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’s classic ‘Hall of the Mountain King,’ released on Sept. 28, 1987, was an eye-opening experience for first-time producer Paul O’Neill.

Aside from being a great song, the story of how the Wicked Fools’ “Beverly” dropped in my lap is simply unbelievable.

Much like Christopher Bowes’ other band Alestorm, Gloryhammer doesn’t take its themes too seriously. The music, however, is another matter.

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.

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.

Unfortunately, I’m not hearing the energy and power of classic Iron Maiden. It can be done, though. Judas Priest proved that last year.

A visit to a pub with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi led to Ian Gillan joining Black Sabbath for ‘Born Again,’ released on Aug. 7, 1983.

‘Sabotage,’ released in July 1975, finds Black Sabbath still at the height of its powers, but on the brink of slipping into chaos – and that translates into the music.

Savatage’s ‘Return to Wacken’ is a bit misleading, since it includes studio versions rather than live songs. But there’s still a reason to celebrate.