Metal Nerdism Vol. 10: BLOOD & STEEL - 20 EPIC-er METAL songs to make you raise a sword.

It's not the best ones or the greatest ones, even if a few of them are undeniable champions. It is the 20 EPIC-er METAL songs to make you raise a sword (or an axe... or a hammer) according to Crystal Logic. There is just ONE RULE: One song per band. We don't want to present a list with 20 songs written by Quorthon or the Shark.

by Andreas Andreou

 

It is said that there are no specific rules to define Epic Metal and even if the correct term is Epic Heavy Metal, there are still bands, albums and many songs that are simply Epic Metal. A few of them will be found below. So, what's Epic (Heavy) Metal? The number 1 song in the list below sums up everything but it is more. Lyrics are also a part of it. You know them, name it battles, warriors, fantasy, sword & sorcery, mythology (even folklore), historical events, ancient times, mostly things that offer escapism. Epic Metal though has also the deep and academic approach of modern bands such as Atlantean Kodex and their unique lyrical approach that gives to this so-called sub-genre a quality that requests a devotion in order to approach it and understand it. At the end of the day, Epic Metal can be something more than simple "escapism" and it doesn mean of course that you should go out in the streets wielding a sword!

Roots? Many. It is about bands but mainly songs, and also the visual aspect. The roots in the '70s heavy and rock don't have many differences than the ones of Power Metal, so let's just add songs like Rainbow's "Stargazer" and Ronnie James Dio lyrical approach, Black Sabbath's "Supertzar" and the galloping rhythm of "Children of the Grave", Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", a few more '70s songs of Uriah Heep, Judas Priest, Rush and Scorpions, the imagery of cover arts from bands such as Dust (Hard Attack, 1972) and Molly Hatchet (Molly Hatchet, 1978), and this is just the top of the ice cube, since there were more less known bands here and there. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal leading to the '80s and Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell was the foundation upon which bands like Manilla Road and Manowar shaped part of their characteristics.

The first ones? I guess we all agree that bands such as Manilla Road, Manowar and Warlord can claim the "Epic Heavy Metal" term as the leaders without adding any "proto-metal", "proto-epic", "proto-whatever" this thing is, bands. When was this term firstly used? We will discuss it in the last songs of the list below.

A few diverse and controversial choices are a must sometimes, so the list goes like this:


20. BATTLEROAR - Hyrkanian Blades

For us, old fans of Battleroar the debate for the best album was always Age of Chaos or To Death and Beyond... but I was always with the later since there was one of the greatest epic heavy metal openers ever ("The Wrathforge") and songs like "Hyrkanian Blades". Huge band in the underground epic metal scene back then, but it was never the same after the third album. It was just a different act.

Check also: RAVENSIRE - Drawing the Sword


19. SOLSTICE - To Ride with Tyr

I am always trying to find ways so I can add something from Solstice in every list. This wasn't very difficult this time, so Mr. Rich Walker is here, with this epic (doom) metal masterpiece from Halcyon EP. "We die as brothers, and ride with Tyr".

Check also: ISEN TORR - Mighty & Superior

18. TWISTED TOWER DIRE - Axes & Honor

Taken from the third album of one of the best bands of the true new wave of traditional heavy metal movement that took shape a few years before bands like Enforcer led the way, "Axes & Honor" is a glorious anthemic epic heavy metal song. Grab an axe and held it high!

Check also: CRUSH - Kingdom of the Kings


17. DOMINE - The Aquilonia Suite

That song could be higher in the list but having also the music of Basil Poledouris heavily added it would be unfair for all the rest. Conan the Barbarian is the key element here and Domine more or less offer us their epic heavy metal take on the John Milius' film with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the leading role. Perfect from start to finish, the 11-minute epic is a highlight in Domine's impressive catalogue.

Check also: IRONSWORD - Cimmeria


16. CIRITH UNGOL - Nadsokor

"Mighty warrior raise your sword against the seething chaos horde" is the first line and the voice of chaos brings an archaic and mystical aura that only Cirith Ungol had in specific moments of their albums. One Foot in Hell is definitely not the best Ungol album (that one is King of the Dead for all of the older Ungol fans) but "Nadsokor" is one of their epic-er songs that's also has been covered in the debut album of the following band in No.15.

Check also: STONE DAGGER - The Siege of Jerusalem


15. DOOMSWORD - Heathen Assault

DoomSword is one more of the bands that can be labeled simply as "Epic Metal". They have the doom element in their music (and name) but this is just pure epic metal because playing slow metal music doesn't really make you doom metal. "Heathen Assault" sums up the essence of the band. The band's music is forged in tales of steel and battles, the triumph of the conqueror and the blood of the conquered.

Check also: BLOOD COVERED - Memories Through Centuries...


