http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:52:16 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28909/interview-with-ben-from-raven-records http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28909 ]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:49:29 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28889/interview-with-metalina-from-world-metal-congress http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28889 ]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:53:55 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28878/interview-with-heathen-deity http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28878 ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:51:45 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28832/interview-with-amadeus-from-eihort http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28832 ]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:22:02 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28806/interview-with-nyctopia http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28806 ]]> Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:02:53 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28784/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-ben-from-impurist http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28784 ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:03:25 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28729/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-void http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28729 ]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:33:30 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28685/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-charles-lord-from-lost-human http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28685 ]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 04:01:09 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28543/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-adz-from-dethonator-part-1 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/28543
]]> Sun, 25 Jan 2026 06:36:47 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/26813/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-pete-twister-from-maxdmyz http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/26813
]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:43:22 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/26772/halberd-second-interview http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/26772
]]> Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:32:59 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/24748/interview-with-the-black-bison-part-1 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/24748 ]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:43:26 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/22745/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-solitary-interview-show-328 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/22745 I also have music sent to me by South East UK Rock/Metal band KARDINAL X & NWOBHM Band SNATCH BACK.



]]> Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:56:49 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/22162/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-halberd-show-326 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/22162

I have an interview with Erith London Thrash Metallers HALBERD.
I also have some music sent to me by Virginia Metal Band AGE OF FIRE, Suffolk UK Metal/Folk band HEATHEN KINGS and Bulgarian Experimental Metal Artist STOIAN KAEV. I also have more music from GHOST OF THE MACHINE.
We are also up to J in the new releases. I have recent releases from JOURNEY INTO DARKNESS, JETHRO TULL, JOE BONAMASSA, JIMI HENDRIX, JEAN MICHEL JARRE & JUDAS 


]]> Fri, 10 Feb 2023 08:45:15 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/21086/into-the-pit-with-dj-elric-interview-with-opensight-show-307 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/21086

I have an interview with London's Cinematic Metalers OPENSIGHT
I am finishing off the recent releases under B. Music from BLUE OYSTER CULT, BONEHUNTER, BOYCOTT THE BAPTIST, BULLET PROOF, BONGTOWER & BOSS KELOID
I also have the brand new single by THE GRUDGE

]]> Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:15:49 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/6958/retribution-alive-at-the-stags-head-7th-march-2020 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/6958
I am now a full-on member of the Retribution staff and will be doing Monthly Interviews with the headline bands, as well as gig reviews and promoting all the bands each month on my radio show.

So this month was at the Stags Head a venue I know well as my DJ friend Warren used to do Metal Warriors Metal Club there when it moved from the London Stone. I used to do my club Into The Pit at the Stone too so it was a bit of a MW reunion.

Unfortunately, because I was doing an interview I only caught the end of the Eight Lives Down set, which had a female vocalist who was going from clean vocals to growls and screams, it seemed different and interesting.

So first up for me was SYMBOL OF ORION a London based band who are originally from Nepal.I described them as being Death/Prog. A real energetic in your face performance, great musicians and they look young too so future could be bright.

Next up are a band I reviewed a couple of years ago when they played Retribution at the Unicorn. Viking Metallers CALL OF FENRIR. So to start off with a funny thing happened earlier in the evening when I was interviewing DBM. The vocalist of COF didn't realise we were doing an interview and sat down and started talking to us, a funny moment which I have kept in my interview as I never edit them lol. So my first thought was how is all the band going to get up on that small stage, and the answer is they couldn't. So the vocalist and Bassist were doing their thing on the floor which was great as the vocalist was able to get up close and personal with the crowd which had a great effect. Since I last saw them they have changed their line up with a new vocalist who seems to be more aggressive with full-on growls, also I don't remember the female guitarist/violinist doing vocals before so that was a nice touch. They were again a great fist-pumping fun Viking Metal experience. 

