Identity

For years Century Media would release a collection of artists in a series they dubbed 'Identity'. These came out ever year or so and featured a who's who of artists and bands that were currently signed to the label. Fans could pick up the album for under $5 and it was never short of good music. Some years back the series was discontinued, I think 'Vol. 8' was the last one in the series. Nevertheless I dug out 'Vol. 2' for your listening pleasure. This features some of the older acts on the label. Some bands like Only Living Witness, Stuck Mojo, Trouble, Chum, The Gathering, Punky Brusster (Devin Townsend's short lived joke Punk side project), Eyehategod, 454 Big Block and Emperor. 18 tracks in all here that harken back to the early days of a great label.

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God Of War

Time for some Video Game related release. God Of War is a popular video game on the Playstation network, so it makes perfect sense to release a Metal EP in conjunction with their God Of War 3 release right? Released in 2010 it's an EP of RoadRunner artists including Killswitch Engage, Dream Theater, and Opeth. While nothing special 'God Of War: Blood & Metal' does feature some tracks not featured anywhere else. Nothing special really here, worth a listen if ya wanna hear some one off tracks.

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Gigantour

Far behind on the postings so here's some to keep ya held over. First up is the Dave Mustaine created festival Gigantour. Founded in 2005, the touring festival has toured sporadically through the US and overseas. The festival features bands hand picked by Mustaine that showcase guitar playing as well as high energy performances. Over the years the lineup has included bands like Megadeth, Dream Theater, Overkill, Opeth, Into Eternity, Arch Enemy, Fear Factory, Life of Agony, Nevermore, Motorhead and Lacuna Coil. There have been releases of the first two Gigantour tours on CD/DVD. I decided to go with the Vol. 2 here which features, The SmashUp, Sanctity, Into Eternity, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Overkill, Lamb Of God and Megadeth. Solid mix of songs from all the bands here. Worth a listen for some live cuts that weren't released anywhere else.

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The Concert For George

Continuing on with another benefit show. This time around it's 'The Concert For George'. This show was held on the anniversary of George Harrison's death. Organized by George's wife Olivia and son Dhani, under the musical direction of Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne. The concert took place at Royal Albert Hall on November 29, 2002, with proceeds of the show going to the Material World Charitable Foundation. The album was split into two parts. The first part containing more of an Indian music flair with Ravi Shankar's daughter Anoushka playing a few numbers. After a interlude, the band kicks into high gear playing some of George's hits. The band included the likes of, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Dhani Harrison, Albert Lee, Joe Brown, Jools Holland and Jim Capaldi.Again one of the better live shows that you will ever hear, this is simply a must listen to.

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The Concert For Bangladesh

Starting off the week with a bit of Beatles like benefit concerts. First up this week is the legendary 1971 concert 'The Concert For Bangladesh'. Organized by former Beatle George Harrison and Sitar master Ravi Shankar, the concert was staged in order to promote the war ravaged and poverty stricken county of Bangladesh. Recorded live at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971, the concert featured in addition to Harrison and Shankar, Leon Russell, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. The album features both Harrison's solo works and some Beatles songs. Rumors swirled that the concert would feature a Beatles reunion, but neither Lennon or McCartney were on board with the idea. The album was produced by Phil Spector and was originally released as a triple LP, the album got the remastered treatment in 2005 and included two bonus tracks. Proceeds of the album continue to go to the George Harrison for UNICEF fund. A landmark in benefit concerts as well as live albums, this is truly a must listen.

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Curse Of The Demon

Next up is the Dwell tribute to Mercyful Fate. 'Curse Of The Demon: A Tribute To Mercyful Fate' was released in 2000 and feature some more well known bands covering Mercyful Fate. Once again like the tribute to King Diamond, there are some odd choices for songs to cover, i.e. 'At The Sound Of The Demon Bell' and 'Torture (1629)'. This one spans covers from the 'Nuns Have No Fun' EP up to 'Dead Again'. Bands on this one include, Soilwork, Vital Remains, Memory Garden, Acheron, Morta Skuld, and Dan Swano. Musically this is a little better. There is a Mercyful Fate connection here with the band Hemsifear, as current Mercyful Fate guitarist Mike Wead plays guitar in the band. Overall again, nothing great, but worth a listen for the dedicated fans.