14. WRATHBLADE - God-Defying Typhoeus

Wrathblade is the most underrated epic heavy metal band ever. Everyone, more or less, has taken the credit it deserves but Wrathblade still haven't. Following the band from their early years and having seen them live numerous times (almost everywhere) before even releasing the debut album Into the Netherworld's Realm (2012), I was confident that this album was going to rule. And it did. The opening track "God-Defying Typhoeus" was a live favourite (just like "Reins of Doom") before even the album was released, among the few fanatics of the Athenian legion. A different kind of lyrics, epic but different and unique, the most suitable voice for their epic music, huge riffs and an excellent rhythm section, a lack of guitar solos and keyboards that adds an archaic and barbarian feeling, and the perfect production for their stuff. Wrathblade is the real epic heavy metal deal.

Check also: TALES OF MEDUSA - Bade the Myrmidons


13. ATLANTEAN KODEX - The Atlantean Kodex

There are many songs you can add here from Atlantean Kodex, but this anthemic epic heavy metal track is the hymn of the Kodex battalions and having seen live many times the German epic metal armada, it is also a live favourite. Atlantean Kodex is a very special epic metal band, the greatest one of the new era alongside Eternal Champion, but their approach differs and makes them really unique. It is the overall aesthetic element of the music, the lyrics, and the band's physical products. The band is already considered as one of the greatest in epic heavy metal and in the years to come, the new generations will view them as masters of their game. Still though, don't get fooled, the music of Atlantean Kodex is not a game, it is a form of art and at the same time, pure and regressive metal. Behold the fire, behold the force.

Check also: SCALD - A Tumulus

12. ETERNAL CHAMPION - I Am the Hammer

What Eternal Champion did with The Armor of Ire is bring back the way one album could change the scene instantly. That was the underground metal scene of course, but it really changed. Instantly. It was the moment where people thought "I can do that, too!". No one really did it so far but many tried. Others failed, others came close but still to this day, Eternal Champion stands as the greatest modern epic heavy metal band. A band with a songwriting and sound that influenced many and brought back to the USA a new generation of fans wanting traditional metal. The album's opening track "I Am the Hammer" is a modern totemic epic metal monument.

Check also: SMOULDER - Ilian of Garathorm

11. LORDIAN GUARD - War in Heaven

"And lo, Michael with sword in hand, he leads the Lordian Guard to slay, to damn"... that one, was the line that stuck in my head the first I listened to this song. It was during the pre-internet era where there was a rumor that "Bill Tsamis is coming back with Warlord". It wasn't Warlord though but the shock of listening to that album was one of the biggest in my life. It still has a very special place in my heart and adding blasphemy to the Christian themes Tsamis was dealing with back then in his lyrics, I listened more often to Lordian Guard than Warlord nowadays. Nothing really bothers me in Lordian Guard and I can't imagine those songs with another voice, arrangements, even "drums". "War in Heaven" is one of the greatest songs Tsamis ever wrote. And no, the version in Warlord's Rising Out of the Ashes is not a better one. The way William has added the keyboards in the Lordian Guard version is unmatchable and perfectly suitable with his guitars, plus Vidonne's theatrical voice sounds like descending from the sovereign sky forth God's command.

Check also: BLACK SWORD THUNDER ATTACK - Evil Sorcery


10. YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN - I Am a Viking

Speaking of the roots of power metal, what Yngwie Malmsteen did with his first two albums, is one more of the most important steps to the evolution of the genre alongside the early years of Europe. And while in Sweden you have Heavy Load standing at the top of what we're talking about here, "I Am a Viking" is just a pure epic heavy metal masterpiece coming from one of the greatest albums ever made. When maestro Malmsteen was writing music for a line like "I'm a Viking, I'll walk all over you and by my sword you will die", he definitely felt like the ruler of this world. He probably still feels like that even if there aren't any vikings in Florida.

Check also: HEAVY LOAD - Singing Swords


9. BROCAS HELM - Fly High

You can't understand Brocas Helm if you weren't raised with underground metal. And if you joined the epic heavy metal wagon and the underground scene in a later age during the social media, you still can't understand the true essence of underground metal. Sorry, but that's true. Brocas Helm is the ultimate underground metal band. It's not the best, but it's the essence of everything underground metal stands for. Among their catalogue, "Fly High" stands as the ultimate anthem of epic heavy metal with the insane opening lead and its galloping riff. The galloping riff, the riff that sounds like horses riding is one of the elements that makes a song "epic heavy metal" as long as it has the suitable lyrics too. There you go! You have another definition too!

Check also: STEEL ASSASSIN - Spartacus


8. RUNNING WILD - Conquistadores

Running Wild are mostly known for their pirate era, often labeled just as a Heavy Metal band but they really have played almost everything between heavy, speed, power and epic metal until the mid '90s with an unmatchable sequence of 10-rated-out-of-10 albums. And while their heavy metal from 1989 up to 1995 is more "power metal" than the majority of American bands labeled as such, they always had a few raise-fisting epic power metal hymns like "Conquistadores" with its anthemic chorus and the powerful leads that put to shame most of your favourite bands. If someone considers bands like Fifth Angel as "power metal", then Running Wild is ultra power metal. So what's our beloved German band? The ultimate soundtrack to hooliganism, one of the few bands that makes you raise your fist (and sword sometimes) in the air all the time and breaking stuff. Any kind of stuff. "Conquistadores" is an epic heavy metal hymn.

