The Metal Reviewer

Iron Maiden- Powerslave

2009-06-24T12:53:00.001-07:00

Review and Description:
Iron Maiden: Powerslave
Year:
1984
Musicians:
Bruce Dickinson - Vocals
Adrian Smith- Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Dave Murray- Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Steve Harris- Bass Guitar
Nicko McBrian – Drums
Producer:
Martin Birch
Label:
EMI, Capitol Records

Tracks:
1. Aces High
2. 2 Minutes to Midnight
3. Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)
4. Flash of the Blade
5. The Duellists
6. Back in the Village
7. Powerslave
8. Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Iron Maiden is one of the most popular heavy metal bands of all time. Powerslave is the fifth studio album by the British band and has been certified Platinum in several countries. The album stands out due to its epic compositions, but the environment to the music is set with the cover featuring Eddie (Iron Maiden’s mascot) sitting in a pyramid as an Egyptian pharaoh. Powerslave is an explosive milestone combining catchy melodies, great guitar (and bass) sound, and a mature musical complexity. The Tip factory says: Perfect Record by a one of the best bands in history. Up the Irons!! Tip Score: 10

Megadeth- Rust in Peace

2009-06-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Review and Description:
Megadeth: Rust in Peace
Year:
1990
Musicians:
Dave Mustaine – guitar, lead vocals
Marty Friedman – guitar
David Ellefson – bass
Nick Menza – drums
Producer:
Dave Mustaine and Mike Clink
Label:
Combat, Capitol Records

Tracks:
1. Holy Wars...The Punishment Due
2. Hangar 18
3. Take No Prisoners
4. Five Magics
5. Poison Was the Cure
6. Lucretia
7. Tornado of Souls
8. Dawn Patrol
9. Rust in Peace...Polaris

Rust in Peace is the fourth studio album by the thrash metal band Megadeth and is widely considered to be one of genera’s finest and most influential albums. With Rust in Peace is Megadeth’s reached their musical maturity, but maintaining the style developed on their earlier albums with great riffs and intense guitar solos (Dave Mustaine’s style). The music is heavy, fast and technically complex, in part thanks to the additions of guitar great Mart Friedman and Jazz-like drummer Nick Menza. Thematically, the album goes from war-like themes to struggles with substance abuse. Rust in Peace is certified Platinum and received Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance.
The Tip factory says: This album is one of those that even the non-metal fan should have. Tip Score: 9.5

Testament- The Formation of Damnation

2009-06-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Review and Description:
Testament: The Formation of Damnation
Year:
2008
Musicians:
Chuck Billy: Vocals
Alex Skolnick: Lead guitar
Eric Peterson: Rhythm, lead guitar
Greg Christian: Bass
Paul Bostaph: Drums

Producer:
Eric Peterson and Chuck Billy

Label:
Nuclear Blast Records

Tracks:
1. For the Glory Of...
2. More Than Meets the Eye
3. Evil Has Landed
4. Formation of Damnation
5. Dangers of the Faithless
6. Persecuted Won't Forget
7. Henchmen Ride
8. Killing Season
9. Afterlife
10. F.E.A.R.
11. Leave Me Forever

The Formation of Damnation is the ninth studio album by Testament. Despite not being a mainstream hard rock band (they are very metal, thank you),the album debuted at no. 59 on the Billboard 200 Chart and sold 11,900 copies in its first week. It also won the several "Best Metal Album Awards" during the year 2008. It took 9 years for Testament to complete the idea and production of The Formation of Damnation, including a return with the original line up of Chuck Billy, Eric Peterson, Alex Skolnick and Greg Christian with the addition of Paul Bostaph.

The album is a mix of classic Testament trash metal music with hints of the more modern “metal core” style presented in younger bands like Trivium, Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall. The Formation of Damnation is full of great riffs (courtesy of Eric Peterson), amazing solos (Alex Skolnick might be one the most accomplished thrash metal guitarist around), and incredible drumming (that’s Mr. Bostaph for you). Of course, Chuck Billy and Greg Christian are solid, making the lineup sounding as metal as Testament has ever been. The Tip Factory says: This is the metal album of the year 2008, do you need more information? Tip Score 8.5

Van Halen- Van Halen (also known as Van Halen I)

