13 current-era bands playing Heavy Metal pre-subgenre-ification. In other words, lots of clean singing and speedy but not thrashy riffs or blast beats. Lots of ‘Maiden, Manowar, Saxon, ‘Priest, Runnng Wild, Diamond Head, & Mercyful Fate elements. Much as been made about Earache releasing this as “trendy” as they did previously with the “Thrashing Like A Maniac” comp. Although, it just doesn’t’ seem like a band like Cast Iron is gonna be on Ozzfest. Sounds of the Underground. Regardless this is fun as hell and it’s good to hear a new generation of bands bring this back. (Event though it’s been going for a long time in Europe).

((((((1))))))) Total ‘Maiden, Angel Witch & Exciter worship. Pure Heavy Metal & purely awesome!
(((2))) More twin harmonies but so-so vocals. On a thin line between real metal & polished Sunset Strip rock. Needs more ‘Maiden & less Great White.
(((3))) High vocals & swaggery very 80’s metal with a glammy gloss. Not bad but not their strongest song. (these guys used to be called Goat Horn who ruled).
(((4))) Wailing guitars yelpy vocals mixing Eric Adams of Manowar, Halford & John Cyriis of Agent Steel. Decent but derrivative without much charm.
(((((5))))) Fiery guitars with a KICK ASS NWOBHM riff attack. Vocals are an aquirred taste. Very speedy & Diamond Head-like with VERY basic chorus.
(((6))) “Discount” ‘true metal’ ? Overdoing and underdoing at the same time.
(((7))) Very ‘Priest/Grim Reaper sounding with a crap chorus. Otherwise, this could be good.
((((((8))))))) Now were talkin’, raw & in-your face! Mercyful Fate by way of Sweet Savage. Totally rulin!
((((9)))) Pretty strong traditional 80’s Heavy Metal not far from the first Queensryche EP or Omen. Rad.
((((10)))) (FCC “fuck” sung 2x) Snarling vocals, fast & headbangin’ – very much like Accept & (early) Loudness. The “die for metaohl” chorus is corny, but fuck it – feel the powerhr!
(((11))) Decent albeit totally clichéd 80’s ‘Priest worshipping metalleros from Mexico. Solos & bass playing are top notch, though.
((((((12))))))) Perfect EPIC Heavy Metal! Very Mercyful Fate & Angel Witch influenced sound with a very strong guitar & bass sound.
((((((((13))))))) Lo-fi, Finnish homage to 80’s underground gods, Running Wild. Rough vocals & total fist in the air Heavy Fuckin’ Metal. Guit-araaah! Hell yeaaassss!