Articles by: Fred Phillips

Vinyl

Holy Grail – Ride the Void (2013)

When one of the early lineups of White Wizzard split in 2008, it gave the rock world two of the best traditional metal acts out there. You May Also Like: Ronnie James Dio moved into the spotlight with the dark, uplifting Holy Diver Projekt Gemineye, “The Holy Shield” (2021): OneRead More

Vinyl

4ARM – Submission for Liberty (2012)

I grew up in the golden age of thrash, and I loved it from the first time I heard it. The precise riffs, the often-complex arrangements and all the power and aggression I needed while still retaining melody and musicality. You May Also Like: Dark Hound – Dawning (2018) AnthraxRead More

Judas Priest – 'Painkiller' (1990)

Judas Priest – ‘Painkiller’ (1990)

I can’t imagine a world without “Breaking the Law,” “Electric Eye” or “The Ripper.” But for me, ‘Painkiller’ will always be the pinnacle of Judas Priest’s power.

Vinyl

Dale Watson and His Lonestars – El Rancho Azul (2013)

If anyone can be said to be the “godfather” of the underground traditional country movement, it would probably be Dale Watson. Though he released his first album in 1995, his roots in music go much farther back, as does his sound. You May Also Like: Jackson Taylor and the SinnersRead More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: The Band Perry, “Better Dig Two” (2012)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIdCo_QAz_E&w=500&h=305] I almost thought I was going to have to write a Guilty Pleasure when this song started to play, but then about 30 seconds into it, they saved me the trouble by turning it into a typical pop-country number. You May Also Like: Jamey Johnson, “Alabama Pines” (2015):Read More

Vinyl

S.U.N – Something Unto Nothing (2013)

Dear Aerosmith dudes, This is what your music is supposed to sound like: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NktMr8Sjqk&w=500&h=305] Please listen and take notes. Sincerely, Your fans You May Also Like: Steven Tyler – We’re All Somebody From Somewhere (2016) Why Aerosmith Finally Broke Through With ‘Get Your Wings’ Final memory with John LennonRead More

Vinyl

Anthrax, “Anthem” (2013): Something Else! sneak peek

Oh dear God, please someone take the microphone away from Joey Belladonna. I’ve admitted before, and in the interest of fairness will again, that I prefer John Bush as vocalist for Anthrax. You May Also Like: Anthrax – ‘For All Kings’ (2016) Anthrax, Sept. 23, 2016: Shows I’ll Never ForgetRead More

Vinyl

Dash Rip Rock – Black Liquor (2012)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guYfC7AC4zA&w=500&h=305] If you grew up a fan of live music in or around Louisiana in the late 1980s or early 1990s, you knew, without a doubt, that Dash Rip Rock was going to be huge one day. You May Also Like: When Miles Davis Finally Looked Back on ‘MilesRead More

Soilwork, "Spectrum of Eternity" (2013): Something Else! sneak peek

Soilwork, “Spectrum of Eternity” (2013): Something Else! sneak peek

I don’t always listen to Swedish melodic death metal, but when I do, I listen to Soilwork. And this is why.

Vinyl

Newsted – Metal (2013)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fuFthydoJ4&w=500&h=305] Since leaving Metallica, Jason Newsted’s record hasn’t exactly backed up statements that he was into heavier music and how things might have changed during the dark period of Load and Re-Load if the bassist had more input. You May Also Like: Why Metal Fans Should Give Skid Row’sRead More