MAIDEN MANIA

Having been buried under a pile of Maiden bootlegs lately, I started checking up and re-tagging the the whole collection stored in the Port vaults. A quite painstaking task, since there are many... and handy and reliable sources of info/details about are few and sparse.

Here I beam you two of my prefered ones: "Ullevi 2005" (Gotheburg, Sweden 2005) and "Cyberpunk" (Hammersmith Odeon, London 1986). Both very good quality stuff (yeah, we don't take in crap here)!

Ullevi's one is a soundboard record of the Early Days Tour and it's got pathos and graet live feeling! Plus you get to listen to some early pieces singed by Bruce. "Cyberpunk" is an audience record, but quite fine (except for a few ups&downs at the beginning of track 2); it brings you back to one of my prefered albums... the misstreated Somewhere in time. The cover of the disc I have isn't this one, but the record is the same, based on the master of the first "Cyberpunk", taken at the Hammersmith on 3rd Nov. 1986. Enjoy!

BOOTY DELIVERY

To refurbish my ears and my mood from the unsatisfying theatrical experience with Judas Priest, today I devoted myself to something a bit more speedy, rough & thrashy. Something I guess you may enjoy as well. So here you go with part of it. It went through torrent lately, but it didn't last long...

SCARED TO DEATH-Deathstruction (2008)

Fresh & young band from Telsnach (Germany). Despite the album does not add absolutely nothing to the musical scene - nor probably to your musical experience - it represents a very enjoyable and battery-recharging listening. They move on the razor's edge separating traditional thrash metal and slow MDM, but without giving up too much to on any of the two sides. Percussions are a bit under the line, but the singer has a lovely growly scream and strings whip your ears in the right way. Track 7 is particularly nice and I warmly suggest it as a first listen.

NEURASTHENIA-Possessed (2007)

Again a fresh band at their first test. They're from Italy and propose again an hybrid MDM-thrash. The production/sound appear far from what you usually get for a "thrash" product. In particular the singer, who evidently is neither a growler nor a born screamer, may give some shiver down your spine of if you're a traditional metal-head. But it ain't that bad, when you get used. Also because the guitar work & the rhytms won't give you enough time to get bored and to think about that. Several passages may bring you back to Anthrax and Metallica...

CANNABIS CORPSE-Tube of the Resinated (2008)

I tell you: I got this one for the moniker! Too funny! Then I started appreciating it for the tunes. Clearly inspired to legendary Cannibal Corpse, this dudes from US bring us a death/thrash metal assault, clearly not for the ligh-hearthed. Serious growling and nitro-accellerations are fused in a devastating percussion structure twisted at the right angle. We are at the level of Brain Drill... just to mention the fastest thing you could quote in this musical framework. Yet, it's not only about speed or classical death. You could well put this product on the technical/death shelf too. So, fasten seat belts and have fun!

PRIEST? We've got the SAME thing comming!

Yokohama Pacific Arena and Judas Priest on the first of they 3 dates in Tokyo.

I can say PRIEST do play fu*king heavy metal! No doubt about!
Tonight we've got a supreme quality of sound; an astonishing Halford singing performance (I had a few doubts); quite spectacular lighting effects and a huge track list:

1. Intro: Dawn of Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Metal Gods
4. Eat Me Alive
5. Between the Hammer And The Anvil
6. Devil's Child
7. Breaking the Law
8. Hell Patrol
9. Death
10. Dissident Aggressor
11. Angel
12. The Hellion / Electric Eye
13. Rock Hard, Ride Free
14. Sinner
15. Painkiller
----- Enchore -----
16. Hell Bent For Leather
17. The Green Manalishi
18. You've Got Another Thing Coming

Yet...
In that damn theater it didn't feel METAL at all!
I mean, I was surrounded by kids, families with grandmas(!), a section of the Geriatric Park, people plugging their fingers in the ears... and you couldn't even take a damn memory pic without the panic of getting busted and thrown out! 9500 yen... you know!

How to say... Apparently also Priest went down the same road of Maiden: they're completely out of reach of people and fans! A pure and simple business machine based on metal. Perfect & bombastic but fundamentally BORING! Damn boring! Exactly like the last Maiden shows I attended here (let stand out L.A. one). No solos, no chit-chats, no jokes, no covers, no trowing of stiks and pics... absolutely nothing! Zero! Repetitious was also the "Yei-yei-yei-ye yeeee"... heard and re-heard on tons of live and bootlegs and performed by a Halford, that looked like a school teacher enterteining kids. Ah... not to mention same T-Shirts and merchandise you can find all year long on the internet. No special printing. [By the way, 4000 yen for one... and made in China!!!] No feeling, no pathos, no sweat...!

