Here Cometh The Metalhead CD Review

For all you nu-metal kids out there that think Linkin Papa Bizkit are the kings of metal, long before them, there was ‘Heavy Metal’. Then, it’s offspring was born, and lo, it was called Thrash.

Before I get into the meat of the review, I should point out that I pretty much grew up with some of the bands on this record, so my views my be a little biased by the rose-tinted lenses of time… so beware!

This compilation promises classic ‘thrash metal and hard rock tracks from the band who have shaped the world of metal’ and tracks from ‘today’s generation of heavy rockers’ also. Does it back up the hype? We’ll get to that at the end, but the first obvious point is that any album promising classic thrash metal and not having anything from Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer is missing a HUGE part of metal history… but I guess you can’t have everything.

So if the Big Four aren’t here, what do you get for your hard earned cash? There are some great bands represented on this record, some that never really hit the mainstream level of success that they perhaps deserved. I’m talking bands like Overkill, Kings X, Kyuss, and Ministry; There’s cult bands like The Melvins, Tad, and Sick Of It all; and there’s a couple of Giants Of Rock in there – Pantera, Dream Theater and the almighty Faith No More.

Track Listings

Overkill – Bare Bones
Testament – 1st Strike Is Deadly
Pantera – Heresy
Voivod – Tribal Convictions
Ministry – Stigmata
Clutch – Pure Rock Fury
Down – Lifer
Faith No More – Surprise! You’re Dead!
Melvins – Buck Owens
Kyuss – Conan Troutman
Damage Plan – Breathing New Life
Metal Church – Ton Of Bricks
Sick Of It All – End The Era
King’s X – Dogman
Tad – Emotional Cockroach
Cancer – Without Cause
Dream Theater – Honor Thy Father

Slam the disc in the player – or the PC, whatever – and you’re greeted by the aural assault of Overkill. Overkill were an established thrash band in the late 80s/early 90s that rode the coattails of Anthrax and Slayer, but never really made the break through. The track on the record, ‘Bare Bones’ is fairly indicative of their style, and comes from probably their best album ‘Horrorscope’. Classic thrash, I loved this first time round, and it still sounds good to me…

Testament brings their A-game to the table next with ‘First Strike Is Deadly’ from their 1987 debut album ‘The Legacy’. The second oldest track on this record, it still holds up today as being a great example of a genre that was at it’s strongest in the late 80s – the fact that Testament never really made it to the top echelon of thrash shows just how strong. If you like riffs that weigh a ton, complex solos and manly vocals, then this is the noise for you.

The first of the big names in Pantera weighs in next with ‘Heresy’, from 1990’s classic ‘Cowboys From Hell’. Phil Anselmo’s vocals and Dimebag Darrell’s guitars are the stars here. Pantera are a band that there’s no middle ground – you love ‘em or you hate ‘em – frankly, I love them, but this perhaps isn’t the best introduction to the world of Pantera. As a taster, it does give you an idea of how uncompromising they were at their peak, however.

Here come the Canadians! Run for the hills! OK, that’s not really fair, but Canada and thrash metal never really went hand in hand apart from Voivod. For whatever reason, Voivod never really excited me as a band, although the track here – ‘Tribal Convictions’ from 1988’s ‘Dimension Hatross’ – has aged well… maybe time to dig out the old records and see if I was wrong. Thrash metal? Not really, but worthy of inclusion.

Long before Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails, there was Al Jourgensen and his Ministry. Ministry were doing industrial before industrial was there to do. ‘Stigmata’ is one of, if not THE finest industrial songs you’ll never have heard. Do yourself a favour – once you’ve heard this, go and find a copy of 1988’s ‘Land Of Rape And Honey’, then 1992’s ‘Psalm 69: The Way To Succeed And The Way To Suck Eggs’.

Clutch aren’t a band that I know too much about, other than they were considered pioneers of the Stoner Rock movement later taken to new heights by Kyuss and Queens Of The Stone Age. The track they have here, ‘Pure Rock Fury’ is aptly named; huge riffs, great solos and gruff vocals combine to great effect here.

Super group albums… all egos, no songs, right? Until Down appeared, that is. Featuring members of Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, and Crowbar, Down’s 1995 debut album ‘Nola’ remains a classic to this day in my book. ‘Lifer’ just happens to be my favourite track from this album, so it’s a result all round as far as I’m concerned. Heavy, dirty, groovy and downright loud – what more do you need?

