2018:AN YEAR OF (CLASSIC) METAL on HARDROCKHEAVYMETAL!

After first two chapters about NWOBHM (https://www.hardrockheavymetal.info/single-post/2018/12/21/2018-AN-YEAR-OF-NWOBHM-on-HARDROCKHEAVYMETAL) and NWOTHM (https://www.hardrockheavymetal.info/single-post/2018/12/21/2018-AN-YEAR-OF-NWOTHM-on-HARDROCKHEAVYMETAL), now it's time for our highlights in #classicmetal scene; as usual..no charts! Fistly it was the year of Judas Priest 's with FIREPOWER, a real masterpiece just when Glenn Tipton was unable to play. A lot of news from USA with the long-awaited return of Fifth Angel with THIRD SECRET, really amazing but there was time also for ZAKK WYLDE and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY with GRIMMEST HITS, and for IMPELLITTERI, with THE NATURE OF THE BEAST. To remind THE HARVEST OF SOULS by THRUST, BY BLOOD SWORN by ROSS THE BOSS, and GOD DAMN EVIL by STRYPER, more compelling than aver, even though line-up problems. New great album also by RIOT V, with Todd Michael Hall in high gear, and by METAL CHURCH that, with DAMNED IF YOU DO, totally convinced us. CONTROLLED CHAOS is the new solo instrumental album by ALICE COOPER's guitarist NITA STRAUSS, a well-done job full of inspiration.

Also from USA, in more traditional/epic side to remind two single, by OMEN, with brilliant new singer Nikos Migus A., and by CIRITH UNGOL (for both of them we're in waitin for new full-lenght) and a collection of demos by DAVID T.CHASTAIN and MARK SHELTON, in memory of the last. From the epic/traditional side again great jobs from KRULL and BATTLEROAR while CRYSTAL VIPER was out with a great EP. Near USA, from Canada, this year starts with smart POUNDING THE PAVEMENT by ANVIL, while LOUDNESS keeps high the flag of the best classic japanese scene. Great live album for the 40th anniversary of dutch PICTURE , while in italy was the right time for smart STAY STEEL by Crying Steel and for the new album by powermetallers AIRBORN.

A lot of news from Germany with sparkling METAL OR DIE by MADHOUSE, new fancy album by STORMWITCH, the confirmation by PRIMAL FEAR, before new deal with NUCLEAR BLAST that opens several doors for the future, the eartquake U.D.O. with STEELFACTORY, the double FOREVER WARRIORS/FOREVER UNITED by Metal Queen DORO, the first by REVELATION STEEL and, last but not least, the amazing live SYMPHONIC TERROR by ACCEPT, last picture of the presence of Peter Baltes with the band.

Lastly, two great jobs in which was involved amazing Ronnie Romero , the third by Lords Of Black and great project Nozomu Wakai's Destinia.

#CLASSICMETAL