Next band up were co-headliners FORGED IN BLACK A pure unadulterated Metal band from Essex. Unfortunately after a couple of songs, one of the guitarists had to quit. Having had hand nerve ending problems. So they were down to one guitarist who then had some sound problems very bad luck. At least you could hear some ripping Bass. This didn't deter the band and they Forged on ahead (pun definitely intended). In no way did this take away from a great performance, a top frontman with a great voice and a very professional band with great musicians.

Last up were the mighty DEAD BEFORE MOURNING from Surrey who I had the pleasure to interview, top guys. With their mixture of old and new school Thrash, having experience musicians mixed with some younger players gives them that nice balance of old and new. They have their fast numbers but also some slow catchy riffs and singalong vocals. A great set with some new material, the crowd were really into it. A great finish to the night.

So to conclude a great night as far as music goes, and the crowd were pretty responsive. The only thing that needs to improve is the audience numbers. It's the usual thing I guess for underground Metal but if we want to see bands keep playing and promoters continue putting on these events we need to get the crowd numbers up. The venue as much as I like the Stags Head is a little bit in the middle of nowhere which might of had an impact on numbers. Never the less go support your Metal Cheers DJ Elric for Metal Devastation Radio 

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 07:10:48 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/845/leo-fest-5 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/845
So I'm back here again at the wonderful Leo Red Lion a small Rock pub on the outskirts of Gravesend in the middle of nowhere. It's been a few months since the last time I was here for the Sarcoma Fest and It's great to be back.

It's a great set up at the Red Lion you have the normal bar with the venue next door and a stage in the garden if needed. Good beer prices and a reasonable choice. The sound is also good there which is surprising for such a small venue. The only down side is that it is quite a walk from the station and the last trains are ridiculously early, also if you've never been there prepare to get lost like Warlord did last time haha. To be honest though these are small details I like the place

Unfortunately Boss Keloid had to pull out but it was still a killer line up of some great new talent. The times were a little messed up but got to see a lot of bands. First band I saw was:

OUTRIGHT RESISTANCE

Really exciting Metalcore band from Stevenage with a transgender frontwoman which is great, I wish there were more people coming out as gay or trans in the Metal world at the end of the day no one gives a fuck and if they do they are dicks. She was all over the place barely on stage and outside at one point great performance. Yes the scene is inundated with metalcore bands but the good ones do stand out.

WRETCHED TOAD 

Definitely the most musically interesting of the bands today. Hailing from Barnet North London these are a real mix bag of Funk, Jazz and Metal with a soulful but powerful singer and an amazing drummer. One's to really listen too not just mosh about. I would like to see the singer up front he was hiding away a bit but minor details, a really good band.

SHARKS IN THE FLOOD

A local band from Gravesend these are a very atmospheric melodic Rock band. Soaring vocals and echo laden guitars these are another band to really listen too. Good stuff

KING LEVIATHAN

Brighton based band who call themselves Blackened Thrash but to be honest I think they are a more of a Thrashier Metalcore band with the harsh and clean vocals. They came on with black crosses across their face which I didn't think looked all that good and was a bit gimmicky. Having said all that they were good and they got the best crowd reaction of the night with the first mosh pit.

FORGOTTEN REMAINS

Coming all the way from Chesterfield this band are a pretty slamming Death Metal band with elements of Thrash and Hardcore. Some technical playing too with some neat solo's but pretty much no nonsense face melting Death Metal which is good of course.

WARLORD

As good as all the bands were they all fall by the way side a bit when the mighty Warlord hit the stage. They just have that awesome old school sound that is kind of unique to Birmingham. Ultra low end distortion but huge sounding Death Metal. They have been going since the early 90s and 10 years since they reformed and still going strong. A mix set of old a new with some brand new tracks being showcased. The only downer was the crowd, a lot of bands and their friends had gone home and there was too many people in the bar, they deserved better than that. They had a better crowd here for the Sarcoma Fest but they weren't the headliners this time. Still great show by the boys.