Check also: JAG PANZER - The Moors


7. VIRGIN STEELE - The Burning of Rome (Cry for Pompeii)

Often labeled as the bigger rival of Manowar in the '80s, Virgin Steele that decade didn't really have the "total" epic heavy metal album but they definitely had the songs! Released the same year with Manowar's Kings of Metal, Age of Consent didn't even come close but among a few others it had "The Burning of Rome (Cry for Pompeii)", one of the greatest Virgin Steele songs ever, coming from an uneven album that became better with its 1997 re-release and the addition of bonus material such as the "Perfect Mansions (Mountains of the Sun)" song. While David DeFeis' band met its bottom by entering the '90s with the album Life Among the Ruins and its suitable title, the following albums established them as one of the greatest American epic heavy metal bands. Still though, no one can deny that if you'll make a short list with the best Steele songs, there's a strong possibility most of them coming from the '80s, including the one mentioned here in the top.

Check also: BLACK KNIGHT - Warlord's Wrath

6. OMEN - Teeth of the Hydra

The 3-out-of-3-row-of-albums Battle Cry, Warning of Danger and The Curse is one of the greatest in the field of epic heavy and power metal. The excellent songwriting, the A-male voice of J.D. Kimball, the master riffing and the pounding rhythm section pretty much sum up that advert used to promote The Curse writing "Tired of bands that are better looking than your girlfriend? We have the answer: Omen. True Metal returns to L.A." Having once more the term "true metal" used since the '80s already, The Curse is the better sounding Omen album so far including also one of the best metal drum sounds ever, even if most of the people will give to one of the two previous ones the "best Omen album" tag. No argue with that. Still though, "Teeth of the Hydra" is one of the strongest candidates for "best Omen song". And you can't argue with that, too.

Check also: OVERLORDE - Keeper of the Flame


5. WARLORD - Deliver Us from Evil

There weren't so many metal musicians in the '80s so unique and talented like William J Tsamis. Since the early Warlord songs you always had a different kind of approach in melody and lyricism that's weird how it didn't create a legion of bands influenced by that style. A truly ahead-of-its-time guitarist and composer with an unmatchable guitar tone and style recognizable at once. Huge part of the Warlord's music was always drummer Mark Zonder too, something you can easily understand by listening to "Deliver Us from Evil", one of the most iconic Warlord songs, and Epic Heavy Metal in general.

Check also: AGATUS - Perils of the Sea (Pt II) 

 

4. MANILLA ROAD - The Veils of Negative Existence

Mark Shelton is one (if not The One) of the most important key figures of epic heavy metal. The third Manilla Road album Crystal Logic (1983) is one of the cornerstones of this so-called sub-genre and Manilla Road is the band responsible for all those epic (heavy) metal bands formed over the last 20 years. The line "I will never put my sword down, I will never run away" is so effective that stuck in your head for eternity from the very first moment. And every time you're listening to one of those classic '80s Manilla Road albums, you rediscover the essence of epic heavy metal. Mark Shelton was always a person that never stopped following the metal scene and always was listening to new bands and albums. From the early Rush-and-Sabbath influenced albums, to the Angel Witch and NWOBHM influence you can catch in Crystal Logic, the Shark never stopped breathing metal, just like that "Metal is dead so I've heard but not while I'm still above ground" line in "Dig Me No Grave" from 1990's The Courts of Chaos. Most bands that were changing in the history of metal music from 1980 onwards, were just getting "softer" and less aggressive, while Manilla Road (with the addition of drummer Randy Foxe) echoed the changes and were getting more aggressive leading to the almost-thrashy Out of the Abyss album of 1988. "The Veils of Negative Existence" is another mythical song in the band's catalogue, that became extremely influential for many bands, including the one you will see in Number 3...

Check also: THUNDER RIDER - Blackwing


3. CANDLEMASS - A Sorcerer's Pledge

Have you ever thought that the album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is probably the first official time where you see the origin of the term "Epic Metal"? This is definitely the birth of Epic Doom Metal (that wasn't widely used until the '90s) but most likely, it is also the moment when Epic Metal made its first appearance as a term. We're in 1986, Manowar have already started their "Death to False Metal" crusade and since there is "false metal", there's also "true metal" (whatever that means), right? The "true metal" term has also been used in metal magazines and fanzines in the mid '80s but has the term "epic metal" been used before 1986? Is it written anywhere?

We used to keep terms since their first appearance but sometimes this is blurry. For example, Possessed used the "Death Metal" term for their same-titled demo in 1984 and the "Death Metal" song also appears in the Seven Churches album of 1985, so we use to have this as a starting point but already in 1983, editor Bernard Doe of Metal Forces magazine writes, "Hellhammer take the meaning of Death Metal it its extreme" reviewing (burying actually) the Triumph of Death demo of Hellhammer. So, this term is already used. Might happened with Epic Metal too, but it wasn't widely used until Greek Metal Hammer's editor and shady character Charis "Sun Knight" Prasoulas started using that term and later it was spread from Greek metal fans influenced by his texts, around the globe through letters and tape trading, so after a while, you could see this term also used in Italy, Germany and more countries, leading to a whole new underground movement and later, even bands that described their music as "Epic Metal".

