JACK STARR"S BURNING STAR- No turning back (1986)

Shredding guitars, soaring vocals, great 80's power metal songs. Sounds like a real diamond. And so it is. Guitarist Jack Starr having left Virgin Steel after the legendary ''Guardians of the flame'' album (1983) had to prove he could deliver the same way his ex bandmate David De Feis did without him on Virgin Steele's ''Noble Savage'' (1985). ''No turning back'' is one of the greatest power metal albums. And power in not a euphemism in this case. Gems like Light in the dark and Run for your life remain untouched by time, the menacing power of Starr's riffing rules, Tirelli leaves as speechless with his vocals. The only time this album slows down a little bit is the cover of James Taylor's Fire and rain (a truly beautiful song and a great cover, check out the original too). This is the best album Jack ever released a total must have.

The link was removed after request.

Buy the album anyway, it's guaranteed pleasure!

HEAVY LOAD- Stronger than evil (1983) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Sweden can be proud for one of the best metal bands of the first half of the 80's. Continuing the admirable momentum of 1982's ''Death or glory'', ''Stronger than evil'' displays a band that can create masterpieces in a very simple way. On this album it's all about the songs. Every single one of them is great. The fascinating sound of early heavy metal is captured in all of its glory. I enjoy everything about ''Stronger than evil''. The melodic riffing, the rocking guitar solos, the vocal duties being shared by three members, the galopping rhythm section. Music from a long gone era, when metal didn't have to be superfast, extreme, evil, etc. to be called metal.

ENJOY!!!

https://www.mediafire.com/file/al2b4jn2vtz7zw1/Heavy+Load+-+1983++Stronger+Than+Evil.rar/file

HEIR APPARENT- One small voice (1989) (Re-uploaded 2021)

One of the most beautiful albums in heavy metal history. After a great power meta debut (''Graceful inheritance''-1986) Heir Apparent changed their style towards progressive metal and welcomed a new singer in their ranks, Steve Benito. Now this is a divine singer. His performance alone makes this album a masterpiece. The songs are ideal to showcase his talent. Very few album can compete with ''One small voice'' in terms of songwriting genius and lyricism. A perfect combination of both great songs and ''straight from the heart'' performances. The band breathes it's very soul into this album. Along with Dream Theater's ''When day and dream unite'', Fates Warning's ''Perfect symmetry'', Queensryche's ''Operation mindcrime'', ''One small voice'' is the best example of power metal turning into something more complicated and demanding, yet equally passionate and powerful. Miracles though don't last long, so the band split after the album due to extremely bad relations between bandmembers. Mastermind Terry Gorle revived the band with new members on several occasions and finally released a third Heir Apparent studio album in 2018, ''The view from below'', a really good album, not on par with the masterpieces of the 80's but actually worth checking out.

ENJOY!!! 

https://www.mediafire.com/file/2fm0gjayfnuenuk/Heir+Apparent+-+One+Small+Voice+(1989).rar/file

WASHED- Blue (1991) (Re-uploaded 2021)

One of the most obscure and unlucky bands in the whole hard rock/heavy metal universe. Washed released a string of cassette only releases (two demos in 1987 and an album in 1991) before disbanding and fading into obscurity. 

Some years ago (around 2007-2008 if my memory doesn't fail me) the band had a myspace page and was trying to get a record deal for an official rerelease of the ''Blue'' cassette album (1991), but their tracks were lost shortly after that. The band page went inactive and nothing more was heard. During the myspace days the band sent out some of the ''Blue'' material to several labels and fans (this particular fan included) and at some point ''Blue'' was bootlegged in Brazil (in cd-r format). 

Their underground anthem I need an angel is quite popular among hard rock enthousiasts, a song that speaks highly of the bands qualities. Just listen for yourselves. The fact that this band didn't even get a record deal is one of the greatest mysteries. I need an angel could be a huge hit, posessing the same cathiness as songs like You give love a bad name (Bon Jovi) or Nightrain (Guns 'n' roses). The ballad Steel could feel pain ranks among the best, showcasing tremendous power and emotional depth. When Washed got louder there were few metal bands that could match them. Guilty, Armed and Dangerous, Crawlin', three monumental heavy power songs that rivaled the best US metal bands. This band knew how to shift from melodic hard rock to uncompromised metal power. I wish we will hear of them again and this material will get the official re-release and recognition it deserves.

