Classic Album Retrospect (Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden)

Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden 

 Iron Maiden is the debut album from British demigods of Metal Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden was first released in the February of 1980 but was re-released and remastered in 1998. At its original the album peaked at forth with the two singles, Running Free and Sanctuary, peaking at thirty-forth and twenty-ninth respectively. At its release, the album was met with instant critical acclaim receiving positive reviews; more recently the album was added to the "Albums you must hear before you die" list alongside the later release of Number of the Beast. Iron Maiden is certified platinum in both the UK and Canada as well as gold in Germany.

 The real question is, has the album stood the test of time? Let's find out.

Notable Tracks

 Prowler - Prowler is the first track from the first side and starts the record with style. Starting with a muted riff which is built upon by more riffs and topped off with some undoubtedly cool vocals and lyrics. Prowler is quite fast paced but still progresses well. Near the two minute mark the song comes alive with an awesome bridge that build with each instrument added individually. A deserving first track and could have been a single in its own right.

 Sanctuary - Sanctuary is the second single from the album but originally was only included on the American release. Sanctuary has a similar sound to Prowler but has a more hard rock feel to it which is helped by the theme of the lyrics. Sanctuary also features an audio sample of a police siren which adds a lot of personality and attitude to the track. Sanctuary finishes in style with a riff that increases in pitch until a flared ending.

 Remember Tomorrow - Remember Tomorrow takes a different angle than the previous two tracks and has a more somber and mellow feel. Remember Tomorrow is more vocally driven with some pitched screams that compliment the instruments well. Toward the two and a half minute mark that song breaks into some crazy guitar that calms to revisit the feel of the beginning of the track. 

 Running Free - Running Free is the first single taken from Iron Maiden and with good reason. Running Free takes the same approach as Sanctuary but builds upon it. Running Free features some backing vocals during the chorus that is surprisingly catchy for a metal track.    

 Phantom of the Opera - It is rare that a band acknowledges their debut material; let alone debut material that wasn't released as a single. Despite this, Phantom of the Opera is still one of the most recognizable Iron Maiden riffs out there. Phantom of the Opera is the longest track on the album so has plenty of time to progress and establish itself. The vocals on this track seem to flow with the guitars which is quintessential to keeping a long track entertaining. 

 After a few intense playthroughs, Iron Maiden stands the test of time in most places. The tracks from the A-side (Prowler, Running Free, Remember Tomorrow, Phantom of the Opera) and Sanctuary all stand the test of time reasonably well but on the other hand, the B-side (Transylvania, Strange World, Charlotte the Harlot, Iron Maiden) are quite dated; especially with the use of a completely instrumental track. Despite the B-side, Iron Maiden as a band has done more than enough to solidify their place in the metal hall of fame. (Even though they don't tour in the UK as much as they should)   

Band Review (The One Hundred)

The One Hundred

The One Hundred (From L to R) Joe Balchin, Jacob Field, Tim Hider, Phil Kneller

 The One Hundred are a gender mashing quartet from London. The One Hundred have been around since 2012 but have been making music together before. The One Hundred fuse grime with metal with a helping of electronica to create a sound which is unmistakably unique and refreshing.

  The One Hundred's vocals and electronic samples are provided by Jacob Field alongside Tim Hider and Phil Kneller on guitars and Joe Balchin on the all important drums.

 Since their formation in 2012, The One Hundred have built a solid following through extensive touring in the UK and are currently waiting to release their debut EP titled Subculture. The EP is due for release at the beginning of September with a total of six tracks. 

 The One Hundred are not currently touring but have odd gigs leading up to September: This said, The One Hundred do have a tour planned during November and December as part of the "Download freezes over" string of tours. The One Hundred alongside hardcore band Dead Harts will be supporting Hacktivist (Band Review here) for 22 shows from November until December, check here for details. (I have tickets for the first show of the tour so watch this space for a review). 

  So you want to find The One Hundred on the net? Here are the links you need to know. Facebook page here, Twitter here and on official site here. Go show them some love.