By the time Warlord hit the stage and in my drunken haze I'd lost track of time all I knew is I had to get the train back to London so sorry to Divine Chaos I missed their set. I also missed that last train so a lovely night sleeping rough in Gravesend for me. I now know Gravesend like the back of my hand. Not to worry a great night look forward to the next one

]]> Fri, 14 Jul 2017 06:24:44 -0500 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/117/doom-metal http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/117
DOOM METAL
It a lot of ways the first Doom Metal band is Black Sabbath. They had the tri tone riffs and scary subject matter especially with the song Black Sabbath, and It's fair to say that all Doom bands are influenced by Sabbath. The problem is you could say that about any sub genre as they have influenced almost everyone.
So you have to move it on to the 80s. Now I had no knowledge what so ever about Doom in the 80s, I was still listening to 70s Rock and Maiden, Motorhead and Thrash Metal. It wasn't until Cathedral brought out The Ethereal Mirror that I was aware of this style of music and I loved it because Sabbath are my favourite and it seemed to me that these bands were doing their own heavier version of Sabbath.
So I started looking up bands from the past like Candlemass, Trouble and Saint Vitus, all under the banner of Doom but all very different. Like a lot of genres I tend to pick up on it a bit late so I missed out on Sleep until later and took me a little while to pick up on Electric Wizard. The scene now is as big as ever with many young bands forming. The newer bands tend to lean more towards a Retro Stoner Doom type sound and less of the Trad Doom style.
Cathedral, Candlemass and Trouble are my favourites. I love the first 3 Cathedral albums Forest, Ethereal and Carnival although there is great stuff all through their career. I first saw them in 93 supporting Sabbath a bit of a dream as you can imagine. I didn't know it at the time  but the band had split so for that show they used the guitarist and drummer from Pentagram how cool is that.
For me Candlemass is all about the first 2 albums Epicus and Nightfall fantastic albums but again with so many different singers and lot's of albums there is great music throughout their career. I see them recently at HRH playing mainly Epicus, great show although I would love the original singer or Messiah to come back.
I love the 1990 self titled album by Trouble and also The Skull with the first album and the underrated Plastic Green Head my favs too. Eric Wagner Is not in the band anymore which is a shame because he has such a distinctive voice. They have another singer now but I feel Eric needs to be in the band to make it the real Trouble.
So to sum up what I love about Doom is the raw heaviness and emotion that comes out of playing slow. Also you have got to admire the complete lack of giving a shit about being commercial in any way. I always love music that has an honesty to it. I still consider myself fairly new to Doom there are still many bands I have not heard, and with the genre breaking into many different factions there will be no end to listening.
My top 10 Doom albums in alphabetical order
PENTAGRAM - Be Forewarned

I think a lot of people would go for their debut album but Be Forewarned their 3rd album from 94 was the first one I heard so I have lived with it more. By far the oldest band on the list they were formed way back in 71 as a struggling drug fueled Rock band always fronted by Bobby Liebling. It wasn't until the early 80s when he teamed up with the band Death Row that they started to get their Doom laden sound. Best songs: Live Free And Burn, Bride Of Evil, Petrified, Be Forewarned
ELECTRIC WIZARD - Come My Fanatics...

This along with the first Cathedral album was the first time I heard anything this slow and heavy. This their 2nd album from 97 to say the least is crushing. It's a toss up between this and Dopethrone as their classic but I prefer the riffs and guitar tone on this album. I was lucky enough to see them in their classic 3 piece line up and it was loud. Pure drug induced Doom insanity. Best Songs: Return Trip, Wizard In Black, Doom Mantia, Son Of Nothing
WITCHFINDER GENERAL - Death Penalty

I wasn't sure weather to include this album or not because they are kind of associated with the NWOBHM, but they have become so influential to the Doom scene I couldn't leave them out. What strikes you first about this band is the controversial album covers they are pretty bad. Says more about women's place in Metal at the time than anything else. The music is great though, this was their first album from 82 Doom before anyone knew what Doom was. Best songs: Invisible Hate, Free Country, Witchfinder General, Burning A Sinner


