Congratulations, DEADMANSWAKE!

Post #115

In appreciation of the unprecedented and overwhelming response to the recent reader's poll, I would like to thank all of the bands who allowed me to feature them and their myspace.com web page in this poll: Smash Corps, Third Law of Motion, Killcode, Skank, Sutured Psyche, Inn Cinema, and the winner: Deadmanswake!

Over the course of this blog, I've been keeping track of the reader's polls each month. Prior to this year's 2nd annual independent/myspace bands poll, the record for reader response in a poll was 56 votes. This poll has shattered that record with an amazing 1156 votes!

Same as last year, the winner will have a full-length review coming soon. However, as further thanks for all the votes & new readers brought to this blog by the poll-winner, they will soon be featured in a link on this blog for 1 year as 'Honorary Vice President'. I will also try to keep up with their scheduled shows, and mention them ahead of time here in the blog. So keep an eye out for great local shows!

Not to be overlooked, the rest of the poll contestants are likely to be reviewed at a later date. Several of them helped to make this the most competitive reader's poll yet, and a few of them had even held the lead before Deadmanswake pulled ahead at the end.

Again, thanks to all who participated, voted, & rocked out to great new music! I hope you continue to support independent music & local bands!

KOPEK- White Collar Lies

Post #114
Kopek are poised to hit the mainstream rock-music market with riffs, melodies and attitudes reminiscent of the roots of hard rock. A 3-piece band from Dublin, Ireland, inspired by classic artists like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, Kopek are out to show the world that they have what it takes to succeed in the music business. More than that, if the collection of songs on their debut album, White Collar Lies, is any indication of what they're capable of, they'll be around for quite some time!

They may be young, but that hasn't stopped them from winning their fair share of contests- including the Global Battle of the Bands (gbob.com). Maybe it's the luck of the Irish, but I'm betting there's something more tangible behind their rise to success. Songs like 'Love is Dead', their debut single, rock out with socially conscious lyrics and grab the listener with thought provoking messages. They have a cool video for it too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr3D0bYrcZY. Other songs, like the title track, 'White Collar Lies', take a more melodic and soft approach with the music, while the lyrics seem to provide sharper, straight forward criticism of current events.

So many aspects of this album really brought me back and reminded me why I came to love hard rock music in the first place. It is that intangible essence of good rock music that Kopek have tapped into. They seem to have the right frame of mind to hold true to their ideals, both musically and lyrically. Even more important, they have the talent to deliver these aspects efficiently on their debut album.

Singer Daniel Jordan has the type of scratchy voice that is a perfect fit for an edgy hard-rock band. At times he reminds me of Buckcherry's singer, Josh Todd, while other times he seems more like a Jack White (of The White Stripes). In spite of these similarities, Kopek have plenty of unique elements that make them worth checking out.

Here are my picks:
Cocaine Chest Pains (A great hard-rockin' tune, gets the album off to a great start!)
White Collar Lies (The title track is a softer number, but the sharp criticism of government policies and corruption makes it one of the most memorable songs on the album)
Love Is Dead (Simple lyrical format, but thought provoking in a nearly ingenious way)
Floridian (A genuine ballad. Kopek display another side of their talent on this one)
Bring it on Home (This is the song that made me draw some comparisons to The White Stripes)
[WHITE COLLAR LIES is due for release in MARCH 1st, 2011]

Heavy Metal Campaign '10!

Post #113
Your Heavy Metal 107 Candidates:


James Hetfield (Metallica)


James runs for re-election because Metallica is still one of the most successful metal bands in the world. The successful Death Magnetic album may only be a sign of what's to come from this band over the next two years. Voting for him wouldn't hurt the chances for a State-side Big-4 tour either! Re-elect James Hetfield!







Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)


After finishing a close second in the 2008 election, Bruce is again seeking your vote for president of this blog. Iron Maiden's latest album, The Final Frontier, stands as the latest testament to their iconic legacy in heavy metal. Does the title suggest the band might be hanging it up soon? Or are they just toying with us? Either way, they still have it after 30 years. Scream for me blog readers! Vote for Bruce!









Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)



Having directed Megadeth's music back to the speed-driven thrash style that was their trademark in their early years, Mustaine's band has been on plateau over the last couple years, recapturing the metal hearts of their faithful fans. Megadeth have also been honoring the 20th anniversary of their landmark Rust In Peace album by playing it live on tour this year. Dave himself has even released his own autobiography earlier this year, giving fans a chance to hear his life story in greater detail than ever before. Calling all Droogies! Vote for Mustaine!



David Draiman (Disturbed)


David Draiman contends for president this term behind the strength of Disturbed's latest album, Asylum. Here again, we see Disturbed both maintaining their strengths, and stretching their talents of songcraft in heavy metal. Asylum touches on several issues relevant in the world today, in the midst of all it's changes. Stop corruption and vote for David Draiman!


Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)


Ozzy has long been associated with the earliest days of heavy metal, having been a founding member of the legendary Black Sabbath. Now, with his new album Scream showing that he still has some fight left in him, Ozzy makes another run for this blog's symbolic president. Ozzy also has a recent autobiography out at bookstores everywhere, inviting fans to hear the story of his unparalleled career, complete with every controversy! Ozzy wants to hear you SCREAM! Vote OZZY!









Corey Taylor (Stone Sour/Slipknot)



Corey Taylor also returns to challenge all candidates this term. He has proven repeatedly that he can front some of the best metal bands, either extreme (Slipknot), or more mainstream (StoneSour). Though the tragic loss of their bassist, Paul Gray, may leave some questions of how Slipknot will continue their career, Stone Sour are back with a new album, Audiosecrecy, and are ready to take it to the metal masses. Here's another Mission Statement: Vote for Corey Taylor!

Ace Frehley-Anomaly

Post #112

The "Space-Ace", original guitarist of KISS, has returned with Anomaly, his first solo-album in 20 years, and eleven years since his last recording with KISS. Whether intentional or coincidental, it came out at almost the same time as KISS' latest, Sonic Boom. From my point of view it doesn't matter if Anomaly was supposed to compete with Sonic Boom, or simply re-establish Ace Frehley in the hard-rock music scene. It sounds like a classic Ace solo-album and holds up to the standards of his previous work, and in my opinion, that's all I could have hoped for.

Long overdue though it may be, Anomaly is the Ace Frehley album fans have been waiting for. In spite of two decades passing since 89's Trouble Walkin', Anomaly sounds like it hasn't missed a beat. With classic-rock riffs and a bit of blues, Ace digs into his roots with this release, and captures the true essence of his Space-Ace persona. He even gets the Sci-fi theme involved on the track "Outer Space". Not to be overlooked, he also offers essentially 3 instrumental tracks (one of them has a few lyrics, but it's a one-line refrain that only comes around during breaks in the instrumental jam session). Those who think Ace's best work is in his instrumental songs will not be disappointed with these either.

Oh, and before I forget to mention it, Anomaly has the most unique packaging I've ever seen for a CD! Once you pull off the slip-cover, the CD is held in this weird little paper-board contraption, and there's a slip of paper with 'assembly instructions'. After following the 'fold here' & 'insert tab here', step-by-step instructions, you end up with a nifty little cardboard pyramid displaying Anomaly's groovy cover art! It looks nice on a shelf sitting next to an Ace Frehley action figure...

As a long-time KISS fan, as well as an Ace fan (for he was my favorite of the original line-up), I'm tempted to say Anomaly tops Sonic Boom as the better album. Part of me feels that Sonic Boom may be a more balanced album, but the best parts of Anomaly leave Sonic Boom's best songs in the dust! My advice to the old-school KISS fan is check them both out & make your own call. Without a doubt though, these are both great albums.

My top picks from Anomaly:

-Foxy & Free

-Outer Space (The best track on the album in my book. Possibly the best song Ace has EVER written!!)

-Pain in the Neck

-Fox on the Run (Cover of the classic 70's hit by Sweet!)

-Genghis Khan (This is the mostly-instrumental song I mentioned earlier. Just one line of lyrics to break it up & give is some structure. A great jam!)

