For my 1000th post, I'm recommending the finest metal America offers. No thrash, glam, death, black, or NWOBHM rip-offs here! This is all American good old heavy metal that is just as good as Maiden, Priest, Saxon, Helloween, and the other big bands across the pond. They're not as recognized, but they're musically just as good, if not better, than their European coutnerparts. Many of them aren't known well, even in the "kvlt" crowds who think they know metal. Make a resolution to check these guys out!
#1- Jag Panzer- Ample Destruction. This blows away all of the other albums by an order of magnitude. This is simply the most amazing album of 1984. Yes, I am also considering Priest's Defenders Of The Faith and Maiden's Powerslave. This one's still better. If you don't love this album, you don't love America.
#2- Manowar- Battle Hymns. Forget the cheesy albums Manowar would later release. This one's pure American metal than even Orson Welles approved of! Eric Adam's voice is rivaled by very few others, and the music is simple without being primitive. It's their first, and best, album.
#3- Riot- Thundersteel. Ever heard of Painkiller? This is Painkiller 2 years early, and made in the USA. When it came out, it was one of, if not the most, aggressive piece of speed metal ever. Judas Priest were taking notes on this! Of course, the cover is ugly, but that's a Riot tradition!
#4- Brocas Helm- Into Battle. This fantasy inspired piece of steel is epic, wildly chaotic, and just fun to listen to! The band's later offerings are decent, but this one was the best, especially for its time!
#5- Cirith Ungol- One Foot In Hell. After you get over the weird vocals, the music behind it is solid, hard as iron. The band broke up in the early 90's, but are now remembered as of the best bands no one knew about.
#6- Manilla Road- Crystal Logic. This band is getting a lot of attention lately, but actually goes back all the way to 1976, just like Riot! Their vocalist, Mark Shelton, had one of the most unique voices in metal. They were, of course, very ahead of their time, yet ignored. I love all of their albums, but this is a favorite.
#7- Blacksmith- Fire From Within. This band actually had a female vocalist on their first EP (self-titled)! Their next one, Fire From Within, was a great follow-up. I recommend both, if you're lucky enough to find them!
#8- Virgin Steele- Guardians Of The Flame. This is epic power metal in sound, even if the songs aren't 10 minute snore-fets! Get the CD version if you can, since it has a lot of nice bonus tracks.
#9- Savatage- Hall Of The Mountain King. Ever heard of Trans-Siberian Orchestra? This is the metal band that eventually brought about the famous Christmas group. They're even better! Very technically skilled.
#10- Helstar- A Distant Thunder. Though hardcore critics love this band, and they had an extremely loyal fanbase, they never got mass recognition. I think you've picked up on that pattern by now, though.
Honorable Mention: Fireaxe- A Dream Of Death. Released in 1998, this is the most recent of the albums here. In time, I think it will be recognized as a classic as much as the others are! Don't let the vocals bother you, since the music is wonderful!
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