CANDLEMASS - Epicus Doomicus Metallicus  

Probably the first band to self identify as a Doom band with that album title their debut in 86 and what an absolute classic it is. It does exactly what it say's on the album title this is epic doom metal at It's best. This album really spearheaded the movement with It's over the top operatic vocals and songs about myths and legends as well as straight up depressing lyrics, great guitar riffs as well. They even invented the doom dance. certainly one of my favourite doom albums. Best songs: Solitude, Demons Gate, Crystal Ball,  Under The Oak, A Sorcerer's Pledge
CATHEDRAL - Forest Of Equilibrium

Being that The Ethereal Mirror was the first album I heard from Cathedral as you can imagine I was totally shocked when I first heard the debut from 91. I couldn't believe it was the same band. At first I didn't like it because it was too slow and lacked melody. Then the more I listened the more I got into it. The main thing that shocked me was Lee Dorrian's vocal style, much more guttural and mournful a total one off he never repeated that vocal style again. It's a proper serious Doom album very emotional and the guitar sound is unsurpassed by anyone a truly monstrous album one of the best. Best songs: Commiserating The Celebration, Ebony Tears,  Serpent Eve, Soul Sacrifice, Equilibrium
SLEEP - Holy Mountain

It show's the strength of this band and in this album in particular that they have become bigger since they split up. So much so that since they reformed they are now the hottest ticket around headlining festivals everywhere. I love this album mixing Stoner and Psychedelics with heavy as fuck guitars and vicious bass this is the blueprint for all the Stoner Doom bands that are around today. Yes the vocals tend to sound the same for each song but that don't matter this is another one of my favourites. Best Songs: Dragonaut, The Druid, Evil Gypsy, Aquarium, Holy Mountain
TROUBLE - Trouble

I know some people would go for the debut as their favourite personally it was a fight between The Skull and this their major label debut and their 4th album. Quite unusual for any bands 4th album to be there classic but they really went to town with this album producing 4 music videos a big fat sound and great songs, also a move away from their pro christian lyrics. I think the band thought of it as a new start by naming the album Trouble because their debut was called Trouble so they had to change it to Psalm 9. Consistently this album has the best songs one of my favourites. Best Songs: At The End Of My Daze, Psychotic Reaction, The Misery Shows (act ll), R.I.P, Black Shapes Of Doom
SLABDRAGGER - Rise Of The Dawncrusher

This is the newest band on the list starting out in 2008 and is part of the new wave of Doom bands that are basically trying to be as heavy and as brutal than anything that has gone before. When I saw them live for the first time I was stunned at how noisy and brutal they were it was an amazing experience. Their first album was great but I didn't think it captured how they are live. This their 2nd album just does that with only 1 song under 10 minutes and 2 songs over 15 minutes It's a crushing tour de force. Best songs: Mercenary Blues, Evacuate, Shrine Of Debauchery, Dawncrusher Rising
SAINT VITUS - V

Arguably the first band to release a Doom album the debut was recorded in 82 and released in 84 just a month before Trouble's debut,  I understand that most people would choose Born To Late or the first 2 albums with the old singer but like Pentagram I heard this album first so have lived with it longer. This was the last album with Wino as singer back in 90 until the recent reunion. Saint Vitus has more of a punk feel to them having toured with a lot of hardcore bands back in the 80s. The guitar sound is awesome and totally unique to Dave Chandler. All about emotions and life struggles this album brilliant stuff . Best Songs: Living Backwards, I Bleed Black, Patra, Jack Frost
WITCHSORROW - Witchsorrow

