VARIOUS ARTISTS - COMPILATIONS

RIGHTEOUS METAL (1987) ARRIVAL

I was heavily into the white metal scene back in the mid '80s. But all these compilation albums that came out back then all escaped me. I know they were all a part of people discovering new bands, and sort of complimented the tape trading culture that was so popular at the time. 'Righteous Metal', released in 1987 on the small Arrival label, a sub-label to K-Tel, might not have been the best of these compilation albums. But it was one of the earliest, and it does contain some killer songs. Since I still don't own the original CD version of Barren Cross' debut album, the inclusion of "Rock For The King" is welcome. Cuts from Bloodgood, Saint, Jerusalem (marks the first time this song was ever released on CD, as the album it is from was a vinyl/cassette release only), and the vastly underrated Messiah Prophet are also great. But then this CD somewhat fails to deliver the goods. If you put the word metal in the title, you pretty much have to have an all metal cast, don't you? That is not the case here. Petra and Rez might be excused as they did play hard rock. They were certainly as heavy as Jerusalem. But Rick Cua and Altar Boys?? No, no, no, they are in no way, shape or form metal, by any means or standards, and should not have been included here, no matter how good the song are. Today 'Righteous Metal' does give us a reminder of the scene back then. I might also add that the Stryken track had been remixed for this CD. But it is still a sad song from a sad band.

EAST COAST METAL (1988) REGENCY

As an answer to the 'California Metal' compilation, released the year before, Regency Records also released this collection of bands from the opposite part of the United States. Aptly entitled 'East Coast Metal', this CD delivers a strong line-up of then unknown Christian metal acts. In fact, I think all of the songs are demo-tracks. And as far as I can tell, only 4 of them ever ended up on any full-length album, but then not the same versions as presented here. The exceptions might be the Apostle and The Lead tracks. I might be wrong though, and any further info on this would be cool. This is also the first time the world got to hear Believer, one of the more respected Christian thrash metal acts, later to get signed to Roadrunner Records. Taker provides 2 songs here, and that was about it from them. They became one of so many promising Christian metal acts during the late 80's that never could make it past a demo recording, and sign a deal. 2 of their members went on to join Second Chance instead. Of course Second Chance later renamed themselves as Armageddon, before releasing their one and only record. 'East Coast Metal' shows a wide span of artist. Rage Of Angles and Arsenal play straight 80's metal, the latter with a female singer. The Lead is a punk/thrash/crossover band, whilst Believer's thrash metal might be the heaviest song on the CD. All in all this is an important part of the Christian metal history, and in my opinion, a darn fine listen still today.

HEAVY RIGHTEOUS METAL (1988) PURE METAL

'Heavy Righteous Metal' was, as far as I can tell, the first sampler CD from Pure Metal Records. The only non-album track provided is Whitecross' "Love On The Line". Previously only released on their 1988 EP tape, this compilation was the only way to hear the song on CD, before the band re-recorded it in 2005. Another first-time-on-CD track here is Tempest's "Metal Mission". Save for the crappy CDR "reissue" entitled 'Limited Edition' Mick Rowe sold through his website, this is the only place this song is available on CD. Other choice cuts include Messiah Prophet's "Heavy Metal Thunder" and Bride's "Metal Might". All in all a cool compilation CD to put on to listen to some classic Christian metal. Oh, and did Rage Of Angels appear on every Christian metal sampler prior to the release of their album? I also dig the classy artwork by Jeff spencer.

MEGAHURTZ (1988) EPIC/CBS

Compilation albums are sometimes a great way to discover new bands. Other times they contain rare tracks from bands you are already interested in. This sampler CD from Epic records didn't really contain any new bands I wasn't already familiar with (except for Slammin' Watusis, but more on them later). What peaked my interest here though was the 2 tracks from Fifth Angel's debut album. At the time I could not find this album on CD anywhere, and I was very eager to hear it. So the closest thing were the 2 tracks presented here. It didn't exactly hurt that it cost under 2$, and that it contained slammin' tracks from Sanctuary and Riot also! But something is really wrong with a record company that finishes of a sampler, filled with stellar heavy metal acts, with a ska band!! Who the heck thought that would be a great idea? did they run out of metal bands? Do they actually think Slammin' Watusis share the same audience as the rest of these bands? As far as I'm concerned, this CD stops after track 6!