 To round off, here is the video for the single Kingsmen taken from the Subculture EP. (Linked here for mobile users) 

Album Review (Origins - Eluveitie)

Origins - Eluveitie

 Origins is the sixth studio album from Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie (Bonus points for spelling it right). Eluveitie have been around since 2002 and in that time have released six studio albums. Eluveitie's sound features instruments that are very rare on a metal album such as hurdy gurdies, Bagpipes and at one stage an Irish bouzouki. Although classified as folk metal; Eluveitie use harsh vocal styles and heavy riffs.

Notable Tracks 

 The Nameless - The Nameless opens the album after the intro with some familiar Eluveitie sounds, speedy drums and violins. The harsh vocals compliment the instrumentals well but the song comes into its own during the bridges; where the vocals stop and the instruments build together. The track also features spoken audio samples from the intro which adds to the fluency of the album.

 Celtos - Celtos sees vocals provided by both main vocalists as well as some violin action. Celtos begins with a hurdy gurdy intro which builds to brutal vocals from Chrigel complimented nicely by backing vocals from Anna. The chorus parts of the track are extremely melodic and focus more on instrumentals which is a nice authentic touch.

 The Call of the Mountains - The Call of the Mountains is a stand out track on the record as the vocals are only provided by Anna making for a melodic and gentle track. TCOTM is a stripped back track but still has enough folk influencing to be welcome on the album. The track ends in style with a fading chant that add to the beauty of the track.

 Sucellos - Sucellos follows directly after TCOTM starts with a heavy guitar riff and doubled stepped drums which build continuously until they burst into folky melody. Sucellos is the polar opposite to TCOTM as the track focuses more on brutal vocals and harsh riffs. The tracks also features audio samples faintly in the background which give the track an almost industrial feel.

 King - King is the first single released from the album and is quite brutal. King is quite diverse with power metal style riffs during the chorus, real death metal vocals given through out and folk metal everywhere else. Although starting melodically and descending into harsh vocals; King returns to the melodic side towards the end in a beautiful vocal harmonic which adds to the songs personality tremendously.

 To sum up, if you are thinking about buying Origins, you won't be wasting your money: The album stands at 16 tracks (12 if you don't count the "intermezzo"s or intro and outro) so you definitely will be getting your money's worth. I know from experience that most heavy music fans find folk metal hard to get into but Eluveitie add enough styles to encourage said fans. A harsh and brutal album but enough beauty to set it apart from others.

 To end, here is the music video for the second single from the album; The Call of the Mountains. (video linked here for mobile users)

Classic Album Retrospect (Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath)

Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath

 Black Sabbath is debut album from the British metal powerhouse of the same name. Black Sabbath was first released in February of 1970; the same year as Black Sabbath's second album Paranoid. When the album was released it reached eighth on the UK album charts and twenty-third place on the Billboard Charts in the US. Although the album was originally slated by music critics; Black Sabbath have gone on to cement their name in Metal History and are credited with the title of "Original Heavy Metal Band". Black Sabbath was released through Vertigo Records.

 Black Sabbath was released forty-four years ago so the question stands. Does Black Sabbath still stand up today? Lets find out

Notable Tracks

 Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath starts the record with style with the eerie rainstorm intro which fades into an thunderous riff. The track has an epic feel although it only stands at 6:20. Black Sabbath starts with a slow and almost scary first section and then explodes into a fast and well executed guitar and drum medley to finish.

 The Wizard - The Wizard directly follows Black Sabbath on the track listing but takes a different approach entirely. Away from Black Sabbath's slow and eerie sound; The Wizard takes a more bluesy angle with a harmonica intro with a slight touch of guitar. The songs subject is about the bands drug dealer at the time which is shown in the song's progression  

 N.I.B. - N.I.B. starts with an awesome bass solo (named bassically) which fades out for the main riff and vocal delivery to be blasted up. The title was debated to mean Nativity In Black but was dismissed later to have been a reference to Bill Ward's beard. N.I.B. stands at 6:08 but still manages to add a lot of progression in the shape of solos and bridges.   