2009-06-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Van Halen- Van Halen (also known as Van Halen I)
Year
1978
Musicians
David Lee Roth – vocals
Eddie Van Halen – guitar
Michael Anthony – bass
Alex Van Halen – drums
Producer
Ted Templeman
Label
Warner Bros. Records
Tracks
1- Runnin' with the Devil
2- Eruption
3- You Really Got Me
4- Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
5- I'm the One
6- Jamie's Cryin'
7- Atomic Punk
8- Feel Your Love Tonight
9- Little Dreamer
10- Ice Cream Man
11- On Fire

Van Halen's debut album (Van Halen) is a revolutionary hard rock album. It is revolutionary because is monumental in its music (as rock n roll as it gets), musicians (do I really have to get into EVH virtuosity and ALH and Anthony’s all around talent?), originality (Van Halen’s famous brown sound was helped develop by Ted Templeman) and energy (DLR as front man!). All these facts make Van Halen (the band and the album’s sound unprecedented. The album is considered to be one of the most famous and successful debuts by a hard rock band, selling over ten million copies in the United States alone. An interest fact is that, along with 1984, Van Halen has two albums with Diamond status in sales (10 millions copies or more). The Tip Factory says: This is perfect hard rock album, and we have nothing more to add. Tips Score: 10

New Scuba Diving Tips Blog Available

2009-06-23T07:01:00.001-07:00

New Scuba Diving Tips Blog Available
The SCUBA Diving Tips is a new BlogSpot dedicated in reviewing and share information in diverse array of SCUBA diving topics and products. The blog is an open space for the general public to discuss experiences with others regarding chosen topics periodically.

A new online resource to obtain information about diving safety, and other important topics, is available in a new BlogSpot called “SCUBA TIPS”. This initiative aims to gather precise and quality information and make it available to the general public. In an effort to bring practical information about diving activities, the SCUBA Diving Tips blog will publish expert opinions in a diverse array of diving subjects, including products review and performance every week.
This new Blog will include an open section for general opinions posted by consumers and SCUBA aficionados depending on the subject chosen.
The general public will have a vote for every weekly diving subject to be discussed and the products to be reviewed. Therefore, SCUBA TIPS will be an excellent source of online information based on hot topics of interest. Additionally, the Blog will have web links to the most important products and experts in each topic becoming a recognizable source to be consulted.
The SCUBA Diving Tips Blog aims to become a voice for the general public, interacting, sharing and exchanging information about the quality of products and information available about SCUBA diving through the World Wide Web.
If you wish more information about this topic please visit:

http://ping.fm/8ZJKn

###
O. Rodriguez owns a PhD and writes reviews in many topics and products as part of the thetipfactory.com

2009-06-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

New Adware Remover Programs Review Site Available
The Adware Reviews is a new website dedicated in reviewing adware remover programs. The site has tested hundreds of these programs and offers scores, shares information and comments on the best ones. A link to every program’s home page is also available on the site.
A new online resource to obtain information about adware remover programs is available in a new website BlogSpot called “Adware Review”. This initiative aims to gather precise and quality information and make it available to the general public. In an effort to bring practical information about adware remover programs, the Adware Review publishes expert opinions, reviews and scores to the principal adware remover programs available. Additionally, the website will have web links to the most important products reviewed on site.
The Adware review website aims to become a voice for the general public, interacting, sharing and exchanging information about the quality of products and information available about adware remover programs through the World Wide Web.
If you wish more information about this topic please visit:
http://ping.fm/IICfk
Or
Thetipfactory.com
###
Dr. O. Rodriguez writes reviews in many topics and products as part of the thetipfactory.com

New Heavy Metal Records and Music Blog Available

2009-06-17T16:41:00.001-07:00

A new online resource to obtain information Heavy Metal records and music is available in a new BlogSpot called “The Metal Reviewer”. This initiative aims to gather precise and quality information and make it available to the general public. In an effort to bring practical information about heavy metal music, the Metal Reviewer blog will publish expert opinions on different records, bands and information every week.
The general public will have a vote for every weekly heavy metal subject to be discussed and the products to be reviewed. Therefore, The Metal Reviewer will be an excellent source of online information based on hot topics of interest. Additionally, the Blog will have web links to the most important products and experts in each topic becoming a recognizable source to be consulted.
The Metal Reviewer Blog aims to become a voice for the general public, interacting, sharing and exchanging information about the quality of products and information available about heavy metal music through the World Wide Web.
If you wish more information about this topic please visit: http://ping.fm/9trip

THE TIP FACTORY WEBSITE STARTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