-Change the World (A little bit of a softer tune from Ace. A song about bettering one's self and making a difference.)

-Fractured Quantum (Hoped for, expected, or even predictable, here's another instrumental track that continues the themes of Ace's previous instrumentals; 'Fractured Mirror', 'Fractured Too', and 'Fractured III'.)

KISS-Sonic Boom

Post #111

KISS! The make-up clad hard-rockers emerge from an eleven year studio retirement with Sonic Boom, a hard-edged rock n' roll album that finds the band returning to their roots. Although this album has been well received by many fans and critics, there have been many changes within the band in the years since Psycho-Circus. Some fans may hold some reservations because of these circumstances, but in the end they are moot points at best. As should always be the case with rock n' roll, the music speaks for itself on Sonic Boom.

The first single, "Modern Day Delilah", get this come-back album off to a great start. Catchy hard-rock riffs are abundant on Sonic Boom, and it is these riffs around which the album is built. Gone are the days when KISS would emulate current trends in music. Here they stick to their strengths: rock n' roll riffs, catchy hooks, melodic and classic guitar solos. Gene and Paul trade off on lead vocals throughout the album while both Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer take lead vocals on one track each.

For those concerned about how Tommy & Eric fit into this formula, keep in mind both of these guys have been with the band before. Eric as drummer after the tragic death of Eric Carr from '92-'96; and Tommy as a collaborator and guitar tech as early as the late 80's. What surprised me most was how well these two captured the classic KISS vibe on most of this album. Tommy's leads really are written to sound like classic Ace Frehley leads. Half the time he was soloing I was doing double-takes thinking I was listening to albums like Hotter Than Hell or Dressed to Kill. Eric's drumming likewise focuses on the rhythm styles of their early days. You can tell the band really studied their early material when composing Sonic Boom. If you're a KISS purist, then this really is the album you've been waiting for, in spite of the absence of Peter & Ace.

Sonic Boom ends almost as strongly as it started, with the track "Say Yeah". Simple title, but catchy like classic KISS songs should be. It was also a featured song on their last 2 tours. Also, as great as the album itself is, the full experience doesn't end there. With this release, KISS include a bonus CD and a bonus DVD!

The CD is KISS Klassics; a collection of 15 of their hits and fan favorites from the 70's & 80's, re-recorded by the current band line-up. There are some pros & cons to re-recording old songs, but I suspect it was done primarily to cut back on royalties to their previous label, Mercury Records, since they are now using their own label, KISS Records. The songs themselves are sometimes better than the original recordings, sometimes not. Having cranked up the original versions for years on-end, they are the versions I mostly side with. There are a couple where I feel the emotion is missing, that sound like cheap imitations of the originals. Most are generally interchangable with the old versions. The few exceptions where I feel the new take is an improvement can be found below in the 'top-picks' section.

The DVD is a real treat! It features a few live performances from their recent tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Like several other rock & metal bands have found, KISS take advantage of the extreme enthusiasm fans display at live shows in South America. Have you ever seen a South American Futbol (Soccer) match? Well, they treat their rock concerts pretty much the same way! On this DVD you'll hear the fans singing along with every word, and many of the riffs! Of course, KISS put on a great performance with all their theatrics & pyro-technics as well. The six tracks are: "Deuce", "Hotter Than Hell", "C'mon and Love Me", "Watchin' You", "100,000 Years", and "Rock and Roll All Nite".

Here are my top picks from Sonic Boom:

-Modern Day Delilah

-Russian Roulette

-Hot and Cold

-All for the Glory (Here's where you can hear Eric Singer on lead vocals, very similar to Peter's voice.)

-When Lightning Strikes (Tommy's lead vocal track. Sounds eerily like an Ace Frehley song, both in the vocals and music style.)

-Say Yeah

...and top picks from KISS Klassics:

-Hotter Than Hell (This one benefits from the modern re-recording. Sharper & fuller sound than the original!)

-I Was Made for Lovin' You (Although this still has the disco-beat feel as always, the new recording brings a whole lot more out of the guitar tracks. The result is a heavier feeling song. More along the lines of how they play it live!)

