Pantera - Power Metal (1988)

I'm probably the only metal-head who thought this style of Pantera bettered the last batch of albums. Sure, Pantera have always been a metal band, but I find most of their muscular vulgarity bland. Back in the early days albums like 'Power Metal' were very much impressions of Judas Priest, Anselmo giving his best Rob Halford impersination over some killer Dimebag riffs. This is more classic metal sounding, but this is where these guys started, churning out a rather formulaic brand of middle of the road chest-thumping metal. I dig it though, it's anthems are neat, concise and relatively heavy, albeit swamped in metal cliche - 'Rock The World' and 'Proud To Be Loud' fine examples of their Priest worship. The hair may have been a tad bigger back then but I smell and feel more fire on this opus, particularly on the gruff vibe of 'We'll Meet Again' with its streetwise buzz. I enjoyed Pantera back then and then gradually got bored after 'Cowboys From Hell.' 7/10

Grand Supreme Blood Court - Bow Down Before The Blood Court (2012)

Alongside 'Bad Decisions' by The Last Vegas, 'Bow Down...' is probably the album of 2012, and most certainly one of death metal's finest over the last fifteen years. This record is a much needed kick up the arse, an album that features various members of Asphyx, including Martin Van Drunen who once delivered the goods for death metal kings Pestilence. Upon first listen I'm struck by the old school feel of this opus, a grating, shredding sound that brings to mind the chainsaw riffing of old Entombed, and the vocal intensity of early Obituary. Imagine a lethal mix of both of thsoe bands and you'll be on your way to categorising this formidable record. 'Bow Down...' is a brutal record, but one that doesn't alienate the listener, jst like those classic late '80s and early '90s death metal albums from Obituary, Dismember and Entombed, this is accessible, maninly due to those gargantuan riffs, but it somehow sounds refreshing too. There are eleven face melters on offer, all of which go for the jugular, propelled by the ferocious guitars of Eric Daniels and Zurr. Again, I can only sugegst you experience this debut album, because these flying Dutchmen have produced a minor classic that has all the ingredients required to make a classy death metal album. In this day and age too many bands have a clean cut, over-produced sound that lacks identity, and although GSBC are happy to wear their influences on their sleeve, they still shred the flesh in their own unique way. Hard to pick a fave track, album opener 'All Rise' features some killer guitars that seem to have been wrenched from Entombed's 'Left Hand Path,' whilst the short, sharp shock of 'Behead The Defence' reminds me of Possessed especially in that vocal sneer. This is a rampant record that sounds loose and vicious, but it's an album that has proved just how stagnant the genre has been since those halycon days when the powers of Europe, particularly Sweden, and the US collided. Now it's time to bow down to a new bunch of anti-heroes, and let's hope this is more than just a side project. 8.5/10

Bullet - No Mercy (1984)

Forget the rather bland band name, 'No Mercy' lives up to its statement - this is a scorching record featuring some absolutely killer vocals courtesy of Klaus Thiel, who adds a huge dose of meat to this record. Think Dee Snider of Twisted Sister with more rasp. Couple this with some hefty yet melodic hard rock music and you're onot a surefire winner. Immediate classic is the title track and 'Midnight Stalker', featuring an almost poppy edge, again bringing Twisted Sister to mind circa 'Love Is Your Suckers.'This is simply a vibrant, refreshing metal album that deserves your ears, because for its time it remains energetic, and the vocals killer. Bit of a rarity no doubt, but sits nicely alongside Pandemonium as high quality, catchy yet underated metal. 7.5/10

Creation Of Death - Purify Your Soul (1991)

