US and Canadian Heavy Metal 7"-scene
is still one of the least explored niches in the domain of Old Metal Vinyl Collecting, at least in relation to its size and popularity. Hence forum member and long-time fan & collector of rare American 7"s, Kristian "Khnud" Knutsson has taken on this impossible feat of documentation, making this the 3rd and - surely in the long run - largest Singles-Special of The Corroseum to date...
A note on rarity Most of the releases reviewed herein are to be considered rare, usually released in either 500 or 1000 copies by small independent labels, or by the bands themselves. The rating is therefore an attempt at approximating how often an item shows up for sale.
= Rather common, a copy can most likely be found without too much effort
= Uncommon, still turns up a few times per year
= Rare, you'll most likely have to search a bit before you find one
= Very rare, expect to have to search several years before one turns up
= More or less impossible to find. The number of known copies can be counted with the fingers of one hand
Also, please note that rarity scores might change over time. A good example would be the Hazardous Waste 45, which was once believed to have been released in only 200 copies and was at that point a very expensive and desired item. Many years later another 300 copies were discovered in a warehouse and the item is, at the time this is written, reasonably easy to find at an affordable price.
A note on ratingReviews are subjective. What I think is great, someone else might think is crap. And the other way around. I strongly suggest using the reviews as a general guide and not as a definitive quality indicator.
= Bad. You probably don't need this unless you're a manic completist (like yours truly)
= Ok, but nothing spectacular
= Good, definitely worth checking out
= Great, buy or die!
= You need this more than oxygen...
Finally, I'd like to thank John Haupt, without him this project would never have been possible.
Paragon - Image Chamber / Dancing Meriadoc
(Pie In The Sky Records, 1982)One of the long lost absolute gems of North American hard rock. Sure, the flip side "Dancing Meriadoc" is a fairly straightforward number, but what makes this a cut above the rest is the absolutely stellar "Image Chamber". A track which has just about everything - good riffs, a great guitar solo, some softer more melodic parts and above all - an incredible chorus that just won't leave your head no matter how hard you try to forget it. Who could ask for more? Please note that if you don't want to spend a substantial part of your monthly wages on a copy (should one ever turn up, with the sleeve) you can cheap out and buy the "Rock Gumbo From K94" compilation album, which includes the better half of this rare release. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Pawnz - Making The Move
(private, 1983)"With a sleeve looking like that, it has to be good.", I thought. "It's a privately pressed four track EP listed as hard rock/metal, it MUST be good!", I thought. And oh boy how wrong I was... This is plain old rock'n'roll, nothing more, nothing less. And it has saxophone in it. I won't buy something based solely on the cover ever again, I promise. And so, just like the distress signal emanating from LV-426, this review is posted here solely to serve as a warning. To never, EVER repeat the same mistake as I did. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Phenomenon - The Final Word / Ain’t No Doubt About It
(private, 1980)A relatively ordinary mid tempo metal rocker on the A-side hides somewhat of an oddity on the flip. Echo-laden, doomy, plodding, and with just enough weirdness to attract those who prefer their metal to be unique, interesting and unusual. Top it off with vocals almost reaching KING DIAMOND territory and you've got yourself a winner here. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Premonition - Glitter Girl
(private, 1980)The outro of "Glitter Girl" unabashedly copies the bridge from "Before the Kiss, a Redcap" and the very competently performed funk rock instrumental "So What" has Buck Dharma written all over it. So, odds are pretty low that these guys were influenced by BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Priscilla - Wake Up The Neighborhood / Love In Action
(Five Star Global Records, 1988)Second rate POISON or SKID ROW clones from Cleveland, OH. Featuring two ultra simplistic tracks revolving around the usual glam/sleaze subjects, containing little less than the chorus (about lovin' and partyin') repeated over and over. Prog fans in particular should stay well clear of this one! Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Prototype - One Of A Kind EP
(CBK Records, 1985)Whenever a record lists a band member solely responsible for playing keyboards, I know some people automatically frown, dismissing it to be just another cheesy slab of melodic hard rock. Not the case with this one! This is a great EP in the vein of NWOBHM stalwarts HAMMER or SARACEN, which means they keyboards support the music rather than overpowering it and you still get plenty of riffs, double bass drums and other assorted heavy metal goodness. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Psychic Warriors - Among The Ruins / Clinical Approach Nightmare
(Mystic Oak Records, 1980)This sure is a weird one. It does quite a good job of creating an eerie and almost ancient atmosphere, much thanks to dissonant guitar playing and strange lyrics. I recommend listening to the songs with your eyes closed for full effect, and if you're an open minded listener the songs can put you in a really strange mood afterwards! Imagine a concoction made with a teaspoon of "The End"-era THE DOORS lyrics, mixed with one cup CIRITH UNGOL vocals and a pinch of heavy 70's prog. No? Well you probably have to hear it to believe it. Not everyone will appreciate it either. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