Another relatively new Doom Band who clearly worship Saint Vitus. This their debut from 2010 is an old style Doom masterpiece. Songs consist of typical slow tempos but then would often break into groovy mid paced sections a great combination. A great life band also with a female bassist (finally, not enough females in my list). The singer would often scream WE'RE ALL FUCKED now that's proper Doom. Best songs: The Agony, The Trial Of Elizabeth Clarke, Gomorrah, Impaler Tepes
So I hopes you liked this blog check out the next one at the end of the month.
In the meantime you can vote for one of these albums on my poll with the winner having the album played in full.
Here is the link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/metaldevastationnetwork/permalink/631803237017524/
and checkout my next show the start of Doom month: https://www.facebook.com/events/381492755563248/





]]> Fri, 03 Mar 2017 16:10:44 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/86/hard-rock-hell-metal-festival-birmingham-academy-11th-12th-feb http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/86
After going to see HRH Doom v Stoner for just £10 last year they were offering that event again plus the new HRH Metal for just £20. So two 2 day festivals for just £20 you can't argue with that.
So the first thing we did was visit the legendary Scruffy Murphy's Rock Bar after getting a bit lost and then off to HRH.
Upon arriving at The Birmingham Academy it was more packed than I was expecting, rather like the Sheffield event there were a few stalls selling merch, and a food stall that was quite cheap unlike the beer, but that's just a given now days.
There were 3 stages : Main Arena, Room 2 and The Best Of Brum stage
DAY 1

First band I checked out in Room 2 was RSJ a sludge metalcore band from York and immediately I thought the vocalist sounded like Raging Speedhorn and low and behold the vocalist from RS came on as a guest for the encore. A good way to start the festival.
Next up on the main stage were SENSER a London band potentially a bit out of place mixing Rap with Metal and psychedelics. They were one of the first to do this along with RATM. The first album Stacked up is amazing and they went down pretty well much to the surprise of the band themselves. They were good I've seen them better but a good show.
Sticking to the main stage for the rest of the night, next up were Corby sludgers RAGING SPEEDHORN who are always great live. I've seen them a few times since they have reformed and they always blow the other bands away today is no different. Not surprisingly they use the RSJ singer in place of Frank Regan as he recovers from illness and he does a great job. Smashing through most tunes from the first 2 albums yet again they were great.
Special guests were Huddersfield Thrashers EVILE just straight up classic Thrash Metal from the band that gave it a rebirth back in the early naughties. Did well to continue after the untimely death of their bass player Mike. They tore their way through an hour set of blistering thrash great stuff.
So to day 1 headliners Welsh Reggae Metallers SKINDRED. I have never been a big fan of their music even though they are quite original but what i would say is they are always great to see live and Benji is a great frontman. Always entertaining funny and poignant at the same time. They drew a big crowd bigger than day 2 which surprised me somewhat. A great show though.
We left a little early to beat the crowds because we wanted to get to a new rock bar called The Hammer And The Anvil in the city centre. A fantastic new bar with DJ's a great way to end to day 1 
DAY 2

Day 2 started with surprisingly no hangover so off to pub. This time a lovely Real Ale Pub on the Southside called The Craven Arms. Then Chinatown to eat then shit I guess we should go to the Fest
First band we saw on the Brum Stage were Deathcore band from Coventry GEHTIKA They were all short hair and big beards hipster style. They also had black makeup on and I just knew they were gonna sound the way they did. Having said that they were good. The sort of sound men with awesome beards should be making
So then to the Main Stage to see Nottingham's HELL . A very theatrical frontman with Red Eyes and a crown of thorns at one point he came on in stilts and giant horns to represent a giant devil. They should go full theatrical like Alice Cooper I think although I guess not everyone can afford to do that. A bit on the cheesy side really but good fun
Now if you want a laugh there is no better than Thrash Crossover Band LAWNMOWER DETH from Mansfield. Cheesy but in a different way, more let's have a laugh together while playing great Thrash Punk. There were the usual King Cobs thrown into the crowd and the Deth Shed where A man dressed as a Sheep get's grunged. You always know your gonna smile and be entertained by this band a fun show
So to the headliners of day 2 Germany's SODOM and now we are back to some serious Thrash Metal. Tom Angelripper's voice is still as brutal as ever and the band sound great. They played classics like : Blasphemer, Nuclear Winter, Iron Fist, Bombenhagel, Agent Orange, Remember The Fallen, The Saw Is The Law and so on. A great show then we were back to the Hammer & The Anvil Bar to finish of a fantastic weekend.
So a bargain weekend, would have been nice to have stayed longer in Birmingham. The venue was good had a great sound, staff were good. If there is a decent line up and the ticket is cheap I will go again. Roll on HRH Doom v Stoner

