Saints Will Conquer

I have the thing where I tend to cross reference another band in a post then a few posts later profile that particular band or artists. Sometimes by choice, other times by accident. This is one of those posts. Few posts back I profiled Anthrax. In that post I made reference to Armored Saint. For what they are, Armored Saint seem to be a forgotten band of the 80's Metal scene. So let's take a trip back and revisit their Live record, 'Saints Will Conquer'

Somewhere in my collection I have a copy of the record on vinyl. It's unopened and I may have paid like $2 back when I was slumming around Phoenix. In fact the CD version is actually different from the vinyl, but more on that in a sec. Armored Saint to most people are know for having former Anthrax vocalist John Bush in their ranks. Others may know the tale of how John Bush almost became the singer for Metallica around the time of 'Ride The Lightning'.  But most die hard Metal heads know that Armored Saint were a pretty well known band with lots of radio and MTV airplay in their hey day. However for as a well known band in their initial ten years together, they only released an EP, four studio albums and a Live Record. The band dissolved after Bush was asked to join Anthrax in the early 90's as well as the untimely passing of Guitarist Dave Prichard from Leukemia. However in '88 the band did release a short little Live album called 'Saints Will Conquer'. The original vinyl release only 5 live tracks and a cut from their original EP. The CD version actually added two more songs in "Chemical Euphoria" and "Long Before I Die". As far as I know it's far from a full set. The band at that time had been riding high for some time. The album was recorded at the Agora Ballroom in Cleveland OH on October 9, 1987. Short in nature it serves as a reminder of what a great band Armored Saint was at the time.

Like many of the great 80's metal bands, Armored Saint did make a comeback. Releasing 'Revelation' in 2000, the band was poised for a comeback of sorts. However Bush continue to sing for Anthrax on and off again and Bassist Joey Vera has been busy with his other band Fates Warning. The band has more recently released an album. 'La Raza' was released in 2010 with some splash but again the band seems to be on a get together when we feel like it mentality of late. There is talks of a new record in the near future. Armored Saint to me still sounds fresh as they did when they first unleashed 'March Of The Saint' on us some nearly 30 years ago.

 

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Burning Japan

There's something about Japan. From the amazing food, to the technology, to the sheer weird stuff and even to the Godzilla sightings. However all kidding aside there's one thing that Japan takes seriously and that is Live Music. This post is one of the many with the show being recorded in Japan. And what better way to start off then with a Japanese only release. Sweden's Arch Enemy have been flying the flag for Swedish Metal for the past two decades now. Initially a side project when Guitarist Michael Amott left Grindcore Gods Carcass, the band has continued to solider one, proving you don't always need a male vocalist to get your attention.

By 1999 Arch Enemy had three albums under their belt and went from being big in Japan to catching ears in Europe and the US. Led by the Amott brothers, the band released their first record 'Black Earth' in 96 and by 99 begin to pick up some steam carrying on what is commonly referred to as "The Gothenburg Sound". Not forgetting where they had a cult following, the band returned to Japan in 99 to promote their new record 'Burning Bridges' and to records a Live record. The Live record would turn out to be, 'Burning Japan, Live 1999' and be only released in Japan under the Toy's Factory label. The album is somewhat of a hard to find release stateside as it was never officially released here by the bands label, Century Media. The album is 11 tracks of pure metal. While the sound is a bit low, you could still see a band beginning to grow. The album also marks the final release with vocalist Johan Liiva.

Arch Enemy then proceeded to do a 180 if you will. The band released early demos of some new material featuring the new vocalist. The majority of people assumed the new vocalist was a guy, just from the sheer brutality of it all. Alas is turned out to be a woman. Angela Gossow would continue to front the band for the next dozen years. Angela stepped down in 2014 only to be replaced by another female, ex The Agonist singer Alissa White-Gluz. The band continues to make some pretty decent albums. Their latest effort 'War Eternal' shows a return to some older material.

I had the chance to see Arch Enemy on what was prolly their second US tour with Angela. The band was promoting at the time their new release 'Anthems Of Rebellion'. And I have to say even with Hate Eternal on the bill, that was seriously an extreme show. I was up front in a pretty well packed Troubadour club in Los Angeles, staring up at Christopher Amott all night. Bewildered to see some amazing guitar playing to say the least, but watching how tight the band sounded. One of the best metal gigs I've been to. And say what ya will about the band today, the 'Burning Bridges' album remains my favorite release from the band.

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Alive 2

For a band that's been around thirty plus years now, picking out a Live album shouldn't be too hard. Well in the case of Anthrax it's really not. The band to date has 5 of em under their belts. And why not Anthrax is a band that demands to been Live. Despite the numerous lineup changes and an almost questionable name change, the band has been part of the Big 4 for the past three decades, helping fly the flag of Thrash Metal. So for the selection I've decided to go with the 2005 'Reunion' show 'Alive 2 - The Music'.

