Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 8/11/16
Each Thursday, Hard Rock Music Time Machine takes a journey back in time to feature a variety of songs that date back as far as the ’70s, the ’80s (the glory days of hard rock), hidden gems of the ’90s and hard rock/metal songs of the new millennium (as recent as a few years ago).
Whenever possible, it will also contain interviews from featured artists discussing the inspiration and meaning behind their songs. On the last Thursday of each month, we will be doing special themes that feature songs based on specific categories or years.
In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Hard Rock Music Time Machine can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher, Hard Rock Daddy)
HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD – “Undead” (2008)
If you’re easily offended by harsh language, Hollywood Undead might not be for you. However, if you like a band that refuses to be defined by others, then Hollywood Undead should be right up your alley. Most new bands are so happy just to have a record deal, that they reluctantly allow the label to dictate artistic direction early on. To their credit, Hollywood Undead had a vision for what they wanted to be, and it didn’t include censorship (the release of their debut album was delayed due to switching to a more open-minded label).
When Hollywood Undead’s debut album (Swan Songs) was finally released, it instantly garnered attention from fans who appreciated their powerful brand of rap rock. The decision not to put out a censored album proved to be a smart (albeit ballsy) move for the band.
Like Kid Rock – who energizes fans with autobiographical songs like “Cocky” and “American Badass” – Hollywood Undead came bursting onto the scene with “Undead,” their cocksure rap rock song in the same vein. This take-no-prisoners single from the band’s debut album laid the foundation for what was to come.
Hollywood Undead is unquestionably one of the top rap rock bands around. They have continued to grow through the years, all the while staying true to what made them so appealing in the first place.
DEATH! DEATH! DIE! – “Put Ur Balls On It” (2010)
Although Death! Death! Die! has not come close to enjoying the same success as Hollywood Undead, you’d never know it from the swagger displayed in “Put Ur Balls On It.” Amazingly, the lyrics to this song make “Undead” seem somewhat tame by comparison. To say that this song is “ballsy” would be an understatement, but for those who are not easily offended, it’s actually clever and funny (in a dirty way).
Who else would think to transition from lyrics like…“I made your mom an alcoholic…she tried my seven inches, now she’s drunk on dick” to “I got my curly locks cause I was made by two jews…solvin’ mysteries like I was Steve from Blues Clues”? If you’re a fan of Hollywood Undead, Eminem and the like, make sure to check out this song!
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
MINOR THREAT – “In My Eyes” (1981)
As a longtime fan of the punk and hardcore genres, when I look back at the bands that moved me the most, Minor Threat is at the top of my list. This band has influenced almost every aspect of modern punk and hardcore music, culture and lifestyle. Not only did they influence other groups in the genre, but they also influenced a plethora of bands in the thrash metal genre. Most thrash metal bands (such as Slayer) will cite Minor Threat as a huge influence in their attitude and sound. “In My Eyes” is from the band’s eponymous compilation album. As the founders of straight-edge hardcore, Ian MacKaye screamed angrily about anti-smoking, anti-drinking, anti-drugs and keeping a clear mind. Being one of the most important albums in hardcore punk, the spirit of Minor Threat lives on.
CRO-MAGS – “We Gotta Know” (1986)
By the mid-‘80s, a lot of punk hardcore music has started to attract metalheads, leading to the crossover genre. Cro-Mags was one of the bands that started crossing over before the term was even coined. They were a hardcore punk band all around; fast, heavy and angry, as reflected in their song “We Gotta Know” (from their album The Age of Quarrel). The band is still going strong all these years later, playing recently at a benefit show in NYC to raise money for Bad Brain’s Dr. Know.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
SEBASTIAN BACH – “You Don’t Understand” (2007)
Sebastian Bach gained fame as the soaring voice of Skid Row in the late ‘80s. Since then, he has broadened his resume not only with more singing roles, but acting roles as well. This tune comes from his 2007 solo album, Angel Down.
STEVE PERRY – “Captured By The Moment” (1984)
While enjoying superstardom as the front man for Journey, Steve Perry released his first solo album, Street Talk. It was a huge success with megahits “Oh Sherrie” and “Foolish Heart.” Less well known, but equally compelling, is this ode to the ‘60s, replete with nostalgic pop culture references.
CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout
THE ARROW – “Centuries Behind” (2008)
“Centuries Behind” is a bright and energetic track from Russian metal band The Arrow. The song is off of their last known album, 2008’s Lady Nite. You’ll hear traditional driving metal rhythms blended with classical progressions, led by Alex Cap’s excellent vocals and the standout guitar work of Juri Bobyrev and Kirill Emelyanov. Although they are still listed as active, there’s not much trace of their whereabouts today.
TIME REQUIEM – “Hidden Memories” (2004)
“Hidden Memories” is an epic track from Sweden’s Time Requiem (from their third album, The Inner Circle of Reality). Founder Richard Anderson started this band because he felt that his previous endeavor (Majestic) had run its course. The main themes and reprises in this neo-classical metal piece are pit against forceful, driving rhythms. Strong vocals from Apollo Papathanasio, deft guitar work from Magnus Nordh and excellent keyboards from Anderson are the standout performances.
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