Probably within 20 m. from the stage you could get a different perspective and some more involvement... Yet there is no doubt people should be entitled to a bit more! Thrash Domination, was quite more Spartan compared to this gig, but also way more enjoyable!

I tell you... I got quite fed up with these huge stars concerts in Tokyo! If they want a piece of my ass again, they've got to show me something. Going back to my beloved livehouses for a while...
Cheers!

38 B

Holy crap! I knew it!

I got the ticket for JUDAS PRIEST (Yokohama) just one day after the beginning of the pre-order (and with UDO membership)! Now, how the fu*k come I finished in a damn 38 B row???? I mean "B"!!! Not A; not A2... it's a damn B!!! I was confident it was better than that pigstall of Budokan, but... c'mon! Just checked pics of the place... Meeeen! It's just like watching a damn LCD screen in a taxi... and, just like in a taxi, sitting!!! How can you accept to watch Priest sitting?!

Yeah... dumb me! I should have checked it earlier. But c'mon, I've seen this kind of situation only here in Japan! How can people not feel insulted to pay 9.500 yen to see PRIEST (ONLY Priest) sitting in a stupid theater!!! In US people's got the ticket for FREE(!) with the album... and saw them with MANOWAR and other bands!! Standing!!!
Fuck! You can bet your ass: next time I'll buy a DVD with that money... at least I will be closer to the screen! And sitting in my ship, on my fu*king cautch!

Meen! This really sucks!

Booty!

ROSAE CRUCIS-Worms of the Earth (2003)

I have been spinning Rosae Crucis's "Il Re del Mondo" for days now and I still can't get my fill! Too epic and mistic; too great a singer; too lovely ripping guitar on it!
Therefore here you get also the previous work of this talented and unrated Italian band!
Have fun!

Warriors of the World Unite for MANOWAR!

Warriors of the World... or better sailors of the world, unite!
Buddy Pipes kindly patched some small holes in the hull of MANOWAR discography resting in Port Royal docks. And since I sheldom happen to come across such a relatively complete repertory, I though you may have enjoyed it as well. So here you go with Manowar's virtually complete singles collection! Yeah, actually I noticed a couple of things are still missing, but we will work them out, don't worry! Have fun.

Ah, the pics have no relation with the singles...! Just something to click on! Three different treasure chests!

Thy Majestie new album...

While looking around for info on the new Thy Majestie album, I stumbled upon this site (http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/) which I liked quite a bit. Despite I was surprised to discover so many changes in the band, I quite appreciated the reviewing style of buddy Patrick (criticizing positively is a very difficult art). And after getting a couple of trials, I can only agree with him. They went quite a bit toward Labyrinth and Kamelot style, dropping - regrettably - the epic and atmospheric elements that made them stand out in the past. But it's not bad, after all. Evolution is needed sometime.

Older Booty

Two already posted nuggets for a friend's request. Have fun 33np!

THY MAJESTIE (2005) are from southern Italy. Very catchy melodic/speed with historical/epic lyrics. All talented musicians, singer included.
FIREWIND (2008)... well, if you don't know Guss G & friends, may the sharks have mercy of you!!! Fantastic "Maniac" cover included in here!

Hei sailors, wouldn't you find me the new Thy Majestie, titled Dawn...? Haven't spotted it yet both around and at the shop.

Thrash rules!

My, my my! What a superlative concert! And once more time thanks to big buddy J13...

You know, lately I haven't been quite well because of the weather (old pirates get pains everywhere in typhon season) and when a couple of days ago, chatting with J13, I mentioned I didn't feel like going, he said "What the f*ck?!! You've got to drag your carcass to Kawasaki absolutely. You can't miss these Testament." And he was correct! But I tell you: he was correct not only concerning Testament, that with their new really kicking album MUST be tryed out live, but above all concerning Forbidden and Voivod, which I knew from the past (as any serious metal head should), but on which I never really put my mind on until today. Well, I have to confess: they will hardly conquer a place in my daily listening preferences, but they are hell of performers and deserve to be checked out live whenever they come around!! And think that the day started at 7:30 with a fu*king hearthquake (litteraly got shaken out of my bed!) and with a horse-quantity of pain killers ...

So, we got to see FORBIDDEN, VOIVOD and TESTAMENT.