-I Love It Loud (Don't get me wrong, the original version is great too. In fact the whole 'Creatures of the Night' album is still one of my favorites. However, the new recording of this song benefits from a stronger & better defined backing vocal track, the 'Yeaaa-aaa-aa-aaah-Yeah!' part sounds so much better here!)

-Black Diamond (I'm really torn between this new recording and the original. What I like about this one is another chance to hear Eric Singer's lead vocals. But I don't dis Peter Criss' vocals on the original, I just mean you should hear them both!)

-Rock & Roll All Nite (Again, not necessarily better than the original, but this is one song they never do a bad job of playing. Either live or in-studio!)

Karnivool-Sound Awake (2009)

Post #110

Karnivool are a new band out of Perth, Australia, and anyone interested in the cutting edge of rock and heavy music should pay attention to them. These guys blend elements of rock, metal, progressive, alternative, and psychedelic rock in ways I've never heard before. They employ ambitious musicianship to create such moods and ambiance that you can't help being sucked into their new album Sound Awake like it was a black hole.

A brief sampling of a song or two is not enough to truly experience Karnivool's Sound Awake. This is more than a simple collection of 11 songs, it is a genuine listening experience, a journey into sound. The first track, 'Simple Boy', fools you with a few quiet notes of a synthesizer before giving way to a drum roll and heavy bass guitar riff. Just when you think the bass overtones are about to cause your speakers to implode, contrast is brought in with melodic lead guitar and vocals. Karnivool's vocalist, Ian Kenny, brings the final, perfect ingredient to the musical formula, tugging your mind along the path of their progressive rock music.

'Sound Awake' is an appropriate title. Open to interpretation, but accurately capturing the crux of this album however you read it. This band takes full advantage of a huge spectrum of sound through their music. Progressive rock is the backbone, the primary element consistent in each track. The sound of the music can range from heavy riffs, to smooth melodies, but always building layer upon layer of sound. The result is an epic masterpiece of heavy, progressive rock.

Each successive track continues to introduce new combinations of their ambitiously conceived sound. I'm alternately reminded of Tool or Pink Floyd or Dream Theater throughout the course of hearing this album. Ultimately, in the end, it is all Karnivool. By the time the last track, 'Change', finally draws to a close with a cacophony of drums lingering after the other instruments have silenced, I conclude that Karnivool are in a class of their own. Young, new masters of this genre they could redefine in the years to come.

Here are some highlights from Sound Awake:
-Simple Boy (The opening track. Keeps growing on me each time I hear it. Heavy, melodic, mind-blowing!)
-New Day (My personal favorite. Easy to see why they named their recent US tour after this song. Simply epic!)
-Set Fire to the Hive (A harder-edged number. Rough-edged tones, with some aggressive emotion in the vocal delivery)
-Umbra
-All I Know (Another favorite of mine. Like so many other songs on this album, I like it more every time I hear it!)
-Deadman (Another perfect example of their progressive, thematic song-craft. An epic piece of music that clocks in at 12 minutes.)

Hear some of these songs for yourself at the band's website:
http://www.karnivool.com.au/

or on their myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/karnivool

OZZY OSBOURNE-SCREAM

Post #109
Ozzy Osbourne has had one of the longest running careers in Heavy Metal music. Over the years he has been fortunate to be a part of several legendary partnerships in music. He was a founding member of Black Sabbath along with Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and guitar legend Tony Iommi; resurrected his career as a solo artist with guitar legend Randy Rhoads; carried on his solo career after Rhoads' tragic death with the likes of Jake E Lee and Zakk Wylde. Now, 41 years after his debut with Black Sabbath, Ozzy finds himself in a new collaborating partnership, as Firewind guitarist Gus G hops onto Ozzy's never-ending crazy train of a career.

Earlier this year, Ozzy released his latest album, 'Scream', with massive and unique promotion. The track, 'Let me Hear You Scream', was featured in an episode of CSI. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaE7gTLk__A) Ozzy himself helped attempt to set a Guiness World record for longest scream by an arena crowd (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvXRQjkX5rw&NR=1), and also promoted his album by joking with visitors of a wax museum while posing as an exhibit of himself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY9PeJOZpeA).

