Girlschool – Running Wild & Live in London (HNE Recordings Ltd.)

 

This is a very powerful live set from Girlschool dating back to late 1984. It was originally released as a videocassette when the format was celebrating its golden age. Also, there simply isn’t much video footage from the early days of Girlschool, so this is an important document.

In 1984, Girlschool was a bit different band; they were at the beginning of their career. Kelly Johnson was gone, bored with the genre, and looking for new opportunities in the U.S. Cris Bonaci was playing guitar, and Jackie Bodimead was on vocals and keyboards. At the time, the band was supporting its “Running Wild” record, which, unlike any other album before, relied on the use of keyboards. It was definitely an experimental phase from Girlschool, but it didn’t last long. As the tour concluded, Jackie Bodimead left the band, and Cris Bonaci lasted until 1992, coincidentally being replaced by returning Kelly Johnson.

This is a very raw concert; it catches the ladies doing what they do best, which is rocking hard! It’s an entertaining listen and an even more rewarding watch, as this collection combines both a CD and a DVD. Best of both worlds, really. It’s really great to see the band on stage and interacting with the audience in a small and intimate setting. The film really captures the feel of the hard rock concert in the 1980s. The performance itself is strong, the band is tight, and the vibe is simply outstanding!

Mark Kadzielawa

Sodom – The Arsonist (SPV)

 

As one of the original purveyors of European thrash metal, Sodom repeatedly delivers gold. Yes, it took the band a few years to find its own voice, and in the early days they were often dismissed as a joke, but so were Hellhammer, Voivod, and Bathory, and look who is laughing now.

“The Arsonist” certainly continues the latest phase of the band that (re)started with “Genesis XIX.” The return of guitarist Frank Blackfire in 2018 definitely gave Sodom the edge they were missing for a number of years. Blackfire truly put Sodom on the map with “Persecution Mania” and “Agent Orange,” and once gone, was always the missing link in the Sodom puzzle. Completed by guitarist Yorck, they sure make a great and reliable team. Much has to be said about Toni’s amazing drum performance on this record; he makes that backbone strong and vital.

This is a very aggressive album. You’d think after 43 years, Tom Angelripper would want to chill. Well, he does, but not in the studio and not when it comes to recording new music. The songs have a great balance. From the very fast-paced “Battle of the Harvest Moon” to, let’s say, the slow but over-the-top heavy “Scavenger.” The various tempos throughout the album keep the attention of the listener and perhaps control the pulse as well.

The first single, “Witchhunter,” is a tribute to the band’s original drummer, who is sadly no longer with us. Tom Angelripper certainly revives the soul of the fallen comrade with lyrics like “Loved by friends who worshipped him” and “A cheerful figure full of sadness.” Those are true emotions delivered with sincere longing.

“The Arsonist” is a very exciting record and shows that all is well in Sodom camp. While the band just delivered a very powerful album, there are reports from Tom Angelripper regarding touring. Tom plans to limit Sodom’s touring and live appearances and concentrate on his health and family life, and you can’t fault him for that. Sodom was available to be seen on stage for nearly 45 years. Only time will show what will come out of that claim, but the music lives on! “The Arsonist” delivers in every area possible; it’s a very intense record that punches you from all angles!

Mark Kadzielawa

Greenslade – Large Afternoon (Esoteric Recordings)

 

“Large Afternoon” is a brand-new reissue set from Greenslade. It combines the studio album and a “Live 2001” set. This set also marks the final recordings from Greenslade.

The band initially reunited in 2000 and wrote music that later became “Large Afternoon.” The band continued with their progressive style heavily driven by keyboards. The music is very easygoing and charming, with very reflective passages. One could say “Large Afternoon” is a very personal-sounding album, which makes this reunion even more sincere. It didn’t last long, but it was certainly worth it for a record like this.

“Live 2001” catches the band on stage playing a mix of new and old tracks. Five tracks from “Large Afternoon” are included in this 12-song set, which tells you how strongly Greenslade felt about the new music. The band feels very comfortable in a live setting, improvising here and there, and really having fun with the music. It doesn’t feel like a show; it feels more like a celebration of music and its creators.

