Wpnfire? Who's Wpnfire?!'s Journal

Wpnfire · 12-29-2014, 10:23 PM

HEAVY METAL MANIAC by Exciter

Genre: Speed metal, heavy metal, thrash metal.
Released: 1983.
Position in Discography: Debut album.

Imagine a speed metal version of Mötley Crüe and this is what you get. It is pretty good honestly. The stage is set with "Holocaust," an intro track, and it begins with the sound of wind before some psychedelic guitars clatter in, then some grinding guitar work fueled by outstanding basslines play before we move into the first song. Remember when I said this is like the speed metal version of Mötley Crüe? Well, as soon as singer Dan Beehler comes in you will assuredly be thinking Vince Neil. The vocals even have that echoey sound that sounds very similar to Crüe. The guitars are grinding, the song is fast paced with a powerful beat, and the instrumentation never falters. Exactly what I want in a metal album.

Now the first track that really grabs me would be "Iron Dogs" (and with a name like that, how can it not be good right?). With a mighty, grinding riff that is the driving force of the song, this song chuggs along aided by some solos here and there. Around the three-minute mark, the song ramps up to speed metal...speed, and it's even better than the first part.

The chugging and squealing solos continue on for many tracks until we hit "Black Witch" which turns in the speed for a mid-paced, chugging, anthemic power ballad, complete with a searing solo. Wow! After that, is a good closing track in "Cry of the Banshee."

Overall, there is not a bad song on this album. Many of the songs sound similar, but the track order is very good, and just when you might be bored, songs like "Iron Dogs", and "Black Witch" will perk you up again. I mentioned the powerful basslines earlier, but let me just say it again... the bass on this album is powerful, thick, and heavy, as are the drums. It is something you must hear.

/5

The Batlord · 01-16-2015, 08:21 PM

Reasons why Time Does Not Heal is better...

1. Exodus already recorded Bonded By Blood.

2. Ron Rhinehart's voice gives the band emotional depth. A thrash band. With emotional depth. Think about that for a moment.

3. The complex riffs create a crushing, claustrophobic atmosphere that, along with the vocals, makes for the most gloriously nihilistic thrash album of all time.

4. Wpnfire gives rimjobs in gas station bathrooms.

Wpnfire · 01-16-2015, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

Reasons why Time Does Not Heal is better...

1. Exodus already recorded Bonded By Blood.

2. Ron Rhinehart's voice gives the band emotional depth. A thrash band. With emotional depth. Think about that for a moment.

3. The complex riffs create a crushing, claustrophobic atmosphere that, along with the vocals, makes for the most gloriously nihilistic thrash album of all time.

4. Wpnfire gives rimjobs in gas station bathrooms.

1. They sound nothing alike!

2. True, but his voice is too grating.

3. To be continued.

4. Sorry you had to find out about us like that... Your mother told me to meet her there, and I'm passive as hell and just do what she says.

Wpnfire · 01-17-2015, 03:14 PM

The Art of Self Defense - High On Fire

Genre: Desert Stoner Doom.
Released: 2000.
Position in Discography: Debut album.

I am unimpressed. Tracks one and four are fantastic, but nothing else really grabs me. That riff for "Baghdad" is some high-level awesome. I would not be surprised if Matt Pike can create desert stoner riffs in his sleep--pun unintended.

/5
... for High On Fire's first release.

Wpnfire · 01-20-2015, 02:12 PM

Wpnfire listens to Iron Maiden for the first time

Genre: Heavy Metal
Released: 1980
Position In Discography: Debut album

Well, it is not the first time...

Alright so I finished writing this post, and remembered that Justin is reviewing all of Maiden's albums. I was not thinking of participating in The Devil's Dancefloor/Justin's metal month, I just decided to spontaneously review their first three albums.