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Church Of The Devil

Finishing off this week of various albums with a double shot of tribute albums from the label Dwell. Dwell was a label that really specialized in metal tribute records featuring up and coming or unknown bands. At one point they did have a small roster that included Soilent Green. However we will focus on the King Diamond tribute first. 'Church Of The Devil: A Tribute To King Diamond' was released back in 2000 and features a few bands that you may have heard of. The album features songs from 'Fatal Portrait' up until 'The Graveyard'. There are some odd choices for songs to cover here, i.e. 'The Poltergeist' and 'The Wedding Dream'. The bands feature on here are for the most part unknown and now split up. Perhaps the most known bands are here are Ion Vein, Prototype, Estuary, and Black Witchery. The covers in general are a bit rough in spot, some are a bit better than others. It is rather hard to cover the King after all. Not one of the better tributes, but still worth a listen.

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Century Media Covers

Continuing on with the Century Media label in today's post, we jump ahead to something the label put out to celebrate their 20th year anniversary. 'Century Media - Covering Twenty Years Of Extremes' is an interesting double album. It's all Century Media bands covering songs from current and past Century Media artists. This is really a unique idea for a compilation album. You have a lot of great bands on here paying some respect to some really great bands. Few examples include, Arch Enemy covering Dream Evil and vice versa. Dark Tranquillity covering Sentenced. The Agonist covering Dark Tranquillity. In This Moment covering Lacuna Coil. Cryptopsy covering Strapping Young Lad. Firewind covering Nevermore and the list goes on. As with most cover albums, some are good, some not so much. Good stuff overall and worth checking out.

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Century Media

There are a few decent Metal labels still around today that really stand behind and promote their artists. Century Media is one of those labels. In fact they've been doing it for over Twenty years now. The label always puts out samplers and the likes to promote their artists. I have a number of these, but I decided to go with the bonus disc from the 'Tenth Anniversary' box set. Originally the box set was a 3 CD set that covered some of the past and present bands signed to the label. Released in 2001, the box set was a limited release and is somewhat of a rare find nowadays. The last CD in the set was a collection of rare B-sides and Live tracks. At the time of release unless you were a collector most of these tracks were pretty hard to find. However in the modern digital age where the majority of classic albums are getting the deluxe treatment, most of these are probably not so rare anymore. In any case featured here are B-Sides and Live cuts from the likes of, Grave, Samael, Unleashed, Nevermore, Moonspell, The Gathering, Sentenced, Tiamat, Arch Enemy, and Dark Tranquillity. This is a solid collection of tunes, and worth a listen if you dig the B-Sides like I do.

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ATHF

As I near the end of this A-Z voyage of albums, I decided to take a step into the Various Artists territory.  Over the years I've racked up compilation albums, cover albums and samplers. So I've decided to post a few weeks worth of the hodgepodge I've gathered over the years. Some interesting, some just goofy, some stuff you mind enjoy. So lets kick this off with a soundtrack with some metal flare. Those of you who know me, know I'm a cartoon junkie, I love cartoons, plain and simple. Adult Swim has been a part of my late night viewing habits since their inception. One of those viewing pleasures is Aqua Teen Hunger Force. A show that over the years has featured the voice talents of Danzig, Zakk Wylde, and Neil Peart. For those of you unaware of the show, shame on you. It revolves around a group of food items that are detectives. The show really makes no sense in all honesty. In any case a few years back a movie was released in theaters, the aptly names 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters'. The soundtrack was a collection of skits and songs relating to the movie. Featuring the likes of Mastodon, Unearth, MC Chris, Schooly D, Andrew WK, and The Hold Steady. The 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters Colon The Soundtrack' is an odd mix of genres and laughs perfect for the fans of this show. And besides the Mastodon track on here kills.

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Voivod

And closing out the V bands with some unique Canadian Prog/Thrash. I of course speak of Voivod. Formed in 81, Voivod has continued to bring their unique sound to the masses. Formed by Piggy and Blacky, the band recruited drummer/band artist Away and added Snake on vocals. Originally playing a thrash metal sound the band started out playing covers by Judas Priest and Mercyful Fate while mixing in their original tracks. Metal Blade Records noticed the band and was featured on the 'Metal Massacre V' compilation. by 84 the band recorded their debut 'War & Pain' and by the mid 80's the band had released some of the era's best metal albums with the likes of 'Nothingface' and 'Dimension Hatröss'. The 90's ushered in lineup changes and by the end of the decade it was unsure if the band would continue. But in 03 Snake rejoined the band with now former Metallica bassist Jason Newstead and the band carried on. However it was soon revealed that guitarist Piggy was suffering from colon cancer. Sadly Piggy passed in 05, leaving a huge gap in the band during a time a new album was being recorded. The band carried on and with a new lineup continue to release new edgy albums. Going old school with the selection here and choosing 'War & Pain' to showcase the band.