Candlemass' Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the beginning of Epic Doom Metal, but the closing track "A Sorcerer's Pledge" can also be described as one of the greatest epic metal songs ever. A dramatic song separated in three parts. Starting with the acoustic first part that sets the atmosphere, the second epic part of "a tyrant that will conquer, so spoke the wise, of the day when the sorcerer will rise" and the third part that brings the atmosphere of the opening part with the exceptional use of keyboards and the ethereal female anthemic chanting sealing those ancient halls.

Check also: SOLITUDE AETURNUS - Opaque Divinity

2. BATHORY - Song to Hall Up High / Home of Once Brave

There are many Bathory songs you can add here and even if we're talking about two tracks, this will always be one song. Quorthon has managed to shape different metal sub-genres and has been called innovator of both Black Metal and Viking Metal. But his "viking metal" is actually what we can call "Epic Metal" in its purest form. This is not epic heavy metal or epic black metal, this is just Epic Metal. He did it with his albums Hammerheart, Twilight of the Gods, Blood on Ice and both parts of Nordland. So, if viking metal nowadays is something you can call bands such as Amon Amarth, then Bathory is definitely something else, even if Quorthon created this sub-genre.

Music is a form of art. Art has many forms and ways of expression. Art can be a mirror of life, art can be escapism, art can just be the expression and feelings of the artist. The artist's will and/or need to express specific ideas, visions, feelings. And just like there are no boundaries in art, there are also no rules and/or guidelines of how an artist should express its art. Not everyone can understand that a few of the greatest forms of art were created through the feelings and the need the artist wanted to express. Art is not about only following a specific guideline of how you "must" sing, perform, write, paint, act, dance, paint, create. There is not only one way. And Quorthon was a unique artist that never really followed the way you "must" follow, that's why his art will remain forever, creating legions of bands and musicians influenced by him and the sub-genres he shaped. A true artist that surpassed his imperfections with a remarkable epic metal songwriting that breaks the boundaries of simple "songwriting" and becomes a wormhole to an age long gone. 

Check also: ZEMIAL - In Monumentum (Stone of the Ages)

 

1. MANOWAR - Secret of Steel

The epitome of Epic Metal.

 

 

Metal Nerdism Vol. 4: Top-10 Heavy Metal album openers.

By album opener we want to mention songs (but not instrumental tracks) that have a small intro attached to the main track, or/and a separate music theme or riff, or effects, or starting with a solo, even if all of those elements can continue or included again within the track. Something that works as a way that leads you to the album, but is (in) a completed song. The kind of album opener that is not a separate intro or just a regular song. Not all albums have this kind of an "opener" and we are picking the ones we consider as favorite, greatest and iconic. The TOP ones according to Crystal Logic.

You can't easily beat Judas Priest's "The Hellion" but this is an intro. Iron Maiden's "The Ides of March" is instrumental and "Princess of the Night" a song that could be placed anywhere in Saxon's "Denim and Leather", even if we are used to it as the opening track of the album. These examples are not what we're talking about.

So let's lay down our favorite album openers.

written by Andreas Andreou

1. Running Wild "Riding the Storm"

The band with intros that really matter! Tracks like "Chamber of Lies" and "The Curse" are the best intros someone could ask for, but the German pirate ship has also a legacy of great openers. "Riding the Storm" is one of the most iconic album openers and one of the best Running Wild songs. And when we are talking for "one of the best Running WIld songs", that means it is one of the best metal songs ever. European Heavy Metal, Power Metal, even Speed Metal, everything is here, and depending the period, Running Wild fit in any of those genres, standing on the very top. Read more.

The line: Face in the wind, we're riding the storm, we'll stay our course whatever will come.

Opener to the album Death or Glory (1989)

Check also: Accept "Metal Heart", Gamma Ray "Rebellion in Dreamland", Running Wild "Blazon Stone".

2. Iron Maiden "Caught Somewhere in Time"

This is not just our favorite Iron Maiden opener, but also the greatest opener of our favorite Iron Maiden record. Read more.

The line: Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing you try to hide your deepest sins - Of all the things that you’ve done wrong and I know where you belong.

Opener to the album Somewhere in Time (1986)

Check also: Iron Maiden "Aces High", Iron Maiden "Moonchild", Spitfire "Street Fighter".

3. Black Sabbath "Black Sabbath"

Rainstorm. Church bells. THE riff. A desperate voice. A figure in black that points at you. A sinister aura that guided Tony, Geezer, Bill and Ozzy to write and perform this song. One of the most disturbing tunes someone could hear until 1970. The beginning. The Big Bang of Heavy Metal. It has to be here. It is here. Forever and ever.

The line: Oh no, no, please God help me!

Opener to the album Black Sabbath (1970)

Check also: Black Sabbath "Anno Mundi", Candlemass "Mirror Mirror", Solitude Aeturnus "Seeds of the Desolate", While Heaven Wept "The Drowning Years".

