Tag: Feel the Steel
3 Rob Rockitt’s Top 13 of 2009
It seems like every year I put together a top list at Hard Rock Hideout, it becomes a harder task. In 2009, there was a crazy amount of excellent releases, and choosing the best ten was a daunting task to say the least. It was too hard to pick ten, so of course, I had to add some additional releases to my top list. The following releases are my top of 2009. All of these are worth picking up, and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase any of these a second time. Check them out and see what you think!
#13 Shake City – S/T
Eonian Records has released quite a few undiscovered gems in 2009. Their best release of 2009 is easily Shake City. Shake City features the original singer of Warrant, Adam Shore. I don’t know why Adam left Warrant, but the fates should have been kinder to his band Shake City. If this CD would have been released twenty years ago, this disc could have easily gone platinum. It is better than many of the hair metal releases of the late 80’s. It is a crime that this band didn’t get the mainstream success of their peers. If you are a hair metal fan, you need to find this CD now. You wont be disappointed.
#12 Papa Roach – Metamorphosis
Papa Roach started introducing songs from Metamorphosis into their live sets in 2008, and as a result, I was familiar with several of the tunes by the time this CD was released. In my opinion, this is the strongest Papa Roach CD to date, with several hit worthy tunes. A worthy pick up for the modern rock fans out there.
#11 Cheap Trick – The Latest
I must admit that I have never been the biggest Cheap Trick fan over the years, but I can not deny how good their latest CD, The Latest is. While this may not be the most rocking CD of 2009, it does have some fun rockers, and is quality music all the way through. Robin Zander still sounds great after all of these years. This is a must own CD for Cheap Trick fans, all others ought to give it a shot.
#10 Chickenfoot – S/T
This is another CD that I didn’t really know what to expect. Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony have been playing together in Van Halen for years, but how would this new band work out with Joe Satriani and Chad Smith? Satriani’s playing on this CD is great, and when he does cut loose, he doesn’t over shadow the rest of the band. Overall, Chickenfoot is a supergroup that could have some legs. I hope these guys stick around for a few more releases. Van Halen’s other half still delivers.
#9 The Answer – Everyday Demons
The Answer’s debut CD Rise was one of my favorites of 2007. I had high expectations for their U.S. Debut, Everyday Demons. Luckily, it did not disappoint me in the least. Everyday Demons is powered by Zeppelin influenced rockers “Demon Eyes”, “On and On” “Walkin’ Mat”. The band couldn’t have asked for a bigger tour to be on in 2009. Opening up for AC/DC has gained them a ton of new fans. I can’t wait to see what the band has in store for us next. The only thing I didn’t like about Everyday Demons was cover art.
#8 Steel Panther – Feel the Steel
Steel Panther could be the greatest hair metal parody band of all time. Feel the Steel is packed full of tongue in cheek lyrics that many folks may find offensive. You can’t deny the stellar musicianship of these California rockers. I had the opportunity to see the band play at M3 earlier this year, and they did not disappoint. When is the U.S. Club tour guys?
#7 Charm City Devils – Let’s Rock N’ Roll
Who would have thought that drummer John Allen would front a new kick ass rock and roll band in 2009? I didn’t at all. I have been rockin’ with CCD’s debut CD since its release. This is quality hard rock all the way through. In case you missed it, Charm City Devils had a pretty big year with their opening slot on the 2009 Cruefest. I am still hopeful that they will do a club tour, (and break out some Child Play tunes in their set).
#6 KISS – Sonic Boom
Sonic Boom is the first KISS CD in a long time that I have been able to listen to, all the way through without skipping a song. While I don’t consider this CD their best, it is definitely in their top ten, if not top five CD’s of all time. I didn’t expect this CD to be much. Sonic Boom was one of 2009’s biggest surprises.
#5 Coldspell – Infinite Stargaze
When I first heard the demo tracks from Coldspell in 2008, I about crapped myself. I couldn’t wait to hear Coldspell’s debut CD. I have played this CD over and over again in 2009, and will continue to do so for years to come. This is melodic rock at its finest.
#4 Winger – Karma
Holy Crap?! I get the feeling that Kip Winger and Reb Beach were pissed off when they wrote this record. This is easily the heaviest Winger album to date. Reb Beach unleashes his fury on his six strings, and Karma shines as a result. The songs aren’t all heavy, but they are all top quality. I am hopeful that Kip and company will tour for this album in 2010. Great Stuff, and worthy to be in anyone’s collection.
#3 Black Robot – S/T
Black Robot – I had no expectations when I first heard Black Robot’s self titled effort. I figured any band with former Buckcherry members would probably rock, but I had no idea that I would enjoy this CD as much as I have. “Cocaine” is easily the best cover song I have heard in 2009. Black Robot
gets the nod for best new band of 2009. If you missed this CD when it was released earlier this year, you will have to wait to grab this in 2010. The original pressing is out of print, but Black Robot will be re-releasing this CD next year with bonus tracks !!