Voivod is and continues to be an interesting band. Mixing thrash with Prog rock to create this bizarre beast of a sound. A highly talented group of musicians, the band really only achieved some mainstream success with their cover of Pink Floyd's 'Astronomy Domine' off the 'Nothingface' album. More of an underground cult act, drummer Away has created the album covers for the band since day one, also contributing artwork to Dave Grohl's Probot project. Voivod is a great band to throw on when ya wanna thrash but you wanna be blown away by the complexity of things.

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Veruca Salt

Time to go back to the glory years of the 90's with some good ol alt girl rock. Veruca Salt made a splash in the 90's alt scene by having two solid records, catchy singles and two hot females playing guitar and singing. It was every teenage boys dream. Formed in 93 by Nina Gordon and Louise Post, the band quickly gained attention in 94 with the release of the song 'Seether' from their 'American Thighs' album.Catchy and good, the band found itself opening up for the like of bands like Hole. By 97 the band was riding high offtheir second album 'Eight Arms To Hold You With', but turmoil soon reared its head and by 98 Nina Gordon had left the band in an ugly spat. The band continued on, but never regained the same level of success. A few more albums have been released, but the band is currently on an indefinite hiatus. But for old times sake lets revisit the debut 'American Thighs'

I seem to forgot about this band until I hear either 'Seether' or 'Volcano Girls' then I go back and dust off the albums and remember the glory days of alt girl bands. Seems like there was a rash of really good alt girl bands that came out round this time. Bands like Hole, L7, Babes In Toyland, Seven Year Bitch and many more. Makes me miss the ol grunge/alt rock days, you know when rock was dirty and raw and not some overproduced hunk of crap. Hard to believe that was nearly twenty years ago. Seems like yesterday I was a grungy teen.

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SRV

Mid week and it's time to go with some blues and with a guitar legend taken away from us way to early. Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the premier blues guitarist in the 80's and is credited with bringing the Blues to a whole new generation. In 82 SRV played the Montreux Jazz Festival and was nearly booed of the stage, but not before catching the eyes of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. Browne later offered up free use of his personal studio to record an album. In 83 SRV along with his band Double Trouble released 'Texas Flood'.  After a successful tour, the band released several more critical acclaimed albums. In 89 SRV checked into rehab for an ongoing coke addiction. Clean again he recorded an album with his brother Jimmie before tragedy struck. On August 27th 1990 a day after playing a Blues festival with the likes of Clapton, Cray, and Buddy Guy, SRV boarded a helicopter bound for Chicago. Shortly after takeoff the helicopter crashed killing SRV. Despite his untimely death SRV influenced a new generation of blues guitarists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd. John Mayer, and Johnny Lang. 'Texas Flood' remains one of the best blues rock albums ever. It's fitting that this deluxe edition should be shared.

SRV was truly one in a million. There was and will never be another one like him. His music, even at his worst was so full of passion and soul it's hard not to get lost in the moment. The way he put everything into his music was just something you didn't see a lot of people doing in the 80's or even today. Blues guitarist may not be all the rage or even be somewhat mainstream, but they all have the heart and soul in the music that makes them worth listening to.

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Van Halen

Time to go for some classic rock and perhaps a band I struggled on featuring here. Everyone has their take on Van Halen. Whether you side with Roth or Hagar or if you think the bros while talented are complete idiots who can never keep a good thing going. The Van Halen brothers came from the Netherlands and formed their band in 72 and by 78 rounded out the lineup with bassist Michael Anthony and wild frontman David Lee Roth. The bands self titled debut was quickly a hit and the band was well on their way. By 1985 the band was tired of the antics of DLR and decided to split with him and recruit Montrose frontman Sammy Hagar. The band once again released several studio albums much to the chagrin of fans. But by 96 tensions again rose within the band and Hagar left. Roth briefly rejoined in 96, most remember that short lived reunion. Lead singer number three in Gary Cherone of Extreme last a mere three years. From there things get crazy again, reunions both with Roth and Hagar happened and longtime Bassist Michael Anthony departed only to be replaced by Eddie Van Halen's kid Wolfgang. Last year did see the long awaited new album being released. It's hard to pick a Van Halen album, so I went with 'The Best Of Van Halen, Vol. 1'. This album was released after Hagar left and DLR stepped in to record two new songs. This is a good mix of Van Roth and Van Hagar material that is sure to please all fans.

