remembering Sanctuary guitarist Sean Blosl on his birthday: May 26

Sean Blosl (May 26, 1966 - August 26, 2024) and his cousin Lenny Rutledge formed Seattle band Sanctuary, and according to The Metal Archives he was with Sanctuary from 1983 to 1990. He was with the band for the first two albums, 1987's Dave Mustaine-produced debut "Refuge Denied" and 1990's "Into The Mirror Black".

Lenny wrote at the time of Sean's death in a vehicular accident, "Sean was my cousin, but to us we were much more like my brothers. We had a musical dream when we were kids that became a reality. Without Sean by my side I don't know if I would have had the opportunity to make this musical journey."

Sanctuary - Future Tense

back in the Brazilian groove: Sepultura's album Roorback

They were back, back in the Brazilian groove, rude, loud and ferocious. Roorback is the ninth studio album by Brazilian metal band Sepultura, released on May 27, 2003, through SPV/Steamhammer. Produced by Steve Evetts, the record locks into a heavy groove metal and thrash style. It features the lineup of Derrick Green on vocals, Andreas Kisser on guitar, Paulo Jr. on bass, and Igor Cavalera on drums. The album spans 14 tracks—including the singles "Mind War" and a cover of U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky"—with a total runtime of 56 minutes and 44 seconds.

Sepultura – Mind War (Official Video)

Sepultura – Bullet The Blue Sky (Official Video)

celebrating blues foundational figure Mamie Smith on her birthday: May 26

Mamie Smith (May 26, 1891 – August or September 16, 1946) was an American singer. She performed in theater and comedy shows, singing different styles of music including jazz and blues. In 1920, she made history as the first black artist to record a blues song with vocals.

By making "Crazy Blues" a hit, Mamie Smith paved the way for the recording careers of foundational blues legends like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and eventually country-blues pioneers like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf. In the 1960s, British rock musicians (like Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Jeff Beck Group, and The Rolling Stones) took those blues structures, cranked up the amplifiers, and distorted the guitars. Musicians took those heavy blues songs, turned up the volume on their electric guitars, and made them hard rock and heavy metal.

Mamie Smith had an important in the foundation more than 100 years ago.

Mamie Smith "Harlem Blues" 1935

Mamie Smith - Crazy Blues

celebrating Miles Davis on his birthday: May 26

Miles Davis (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American trumpet player, songwriter, and band leader. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential musicians in the history of jazz. Over a 50-year career, Miles continued changing the direction of music. Instead of playing just one style, he worked on new types of jazz. His music ranged from smooth, quiet, late-night sounds to rock-and-jazz fusion. He was famous for a "less is more" style. Instead of playing as fast as possible, he focused on choosing a few perfect notes and using moments of total silence to create deep emotion. Due to his fearless, experimental attitude, even modern heavy metal and avant-garde musicians still look up to him today.

Below are a couple metal artists who are inspired by Miles Davis.

Miles Davis - So What (Official Video)

Etienne Pelosoff - So What (Black metal/Jazz cover)

Ephel Duath - The Passage (Pearl Grey) [Official Video]

Tolkien black metal anniversary: Emyn Muil's album Elenion Ancalima

According to The Metal Archives, Elenion Ancalima is the second full-length album by Emyn Muil, which is an epic atmospheric black metal project from Italy. The project is by a musician named Saverio Giove, who goes by the pseudonym Nartum. The music is heavily inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It looks like this album focuses on the Akallabêth, which is the story of the downfall of the island kingdom of Númenor from The Silmarillionm, but I am not sure if this is really accurate because I am no Tolkkien expert.

Musically, the album is atmospheric black metal with dungeon synth. It features prominent, dreamy synthesizers, orchestral arrangements, folk instruments like flutes and pipes, bombastic drumming, and raspy black metal vocals mixed with spoken-word narration. The guitar work takes a backseat to the lush, cinematic keyboards, giving the album the feel of an epic fantasy film soundtrack. It consists of five tracks, including the 14-minute centerpiece "The Lay of Númenorë."

