(TheBRHM.com) My metal listening recently has been more on epic metal of the 1980s. A lot of the acts come from traditional heavy metal roots—somewhat different from the German bands that came from speed metal and became power metal with future albums. Let’s check out five albums that I’ve had in regular rotation.
Lizzy Borden – Visual Lies (1987)
We checked out Lizzy Borden’s debut album Love You to Pieces in a “Greatest Album Debuts”. The L.A act kept things going with Menace to Society which was as fast as they debut but a little more aggressive without going into thrash territory. Visual Lies continues where Menace to Society left off but mixes in some stuff you’d hear in glam metal or L.A heavy metal.
“Oh, like Nitro?!” No, not at all like Nitro. I’d say more like our next entry only faster and more polished.
The Bangers: Me Against the World*, Den of Thieves***, Visual Lies*, Voyuer**
Savage Grace – Master of Disguise (1985)
I don’t know if it’s the production, the lyrical content included or both but Master of Disguise is some speedy U.S power metal with some bite and their debut is a mixture of sinister tales, rebellion, lust, and a little fantasy just because. At a little over 35-minutes and with nine tracks, you’re in for a brisk listen featuring some anthems.
Now, let’s check out a monster of U.S power metal that I feel should get more recognition.
The Bangers: Bound to Be Free, Fear My Way*, Sins of the Damned, Master of Disguise***, Sons of Iniquity*
Omen – Battle Cry (1984)
If you want power metal with no fluff or whimsy and doesn’t keep the foot on the gas all the time: Omen might be for you. They’re to epic metal what Rage is to power metal: a talented, veteran band that did and still produces good music—but there are other bands better associated with the genre. As for this release, it’s heavy and filled more with tales of battles, wars, and raids than epic quests to collect something or defeat a Big Bad.
As for Omen’s ties to Savage Grace, former SG guitarist Kenny Powell formed Omen after leaving in 1983. What I’d say really ties this album together is the late J.D Kimball’s gravely vocals.
This will definitely be an album we’ll explore in the new year.
The Bangers: Death Rider***, The Axeman*, Dragon’s Breath**, Be My Wench**, Prince of Darkness*
Manila Road – Voyager (2008)
This is a bit of a cheat entry because I was trying to keep it in the 1980s with older bands and albums but I guess the rules no longer apply. Yes, the self-imposed rules of the list. Anyway, Manila Road was a Kansas band that started in the late 1970s playing hard rock and heavy metal. Their 1980 debut shows they had a focus more along traditional heavy metal but with each release they tried a little something new: faster songs, longer tracks, slower tales, darker stories.
Manila Road had gone through epic fantasy, horror, serial killers, mysteries, and with Voyager they were on their Viking and Scandinavian folklore sh**. They kept their heaviness but better production and song writing meant they came up with something that could be built upon.
Voyager has nine tracks across over an hour. I also recommend the album before it Gates of Fire.
The Bangers: Frost and Fire, Tree of Life, Blood Eagle***, Eye of the Storm
Medieval Steel – The Dungeon Tapes (2008)
Another cheat entry, this isn’t a full length release but a compilation of demos and singles. Medieval Steel is a band from Memphis that formed in the early 1980s. They wouldn’t put out a full-length until 2013 with Dark Castle. The tunes on this release definitely should’ve been re-recorded as an album because they were good when they were originally released!
The Bangers: Eyes of Fire*, To Kill a King**, Battles Beyond the Stars***, Medieval Steel***
What are some albums from epic metal or U.S power metal bands you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
Staff Writer; James “Metal” Swift Jr.
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.