#2 Paul Gilbert & Freddie Nelson – United States
United States has been my feelgood CD of 2009. Paul Gilbert’s guitar work is quite impressive, and Freddie Nelson’s mimicry of Freddie Mercury is pretty incredible. Once I started playing this, I couldn’t stop. Absolutely fantastic music!
#1 The Last Vegas – Whatever Gets You Off
The Last Vegas has been rocking hard since 2003, but their 2009 CD, Whatever Gets You Off is easily their breakthrough release. It didn’t hurt that they had a little help from Nikki Sixx, and DJ Ashba who produced this disc. I still don’t understand why this band didn’t get the nod for Cruefest last summer. They seemed tailor made for that festival but the promoters didn’t ask for my advice. Whatever Gets You Off is crazy good. Apologize might be the biggest power ballad of this decade (no I am not kidding). This is another great party CD, and easily my favorite of 2009.
For more great top lists for 2009, please check out the following websites:
All Metal Resource — https://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — https://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — https://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Heavy Metal Addiction — https://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — https://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — https://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — https://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess — https://metalexcess.com/
The Metal Minute — https://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/ (Ray posted his list on 12/4)
Metal Odyssey — https://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
Rock Of Ages — https://rockofages.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — https://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
2 Steel Panthers “Feel The Steel” Released Today!
Today is Rocktober 6th which means the most anticipated album of all time is finally here! Steel Panther’s Feel The Steel is now in-stores everywhere. The band celebrated the release with a sold out show at The Sunset Strip’s Key Club last night. You can purchase the album on iTunes here.
During the band’s recent trek to Europe and the UK they shot a series of webisodes. The first one which can be seen here, features the band doing a promo for Scuzz TV, tales of Lexxi’s jail experience, and their appearance at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards.
Feel The Steel is streaming now on imeem.
1 Steel Panther Ultimate Shredder Flyaway
Sup duderinos! We’ve taken out the killer guitar solo in “Death To All But Metal” and we challenge you to try adding your own for the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas to play it live on stage with us!
Prizing:
(1) One Grand Prize winner will win the following ULTIMATE SHREDDER GRAND PRIZE: Roundtrip airfare for you and a guest to Las Vegas (within the US), 1 night hotel (Las Vegas Strip), VIP access to Steel Panther’s Las Vegas performance, and performance of winning guitar solo on stage with Steel Panther
Click here to find out how to enter!
14 Steel Panther – Feel the Steel (2009)
I think the warning statement on the back of the Feel the Steel CD case pretty much says it all. “This CD that you are about to listen to contains parodies that feature foul language, adult content, satanic imagery, and depictions of sexually deviant fantasies that may offend the religious right, the unreligious left, fat girls, skinny girls, metrosexuals, animal lovers, animal haters, hippies, skinheads, the current presidential administration and people with ears. The record label and its parent companies do not endorse or support the opinions of Steel Panther. They just think the f–king rock.”
Hair metal parody bands are not a new thing. Skrapp Mettle arguably did it first, of course some may say Spinal Tap, but that wasn’t a real band. The bottom line is this, none of them were as good as Steel Panther. If you are easily offended, you probably aren’t going to like this disc. If you have a sick or twisted mind, Feel the Steel is going to make you laugh, as well as make you rock. I saw these guys at M3 and they were great live. I knew I had to seek out a copy of this disc as soon as possible. The band has changed names quite a few times. The were originally known as Danger Kitty, Metal Shop & Metal Skool prior to Steel Panther. They band is pretty well known in L.A., but as Steel Panther they are beginning to make a name for themselves globally. Quite a few of the songs on the CD, are carried over from the extremely hard to find Metal Shop CD, Hole Patrol. Nonetheless, Feel the Steel rocks all the way through. There isn’t a bad song on the CD.
Every time I listen to this disc, I hear quite a few bands that Steel Panther has borrowed from. Whitesnake, Warrant, Van Halen, RATT and Bon Jovi are just a few of the bands that Steel Panther has taken their sound from. The amazing thing is the music is so tight, you almost forget that you listening to a parody band. The lyrics won’t let you forget for long though. If this CD was a movie, it would definitely be X-Rated. Feel The Steel is not appropriate for kids, so don’t even try to play this one if your family is present.
Feel the Steel may not be for everyone, but I have enjoyed this one quite a bit, and I think a bunch of you will too.
For more info on Steel Panther, check out the band’s myspace page. This CD is not available in the United States as of yet, but you can purchase it here, and here.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Death To All But Metal
2. Asian Hooker
3. Community Property
4. Eyes Of A Panther
5. Fat Girl
6. Eatin Aint Cheatin
7. Party All Day
8. Turn Out The Lights
9. Stripper Girl
10. The Shocker
11. Girl From Oklahoma
12. Hells On Fire
Steel Panther is:
Michael Star – Vocals
Satchel – Guitar
Lexxi Foxxx – Bass
Stix Zadinia – Drums
