The Metal Files

Here are some preliminary thoughts going into the Metal Masters Tour next Sunday.

Not too many bands really get me psyched to see live but Testament, Dio (in whatever incarnation) and Motorhead always do. Yes, I left off Priest.

I am a Priest fan. I love everything up to and including Point of Entry. But they make me tired. There are some bands that I wish would just stop and Priest is one of them. I’ve never seen Halford with Priest but I did see him on a solo tour in NYC back in 2000. He was vocally awful. Terribly strapped to his teleprompter and really reminded me of Ozzy as he (Rob) couldn’t get some of the words right even while reading them. Not to mention that his voice sounded terrible. Have you heard the new album? I’ve streamed it a few times to try and get the feel of it. A friend of mine reviewed it as being a chore to get through. A “chore”. The perfect description. I like that they tried something different and went with a 2CD concept album although I think they could have chosen a better subject matter. Just my opinion.

All that being said, I doubt I’ll stay all the way through Priest’s set and will most likely leave when they come on. Yes, mock me. Throw stones, but I just can’t see myself sitting through that. I’ve seen plenty of recent footage and Rob just can’t do it. Maybe I don’t want to sit through it all because I don’t want to see him embarrass himself. Sure, none of the singers from “back in the day” are what they once were, but some still have a good thing going…Dio, Dickinson to name 2. So yeah, I’ll likely leave early.

As many of you know, I flew to NYC to see Sabbath last year at Radio City. What an experience. I’ll cherish it forever and I am excited to see them again…well, I’m not so excited to see Appice again. That guy is the Ozzy of drums. hahaha. Dio, Geez and Tony never fail to deliver.

Motorhead! Always a fun show. Yeah, Lemmy’s voice is about shot too, he basically whispers through songs now but that doesn’t seem to bother me as much as it does seeing Rob flail around like a drowning rat. I mean c’mon. It’s Lemmy. He doesn’t use a teleprompter. He’s Lemmy. LEMMY.

And then Testament. Out of any other major label act, I think I may have seen them the most times. It’s either them or Malmsteen, I can’t quite remember. The last I sawTestament was in 2000 outside of Washington DC at Jaxx. It’s when Lombardo, James Murphy and Steve Digiorgio were in the band on The Gathering tour. They tore that shit up. They always do. I saw them on their first album tour in 87 and they are still as intense. I think I may be most excited to see them, too bad they are only doing a 30 minute set. if you are a Testament fan and haven’t picked up the new album, shame on you…poseur!

Adrian Smith was right, ya know?

Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind
Can’t ease this pain so easily
When you can’t find the words to say
It’s hard to make it through another day
And it just makes me wanna cry
And throw my hands up to the sky

Don’t waste your time always
Searching for those wasted years

I do what I do best…and typically it’s not a good thing.

So yeah, I’m into old metal compilations this weekend. Eat my balls.

Crazed…This is another one I picked up around the same time I got Masters of Metal. I’m pretty sure I picked this one up at Murphy’s. Man, back in the day. *sigh*

This is one of the better compilations as every song on it was badass. Also, the accompanying videos are some of the worst known to man, especially the Zebra one.

Side One

Quiet Riot: Bang Your Head (Metal Health) – Gotta love the simplicity of this one. This album and the follow-up, Condition Critical, still give me chills when I hear them. Just that time and place, ya know? I’m glad I got to see this lineup back in 1999. They were great and very nice guys. RIP Kevin.
Queensryche: Deliverance – If memory serves me well, this was my introduction to Queensryche. It is also my favorite song by them. Completely badass and a bit haunting. Too bad they suck goat balls now.
Zebra: Bears – Sort of a silly song with a good hook and a GAY ass video.
Rush: Distant Early Warning – My favorite Rush song. Just love it. I wish they’d go away now though. Weak.
Dio: Mystery – C’mon, it’s on Last In Line, what more needs to be said?

Side Two

Helix: Rock You – My introduction to Helix. It was also my exit from them. I hated everything else they ever recorded but this is a fun song.
Krokus: Midnite Maniac – Silly song but fun to rock out too. Fun to play on bass too! Long live the Storace hair!
Armored Saint: Can U Deliver – This is not about a pizza delivery. Completely badass song that I always had trouble playing the intro to. grrr. RIP Dave pritchard.
Y&T: Don’t Stop Runnin’ – My fave Y&T song ever! Such a great riff and vocal melody.
Scorpions: Still Loving You – I still love you too, Klaus. Great song. We were in a Filipino karaoke bar in Norfolk a few years ago and this song came on the rotation. No one got up to sing it so the Filipino bartender belted it out in her very thick accent. “I steeeel lubbing yooooooooooou!” Fucking hilarious.