Anyway, I listened to this around the time I first listened to Kill Em All, almost a year ago, and I was unimpressed with what I heard. Like Kill Em All, my thoughts on Iron Maiden's debut have really improved with time.
Anyway, this is a really good album. It is raw, edgy, haters be damned. The only low point for me would be "Iron Maiden," but the rest of the songs slay. It is hard to pick a favorite but it would probably be "Remember Tomorrow." That song has no flaws that I can see. “Phantom Of the Opera” has some sick riffs that start around the five minute mark, and though ballads can be hit-or-miss for me, “Remember Tomorrow” and “Stranger World” are great.

/5
... for Iron Maiden's debut.

Killers

Genre: Heavy Metal
Released: 1981
Position In Discography: Second album

HOLY ****! From the second/first track, this album is already close to edging out the debut. The riffs are VASTLY improved, and they rule. The solos kick ass as well. “Murders In the Rue Morgue” is far more catchy than any song from the prior album, almost, combined, and x2!

I am mad at myself right now, I should have come forward and said I never listened to Maiden earlier. I am confident Briks would have insisted I listened to them immediately. I do not think I have ever heard a band make such a drastic jump in quality like this before.

That riffing on “Innocent Exile” is Exillent. “Killers” has some good riffing as well. “Prodigal Son” is interesting and very well placed in this album. It has some great clean guitar work, a lengthy instrumental section, and is refreshing after the constant barrage of metal on the last several tracks. “Purgatory” is a concentrated metal attack, with surprising speed. Okay, well “Purgatory” started off good, but it kind of falters a tad towards the end. “Drifter” also kind of falters, though the solo helps. The ending to this album was very underwhelming overall though. “Drifters” is easily my least favorite track on this album. Overall, this was a supreme improvement over the debut.

/5
... for Maiden's second album.

Wpnfire · 01-20-2015, 02:20 PM

Number Of the Beast

Genre: Heavy Metal
Released: 1983
Position In Discography: Third album

I already miss the other singer. I am not impressed by anything until the chorus for “Children Of the Damned” which has a cool riff. Nothing else grabs me about that song, or the prior track. Ah, MUCH better. A heavy riff and beat plays for an extended amount of time at the beginning of “The Prisoner.” I was almost concerned that I was not going to like this album.

I spoke too soon.

I am not a fan of Bruce's voice. He is the classic operatic metal singer, and I have mostly bad things to say about those kinds of singers. This album better not be a Time Does Not Heal, otherwise, I may be done listening to Maiden. Again, heavy riffing plays at the beginning of “22 Acacia Avenue,” but the riffing disappears and we are left with Bruce running the show again. What happened to the extended instrumental portions on songs from the prior albums? This is like all singing, which I do not have a problem with, except I do not like Bruce’s voice much.

This album is rapidly approaching the realm of torturous. The title track is playing, and there does not seem to be much hope in sight. I pretty much hate songs that have spoken word samples at any point in the song, that is probably my #1 pet peeve in music, and this album has already done it twice!

That’s it! I can’t take it anymore. I am done with Iron Maiden for now. Bruce’s voice is grating and I find the song writing on this album to be severely lacking compared to the prior album. I am not going to rate this album because I only rate albums I have fully listened to, but this is easily the worst of Maiden’s first three for me.

Trollheart · 02-01-2015, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wpnfire

Number Of the Beast

Genre: Heavy Metal
Released: 1983
Position In Discography: Third album

I already miss the other singer. I am not impressed by anything until the chorus for “Children Of the Damned” which has a cool riff. Nothing else grabs me about that song, or the prior track. Ah, MUCH better. A heavy riff and beat plays for an extended amount of time at the beginning of “The Prisoner.” I was almost concerned that I was not going to like this album.

I spoke too soon.

I am not a fan of Bruce's voice. He is the classic operatic metal singer, and I have mostly bad things to say about those kinds of singers. This album better not be a Time Does Not Heal, otherwise, I may be done listening to Maiden. Again, heavy riffing plays at the beginning of “22 Acacia Avenue,” but the riffing disappears and we are left with Bruce running the show again. What happened to the extended instrumental portions on songs from the prior albums? This is like all singing, which I do not have a problem with, except I do not like Bruce’s voice much.