The 2-CD set is accompanied by a very lavish booklet. It includes some cool photos and a very informative essay from Steve Pilkington. Everything about this reissue feels very warm and special, and you get the same feeling while listening to the recordings. What a magical time it was when bands like Greenslade were able to get together and create this truly timeless music. “Large Afternoon” is definitely an important document that extends that legacy into forever.

Mark Kadzielawa

Gorguts – Considered Dead / The Erosion of Sanity (Dissonance Productions)

 

Death metal exploded in the early 1990s. While other forms of heavy metal submitted to grunge, death metal thrived and produced some really good bands. One such group was Canadian Gorguts. “Considered Dead” and “The Erosion of Sanity” were their initial albums that introduced the band to a worldwide audience. Today, both albums are being looked upon as classics of the genre.

“Considered Death” was a very strong debut, and the band instantly caught on with the death metal fans. Shortly after its release, the group was touring with Cannibal Corpse and really expanded their fan base. Gorguts wrote catchy tunes, took a super heavy approach, and they were a strong live presence. Needless to say, Gorguts took the scene by storm with “Considered Death.”

“The Erosion of Sanity” showed an incredible growth in the songwriting department. Gorguts got even heavier while maintaining a great sense of melody. At the time, this album broke every rule possible and should’ve made the band huge! Instead, the changing musical tastes reduced this album to a cult classic, and the band was dropped by Roadrunner Records.

Both albums still sound great some 30 years later and still deliver a solid punch. This reissue combines the record into one package, and there are some demo tracks added as a bonus. Gorguts is still with us, and they are still very inventive. The band evolved drastically into more complex, at times avant-garde, technical death metal. “Considered Dead” and “The Erosion of Sanity” display Gorguts at the beginning of their metal crusade.

Mark Kadzielawa

Helms Deep—Chasing the Dragon (Nameless Grave)

 

“Chasing the Dragon” is one of those albums that instantly blows you away after just one listen! As you listen to it more, it only gets better. This is a second offering from Helms Deep, and this band is already making huge waves in the traditional heavy metal scene. Helms Deep was created by guitarist/vocalist Alex Sciortino, who is the writer and the brain behind this operation.

Sciortino is an amazing writer, but what’s even more impressive is how he is able to balance the rock, hard rock, and metal influences from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. All of which appears in his songs on this album and is served with delight. Also, the album is very balanced when it comes to applying speed and staying on a mid-pace level. What brings it together is how powerful it all sounds. There’s a level of joy in this music, and you know it’s coming from the right place.

John Gallagher of Raven once again joins Helms Deep on bass and backup vocals. The band is completed by Ray DeTone on lead guitar and Hal Aponte on drums. DeTone is also credited as the co-producer alongside Sciortino. The performances are superb; they give each song exactly what it needs.

“Chasing the Dragon” exemplifies a perfection that is rare nowadays in the field of traditional heavy metal. “Treacherous Ways,” which introduced Helms Deep, was only an indication of what’s to come. “Chasing the Dragon” proves there is substance here and staying power for this new and exciting band. Already a favorite to dominate the top ten lists of 2025!

Mark Kadzielawa

Atomic Rooster – Atomic Rooster 1980 (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Atomic Rooster has a very impressive prog rock history dating back to 1970. At times, it was hard to pinpoint Atomic Rooster to a single style; there were always so many elements in their music that just alternated. They were always interesting, to say the least.

This self-titled album from 1980 came out as a reunion of Vincent Crane (keyboards) and John Du Cann (guitars, vocals) and a session drummer, Preston Heyman. It also marks another major shift in the direction of the band. While the signature aspects of the Atomic Rooster sound were in place, it was more of an aggressive record. At the time the New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands were making the headlines, and Atomic Rooster’s self-titled album definitely qualified to be under that banner as well. There was a definite freshness in the delivery, and the tracks were well built and filled with that youthful excitement.  In some ways, it is very reminiscent of how Budgie followed a similar path with their 1980s output.

