Not Fragile

Not Fragile is a German speed metal band who wrote some really catchy songs in the late '80s. This release was recorded in 1989 but didn't see the light of day until 1992 when it was released in Japan but they included extra tracks from a different release. I'm presenting these files as it was meant to be heard on the original album (11 tracks total). If you like speed metal don't hesitate to grab this one. The lyrics are of the 'high plains wielding a sword while trying not to die in a fire-fight on a horse' variety. The pace is pretty non-stop on this and even when the bust into their chessiest song 'Welcome You the Crowd' they still manage to sound sincere. Anyways without further ado...

One Way to Glory

Cianide

Cianide is one of America's best kept underground secrets. When I first heard these guys I would have put money on them being from Europe somewhere but they're from my hometown of Chicago and here they put on a well executed display of death/doom that really just beats the listener's head in. This is chock full of win. There are some great mid-paced riffs in here and Cianide speeds it up at just the right moments. The lead guitarist Scott Carroll really throws into some unique work over the double bass here and this is by far my favorite Cianide release.

A Descent Into Hell

Vacant Grave

Here you have another Missouri thrash act who released this full length LP in 1990. Vacant Grave are a zombie thrasher's wetdream. They play pretty straightforward thrash with harsh vocals, gang vocals and even guttural vocals in certain parts. The production on this is not the best but they play well enough to make you forgive them for it. I don't feel like writing anything else. One look at the artwork and you can decide if this is for you or not.

Life or Death

Negazione

If you are a fan of hardcore and you haven't heard this record prepare to be blown away. If you have heard this then I suggest you listen to it again. Negazione were instrumental in putting Italian hardcore on the map. This is hands down one of my favorite albums and imo it helped set the blueprint for most '90s hardcore bands. This LP pretty much defines the genre and was released in 1986. Enjoy it.

Lo Spirito Continua

Breathless

Breathless hailed from Belgium and after releasing this album in 1985 you can bet your ass they scored their share of local trim and downed their share of local beers. Well...one can only hope. They sure didn't garner any international attention for this effort. What you have here is a classic case of barroom speed metal with moustache rock sensibility. Can you dig it man? The vocalist is a tad too much at time and does his best low-rent King Diamond impersonation but somehow it all works in the end. Certain songs are better than others but as a whole this album is pretty cool. I haven't seen this one up too many places.

Breathless

Subterraneo

This is another one of Spain's hidden gems. Subterraneo were around in the mid '80s and pulled influences from the NWOBHM scene though imo they have a little post-punk sound mixed throughout especially in the slower passages. The guitar work on this is really memorable, catchy stuff and I find myself humming these tunes a lot. The singer does a great job and doesn't go overboard at all. The lyrics are in Spanish if that matters to you. Anyway here it is - heavy metal from Spain done the right way. I could play this one every day and not get tired of it. Hope you get a chance to DL and enjoy.

Toledo

Dragon

Sorry for not posting in a while. I've really let life get in the way of this blog haha. I've been having problems with what to post lately and having the feeling that nothing is really worthy of your time. Which is silly but there you have it. Sometimes I get in a musical rut. Let me start this off by saying this album is DEFINITELY worth your time. Dragon were from Poland and they play a great brand of Eastern Bloc thrash. The lyrics are in their native tongue and if you are a true music lover this won't matter to you one bit. They play with conviction and always seem to change things up enough to keep it interesting. That's a big understatement but whatever... This is one of my favorite albums and at times it rides the line of power-thrash, leaning heavily on the thrash side and not too technical for its own good. The mix on this is perfect and you can decipher all of the instruments. Both drums and guitars sound warm and great. Sprinkle in a few acoustic passages and throaty screams and your recipe is success.

Horda Goga