Because everybody has that one great story
It’s been too long since my last show. I’m looking forward to a time when we can all get back to shows, support our favorite bands, and geek out at the merch booth.
Until then, here’s some pictures of metal concert tees I’ve collected throughout the years for you to enjoy! I wish I would have kept more of the early ones, but they would have been in really bad condition anyway.
The results are in. We crowned our first 4theloveofmetal, Hall of Albums, tournament champion; And the winner is…..
We started with 32 albums, and whittled them down to 1. This is how the brackets looked like:
The first round had some pretty interesting match-ups. Slayer’s Undisputed Attitude destroyed any hopes for Metallica’s Garage Days Re-Revisited to advance to the second round. We also saw Cannibal Corpse’s Evisceration Plague fall to Six Feet Under’s Maximum Violence and Anthrax’s Among The Living inch out SOD’s Speak English Or Die.
Round 2 was just as exciting as the first round. Suicidal Tendencies’ debut, self titled album left Ozzy Osborne’s Ultimate Sin in the dark, while the Battle of the Sunset Strip saw Motley Crue’s Too Fast For Love beat Motorhead’s Orgasmatron, even though Lemmy had an ace in the hole.
The Quarterfinals saw the Led Zeppelin 4 album continue dominance, with a win over The Misfits’ Earth AD album, while Pantera’s Cowboys From Hell showed how unstoppable of a force they are when they beat Suicidal Tendencies, to advance to the finals.
The Championship Round is now set. We have a battle of the ages. On one side, we have one of the most iconic hard rock albums of all time with Led Zeppelin 4, and on the other side, Cowboys from Hell; A career-defining album from the monsters of metal themselves, Pantera. It’s hard to pick one album over the other, but in the end, Cowboys From Hell prevail and become the first ever inductees into the 4theloveofmetal Hall of Albums. Thank you to everyone who participated. We’ll see you next year. In the words of Max Cavalera, Stay Metal! \m/
This is a list of 8 killer covers of metal and punk songs. Is there something I missed? Be sure to leave a comment below. \m/
The list starts with the greatest band of all time, Fuckin Slayer! As you probably already know, there is no shortage of songs to choose from when it comes to bands covering a Slayer song. Through their interpretation of the song “Hell Awaits”, Cradle Of Filth manages to deliver a truly evil song, with orchestral and black metal aspects. Dani Filth was born to cover this song! This track can be found on the Cradle Of Filth album titled “Dusk…and Her Embrace.”
Originally released in 1986 on their “Somewhere In Time” album, Wasted Years is a staple and fan favorite during any Iron Maiden concert. The last time I saw Maiden live, Bruce opens up this song by saying it was released so many years ago, but the meaning rings truer now than ever before. 23 years later, DevilDriver does a cover of Wasted Years on their album titled “Pray for Villains.” This is a classic metal song that gives me a feeling of reminiscence every time I hear it.
Inherit The Earth is a song by crossover/thrash/hardcore/punk legends, The Accused; Pioneers of the Splatterrock movement. In 2018, Burn The Priest released a cover album to commemorate 20 years of Lamb of God, titled “Legion:XX” This is an album that pays homage to their earlier influences. Inherit The Earth was originally released on the “Martha Splatterhead’s Maddest Stories Ever Told” album
Originally on the “Quickness” album, Slinlab’s take on this song is on the “Never Give In: A Tribute to Bad Brains” album. An essential listen for both the Bad Brains and Skinlab fans alike. This is what it sounds like when punk rock turns hardcore.
Institutionalized is a song originally recorded by Suicidal Tendencies, on their debut, self titled album. Body Count does a cover of it called Institutionalized 2014 on their “Manslaughter” album. Ill say it. I don’t think Body Count get the metal recognition they deserve. There is definitely an aspect of humor in this song, but it’s so pissed off and aggressive at the same time. “Do you realize how much blood is in the human body? Do you wanna to see it, mutherfucker!?”
Ddamm (Drunk Drivers Against Mad Mothers) is a song performed by Slayer on their Undisputed Attitude album. It also happens to be a song that Jeff Hanneman wrote for his side project punk influenced band Pap Smear. It was on the “Fear and Loathing” demo in 1986. Slayer are the true metal gods, but this proves that they can be punk heavyweights too.
This is one of my favorite Motorhead songs and it also has to be one of my favorite Supultura songs, period. I always think this would be the perfect song to play when marching troops into battle during Armageddon.