Emyn Muil

Elenion Ancalima

Northern Silence Productions

May 26, 2017

1. Under a Silvered Star 03:31

2. The Lay of Númenorë 14:04

3. Ar-Pharazôn 07:12

4. Far Umbar 08:16

5. Elenion Ancalima 08:00

total time 41:03

Elenion Ancalima [Remastered Edition] by Emyn Muil

astronomy black metal anniversary: Mesarthim's album Arrival

MESARTHIM is an anonymous duo from Australia, formed in 2015, with themes of astronomy, physics, and outer space. On The Metal Archives, the two members are listed simply as "." and ".". Their sound is a mix of atmospheric black metal and electronic music, featuring extreme vocals and soaring synth melodies. According to reports, they performed live for the first time in September 2024 at the Cosmic Void Festival in London, wearing futuristic clothing and LED masks. They frequently use NASA telescope imagery and star charts for their aesthetic.

Arrival is the sixth full-length album: atmospheric black metal with electronic trance music, with heavy guitar riffs, fast tremolo picking, and electronic dance beats. The final track, "Type IV," is a 17-minute cosmic black metal song. The vocals consist of high-pitched black metal shrieks that sound isolated. These vocals are backed by loud guitars and bright synthesizers with the objective of an outer space feeling.

Mesarthim

Arrival

May 26, 2023

1. Arrival Part 1 01:52

2. Arrival Part 2 07:34

3. Arrival Part 3 04:54

4. Arrival Part 4 01:34

5. Arrival Part 5 05:10

6. Arrival Part 6 10:02

7. Arrival Part 7 01:50

8. Type IV 16:58

total time 49:54

Arrival by Mesarthim

on this black metal date: Dawnbreaker debut album Deus Vult

The Metal Archives shows that this is the release date for the first album by Dawnbreaker, a black metal crusader solo project from New York, USA. Two reviews on The Metal Archives summarize the album as: "Overall, "Deus Vult" proposes an interesting, addictive and enjoyable approach to extreme metal, adding a huge level of quaility to the christian metal scene (which tends to be repetitive). Nothing else to be said, go ahead and blast on your speakers of headphones this masterpiece." The second says,"If future albums are able to improve on the groundwork layed on Deus Vult, we can assume that Dawnbreaker is destined to carry the torch lit by Australia's Mortification and be known as the best in Christian death metal. Deus Vult is reminiscent of all the great debut albums in early thrash, death, and black metal. A must-own for devout metalheads hungry for the magic of metal’s past."

Dawnbreaker

Deus Vult

May 25, 2018

1. Vileness Exalted 02:53

2. To Jerusalem 04:51

3. Dawnbreaker 04:51

4. Burnt Offerings 01:38

5. Deus Vult 07:10

6. Armor of Light 03:03

7. ReChristianize 04:00

8. New World Crusade 03:17

total time 31:43

Deus Vult by Dawnbreaker

celebrating American heavy rockers Skillet's album Collide

Wikipedia shows that on this date in 2004 this album was re-released on Lava Records as "an enhanced CD with the bonus track "Open Wounds."

The original version of this album, the band's fifth, is not from 2004 but rather from November 18, 2003 on Ardent Records, according to the information on Wikipedia.

Below is the video for the song "Savior," for which there is story, according to Wikipedia: "A music video was made for the single 'Savior'. The video shows the band playing in both a house and at a park at night. It became only the second Skillet music video to include a story, after 'Best Kept Secret' from Invincible in 2000, though the story in the 'Savior' video is more heavily featured. The video shows an abusive father mistreating his children in the house, and the subsequent escape of the children from him. They make their way to the park, while the location where the band plays switches from one to the other. The video ends with the children being safe in their mother's arms. Lead singer and bassist, John Cooper, has said that 'Savior' is a song written mostly about his childhood. Although he was not physically abused by his father, he had a very destructive emotional relationship with him."

Skillet

Collide

Ardent Records

November 18, 2003

May 25, 2004 re-lease

John L. Cooper – lead vocals, bass guitar

Korey Cooper – keyboards, sampler, piano, drum programming, strings arranger

Ben Kasica – acoustic guitars, electric guitar, backing vocals

Lori Peters – drums, backing vocals

Skillet - "Savior" [2004] (Official Music Video)

celebrating the groove metal heaviness: Soulfly - Omen

Wikipedia shows that this is the release date for the international version of the album, their seventh album. There certainly are patented Max Cavalera grooves and vocals on the album, for sure. However, I think there are a few other things that make the proposition interesting; sometimes, the thrash riffs show up at just the right time. Also, in a way, I feel like this is a bit of a leaner, meaner presentation that gets straight to the point rather fast. Finally, you might be surprised at how much melody continues to show up throughout the album! Max doing Max things.

