Is there any mystery left in Olde Metal Hunting? A harsh question perhaps, but to the cynics and sceptics The Corroseum's answer will always be "Yes!" Plenty of features on this site will prove this point, often
dealing with artifacts possibly even more obscure than those presented below. Yet strangely enough, the
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.
Sabotage - Gentle Minds / You
(Espionage Records, 1982)Of all the RUSH clones out there, this is certainly one of the Rushest. Let's face it, we're almost up on TRYTAN levels of plagiarism here, with the exception that these guys from Cleveland, Ohio chose to copy "Hemispheres" instead of "Moving Pictures". They did tone down the progressive elements a bit (it's kinda hard to fit an 18 minute epic on a 7"), but also more than made up for it by adding some blistering guitar work. In fact, all members display top notch musicianship throughout, which really goes without saying considering the band they were trying to emulate. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Sacred Reign - Torn / Your Eyes
(Tombstone Records, 1988)I have good news and bad news. First the bad news. Unfortunately the sound quality on this single leaves a thing or two to be desired. As with every other release on the Tombstone label, it's recorded in mono only. The good news is that both tracks would not feel out of place at all if included on QUEENSRŸCHEs "Operation Mindcrime". Yes, they're THAT good! "Torn" in particular, is a stellar track with powerful riffing and soaring vocals straight out of The Geoff Tate School Of High Pitched Vocal Gymnastics. More bad news: It is also one of the rarest US metal singles out there. Less than a handful copies have surfaced. There are people who collect everything released on the Tombstone label who are completely unaware of this release, and some have doubted its' existence entirely. But it does exist, and it desperately needs a proper reissue with better sound quality! Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Salty Dog Band - Wandering Star / Atlanta Girls
(Triangle Records, 19XX)Hands up everyone who thought a band called "Salty Dog Band" would make it into this review project. No? Well shame on you, 'cause the a-side might give you a bit of a surprise. Despite the slightly too folksy chorus, "Wandering Star" is mean olde hard rock of purest fashion, almost in the same league as LUST from Texas. Shame the b-side sounds exactly like what a band with this name would sound like (which, in case you were wondering, means ordinary rock with a southern feel to it). Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Sanction - Are We Forever / Don't F**k With My Stuff
(Nite Records, 1987)Classic US power metal of the finest caliber combining soaring vocals and razor sharp riffs with a gruff no-nonsense attitude. For fans of the less epic songs from the first MANOWAR album. Both songs later appeared on the band's full length album, released on cassette only. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Scarum - Night Rider / Through The Looking Glass
(Magic Brimstone Collection, 1981)The last single from this MISTREATER off shoot, recorded after "Hell's Fire" but before the members went back and recorded the "Swami" LP. This peculiar slab of red vinyl continues on the same quirky, soothing, slightly mellow hard rock/metal path the band took off on when they still called themselves SCAREM. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Sharks - Have A Metal Christmas And A Heavy New Year
(private, 1983)Sharks continue with the same format as on their previous 45, coupling a cover song with an original number. This time it's the text from everyone's old favourite "Santa Claus Coming To Town" paired with the music from "Heading Out To The Highway" by JUDAS PRIEST. Just throw this on the vinyl player when your conservative uncle and grandma visit for Christmas - great fun for all! The b-side is a slightly glammy hard rock/metal hybrid which fits nicely in the LA scene the band was obviously part of. This was their last release before changing name to the slightly more recognisable SHARK ISLAND. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Shyzgifter - Edit It Out / To End To Begin
(private, 1982)This definitely is a weird one. "To End To Begin" sure is a mid tempo hard rocking, almost metal tune, with shrieking guitars and intense drumming. But it also wants to be something more. You can almost hear the progressiveness, just aching to burst out of those instruments. They want extended solos, dissonant chords, odd time signatures and excessively long epics.
And that's exactly what you get on "Edit It Out". Call it prog, call it "art rock", call it what you want. It's weird. But it's still pretty cool. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Silverhorse - Weariness / Lady Marian
(Thoroughbred Records, 1980)Put on your cowboy boots and hat, mount the nearest Mustang and sing along to what must be the best (and probably only) example of North American Animal Herder Hard Rock (NAAHHR)! Yes, this is a genre now, deal with it. This particular NAAAHR release features slick harmony vocals, decent guitar riffs, and no trace of country or western styled music whatsoever! I don't think these equestrian interested lads ever struck gold in Nashville, but who cares? Yeehaw! Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Sin - Damn The Preacher / Night Caller
(Caligula Records, 1985)This outfit basically sounds like a much less punky and much more hard rocky version of MISFITS. While this might seem like a good thing, I can't help to feel that some of the components on this little slab of naughtiness (which I'm certain is the theme the band was aiming for) aren't really acting in cooperation. The lyrics would definitely fit better if the music was heavier. And while it may have worked well for the Lodi, New Jersey crew, these guys from California only come off as sounding kinda goody. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Siren - Metro-Mercenary
(SIREN Music Publishing, 1984)No introductions necessary here, Siren have been a household name in the obscure leaning metal community for decades. But, being pro equality, they shall be judged just as any other band on this site. This, their debut, is somewhat less progressive and power metal oriented than their later efforts, a bit like the first HADES 45. Both songs are intricate, dark and they both rip, making this an essential piece in your collection. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Slammer - M.I.A. / Metal Anguish
(Sledgehammer, 1986)Glammy metal, your basic slightly-tougher-than WARRANT, WINGER or POISON group. I do have a problem with the singer sometimes sounding as if he's feeling sorry for himself. If this is what they were after, they'll get no sympathy from the metal community! Go start a goth band, ya fools! Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Slaughter Haüs 5 - Reckless Endangerment / More Than A Friend
