Brocas Helm - Defender of the Crown

[Mike]

Brocas Helm - Defender of the Crown (Eigenproduktion)
By Michael Ballue (Mike@hellridemusic.com)
July 28, 2004

http://www.hellridemusic.com/bands/b/brocashelm_cover.jpg It's been way too long since Brocas Helm's last LP 1988's Black Death. It and it's predecessor Into Battle are true metal classics from the days of yore. It's with good reason that these boys are highly valued by collectors, mentioned in the same breath as Manilla Road, and treated as conquering heros in parts of Europe. The Bay Area has long been a hot bed of support for the truly unique in metal from thrash's infancy to Blind Illusion to Lord Weird Slough Feg (who I think may have been a little influenced by Brocas Helm), so it's no surprise that this is where these guy's unique and twisted take on true metal hails from.

Defender of the Crown won't dissappoint the old fans either. With three tunes ("Drink and Drive", "Blood Machine" and "Helm's Deep") resurrected from 1989's Black Death demo and the new ones standing up well ("Skullfucker" and "Ghost Story" are great fully metal rockers and the title track is one of the best ever by this band), there's no let down anywhere on this disc. Those pounding charging metal rhythms, unique clear and true vocals and those glorious melodic "solo like riffing" guitars (done well by so few bands, Slough Feg and Maiden being a couple of others) up front.

The only possible complaint would be the production. And I say possible because despite it's musty and claustrophobic nature it has almost become a calling card for the band, and fits the weird haunted vibe of the material very well. I find myself caught between wondering what they could do with a full, powerful production and hoping they never change the sound.

It may not be for everyone, but if you love true metal, you need all this bands material, including this one. Where else can you get 15 tracks of non-stop, high quality old school head banging true metal that is blazingly unique and wonderfully familiar all at once?

http://www.hellridemusic.com/indeximages/skull_spot2.gifPurchase Defender of the Crown (http://www.hellridemusic.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?item_num=HM-1312) at the Hellride Music Superstore (http://www.smartcart.com/hellride/catalog/)

http://www.hellridemusic.com/indeximages/skull_spot2.gif Visit the Brocas Helm website at www.brocashelm.com

[theminio]

Teh gig Brocas Helm gave in Athens was probably the worst gig I've ever been to. I am still not sure which was worse, the band or the audience.

[Mike]

Wow! I'm stunned and amazed by that. I saw them in Frisco back in 88 and they were awesome. Maybe it doesn't work as well as a three piece as it did back then as a four piece. What was wrong with the band? the audience?

[Kevin]

Another fine mess o' verbiage from Grandmaster Mike. What's your take on this, Greg F?

[theminio]

Wow! I'm stunned and amazed by that. I saw them in Frisco back in 88 and they were awesome. Maybe it doesn't work as well as a three piece as it did back then as a four piece. What was wrong with the band? the audience?
I saw them in their first appearance in Greece on November 2001. So it's quite a big time interval since you saw them in Frisco. The sound was horrible, the band looked like they had not rehearsed for years.
About the audience, in Greece there is an unofficial circle of true epic metal fans, for which every band with battle/epic lyrics or influenced by Manowar enjoys God like status, wether it's a good band like Brocas Helm or Manilla Road, or clone bands that have no talent at all. All you need is a demo cover with a barbaric image of Conan and you become instantly a great cult band. So Iwas there watching Brocas Helm screw their own songs by their poor performance, but this made no difference to the audience, they could play "London Bridge is Falling Down" and the reactions would be the same. And this annoys me big time.

[Mike]

Hmmmm, I really hope these guys get some rehearsal time in then. Their material is awesome and they're great guys. I got to interview them back in the 80's and they were extremely cool and hospitible. Not only that but they used to run The Record Vault in San Francisco, which back in the mid 80's rivaled Shades as the coolest record store on the planet.

[Greg]

I didn't know they owned The Record Vault. I used to dream about making a trip out west to hang out there. I learn something new everyday. As always, thanks the info Mike.

[brocas]

Ok, let's clear up a few things.

We did not own the record vault, I used to work there - and it was a great store. Possibly the greatest I've ever known; all the locals mourned it's passing.

On practice: We practiced 3 hours a day, 4-5 days a week before the Athens gig. We were ready.

However, the day of the show, I had to drag both Bob and Jack off of their deathbeds to play, both were puking their guts out. So they need a little slack.

But if I played poorly, I did it all on my own, because I wasn't sick. And although we've done much much better in the past, I still don't feel it was quite as bad as you say it was....

Jim Schumacher

[benhogg]

I had the "Into Battle" cassette. I'm so fuckin cult. And old.

[ISEN TORR]

Well I think Theminio's opinions are full of shit to be honest. Sounds like a bunch of fucking sour grapes. BROCAS HELM are simply incredible, and as for you accusations of "The unnofficial circle of true epic metal fans" in Greece, well, i know alot of those guys and I think they are dedicated fans of the band and of that classic metal sound. If you hated it that much you should have left the fucking building.

Oh, and you can do better musically, then please, do so. Put your money where your mouth is neighbour instead of talking shit.