 Evil Woman - Evil Woman is the first track taken from the then B-side of the record. Evil Woman is a cover of a track by the same name by a hard rock band named Crow. Evil Woman takes a step back from the metal sound and has a more hard rock sound instead.

 Sleeping Village - Sleeping Village starts with a guitar scale with an almost didgeridoo sound in the background. Sleeping Village sees a return of the style used in the title track with a slow pacing. At the one minute mark the song changes direct to a more upbeat and rocky pacing and tone which lasts the rest of the track.

 To summarise, Black Sabbath definitely sounds like it was recorded forty-four years ago and has some dated features and editing mishaps but together they add to the personality of the album. Black Sabbath holds its own in places but some tracks have decayed with time and just don't hold the attention they used to. As a band, Black Sabbath are still going in their old age with a headline slot at Hyde Park this year supported by younger bands that were no doubt inspired by Black Sabbath. Although aged in places, Black Sabbath's debut and maybe more so their second album has cemented their place in the metal hall of fame.

 [Side note - Apologies for the delay of this post, my ISP is being unreliable at the moment but watch this space for another post today]

Band Review (Flaw)

Flaw

Flaw (From L to R) Lance Arny, Jason Daunt, Chris Ballinger, Chris Volz, Ryan Juhrs 

 Flaw are a hard rock/nu metal five piece from Kentucky. Flaw have been making music on and off since 1995 and have recently reformed with the original line up. Flaw manage to blend the nu metal style with hard and truthful messages.

 Flaw's vocals are from Chris Volz alongside the guitars from Jason Daunt and Lance Arny backed by bass player Ryan Juhrs and last but by no means least Chris Ballinger on drums.

 Each member has been making music for close twenty years through various side projects. Since Flaw's formation in '95, they have released 5 albums and an EP. Up until 2000, Flaw were unsigned but still managed to release two albums. After this, Flaw were signed by Universal Records through which they released a further two albums. In 2004, Flaw were dropped from their label and subsequently disbanded. In 2006, Flaw met again and made plans for a new album which surfaced in 2009 in the form of the independently released Homegrown Studio Sessions; this is the latest release from the outfit.

 Flaw have a few tour dates planned for the upcoming month in Kentucky and are campaigning on indiegogo for another tour which you can check out here and show your support.

 Flaw can be found around and internet but here are some links that you need. Facebook is here, Twitter is here and an official website here. 

 To round off, here is a blast from the past with the music video for Flaw's single Whole from the awesome album that is Through the Eyes which I suggest you check out this second (video linked here for mobile users)

 

Album Review (Sunset on the Golden Age - Alestorm)

Album Review (Sunset on the Golden Age - Alestorm)

 Sunset in the Golden Age is the long awaited fourth studio album from Scottish "pirate metal" band Alestorm. Formerly known as Battleheart, Alestorm have been exploring their own brand of metal since 2004. We at DotDownTheFront released a Band Review for Alestorm back in July so check that out here for more info. Sunset on the Golden Age was released through Napalm Records on the first of August.

Notable Tracks 

 Walk the Plank - Walk the Plank opens the record with the recognisable sound of Alestorm, noble trumpets and awesome guitars. Walk the Plank see Bowes mix clean vocals with growls similar to those featured on previous track Death Throes of the Terror Squid. Alongside this, Walk the Plank also feature more 8 bit backing which has been visually prominent in stage shows but not so much in the music. A positive evolution. 

 Drink - Drink is the first single released from the album and immediately after Walk the Plank. Drink starts with a surprisingly heavy riff but soon descends into the style Alestorm are known for, catchy lyrics and funky riffs. I can see this track becoming a fan favourite fast because of it's lyrics and fast changes from fun to heavy.

