THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl of the day (Page 48 of 449)

JUDAS PRIEST – Invisible Shield

April 7, 2024 /

Having lived with this album for a few weeks now, and having seen some of the reviews, you have to wonder if people really listen to records or if are they swept along with the social media sheep that just want to be part of the biggest gang? Now, to call this album the best since Screaming For Vengeance or even Killing Machine seems a bit outrageous on the face of it. Maybe we should split Priest’s career in two. The more commercial sounding era that ended with Ram It Down, and then the heavier beasts from Painkiller and beyond.

Now, I would definitely say this album is the best of the second period as it’s a more complete package, and Richie has definitely put stronger fuel in the Priest tank. It’s hard to see KK ever coming up with tunes like these. Now, I hold Killing Machine and Screaming in very high regard. That was such a great time to be alive and they meant so much, they were flag bearers at the time but I have to say this album stands shoulder to shoulder with both them. This is everything I want from a modern Priest album and it’s hard to believe that guys in their 70’s (not you Richie) can make an album like this.

For those of you that say they don’t write classic Priest chugga’s anymore, then you should listen to Gates Of Hell, that’s as classic as it gets. The thing that I really like is the melody is there even in songs as heavy as As God Is My Witness, and that’s what a lot of modern metal bands don’t do. My favourite tune is The Serpent And The King. Man, what a great great tune. Maximum riffing with a killer groove and a Rob is just a beast.

Well done JP, showing them how it’s done.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GREEN LUNG – This Heathen Land

April 7, 2024 /

I absolutely loved Green Lung’s last album, Black Harvest, and I was seriously looking forward to this one. I’m assuming, having read the preface in the enclosed booklet, that the band consumed large amounts of magic mushrooms before recording this opus.

It’s amazing how much medieval themes crop up as inspiration in metal music, and this album is based on old Albion folk stories. Well, that’s what I get from reading the lyrics anyway. The album is not as heavy as previous efforts but man, is this a great record and they successfully bring 70’s grooves and tones into a modern soundscape.

Favourite tunes? Well, the lead off track The Forest Church is epic and sets the tone for the whole album, but it’s the huge doom chords at the intro of One For Sorrow and the folkish vocal melody that just enthrals me. Such a great song.  

A great band that have basically carved out their own little niche that they are willing to explore with each record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

BARREN CROSS – Atomic Arena

April 7, 2024 /

Back in the day if you were tagged as a Christian rock band then it was a near certainty that your chances of making it in the mainstream were zero. There was a huge stigma attached to these bands which meant that rock fans were missing out on some good bands. Of course, the exception was Stryper who managed to make a go of it.

Barren Cross were operating in a slightly heavier plane, with a more metal sound. In fact, vocalist Mike Lee is a ringer (vocal-wise) for Bruce Dickinson and that should give you an idea of the sound of this album.

Killers Of The Unborn is a great tune with lots of metal riffage, and a definite nod in Maiden’s direction, as well as the following tune In The Eye Of Fire, complete with galloping riff and groove. My favourite track however, is album closer Living Dead. Another galloping riff with huge Maiden overtones, and it’s hard not to imagine Bruce is actually singing this one.

For lovers of mid-eighties metal, this one is definitely for you. Don’t be put off with the Christian tag as this is a damn fine record.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

TEMIC – Terror Management Theory

April 4, 2024 /

A big thanks and thumbs up to Rob (@vinyl_ragazzo) for putting me onto this one. This is one hell of an album, full of twists and turns, dynamic ups and downs, and most of all, killer guitar and melody.

The technical prog metal genre is a packed playing field, that often has overly way too much technique and lacking in the melody department. This record is not one of those. Temic are a cool band that I don’t know too much about, other than Eric Gillette who is a great guitar player. And, if you are familiar with Neal Morse, then you will know all about Eric. I’m now a fan of Frederick Bergersen whose vocals are a joy to the ears. My only gripe with the whole package is the dreaded etched side, even though this one is visible with a black etching.

Favourite tune? Well, that’s a difficult one as this is a killer record. But, for today I will go with Count Your Losses. It has huge, low down, fat riifage and heavy grooves to match with added beauty and melody through Frederick’s vocals and atmospheric keys. Skeletons also blows my mind just as much as Acts of Violence does with its ripping solo.

I hope this isn’t a one off because they create such great music together and it has been in heavy rotation upon its arrival. A definite must have.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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