This album is rapidly approaching the realm of torturous. The title track is playing, and there does not seem to be much hope in sight. I pretty much hate songs that have spoken word samples at any point in the song, that is probably my #1 pet peeve in music, and this album has already done it twice!

That’s it! I can’t take it anymore. I am done with Iron Maiden for now. Bruce’s voice is grating and I find the song writing on this album to be severely lacking compared to the prior album. I am not going to rate this album because I only rate albums I have fully listened to, but this is easily the worst of Maiden’s first three for me.

Seriously man, we have a problem here. Nobody would describe Dickinson's voice as operatic. Just cos he hits the high notes does not make him an operatic singer. And you couldn't find anything in this that you liked? The title track? You're dismissing that on account of the intro? And you didn't even like "Hallowed be thy name"? Hallowed be thy ****ing name"??? One of Maiden's most loved and best songs?

That's it: get out of here! What do you mean, it's your journal? Oh. Yeah. Right. Well I'll go then. But this is not over, not by a long shot.

The Batlord · 01-20-2015, 02:39 PM

Key · 01-27-2015, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

I love that you included this track. A Matter of Life and Death doesn't get the credit it deserves when discussing great Iron Maiden albums.

The Batlord · 01-28-2015, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ki

I love that you included this track. A Matter of Life and Death doesn't get the credit it deserves when discussing great Iron Maiden albums.

It just takes a few listens. It's not as accessible as their earlier albums, but eventually it all makes sense.

12-29-2014, 10:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Wpnfire Dragon Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas, United States Posts: 2,744	HEAVY METAL MANIAC by Exciter Genre: Speed metal, heavy metal, thrash metal. Released: 1983. Position in Discography: Debut album. Imagine a speed metal version of Mötley Crüe and this is what you get. It is pretty good honestly. The stage is set with "Holocaust," an intro track, and it begins with the sound of wind before some psychedelic guitars clatter in, then some grinding guitar work fueled by outstanding basslines play before we move into the first song. Remember when I said this is like the speed metal version of Mötley Crüe? Well, as soon as singer Dan Beehler comes in you will assuredly be thinking Vince Neil. The vocals even have that echoey sound that sounds very similar to Crüe. The guitars are grinding, the song is fast paced with a powerful beat, and the instrumentation never falters. Exactly what I want in a metal album. Now the first track that really grabs me would be "Iron Dogs" (and with a name like that, how can it not be good right?). With a mighty, grinding riff that is the driving force of the song, this song chuggs along aided by some solos here and there. Around the three-minute mark, the song ramps up to speed metal...speed, and it's even better than the first part. The chugging and squealing solos continue on for many tracks until we hit "Black Witch" which turns in the speed for a mid-paced, chugging, anthemic power ballad, complete with a searing solo. Wow! After that, is a good closing track in "Cry of the Banshee." Overall, there is not a bad song on this album. Many of the songs sound similar, but the track order is very good, and just when you might be bored, songs like "Iron Dogs", and "Black Witch" will perk you up again. I mentioned the powerful basslines earlier, but let me just say it again... the bass on this album is powerful, thick, and heavy, as are the drums. It is something you must hear. /5 __________________ Last.FM My RYM Ratings *My Glitchwave Beta Profile*

01-17-2015, 03:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Wpnfire Dragon Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas, United States Posts: 2,744	The Art of Self Defense - High On Fire Genre: Desert Stoner Doom. Released: 2000. Position in Discography: Debut album. I am unimpressed. Tracks one and four are fantastic, but nothing else really grabs me. That riff for "Baghdad" is some high-level awesome. I would not be surprised if Matt Pike can create desert stoner riffs in his sleep--pun unintended. /5 ... for High On Fire's first release. __________________ Last.FM My RYM Ratings *My Glitchwave Beta Profile*