2009-06-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

A new online resource to obtain and exchange information about everyday topics is now available as a new website called “The Tip factory”. This initiative aims to gather precise and quality information and make it available to the general public. The Tip factory has found an effective way to accomplish this objective, giving the casual World Wide Web user an open source of practical and useful information about its favorite topics.
In an effort to bring practical information about everyday activities, The Tip Factory will publish weekly expert opinions in a diverse array of subjects, including products review and performance. This new website will include an open section for general opinions posted by consumers and users depending on the subject chosen.
The general public will have a vote for every weekly subject to be discussed and the products to be reviewed. Therefore, The Tip Factory will be an excellent source of online information based on hot topics of interest. Additionally, the website will have web links to the most important products and experts in each topic becoming a recognizable source to be consulted.
The Tip Factory website aims to become a voice of the general public, interacting, sharing and exchanging information about the quality of products and information available through the World Wide Web.

###
If you wish more information about this topic please visit:
http://thetipfactory.com/

Short Guide to Understand Heavy Metal Music

2009-06-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

What is Heavy Metal?
The definition of Heavy Metal can be both huge and ambiguous. There are so many different bands labeled in different metal sub-genera that are virtually impossible to follow them all. So, we can get to a point where we could ask: what heavy metal is. Is it loud guitars with distortion (just like rock n roll)?, pounding bass and drums (like dance music)?, a certain rhythm (different rhythms are used in different sub genera)?, an attitude?(we could argue that Madonna has the metal attitude). In general terms, Heavy Metal is a combination of everything we mentioned and more; therefore definitions should be left out of the equation. The word that best describes Heavy Metal is “lifestyle”. A metal fan lives metal, and basically stays as a metal head for ever. The reason for this has been researched by science (just type heavy metal articles and you’ll see), but for the metal fan definitions are not important (although we categorized bands by sub-genera).
How to learn about the genera?
The best way to understand what Heavy Metal is, should be to listen to good references. If you don’t know anything about it and wish to start, read reviews (there are several web pages that can help you in this task). If you do know something about it, share it with other people and let them know what good examples of records and bands are available.
I suggest to start with late 60’s, early 70’s hard edgier music like the Doors and Hendrix, then work your way up in time with Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Rush, Pink Floyd and King Crimson. For the late 70’s and early 80’s the references are Punk rock bands like The Clash, The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, along with AC/DC and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, Deff Leppard; etc.). In the Late 80’s you should look for the Glam Metal movement (Mötley Crüe, Poison, Ratt, Bon Jovi , Guns n Roses and Dokken), and the Trash Metal scene with Slayer, Megadeth, Testament, Anthrax and Metallica music. The early 90’s saw the Grunge movement surface with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, and Alice in Chains. Additionally the Alternative Hard Rock Music became mainstream in the early 90’s with bands like Faith No More and Tool and underground the Power, Death and Black Metal scenes grew strong (specially in Europe) with bands like Helloween, Gamma Ray for Power Metal; Death, Cannibal Corpse for Death Metal; and Dimmu Borgir and Emperor for Black Metal.
The late 90’s and 2000’s has seen a mixture of many influences for the mainstreams movements like Nu Metal (Limp Bizkit, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park, Disturbed), and Metal Core (Trivium, Mudvayne, Bullet for My Valentine).
As you can see there are many bands and many sub genera and is virtually impossible to mention everyone, therefore there are many opinions where each band should be categorized. The best advise if you wish to learn is to listen to the bands and make your own opinion about what is really Heavy Metal.
How to approach Heavy Metal?
Metal music is free, so should be you. An open mind is fundamental to start listening to it. You should not be analytic at first, just try to find what are your preferences (remember, there are a lot of sub genera). A very important fact is that you are not going to be able to listen to every band there is, try to get the better ones from many sub genera and start from there.
Where can I learn about the bands, genera, albums, etc.?
There are many web pages and documentaries about the subject. You just search for Heavy Metal music on the Internet and you should get all the information you need. There are also many magazines specialized in general music and/or metal music that you can look for.