Faith No More: one of the greatest bands ever to grace this planet. They need no introduction. Weighing in with one track from 1989’s classic ‘The Real Thing’ album, ‘Surprise! You’re Dead!’ is an under-rated entry in FNM’s back catalogue, although ‘From Out Of Nowhere’ or ‘Epic’ perhaps deserved inclusion ahead of it. Still, if listening to this makes you want to go out and buy the album, it’s worth it. Go get it!

The Melvins have a huge underground following, ever since one Kurt Cobain proclaimed himself a fan. I have to say, I’ve never really understood them, or got into them, but ‘Buck Owens’ is heavy enough to make me tap my foot and nod my head, even with it’s Nirvana-ish quiet middle section. Not the best track on the record, but not out of place either.

Like Queens Of The Stone Age? If you do, you’ll either already know of Kyuss, or love them once you hear them. Featuring Queens’ front man Josh Homme on guitar, ‘Conan Troutman’ is the chosen track here, cut from it’s original home as part of an 18 minute epic on 1994’s ‘Welcome To Sky Valley’ – Kyuss should have been huge – QOTSA’s success could easily have been theirs, but it was not to be.

Damage Plan are a new entity to me. I’d heard of them, without actually hearing anything by them. Spinning out of the ashes of Pantera, their heavy riffs and relentless drumming are to be expected. Without sounding dismissive of them, from this one track, it looks like they are Pantera with a different vocalist. ‘Breathing New Life’ is probably the weakest track on the record for me.

Metal Church were one of the first thrash metal bands that I remember, and their inclusion on here is a nice nod back to the beginnings of a scene that evolved so much, between their first album and their second, they were left behind. ‘Ton Of Bricks’ isn’t necessarily bad, but hasn’t aged well since it’s 1986 release. Think what The Darkness will sound like in 20 years, and you’re not far from the truth.

Sick Of It All are a band that I have a soft spot for, but don’t actually own anything by them. Pretty much everything I’ve heard of them has been on TV, compilations or magazine freebies; ‘End The Era’ is not Sick Of It All at their strongest and just feels like it was recorded with the intention of being compilation fodder. Not really a fair representation of the band, but by no means awful.

King’s X are one of rock’s best kept secrets, and have been for years. Criminal is the only way to describe the lack of success achieved by this incredible trio. King’s X came closest to the mainstream when they had a track on the soundtrack to Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, of all things. ‘Dogman’, from the 1994 album of the same name, is the strongest track on this record for me. Just an incredible band, really!

Up next is Tad and ‘Emotional Cockroach’ – the most uncompromising song on the record. Hard to break down, and with no light moments, it’s not the easiest of bands to get into and they sound downright evil in places. Not one to throw on at a party, but it does strike a chord if you’re in an angry mood. A good example of how far metal can push the envelope at times.

Cancer. Not the greatest ever name for a band, it has to be admitted, but strangely accurate for this group of death metal riff-merchants. Again, not a band I’ve had a lot of experience with, but I have to say, they chug out a riff quite nicely. ‘Without Cause’ is a good introduction to them… it’s just possible I may have to check out some more of their stuff.

Closing the album, Dream Theater bring with their own brand of technically excellent guitar work and smooth vocals. ‘Honor Thy Father’ isn’t the heaviest, fastest or hardest metal anthem you’ll ever hear, but it is one of the best. Proving that not all metal needs to be angry, devil worshipping and three chords, Dream Theater are a different breed to everything else on this record, and make a nice contrast to close out the record.

So does the record hold out on it’s promise of classic metal? Yes, to an extent, it does. Some of the bands on here deserve to be heard, and the bands themselves are classic… however, the track choices from those bands are a little strange at times. With none of the aforementioned ‘Big Four’ present, it’s also hard to call it a thorough selection of classic thrash and metal.

‘Here Cometh The Metalhead’ does serve well as a taster for the new music fan who may not be aware of some of the bands that inspired a lot of the current groups and trends – it’s useful as starting point if you’re just discovering life beyond Radio 1 and 2 or 3 of the tracks on here are genuine ‘Must Have’ quality.

Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. It’s obviously not for everyone, but it’s something that I could find myself throwing onto the MP3 player for that trip to work and not be tempted to reach for the skip button once. Well worth seeking out, metal heads… put the Slipknot record back on the rack… trust me.

Buy It:

UK: £7.99

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Here Cometh The Metalhead CD Review

Track Listings

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you