Every since 1993 fans of the band wanted a return of vocalist Joey Belladonna. Former Armored Saint vocalist John Bush stepped in and made some outstanding records til 2003. By 03 Anthrax made a comeback record if you will in 'We've Come For You All', signaling what was sure to be a return to the glory days. Of course given the Anthrax history it was too good to be true. Bush was once again dabbling around with Armored Saint, bassist Frank Bello would go on to play with Alt-Rockers Helmet and the rest of the band kinda wondered if this was the end. However the Metal Gods intervened and delivered a Thrash Metal comeback in the form of bringing back vocalist Joey Belladonna and Guitarist Dan Spitz. The reunion was seen as a blessing by most. But in some ways it was short lived. The band parted ways once again with Belladonna shortly after the reunion and Spitz decided to call it a day. Everyone thought, great Bush is back in the band. In true Anthrax fashion the next few years were questionable at best with an unknown new vocalist in Dan Nelson. Things of course fell apart and once again paved the way for another Belladonna reunion. As again in true fashion the band hasn't been without some lineup changes over the past few years. But lets take a trip back to the first reunion.

It seemed like a great idea to bring back the classic 'Among The Living' lineup. Why not? Anthrax had gained some steam with their comeback record. 'Alive 2 - The Music' was released in 05 as a separate CD/DVD release. The band was riding high and this album captures that high. Classics pretty much fill this Live record, each song a fan favorite, there's no lull here, just straight forward in your face thrash from a classic lineup. The album was captured Live on June 3, 2005 at the legendary Starland Ballroom in Sayerville NJ. So move the furniture, crack a couple of cold ones and turn this one to 11.

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Unplugged

Continuing with the theme of Live records, MTV Unplugged was a groundbreaking idea at the time. Take bands and strip them down in an acoustic setting and see what happens. Lot of good stuff happened. Lot of iconic moments happened. This is one of those iconic moments, this is Alice in Chains 'Unplugged'.

Alice In Chains were at the forefront of the Grunge movement in the early 90's. Hailing from Seattle like so many of the other Grunge giants of the time. The band rode high along with the other Grunge bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Pearl Jam and many more. The band had quickly gained attention with their first record, 'Facelift'. Songs like 'Man In The Box' and 'Bleed The Freak' quickly gained radio attention and MTV airplay. By the time '92 came and grunge exploded AIC was ready with the critically acclaimed 'Dirt' record. The song 'Rooster' shot the band to the front of the grunge movement. But as the times changed and Grunge began to die off so did the band. Plagued by the heroin addiction of frontman Layne Staley, the band quickly began to fall apart. Releasing only an EP and a Self Titled record over the next four years, people began to wonder if the band would ever keep going. By '96 the majority of fans wondered how long Staley would hang on. Reports of overdoses and the like began to circulate. But just before the final nail went it, we got an amazing Live record.

'Unplugged' would prove to be the bands Swans Song for a period. The band had been off the road for some time and fans wondered of this was the end of AIC. But somehow the band got an Unplugged gig for MTV. The band fronted by a clearly frail and weak Staley, proved there was something left in the tanks still. Powering through the bands classic Grunge hits, each sounded more eerie and better than the original at times. 13 tracks of pure Grunge goodness. 'Unplugged' proved to be the final nail in the AIC coffin. Staley would go on to briefly appear in the Supergroup, Mad Season. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell went on to work on solo material which featured current Metallica Bassist Robert Trujillo. Sadly another Live record and a Box Set went on to be the last releases before the untimely death of Layne Staley due to a heroin overdose in 2002.

1999 was the last year in which any original AIC material was released. It would be ten years later before the band would reform with a new front man and release their comeback 'Black Gives Way To Blue' in 2009. While the band continues to record and tour with the new lineup, most of us are left to wonder what would have become of the band had Staley stayed clean. While we will never know, we are left with some classic albums and classic Live record.

 

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How Does It Feel To Be Live...

Decided to resurrect this neglected piece of the Internet with some fresh albums once again. I've decided once again to move forward with a new theme. Of late I've tried to get back in the habit of seeing Live music when I can. And in this current time of unrest, what better release then Live music to lighten the mood and improve times. I recently left my job working in an entertainment venue to pursue something a bit more full time. I'm saddened by that fact because I don't get to go to work and see some great shows. However branching out again, I recently saw Agalloch make their live debut here in STL. Amazing show. 2 hrs of unequaled musicianship. Couldn't ask for much more. On the horizon this week it's some Nerdcore with MC Frontalot and Dr. Awkward. As the year moves on, looking forward to King Diamond after almost a decade away. Live shows are nothing short of a natural high. Being there with your fellow music nerds, embracing this momentous occasion.Headbanging, screaming along to the words, leaving everything you have there. That's what Live music is about. So I've rummaged though my collection of stuff and pulled out some choice Live records. Some you may be familiar with, others maybe not so much. Each have their own unique quality about them. So lets crank it to 11.