01-20-2015, 02:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wpnfire Dragon Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas, United States Posts: 2,744	Wpnfire listens to Iron Maiden for the first time Genre: Heavy Metal Released: 1980 Position In Discography: Debut album Well, it is not the first time... Alright so I finished writing this post, and remembered that Justin is reviewing all of Maiden's albums. I was not thinking of participating in The Devil's Dancefloor/Justin's metal month, I just decided to spontaneously review their first three albums. Anyway, I listened to this around the time I first listened to Kill Em All, almost a year ago, and I was unimpressed with what I heard. Like Kill Em All, my thoughts on Iron Maiden's debut have really improved with time. Anyway, this is a really good album. It is raw, edgy, haters be damned. The only low point for me would be "Iron Maiden," but the rest of the songs slay. It is hard to pick a favorite but it would probably be "Remember Tomorrow." That song has no flaws that I can see. “Phantom Of the Opera” has some sick riffs that start around the five minute mark, and though ballads can be hit-or-miss for me, “Remember Tomorrow” and “Stranger World” are great. /5 ... for Iron Maiden's debut. Killers Genre: Heavy Metal Released: 1981 Position In Discography: Second album HOLY **! From the second/first track, this album is already close to edging out the debut. The riffs are VASTLY improved, and they rule. The solos kick ass as well. “Murders In the Rue Morgue” is far more catchy than any song from the prior album, almost, combined, and x2! I am mad at myself right now, I should have come forward and said I never listened to Maiden earlier. I am confident Briks would have insisted I listened to them immediately. I do not think I have ever heard a band make such a drastic jump in quality like this before. That riffing on “Innocent Exile” is Exillent. “Killers” has some good riffing as well. “Prodigal Son” is interesting and very well placed in this album. It has some great clean guitar work, a lengthy instrumental section, and is refreshing after the constant barrage of metal on the last several tracks. “Purgatory” is a concentrated metal attack, with surprising speed. Okay, well “Purgatory” started off good, but it kind of falters a tad towards the end. “Drifter” also kind of falters, though the solo helps. The ending to this album was very underwhelming overall though. “Drifters” is easily my least favorite track on this album. Overall, this was a supreme improvement over the debut. /5 ... for Maiden's second album. __________________ Last.FM My RYM Ratings My Glitchwave Beta Profile**

01-20-2015, 02:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
Wpnfire Dragon Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas, United States Posts: 2,744	Number Of the Beast Genre: Heavy Metal Released: 1983 Position In Discography: Third album I already miss the other singer. I am not impressed by anything until the chorus for “Children Of the Damned” which has a cool riff. Nothing else grabs me about that song, or the prior track. Ah, MUCH better. A heavy riff and beat plays for an extended amount of time at the beginning of “The Prisoner.” I was almost concerned that I was not going to like this album. I spoke too soon. I am not a fan of Bruce's voice. He is the classic operatic metal singer, and I have mostly bad things to say about those kinds of singers. This album better not be a Time Does Not Heal, otherwise, I may be done listening to Maiden. Again, heavy riffing plays at the beginning of “22 Acacia Avenue,” but the riffing disappears and we are left with Bruce running the show again. What happened to the extended instrumental portions on songs from the prior albums? This is like all singing, which I do not have a problem with, except I do not like Bruce’s voice much. This album is rapidly approaching the realm of torturous. The title track is playing, and there does not seem to be much hope in sight. I pretty much hate songs that have spoken word samples at any point in the song, that is probably my #1 pet peeve in music, and this album has already done it twice! That’s it! I can’t take it anymore. I am done with Iron Maiden for now. Bruce’s voice is grating and I find the song writing on this album to be severely lacking compared to the prior album. I am not going to rate this album because I only rate albums I have fully listened to, but this is easily the worst of Maiden’s first three for me. __________________ Last.FM My RYM Ratings *My Glitchwave Beta Profile*