This is one I just happened to stumble across while searching for ideas. This is on the Graveyard Classics III album. It’s a killer song and it’s metal as fuck! \m/ A perfect mix of barking and singing; There’s even a signature Chris Barnes pig squeal at the end. They do Metallica justice on this one.
This is part 2 of a 2 part series, featuring the Almighty Fucking Slayer. In part 1, we took a look at the soundcheck. Part 2 features the main event. All pictures and video were taken at the Warfield Theater, in San Francisco, on March 22, 2016.
This is part 1 of a 2 part series featuring the Almighty Fucking Slayer. All pictures and video were taken at the Slayer soundcheck , at the Warfield Theater, San Francisco, March 22, 2016.
Are you sure you know the correct title to all your favorite songs? You may have convinced yourself, only to find out later that you were wrong. If that’s you, you’re not alone. This is a list of songs people get the title wrong, some more often than others. If you have others you would like to add, please feel free to leave a comment below. \m/
7. Evanescence – Bring Me To Life: When this song was first released, people would often get the title confused with “Wake Me Up Inside”
6. Nine Inch Nails – Closer: To this day, people still call it “I Wanna Fuck You Like An Animal”
5. Quiet Riot – Metal Health: I remember when this song first came out; Everybody called this song “Bang Your Head.” If you’re getting technical though, (which I am), the full title of the song is Metal Health (Bang Your Head)
4. The Offspring – Come Out And Play: People get the title of this song confused with “Keep ‘Em Separated”. On some versions, the full title of the song is Come Out And Play (Keep ‘Em Separated)
3. Metallica – Welcome Home (Sanitarium): Any Metallica fan worth his or her salt knows the correct title of this song. There still are people though, who think it’s just called “Sanitarium.” I’m guessing it’s from the Enter Sandman and later crowd.
2. Slayer – Disciple: No, it’s not called “God Hates Us All”
1. The Who – Baba O’ Riley: The winner hands down. If you don’t know what song I’m talking about, it’s the one often referred to as “Teenage Wasteland”
Day 1: Arrive in L.A., pot shop, Rainbow Bar & Grill
The first time I saw Slayer was back in ’88, in Tacoma, Wa for their South of Heaven tour. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen them around 2 dozen times. Around 5 years ago, I started to travel to different cities to see my favorite band. When they announced their final shows, it only made sense for me to see them one last time. Going to Los Angeles for their last show was a no-brainer. It was nice that it was only a 2 1/2 hour plane ride to Los Angeles, and I was able to enjoy the experience with a couple of my buddies. We also met up with a friend that lived down there, who doubled as a valuable tour guide.
We arrived pretty early on Friday and left early on Sunday, so we made the most out of our two days. When we got there, it was still too early for us to check into our hotel. We ended up getting a Lyft to a nearby pot shop. It was convenient catching a Lyft in L.A. We never waited longer than than 4 minutes before our ride arrived. The pot shop was in the back of one of the buildings. It looked a little sketchy at first, but it was all legit. We walked back to our room from there. Coming from Wa., you never have a problem finding a convenient store that sells pipes. None of them sell them in L.A. My buddy found this guy that was cool enough that rode his bike home, and brought us one. If not, we probably would have made one from a beer can.
We stayed at the Best Western Suites in Inglewood. The location was perfect and they didn’t sweat any of us. Most of the guests that were there at the time, were there for the show. Once we checked in, we chilled there for a few hours.
Our buddy that lived down there picked us up. We went to the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset Blvd. I’ve been to L.A. a few times, but this was the first time I went there. Besides the show, this was the one other place that I really wanted to go to. They pay perfect homage to Lemmy. The lounge on the side of the restaurant is called Lemmy’s Lounge. At the end of the lounge, they have a statue of Lemmy. I went full tourist and took a bunch of pictures. I even bought a shirt, a shirt for my wife, and a keychain. It was nice catching up with my buddies. We’ve known each other since school, and this was the first time in years that the four of us were all together. After a couple of drinks, we made our way to the dining room for dinner. Besides Lemmy and all the other famous people that have been regulars over the years, The Rainbow is also known for their food. We ended up sharing a couple of pizzas and they didn’t disappoint.
Day 2: Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Amoeba Records, Fucking Slayer!!
After eating our hotel’s continental breakfast, we caught a Lyft to the Santa Monica Pier. Each ride wasn’t that expensive, but they added up. The ride to the pier, to Hollywood Blvd., and back to the hotel were around $25 each. It was nice that there were 3 of us that could split the cost. One perk that L.A. has to offer is the distance to the Ocean. The Santa Monica Pier is a picturesque spot. It’s quiet during the day, and we also took a relaxing walk along the beach. It’s also good place to go if you’re short on time.
