Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 3/23/17

Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 3/23/17

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.

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)

IRON MAIDEN – “Run To The Hills” (1982)

Back in 1982, “Run To The Hills” was the song that introduced me to Iron Maiden.  It wasn’t long after that The Number Of The Beast became one of my favorite albums.  The 35^th anniversary of the album’s release yesterday inspired a new feature on Hard Rock Daddy called “Heavy Metal History” (click here to read the story behind The Number Of The Beast).

Iron Maiden is known for historical references in their songs.  “Run To The Hills” talks about the plight of Native Americans in a brutally honest way.  Although fans have been singing along to the song for years, most probably don’t read too much into the meaning of the lyrics.  This song has remained a personal favorite since its release in 1982, and will always hold special meaning because it introduced me to one of my all-time favorite bands.
 

 
ANTHRAX – “Indians” (1987)

Five years to the day after Iron Maiden released The Number Of The Beast, Anthrax released a classic of their own – Among The Living.  Yesterday marked the 30^th anniversary of the release.  Is it a coincidence that two albums that share the same release date both have songs about the plight of Native Americans?  You’d have to imagine that it is, but it’s interesting just the same.  Also interesting is the fact that the word “Indians” was perfectly acceptable three decades ago.

While Anthrax and Iron Maiden both shared the historical perspective of the plight of “Indians,” three decades later, the song is (sadly) just as relevant.  We tend to forget about the treatment of Native Americans, but the Dakota Access Pipeline battle has served as a stark reminder that they still don’t receive fair treatment.  Politics aside, Anthrax’s “Indians” is a standout track from an incredible album.  Seeing it performed live at the most recent Epiphone Revolver Music Awards (read full story) was the highlight of the event.
 

 

 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

SLIPKNOT – “Disasterpiece” (2001)

I recently read an article about the “newish” drummer for Slipknot (Max Weinberg), and I decided to dig up one of my favorite songs featuring ex-Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison.  Without getting into a whole debate about who the better drummer is, Jordison (and the rest of the band) shine through on this song.  His drumming is technical, fast, precise and flashy all at the same time.  The song is anti-authority, vulgar and heavy, with a great breakdown towards the end filled with thrashy and deathy bits.  I admit, the masks can make the band feel hokey (and a little ridiculous), and sometimes overshadows their true talents, but the listener cannot deny the power and aggression of this band.  This song is definitely a favorite off their second album, Iowa.  This year marks the 15-year anniversary of its release.

 

LIFE OF AGONY – “This Time” (1993)

One of the best albums released in the hardcore/crossover era was River Runs Red, the debut album by New York rockers, Life of Agony.  After several breakups and reunions, the band has reformed and will be releasing a new album soon.  In the meantime, I dug up this classic from my teenager years.  The band had some of the heaviest riffs that I ever heard, great hooks and sing-along lyrics about loss, despair and pain.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

ANGEL DUST – “Temple Of The King” (1999)

Angel Dust was a German band specializing in speed and thrash metal in the ‘80s.  They disbanded in 1990.  When they regrouped eight years later, it was with an emphasis on power and progressive metal.  This adept cover of a Rainbow classic is originally from their 1999 album, Bleed, and was re-released in 2000 on Holy Dio: Tribute To Ronnie James Dio.

 

AXEL RUDI PELL – “Temple Of The King” (2004)

German power metal band Axel Rudi Pell also covered this Rainbow classic on their 2004 album, The Ballads III.  Johnny Gioeli’s distinctive vocals play off beautifully against the guitar virtuoso’s soulful rendition.