 1741 (The Battle of Cartagena) - 1741 opens up with an 8-bit intro that really adds to the personality of the whole album. 1741 stands at 7:18 (only the second longest track on the album) so has plenty of time for long epic solos which add some nostalgia to the album. The song is based on the story of the battle of Catagena where an outnumbered Spain defended modern day Colombia from the British Navy.

 Hangover - Hangover is a metal cover of 2012's song by RnB singer Taio Cruz and the second single from the album. Although from a different genre, Hangover's theme fits in well on the album. Alestorm manage to add some noble tunes in the back adding their on stamp on the song. I can see this also becoming a live favourite which may look weird to a veteran RnB fan.

 Sunset on the Golden Age - Sunset on the Golden Age is the final track on the record and stands at an epic 11:26. SOTGA makes way for plenty of adventure suitable riffs and chants. As the title track, SOTGA sums up the message of the album and makes for a good close to an epic album.

 To conclude, Sunset on the Golden Age is a great album and has very little flaws, a definite pick up for anyone that is curious about the band. I feel that Alestorm have limited themselves on the title of the album but i felt the same about Back Through Time. The increased use of 8-bit style sounds are a welcome addition and add to the bands evolution and overall persona. Alestorm have announced that they will be touring in October to watch this space for a live review

 To wrap up, here is Alestorm's music video for their single Drink (linked here for mobile users) 

Classic Album Retrospect (System of a Down - System of a Down)

System of a Down - System of a Down

 System of a Down is the self titled debut of the Armenian American rock band of the same name. The album was released in the June of 1998. The album received rave reviews but the album only peaked a 124th on the Billboard 200 the two singles released, Sugar and Spiders, peaked at 28th and 25th respectively. The most grabbing feature (sorry not sorry) of the album is its artwork, featuring no text on the front side, was a move that seems to have paid off. The hand was based on a communist propaganda poster from the 40s. System of a Down was released through American records.  

Notable Tracks

 Suite-Pee - Suite-Pee is the first track from the record and sets the tone for the rest of it; fast, heavy, experimental and aware. Starting with a simple and slightly comical scaled introduction, Suite-Pee soon evolves into something a lot more serious and deep. Tankian's vocals vary a lot on this track adding to progress and refreshment

 Sugar - Sugar is the first single from the album and with good reason. Sugar opens strong with a heavy but refers back to a lighter tone between choruses. With a catchy beat, Sugar is hard not to bang to. The track also features an awesome breakdown towards the end of the song which adds to the personality of the track.

 Spiders - Spiders is the second single to be taken from the album is quite different from the first. Spiders is a more somber track compared to the energy of Sugar. The whole feel of Spiders (including the video) is very similar to that of American psychedelic rock band Tool. The song's meaning is debated but has leaning towards media censorship (the single's cover featured a microchip)   

 Peephole - Peephole sees a return to the comical, bouncy sound that has become SOAD's signature style. Peephole has a eerie circus-esque backing with the repeated lyric "Don't ever get stuck in the sky, when you're high". Towards the end of the track you can hear a rare solo that adds to the attitude of the track. The songs meaning lies in the real consequences of the uses of marijuana.   

 P.L.U.C.K. - P.L.U.C.K. (or Politically Lying Unholy Cowardly Killers) is the final track from SOAD's debut and ends the record in a frank and unforgiving manner. P.L.U.C.K.'s instrumentals stop and start making good use of silences. The track also features backing vocals from guitarist Daron Malakian (now lead singer of Scars on Broadway). P.L.U.C.K is on the Armenian genocide of 1915.

 To summarise, System of a Down without a doubt still holds up. System of a Down (although not releasing material since 2005) are still relevant today. System of a Down have paved the way for musicians with strong messages to add their touch to music without the music suffering. System of a Down is always referenced second after SOAD's second release, Toxicity; despite this, System of a down still holds it own in message and prowess. Most agree with this with the fact that System of a Down is platinum certified in the US and Brazil.

 To finish, here is the music video Sugar. Before the song starts a freaky, schizophrenic news report from Eric Alost (definitely not America Lost) (video linked here for mobile users)