Soulfly

Omen

Roadrunner Records

May 25, 2010

Max Cavalera Vocals, Guitars (rhythm), Sitar, Songwriting, Lyrics

Marc Rizzo Guitars (lead), Guitars (flamenco)

Bobby Burns Bass

Joe Nuñez Drums, Percussion

1. Bloodbath and Beyond 02:31

2. Rise of the Fallen 04:35

3. Great Depression 03:57

4. Lethal Injection 03:05

5. Kingdom 03:55

6. Jeffrey Dahmer 02:52

7. Off with Their Heads 04:22

8. Vulture Culture 04:01

9. Mega-Doom 03:04

10. Counter Sabotage 03:50

11. Soulfly VII 04:23

total time 40:35

SOULFLY - Counter Sabotage

atmospheric black metal anniversary: Sojourner - Empires of Ash

A reviewer named "STORMM," writing in 2020 on The Metal Archives summarizes his love of this album this way in his 95% rating, writing in part: "These guys have created a fantastic debut, one which really took me by surprise and contains many of the elements I adore in the genre while at the same time keeping their music fresh and exciting. While today these great castles lye old, decrepit and ruined, bands such as these can really make them breathe again crafting visions of an era long dead. I can safely say Sojourner are the latest armor clad warrior to take a seat at the round table and have released an exceptional album that will serve them very well indeed." STORMM also explains," if you enjoy the likes of Summoning, Caladan Brood, Gallowbraid etc you are in for a treat. Epic and triumphant in nature but not letting go to that feeling of sadness that is present throughout the album and used to great effect."

Sojourner

Empires of Ash

Avantgarde Music

May 25, 2016

Emilio Crespo - Vocals

Mike Lamb - Guitars, Piano, Synth, Drums

Chloe Bray - Tin Whistle, Vocals

Mike Wilson - Bass

1. Bound by Blood 06:40

2. Heritage of the Natural Realm 09:19

3. Aeons of Valor 07:58

4. The Pale Host 04:31

5. Homeward 09:14

6. Trails of the Earth 07:42

7. Empires of Ash 12:32

total time 57:56

Telomyras (Seattle) - "Attrition" (YouTube Audio)

This spring 2026, I was pleasantly surprised by the return of the modern metal strike force unit operating out of the Seattle, Washington State, USA sector: Telomyras. The training manual of The Metal Archives shows 2021 as the year that this infiltration-exfiltration assault package was assembled, but if memory serves me right, I did not encounter their operations until the year 2023 with their self-titled EP. That reconnaissance mission was successful, and this combat team recently dropped their primary ordnance payload: the debut full-length LP, Duskfall, which they deployed May 8, 2026, at 0000.

Traditional heavy metal equipped with thrash metal weapon delivery systems, enhanced with operatic high-altitude precision air strikes as well as brutal guttural close-quarters annihilation incursions: It's metal reinforced with modern ballistic aggression. It is not just one delivery system; it's multiple delivery mechanisms working in unison, achieved precisely and lethally for efficient results. I, for one, have been pleased with Telomyras's 2026 update to their metal music arsenal.

Telomyras

Duskfall

May 8, 2026

Sammie Gorham (vocals, lyrics) -- Jack Schonher (guitar) -- Ephraim Grimm (guitar) -- Eric Thomas (bass) -- Gavynn Peterson (drums)

1. Reckoning 04:50; 2. Burden 04:40; 3. Witch 05:29; 4. Attrition 05:57; 5. The Altar 05:34; 6. Harbinger (...The Eternal Night) 05:30; 7. Duskfall 05:30; 8. Despondence 02:26; 9. Begin the End 06:34; total time 46:30.