4. Warlord "Deliver Us From Evil"

Destroyer and Thunder Child formed the best alliance. It is amazing how Bill Tsamis and Mark Zonder managed to complete each other and even if Tsamis is the sole composer, I can't imagine Warlord with another drummer. And "Deliver Us From Evil" is the song that will justify this statement.

The line: Deliver us from all the sin and we who believe will eternally sing these words in which we call the battle hymn.

Opener to the mini album Deliver Us (1983)

Check also: Crimson Glory "Valhalla", Lordian Guard "War in Heaven", Yngwie J. Malmsteen "Rising Force", Psychotic Waltz "Ashes".

5. W.A.S.P. "The Heretic (The Lost Child)"

Funny how few bands fall in certain genres or categories only because of a few albums or their image. W.A.S.P. is a heavy metal band and The Headless Children one of the best US metal albums ever. And this album has one of the most impressive openers anyone could ask for.

The line: The seeds of all evil are sown in their minds and harvest the sad fields of woe.

Opener to the album The Headless Children (1989)

Check also: Armored Saint "March of the Saint", Leatherwolf "Rise or Fall", Savatage "Power of the Night".

6. Metal Church "Beyond the Black"

One of the most important US metal bands. Highly influential for the metal scene of Seattle and mid '80s thrash metal bands, since Metal Church balanced between power metal and thrash metal. However, in my record collection, I don't place their albums in the "thrash metal section". "Beyond the Black" is one of those few songs that sum up everything USPM stands for, and even more. You can just ask bands like Sanctuary and the answer is there. By the way, Metal Church! Isn't it one of the coolest band names ever?

The line: We unite as one, no more weapons, no more guns.

Opener to the album Metal Church (1984)

Check also: Iced Earth "Angels Holocaust", Sanctuary "Future Tense".

7. Manowar "Blood of My Enemies"

 
You can't complete any list related to heavy metal without having Manowar therein. Even if they don't fit, you need to find a way to add them. You're not a false one, are you?

The line: The ride of the wicked, the first sin was trust.

Opener to the album Hail to England (1984)

Check also: Bathory "Shores in Flames", Virgin Steele "Kingdom of the Fearless".

8. Mercyful Fate "A Dangerous Meeting"

The circle is broken but you can't break the Oath. It bounds you forever. At least if you listen to heavy metal. If you don't like Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, you just listen to a few selected heavy metal bands "among many other things". One of the best openers, from one of the best albums, with one of the most iconic covers, from one of the best metal bands ever. Read more.

The line: They should have known not to play with the powers of Hell.

Opener to the album Don't Break the Oath (1984)

Check also: Exorcist "Black Mass", King Diamond "The Candle".

9. Slayer "Hell Awaits"

A strong candidate for the best thrash metal opener ever. Or is it the best thrash metal opener? The drumming, the demons, the riffs, everything smells fire, damnation and rotten flesh.

The line: What you seek for can't be found, in sea or sky or underground.

Opener to the album Hell Awaits (1985)

Check also: Metallica "Blackened", Slayer "South of Heaven", Venom "Prime Evil".

10. Eternal Champion "I Am the Hammer"

Not to be crossed! A modern classic. The ultimate epic metal opener of our times and for the years to come. Only Eternal Champion could come with a better epic metal opener in the future. The drums of doom, the marching tempo, the Oliva-like scream, the riders of Tarsul, the guards of Lourn, the Pyre Forge, the HAMMER.

The line: I warned them once I am the Hammer.

Opener to the album The Armor of Ire (2016)

Check also: Battleroar "The Wrathforge", Dawnbringer "I", Wrathblade "God-Defying Typhoeus".


Bonus: Top-5 metal EP openers:

1. Medieval Steel "Medieval Steel"
2. Ostrogoth "Full Moon's Eyes"
3. Heathen's Rage "Knights of Steel"
4. Black Knight "Warlord's Wrath"
5. Defender "City Ad Mortis"


Bonus: Top-5 metal album - drum intro - openers: 

1. Ozzy Osbourne "Over the Mountain"
2. Iron Maiden "Where Eagles Dare"
3. Judas Priest "Painkiller"
4. Matakopas "Strangers"
5. Megadeth "Trust"

Doom over the world... from bands that are not doom metal!

While I have in mind to work on a "best of" Doom Metal article, it seems that a proper work will take lot of time, and the additional contribution of musicians involved in the greatest albums of the genre, is more than needed. So, while this article is in the labyrinth of my mind (along with other ideas) and will reach the exit sometime in the future, let's pick 10 songs that have a strong doom metal vibe (some of them are actually doom metal) from bands... that have nothing to do with Doom Metal!

We will probably continue this type of articles with more genres, but for now, let's just spread doom over the world.

VENOM - Warhead

Originally released as a single in 1984, few months before the album "At War with Satan", "Warhead" is a heavy possessed anthem that stands among those Venom tracks released as singles only, and remain favourite fan songs. We are already at a period where the New Wave of British Heavy Metal started to fade, but its mark upon metal music never faded. Venom started as part of the NWoBHM movement but during the early '80s, they were something different. Sinister, vicious and everything society hated. One of the most important and influential bands of metal music. Thrash metal, black metal and all things extreme metal, owe a small debt to Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon.

