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Rating: "HEAVY METAL ERUPTION".
The album I reviewed is not by a particular band but rather by ten groups, so this already lets you understand that it is a historic compilation of Italian metal! "Heavy Metal Eruption" was born thanks to the courageous work of the historic journalist Beppe Riva, who, along with his magazines "Rockerilla" and "Hard'N'Heavy", managed to gather and select a series of young Italian metal bands. At the time, his magazines were bestsellers and were the only national source of news for heavy metal enthusiasts. Only 1000 copies were printed for the compilation, due to budget problems, making it highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
"Heavy Metal Eruption" can be defined as the true historical document of eighties tricolor metal, which was rich with many emerging bands, most of which remained unknown. The groups that participated in the record were very young and inexperienced, but despite this, they already demonstrated their excellent skills. The song that opens the CD, or rather the vinyl, is “Vikings” by the Venetians HALLOWEEN, who at the time presented a fast, compact style, strongly influenced by epic metal. A track that still truly sets the standard for the many epic metal bands of today, some of which seem unoriginal. The second track is the anthemic “Thundergods” by CRYING STEEL, a group that, as you know, is very close to the sounds of Judas Priest, delivering a track that would truly make Halford & Co envious. Metallic riffs and fast solos, precise double bass drums, a sharp and shrill voice, and a catchy and wild refrain just right! These are the Crying Steel of the famous "On The Prowl"! We continue with DEATH SS's “Black And Violet”, thus landing on dark sounds and horror lyrics. The track played by Paul Chain's band is considered the horror metal manifesto, even anticipating the likes of Mercyful Fate, Twisted Sister, and W.A.S.P.!! Death SS learned the lessons of Black Sabbath to the letter and re-proposed them in metal version, embellished with a raw voice and the gloomy atmospheres that have characterized the band for years. With the fourth song, we return to the traditional schemes of British metal and hard rock, namely with the dear STRANA OFFICINA and “Non Sei Normale”. The song is introduced by Enzo Mascolo's pompous bass and the energetic saxon riff of the unforgettable Cappanera (R.I.P.). Bud's beautiful voice adds a pinch of originality and extra beauty to this great track, which, as you know, is one of Strana's very first songs. The chorus is endowed with truly surprising energy and melody, with Ancillotti managing to enchant us with his characteristic powerful voice. Pure adrenaline! The compilation continues with ROLLERBALL's “Wild Town” which, with its indispensable beauty, can be considered the most original and interesting track of the compilation.
STEEL CROWN's “Prisoners In The Box” provides a song that could be summarized as PURE ENERGY AND GRIT! The initial riff seems to be played by Tipton and Downing, while the voice of the phenomenal Yako De Bonis (R.I.P.) is engaging and powerful, as are the solos that unfold in a sensational tapping. Magnificent!! The refrain, with its catchiness and melody, reminds me of a few tracks by the early Vanadium, like “On Fire” and “A Race With The Devil”. Phenomenal. Elektradrive leads us to the patterns of electronic and futuristic metal with the beautiful “Lord Of The Ring”, while Revenge's “Angels In Leather” brings us back to a metallic mid-tempo. The ninth track is the touching ballad “Freakish Footsteps” by Shining Blade of “Touch The Night”, where the singer's voice is supported by beautiful guitar arpeggios. The refrain expresses its delicacy and impact compellingly, while the rest of the song is truly chilling. The last track of the compilation is by a semi-unknown band, the Ransackers, who included the fair “Death Line”. We have reached the end of this historic compilation, which testifies to the skill and passion demonstrated, and that some of the many metal bands of the eighties still demonstrate today. There are no other words... A piece of Italian metal history!
TRACKLIST:
1) Halloween - “Vikings”
2) Crying Steel - “Thundergods”
3) Death SS - “Black And Violet”
4) Strana Officina - “Non Sei Normale”
5) Rollerball - “Wild Town”
6) Steel Crown - “Prisoners In The Box”
7) Elektradrive - “Lord Of The Ring”
8) Revenge - “Angels In Leather”
9) Shining Blade - “Freakish Footsteps”
10) Ransackers - “Death Line”
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