Κυριακή 26 Ιουλίου 2009

MOLLY HATCHET- Silent reign of heroes (1998) (Re-uploaded 2021)

You wouldn't expect a southern rock band to release a masterpiece in 1998, would you? Well I'm a little bit heretic... I think some southern bands released their best stuff in recent years... Lynyrd Skynyrd included! Yes I'm that heretic! Anyway, I didn't like the first Molly Hatchet albums, they were weak in my oppinion, opposed to the epic covers from Frazetta's paintings. This is not the case with ''Silent reign of heroes''. This album is as heavy as southern rock can get, and it's full of great songs too. The same titled track is a monster epic song, with a scottish pipes intro and fantastic lead guitars. Phil McCormack is the southern rock equivalent of UDO, only he can actually sing, haha! His harsh voice sounds great on the powerful songs of this album. The guitars are smoking hot, this is southern rock after all! Listen and believe! ENJOY!!! http://www.mediafire.com/file/smgzqdztznqhvfo/Molly+Hatchet+-+Silent+Reign+Of+Heros+(1998).rar/file



Παρασκευή 24 Ιουλίου 2009

SARACEN- Heroes, saints and fools (1981, 1992 reissue) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Saracen were filed under the NWOBHM movement mainly because of their origin and time of appearance. Everything with guitars in 1981 was supposed to be NWOBHM in one way or another. But what I hear is prog/pomp hard rock. The same titled masterpiece and songs like Horsemen of the apocalypse and Ready to fly are lengthy, with nice atmospheric parts and interesting arrangements. The ''hit'' Rock of ages is the only straight rocking song on the album (just as good as those great NWOBHM anthems: Angelwitch, Rock brigade, And the bands played on etc...). Furthermore tracks 8-14, which are basically no bonus tracks but tracks from the second album ''Change of heart'' (1984) showcase a strong AOR feeling that leaves no room for misunderstandings. Like expected, Saracen handle every different style with the same class. Seabird and A face in the crowd actually exceed any expectations, and personally I tend to believe the second album is even better than the first (though I love the prog elements of the debut). Special note has to be made about Steven Bettney -this guy has the voice of an angel! Anyway, the meaning of this post is to persuade you about the greatness of this band, they are still alive and kicking, releasing great albums (check ''Vox in Excelso'' from 2006 on my blog) and they are a fantastic live band too, with Bettney sounding like he's 30 years old! I saw them live in 2018 and I couldn't believe me ears...

ENJOY!!!