During the NWoBHM we had bands like Witchfinder General,  that were highly influenced by Black Sabbath and offered doom metal in its early forms, but Venom was a unique beast and in 1984 tried different things. Among them, "Warhead", stands as one of their very best songs.  Hear the thunder roar, engraved on flesh and bone.

SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism

Here we have a true doom metal song. Weird isn't it? This is Scorpions, the greatest German hard rock / heavy metal band, that has sold millions of albums, and yet, back in 1980 (!) they recorded a doom metal song. Following "The Zoo", "Animal Magnetism" is the last track of the same titled album that was released between "Lovedrive" (1979) and "Blackout" (1982), two of the most important and well-known albums of the band. Despite the fact that "Animal Magnetism" was the first Scorpions album that reached platinum status in the USA, somehow remain underrated. Scorpions' guitarist and composer, Rudolf Schenker, has said to Malcolm Dome and Classic Rock that "it's a really powerful album" and ranked it as Number 4 among his 10 favourite Scorpions albums. I don't know if we can take Rudolf seriously since among those 10 albums there is none before "Lovedrive" but we all know the "weird" look of artists upon their legacy and art.

I remember when US power metallers Sanctuary played live in Athens, Greece, in September of 2011, and among the classics of "Refuge Denied" and 'Into the Mirror Black", they also performed a cover of "Animal Magnetism", and most of the attendants didn't recognize that song. If you are not familiar with that doom metal gem, have a listen!

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Lost Horizons

Micheal Schenker's debut album ("The Michael Schenker Group") was also released in 1980. Michael Schenker left UFO and briefly joined Scorpions during "Lovedrive", just to leave after a while and start his own band. "Lost Horizons" is taken from his debut album and his playing has all those elements that influenced a generation of metal guitarists, including many ones from Sweden... Funny how, Memento Mori have covered both "Lost Horizons"  and "Animal Magnetism".

DANZIG - Pain in the World

Off Danzig's second album, "Danzig II - Lucifuge", the closing track is about a heart full of hell and sin. The first 4 Danzig albums include songs that balance between dark rock, slow, groovy heavy metal, blues and lot of experimental sounds. Let's say that Danzig play heavy dark rock and we will be fine! But "Pain in the World" is doomed.  

KING DIAMOND - Digging Graves 

Once a King, always a King. Right? Or not? Well, King Diamond's return over the last years is filled with praise because of his great live shows. There are even people that believe he is in his best shape, ever. It's been a "while" since his last studio album ("Give Me Your Soul... Please", 2007) but just few hours ago, he performed at Hellfest in France a new song! Hopefully, the new album will hit the shelves of the record stores in the next months.

King Diamond's legacy is one of the most important and greatest in metal history, incuding of course, both King Diamond band and Mercyful Fate. Just have a look at all those great musicians that played in these bands, next to King Diamond. Few of them, have also a doom metal history. "Digging Graves" is taken from "The Graveyard" (1996), one of King Diamond's modern classics, and dwells in insanity and doomed feelings.

YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN - Dark Ages 

While Candlemass go neoclassical at "Into the Unfathomed Tower" (from "Tales of Creation", 1989), when they released their monumental debut album, Yngwie Malmsteen released his third solo album ("Trilogy") and "Dark Ages" is a great neoclassical doomed piece, that could be more epic (?) if it was longer. To be or not to be, Maestro is fast, but when he goes slower, he still rules, and there is always a great epic feeling in Malmsteen's slower songs.

ZOOL - Cross of Greed 

When Henrik Flyman (guitars) and Martin Häggström (vocals) disbanded Moahni Moahna in 1997, they formed another unique band under the name Zool, but besides the same-titled album in 2002, they were lost into oblivion. Flyman continued with Evil Masquerade and among others, he was also involved with Epic Irae / Quicksand Dream. While Moahni Moahna still remains a personal favourite and underrated act, Zool in "Cross of Greed" pay a tribute to Dio-era Black Sabbath. And that's just great.

SAVIOUR MACHINE - The Beast 

I just love Saviour Machine. Eric Clayton is one of the most charismatic and emotional performers out there. "The Beast" is taken from "Legend I" (1997) and the Apocalypse is a great concept for Saviour Machine. The story is not completed (and I don't know if it will ever be) but what Saviour Machine tried to do, still remains majestic and unique. And that concept can offer many doomed moments... Behold the nail, the sentence of death, and Jesus wept, it is manifest.

TWISTED SISTER - Destroyer

When Dee Snider and Co. put you under the blade, you will be destroyed. Funny thing is that someone could say that "Destroyer" is inspired by the "God of Thunder" track of Kiss, that's included in their album... "Destroyer"(1976)! Originally released in 1982, decades later, "Destroyer" still remains a killer, ultra heavy anthem and a fan favourite live track. When Twisted Sister were performing in various festivals around Europe, once "Destroyer" was hitting the stage and doomsters haven't heard of them, they were turning their heads to watch the stage, wondering "how the fuck did I miss this"?

