The Miserable Metal Mind Podcast

2009 was the last studio release by this seminal band, whose debut album in 1989 is rightly regarded as a classic and still gets regular airtime in this house. With Chris Goss the only original member, the elusive genius now brings the band back to life once more with their latest album, The Archer .  Masters of Reality has always driven their own course. Rightly credited as a major influence on the desert rock scene, the band’s canvas was spread much wider. The Archer comprises nine tracks that span just under 40-minutes, making it an easily digestible record but not one that diverts from the quality that Goss has always crafted. Here he’s in fine form, the sprawling songs take their own shape and form, nothing rushed and much mellowness as the bluesy vibes cascade across the songs. Barstow , which sits in the middle of the album is a perfect example. A sleepy gentile track that oozes relaxed quality, it’s nonetheless a fine example of the laidback approach which makes this album...

Does the world need a three disc best of compilation from German power metal champions Helloween? Well, whether you like it or not, March of Time is perhaps the most definitive collection of the band’s 40+ year career and it’s coming at you loud and proud. For many of us of a certain vintage, it’s those early albums that stand as the classics with much of the following decades less than exciting. I’m willing to argue that few bands have released a trio like Walls of Jericho and the double Keepers of the Seven Keys records before crashing with the departure of founder Kai Hansen and the commercial rock sound of Pink Bubbles Go Ape .  Still, there are some gems hidden in here. Disc 1 does hark back to those first three albums, and although some of the tracks haven’t aged well, at least we haven’t got the ridiculous Rise and Fall included, a bonus point to the band who have apparently curated this release. Dr Stein , still a fan favourite but ridiculous and throwaway in my mind is ...

Prog rock international supergroup O.R.k. give us their 5th album Firehose Of Falsehoods via progressive rock label K-Scope. The band comprises bassist Colin Edwin (formerly with Porcupine Tree), drummer Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson), guitarist Carmelo Pipitone (indie rock band Marta Sui Tubi), and vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari aka LEF, who is also a renowned producer and award winning film score composer, with album artwork by acclaimed Marvel/DC comics illustrator Denis Rodier. The previous two albums had their artwork designed by Tool’s Adam Jones, extra kudos there.  On the first two albums, Inflamed Rides and Soul Of An Octopus , it was often more about the ability of the musicians, and LEF’s vocals were somewhat low in the mix. Then from third album Ramagehead onwards, it seems like the band have decided to utilize LEF’s amazing voice to the max.  How best to describe LEF's delivery remains a challenge though. A cross between a modern day Chris Cornell ...

This is the thing with the new wave of thrash, You can drop the “new" and call them … well, …thrash.  Warbringer have been around for 20 years or so, and to honour this milestone they have released … well a thrash album. The South Californian thrashers have stayed true to the path with the album Wrath and Ruin . It's a “cut me down the middle and I will bleed thrash” kind of thing. And I'm not being facetious. When I hear a collection of songs from a band like this I often think back to when the big four were 20 years into their careers. We had stadium rock pomp, Nu metal leanings, and band members almost killing themselves with excess. And nearly all the true thrash fans saying “the big four don't play thrash anymore, I remember seeing them in clubs, why don't they play smaller places for the real fans, ( and here's the biggie) , they've sold out maaannnnn".  And yet here is a band, not selling out after two decades of thrashing, playing better but th...

To celebrate their 15th anniversary, German thrashers Godslave have released Champions, a covers album paying tribute to the bands that inspired them. While best known for their blend of high-energy thrash with a modern edge, here they step outside their usual territory, tackling everything from classic heavy metal and punk to unexpected choices like David Hasselhoff. The result is an eclectic, sometimes surprising collection of songs that showcases both their influences and their ability to adapt. Kicking off with Limp Biscuit’s Full Nelson with a bass tone from Michael ‘Mika’ Koch that punches through, and the vocal delivery from Thomas ‘The Slavegrunter’ Pickard which I enjoyed more than the original from Durst, makes for a heavier and more aggressive version of the track. Trivium's To the Rats follows with Bernhard ‘Bernie’ Lorig and Manuel ‘Manni’ Zewe tight chugging riffs and solid production, setting the tone for the album’s thrashier moments. The chorus will have you unc...

Savage Master are a female fronted traditional metal band from Louisville in Kentucky. Founded in 2013 by lead vocalist Stacey Savage (real name Stacey Peak) and guitarist Adam Neil, they have an obvious love of the gothic side of life and classic horror and all things metal. They have created a persona and image to reflect this.  Heavy influences from classic rock bands from the 70s and 80s are evident in their songs and they have crafted a sound that is very familiar but still sounds fresh.  Dark and Dangerous is their 5th album, released via Savage Kingdom records. After the instrumental Three Red Candles introduction, the album kicks off properly with Warriors Call . This starts with a guitar riff that would not be out of place on any Judas Priest album, pounding with power whilst Stacey comes in with her vocals to combine neatly with the rest of the band. It bounces along and is a solid opener.  Black Rider opens with a Scorpions style riff and ups the tempo. It’s...