Omar Rodriguez

Disturbed- 10,000 Fists

2009-06-15T11:17:00.001-07:00

Review and Description:
Disturbed: 10,000 Fists
Year:
2005
Musicians:
David Draiman - vocals
Dan Donegan - guitar, electronics
John Moyer - bass guitar
Mike Wengren – drums
Producer:
Johnny K
Label:
Reprise Records
Tracks:
1.Ten Thousand Fists
2.Just Stop
3.Guarded
4.Deify
5.Stricken
6.I'm Alive
7.Sons Of Plunder
8.Overburdened
9.Decadence
10.Forgiven
11.Land Of Confusion
12.Sacred Life
13.Pain Redefined
14.Avarice

Ten Thousand Fists is the third studio album by “Nu metal” band Disturbed and their second straight number one debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Although it can be said that 10,000 Fists is a mixture of the band’s first two records, it is also true that this record is much polished and aggressive. The album stays within the boundaries and patterns of the band, but it shows a growing capacity in musicianship. In general, the album is not pure metal, but a mix of hard music influences and modern turns developing in an original sound. The Tip factory says: If you want to be introduced to the future of mainstream metal music, get this album. Tip Score: 8.5

Dokken- Back for the Attack

2009-06-15T11:16:00.001-07:00

Review and Description:
Dokken: Back for the Attack
Year:
1987
Musicians:
Don Dokken - Vocals
George Lynch - Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Jeff Pilson - Bass Guitar
Mick Brown – Drums
Producer:
Neil Kernon
Label:
Elektra Records
Tracks:
1. Kiss of Death
2. Prisoner
3. Night by Night
4. Standing in the Shadows
5. Heaven Sent
6. Mr. Scary
7. So Many Tears
8. Burning Like a Flame
9. Lost Behind the Wall
10. Stop Fighting Love
11. Cry of the Gypsy
12. Sleepless Night
13. Dream Warriors

Back for the Attack was Doken’s fourth album and sold over 4 million copies worldwide. This album shows a more versatile and aggressive guitar work by the amazing George Lynch (which can be heard in the excellent instrumental “Mr. Scary”). Back for the Attack is the band’s heavier record, but maintaining catchy choruses and melodies. The album was a voice defying the look and sound of how a “glam metal” band from the 1980’s should be. The Tip factory says: Forget labels, this is a great record with a song from a Freddy Kruger movie! What else can you ask for? Tip Score: 8.5

System of a Down-Toxicity

2009-06-15T11:15:00.001-07:00

Review and Description:
System of a Down: Toxicity
Year:
2001
Musicians:
Daron Malakian — vocals, guitars
Serj Tankian — lead vocals, keyboards
Shavo Odadjian — bass
John Dolmayan — drums
Producer:
Rick Rubin
Label:
American Records
Tracks:
1. Prison Song
2. Needles
3. Deer Dance
4. Jet Pilot
5. X
6. Chop Suey!
7. Bounce
8. Forest
9. ATWA
10. Science
11. Shimmy
12. Toxicity
13. Psycho
14. Aerials
15. Arto (hidden track)

Toxicity is the second album by System of a Down, and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. This is one of the most original “metal” records in the history of the genera. Its mixture of force, brutality, cleverness and musicianship makes toxicity an instant classic. Although the record became mainstream it is not because of hits (which has), is because of the quality of its music and lyrics in every song. Along with Disturbed, Tool and Slipknot, System of a Down established the “nu metal” as a force to reckon with and inspired a new movement in heavy music. The Tip Factory says: This is a perfect record, if you don’t have it, shame on you. Tips Score: 10

Dio-The Last in Line

2009-06-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Review and Description:
Dio: The Last in Line
Year:
1984
Musicians:
Ronnie James Dio – Vocals
Vivian Campbell – Guitar
Jimmy Bain – Bass
Claude Schnell - Keyboards
Vinny Appice – Drums
Producer:
Ronnie James Dio
Label:
Vertigo/Warner Bros. Records
Tracks:
1. We Rock
2. The Last in Line
3. Breathless
4. I Speed at Night
5. One Night in the City
6. Evil Eyes
7. Mystery
8. Eat Your Heart Out
9. Egypt (The Chains Are On)

The Last in Line is the second studio album by Ronnie James Dio’s band (DIO). This album was the first one to be certified Platinum for the band. The album combines, gothic keyboards by Claude Schnell, impressive guitar riffs and solos by Viviam Campbell and the incomparable voice of Ronnie James Dio. Although Dio’s style departed from the commercial hard rock of the time, The Last in Line still managed to be successful because of its high quality. The Tip Factory says: This is a true classic heavy metal record, get it now. Tip Score: 8.5