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:23:20 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/72/anthrax-live-at-the-forum-london-10th-feb-2017 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/72
I was really looking forward to this one as they were celebrating 30 years since the release of the classic Among The Living album by playing the whole of the album from start to finish.
The show was sold out a week before the gig so had to risk one of those tout ticket websites luckily I didn't have to pay extra.
The first half of the show mixed some old and new material. The show started with A.I.R from the album Spreading The disease. They also played Madhouse and surprisingly Aftershock which I've never heard them play live before. They also played Be All End All from State Of Euphoria album as well as some new songs including Breathing Lightning.
After the interval was the start of one of my favourite albums of all time played in order from start to finish. You know the classics but it was great to hear some songs that they have not played for years or even at all like Skeletons In The Closet, One World, A.D.I and one of my favourites Imitation Of Life. To finish off they played Anti Social as an encore.
What an amazing show Anthrax are always a great live band anyway so I wasn't expecting anything else really. A friend I was with actually see them at the Hammersmith Odeon show in 87 on the ATL tour which was released as a video (lucky bastard). That was the video that got me into the band so amazing to see that 30 years on it still remains classic enough to play the album live. Was a great night
]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2017 08:04:07 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/30/retribution-alive-at-the-unicorn-camden-27-1-17 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/30
Introduction to Retribution Alive

Retribution Alive started as a monthly Metal event at the Intrepid Fox in London run be Alan Hicks & Lindsay Griffin. The idea was to bring together a diverse range of metal bands on one bill, kind of like a mini festival. A great and original idea you literally don't know what you are going to get next.  
After the Fox closed down they had to find other places to do it. Unfortunately the Fox never opened again so the idea was to just travel to different venues around London each month, another unique idea.
So let's dig into the recent event at the Unicorn. The Unicorn in Camden is one of the best if not the best pub/music venue in London. All the gigs no matter how big are free. You are pretty much guarantee a decent crown and the beer is a lot cheaper than most places. Sometimes the sound can be lacking but what do you want It's a pub.
So let's review the bands:
 COLD IN JULY



First up was Metalcore band from Romford Essex Cold In July. This 4 piece have that classic metalcore sound with barked out vocals and some clean singing but don't sound as formulaic as some bands in the genre. Plenty of great riffs and breakdowns. The guitarist and vocalist would often get off stage and mingle with the audience. The singer locked fucked after the gig which shows his passion and effort. Also these guys are young so hopefully a good future ahead of them.
CALL OF FENRIR

Next up was Viking Metallers Call Of Fenrir (i told you it was diverse). Firstly they looked great done up in full Viking uniform equipped with Viking sails as well. This 5 piece of Vikings and one Shieldmaiden added a lot of fun to the night. The vocalist would go from a tenor style vocal to death growls and the music had that classic mid paced gallop style that Viking Metal is famous for. They also had one of the best crowd reaction of the night, epic stuff.
MAXDMYZ

When I saw them step on stage a 5 Piece of dare I say it middle age men I wasn't expecting the insanity to come. This is a very original band which is hard to say now days. The songs would twist and turn from Metal to Punk and interspersed with these crazy unexpected blast beats, Very jazzy at times. The drummer is great and the guitarist is superb. They also had a sound effects guy but you couldn't really hear him maybe on record it makes more sense. Great band
SEASON'S END

