Megaforce rarities (well, mostly) compilation, with the title and content making it a clear successor to the 1985 From the Megavault LP (and even including 4 tracks originally on that release). Aside from the currently-ubiquitous Venom, Fate, and Overkill tracks, a surprising amount of the material here is still otherwise unreleased on CD. Excellent compilation overall, although looking back on it now, it's a sore reminder of how quickly Megaforce lost the plot.
Comes with a 24-panel foldout insert. One side has the "Metal Rap" lyrics, brief notes about each track, and a short chart listing the earliest independent Megaforce releases. The reverse has a collage of vintage Megaforce-related pics (helpfully numbered and indexed), and a reprint of an official complaint letter from the Township of Old Bridge, NJ to the Zazulas (letting bands on tour sleep and rehearse at their home was a zoning violation).
Testament (Legacy) - Burnt Offerings
Chuck's vocals on the album version have more of a genuinely menacing feel than Steve's sneering style, but Zetro does throw in some very pleasing OTT screams. Hard to pick an outright winner--the Testament version, while sharper and thrashier, seems more constricted; the demo version's guitar solo is oddly low in the mix.
Venom - Acid Queen
Classic Venom. On here due to licensing deals, in this case being Megaforce's Immortals of Metal #1 picture disc version of the "Die Hard"/"Acid Queen" EP.
Mercyful Fate - Black Masses
Incorrectly listed as "Black Funeral." I think this is actually a better choice than "Black Funeral" due to the catchiness of the wailing chorus coupled with those SUPER SUBTLE lyrics about infant sacrifice. GIMME SOME BABY BLOOD! As with the Venom track, Megaforce released a "Black Funeral"/"Black Masses" Immortals of Metal #2 picture disc EP.
Anthrax - Across the River/Howling Furies (Live Texas)
Always liked how "Across the River" suddenly throws in that Maiden-worship section in the middle. While I don't normally think of "Howling Furies" as one of my favorite tracks from the debut, it showcases some fine twin guitaring. Oh yeah, listen for Joey remarking "nice tits!" towards the end of the song. If the date is correct, Spreading the Disease wasn't even released, and they were already getting chicks at gigs? Chicks who flashed, no less? Amazing.
Lone Rager - Metal Rap
I intend to do a full post about the Lone Rager 12" shortly, so discussion of the actual music will wait until then. Just as a dorky novelty track, it probably should merit at least one listen in your lifetime, especially considering it's not actual rap music (c'mon, you owe it to The Rods). Whether it truly deserves a slot on this compilation is arguable, though it's not as much of a throwaway track as the S.O.D. contribution.
Hilariously, the liner notes here strongly hint that Lone Rager was some sort of groundbreaking rock/rap fusion that was ahead of its time. I'm surprised Jonny Z. didn't just throw a certain signee of his under the bus and take all the credit for inspiring "I'm the Man" and "Bring the Noise."
Blitzkrieg - Blitzkrieg
The ultimate version of this NWOBHM mega-classic, from the Buried Alive single. Especially after the last track, it's rather heartwarming to read in the notes that this was included because of its greatness and influence, not because Megaforce licensed it for a release.
Overkill - Sonic Reducer
One of the best punk-to-metal cover songs, though not particularly rare or desirable since it's included on virtually all later pressings of Feel the Fire.
TT Quick - Victims
From their '84 EP, which has yet to see any sort of reissue. This song (and the EP in general) are heavier and more in line with the early US metal scene than the band's later material. Avoids the more accessible rock influences and AC/DCisms of their first album, and far superior for it.
Raven - Take It Away (Live)
Taken from the Live at the Inferno sessions, but ironically better than anything on the actual album. Raven's best/second best song, forever jockeying for position with "Inquisitor."
S.O.D. - Ram It Up
Inferno cover, though I don't think it's identified as such anywhere on the CD. The Inferno version is quite punkish, whereas the cover has a thrashier/crossover feel and could easily pass as a S.O.D. original. Vocals sound better than those of the original. Included on some CD-reissues of Speak English or Die.
The Beast - Is This Life
The Beast - The Shape
2 of the band's 3 tracks from the excellent Born to Metalize comp., with a pre-Ripping Corpse (and pre-dental surgery) Scott Ruth on vocals. Solid traditional HM, though the omitted "Randall Flagg" is probably the strongest of their three tunes. "Is This Life" is more straightforward, while the creepy intro, Halloween-themed lyrics, and some Mercyful Fate-esque touches give "The Shape" a clear horror-tinged vibe.
For a long time this was the only material from Born to Metalize available on CD, but the Hades songs eventually appeared as bonus tracks on reissues.
M.O.D. - If The Shoe Fits
From the Gross Misconduct recording sessions. Similar to (and better than much of) the material on the album.
Exciter - Death Revenge
Unreleased track from the Violence & Force sessions. Another weird exclusion, as it would have been one of the best songs on the album. Resurrected for several of the band's 2010-2011 live shows. I thought for sure it would have been included on the Megaforce reissues of the early albums, but so far its only other CD appearance seems to be on a Brazilian reissue of Long Live the Loud.
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