Saint Vitus - Born Too Late

From a time when cocaine ruined good hard rock music comes St. Vitus' 3rd album, Born Too Late. 1987 brought us timeless "classics" such as Whitesnake's self titled record, Motley Crue's Girls Girls Girls, and the infamous Appetite for Destruction, debut record for the iconic five piece known as Guns and Roses... It would be another four years before Nirvana's Nevermind would blow these proto-hipsters off the musical radar. Out with coke, in with heroin. At least junkies make better music. I digress. My point is, with this clusterfuck of bad music going around like a used rig, infecting all exposed to it, this record was completely overlooked. Sticking to the sticky-icky, St. Vitus provide that doom and gloom that was lost in an era of tight pants, powdered drugs, and mascara. Three albums in, and with a new singer (Wino), they bring the raw, warm riff channeled directly from Black Sabbath's first three records, with a little bit of punk rock ferocity thrown in the mix. Their songs of alcohol and depression run through your mind like the rush of emotion you have when you find out something terrible has happened. Someone, or something has died. Maybe your soul. Who knows. This record isn't without its humor, though. Just listen to the last verse of Thirsty and Miserable, and try not to smile. Load a bowl. And fuck hair metal. Period.

Download

Witchcraft - Firewood

Here's another new millennium group to pay more than just a subtle homage to the 70s. This time in the styles of Scorpions, Pentagram, High Tide, and of course, Black Sabbath. Firewood is Witchcraft's second release. There's not much more I can say other than this is a great record and I think everyone should give it a spin.

Download

Amesoeurs - Ruines Humaines

This is the first (and only) EP from France's Amesoeurs. My buddy Danny introduced me to this band (and this style) a little over a year and a half ago and I must say, I'm impressed at where some types of blackmetal are going these days. Epic metal brutality infused with industrial and pop elements, with interesting time signatures and effects... The term "shoegaze" is thrown around for this type of music, but what does that even mean? They use a lot of effects? That's all I can gather from what I've heard called shoegaze in the past. This is definitely new and unique. They've got a second release, a self titled LP, that tops off their discography. I'll put that up sometime soon.

Download

Motorhead - On Parole

Not everyone was that impressed with Motorhead's first record, On Parole. Especially the record execs that considered it unmarketable at the time of its release. And why wouldn't they? There really wasn't much music that was this raw and aggressive in 1975. Proto-punk, post hard rock, heavy as fuck power ballads about sex toys, speed, and jail. Who the fuck wouldn't, in hindsight, consider this one of the most important records of the 70's? Motorhead are, notoriously, one of the loudest bands, ever. This record started that legacy.

Download

Coven - Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls

Hippie as fuck, psychedelic god hating rock music. Jinx Dawson's amazing voice draws you closer and closer to the dark side on this gem from the late 60's. Have you ever sat through a black mass? Well, there's one on this record if you want that experience. Hailing Satan never felt so good!!!

Download