MANOWAR - Dark Avenger

There is no need to include epic heavy metal bands here, since many of them have songs with a strong doom metal vibe. But we cannot leave aside Manowar since from their debut album, "Battle Hymns" (1982), they offered to the world an epic doom metal masterpiece entitled, "Dark Avenger". "These bones may be broken but the spirit can't die". No need to mention something else.

Carl Canedy interview: From The Rods to Apollo Ra and beyond - Tales of a True Headbanger

Carl Canedy is one of those important persons of US Metal. Drummer of The Rods, highly acclaimed producer, songwriter, headbanger... With The Rods being strong again, arranging few reissues and his first solo album recently out, we had no other option and contacted our friend Carl for a detailed interview. Enjoy...
 

Back in your early days, what made you start beating the drums?

I remember seeing a drum kit at a wedding reception when I was 4 and half and it was as if the Angels were all around it singing Hallelujah. I'd wanted to play drums from that day on. I actually didn't get a kit until I was 13. I did my best to make up for lost time.  

Your friendship and partnership with Dave Feinstein goes before The Rods, since you played drums for D.Feinstein's  Midnight Lady 7" single, 

right?

It has been said that I have but actually a drummer named Dave Galutz played drums on that track. David and I met during the early '70's. My band rehearsed in the Garage and Elf (with Ronnie Dio) rehearsed in the house so I've known David from the Elf days.

How did you and David decide to form The Rods?

We had tried working on a project that didn't get off the ground. It led to my becoming part of the initial Manowar. David and I decided that we were a good fit musically so it seemed like a logical choice for us to work together.

Did you play with Manowar also in their early days? Are there any recordings that you made together?

I did and there are some recordings I made of rehearsals and there is also the demo we recorded. I know fans have shared the demo on the internet. There were intense and exciting times with that band watching the music take shape. I'm proud to say I was there at the genesis of such a great and legendary band.

Back in The Rods, what do you remember from your first private release of 'Rock Hard'?

We began recording within the first three months of being together. Chris Bubacz (first Metallica album) was at Fredonia University and we would record there on our days off from gigs. It was an exciting time and releasing 'Crank it Up' as our first single and having it played on radio was a big thrill. I called a Rochester, NY Station to see if they'd received it and they told me how great it sounded on the air and that fans were calling in requesting it be played. A very exciting moment.

The Rods, Wild Dogs, In The Raw, Let Them Eat Metal, Heavier Than Thou... Golden years of The Rods in the first half of the 80s. During that period the band was one of the most iconic names of US Metal. What each album means for you?

The Rods: Fun, hard work, sex, no drugs and Rock and Roll. We played as much as possible and recorded that album in between gigs with Chris Bubacz in Fredonia, NY where he was a recording engineer student.

Wild Dogs: Exciting, frustrating (record label pressure, management problems). Doing the Iron Maiden dates was a huge thrill. All the English press was fun and interesting.

In The Raw: This was done in 48 hours again with Chris Bubacz engineering. We went into the studio, I found drums from all over the studio and built a kit. We played live and overdubbed the vocals and guitar solos. The photo was taken by our manager after being awake for almost two days (genius move). It's a demo but the fans love it and I believe they love the fact that it's The Rods live in the studio. Chris captured the band warts and all and I think that's why it's held up over time.

Live: was just simply that. It was live but it was tough to have recording gear follow you around. In the end I'm not sure recording many dates was a good idea. We might have done better recording one gig well. I still love 'Hellbound', which we've never recorded in a studio setting. Maybe one day...

Hollywood: A collection of songs that we felt should not have The Rods name attached (so the fans wouldn't be disappointed with the more melodic songs). David and I had material we'd written that we wanted out but it really didn't suit The Rods style. Rick Caudle came in to do vocals (suggested by Andrew Duck MacDonald who also suggested Joey Belladonna to me for Anthrax. Thanks Duck!). I really enjoyed working with Rick and there are some strong songs on this album.

Let Them Eat Metal: Again Chris Bubacz recording. Some really good songs on this album and we seem to get many requests from fans for songs from this album. I love playing 'Let Them Eat Metal' live. It was winter when we recorded it and it wasn't the most fun I've had recording but I did like the record.

Heavier Than Thou: This was really fun working with Shmoulik Avigal on vocals. Also a highlight for me was working, once again, with one of our first bass players Craig Gruber. Sadly Craig just passed a few days ago. It's been tough losing a good friend. Craig and I were such a great rhythm section and I loved playing with him in every band we were in together. Garry was on tour with Kim Simmons so Craig was the obvious choice. Shmoulik really killed it on vocals. He wasn't originally going to be the vocalist. David was going to sing these songs, but when he heard Shmoulik sing he felt Sam was the best choice for these songs. I think there are some great songs on this album. The album was getting some really strong national attention when the label went under. I felt it was one of our strongest albums.

What was the reaction of press during those years?

Press was strong at first, then they went for the throat on a couple of albums ('Live' and 'Hollywood') then came back with great reviews for 'Heavier Than Thou'. The fans always stayed with us. Hail all Wild Dogs!

Best and worst moment from your live shows back in the 80s?