ABOUT THE ALBUM: “Duskfall by Telomyras is the debut full length release from the Seattle heavy metal band. Three years after releasing their self-titled EP, Telomyras have been hard at work honing their unique blend of classic heavy metal and extreme metal with their new songs on Duskfall. Telomyras delivers a riff driven metallic assault with aggressive guitars in the vein of bands like Sanctuary and Megadeth, and a dual lead guitar attack inspired by classic and progressive metal. Sammie Gorham’s classically trained opera vocal technique shines through the record with soaring highs, contrasted by her guttural screams that accentuate the brutality of the record. With the addition of the power and technique of new drummer Gavynn Peterson, Telomyras is here to define a new era of heavy metal with their album Duskfall.”

Telomyras (Seattle) - Attrition

Listen to the full album available on Bandcamp.

https://www.facebook.com/Telomyras

Jon Schaffer's Sons of Liberty - Full Spectrum Dominance (music video)

Long-running American heavy metal band Iced Earth's creative force, Jon Schaffer, started the heavy metal side project Sons of Liberty in 2009. He is known for playing guitar in Iced Earth, but in Sons of Liberty, he sings about his views on society from an intensely individualistic perspective. His lyrics are critical of collectivist ideas, big government, and its overreach into people's lives, reflecting views that he considers based on the American Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The music itself sounds a bit like Iced Earth because that's just how Jon plays guitar.

Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty - Full Spectrum Dominance (music video)

https://www.facebook.com/jonschafferssonsofliberty

VISION DIVINE - 18 (It Feels Like Heaven) (Official Video)

The Italian progressive power metal veterans Vision Divine (1997-present) have new music out this weekend. They have nine albums and now this new EP, featuring the return of their beloved singer Michele Luppi and their previous keyboardist Oleg Smirnoff.

Vision Divine

A Clockwork Reverie

Scarlet Records

May 22, 2026

Michele Luppi vocals (2003-2008, 2025-present)

Olaf Thorsen guitars (1998-present)

Oleg Smirnoff keyboards (2002-2006, 2025-present)

Andrea Tower Torricini bass (1999-2006, 2012-present)

Matt Peruzzi (2024-present)

1. Sator Rotas 00:50; 2. A Clockwork Reverie 06:56; 3. 18 (It Feels like Heaven) 05:03; 4. Andromeda 05:34; 5. Identities (2026 version) 05:12; 6. God Is Dead (2026 version) 05:36; 7. The 25th Hour (2026 version) 05:42; total time 34:53.

ABOUT THIS EP: "After the comeback of acclaimed frontman Michele Luppi and keyboard wizard Oleg Smirnoff, this new Vision Divine release marks a return to the iconic sound that made the band a reference point in the progressive and power metal scene, while embracing the modern edge and production of their most recent works. A powerful blend of melody, technique, and emotion, the “A Clockwork Reverie” EP captures the essence of Vision Divine’s classic identity re-imagined with renewed energy and contemporary attitude. It’s not just a tribute to their legacy – it’s a bold reaffirmation of who they are today! First release following the reunion with Michele Luppi (former Whitesnake backing vocalist and keyboardist) and keyboardist Oleg Smirnoff (Labyrinth, Eldritch). Produced by Olaf Thorsen & Michele Luppi; mixed by Simone Mularoni & Michele Luppi at Domination Studio (Wind Rose, Twilight Force, Michael Romeo); mastered by Michele Luppi at MiLu's Rock Lab II."

VISION DIVINE - 18 (It Feels Like Heaven) (Official Video)

MOONLIGHT HAZE - Interstellar Madness (Official Video)

The Italian symphonic power metal band Moonlight Haze (2018-present) has new music out this weekend! They have four albums, and now this new EP.

Moonlight Haze

Interstellar Madness

Scarlet Records

May 22, 2026

Chiara Tricarico vocals -- Marco Falanga guitar -- Alberto Melinato guitar -- Alessandro Jacobi bass -- Giulio Capone drums, keyboards.

1. Moonlight Legion 02:56; 2. Lost in Moonlit Symphonies 02:33; 3. We Are Fire 04:23; 4. Shine 02:28; 5. Interstellar Madness 06:31; 6. Interstellar Madness: Finale 02:49; total time 21:40.

