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Category: Album Reviews

Album Reviews Articles 

Megadeth: Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good – The Final Kill Review

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Killing Is My Business is an undeniable classic in the thrash canon. A low-fi production perfectly captured the DIY aesthetic of an underground scene. Megadeth have scrapped the original art, remixed and remastered the music, and added bonus tracks in a definitive edition titled The Final Kill. One can’t help but note how “modern” the record sounds. Purists worried that a remix would lose the debut’s nostalgic charm. The energy, feel, and spirit of 1985-era Megadeth remain. Guitars and vocals now have a clarity that eighties technology failed to capture. The…

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Megadeth: Revisiting So Far, So Good… So What!

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So Far, So Good… So What! is the forgotten Megadeth album. Largely forsaken in concert, the 1988 classic has gotten lost in a vast discography. Perhaps it simply had the misfortune of being sandwiched between Peace Sells and Rust in Peace. Despite the fall from grace, So Far, So Good… So What! captures Megadeth at the height of their 80’s glory. So Far, So Good… So What! was an undeniable success. It sold 400,000 copies in its first month of release and eventually went platinum. Despite receiving zero commercial airplay,…

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Metallica: And Justice For All (Remastered) – 3-CD Expanded Edition Review

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Metallica marches onward with their extensive reissue campaign. The long awaited …And Justice For All remaster has arrived. As with the first three albums, a deluxe box set is available. The 6 record, 11 CD, and 4 DVD set offers complete immersion in the Justice writing sessions and subsequent tour. Other bounty includes a download card, tour laminate, patches, lyric folder, and a 120 page hardcover book. Not everyone is willing to drop nearly $200 on a lavish box set. Many fans will be satisfied with the 3CD Expanded Edition.…

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Album Reviews Articles 

Anthrax: State of Euphoria 30th Anniversary Edition Review

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Anthrax were at the peak of their career in 1988. Among the Living had been a genre-defining album and I’m The Man was certified platinum. With the release of State of Euphoria, Anthrax cemented their place in the Big Four. That now classic recording earned the band a gold record and proved that thrash could have broad commercial appeal. MTV threw their support behind the band. Headbangers Ball invited Anthrax to host the show and visited the studio where writing sessions for State of Euphoria unfolded. Cameras trailed the band…

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Neil Young – ‘Roxy: Tonight’s the Night Live’ Review

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Tonight’s the Night has a funny place in Neil Young’s discography. Despite being recorded directly after Harvest, the album was not released until 1975. Although Time Fades Away and On the Beach followed Harvest, Tonight’s the Night is the true successor to Young’s highest charting album. Tonight’s the Night was Neil Young’s artistic response to the deaths of roadie Bruce Berry and Crazy Horse guitarist Danny Whitten. The art, music, and lyrics are collectively dark; creating a morose aesthetic that alienated fans seeking the country vibe of Harvest. With a…

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Metallica – The $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited Review

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Garage Days has FINALLY been reissued. Although the music is available on Garage Inc., the original EP had been out of print since 1989. Now, the artwork and track list have been restored. Furthermore, the songs have been remastered. Metallica have been truly exhaustive in their ongoing reissue campaign. Unlike the first three albums, the band opted not to release deluxe editions with bonus material. Instead, the focus is on recreating the listening experience of 1987. To meet this end, Metallica did not disappoint! Garage Days Re-Revisited is available in…

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Album Reviews Articles Observations and Musings 

Dee Dee King: The Ramones Rapper

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Dee Dee Ramone is a punk icon. No mere bass player, Dee Dee was a creative driving force behind the Ramones. He penned many of the band’s most beloved songs and his consistent shout of “1-2-3-4” broke up the frantic pace of Ramones gigs. Drug use eventually landed the embattled musician in rehab. During his stay, fellow patients exposed Dee Dee to rap music. That musical discovery inspired a creative project that confused just about everyone. In 1987, Dee Dee launched a rap career. Reborn Dee Dee King, the bass…

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Judas Priest: Firepower Review

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Firepower marks the 18th studio album from the legendary Judas Priest. It’s official. The Priest is back! Firepower’s album cover harkens back to their 80’s glory days. It’s hard not to think of Screaming for Vengeance when glancing at the artwork. Obscured in a sea of flames, Firepower portrays an airborne beast of steel much like the Hellion. The color scheme of red and yellow only enhances similarities to the iconic record sleeve. This new metal monster is no nameless entity. Much like Screaming For Vengeance, Defenders of the Faith,…

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Metallica: Master of Puppets (Remastered) – 3-CD Expanded Edition Review

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Like Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets has been expanded to provide the ultimate Metallica experience. The sheer amount of content included in the deluxe box set is surely worth every penny. However, not everyone has the expendable income for a large purchase. Fortunately, working class fans can gain access to rare recordings with the 3CD Expanded Edition. The expanded edition has the feel of a mini box set. Thick packing ensures that this version of Master will stand out from other CDs. Folding out into…

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Iron Maiden – The Book of Souls: Live Chapter Review

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Iron Maiden concluded the widely successful Book of Souls tour in 2017. Unlike previous tours, there will be no DVD of the concert. In lieu of a video, Maiden simply released an old-fashioned live album. The Book of Souls: Live Chapter is available in multiple formats. Vinyl devotees will surely purchase the 3 LP set. Fans preferring the digital counterpart can choose between a standard double CD and Deluxe Edition. Be forewarned, the Deluxe Edition does not contain additional music. The accompanying book is still a worthwhile souvenir and is…

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