Hampshire 6 piece Gothic Symphonic Metal band Season's End have professionalism and musicianship written all over them. Not sure what happened to them It's been more than 10 years since their last album but it hasn't affected their live show. Becki Clarks singing is superb and the vocal melodies between her and the guitarist and sometime's the bassist are lush. At times though I do wish they would stay on a heavy riff too many times it would fall away leaving me wanting more (maybe that's the idea). The biggest crowd pull of the night let's hope they can finally get an album out. 
DIE KUR

So to headliners Industrial Metal band Die Kur and we are talking more strangeness and originality. It felt more like a collective than a band as different people would get up on stage to do a spoken word part or play violin. Vocalist Ays also played keys, sound effects and even a theremin. Songs would start rather strangely often the music stopping and starting but when they needed to lay down some riffs that was not a problem. A really interesting and original band and a great way to end the night.

So to conclude I think this has been the best Retribution Alive I have been to for quality of bands and also for a good turn out. Look forward to the next one
 

]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:23:54 -0600 http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/23/80s-thrash-metal http://metaldevastationradio.com/elricnewby/blog/23
INTRO TO MY BLOGS

Each month on my radio show I will be letting people choose from my top 10 albums from my favourite genres and decades.
So I thought it would be great opportunity to do a monthly blog detailing my personal journey with each subject. Also a small review of my favourite 10 albums from each genre.
So let's get started, first up for February is...
80s THRASH METAL

Certainly one of my favourite genres ever. I was too young to remember Thrash breaking around 83 and even in the classic era of 86 I was still listening to stuff like: Sabbath, Motorhead, 70s Rock and I had become obsessed with Maiden.
It wasn't until around 88 that I caught the Thrash bug, when the big 4 released the albums ...and Justice For All, State Of Euphoria, South Of Heaven and So Far So Good So What. Once I heard these and was blown away I naturally delved into all their back catalogues and the rest is history.
I think my love of Thrash stems from just a youthful enthusiasm to want to hear something heavier and faster than had gone before. Plus the popular perception of what Heavy Metal was at the time was stuff like Bon Jovi, Def leppard and hair bands in general and it used to piss me right off. I needed something heavy
Metallica's amazing One video is what did it for me still one of the best music video's ever made and the ferocity of Justice blew me away. The drums take center stage and James voice is my favourite on any record really aggressive and spiteful It's just a shame about the bass. Although I would say song craft is probably better on Masters & Ride.
Anthrax were probably the biggest of the big 4 in the UK at the time. I remember the single Make Me laugh charting and Antisocial got top 10, but it was the live video from Hammersmith 87 that really did it for me. Filmed on the Among The Living tour a superb live video that got me obsessed with that album.
I first heard Megadeth like most things on Tommy Vance Friday Rock Show the song was Mary Jane an underrated Megadeth track in my book. Love their back catalogue but for me they reached a peak with Rust In Peace. It still has the thrash of the 80s but with a much heavier production and mustaine's voice is killer.
I discovered Slayer on a short lived TV series called Heavy Metal Heaven playing live on the South Of Heaven tour and was instantly a fan. I realised that this was somewhat faster and darker than had gone before. I listened to South Of Heaven first so I didn't have the sense that Slayer had changed their sound, it was only until I heard Reign In Blood for the first time that I thought holy shit.
Other bands I was getting into at the time were Testament who seem to have much more of a groove in their music than other bands especially with Practice What You Preach. Exodus had Fabulous Disaster out. Nuclear Assault had Survive., In the UK Onslaught were making waves with In Search of Sanity, but no sooner had I started to getting into this music it started to die off. Didn't stop me though as I started discovering loads of old bands like Kreator, Sepultura, Voivod, Whiplash, Destruction, Celtic Frost and so on.
So to sum up, a great decade with some of the greatest bands ever some of which are still going today. I am proud to have witnessed it if only briefly.
Here are my top 10 80s Thrash Metal albums. In alphabetical order
ANTHRAX - Among The Living

A thrash album you can really sing to yet does not let up on the speed and heaviness. Some killer break downs that they would label mosh part in the lyrics. One of the first bands to make the term popular. Probably in my top 3 Thrash albums of all time. Best Songs: Among The Living, Caught In A Mosh, I Am The Law, NFL, Indians, Imitation Of Life
EXODUS - Bonded By Blood