ABOUT THIS EP: "Moonlight Haze and extraordinary vocalist Chiara Tricarico brought symphonic power metal to the next level throughout the tracklist of their fifth studio release, indulging in extremely mighty, epic and theatrical moments. Guided by striking instrumentals parts, catchy and epic melodies, and truly introspective lyrics, the EP once again proves the talent and boldness of the Italian unit. Interstellar Madness is an invitation to take on a journey through cosmic landscapes and beyond, led by a whirlwind of emotions – madness here is to be intended as a deeper and overwhelming way of experiencing reality, investigating and going beyond what lies on the surface of things in order to be able to discover hidden parts of the inner self."

MOONLIGHT HAZE - Interstellar Madness (Official Video)

celebrating a heavy metal classic: Dio - Holy Diver

On The Metal Archives the reviewer Xyrth gives this classic album a perfect rating of 100%. Xyrth says, in part, "Catchiness is the name of Holy Diver’s game. This release is teeming with classic cuts played and listened ad nauseam by metalhead’s spanning generational and territorial barriers. The power and dynamism of opener 'Stand Up and Shout' recalls the energy of Heaven and Hell’s 'Neon Knights', a sound which Dio himself brought to Sabbath from Rainbow. But also, both band’s epicness wasn’t forgotten, as the iconic title-track demonstrates right away, with its atmospheric intro and mid-paced heaviness, flawlessly elegant. Dio’s softer side is experienced on the timeless power ballad 'Don’t Talk to Strangers', a hymn I wasn’t able to experience live from Dio himself, rather, a great rendition by the late Steve Grimmett, when his Grim Reaper played here in Guadalajara at the once-in-a-lifetime Force Metal Fest in 2015, may he rest in peace too. But there’s enough heaviness in each and every track as to rival anything Dio had done with Sabbath at the time. Side B openers 'Straight to the Heart' and 'Invisible' (psychedelic intro notwithstanding) are a great one-two punch example of this. Dio employs a gruffier intonation amidst great heavy riffs by Campbell. Arena favorite 'Rainbow in the Dark' might be the most iconic track in Dio’s career ever, with those immediately recognizable keyboard melodies that border on the cheesy side of metal."

Dio

Holy Diver

Mercury Records

May 23, 1983

Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P. 2010) Vocals, Keyboards, Lyrics, Songwriting (tracks 1-9)

Vinny Appice Drums, Songwriting (tracks 4, 7-9)

Jimmy Bain (R.I.P. 2016) Bass, Keyboards, Songwriting (tracks 1, 6, 8, 9)

Vivian Campbell Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 3, 4, 7, 8)

1. Stand Up and Shout 03:15; 2. Holy Diver 05:52; 3. Gypsy 03:37; 4. Caught in the Middle 04:13; 5. Don't Talk to Strangers 04:49; 6. Straight Through the Heart 04:31; 7. Invisible 05:23; 8. Rainbow in the Dark 04:13; 9. Shame on the Night 05:16; total time 41:09.

Dio - Don't Talk to Strangers (2016 Remaster)

celebrating a major classic rock album - The Who's Tommy

The Who

Tommy

May 23, 1969 (UK)

In the USA, songs from this album have been played on classic rock radio for decades because the record has proven to be incredibly durable, even as landscape and style changes have come and gone in rock music. The Who are an incredibly important band in the development of hard rock, heavy rock, and classic rock, and this album is one of the band's most respected works.

Wikipedia shows that this double album was released on 19 May 1969 in the US by Decca and 23 May in the UK by Track Records.

Wikipedia also observes that:

"The album was commercially successful, reaching No. 2 in the UK album charts. It peaked at No. 7 in the US in 1969, but in 1970 it re-entered the charts, at which time it went on to peak at No. 4. It sold 200,000 copies in the first two weeks in the US alone and was awarded a gold record for sales of 500,000 on 18 August. 'Pinball Wizard', 'I'm Free' and 'See Me, Feel Me' were released as singles and received airplay on the radio. 'Pinball Wizard' reached the top 20 in the US and the top five in the UK. 'See Me, Feel Me' reached the top 20 in the US and 'I'm Free' reached the top 40."