Next we took a Lyft to Hollywood Blvd. to see the Walk of Fame. There’s a bunch of shops and restaurants. I’ve been there a few times before, but my friends have never been. It was cool to see for a few minutes. There’s always something going on there. If you go to the 2nd or 3rd floor of the mall and walk towards the back, it’s a good vantage point to take pictures of the Hollywood sign. There’s a few good restaurants to choose from. We ended up choosing Johnny Rockets.
Amoeba Records is on Sunset Blvd., a few blocks away from the Walk of Fame. Having worked at Tower Records in my previous life, it’s a treat whenever I make it to Amoeba Records. I’ve been to the one in San Francisco a few times. This is the first time I’ve been to the Hollywood location. I could have spent all day there if I wanted to. If you’re into old-school record stores, you will surely appreciate Amoeba. I bought 3 records to bring home with me. They sell bags there that are perfect to bring on the plane.
After chillin at the hotel for a little while, it was finally time to head to The Forum to see Fucking Slayer for perhaps the last time ever. I wanted to get there early enough to get a Slayer poster and see Phil Anselmo and the Illegals. The doors weren’t open yet, but there was a merch booth outside the venue. We were the last ones they let through, but they were out of posters. I was starting to get anxious because I didn’t want to miss out on my Slayer poster. Once inside, it took 3 merch booths before I found one. I didn’t even think about it, but I should have bought two of them. The poster cost $50, and I was offered $150 for it by someone that saw me walking around with a poster tube. I didn’t realize they sold so few of them. It’s not for sale though. I bought a shirt too. I’m still kicking myself though for not buying a $60 Phil Anselmo signed, Illegal’s album. I want his autograph, but I’m hoping to get one signed in person one day.
Phil didn’t disappoint. I’m a big Pantera fan, so it was a religious experience to see him perform an all Pantera set. Jason Momoa even came out on stage and helped sing “This Love.” Ministry played next. It was an all, older era, greatest hits set. If you’re a fan of In Case You Didn’t Feel Like Showing Up, and Psalm 69 like I am, this was an entertaining set. Next was Primus. I thought they were good, but I didn’t think they were a good fit opening for Slayer. I would have rather seen another metal band like Exodus or D.R.I.
Finally, it was time for Slayer! They didn’t pull out a bag of tricks for their last show. They played a straight-up, in your face, 20 song, Slayer show; Fast and aggressive as always. They played “Jesus Saves” and “Show No Mercy” for this one. They played “Evil Has No Boundaries” and “Black Magic” the night before, which I wish they would have played the second night, but their set was still solid.
They finished with Angel of Death, which was a fitting end. Tom was clearly emotional. You could tell he was fighting back tears. He just stood there and looked around. He said a final thank you to everyone. Kerry unfastened the chain from his waist, held it up in the air, and placed it on the stage. That was his goodbye. The band took their final curtain call with all the members of their crew and friends and family. The crowd had a “Thank you, Slayer” chant that everybody participated. And just like that, the show was over. It was surreal and emotional. An epic ending for a legendary band.
The next morning I woke up early and flew back home. Time to get back to real life!
There’s no such thing as the perfect Slayer set list. That being said, there are a few of their songs I wish they would take out of hibernation and play live. Unfortunately, they can’t play them all. This is a list of the 19 songs they played on the first leg of their final tour. On the left is what they play now. On the right is the song I would change it to, and the reason why. All changes, if any, keep with the spirit of their current setlist.
I would keep this song the same. It’s only been out a few years, and it rose to instant-classic. I like when they open with this song
Not my favorite song off the Seasons album, but they haven’t played it live in awhile, that’s why I’m keeping it the same.
Disciple is a good song, but they’ve been playing it live, solid, ever since the song was released. I would switch it with a Reign In Blood classic that I haven’t seen them play in years
As much as I like Mandatory Suicide, I would switch it with another South of Heaven song that I can’t remember ever seeing them play live
This being their final tour, I’m sticking with the classics. This is the perfect opportunity to see them play a song off of Show No Mercy
Wouldn’t change a thing
I would rather them play Cult off of Christ Illusion, but this one works for me too
Both are “slower” Slayer songs, but I would prefer to see Playing With Dolls, a song I’ve never seen them play live
What I am, What I want, I’m only after death!