UNDERGROUND METAL 2 (1989) REGENCY

Regency put out the coolest Christian metal compilations during the late 80's. This is chapter 2 in their 'Underground Metal' series. And just like the title reveals, this is a collection of bands still in the demo stages. Ok, some of them advanced to signing deals, and released proper albums, but sadly most of them never got further than releasing a demo or two. And for other acts, this compilation disc was their 15 minutes of fame. In fact, this CD might be one of the larger collections of obscure Christian metal acts in existence. Thresher, for instance, should have become as big as many of their contemporary Christian thrash metal acts. And their one and only demo, entitled 'Totally Possessed', is one of the most sought after Christian thrash metal gems, that has yet to see a CD release. Another obscure act is Image. I couldn't even find a single piece of information on them anywhere on the internet, but I find their Tempest-esq metal to be quite good. IronWrath is a band I could see have a cult following today, but I've not even heard of them prior to buying this CD. Their brand of epic and spaced out heavy metal should go right at home with lovers of classic US metal. Not all of these bands were good enough to get signed, and thus forever bound to the underground. But then again, many other signed acts were way worse than most here. 'Underground Metal 2' works well as a documentary of the underground Christian metal movement during the last part of the 80's. The track listing on the back of the CD is way wrong! I put the correct order of the songs here.

HEAVY RIGHTEOUS METAL CHAPTER II (1989) PURE METAL

Collecting Christian metal albums have been a pet peeve of mine for a long time. And after I got the internet, and discovered all the compilation albums that I missed during the heyday of the movement, it became almost an obsession at times to track as many of them as possible down. Now, many of the earliest Christian metal compilations are essential, as they include material that is still unreleased other places, either by bands that never made it any further than the demo stages, or be it demo tracks from more known bands, that never made it to any full-length albums. But as the movement grew bigger, these compilation CD's became more and more a way for record companies to plug their bands. 'Heavy Righteous Metal II' is more or less such a promotion tool. Not only did Pure Metal Records more or less steal the title from K-Tel, and their 'Righteous Metal'-series, but they have only included 1 song, as far as I know, that never have seen the light of day on any subsequent record. Thus this track, from the band Legacy, is reason enough to own this disc. I must say though, that it is a cool look into many of the bands that was singed to the label at the time.

METAL MISSION - THE SAMPLER (1990) WORD

This might be the first CD I ever owned! Back in 1990 I remember going into a Christian bookstore, and ordered 10 metal LP's. And when I went back to pick them up (back then Christian metal was pretty much a special order in Norway), this sampler CD was given me for free together with my purchase. I'm not even sure I owned a CD player yet! Of course when I did get to hear it, I was already a fan of most of the bands represented here. And those I was unfamiliar with, and went right out and tracked down their albums. Now the CD, besides having a sentimental value for me, function great as something to put on to "rediscover" some great Christian metal bands. The scene really had many a great band back then, and this compilation proves it. From the clean and AOR sounding bands like Angelica and Mastedon, the heavy metal of Holy Soldier and Leviticus, to the thrashing metal from Vengeance Rising and Believer, it isn't hard to spot the quality in it all.

CLASSIC METAL (1990) REGENCY

Wow! A compilation of compilation albums! Regency sure knew how to make a quick buck! Still, this CD contains so many unreleased gems, it becomes rather essential for collectors of Christian metal if you don't already own the compilation album that originally had these track on them, that is). Most of these songs never saw a proper album release, thus it's cool to have them collected here. Favorites include "Attack" by Deliverance, "The Chosen" by Believer and the Soldier tune. I cannot believe that these songs were never used on any of the bands full-length albums! Also gotta love the killer artwork by Jeff Spencer.

ARGH!!! THE OFFICIAL R.E.X. SAMPLER(1991) R.E.X.

R.E.X. Records was such a weird company. They signed many of the harder bands in the Christian metal scene, but they also had the softest of the rock bands in their roster. And this sampler gives you an idea, as it handles both Believer and Living Sacrifice alongside The Throes and Primitive Dance Tribe!! Oh well, it's the metal that keeps this heart beating, and we get plenty of it on 'ARGH!!!'. And since many of the songs are presented here in remixed version, and some of them are even demos that never saw later CD-releases, this sampler actually gets to be quite essential. Just be ready to hit the skip-button here and there.