(Latex Records, 1985)Judging by band photos from back in the day, these Seattle lads were probably aiming to be the next biggest thing since KISS. Musically they sound more like TKO, CRYSYS or even early era PANDEMONIUM, which means they deliver some form of tough back alley hard rock/metal hybrid packed with lots of attitude. Also, bonus points for taking their band name from the Kurt Vonnegut novel. Both songs on this single are included in a recent compilation, if you don't feel like paying up for an original copy. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Slicker - I'll Make It / Where Did The Boyzz Go
(Coba, 1984)Ultra obscure heavy metal 45 from the greater Chicago (IL) area. It's probably more likely that you'll find a live unicorn than a copy of this in the wild. Both songs contain riffs galore, but they're also slightly lacking in power to be able to claim that coveted "holy grail" title. Still, it's a worthy addition to every collection claiming to be top notch in the field. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Spoyld - Got News For You / Cigarettes And Whiskey
(Rock City Records, 1987)Glammy LA style Metal with a distinct POISON or MÖTLEY CRÜE vibe. Expect songs about boozin', partyin', smokin' and having a good time. The songs are not bad, especially the b-side is a worthy attempt (kinda) of emulating the feel of "Live Wire". But all in all, the band's just a tad too unoriginal (and a tad too late) to be of any greater interest. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Squadran - Fly Away / The Wall
(Crystal Records, 1979)Ever wondered what would happen if MOTORHEAD had recruited Barry Gibb of the BEE GEES to do vocals instead of Lemmy? Look no further than the b-side of this oddity! "The Wall" is basically the not-so-evil twin of "Overkill" with relentless bass drumming and razor guitars, paired with the above mentioned high falsetto vocals. A song so unique and ahead of its' time, it's hard to believe this was recorded in 1979! "Fly Away" ventures more into downer hard rock territory and while not bad in any way, it's completely overshadowed by the absolutely pummeling b-side. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Start - Let It Show / Can't Say No
(Respect Records, 1983)Clearly inspired by LED ZEPPELIN. Interestingly, the funky bass rhythms of "Let It Show" pays homage to "Trampled Under Foot", a rather peculiar choice when you consider the Zep's vast musical treasure trove. Ah well, at least they didn't choose "Boogie with Stu". Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Steeler - Cold Day In Hell / Take Her Down
(Ravage Records, 1982)One of the more well known bands featured in this project. After all, this is the outfit YNGWIE MALMSTEEN moved to the US to play in. But before all this happened, singer Ron Keel & CO released a privately pressed 45 which is completely void of over the top guitar gymnastics, thank God. Of the two tracks, only the a-side got rereleased on their debut LP. Fortunately, this original, much more straight forward version, is much preferable to the LP since it focuses on delivering raw heavy metal rather than a means to display complete mastery of the six string instrument. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Steffan Rodd - s/t EP
(Steffan Rodd Records, 1984)If there ever was a vocalist who'd give the microphone maniac in LAZER a run for his money, it'd have to be Mr. Rodd, whose over the top falsetto delivery borders on almost comical at times. Loopy throat acrobatics aside, this EP features two punky and fast songs, ("Shocker" and "Blow Your Face Off", the latter charging into proto speed metal territory) and two slower ones ("Airport Lady" and "Waste). The good thing is only one of them ("Waste") is a dud. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Sterling Cooke - Don't Need You Anymore / Tomorrow Never Knows
(E-S-P Records, 1982)Perhaps more known for his later stint in STERLING COOKE FORCE, singer and aspiring guitar hero Sterling Koch started out by doing his best to prove he's the JIMI HENDRIX of the 1980's. So don't expect the same metallic onslaught as on the "Full Force" album on Ebony records. Here, we're even treated with a BEATLES cover, although you'd be hard pressed to hear any similarities with the original. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Stormbringer - The Curse / Evil Mind
(private, 1984)The singer sounds like a raspier DIO, or perhaps even more like TYRANT (UK). The music has a slightly doomy feel, thanks in part to keyboards that give atmosphere without being at all cheesy. Does this sound like a good combination? Yes it does, and this very hard to find release is a superb example of great Canadian steel you should not have to live without. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Striker - Ready And Willing / Schemer
(Striker Records, 1982)Classic US Metal, without any attempts at straying too far from the “heavy metal 101” formula. Unfortunately both songs suffer from a much to loudly mixed snare drum, which sounds like it’s about to jump right out of your speakers and plant itself on top of your head. Still, most metal heads won't be disappointed with any of the songs, a rare example of "both sides killer no filler". Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Sybaris - Summers Gone / Running With The Rods
(Ram Records, 1986)Boring a-side ballad coupled with speedy, galloping metal track with a distinct rural, almost southern feel on the flip. The ballsy "Running With The Rods" more than makes up for the obvious mistake that is "Summers Gone". If only the band had been ballsy enough to forsake their radio airplay desires, and instead concentrated on rawkin' the house down. Oh well. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
Syprus - Bad News / 1999
(private, 1986)A power trio from Vernon, British Columbia, immediately kicking things off in pure highway lovin' fashion. "Bad News" simply makes for one hell of a driving song, even utilising keyboards to full effect without coming off as even remotely cheesy. Combined with an eerie echoing guitar sound, the song brings back memories of the NES Mega Man games of olde, but wrapped in a total heavy metal package. "1999" slows things down a notch, being more of a generic mid tempo hard rocker which isn't bad by any means but pales in comparison to its' a-side companion. Rating: - Rarity: - Country:
...and the mandatory, accompanying, downloadable CDR-samplers:
For comments, questions and critique praise of this guide, please visit the designated North-American Heavy Metal 7"s Guide-thread in the forum, or contact The Corroseum (all messages concerning this guide will be forwarded to Khnud)