The biggest surprise comes from John Du Cann here in the vocal department. In fact, it’s difficult to tell it’s the same person singing, but it completely fits the music. Du Cann must’ve done a lot of soul-searching before delivering this record. Nothing to complain about, though; it sounds perfect, and the vocals are definitely memorable here.  Also, Vincent Crane’s keyboard approach is very powerful, and adds that special something that words simply cannot describe. 

The album was definitely a left turn in terms of the direction and the delivery, and for that reason, it became a sort of forgotten record. Now, this beautiful reissue brings it back to its formal glory for the new fans to discover and enjoy. There are plenty of bonus demo tracks and another disc of a live show from the Marquee Club in 1980. The booklet includes a very comprehensive story of Atomic Rooster, trivial facts, and some archival photos. All in all, this is a great piece of musical history captured back in 1980 and now brought back again to celebrate the greatness of Atomic Rooster.

Mark Kadzielawa

Pat Travers – Heat in the Street Tour 1978 (Cleopatra)

The cool thing about such live releases is that when originally recorded, it was just for live broadcast purposes or so. Back in 1978, no one considered it for an official release; therefore, the band is playing loose, and you feel no pressure in their performance. It’s great 1970s rock, and let’s just say this show is hot!

This truly is a vintage recording, and it captures Pat Travers still in his formative stages on his way towards establishing himself in America. This particular document comes from the Agora Theatre in Cleveland. The date indicates it was November 27th; despite the cold season settling in, Pat Travers brought the heat back to Cleveland.

Pat Travers doesn’t ’just stick to the studio parameters and jams, improvises, and makes these songs truly come alive. What an exciting time it was, and the audience responds enthusiastically. Bands were dangerous on stage, and Pat Travers certainly had his mojo on that evening.

“Heat in the Street Tour 1978” is a must for Pat Travers fans, but those who enjoy an uncompromising dose of 1970s rock will love it too. This is as real as it gets, and nothing is faked here. You hear a performer with a very tight band just relying on his own talent, and he clearly loves what he does. It’s difficult not to be excited by that.

Mark Kadzielawa

Tower – Let There Be Dark (Cruz Del Sur)

 

Tower returns in its blackest edition ever! There’s a very dark mood within this record. It’s not a complaint but an acknowledgement of an asset. “Let There Be Dark” rocks from beginning to end. It’s Tower at its best—powerful, moody, and deliberately bad!

Each song on the album creates a one-of-a-kind mood. Sarabeth Linden’s vocals often contribute to these moods. Even a little difference in her intonation or delivery takes you completely somewhere else. It keeps the album interesting and continuously spinning. As soon as it’s over, you want to play it again, and right there, that says everything!

Instrumentally, Tower is a very tight unit. The band appears to be extremely well prepared, and they show a complete ownership of this material. Guitarists James Danzo and Zak Penley display a great interaction and simply give each song what it needs. Fantastic backing from Phillipe Arman and Keith Mikus. It’s a team effort here, and it’s what makes this album already a great success. The use of Arthur Rizk in the production aspects was absolutely the right move. Tower was able to maintain their heavy edge and still sound very audible in the process.

Prior to “Let There Be Dark” even being recorded, Tower created a significant buzz with their festival appearances. They gained a lot of confidence, which translated into a very honest and powerful album. Is “Let There Be Dark” their best album so far? Absolutely! Not only that, there is already potential for bigger and better things to come!

Mark Kadzielawa

Anthony Phillips – Sail the World (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Anthony Phillips continues to amuse with his music and his (often) unusual and unpredictable choices. This one-time Genesis guitarist carved out a completely separate career for himself, and he’s managed to take plenty of left and right turns. The element of beauty and surprise is always present whenever any music is written and released.