Problems with recording ment it came out a year later than it should have been. One of the more violent and brutal albums to come out at the time. It has the riffage and an exuberance for Metal that is kind of unmatched. Best Songs: Bonded By Blood, And Then There Were None, A Lesson In Violence, Piranha
KREATOR - Extreme Aggression

A Lot of people would go for Pleasure To Kill as their favourite and that's fair enough but for me Extreme Aggression just tips it. I love the guitar sound on this album and mille's vocal attack is ferocious, and there are lot's of mid paced break downs that are brutal as hell. Best Songs: Extreme Aggressions, No Reason To Exist, Betrayer, Bringer Of Torture
DESTRUCTION - Infernal Overkill

The German bands brought a more raw nasty version of Thrash Metal almost proto Death and Black Metal and Destructions debut is no exception. An unrelenting barrage of speed, growls and screams this album destroys. Best Songs: Tormentor, Bestial Invasion, Thrash Attack, Antichrist
METALLICA - Kill 'Em All

The album that started it all. The idea to take Punk and the NWOBHM and what you get is  Kill 'Em All. You could pick the other Metallica albums i guess but for me this is their only full on thrash album. Must have been a shock to hear such speed and crunching guitars at the time. An absolute classic. Best Songs: Hit The Lights, The Four Horsemen, Whiplash, No Remorse, Seek And Destroy, Metal Militia
TESTAMENT - The New Order

Testament brought a bit of mid paced groove to their Thrash Attack but were still able to throw it down with the best of them. They also had Chuck Billy one of the best Metal vocalist ever who is able to shout, sing and death growl all in one song. They also got Alex Skolnick one of the most technically proficient guitarists. The New Order has the majority of their classics a great album. Best Songs: The New Order, Trial By Fire, Into The Pit, Disciples Of The Watch, The Preacher
MEGADETH - Peace Sells...but Who's Buying

My favourite album by Megadeth is Rust In Peace but that's the 90s so I'm going for another great album by the band Peace Sells. This band had a Jazzy quirkiness to them that was different, also they were a lot more political than most bands at the time. Mustaine's unique vocal style lent a menace to the music and of course they were the best musicians.  Peace sells was technically and commercially a breakthrough for the band. Best Songs: Wake Up Dead, The Conjuring, Peace Sells, Devils Island
WHIPLASH - Power And Pain

One of the lesser known Thrash Metal bands on my list so consequently one of the most underrated. This is just in your face no messing over the top Thrash and I love it. Brutal vocals and superfast riffing makes this an essential listen. Best Songs: Stage Dive, Stirring The Cauldron,  Spit On Your Grave, Nailed To The Cross
SLAYER - Reign In Blood

SLAAAAYEEEEEEERRR sorry I can't help myself. With Reign In Blood they made a landmark album in production and brutality that has never been matched. With 10 songs in less than half an hour it crushes your senses. As Gene Hoglan once said everyone just stop what you're doing because you can't top this. It surprises me how popular it is being so fast and brutal but it stood the test of time and still sounds as fresh and as vital today. I think this is my favourite Thrash album of all time. Best Songs: Angel Of Death, Piece By Piece, Altar Of Sacrifice, Jesus Saves, Postmortem, Raining Blood
NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Survive

Another political motivated band that also brought in a hardcore element to their music. They were one of the only bands to use blast beats in some of their songs. They had a crazy high pitched vocalist in John Connelly and the legendary Dan Lilker. They attacked the music media, politicians, wrote songs on equal rights, environment and the obligatory nuclear war. Best Songs: Rise From The Ashes, Brainwashed, F#, Survive
So I hope you liked my blog look out for the next one in February.
In the mean time feel free to vote for 1 or some of these albums at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/metaldevastationnetwork/
and type in the search Vote Thrash. Cheers


 


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