Up first is a band I'm sure I've posted about before. At the least I know the lead singer has been mentioned in a fair amount of posts. I'm talking about of course, Agua De Annique. Or more commonly referred to as, oh yeah the band that Anneke formed after she left The Gathering. Anneke van Giersbergen of course was the voice of The Gathering for many years. Many fell in love with her voice and the band. Of late she's collaborated with a wide variety of musicians, most notably Danny Cavanagh of Anathema and Devin Townsend of SYL and DTP fame. After splitting from The Gathering, Anneke formed her own band called Agua De Annique.  She was quick to release a few albums which while still had some Gathering like tracks, were a bit more uptempo and dare I say a bit Radio friendly.

The band gained some attention in Europe, not a whole lot of attention was paid sadly Stateside. The band having toured a bit through Europe decided to release 'Live In Europe', a collection of material recorded Live throughout a trek through Europe. Released in 2010, this record was pretty much only available as an import stateside. The album is 12 Live cuts, rounded out with a wonderful rendition of the classic Gathering track, "Shrink".

This is a good album to start with for someone new to the Metal genre. While I wouldn't really classify anything The Gathering did as Metal, well save for the first two LPs, which were a Doom/Death mix. This has more an an 'lite metal' feel to it. Great female fronted band with an amazing voice. And more importantly a great Live album to put on when you need to relax.

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Free From Funkafide Filth

It's been quite some time since I've posted anything here. Not sure why, but I'm sure I have some reasons. Anyways I'm going to put up up some Classic Rock for you tonight. Some Live stuff even from one of the Guitar Gods of our lifetime. Carlos Santana, so cool the man only really needs to go by his last name. Santana for the better part of the last 40 years has been turning out some great tunes. From the earlier whacked out stuff to the more modern overplayed Top 40 stuff, he continues to tour and bring his Guitar skills and unique philosophy to crowds. With that being said I could have went with the classic debut record, but I decided to go with something maybe people aren't away was even released. So here it is Carlos Santana and Buddy Miles, "Live!". Oh yeah did I mention the legendary Buddy Miles is also included.

This album was recorded on January 1, 1972, at the Sunshine '72 Festival, inside Diamond Head, Honolulu Hawaii. Ahh the 70's, where there were so many festivals. The Sunshine Festival, also known as Diamond Head Crater Festival ran from 1970-1978. The festival by the end of the decade got too commercial and was in essence shut down by the state. Plans to revive the festival in 2006 fell through. 'Live!' is simply that, a Live record featuring two great performers together. The record clock in a 46 minutes, with the B side being a 25 minute long jam. There are really only 2 singles here that are showcased, "Evil Ways" and "Them Changes", the rest of the record is pretty much a jam.

I got a chance to see Santana last year at my job. Yes I do work in an entertainment venue and I do get to see some pretty good stuff on occasion. It's one of the perks. Of course some of my co workers really didn't have a clue on who Santana was. Recalling the famous Woodstock performance of "Soul Sacrifice" only seemed fitting to describe Santana. For those unfamiliar with the story, during the bands Woodstock performance Carlos was a little out of it, so out of it he swore his guitar he was playing was a giant snake trying to kill him. The rest of the band was about on the same level. Seriously look it up on YouTube, it's a hell of a performance, one of the many that defined Woodstock. I was introduced to Santana at a pretty young age. Growing up and hearing the classics from the band and having a few albums that got played loudly on occasion. I didn't know to much about Buddy Miles until I got into Hendrix and the history of his lineups. Over the years I've grown to appreciate both musicians and their contributions to music.

This LP has maybe been played a handful of times since I came into it. Not sure how I acquired this album really, glad I did though. The rip is split into Side A and Side B. It's a clean record, so real skips or what not. Released on Columbia records in June of 72.

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Faustian Echoes

New year and the blog rolls along with some Agalloch. This is somewhat of a different release. 'Faustian Echoes' is an EP. More specifically it's a 21 minute two part song. Originally released in 2012 as a digital download to coincide with their North American tour, the CD and LP were only available at shows initially.  The track is the longest in Agalloch's catalog. The song is based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play "Faust". For those unfamiliar with the subject matter, "Faust" is a two part tragic play. Gotta think sometimes to listen to Metal. In typical Agalloch fashion the song itself is crafted around the English translation of the play and features film samples to supplement the track. The film samples are from 94's "Faust" by Jan Svankmajer.

Agalloch for me is one of the bands that I find fascinating. Each EP and album seem to progress the band into something greater. This EP is a prime example that Metal can be smart and not be stereotyped into the ground. The band has also seem to release things in a limited amount.This EP is no different. Limited to 2,500 copies. The EP is brilliantly done with the B side an etching. The etching is Delacroix's "Mephistopheles flying over Wittenberg". The CD cover is a bit different from the LP cover. The CD cover is Faust Lisant (Faust Reading) by Salvador Dali.

A little about the EP. Recorded live to a 2-inch tape at Jackpot Studios in Portland Oregon in March 2012. The LP was released on the bands own label, Dammerung Arts (KH007). This is the first time this EP was played and most likely the last.

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