The Who - Pinball Wizard (Live at the Isle of Wight, 1970)

celebrating a power metal classic of classics: Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Helloween

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Noise Records

May 23, 1987

Michael Weikath Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing), Songwriting (tracks 5, 8), Lyrics (tracks 5, 8) ---- Kai Hansen Vocals (backing), Songwriting (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6-8), Lyrics (tracks 2, 4, 6-8), Guitars (lead) ---- Michael Kiske Songwriting (track 3), Lyrics (track 3), Vocals (lead)---- Markus Grosskopf Bass, Vocals (backing) ---- Ingo Schwichtenberg (R.I.P. 1995) Drums.

1. Initiation 01:21; 2. I'm Alive 03:23 3. A Little Time 03:59; 4. Twilight of the Gods 04:29; 5. A Tale That Wasn't Right 05:15; 6. Future World 04:02; 7. Halloween 13:18; 8. Follow the Sign 01:46; total time 37:33.

On The Metal Archives the reviewer Andreas Hansen gives this album a 100% rating, and explains some history: "Weikath suggests the then very young Michael Kiske, who was playing in the band IIIrd Prophecy and whose the Helloween guitarist had noticed his impressive skills for a singer of his age (he was eighteen). But Kiske refuses. Weikath, true to himself, doesn't throw in the sponge, persuaded that he had found the good person. At another point, someone suggests him a phone number lying around in a pocket, Ralf Scheepers' one, at this moment in Tyran's Pace - who would eventually join Hansen after his departure to form Gamma Ray. By dint of persuasions, Kiske finally accepts to join Helloween.

His dream team now in place, Weikath, with Hansen, starts working on this much-vaunted project of a double-album dealing with fantasy stories, the 'Keeper of the Seven Keys'. Sadly for them, another major impediment stands in their way: Noise refuses such a work, considered as way too ambitious and prem for the age of the band, being afraid that the album would sell very badly. The band resolves to split it into two parts and that's how this first opus saw the light of day on May, 23rd, 1987, an album that marks the real turning point of the band, coming from a heavy/speed metal sound with some melodies to what we would call later power metal.

Power metal wasn't inevitably born with this album, it is always difficult to tell when a genre is created, but this Keeper of the Seven Keys is often considered to be the album that gave prestige to this metal sub-genre, much more than Walls of Jericho in any cases."

Helloween - I'm Alive

EMBRACE OF SOULS (power metal) - Desolate Lands (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Embrace of Souls is an Italian power metal band started by a drummer and songwriter named Michele Olmi. It was just a studio project, but they became a real band with their first album, The Number of Destiny, in 2021. Things went well for them, and here we are in 2026!

Embrace of Souls

The Battle of the Dead

Rockshots Records

22 May 2026

Giacomo Rossi – Vocals; Martina Mazzeo – Vocals; Edward De Rosa – Guitars; Xavier Rota – Bass; Davide Baldelli – Keyboards; Michele Olmi – Drums.

1. The Battle of the Dead 04:26; 2. Eversun 04:21; 3. The Plague 04:29; 4. The Gathering 03:24; 5. Spine 04:44; 6. Who Can Save Us 03:13; 7. Betrayal 03:28; 8. The Dark Lord 03:06; 9. The War 03:10; 10. Sacrifice 03:51; 11. Desolate Lands 04:50; total time 43:02.

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish

ABOUT THE BAND: Rockshots Records is proud to announce its signing of Embrace Of Souls for the release of their new concept album The Battle of the Dead. Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls has forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of "The Number Of Destiny" and "Forever Part Of Me", the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision, and fresh creative energy. This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range, reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound.

EMBRACE OF SOULS - Desolate Lands (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

remembering HEATHEN bassist Michael Jastremski (1963-2005)

Mike Jastremski (March 16, 1963 - May 23, 2005)

Mike "Yaz" Jastremski was an American metal musician best known for his work as a guitarist and bassist during the 1980s Bay Area metal movement. The Metal Archives shows that Mike began his recording career as a guitarist for the speed metal band Griffin, performing with the group from 1983 to 1986. Under the moniker "Yaz," he recorded guitars for the band's 1984 debut full-length album, Flight of the Griffin. After Griffin, he switched to bass and joined the thrash metal band Heathen, serving his first tenure from 1986 to 1988. He performed on the 1987 single "Set Me Free" (cover song) and Heathen's celebrated 1987 debut full-length album, Breaking the Silence. In 1988 he also recorded a demo with the band during the brief period when former Exodus vocalist Paul Baloff fronted the group. Mike rejoined Heathen for a second tenure from 2001 to 2004. His bass work during his time with the band has been featured on several retrospective releases, including the 2004 compilation Recovered and the 2017 compilation Pray for Death (The Complete Demo Collection), which featured his bass tracks on tracks 8 and 9.