Once all the hoopla was done and 'Scream' itself hit the streets, Ozzy's fans finally got to hear the beginning of the latest chapter of Ozzy's career. The buzz generated beforehand was enough to push it to #4 on the Billboard charts, making it the 7th top-ten album for Ozzy. Scream is deserving of this status as well, with songs that deliver all the key elements of a great Ozzy album: heavy riffs, a variety of tempos, great guitar soloing (thanks Gus!), a couple semi-biographical ballads, and even a bit of neo-classical inspiration can be heard.

I only wish Gus G had had a larger hand in the writing of this album . We'll have to wait for Ozzy's next album to hear his contributions in that respect. For the most part, this album was co-written by Ozzy Osbourne and his producer Kevin Churko (and Adam Wakeman on a few tracks), prior to Gus G's joining the band. Churko also received co-writing credit on Ozzy's previous album, Black Rain, perhaps explaining how the new album remains so consistent.

My top picks from SCREAM:
-Let It Die (a slow-tempo, heavy number. Classic Ozzy!)
-Let Me Hear You Scream (first single, and a real thrasher for Ozzy)
-Soul Sucker
-Life Won't Wait (One of the ballads, Ozzy hasn't lost his touch with this kind of number either)
-Diggin' Me Down (Here's my personal favorite! Melodic guitar intro brings back memories of Randy Rhoads' neo-classical days!)
-I Want It More

AC/DC-Highway to Hell

Post #108 Poll Winner: Favorite AC/DC album from the 70's.

AC/DC, one of the preeminent influences of hard rock & heavy metal music, established themselves in the mid-70's. Taking a strong inspiration from early blues & rock and roll bands from the 50's and early 60's, and mixing it with the harder-edged sound of other early-70's era bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who, they quickly became a major force of 70's heavy metal.

With each album, their popularity grew. Within a couple years they were touring outside their native Australia, and had become a global phenomenon. Their music appealed to a whole generation of teens, who craved this old-school rock & roll with a dark side. Their singles became top hits on almost every continent.

They closed out the decade with their best album yet, 'Highway To Hell'. Though they were still a band on the rise, this would be their last album with Bon Scott as their singer. He tragically died in early 1980 at the age of 33 after passing out after a night of heavy drinking. The legacy he left behind is one of the most memorable in heavy-rock music. Your choice of Highway To Hell as your favorite AC/DC album from the 70's is further evidence of that legacy.

Now, here are my favorite tracks I recommend from this album:

-Highway To Hell

-Girls Got Rhythym

-Shot Down In Flames

-If You Want Blood (You've Got It!)

-Night Prowler

Second Annual Myspace-Bands Poll

Post #107
In the world of online music and streaming mp3's websites like myspce.com have become more than simply a way to get your music heard; they've become the standard for much of the music industry. Not only will you find your buddy's garage band from around the block with their own myspace-page, but every major recording artist now has at least a couple songs available for free sampling at myspace.com.

To celebrate the spirit of independent music, the Happy Headbanger's blog is once again featuring seven of these up-and-coming bands in a reader's poll. To allow you faithful readers sufficient time to hear a little of each of these bands, and decide on a favorite, this poll will have an extended voting window! Typically I utilize a 30-day polling window, but for this one you'll get no less than 45 days. Use them wisely!

Now here are your contestants
DEADMANSWAKE
Female-fronted metal with lots of balls!
Check out the song "Amy"
http://www.myspace.com/deadmanswakechicago

SMASH CORPS
Great heavy-metal with a thrash-hardcore vibe!
Check out "The Machine"
http://www.myspace.com/smashcorps

THIRD LAW OF MOTION
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."
Post-grunge inspired alternative rock, with mainstream-friendly hooks.
Check out "Golden Age"
http://www.myspace.com/thirdlawofmotion

KILLCODE
A great New York-based band blending a classic-metal sound with a bit of southern rock.
Check out "Truce"
http://www.myspace.com/killcode

SKANK
A little melody, a bunch of hard-core riffs, and of course a little sleazy. These guys rock!
Check out "No Love Lost"
http://www.myspace.com/skankmusic

INN CINEMA
These guys can be intense with a furious metalcore edge, then lighten up to show a melodic side.
Check out "Save Me"
http://www.myspace.com/inncinema

SUTURED PSYCHE
"Music for Bastards!"
Melodic hard rock, mixed with a bit of alternative metal, and catchy grooves in every song!
Check out "The Leap"
http://www.myspace.com/suturedpsyche

Keep in mind, the winner of this poll will get a full-length review within a few weeks of when the poll closes. Not to mention more exposure to the online community, and circulation of their myspace page!