Best moment for me was our first arena show in Binghamton, NY, opening for Blue Oyster Cult. It was my first show in front of 10,000 people and the crowd was very supportive and I threw my drum sticks into the crowd for the first time (and loved it but I was also told to never do it again to avoid a lawsuit).
Worst was opening for Judas Priest in Albany, NY at the Palace theater before we were signed. We didn't quite understand monitoring on a large stage and I could hear David's guitar and it was a huge mess. The Promoter of the show, who was considering us for management, suggested that both the bass player and myself be replaced. Not the best gig but it was awesome seeing Priest from our dressing room above the stage!

When did you start working as a producer and what made you occupy with that also?

I've always been interested in producing. Kelakos was my first real experience (just re-released www.Kelakosband.com). With The Rods, David and I just began producing ourselves because we were the only ones around. No money to hire one and so we started learning on our own.

You worked very close with Megaforce Records also, since you produced few of their best albums, including bands like Anthrax, Overkill and Exciter, among others. Which ones are your most notable moments of those years as a producer?

Those were whirlwind days for me. Each project had its trials and tribulations. I loved working with Exciter, I spent quite a bit of time with Anthrax, having worked with them on 2 albums and an EP, and Overkill were clearly talented and Blitz was a star! I loved Dickie Peterson from Blue Cheer. That band was a huge influence on me and it was an honor to work with them. Jon and Marsha are the best to work with.

Did you work in any album that didn't come up as you wished because of a label intervention?

I have regrets of one kind or another but I blame them on myself and budget constraints. I can't blame others for my shortcomings. I accept responsibility (even if it's a hard pill to swallow at times) The other side of that is that I'm very proud of many aspects of my work.

Why did The Rods split after 'Heavier Than Thou'?

It was never a problem between the members. I was producing, David had bought a restaurant (the Hollywood in Cortland, NY. A great restaurant and our one consistent endorser) and Garry was touring with Savoy Brown. It was just as simple as that.

Give me a few words for the following names:

Joey DeMaio: He and I were a great rhythm section. Joey is a guy who walks the walk.
Jon Zazula: Impresario, visionary, great guy!  
Jack Starr: Talented and knows how to utilize talent around him.
Rhett Forrester: A star. True charisma and an awesome vocalist. I had a lot of fun with Rhett.
Riot: Great band!
Savatage: Ground breaking. Great band!
Queensryche: Loved them from the first album and looking forward to sharing the stage with them again June 13th in Endicott, NY
Armored Saint: Powerful vocals
Anthrax: Driven. Talented. Charismatic. Ground breaking.
Ronnie James Dio: Legendary and the nicest guy. I don't have enough words. Eternally grateful that he was kind enough to sing a song I'd written. RIP RJD
 

Back in the late 80s you worked with Apollo Ra, a band that never made it back in the day, but their songs are jewels of what is called 'US Metal', since few metal fans nowadays consider 'Ra Pariah' as a masterpiece. When did you meet them, how did you work with them and why do you think they never made it back then?

I met them through David Carpin. He owned Shatter Records. He was an attorney who started a label. I was hired to produce them but his label went bankrupt before we finished the album. I financed the project and shopped it for them. We had strong interest from Monte Connor (another visionary), Roadrunner and Mike Faley from Metal Blade and Michael Alago from Elektra. Michael saw them live and decided to pass on the band and from that word the other labels pulled the plug on their offers so we self-released. It's been a sad tale that this band was not a major force. Super talented guys and fun and hard working as well. I'm thrilled that the fans have found their music and kept it alive for all these years. I believe it's a fantastic album.

Since many people are not familiar with your projects, what have you done during 1990 to 2010?

Performed with a local band, written music and children's plays for my daughter's group and had a children's theater for 12 years. I also did the occasional project, such as John Hahn's solo album.

The Rods are back in full force since few years with an album released in 2011 ('Vengeance') and some live shows over the past years. Do you plan to record a new album soon and which are your future plans with the band?

Yes, we just played in Chicago and we are heading to Europe for Heavy Sound Festival, Belgium, a club date in Lubeck, Germany, and Muskelrock in Sweden. We are beginning work on a new CD and we are releasing a single featuring Veronica Freeman from Benedictum on vocals. We are also booked for Keep It True 2016 and will announce more European dates soon.

Few months before you released your first solo album 'Headbanger' and I have to admit that it was one of the best releases of 2014. With all these guests, anyone can understand how important personality you are for the American metal scene. What made you write and release a solo album, and also, were these songs older, or written for this album?

Thank you for the kind words. I'm proud of the album. It's been better received than I could have imagined. Reviewers and fans have been very kind. Some of these songs are new and some had been previously released.

What was the reaction of fans and press about 'Headbanger?

Again, the fans and press have been so kind and generous with their words and support.

Last words...

Thank you for being a true metal fan and supporter. Thank you to the fans who've stayed true to The Rods over the years. I always encourage any fan to make an effort to say hi at gigs. We love meeting you so make the effort to say hi and thank you for being true "Wild Dogs".

www.TheRods.com

www.Facebook.com/CarlCanedy

www.Facebook.com/Canedy