SIGNALS FROM MARS | HOUR ONE MUSIC DISCUSSION
During this episode of Signals From Mars, my Patrons join the show to discuss some hot topics in the world of hard rock and metal.
We discuss bands reforming, and which bands we’d like to see reform. Bands playing albums in their entirety, is it something that we enjoy? What makes a great metal radio show? Concept albums, love them, or loathe them? New singles from Mammoth WVH, and L.A. Guns.
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BANDS REFORMING
Reforming is a common trend among hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly those that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s. There are several reasons why bands choose to reform, including:
Financial incentives: A successful reunion tour can be very lucrative for a band, particularly if they haven’t played together in a long time and fans are eager to see them perform again.
Nostalgia: Many fans of hard rock and heavy metal music grew up listening to these bands and have fond memories of their music. Seeing a favorite band reunite can be a nostalgic experience for these fans.
Creative energy: Sometimes, after years of working on solo projects or with other bands, members of a disbanded hard rock or heavy metal group may feel the urge to come back together and create new music.
Legacy preservation: Some bands reform to preserve their legacy and ensure that their music continues to be heard by new generations of fans.
However, not all reunions are successful, and some bands may struggle to recapture the magic of their early years. Additionally, members of a band may have personal or creative differences that make it difficult to work together again. Ultimately, whether or not a hard rock or heavy metal band decides to reform depends on a variety of factors, including the individual preferences and priorities of the band members themselves.
PLAYING ALBUMS IN THEIR ENTIRETY
In recent years, hard rock and heavy metal bands have been revisiting some of their classic albums by performing them live in their entirety. This trend has been embraced by both fans and musicians alike, as it provides a unique and immersive experience for concertgoers and allows bands to showcase the depth and complexity of their albums.
One of the earliest examples of this trend can be traced back to 1999, when Iron Maiden performed their album “The Number of the Beast” in its entirety during their “Ed Hunter” tour. Since then, many other bands have followed suit, including Metallica, who played their 1986 album “Master of Puppets” in full during their 2006 European tour, and Slayer, who performed their landmark 1986 album “Reign in Blood” in its entirety during their 2004 tour.
One of the most notable examples of this trend is Pink Floyd’s 1979 album “The Wall,” which was brought to life on stage with a massive production featuring elaborate sets, projections, and pyrotechnics. The album’s story and themes were fully realized through this performance, making it a truly unforgettable experience for fans.
Another example is Tool’s 2001 album “Lateralus,” which the band played in its entirety during their 2017 tour. The album’s intricate and progressive nature was fully realized through this performance, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency and musical innovation.
Playing albums live in their entirety can also serve as a way for bands to celebrate anniversaries of their albums or to pay tribute to deceased band members. In 2010, Alice in Chains performed their album “Dirt” in its entirety in honor of their late lead singer Layne Staley, who had passed away eight years prior.
Overall, playing albums live in their entirety is a trend that has become increasingly popular in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, providing a unique and immersive experience for fans while allowing bands to fully realize the depth and complexity of their albums.
CONCEPT ALBUMS
There have been many famous hard rock and heavy metal concept albums throughout music history. A concept album is an album that tells a story or explores a particular theme, with each song contributing to the overall narrative.
Here are some examples of notable hard rock and heavy metal concept albums:
“Tommy” by The Who (1969) – This album tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy named Tommy who becomes a pinball wizard and a messianic figure. It is considered one of the first and most influential concept albums in rock music.
“The Wall” by Pink Floyd (1979) – This album explores the life of a rock star named Pink who builds a metaphorical wall around himself to cope with his emotional trauma. It is one of the best-selling and most iconic concept albums of all time.
“Operation: Mindcrime” by Queensrÿche (1988) – This album tells the story of a recovering drug addict named Nikki who becomes involved in a political conspiracy. It is often cited as one of the greatest concept albums in heavy metal history.
“Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” by Iron Maiden (1988) – This album explores themes of good and evil, with each song telling a different part of the story. It is considered one of Iron Maiden’s most ambitious and successful albums.
“Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory” by Dream Theater (1999) – This album tells the story of a man named Nicholas who experiences past-life regression and discovers a tragic love story. It is widely regarded as one of the best progressive metal concept albums ever made.
“American Idiot” by Green Day (2004) – This album tells the story of a character named Jesus of Suburbia who becomes disillusioned with modern society. It was a commercial and critical success, winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.
These are just a few examples of famous hard rock and heavy metal concept albums, but there are many more out there that have made an impact on the genre and music industry as a whole.
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