Amorphis – ‘Under the Red Cloud’ (2015)
In a year that, for me at least, has been largely uninspiring on the music front, Amorphis’ ‘Under the Red Cloud’ is a glittering jewel.
Articles by: Fred Phillips
Danzig – Skeletons (2015)
Glenn Danzig has a pretty good history with covers, and ‘Skeletons’ makes a direct reference to that with another Elvis Presley song.
Fastway – ‘Trick or Treat’ Original Soundtrack (1986)
The campy Halloween film ‘Trick or Treat’ doesn’t hold up so well anymore. But Fastway’s original soundtrack? That’s another matter entirely.
Marilyn Manson – ‘The Pale Emperor’ (2015)
‘The Pale Emperor,’ more than any from Marilyn Manson in the intervening years, seems like the natural successor to ‘Mechanical Animals.’
Slayer – Repentless (2015)
Does ‘Repentless’ match Slayer’s classics? Not really. But it’s probably the best complete album they’ve done in decades and, for me, that’ll do.
Savatage, “Prelude to Madness / Hall of the Mountain King” (1987): One Track Mind
Savatage’s classic ‘Hall of the Mountain King,’ released on Sept. 28, 1987, was an eye-opening experience for first-time producer Paul O’Neill.
Gloryhammer – ‘Space 1992: Rise of the Chaos Wizards’ (2015)
Much like Christopher Bowes’ other band Alestorm, Gloryhammer doesn’t take its themes too seriously. The music, however, is another matter.
Motley Crue – Theatre of Pain (1985): On Second Thought
Motley Crue’s ‘Theatre of Pain’ doesn’t equal the power of ‘Shout at the Devil’ or the sleazy fun of ‘Dr. Feelgood,’ but it’s worth another listen.
Armored Saint – Win Hands Down (2015)
If there’s one word to ‘Win Hands Down,’ and Armored Saint in general, it’s consistency. You know what you’re going to get, and you get it every time.
Bob Wayne – Hits the Hits (2015)
‘Hits the Hits,’ a 13-song collection of covers, allows Bob Wayne to put his unique spin on classic rock – and some much stranger pop choices.