Enjoy!

Iron Maiden: The Final Frontier Tour (w/ Dream Theater) 7-18-10

Post #106
On July 18, 2010, I attended my first-ever Iron Maiden concert. Long overdue, I know, but better late than never, and well worth the wait! Here's my review of the show...
On a warm July afternoon I made my way to the First Midwest Bank Ampitheater once again to catch what promised to be a memorable heavy metal concert: Iron Maiden, with Dream Theater as the opening band. This was an excellent combination, I felt, since I'm also big fan of Dream Theater. I could not wait for the show to start.

I didn't have long to wait, as I barely made it to the venue before showtime. I had just found my section and was making my way to my seat when stage lights came on, and John Myung of Dream Theater emerged from the smoke that had filled the stage, playing one of his classic, melodic bass-guitar riffs. The song was 'As I Am', and Dream Theater's set was off to a powerful start!

For a band known for their epic-progressive, and very, very long songs I was a bit concerned that Dream Theater wouldn't get to play too many numbers as an opening act. I was pleasantly surprised, however, as it became apparent they were focusing on their heavier (and for the most part shorter songs). Admittedly, the thrashy side of Dream Theater has always been my favorite. They were able to squeeze in 6 selected songs, closing with their classic 'Pull Me Under'.

Then there was a bit of a break as the stage crew went to work preparing for Maiden. I took the opportunity to head out to the vendors, grab myself a tour T-shirt, a drink, and return to my seat. It also made for less waiting time. I was ready for Iron Maiden.

They opened their set with 'The Wicker Man' from their reunion album Brave New World. A great thrash number to get the crowd pumped off the bat. When the vocals kicked in, Bruce sprinted from the back-stage area, hurdled a row of monitors, and began belting out the song with such energy as I had rarely seen in any rock show! He was sporting a simple black T-shirt which read 'PSYCH WARD' across the front, and his energy continued as such for most of the show.

I was a little surprised how heavily Iron Maiden favored their newer material (i.e. since their reunion in 2000). They did play a few older tracks, but easily two-thirds of their set was selected from the albums Brave New World, Dance of Death, or A Matter of Life and Death. This was fine by me, as I've become a huge fan of these albums. I think Iron Maiden are arguably better now than they have ever been.

One of my favorite moments from the show was when Bruce took a few moments between songs to remember the late Ronnie James Dio. He shared a little story with us of a time he was on tour with Dio and heard him complaining about the song 'Rainbow In The Dark'. Ronnie had said that he hated that song, that he was sick of it. "Well, why do you play it all the time then?" asked Bruce. "Because the fans want to hear it." Dio replied simply. And that was what was always important to Ronnie James Dio, giving the fans what they wanted to hear. For a moment I wondered if they were going to play 'Rainbow in the Dark'. Though they did not, they did dedicated the next song to Ronnie, 'Blood Brothers'.

Maiden continued through a fantastic set, as I've mentioned focusing mainly on their newest 3 albums prior to The Final Frontier. A giant Eddie came out a stalked the stage during 'Iron Maiden', dueling with Janick Gers for a bit. Then when it seemed the show was over, they came back out for an encore, and played three of the greatest classics: 'The Number of the Beast', 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', and 'Running Free'.

The set list from this memorable night of heavy metal legends:

Dream Theater

-As I Am

-A Rite of Passage

-Home

-Constant Motion

-Panic Attack

-Pull Me Under

Iron Maiden

-The Wicker Man

-Ghost of the Navigator

-Wrathchild

-El Dorado (the only song from their new album, which had not yet been released.)