Here you can find 8 out of 12 tracks the ''Blue'' cassette album included. The album front/back covers are selfmade. This stuff needs to keep floating on the net in order to preserve the bands legacy.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/xl40hq0imowor00/Washed-+Blue+(1991).rar/file

Q5- ''Steel the light'' (1984) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Q5 are a classic choice among followers of 80's heavy metal. Though the band never achieved any significant commercial success (even though guitarist Floyd Rose is the inventor of the famous tremolo system) they are still remembered due to some of the best songs ever written in hard rock/heavy metal. Lonely lady, Steel the light, Come and Gone, Missing in action. A perfect sound, the bridge between the heaviest bands of the 70's and the uprising heavy metal of the 80's. The album does have some fillers, but when Q5 are up for a good song, they're up to it for good!

ENJOY!!!

https://www.mediafire.com/file/pxpyzampfuhh764/Q5_-_Steel_The_Light_%25281984%2529.rar/file

LEATHERWOLF- ''Leatherwolf'' (1988) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Another gem from the US. This is the second self tiled album Leatherwolf released, since their 1985 same titled debut was an indy release, so they used the same title for this release on Island records, which was regarded something like the ''official'' debut album of the band. So don't mistake the 1985 album for this one! Here we have a perfect example of 80's heavy power metal. Leatherwolf's tripple attack delivers great guitar work and songs that are regarded as classics today. You just can't have a complete metal collection without this one. If ''Street ready'' (1989) was a litlle ''light'' for metal purists I guarantee that ''Leatherwolf'' is exactly what they ask for. Loud, epic, bombastic, enthousiastic heavy metal.

ENJOY!!!

https://www.mediafire.com/file/nnp2dqo8mlb8aqx/Leatherwolf+-++Leatherwolf+1987.rar/file

2009 Best Releases- The JRD compilation

I don't post new albums, but I thought I should let you know which 2009 albums I enjoyed most. This compilation contains one track from each album. If you haven't heard the albums check them out immediately. Support the artists in every way you can. Either by bying the albums or attending their shows, or by spreading the word. Help our music stay alive forever!

01. Altaria- Danger zone (Unholy) melodic heavy metal
02. Bad Sign- Whispered in the wind (Bad sign) melodic hard rock
03. Robin Beck- In a crazy world (Trouble or nothing rerecording) AOR
04. Candlemass- If I ever die (Death magic doom) doom metal
05. Cirrha Niva- Running from the source (For moments never done) progressive metal
06. Constancia- Troublemaker (Lost and gone) melodic hard rock/metal
07. Dr. Grind- Time will tell (Speechless) heavy metal
08. Farcry- Fineline (High gear) melodic hard rock
09. Herman Frank- Heal me (Loyal to none) melodic metal
10. Pictorial Wand- Struggle of Autumn leaves (Face of our fathers) progressive rock/metal
11. Places of Power- In your wildest dreams (Now is the hour) AOR
12. Place Vendome- I'd die for you (Streets of fire) AOR
13. Prodigal Earth- Crossroads (Zenith II Zero) power metal
14. Steel Panther- Eyes of a panther (Feel the steel) hard rock

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/338001082/Best_releases_2009.rar

The battle of Thermopylae JRD compilation

I guess you've all seen the movie 300. Here's a collection of songs inspired by the story on which 300 is based. The Battle of Thermopylae. The Battle between 300 Spartans leading a greek alliance and the Persian invaders. It took me a lot of time to compile the songs. I also wrote a text with some historical information, it's really worth digging more into the historic events behind this. I hope this trip will be a special one for all of you. There's a lot to learn from this story.