Another top quality Christan thrash metal act, although not sure if the label is ever relevant, either way these type of bands - Believer, etc - always churning out heavy and fast metal. 'Purify...' is the bands only record, the four-piece bridging the gap between technical thrash and tepid death metal. This is a cracking little record boasting a Possessed style of thrasdh, particularly in the vocals, whilst Slayer springs to mind with those energetic solos from Aras and Litza. Fans of Polish act Turbo may be interested to know that Creation Of Death were pretty much formed from ther ashes of Turbo but these guys are far more accomplished. When I mention death metal, don't expect anything pounding, this is more Sepuktura inspired with those riffs and vocals, especially on 'nameless Forever' and the speedy 'You Aren't Possessed Yet.' Although lyrically this is a little naive, Creation Of Death a decent little band, 'Psalm 69' a prime example of their ability, just a shame it never lasted. 6.5/10

Maineeaxe - Shout It Out

Rather awkard name for a band don't ya think? I'm bemused even further by those vocals - sounds like a woman, but it isn't - but the confusion aside, 'Shout It Out Loud' is a hot, rockin' debut album - the first of three, that showed a lot of metal maniac fury and promise. Mick Adamson is a vocal queen, high on the delivery and accompanied by those blazing and often racy guitars which are courtesy of one Zeff Stewart. I love this straight down the line, ballsy metal, churned out in short sharp shocks to the system, from the raging 'Bad Boys' and the leather clad 'Run To The Angels' with its sultry vocal sleaze and buzzing riff. Hot bloodied NWOBHM that so many bands of today could learn from. 7/10

TKO - In Your Face (1984)

For those if you fortunate enough to have got your grubby hands of the debut album by War babies, would also be interested in this rampant opus from the murky '80s. TKO were fronted by the golden throated Brad Sinsel who made War Babies that extra bit tougher. 'In Your Face' lives up to its title, a ten track mini masterpiece of raging guitars and gravelled vocals. TKO are about as metal as it gets without having to rattle on about warriors, fire and dragons. This oozes attitude, from the burning riffs of 'End Of The Line' with its thrashy edge, to the hard-edged groove of 'All I Want To Do' this is mighty, meaty metal, Sinsel boasting some of metal's most epuic pipes. If you're not shaken by the pummelling chug of 'Give Into The Night' then you're clearly dead. 'In Your Face' is a monster of a record that should have set the '80s on fire. 'In Your Face' is the ugly sister of Crue's leathery debut 'Too Fast For Love' so just go and buy it. 8/10

Tyran Pace - Long Live Metal (1985)

One can only be moved by this slab of molten metal. This has a strong Judas Priest and Accept fell to it, opener 'Shockwaves' is a real denim n leather fist-pumper that rattles along at quite a pace. This slab of a record should please anyone who likes their metal powerful, relatively macho and anthemic. Vocalist Ralph Scheepers is a poor man's Rob Halford, but it's still gripping metal that ploughs a fiery path particularly with the twin guitar attack of Kaufmann and Rapallo. 'Red Sweat' 'Law And Order' and the likes are pretty blunt messages, all delivered with fury and savagery. It's the kind of album that sums up mid '80s Euro metal, and I'm not gonna argue with this beast of a record, although I'm sure Judas Priest might have something to say about it! 7/10

Hallows Eve - Death And Insanity (1986)

These guys seem to have been around forever, and you know by the title this is going to be another thrash fest of the highest order. Hallows Eve never scaled the heights of so many otjer US thrash acts, but they always released solid thrash records. 'death...' was the bands second opus after the basement feel of 'Tales Of Terror.' Eleven tracks, opening withe the super-charged title track, boasting tight musicianship and those clear-cut vocals of Stacy Andersen. The most impressive aspect of the record however being the guitars of David Stuart and the raging bass of Tommy Stewart. This is refreshing in its sound, sounding far newer than it actually is, 'D.I.E.' is a real chug fest for the moshers whilst the bizarrely titled 'Attack Of The Iguana' is a 2 1/2 minute face meltter featuring some truly jarring guitars. Hard to say whether this is Hallows Eve's best opus, but thrash fans most certainly will not be disappointed in this. Extra half a mark for the dodgy cover. 7.5/10

Intruder - Live To Die (1987)