“Sail the World” was released back in 1994, and it has a very equestrian theme. There is even involvement from Mike Rutherford, but don’t expect anything Genesis-like. It’s an instrumental music meant to illustrate visuals that have to do with sailing, boating, and whatnot. The music, however, is quite impressive on its own. It flows pleasantly and has a very calming mood.

This reissue expands the original release to a 2CD format. There’s a full disc of unreleased recordings and alternate mixes. This disc is a real treasure and could easily function on its own. It’s absolutely fantastic when the label takes the time and puts in a solid effort to truly capitalize on the reissue project. Anthony Phillips reissues are nothing but wonderful in how they are being put together and presented.

“Sail the World” is made up of music that is reminiscent of imaginary landscapes and spectacular bodies of water. It brings calmness but makes the listener long for certain places and moments when everything was special and spiritually unusual. While Anthony Phillips just creates these beautiful sounds, he unmistakably feeds your soul with the feeling they present.

Mark Kadzielawa

Barren Cross – Atomic Arena & State of Control (Dissonance Productions)

 

Barren Cross is one of the more recognizable and successful Christian metal bands. While their message is very straightforward and positive, their music follows the traditional heavy metal patterns, and these guys are simply good players and writers. Both albums came out in 1988 and 1989, which was towards the end of the golden age of hair metal. Both strong, catchy, and easy to follow.

Atomic Opera was originally released in 1988, and the album was produced by former Kansas singer, John Elefante, and his brother Dino. Both of them also contributed to the record vocally. It’s a really good melodic metal album that flows from song to song. Big choruses, skillful riffing, and melodic leads. Apart from the lyrical content, this album very much fits with everything that was going on back in 1988.

State of Control almost seems like a continuation of Atomic Opera. It has the same producers, same players, and was made only a year later. It is a very solid effort, delivered with good results. Barren Cross was definitely on a roll, and both albums can certify to that. State of Control clearly shows the band getting better at their craft and the songwriting in general.

Barren Cross appears to be a little overlooked because they navigated within the Christian metal circles, but they were a great and very capable band. In 2025, many more things are more acceptable, and people are more open to things. This is a great way to discover a band that you might have overlooked or completely dismissed. Barren Cross core fans do not need to be persuaded; they know the truth. Great band making its way into the spotlight again!

Mark Kadzielawa

Savage Master – Dark & Dangerous (Shadow Kingdom Records)

Savage Master is a hard-working band. They always tour, make records, and continuously get better at their craft. “Dark & Dangerous” might be just the breakthrough album the group needed to reach that next level.

“Dark & Dangerous” appears to be a very carefully written and assembled album. It is also the most accessible-sounding record as well. Some may dare to say it is somewhat commercial in comparison to anything that came before. Savage Master polished the edges and came up with a very strong record that can definitely expand their appeal.

Not only is the album perfectly written, but what makes a difference here is the capture, the mix, and the mastering. Arthur Rizk definitely added his magic to this record. Also, the music has more space than ever before; you definitely feel it during the lead breaks. Nicholas Burks throws some tasty and precise leads here. He colors the darkness if you may.  Great guitar interaction between Burks and River Jordan all the way through. Solid rhythm from Adam Neal and John Wayne Littlejohn. Stacey Savage is still the main attraction, though; her vocals and presence are what the essence of Savage Master is all about. Well, when you have such solid instrumental backing from the boys, you have no choice but to shine. Stacey Savage developed a great way of controlling her vocal delivery, which makes her more powerful than ever.  Also, tracks like “Cold Hearted Death” clearly show a very advanced musicality from Savage Master.

There is definitely a visible progress on “Dark & Dangerous.” The songs follow the classical tones of heavy metal well established back in the 1980s, but what Savage Master is now adding is their own original charm. While the band was always great, the new face of Savage Master is clearly emerging on “Dark & Dangerous.” Savage Master was always dark, but now even more dangerous!

Mark Kadzielawa

Slauter Xstroyes - Davern's Tavern and Lounge, Justice, Illinois 4/18/25 (visual review-all images by Mark Kadzielawa)