01. Holy Martyr- Lakedaimon

02. Ragenheart- Spartan

03. Crosswind- 300

04. Thundasteel- The last stand

05. Sacred Blood- Blades in the night

06. Nikki Puppet- 300 warriors

07. Zandelle- Thermopylae

08. Innerwish- Gates of fire

09. Spitfire- Gates of fire

10. Dornfall- 300

11. Ancient Rites- Thermopylae

12. Manilla Road- Epitaph

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/319155072/The_battle_of_Thermopylae__JRD_compilation.rar

ICE AGE- Liberation (2001) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Back with a great band and a great album. Bet most of you are not aware of this interesting band. Ice Age released two albums and this is their second and last. Let me add best too. Their style reminds a little of early Dream Theater and maybe some Shadow Gallery but they manage to display their own musical identity through songs well structured, intricate, excellent in musicianship and performance. Melody is rooted deep within their sowngwriting and the vocals are excellent. I think Ice Age were among the very few progressive metal bands that could write lengthy songs actually worth listening to. I'm really tired of 10minute nonsense tracks with endless wankery and no melody except for the chorus. Ice Age manage to incorporate instrumental passages into really beautiful songs complimenting both. That's a hard task I might say. Hope they'll come back with more music, hope more people will support great bands like them so I don't have to close every post with the ''sadly they are no more around part''. Go buy this wherever you can find it! 

 ENJOY!!! 

https://www.mediafire.com/file/rquc96l0llr0laf/Ice+Age-+Liberation+(2001).rar/file

LINDA PERHACS- Parallelograms (1970) (re-uploaded 2021)

It was time I uploaded something way back from the past... Join me in a travel not only through time (back to 1970) but also through the limits of this world... Linda Perhacs is a singer/songwriter gifted with a magical voice. She just released this one album and after that quit music. The music, the vocal arrangements, the sentiments in her voice... it's all out of this earth... I must warn you, there's no electric guitar here, just psychedelic folk music driven by sheer talent. If you liked Carol of Harvest it's likely you will fall in love with Linda Perhacs too. They don't share the same sound but they do share the breathtaking effect! 

ENJOY!!! 

https://www.mediafire.com/file/ka5cii00svaowrx/Linda+Perhacs-+Parallelograms+(1970).rar/file

LIONSHEART- Lionsheart (1992) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Not to be be confused with the band Lionheart that released ''Hot tonight'' in 1984. This is the band led by former Grim Reaper shouter Steve Grimmett. The vocals of Grimmett and the virtuoso styled guitars are the highlights of this album. Most of the songs are hard rock, and only a couple cross the border towards melodic heavy metal. The song that became some kind of a classic is the superb Portrait, a metal epic reminiscent of Malmsteen's best work. If you've read ''The portrait of Dorian Grey'' by Oscar Wilde then you know what this song is about. Truly a masterpiece. On the hard rock side of things you get tracks like Can't believe and So cold, great examples of Grimmett's admiration towards David Coverdale. Lionsheart released three more albums, sadly of declining quality. 1994's ''Pride in fact'' is not a bad choice but this one is an absolute MUST! 

ENJOY!!! 

https://www.mediafire.com/file/cic06a777sj3sds/Lionsheart+-+Lionsheart+(1992).rar/file

GARGOYLE- Gargoyle (1988)

Another gem from 1988. This is a truly unique album. The quality of the production is far from good, yet the beauty of the songs shines through. Tim Lachman's voice (also heard in another great band, Glacier) and the catchy, melodic vocal lines he sings are the highlight. The guitars relentlessly produce powerful neoclassical and power metal riffs. If only they were a bit louder in the mix... Sadly the band didn't release any other albums but this one is enough to cause admiration for their remarkable talents.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/287587864/Gargoyle-_Gargoyle__1988_.rar

HITTMAN- Hittman (1988) (Re-uploaded 2021)

This is one of the best examples of US power metal perfection. Just the voice of Dirk Kennedy is enough to make this album a classic. Add the great songs, the powerfull riffs and the screaming solos and you get a one way ticket to heavy metal heaven. All songs are great, still I have to mention that this is the album with one of the best b-sides ever. Caught in the crossfire is the definition of POWER, while Behind the lines and Test of time border on progressive metal genious. It's really a pitty the band broke up after a dissapointing follow up (Vivas machina-1993).

ENJOY!!! https://www.mediafire.com/file/yqzuh477obmu12o/Hittman-+Hittman+(1988).rar/file

TANGIER- Stranded (1991) (Re-uploaded 2021)

This is the third album (second official) of the band and unfortunately the last. Released in 1991 it had few chances of being successful... Yet it is a great example of bluesy melodic hard rock/AOR with focus on songwriting and singing. Mike Le Compt has one of the most beautiful voices in melodic hard rock. Such a shame I haven't heard anything else from him. Similar to the Cinderella singer but quite cleaner, still very warm. Some of the songs may sound a little light but this is meant to give you a good time after all! My personal favorites are Down the line (a mean rocker), Caution to the wind (southern blues melodic rock gem), You're not the loving kind (bluesy hard rock), Since you've been gone (cheesy but great ballad), Stranded (just fantastic AOR!). The later had a nice video clip featuring young Pamela Anderson but it's not on youtube anymore. Someone must do something about it!

