Simon Rushworth
One of the true founders of heavy metal clashes with one of the new guardians of the genre this week as rushonrock turns the spotlight on Black Sabbath’s latest Greatest Hits package and the new record from spoof rocksters Steel Panther – we’re going to try to check that lot out at Download later today but for our view on their debut Feel The Steel read on.
Black Sabbath – The Best Of Black Sabbath (UMTV)
First things first. If you’re a fan of Sabbath or even a fan of heavy metal then it’s inconceivable that you won’t have every one of the classics featured on this latest compilation. If, perhaps, you’re new to the band or simply got into them post-Ozzy and never looked back then this could be the record for you.
All the band’s signature rockers are here – Paranoid, War Pigs, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath – etc. etc. and there is an argument for buying these 14 tracks on the strength of that terrific trio alone. There is a reason Sabbath were only topped by Zeppelin in VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and it’s quite clear right here.
But just who this latest cash cow is aimed at remains a mystery. You can’t fault the songs but you could question the motive.
rushonrock rated: 8/10 Simply Sabbath
Steel Panther – Feel The Steel (Island Records)
Should Steel Panther bump into Papa Roach at Download later today then it could be pretty interesting. The latter feature on the former’s lead single Death To All But Metal and, basically, the Panthers don’t pull any punches in noting their disdain for Jacoby Shaddix and his mob.
Not that the Roach are alone in suffering the LA crew’s wrath. The Goo Goo Dolls, Blink 182, Britney Spears and Madonna can all die as far as Steel Panther are concerned but they do pay respect to Def Leppard and Motley Crue. Which pretty much tells you where they’re coming from musically.
In fact if any members of Leppard, Whitesnake, Tesla or their ilk happen to catch the Panthers in full flow at Download they could also feel a little uncomfortable. This band’s perfect pastiche of the late 80s hair metal genre is so close to the bone it hurts. But the fact remains they do it so well that it’s impossible to dislike four lycra-clad heroes in make-up and bandanas singing about having sex and, well, having more sex.
So silly it’s brilliant.
rushonrock rated: 9/10 Leaves The Darkness In The Shade