Heathen - Set Me Free - Official Music Video

Sweet - Set Me Free (1974)

celebrating the anniversary of King's X's album Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous

According to Wikipedia, this is the release date for this adventurous album by the long-running American prog rock band King's X. Check out a song from the album! People say the album is a bit wacky, and maybe that is true, but it's a King's X album, and not as weird as some people think. It's still King's X!

King's X

Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous

Metal Blade Records

May 23, 2000

Doug Pinnick – bass, lead vocals; Ty Tabor – guitars, backing vocals; Jerry Gaskill – drums, backing vocals

1. "Fish Bowl Man" 4:28; 2. "Julia" 3:39; 3. "She's Gone Away" 4:37; 4. "Marsh Mellow Field" 5:30; 5. "When You're Scared" 4:26; 6. "Charlie Sheen" 3:51; 7. "Smudge" 3:52; 8. "Bitter Sweet" 2:13; 9. "Move Me" 4:58;10. "Move Me, Pt. 2" 7:20.

King's X - Marsh Mellow Field

celebrating the anniversary of DOKKEN's album Dysfunctional

This album marked the return of the classic lineup of Don, George, Jeff, and Mick, back together since the 1988 breakup of the band. The guitar tone is heavier and bluesier than in the 1980s. It's a different sound in a different time: not as polished as the 1980s, but it is a hard rock / heavy metal album with a good variety of tempos. Initially, the reception for the album was not super great from Dokken fans because it was too different, and they wanted the 1980s sound.

Unfortunately, '80s Dokken fans have been unable to get over the difference in sound, but the album certainly has good songs, and there is plenty to enjoy in it. Especially if one listens to this album as it is and for what it is, rather than listening to it wishing that it sounded just like things did in 1984.

Dokken

Dysfunctional

Sony Music

May 23rd, 1995

Don Dokken (lead vocals) - George Lynch (guitars) - Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals) - Mick Brown (drums, vocals)

1. Inside Looking Out 04:08; 2. Hole in My Head 04:33; 3. The Maze 04:50; 4. Too High to Fly 07:10; 5. Nothing Left to Say 04:30; 6. Shadows of Life 04:32; 7. Long Way Home 05:12; 8. Sweet Chains 05:46; 9. Lesser of Two Evils 04:03; 10. What Price 05:45; 11. From the Beginning (Emerson, Lake & Palmer cover) 04:12; total time 54:41

A reviewer named "Twisted Psychology" on The Metal Archives observes: "Dysfunctional still proves that Dokken is generally at their best when exerting catchy driving rock, albeit with a quirky slant. Lead single 'Too High To Fly' can border on feeling too long at seven minutes but I’m not one to argue with how well that bluesy snarl works with that slinky bass-driven hustle. 'Hole In My Head' and 'Shadows of Life' supplement their fast chugs with disorienting soundscapes in the former’s sitar and the latter’s intrusively sinister hums while 'What Price' dips into Galactic Cowboys territory with its borderline thrash eventually giving way to a fuzzy freakout." Interestingly enough, this same reviewer also notices the following: "What really makes Dysfunctional stand out compared to their peers in similar positions is how it ends up sounding like their attempt at a King’s X album? Granted Don’s world-weary croons are a way’s away from anything resembling Dug Pinnick’s signature soul, but the vocal harmonies have the sort of balanced involvement that makes one wonder if they managed to sneak Ty Tabor into the studio."

Dokken - Too High to Fly

Happy birthday to legendary guitarist Vinnie Moore!