WHITE METAL WARRIORS - LAST SHIP HOME (1991) EDGE/PURE METAL

'White Metal Warriors' is a compilation showcasing the British Christian metal scene of the late early 90's. I think most of these bands were still on the demo stage when this compilation was released, and some of them didn't even resurface after appearing on this CD. The styles represented vary from the straight heavy metal of Maverick and Stairway, through the power metal, borderline speed metal of Lazarus, to the thrash metal of Seventh Angel and Detritus. It's the latter two I hold as my favorites here. The Seventh Angel tracks are from the 'Heed The Warning' demo, released in 1990. And this compilation was the only place to hear these songs on CD, prior to the 2005 re-release of the demo on Bombworks Records. I'm not sure about the Stairway songs, if they are demo cuts or not, but both are listed on the reissue of the band debut, 'No Rest, No Mercy'. Both Detritus songs appear on their debut, but the Lazarus and Maverick tracks I've not been able to find any additional info on. They are most likely just demo tracks too. The cover art, as usual I should say with these British metal acts, was done by Rodney Matthews.

HARD 'N HEAVY (1991) QUALITY

The whole idea behind a compilation album is to showcase different bands. Very often it's a way for labels to plug their own bands. So either you are lucky and like many of the band on that label, or you loose interest in the CD pretty quick. Now I don't think Canadian label Quality Special Products have anything to do with any of the bands presented on this compilation CD. But they sure have picked some stellar acts to showcase! This looks more like one of those mix-tapes we old school metalheads used to make to listen to in the car stereo, or on the boom box! Maybe you made them to show your friends some cool new bands you'd discovered. 'Hard 'n Heavy' takes me back to those days, and I bet this album would go down great at one of numerous parties and/or vorspiels I've been to throughout the years. Just look at the track list here!! The CD sets the tone from get go with one of Judas Priest's better songs. What a start! Then Dio kicks in, not with one of his most know numbers, but a good song nonetheless. After some sleaze metal from Killer Dwarfs, we get a triple-thrash treat! And so the list goes on. I personally could do without some of the softer acts here, like Vixen and Haywire (who?). But that is a personal preference more than a reflection of the quality of the bands. 'Hard 'n Heavy' was worth the 2 bucks I paid for it! How many other compilation albums out there have both King Diamond and Bruce Dickinson solo on them?

AN INTENSE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN METAL (1992) INTENSE

With it's informative liner notes, telling the stories behind each band on the CD, this compilation is yet another fine absorption into the Christian Metal history. Of course, we only get to know bands on the Intense/Frontline roster. But it's still 16 tracks of the finest sort we get treated to. The scene was virtually crowded with class acts back then. I mean, just take a look at the track list! Those were the good times. The booklet also states that the tracks have been digitally remastered. But I can't hear any difference in the sound on this album, from the original CD's.

HOT METAL V - SCREAMING TRUTH (1993) INTENSE

The 'Hot Metal'-series has come to it's 5th incarnation. The first 3 were named 'Hot Metal Summer' I, II and III, while number IV was a VHS video release. This time we get to know some of the current (in 1993, that is) bands on the Intense rooster. And in addition to songs from the bands latest releases, we also get some interviews with most of the artists. I've owned every single album represented here, but have over time gotten rid of some of them. That is due to the fact that some of these artists, despite the title on this compilation, are not metal in my book. Rose, Mortal and Saviour Machine are all non-metal artists, and are only loosely related to metal. I have kept the debut album by the latter though, as I've really grown to love their music. And here we get the bands best song, ever. Today I think I keep this compilation mostly for the interview parts.

MASSIVE FREQUENCY OVERLOAD - U.S. HARD COMPILATION (1997) ROWE

In the beginning of the Christian metal movement compilation albums were a great way to get to know new bands, and discover what the scene had to offer. And I guess that is the same mindset Steve Rowe of Mortification had in mind when he released all these compilation CD's on his Rowe Productions label. The only problem was that there was a lack of genuinely good bands at this point in time. The Christian metal movement was over flooded with mediocre death metal acts. And it's no wonder why most of these bands are no longer active, and that most of them never got past the demo stage. Sure, there are some honorable exceptions, such as Ultimatum (the demo version of "World Of Sin" is the reason why I own this disc) and Crimson Thorn, both of whom went on to record multiple albums, and gain a reputation also in the secular market. I will also like to bring attention to a great band called Noiszgate, which sadly never got any further than a demo album, released after the band broke up. This entire compilation is dedicated to the memory of their singer, Juan Reyna, who sadly passed away, after a long stint with leukemia, in November 1996. Noiszgate's brand of thrash metal sticks out as one of the better songs on the CD. Also notice that the Antithesis band featured here is not the same Antithesis that later got singed to Massacre Records, and released 2 excellent progressive metal albums.

