Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 9/21/17

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.

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)

CANDLEBOX – “Far Behind” (1993)

The early ‘90s were not a great time for hard rock.  As a fan of the genre, I didn’t realize it at the time, because I was always looking for something to gravitate towards.  It’s only in hindsight that I discovered how subpar that time period was.  Much of the music became disposable to me, but there are a handful of artists who put out music that stood the test of time.

It’s somewhat shocking to me to realize that Candlebox’s “Far Behind” is nearly 25 years old.  The early ‘90s just don’t seem that far in the rearview mirror.  When I heard the song recently on the radio, it resonated with me just as much as it did over two decades ago.

Like many “hair bands” of the ‘80s, many “grunge” bands of the ‘90s unfairly all get lumped into one big category.  In all candor, the record companies did a terrible job finding talent during this time period.  They all seemed more concerned with finding the next Nirvana or Pearl Jam than they were with signing talented bands.

Candlebox had their own sound, and wasn’t trying to sound like Nirvana or Pearl Jam.  Yes, their music was more serious than the sex, drugs, rock and roll themes of the ‘80s, but it moved you without being depressing for depression’s sake.  Kevin Martin’s vocals combined the mood of the time with the skill of the decade before their debut.

Like many bands of the era, Candlebox only lasted for a short time.  They have since returned to the scene with their latest release coming in 2016.

OUR LADY PEACE – “Starseed” (1994)

For many in America, Our Lady Peace is known for their first album, Naveed, in particular their hit song, “Starseed.”  The song was a staple of rock radio when it was released in 1994.

“Starseed” opens with a Middle Eastern sounding acoustic guitar before kicking into high gear, and ultimately settling into a cool groove that acts as the backdrop to Raine Maida’s soulful vocals.  The Middle Eastern vibe is directly connected to the album title, which is taken from the Persian name that means “bearer of good news.”

Although it will come as a surprise to countless rock fans in America, these Canadian rockers have put out new music on a fairly regular basis since their debut.  Another example of a band whose career is vastly different in their homeland than America.
 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

DEATH ANGEL – “Bored” (1988)

From their album Frolic Through The Park, the members of Death Angel were merely kids when they wrote “Bored.” Little did they know the impact that they would have on the whole thrash metal genre.  Not as popular as the Big 4, but just as influential in the sound and development of the Bay Area thrash scene of the ‘80s.  Death Angel has cemented themselves as one of the hardest working bands in the genre to this day.  Even though the only original members of the band are Rob Cavestany and Mark Osegueda, Death Angel has refined their sound over the years, and continue to be one of the most influential thrash bands of all-time.

 

DARK ANGEL – “Merciless Death” (1984)

Once cannot listen to old school thrash metal and not talk about Dark Angel.  This seminal band from California was known for their excess speed and extremely heavy riffs and drumming.  They were borderline progressive with their multi tempo changes.  Couple that with their dark and disturbing lyrics, and you have the beginnings of death metal.  Adding the almighty Gene Hoglan in the mix, Dark Angel became one of my favorite thrash bands of all-time.
 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

JADED HEART – “Trust” (2004)

Jaded Heart, featuring top musical talent from Sweden and Germany, has been making music since 1992.  This favorite comes from their 2004 album, Trust.  Like so many songs from that release, it layers vocals over compelling rhythms and riffs.

 

JORN – “Rock And Roll Angel” (2009)

Norway’s Jorn Lande is one of the most prolific vocalists in metal.  From Ark to Millennium to Masterplan, from collaborations with fellow vocalist Russell Allen to collaborations with guitarist Trond Holter, and from Whitesnake to Dio cover bands, he has produced a wealth of great material. This monster ballad comes from one of his amazing solo albums.