The Metal Archives shows that Vincent Moore was born April 14, 1964. Vinnie started out on the Shrapnel Records label, famous for finding guitar heroes, and they certainly found one here. He caught fans' attention with his debut, Mind's Eye, in 1987 (according to The Metal Archives). Vinnie has stayed very busy throughout his career, playing with Alice Cooper and UFO, amongst others. He was actually with UFO for almost two decades! In addition, The Metal Archives shows that he has 10 studio albums that show the many sides of his guitar playing.

Vinnie Moore - Still Waters Run Deep (from the 2022 album Double Exposure)

celebrating the death metal anniversary of WRUST's Soulless Machine

Man, there is something about this death metal album. The combination of death metal, a bit of groove metal, the sound itself, and a bit of melody—it sounds good to me. It feels like this band understood what they wanted to do with their metal from the beginning and delivered it. It's the type of death metal that makes sense right away.

The Metal Archives shows that Wrust formed in 2000 in Botswana. The Metal Archives shows a 2003 demo, but I haven't heard it, so the 2007 debut album was my introduction to them. After that, they did an EP in 2011, a second album in 2013, and a split in 2019. Here's hoping they make more music.

Speaking for myself, I sense a certain type of Pantera and Sepultura energy, and maybe that's why I like it. Of course, there is death metal all over the album, but maybe it's that Pantera-Sepultura songwriting sound that does it for me. The thing is, I don't even know if this band likes those bands. I have no idea what their influences are! Anyway, I still enjoy this album, which I guess is now an oldie!

Wrust

Soulless Machine

Witchdoctor Records

April 14, 2007

1. Soulless Machine 03:33

2. Kill or Be Killed 05:11

3. Just a Sinner 03:41

4. Prophecy of Doom 02:52

5. Run 03:46

6. The Renegade 04:15

7. Why Me 05:51

8. Cleansing Ritual 02:32

Total time 31:41

WRUST-WHY ME

celebrating Ted Nugent and The Amboy Dukes - Survival of the Fittest Live

Both the official Ted Nugent website and Wikipedia give April 1971 as the release month for this live album. Wikipedia says, "The initial plan for the Survival of the Fittest album was to record one side of the album live and the other side in the studio, but this plan was later scrapped and the band instead recorded an entire live album. The album consists of five new songs written by Ted Nugent, and an extended live performance of 'Prodigal Man', which previously appeared on the band's Migration album. In a review of the band's previous album, Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom, AllMusic said that Survival of the Fittest sees the band embracing blues rock, which had only partially been explored on Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom.'"

This recording is pure rock and roll energy. They are cooking up some live, raw, hard blues rock, and the whole band sounds great. The drumming is such a treat, and there are tons of Ted Nugent riffs, hooks, and leads to make you pick up your guitar or your air guitar.

The live version of "Prodigal Son"! Wow. The studio recording of 'Prodigal Son,' according to Wikipedia, is the second track on the 1969 The Amboy Dukes album Migration, which was their third full-length. The original's duration is 9:09, and this live version is twice that!"

1. "Survival of the Fittest" 6:17

2. "Rattle My Snake" 3:00

3. "Mr. Jones' Hanging Party" 4:55

4. "Papa's Will" 9:00

5. "Slidin' On" 3:03

6. "Prodigal Man" 21:20

Ted Nugent – Guitar, vocals (lead on track 4)

Andy Solomon – Keyboards, saxophone, vocals (lead on tracks 2, 5 and 6)

Rob Ruzga – Bass

K. J. Knight – Drums, vocals (lead on track 3)

Survival Of The Fittest (Live at the Eastowne Theatre, Detroit, Michigan /1970)

celebrating the metalcore anniversary of WAR OF AGES' album Eternal

This album has shredding, melodic soloing, thrashy riffs, breakdowns, and a consistent emphasis on faith and perseverance. The album presents a particular sound of metalcore in which there is quite a bit of classic metal working into the contemporary sound. The vocals and the album's crunch are all metalcore, but what about all those melodies?! That's a bit of a different angle, and the music is all the better for it.

War of Ages - Eternal

April 13th, 2010 - Facedown Records

(according to The Metal Archives)

Steve Brown (Guitars) - Branon Bernatowicz (Guitars) - Leroy Hamp (Vocals, Lyrics) - Alex Hamp (Drums) - TJ Alford (Bass)

War Of Ages - Collapse