ENJOY!!!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/1xo2igh60hcaqrv/Tangier-+Stranded+(1991).rar/file

UPDATE: Surprise surprise! Someone actually did something about the video clip of Stranded!

ENJOY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvTFtLlTe28

FATES WARNING- Perfect symmetry (1989) (Re-uploaded 2021)

If you want to define progressive metal there are a handful of albums that can do that perfectly. ''Perfect symmetry'' will always stand out among them. The change in sound from the previous album ''No exit'' (1988) is vast, drummer Mark Zonder completed what was to become the best line up of Fates Warning and the band managed to surpass even their previous masterpiece ''No Exit''. Superb musicianship, constant rhythm changes, yet focused compositions, melancholy, introversion, thought provoking and unconventional lyrics. A desperate cry about alienation, conventionality, disillusion, individuality, vanity, false expectations and disappointment. This is an album that will grab you from the first time yet it will reveal more and more with every new spin.

I want to share some of the lyrics here...

Today is within my reach

and tomorrow's so illusive.

But I'm still chasing time

through increasing disillusion

forever living for

the future of an illusion.

(Chasing time)

ENJOY!!!

https://www.mediafire.com/file/eanlb614bbmpbzi/Fates+Warning+1989+Perfect+Symmetry+(Remaster).rar/file

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

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!!!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/3iw4ke99h4j98bm/Saracen+-+1981+-+Heroes,+Saints+&+Fools.rar/file

BLACKFOOT- Marauder (1981) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Another Blackfoot album I love. After touring with AC/DC and Scorpions they released their fifth album ''Marauder''. It was obvious that they were more than just a southern rock band, as they had started incorporating elements of hard rock/early heavy metal. The best exaple of that hybrid is the epic Fire of the dragon. Two great ballads were included, Diary of a workingman and Searchin, both classics you shouldn't miss. It's very funny that albums like ''Marauder'' and ''Siogo'' marked the commercial decline of this great band... Check it out and... ENJOY!!! 

http://www.mediafire.com/file/i428ivgkb3aeuan/Blackfoot-+Marauder+(1981).rar/file

SAVIOUR MACHINE- Saviour machine (1993) (Re-uploaded 2021)

What a debut from this controversial christian band! It's a very well executed blend of power/progressive and gothic/symphonic metal and surely one of the best metal albums of the 90's, I still recall how impressed I was when I first listened to these guys... It's such a pitty they didn't keep up in the same musical direction. Their next albums (especially the Legend trilogy) were focused much more on atmosphere, narrations and dark sounds , but this one is equally heavy and emotional. Gothic rock masterpieces like Carnival, are blended with impressive up tempo power metal songs like Force of the entity and pompous epics like Son of the rain. Other highlights are Christians and lunatics, the ballad (?) A world alone and Jesus Christ. The thing that distinguishes this band from any other is the unique vocals of Eric Clayton and the fanastic arrangements of the songs. Just listen to this guy, he is pure magic! Haunting at least! Get it while you can, I think it's easy cause it was reissued some years later by Massacre records. ENJOY!!!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/ubpo5corbqiqznc/Saviour+Machine-+Saviour+Machine+(1993).rar/file

FIFTH ANGEL- Fifth angel (1986) (Re-uploaded 2021)

Another classic from the 80's. Fifth Angel's debut featured the extremely talented James Byrd on guitar. The music style is melodic heavy/power metal. Te band delivers as a tight unit, evrything is in place and the songs are all great. One of the very few albums with no fillers and many highlights. Unfortunately Fifth Angel recorded just one more album (Time will tell-1989) without Byrd, who tried out his luck with a band of his own, called James Byrd's Atlantis Rising. Their debut in 1990 was a very good album as well as ''Crimes of virtuosity'' (1998). I guess metalheads over 25 will know them already, this post is for the younger ones, just check out what great heavy metal is all about! 

ENJOY!!!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/0vidq9aa6ypti3h/Fifth+Angel.rar/file