What about the first, Forbidden? Super cooool! I arrived that they got the pary already started (train got stuck for 15 min on the way... and in a chain reaction they got to 30 and more). Anyway, I was totally galvanized by their show! Tremendous tecnique and impressive presence on stage (Russ Anderson couldn't be ignored anyway)! So much listening fun, I almost forgot taking pics. At half their show Chuck Billy and friends popped up on stage stopping everything with a cake and lighted candles to feasting Russ birthday... and everybody went on "Happy birtdhday to you...". Woulda, coulda shoulda (to say it with Anvil) give you a set list, but I'm not so proficient on their repertory. I recognized Step by Step, Twisted into Form, One foot in Hell, March into Fire, Distorsion (?)... But there were more. Hell of performes. And hell of performers getting fun while performing! That I love!

Flushed the pipes and stop over to the bar for a refill and it was Voivod time.
Damn! I had in mind Voivod of ages ago...! What a surprise! Dennis "Snake" is quite a charcter. Loved his singing and his showman attitude. There is an absolute refusal of melody in Voivod, and that prevent them from hitting my sopts. Yet they've got such an amazing mixture of rythm changes, guittar shredding and arpeggios that it turned out quite an unusual and very enjoyable listening experience. To add also that the sound in the house was astonishing clear and perfect. Also for Voidod I can't give you a complete set list: Tornato (they sang the chorus in Japanese... TSUNAMI!), Nothingface, Killing Technology... Sorry, need to do some homework for next time. Ah, yes... Dan Morgrain on the guitar: what fu*king shredding god!!! I would have liked to be front stage, in front of him, just to see him (and hear him) playing!

Another refill and onward we went with Testament. Awesome! Not only the normal performance, but especially the enchore....! That turned out in a total party, first with other bands members, singing and cracking jokes; then with the public... with a good deal of us invited on stage singing and going crazy with the guys!!! [Eyes wide open: there are videos of the Cpt. on stage with Chuck and lots of other Japs dudes!] Oldies and new tracks kept us busy for all their performance: Practice What you Preach, Trail of Tears, The Preacher, The New Order, The Formation of Damnation, More Than Meets the Eye, Alone in the Dark, Hanchman Ride (?)... Paul Bostaph? A killing machine! Never enjoyed percussions so much, both on Fordibbed (where he played part of the show) as well as in Testament! Amazing screaming by Chuck Billy!

As mentioned, at the invitation "Come on, get up here with us! Don't be shy! Your mothers weren't!" I opened my way through the still hesitating crowd and catapulted myself on stage and in the face of all the "camera and pictures prohibited" I took - I believe - the only one pic on stage with Chuck! Yeah, ok, somebody tried a mobile shot of him... but if you're not in, what's the point?

After the show a modest bounch of us tryed to stalk for the guys backstage. We manage to get some of Forbidden and Voivod (talked a bit with Craig), but, while busy with them, Testament dribled us quite professionally! We got to catch just Chuck greeting from a van window...! Luckily got the pic on stage... and all their signs with the CD I bought inside (it came with a very limited 5 members signed card).

That's all for today! Ah... right, who's next?
Priest is next!!!!

Warming up engines...

Hei dudes, warming up engines... Gig's comming in hours.
Will let you know! Don't know if I'll be able to take pics... Somebody brought away my camera again! I usually go on Sat., but this time pirate duty had me busy yesterday, so will get today's mayhem instead!

More booty

Two more treasures...

ROSAE CRUCIS-Il Re del Mondo (2008)

I LOVE these guys from Italy, and I do it not only because they're from there!! It's because they DO play an awesome music. The singer has one of the best voices you can get on the market among new bands... one of the few who can actually still sing for real (check him out on Manowar's cover on "Revenge: The Triumph of... A tribute to Manowar"); tunes & lyrics are freaky epic; production by the handbook; and awesome sound! The album in question is a re-recording of the first DEMO plus some extra kicky ingredient. If you want to know the real deal, get yourself their "Worms of the Earth". There are several incredibly talented and underrated bands in Italy...

REBELLION-Sagas of Iceland (2005)

this small jewel was sleeping on the bottom of the chest since a while and I ignored it far too long. Buddy DARK LORD called my attention on it, when I saw it posted on his place... Looked familiar. The title and the cover may mislead you: forget sword-swinging viking freaky crap MDM. Here you've got really good music: again, the singer is impressing, supported by pounding rythmics and grinding guitar work. German dudes, so the kicks are real! Will post the new later.

