VARIOUS ARTISTS
U.S. METAL BOX (3LP)

Explaining the band Griffin to a US metal fan would be like carrying coals to Newcastle. While their debut album still offered traditional heavy metal in its purest form, the group led by the extraordinary singer William McKay tended towards speed and thrash metal, but without losing their trademarks. 'Protectors Of The Lair' was released in 1986 by Steamhammer/SPV. Musically, they had their finger on the pulse of the times, but their style can also be described as quirky and individual. The biggest drawback, however, was always the thin sound, which was almost exclusively in the mid and high ranges. This has now been remedied twice over! By a stroke of rare luck, the original 24-track tapes were still available and, after some repairs, could be transferred. This made not only a remaster possible, but also a remix, which was produced by Neudi in 2020 and now fills LP 1. The second disc contains the original mix from 1986, remastered by Patrick Engel (Metal Blade, High Roller, etc.).

Hammers Rule are considered a cult band of US metal, whose LP 'Show No Mercy' and EP 'After The Bomb' (1984/1985) are now sought-after collector's items. The band didn't want to be pigeonholed in terms of heaviness, and as a result they cover an enormously broad spectrum of US metal. While the first four tracks range between epic, heavy and speed metal (as do the two EP tracks 'Kamikaze' and 'Stop The World'), the B-side of the original LP was somewhat more accessible and also fits in well with the high hairspray consumption of the eighties. But these tracks are also full of energy and playful wit. One of the reasons for this is the incredibly good rhythm section consisting of drummer Chuck Hohn and bassist Shaun Henley. The two musicians operated at a level comparable to Steve Harris and Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden). In addition, the bass impressively replaces a second guitar with its powerful playing and presence in the mix. The album and the EP were largely recorded live in the studio. Golden Core was the first label with which the remaining band members agreed to a re-release. The Golden Core LP contains the EP tracks as a 7" single.

In 2020, Legendry recorded an exciting EP with three cover versions (including 'Metal' by Manilla Road) and a new song of their own (the title track 'Heavy Metal Adventure'), which also fits in visually with the concept of the three predecessors. If you're into epic metal, you can't ignore 'Heavy Metal Adventure'!