It’s always nice to see them play this classic off the Show No Mercy album
Payback’s a bitch motherfucker!!!
They like to stack their set with Seasons songs as of late. I would rather switch out this one for an early song they hardly ever play
One of my favorite songs from Divine Intervention
As much as I like Dead Skin Mask, I would rather hear an additional song from the Hell Awaits album
Now hear me out. I normally would never take Hell Awaits off their setlist. If I were going to though, I would switch it with a song from the same album that they rarely play
I’m good with this. It’s a slower tempo song, and it gives Tom the chance to rest his voice a little
I would play Can’t Stand You as a tribute to Jeff. It also warms them up a little for their final 2 songs
I would never change this one “Fuck it up! \m/
The perfect ending for the relentless assault on our senses. No Slayer show is complete without the Heavyweight Champion of the World.
I felt this would be a fitting first blog for me to post. I know that it’s easy to become complacent and set in your ways the older you get. I’m 45 years old, so I’m starting to figure that out in a hurry.
I can always remember music associated with my life. Some of my earliest memories was playing records I had. Disco Mickey Mouse, the soundtrack to Grease and Scooby Doo are the titles that come to mind now. When my family first got cable, I remember staying up all night in the tv room with my sister, watching MTV when it was the big new thing. I also liked making mixed tapes. I would sit next to the radio and wait for that perfect moment to push record.
I was probably in my early teens when I first recall hearing a particular rock song on the radio. For whatever reason, it clicked with me. It was Tom Sawyer by Rush. I would search for it on the radio, and that’s probably when I switched from pop to rock radio. That’s about the time I started listening to the hair metal bands of the time like Whitesnake, Motley Crue and GnR. My musical tastes would eventually grow heavier over the years. I probably first got into metal with Metallica and Anthrax. It took a little longer with Slayer, but when I first saw them on the South of Heaven tour back in ’88, it was on from there.
I was around 19 or 20 when I experienced a life changing event. My friend Peach introduced me to Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power. It was the finger of god pointing down from the heavens. That album was definitely a game changer. The first song Mouth of War played. My eyes got really big. I looked at my friend in amazement. She looked back at me and said “I know”. The next song came on and I’m like, alright, this is good. The next song played and my eyes got even bigger. Now we’re at Fucking Hostile. That’s when it blew my mind. I was hooked.
Around the same time, grunge started to become the next big thing, even though us locals hated that word. Having grown up in the Seattle area (Tacoma), it was a huge influence on my early 20’s. This is the time my wings started to sprout, and I moved away from the parental nest. I was working at Tower Records at the time. I was surrounded by music, and I had friends that shared the same passion for music that I have. My musical tastes were becoming much more diverse during that time.
I like the crossover music, with bands like The Accused and D.R.I., where thrash and punk unite beautifully. I’ve always appreciated classic rock legends such as Jimi, Beatles, Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. These musicians form the foundation for rock and metal we listen to today. Bands such as the Misfits and Bad Brains provide that punk edge and a different attitude that I find appealing. I’m also a big fan of 90’s rap and hip-hop. Ice Cube, Ice T, Cypress Hill, Tupac. These artists provide the stories and beats that I find fascinating. It was always fun discovering new music. Whether it’s hearing Iggy Pop on the Trainspotting soundtrack or driving around listening to the Stones. I would hear something I like and seek out similar artists to listen to in that genre.
Fast forward a bunch of years. I still go to concerts and I still love music, but I find myself becoming more set in my ways. I still venture out on a new artist once in a while, but it’s easier for me to listen to the wealth of music I’ve accumulated through the years. It seems like everything new is recycled garbage of the past. Most of the music today I find to be boring and unoriginal. I keep getting older, but I’m not getting that kick in the ass from music that I have in the past.
So much for all the build-up. I now go back to the original question, “Why should I give a shit about listening to new music?” It’s a simple answer; The joy I get for listening to something good for the first time. When I connect with that certain beat, riff, or vocal, my eyes widen and my ears perk up. It’s like a Dorito, I need more. Granted, I’ll probably never have another Pantera moment. Youth may be the perfect storm for my positive music connections until now, but it’s still possible to have that one moment that keeps the flame alive. Whether it’s hearing an old band for the first time like Terrorizer, a classic like AC/DC – Powerage, that I just bought on vinyl, or a newer, torch carrier like Power Trip, it’s still possible to experience joy from listening to something new.
4theloveofmetal 