TRUE METAL TRIUMPHANT VOLUME ONE (1999) SENTINEL STEEL

With the subtitle "The Sentinel Steel Collection", it's not hard to understand that this is a promo sampler CD from mentioned label. Most people might know Sentinel Steel as one of the earliest, and best, web based mail-order outlets for metal music. But not only have they been purveyors of true metal longer than most, they also release their own albums. And of course it's true metal we're talking about here also. But do not think they've dug up every Manowar clone band around. No this is pure heavy metal, mostly with a US power metal leaning. Bands like Onward and Attacker are fine examples of great US metal, and both were already included in my collection. The nice thing about compilation albums like this, is that you can discover new bands. And this sampler certainly made me aware of other stellar acts, such as Axehammer and Manilla Road. And lest not forget about Legend Maker from Colombia! I recommend most of these bands to any lover of the US metal scene, be it heavy metal, thrash metal, power metal or speed metal. The slim digipak cover also comes with information on all the bands, and the releases all the songs were taken from. A great compilation disc indeed.

2000 THE SECOND COMING - A CHRISTIAN METAL COMPILATION (2000) DWELL

A secular record company releasing a compilation of newer Christian metal bands is not an everyday event. Still, that is just what Dwell Records did back in the year 2000. Dwell might be mostly known for their cover albums, and in all honesty, that was also pretty much all they did before going under. Christian metal was never a lucrative business in the first place. But someone must have thought that the new millennium would see the coming of a second wave of this otherwise dying breed. One can always argue if this is a good representation of the underground Christian metal scene back in 2000. But I can't really think of that many bands that are missing either. Genre wise this is scattered all over the place, from straight up heavy metal, to death metal. But, on further investigation, not all of the bands on this CD play metal (Midnight Orchestra), nor are all of the Christians (Lost Angel)!! And one of the bands is so unknown, I couldn't even find anything about them when doing a search for Solace and "She Kissed Jesus" on the net. Too bad, as their song really showed some promise. My main reason for owning this compilation is the Ultimatum track. Originally released on the 'Puppet Of Destruction' album, this version of "Never" has been remixed, and features newly recorded bass lines. I like the first 5 songs presented here the most. Incidentally 4 of them are of the thrash and/or power metal variety.

HEAVY METAL HITS OF THE '80S (2000) FLASHBACK

Flashback Records, a division of Rhino Entertainment Company, seems to specialize in releasing cheap compilation albums. Their other titles include 'Racing Rocks', 'Wrestling Rocks', 'Power Ballads' and 'Heavy Metal Head-Bangin' Hits', to name a few. Compilations like these seldom peak my interest at all. Bu this one was truly an exception. The first thing I noticed was the inclusion of a Stryper track, and not one of their sappy ballads either! Then I saw that one of my all time favorite Metal Church songs was here, namely "Badlands". Add to that choice cuts from Ratt, Dokken, White Lion, Twisted Sister and Heathen (a really odd inclusion here!), and you have the perfect party album! This is actually one compilation album worth listening to from beginning to end, no skip button necessary. Just bring out that ol' air guitar, throw your fist up in the air, and start headbanging!

THE METAL MERCHANT - CHEAP, HARD & HEAVY VOL. 12 (2001) MASSACRE

Metal Merchant is one of the largest metal distros in Germany. They are a division of Massacre Records, and this is a sampler CD of some of the bands in their rooster anno 2001. This CD was a gift from Scott Waters, vocalist in ultimatum. He knows I'm a die-hard collector, and this piece of Ultimatum history was missing in my collection (thanks, Scott). So it is no secret that my initial interest in this CD was for the demo version of "Temple Of The Spirit". But there are other choice cuts here too. Everything from the AOR influenced Human Race to the black metal of Mystic Circle is represented. My favorites, aside from the aforementioned Ultimatum tune, include the power/thrash metal of Blackend, Anvil's always great heavy metal and Mystic Prophecy's excellent "River Of Hate". Incidentally these are all songs from bands already in my collection. Can't say that I discovered many new acts I'm dying to check out here. The Highlord track started out like an interesting Euro-power metal song, but the singer ruined it, with his thick accent, and mediocre voice. Thunderstorm is yet another band that sounds promising, but their blend of doom metal and epic metal is just ok, and nothing groundbreaking at all. The only band I was unfamiliar in that peeked a little interest was Quo Vadis. This Canadian band play technical melodic death metal. And they do it well! At least the track represented here is on par with other acts in the genre, such as The Absence and Gardenian.