Hit them before they expire!

Booty Delivery

Some more goodies, for your "M.E.T.A.L. Education".

MAVERICK-Maverick (2005): these guys from Hokkaido (Japan) are very good. You may have difficulties in findig this album elsewhere, so get it while is up. They not only play a tough and interesting metal, but the singer is one of the best and more interesting voices I happened to listen to here in Japan. Believe me or die! I really whish they could play more around here and possibly give us another album soon.

HEXEN-State of Insurgency (2008): no better label could fit these dudes from US than "melodic thrash metal". They perfectly suit Cpt. needs: rough power, traditional thrash vocal, clearly melodic lines within a typical thrash structure and sound. Love at first listen.

CLOVEN HOOF-Eye of the Sun (2008): N.W.O.B.H.M turned into power/heavy metal. Dudes from UK... so a bit different musical thread. I read not properly exaltating reviews of this last album. Yet I like it quit a bit. Neat sound, catchy riffs & melodies (sometimes close to Pink Cream 69, etc.), choruses and lovely screamy vocal parts, rythm changes. Groovy.

[For those who still don't get it... click the icon!]

Have fun!

Metal Fire From Kagurazaka

There we go, folks!
Very enjoyable gig, that of yesterday, at Kagurazaka's Explosion Live House (Tokyo).
First time for the Cpt. there. The place isn't much different from any other live house in the city (you can grasp it from yesterday entrance pic of the Cpt.), but it's got history: 24 years! Besides, many famous Japanese metal bands played there (at their beginning). So it promises good things for them (as well as nice pictures... I took many... you get only a small selection)!

On the schedule, no group you would probably be awere of, except for Hellhound.

ANOTHER SHRINE were the sacrificial goat choosen to open the show for a bounch of people that could have hardly been called a "crowd" (most of them were hanging around with other bands members at their stands). Some of their hard core fan were moving under the stage, but little pathos, both from the band and from the public. Nice lady on the mic, with the good but already heard (and never enough high pitched) voice, good instumental skills by the players, but on the whole a feeling of still looking for their musical way... "It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock'n'roll". PS for the band: be more talakative on the stage; smile; and crack jokes...! People appreciate it! Also just smiling works, you know...

OUTBREAK RIOT received the relay bathon and eventually succeeded in igniting the place. I Tell you: I liked the guys on first listen! Rather simple but very effective heavy/thrash metal; guitar riffing and fast arpeggios have the lion's share, and also the singer perfectly fits in delivering the necessary thrust! I'm impressed! Regreattable they still don't have full lenght albums, just two demos of which I got the second.Get it •here•.

ZODIAQUE: heavy/death/groove metal. Not properly Cpt. preferred tunes, nonetheless a very enjoyable performance! Much theatrical (face paint; lights; etc.) and with Japanese traditional demons & ghost inspired imaginery in lyrics (Japanese) and apearance, but very good. Good presence on stage. And the house replyed accordingly.

BATTLE SHRINE: very funny people, but very nice metal from Hokkaido. Brushing some layer of Jap. history onto a metal armour, they deliverered a kind of old school with peculiar Japanese sonorities. The final METAL SHINTO was awesome... a fucking neck-breaking killer riff and a killer chorus. It's really a pity they can't reach brader than this for now! PS for the band: guys, you can't go around with promotinal tapes... these days .mp3 files or CD-R are quite affordable to anybody, I guess!

SWAPPING ROCKET ROLL was something I didn't need! When the curtain fell, we finished in a surreal '80 shock-rock/glam L.A. atmosphear... where the only missing thing was THAT style of music! I mean, they are good and funny, but what they played is not metal... and it didn't fit very well. And the fact that a crowd of girls filled up the fron stage before the beginning tells you everything! Check them out, if you want... I don't think I will.

HELLHOUND... Well, Port Royal is starting to become a kind of "official supporter" for them. Have little to add to what I have already said and you should know them well enogh by now. Yesterday's set list was based on the new album of course and we got spanked with:

1. Metal Psycho
2. Metal Fire From Hell
3. M.E.T.A.L. Education
4. Heavy Metal Patrol
5. Metal Attack
6. Warriors of the Rising Sun

Enchore:

• Metal Warrior
  

(Hope not to have forgotten anything... by the time I was filled with rhum&coke like no other).
Have to say that track nr. 6 (the last form the new album) comes out very nice live!

Oh, by the way... Get the goddies, before the link expires. And check out the band's pages, if you want.

That's all for today! Stay metal!