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.
Uforia - Out Of Control / I’m Coming To See You Tonight
(private, 1980)The more common single by this Cleveland act. Unfortunately this doesn’t serve as an incentive to go hunting for the second one, being filled with completely forgettable and way too simplified hard rock. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Uforia - Harley Rider's Worm Song / Cancer Causing Chemicals
(private, 19XX)Goofy hard rock similar to THROBBING WOLFPAK. What's interesting about this release is a) the obvious anti biker song on the a-side, serving as some sort of counter weight to all other motorcycle worshipping hard rock tunes out there. And b) "Cancer causing chemicals" must be one of the earliest examples of environmentally conscious rock, even with the obvious tongue in cheek delivery. Too bad both songs are about as bland as white toast with no butter, sheesh. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Unafraid - Streetlight Angels / You Know What I Mean
(Varulven, 1985)"Varulven" sure was an interesting name for a record label, meaning "Werewolf" in Swedish. I'm guessing this was a rather youthful band, as the sound is reminiscent of MITHRANDIR. High pitched, but very competent vocals, catchy choruses and plenty of good riffage throughout. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