-Dance of Death

-The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg

-These Colours Don't Run

-Blood Brothers

-Wildest Dreams

-No More Lies

-Brave New World

-Fear of the Dark

-Iron Maiden

-The Number of the Beast

-Hallowed Be Thy Name

-Running Free

A Bargain Hunter's Finds (Part 2, Creeping Death EP, Etc...)

Post #105
I'll take a moment here to re-focus on my primary means of reviewing so much essential heavy music: bargain hunting! I've said before that if it were not for inexpensive means of hearing music (online sampling via band-websites & online radio, redeeming coupons at major retailers, 2nd-hand music acquisitions like garage sales & used music retailers, and of course visiting the Audio-Visual section of my local library), I would not have the chance to hear much of the music I've already shared with you.

Now let me document a few of my recent finds, beginning with one that is a rare find indeed, for it is no longer in print: Metallica's early EP, 'Creeping Death' (which includes the original 'Garage Days Revisited' and the single for 'Jump In The Fire'). [$7.98 (+10% off) $7.18 final price]
What an excellent find this was! It is probably the only time I've ever even seen this recording in CD format, and now I'm lucky enough to own it. This item was found at one of the Half Price Books locations I frequent, as well as the next item...

Dream Theater-Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) [2-disc compilation: $7.98 (+10% off) $7.18 final price]
This one I had already checked out from my library a couple times before I found it at Half Price Books. I was in no hurry to buy it right away, since I have all of Dream Theater's albums from which the songs are selected. However I should point out that 3 of the tracks are remixes (the 3 taken from the Images and Words album), and I wanted to have these alternate versions in my personal collection. Was it necessary for Dream Theater to remix these songs? That is perhaps up to the listener to decide. I, for one, appreciate the new mixes. They sound more crisp than the originals.

From Best Buy: Apocalyptica-7th Symphony [Special Edition w/ Live DVD, 2010] $14.99 + portion of $10 Reward Zone certificate: $6.65 final price!
With Apocalyptica, I've been a fan since their first CD, 'Plays Metallica by Four Cellos'. I've tried to keep up with each release over the years, so naturally I was looking to get this one as well. Having $10 worth of Best Buy Reward Zone coupons burning a hole in my email helped make it an easy decision.

From Half Price Books (during the 20% off Everything Labor Day Weekend sale)
Bloomingdale, IL location: Killswitch Engage-As Daylight Dies (Special Edition w/ bonus tracks and DVD w/ 3 videos & 'making of' documentaries, '07) [$9.98 -20% off = $7.98 final price]
Shadows Fall-Threads of Life ('07) [$7.98 -20% off = $6.38 final price]
Geoff Tate (Self-titled solo recording from lead singer of Queensryche, '02) [$5.98 -20% off = $4.78 final price]
Nevermore-dreaming Neon black ('99) [$5.98-20% off = $4.78 final price]

Palatine, IL location: Soundgarden-Louder Than Love ('89) [$5.98-20% off = $4.78 final price]
Unearth-Our Days of Eulogy ('04 w/ bonus disc of 9 other Eulogy Records recording artists) [$2.00 clearance -20% off = $1.60 final price]
Mushroomhead-Savior Sorrow ('06) [$2.00 clearance -20% off = $1.60 final price]
Machine Head-The Burning Red ('99) [$2.00 clearance -20% off = $1.60 final price]
Flyleaf (Self-titled debut '07) [$2.00 clearance -20% off = $1.60 final price]

To summarize this successful scavenging expedition, over the course of 2 weekends;
Total CD count: 13 (plus 1 bonus CD and 2 bonus DVDs)
Grand total: $56.11
Average cost per CD: $4.32

These are the kinds of deals I'm accustomed to finding. I admit that occasionally there is an essential new release that I will sometimes bring myself to spend $12-$15 on, so that I can have it to enjoy right away. However these cases are relatively few and far between for me. Over the course of the last couple years of reading other music-lovers' blogs, I've found a few who like to document their collection-building shopping sprees in a similar fashion as I just did. Often times, the amount of money they spend makes my budget-conscious mind cringe. Perhaps this will open their eyes to the kinds of bargains that are out there to be had.

