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I would say that the 3 volumes of Mexico's Avanzada Metalica compilations are worth listening. Explosuion Metalicas as well!

Here is a subject that is very near and dear to me. I think that compilation albums are far too often overlooked by collectors. They are a great, and often inexpensive, way to get rare and exclusive tracks by obscure bands.

The Metal Massacre series is not obscure of course, but Volumes 1 through 9 are absolutely essential. It’s worth noting that Volume 1 comes in two different versions with different tracks, and the most common version of Volume 9 (the CD split with Volume 8 ) does not include some of the best tracks. There’s a whole thread about this series in this forum.

For NWOBHM fans, there are a bunch of well-known comps that everyone should own. Heavy Metal Heroes I & II, Lead Weight, Metal for Muthas I & II, New Electric Warriors, One Take No Dubs, Roksnax, and Roxcalibur immediately come to mind.

Here are some non-NWOBHM recommendations:

Cleveland Metal: As roihlem mentioned, there are 2 Black Death exclusive tracks that more than make this an essential purchase. The rest is not bad either. Ohio's Breaker might not be as good as their Canadian namesakes, but they're still excellent.

Iron Tyrants: I bought this compilation primarily for the Deathslayer track, totally not expecting to be impressed by a band called Boss Tweed, but I was quite surprised by their song “Jacuzzi Murders”! Overall a good album, and I think every track is exclusive but I can’t remember right now.

Metalgon: The highlight track, Axemaster’s “Slave to the Blade”, is not exclusive but the rest of the album is and except for Triax it’s all good.

US Metal Vol. II: The whole series is worth getting but this is the one volume that stands out for me, mainly due to exclusive tracks from Exciter and Vixen (though I think both of these have been reissued as CD bonus tracks).

Possibly my favorite compilation is the infamous Death Metal LP on Noise Records. Exclusive tracks by Running Wild, Hellhammer, Helloween and an unknown band called Dark Avenger. What more could you need?

Oh my doG how could I forget to share this "Immortal" release?!?! Even the lurkers deserves a wiff of the ULTIMATE Swedish cult compilation, so here it is for everyone to marvel at: "Girls & Boys - Helge's 87"
HERINS...

Metalipeiklo wrote:

ancient tyranny wrote:Ultrametal "I" & "II" deserved to be mentioned here

I'd say "Ultrametal III", haha... it actually exists.

didn´t notice your post before, Ultrametal III??? Which bands are on this one?

i have so many fave compilations...one of my best is PACIFIC METAL PROJECT from washington.,the GREAT Heir Apparent in there is the most well known band i the compilation,but listen to the killer bands as MYTH ,Geoff tate"s first band,RANSOM with the killler "throw the stone",MANCHILD ,ARSON,and LOOK OUT"s epic "burning steel"!!Unfortunately their demo tracks has nothing to do with that masterpiece.and do not forget the doomy XINR ,such a great band ,anyone has more tracks of this band throw me a letter.
i also like SCENE OF THE CRIME for the great crossover epic anthems of the band TYRANT!!!!and for SPARTA of course the great "lords of time"
does anyone has the VALKYRIE"s song "cradle in the grave" from SEASIDE ROCK compilation??A NWOBHM compilation,anyone please let me know

Raw M.E.A.T. compilation comes to mind - a couple of them exists, I have the second one I think - underground Canadian metal!

Bands: Overthrow, Herrick, Mortal Annoyance, Varga, Leftovers, Angel Beast, Malhavoc, Kingsbane, Festered Corpse, Epileptic Brain Surgeons.

Skull Smash is one of my favorites. full of great obscure thrash bands. Killroy, Disarm, Riverge, Deathblow, and more famous ones like Raging Fury, Jurassic Jade, and Shell Shock.

Not to be confused with Skull Thrash Zone. another great VA LP by the same record company (Explosion).

Keir wrote:Possibly my favorite compilation is the infamous Death Metal LP on Noise Records. Exclusive tracks by Running Wild, Hellhammer, Helloween and an unknown band called Dark Avenger. What more could you need?

Yeah! & it's worth a fortune nowadays too!

DaN wrote:"Girls & Boys - Helge's 87"

Hooray! Thanks, DaN.

Korgüll wrote:

Keir wrote:Possibly my favorite compilation is the infamous Death Metal LP on Noise Records. Exclusive tracks by Running Wild, Hellhammer, Helloween and an unknown band called Dark Avenger. What more could you need?

Yeah! & it's worth a fortune nowadays too!

Really? I'm pretty sure I paid less than $40 for mine, and the censored version definitely sells for less than that.

Keir wrote:Really? I'm pretty sure I paid less than $40 for mine, and the censored version definitely sells for less than that.

Well according to the Goldmine Heavy Metal Price Guide (Martin Popoff), it's worth $75US in NM condition.
I've seen one recently for much, much more than that!

Yes, the censored re-issue one is much cheaper...

Korgüll wrote:

Keir wrote:Really? I'm pretty sure I paid less than $40 for mine, and the censored version definitely sells for less than that.

Well according to the Goldmine Heavy Metal Price Guide (Martin Popoff), it's worth $75US in NM condition.
I've seen one recently for much, much more than that!

Yes, the censored re-issue one is much cheaper...

I saw it for 50€ ex/ex condition few years ago. Front cover is surely a killer. I wouldn't waste time with censored version at all, hehe.

Korgüll wrote:

Keir wrote:Really? I'm pretty sure I paid less than $40 for mine, and the censored version definitely sells for less than that.

Well according to the Goldmine Heavy Metal Price Guide (Martin Popoff), it's worth $75US in NM condition.

He also lists Commander - High and Mighty at $30 NM, and the Taist of Iron LP at $45.

Noisenik wrote:I saw it for 50€ ex/ex condition few years ago. Front cover is surely a killer. I wouldn't waste time with censored version at all, hehe.

I disagree. The music is the same and I find that to be the most important thing. From what both of you are saying I must have got a good deal, but if I had to pay much more than I did I would have just bought the censored one.

@ Keir

which bands are featured on the Massachusets Metal you mentioned not so long in another thread?

Anyone knows the release year of compilation "Devil Must Be Driven Out with Devil" - compilation with (I think) only Jap. bands - Ghoul, United, Lip Cream, Saver Tiger, City Indian & Casbah.