Intruder released a batch of records in the '80s, I believe this was their first of a trio of albums. This is an eight track opus that effortlessly combines technical speed metal with the more rawer aspects of Nuclear Assault, especially the varying vocal talents of Jimmy Hamilton. Arthur Vinnett is an accomplished guitarist who sews the tracks together, forming a formidable partnership with bassist Todd Nelson and stick beater John Pieroni. Favourite track on offer here is 'blind Rage' with its chants and Anthrax-style melodies, particularly the vocal delivery in parts. There were so many US thrash acts in the '80s it was difficult standing out from the crowd and a majority of bands were just happy to thrash along at their own pace. Intruder were one of those bands, and although they may have lacked identity I'm finding records like this still pack a punch decades later. Thrash on... 7/10

Picture - Eternal Dark (1983)

Metal heads used to feed off this type of imagery. 'Eternal Dark' (fantastic record name) is a cool obscurity that brings to mind the balls out metal sound of Accept. This is an album of great melody, ten solid tracks boasting killer melody and bewitching vocals that slip from high pitched crytal clear wails to a lower, deep-end snarl. Pete Lovell is the archetype '80s metal frontman, backed by the searing hot guitars of Van Manen and Van Jaarsveld. The title cut kicks things off, a dark, brooding riff monster whilst the wickedly titled 'Griffons Guard The Gold' is a kick ass stomper that sees drummer Laurens Bakker shine with that stabbing plod. Hard to believe this is the bands fourth opus, these Dutch veterans certainly never got the credit they deserve, because 'Eternal...' is for the most part a mid-tempo affair that consists of some great guitar melodies (check out the groove of 'Make You Burn') and a handful of more epic rockers, especially 'Battle For The Universe' which has a NWOBHM feel. Unleash the dragons... 7.5/10

Fact - Without Warning (1985)

German metal from the mid '80s that sounds exactly as you'd expect it to - 'Fight For The Metal' features a killer riff, thumping drum plod and mid-tempo heartbeat and then that snarling vocal growl. I know very little about these guys, but if I'd found this gem back in the day I'd have felt it was money well spent. 'Get Ready To Win,' 'Hear The Devil Crying' and 'Dressed To Kill' are more than adequate rockers and I'm more than happy to hear this type of vocal attack. Good, solid metal that has a hard edge. 7/10

Wrath - Insane Society (1990)

Nothing like a dose of obscure old school thrash. No thrills but this goes straight for the throat, cool chugging riffs, jarring structures, a solid jabbing bass and snarling sneering vocals. This is the band's third opus, and as far as I'm aware the first to feature Kurt Grayson on vocals. I've read numerous reviews of this opus which have slagged it off, stating that it's 'failed thrash', but just because it didn't sell millions and may lack the professionalism of a majority of bay Area acts, doesn't mean it's a flop. 'Insane..' is a good listen and would appeal to any thrasher. If one can imagine a slightly weaker Testament, especially in the vocal attack, then you'll be half way there. It's nothing fancy and the tracks fit by without any real effect, some may call it boring, but there are some bands who simply just want to thrash, and Wrath are one of those. Blessed with a spooky cover, 'Insane...' may be rather standard to some, but I've heard far worse. 6.5/10

Thunderstick - Beauty And The Beasts (1984)

Well, this record had all the imagery of something pretty sinister. For the most part this lives up to expectation, 'Beauty...' being a rather rollicking listen that combines the classic New Wave Of British Heavy Metal sound and an almost sleaze-edged vocal display courtesy of femme fatale Jodee Valentine. The band were known more so for including drummer Thunderstick (ex-Samson skin basher), a masked menace who gave the album added flavour with his mysticism. Overall though it's a melodic affair that effortlessly fuses a Maidenesque gallop, and poppy edge, particularly on cuts such as 'Rich Girls' with its infectious, albeit odd chorus, whilst 'Heartbeat (In The Night)' speeds things up. A lot of this NWOBHM is pretty strange stuff, often quite creaky in its nature, and Thunderstick are typical of the era, providing the listener with a few Gothic ramblings alongside a more innocent groove. 7/10