METAL POWER - VOLUME 1 (2002) MASSACRE

Another Massacre Records sampler CD. I picked this one up for cheap because I loved the album cover, just like in the good old vinyl days. And I must say the track-list here is rather impressive too. Massacre used to house some stellar second wave power metal bands. Today they are all about the metalcore and whatnot. But here we get a glorious metal anthem from Sacred Steel, a blistering melodic power metal track from Firewind, and spooky horror metal tune from King Diamond, to name a few. The fact that I own albums from most of the bands presented here must say something about my preference in metal. Of the acts I didn't know much of before I think Hellion peaked my interest the most. This female fronted power metal band are semi-legendary, and I have to see about getting some of their albums soon. 'Metal Power - Volume 1' is a good compilation album, serving as a great way to check out Massacre Records stable anno 2002.

THORNS OF REDEMPTION - THE CHRISTIAN METAL REALM COMPILATION VOLUME 1 (2004) CMR (022/300)

The Christian Metal Realm is an online discussion board. It was started as sort of a community for people interested in Christian metal music, but has never been a Christians only "club". Amongst the hundreds of members on the board, there is at any time quite a lot of musicians active also. Thus the owner of the board took upon him to create a compilation CD, reflecting on the various members bands and projects. The task was not easy, and many other acts wanted to participate also, but here are the first 16 entries, collected on 1 CD. It's quite a wide span on these artists, going from the softer side of the scale with bands like Elijah's Ride and Liberty 'N' Justice, on to heavier act, such as F.O.G. and Angry Little Freak. On the other side of the spectrum we have the death metal of Metanoia and Benevolence. Some are of the more modern variety, like Time Spent Burning and Neviah Nevi. In between we get the industrial Feast Of Frozen Ignorance, the gothic Illuminandi, a ballad from the thrash metal band, Betrayer and many, many other bands, style's and genres. My favorites include the demo version of "Heart Of Metal", from Ultimatum, the previously unreleased demo track, "Ripped In Two", by Metanoia, and the mentioned Betrayer tune. But I also like the entries from Benevolence, Illuminandi and Troglodyte Dawn too. The Time Spent Burning track is erroneously entitled "You'll Like It" on the track list. That song didn't appear 'til part 2 of the CMR compilation series. Only 300 hand numbered copies of this compilation were pressed. I own #22.

THE NARROW PATH - THE CMR COMPILATION VOLUME II (2007) CMR (202/300)

So here you have it, the second Christian Metal Realm compilation CD! And this time they've upped the ante just a tad. There aren't as many demo versions of songs this time, but rather finished products. Now many of these artists release their material themselves, or on small independent labels, so some might consider the brother part of these songs to be just demos still. But that is just what these compilation albums are for; to give the artists a showroom! Again it is a broad specter of bands to be heard here. Punk, thrash, death, hard rock, prog-metal, nu-metal and even a lot of instrumental tracks are given space. Of the highlights on volume 2 I want to bring attention to the brand new Neon Cross track. The band have been working on a follow up to their 1995 album 'Torn' for quite a while, and this is the first song the public gets to hear. It's also way cool to hear an alternative version to "Shed My Skin", from Liberty N' Justice 'Welcome To The Revolution' album. And I already owned the album form witch the songs from Venia, Tÿkkus, Skyliner, Jon Hooper and Unforsaken are picked. I've later acquired the album version of the Grave Forsaken track. 'The Narrow Path' is yet another great CD to hear what is moving in the Christian metal circuits, be it in the underground or in the more mainstream areas. This time I got #202 of the 300 hand numbered CD's. A huge thanks goes out to Arttie Parker for putting together these projects.

SPEED KILLS... AGAIN (2007) HEAVY ARTILLERY

With the growing hordes of new thrash metal bands, it was only a matter of time before a brand new 'Speed Kills' compilation saw the light of day. Heavy Artillery Records took it upon themselves to resurrect this classic series from the 80's and 90's. 'Speed Kills... Again' is doing a good job introducing some up and coming acts from the revived thrash metal genre. Bands included are hailing from Italy (Hatred), Sweden (Enforcer) and the US (the rest of 'em), so his is truthfully a global spanning revival. Many of the sub categories in thrash metal are represented here. From the relentless Germanic sounds of Avenger Of Blood to the Slayer-esq Merciless Death, and even some black metal infused thrash metal from Toxic Holocaust and Hatred. But what all of these bands have in common is that they are of the speed-crazed, furious, aggressive side of thrash. The melodic Bay Area thrash, known through bands like Testament, Death Angel and their likes, is not represented here. The closest might be Enforcer, with their early demo-stage Metallica sound. I like the fact that many of these songs had yet to see a proper release before this CD came out, thus making it remind me of the old days of compilation albums. I used to discover so many coming bands through various LP's and tapes like these back in those days. I already own CD's from some of these bands. But 'Speed Kills... Again' offers a fair share of previously unreleased material, so it is still worth getting.