Van Halen undoubtedly has played a major role in every guitarists life. Eddie Van Halen is one of the best guitarists ever, hands down, the stuff he has come up with over the years continues to amaze today. Of course there will be the never ending debate of who fronted the band better. And that really overshadows the greatness of the band. Personally I like both eras, each seems to have its own magic and charm. Sadly the band over the years has become somewhat of an ongoing soap opera. I'm hoping for one more good album and the band can ride out on a high note.

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Van Canto

New year and time to get the ol blog back on track. So we will dive into a weeks worth of V bands. First up this week is something a little different in the metal genre. Van Canto are an a capella metal group. Loosely put it's five singers and a drummer. Aside from the drums, no instruments are used. Instead a "rakkatakka" style is used to sound like instruments. This is far from a traditional metal band in every sense of the word. Hailing from Germany, Van Canto have been around since 06 unleashing their unique sound on the world. Four albums in there doesn't seem to be an urge to slow down. Some of their work is covers of songs by the likes of Metallica, Nightwish, Manowar, Deep Purple and Grave Digger, the band does have their own material. I've decided to go with the their third album 'Tribe Of Force'. This album does feature a unique take on the classic Metallica track 'Master Of Puppets' as well as Grave Digger's 'Rebellion'. The album does feature quite a bit of original material and showcases what this band can really do. Worth a listen for the curious and the true metal fans.

I got into Van Canto some years back via their cover of Metallica's 'Battery'. It was more of a gimmick I think at the time, but I dug into their catalog and found their take on tracks to be rather unique. The rakkatakka style just kinda grows on your after a bit.  Since then I've picked up their albums and are always fascinated with their videos. This is just a really unique take on the Metal genre and it pays off really well.

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Usurper

Closing out the U bands with some Usurper. Hailing from Chicago, Usurper flew under the metal radar but did have a cult following. Their first two releases are considered underground favorites. However I'm going to go with their third LP 'Necronemesis'. Released on the now defunct Necropolis label, the album is a mix of American black and thrash metal, tinged with a bit of sludge. The album also features guest vocals from none other than King Diamond on the title track. The band kinda faded into the underground after this release, only managing to release another two album before calling it a day in 07. While maybe not on par with the earlier albums 'Necronemesis' is still a solid record worth listening to.

I got into this band via a story that revolved around King Diamond. 'Necronemesis' came out in 2000, the same time as King Diamond's 'House Of God'. As luck with have it both bands were booked in the same studio at the time. King needed a bit more time to finish up the record and in exchange he agreed to do a guest vocal spot on Usurper's record. In the end it worked out. King hasn't done too many guest vocal spots, so that alone was enough to get me to listen to the band. Sometimes you find bands in the most bizarre ways.

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Unexpect

Continuing on with the weird stuff, it's time for some Unexpect. Hailing from Montreal Canada, this band is one of the more bizarre ones you will find. Featuring six members currently, two of which are vocalists, adding the male/female touch here. The band has been around since 96, but has only released three albums to date. Decided to go with their 06 debut for The End Records, 'In A Flesh Aquarium' is a mix of Avant-Garde and Prog Metal with a dash of what the hell. There's really not a whole lot of ways to descibe this band except for you just to listen to them.

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Ulver Pt. 2

When I left I had posted some older Ulver. Gonna bookend it with their latest LP which shows the evolution of this band. 'Childhoods End' is a covers record. The difference here is it's a album full of old 60's psychedelic songs. Bands covered here include the like of, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, 13th Floor Elevators, and The Beau Brummels. Essentially frontman Garm wanted to make an album full of songs he enjoyed in his youth. This obviously is a far cry from the bands earlier work or even their last record. Ulver continues to evolve with each release and while some may not like it, I enjoy the evolution and not knowing what the next album will bring.

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