Thursday, January 31, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
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.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
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.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
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.
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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