. I more or less stumbled on this record while looking for something completely different on Amazon. But I'm really glad I bought it, because first of all, I had no idea the Thrash scene was so hot again, now I know better, and second, all bands featured are really firing on all cylinders. It feels so vital, and still with all the trademarks from the original Thrash movement being present.

And perhaps this is just what we need for the sake of the health of Metal? A little bit of distance from all the gothic romantic influences who seem to have taken over everywhere, just look at Priest's new album 'Nostradamus' for example. Don't get me wrong, I've always liked the symphonic classical influences in Metal, but back in the days they were always second. It was the spirit of Metal that stood as ground, with some classical influences on top of that. Now we have symphonic music with Metal influences instead, full of clichés, and for the most part it becomes very boring.

So, I'll be spinning a couple of tracks from this record in the near future. Be sure to stay tuned, you're in for a treat.



Artist: Various
Title: Thrashing Like A Maniac
Year: 2007
Format: 1-LP
Label: Earache
Catalogue Number: MOSH 360
Country: U.K.