Def Leppard- Pyromania

2009-06-15T11:10:00.001-07:00

Review and Description:
Def Leppard: Pyromania
Year:
1983
Musicians:
Joe Elliott – lead vocals
Steve "Steamin'" Clark – guitars
Pete Willis – guitar (left band during recording)
Phil Collen – guitars
Rick Savage – bass
Rick Allen – drums
Producer:
Robert John "Mutt" Lange
Label:
Mercury/Vertigo Records
Tracks:
1. Rock Rock ('Til You Drop)
2. Photograph
3. Stagefright
4. Too Late for Love
5. Die Hard the Hunter
6. Foolin'
7. Rock of Ages
8. Comin' Under Fire
9. Action! Not Words
10. Billy's Got a Gun

Pyromania is the third album from Def Leppard. This album took a more commercial approach to its music and departed somewhat from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement Def Leppard had been associated to, along with bands as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Pyromania has a more polish sound obviously aiming to create hits. Even so, the album is full or great guitar riffs, solos and all around solid rock themes. Its mixture of melodic and catchy hooks with heavy metal proved to be very successful, making Pyromania one of the best selling albums of all time, with 10 millions copies in the U.S. alone.
The Tip Factory says: This is a strong hard rock record, not a selling out record. You should own it and appreciate it. Tip Score: 8.5

Black Sabbath-Master of Reality

2009-06-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

Review and Description:
Black Sabbath: Master of Reality
Year:
1971
Musicians:
Ozzy Osbourne – lead vocals
Tony Iommi – guitar, flute, piano
Geezer Butler – bass guitar
Bill Ward – drums, backing vocals
Producer:
Rodger Bain
Label:
Vertigo/Warner Bros. Records
Tracks:
1. Sweet Leaf
2. After Forever
3. Embryo
4. Children of the Grave
5. Orchid
6. Lord of This World
7. Solitude
8. Into the Void

Master of Reality is the third album by Black Sabbath. Although, the album has a dark and heavy sound similar to their first two records, it is better refined. Its down-toned guitars and instrumental parts proved to define Black Sabbath’s and classic heavy metal sound. The Tip Factory says: This is a must have, either if you are insane and don’t like the band. Tip Score: 8.5

Alice in Chains-Dirt

2009-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Review and Description:
Alice in Chains: Dirt
Year:
1992
Musicians:
Layne Staley: lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jerry Cantrell: vocals, lead guitar
Mike Starr: bass
Sean Kinney: drums
Producer:
Dave Jerden
Label:
Columbia Records
Tracks:
1. Them Bones
2. Dam That River
3. Rain When I Die
4. Down In A Hole
5. Sickman
6. Rooster
7. Junkhead
8. Dirt
9. God Smack
10.Iron Man
11.Hate To Feel
12.Angry Chair
13.Would?

Labeled as a grunge band, Alice in Chain’s sound was more of a stoner hard rock group. Its second album, Dirt, is dark, moody, and has sold more than 3 million records in the United States alone. These elements combined with Layne Staley depressive singing style and Jerry Cantrell’s impressive guitar work makes Dirt a classic hard rock record. The Tip Factory Says: This record is a must have in your collection, grunge or not. Tip Score: 8.5

AC/DC- Back in Black

2009-06-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Review and Description:
AC/DC: Back in Black
Year:
1980
Musicians:
Angus Young — lead guitar
Brian Johnson — lead vocals
Malcolm Young — rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Phil Rudd — drums, percussion
Cliff Williams — bass guitar, backing vocals
Producer:
Robert John "Mutt" Lange
Label:
Albert/Atlantic Records
Tracks:
1. Hells Bells
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. What Do You Do for Money Honey
4. Givin the Dog a Bone
5. Let Me Put My Love into You
6. Back in Black
7. You Shook Me All Night Long
8. Have a Drink on Me
9. Shake a Leg
10. Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

AC/DC’s Back in Black is their best selling album with more than 45 million copies sold worldwide. The album featured new lead singer Brian Johnson who replaced former singer Bonn Scott who died months earlier. Back in Black presents a bluesy hard rock sound that defines the band, along with catchy lyrics and great bluesy guitar riffs and solos. The Tip Factory Says: This record is a must have in your collection, and not because is trendy to like AC/DC these days. Tip Score: 8.5

The Metal Reviewer starts!

2009-06-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Metal Reviewer is a blog spot dedicated to bring information about important metal records. A review, description, and score is given periodically for a selected album concerning heavy metal/hard rock music.
We expect the viewer to interact with our opinions and to bring useful information on their own to make The Metal Reviewer a reliable source of information.
The Metal Reviewer is part of the Tip Factory family, if you wish to know more please visit thetipfactory.com