For these purchases I didn't even need to utilize the internet, where great prices on music are often found from people selling their CDs second-hand. I simply browsed my local used-music retailers, and even there I'm always sure to peruse the clearance section. Also, I took advantage of rewards programs available at primary retailers. It's fun being rewarded for being a frequent shopper.

So go out there and find yourself some great heavy metal music, but also keep in mind that these kinds of bargains are probably easier to find than you think. It just takes a little dillegence and sometimes a bit of patience.

http://www.halfpricebooks.com/
http://www.bestbuy.com/

Alice Cooper-School's Out

Post #104 Poll Winner: Favorite Alice Cooper album from the 70's.
The 1970's were a formative era for the genre of heavy metal. Several hard rock bands from this time would become primary influences for almost every heavy metal band that has folowed since. This was a time of pioneers. Rock musicians who began making music in the late 60's would slowly begin to emerge from the haze of psychadelic rock and hone in on other elements of style. One such artist would be Alice Cooper.

Alice Cooper became famous early in their career for the theatrical elements of their stage show. Hence, Alice became known as the founder of 'Shock-Rock' (dubbed for the shocking elements of their music and performance). At about the same time, the band started producing some genuine hit songs that helped define the generation.

School's Out is perhaps the best example of Alice Cooper's rock-anthem capabilities. To this day the title track to this classic album is cranked up to 10 for many high-schoolers during summer break. This song gave a generation of teenagers a rally cry in the 70's.

You chose this album as your favorite from Alice in the 70's,
My picks from School's Out:
-School's Out (of course!)
-My Stars
-Public Animal #9

Sutured Psyche Rocks Chicago's I AM Fest (7-23-10)

Post #103

SUTURED PSYCHE

On the local, independent rock music scene in Chicago, there has been a series of 'Battle of the Bands' style shows this summer. One band featured in this competition has been on my radar for a while now: Sutured Psyche. On Friday, July 23rd I was finally able to make it to one of their shows, and it was well worth the wait.

As part of the Independent Arts & Music Fest (I AM Fest), they played a show at the Elbo Room on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. It was a small venue, in the basement below the bar, and a little short on air-conditioning. All things considered, the crowd was still ready to rock, and with potent enthusiasm. The crowd seemed to be perpetually revolving, as people kept retreating to the upstairs area where the AC was working much better. There also seemed to be a trend of each band pulling in its own crowd that didn't always stick around for the whole evening.

For those who stuck it out for the penultimate band, Sutured Psyche, they were rewarded with a great set of in-you-face hard-rock music! As the individual members ran a final sound-check with the venue sound-staff I was getting psyched (pun intended!) Suddenly, it was SHOW TIME!
They hit the ground running, opening their set with "Clarity", a song that quickly showcased much of the band's signature sound. Hard rock riffs are the driving force behind Sutured Psyche's music. Catchy melodies are abundant throughout as well. Clean-guitar progressions balance a heavy rhythm guitar as a tight drum & bass guitar combo holds everything together. However, the most unique element of this band may be their lead vocalist. Singer William Pekoc IV has a deep, throaty voice that reverberates throughout the room. This facet of the band's formula is the reason behind a few hinted comparisons to Tool.
Pekoc's commanding vocal delivery, along with the band's slick image (dressed in matching black suits-at least at the start of the show), and stage craft make for a highly entertaining rock show. Follow this band with their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/suturedpsyche, and try to catch one of their shows on Chicago's north-side. You won't be dissapointed.

For now I'll leave you with the set list from this show:

Clarity

Invocation

50th Percentile

Luck of the Draw

Much More Than I've Lost

Inherit the Earth (A great fist-pumping anthem, with crowd-participation opportunities!)

Trickster

The Leap (this one has quickly become a favorite track of mine, having sampled it frequently on their myspace webpage)

Teen Angst (a rare cover-originally by Cracker)

Anything

[Sutured Psyche will also be featured soon in this blog's 2nd annual Myspace/Independent bands' reader's poll. Coming feature in October this year...]