[merlot brougham]

Well I think Theminio's opinions are full of shit to be honest. Sounds like a bunch of fucking sour grapes. BROCAS HELM are simply incredible, and as for you accusations of "The unnofficial circle of true epic metal fans" in Greece, well, i know alot of those guys and I think they are dedicated fans of the band and of that classic metal sound. If you hated it that much you should have left the fucking building.

Oh, and you can do better musically, then please, do so. Put your money where your mouth is neighbour instead of talking shit.

Themis gave his opinion and whether you like it or not he is entitled to do so. As a matter of fact on this site we encourage it. He was there, you weren't and even a band member confirmed that they had an off night. So if you want to be a dick and get personal fuck off we don't want you here.

[ISEN TORR]

Sorry, but by your tone I can gather you know absolutely everything about me......or something. Well, I was there actually. And what a great show it was. Worth every damn penny I spent getting there. The general tone was in Therminio's post exceptionally derisive both to Brocas Helm and the Greek underground scene. His lack of reply by himself at this moment speaks volumes.

And as for opinions, I'm entitled to mine whether YOU like it or not. If you have a problem with that, then bury your head in the sand and pretend people like me don't exist. Until any of you actually pick up a guitar and go through the hard work a band like BH has, then you are purely armchair critics. Whether Jim says they were below par or not, they are still musically superior to 99.999% of all known bands. Live with it.

Norway? Yeah. Right. The intelligence and wit of that comment was biblical in proportion. Well done. No, really, well done......................

[Cripbast]

I bought the Brocas Helm demo at the Record Vault in the 80's along with Death Angel's Ultraviolence demo and a bunch of killer shirts like: Satan - Court In the Act, Oz-Fire In the Brain etc. I'm one of those ultra cult old fuckers too.

[Chris]

To be fair, Themis is on holiday for two weeks. He's not one to run from argument.

[Moondog303]

Unfortunately, I have never listened to Brocas Helm.

:evil:

[ISEN TORR]

Chris. I honestly cannot be bothered anymore. With ill thought out comments like that from the "writers" it seems a piss poor way to promote underground metal. No wonder the scene is going to the dogs.....I'm still clutching my ribs from laughing too hard at the Norway comment.

Rich.

[merlot brougham]

Look, I'll let Themis defend his comments on his own. He doesn't need me or anyone else to jump to his defense. It was a dickhead move to get all personal on his comments however. Stick to the facts and forget the name calling.

This "Norway comment" was not intended for you personally. It is called a "signature" and shows up at the bottom of all my posts unless I change it to something else. And as a matter of fact it is a quote from a guy who picks up a guitar and works his ass off to provide us fans with great metal. He's in a band called Lair of the Minotaur, check'em out. As for me, I'll forget the guitar and continue to pick up my drum sticks.

[Chris]

I love the internet. We can argue about all sorts of crap. It's a great deversion while the world goes to fuck around us.

[Reverend Odd]

Hmm, I wish I was where Themis is now! On the other hand I am just watching Olympia! :D

Edit: Schreibgammel! Cannot write properly!

[Moondog303]

Lair of the Minotaur is an excellent band!

:evil:

[ISEN TORR]

[QUOTE=merlot brougham]Stick to the facts and forget the name calling.QUOTE]

Yes why don't you, If you continue to provoke an argument and then cry like a spoiled fucking brat I can only assume you are an utter penis. It certainly was a "Dickhead" move to criticise the several hundred die hard metal heads in Athens too.

[merlot brougham]

Dear Mr. Dickhead,

When did I cry like a spoiled fucking brat?

Sincerely,
Mr. Utter Penis

[daniel]

You know what Merlot, I never had any Brocas Helm until a certain Mr Isen Torr did me a tape of "Black Death", and that is a fucking classic through and through! I will admit I am never overly enthusiastic when old bands get back together but that doesn`t mean things cannot turn out good. I haven`t heard this new album, which I would like to, but it is rather obvious how true this band is since they are still going strong(and not trying to be anything else than they always were). As for the CONSTANT comments all over the internet of how everyone is entitled to their opinions, well why the fuck are they always directed at people who are doing just that, giving an opinion, can`t you see the utter contradiction in your statement??!!

[merlot brougham]

Look, I've never even HEARD Brocas Helm so that has nothing to do with me. I have and will continue to criticize those whose criticism is a personal attack/insult. Stick to the facts, give your opinion but don't call them names. I honestly wish I had never said anything but Themis is a person whose content keeps this website going. His devotion to the music should never be in doubt and that is the only reason why I said anything.

We really need to maybe think more about the old adage (myself included), "If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all." And I am not referring to honest criticism.

So go ahead and search my old posts to see where I don't hold true to that (I know I did in the past to something you posted Daniel) but I constantly am trying to better myself and encourage honest criticism.

[Mike]

I think Merlot nailed it on the head there. Opinions are always o.k. as are strongly stated contrary opinions, but personal attacks are where it crosses the line (and I've been guilty of that myself, way over reacting to an opinion about Motorhead, my apologies for that).

On a side note, Merlot's complete deflation of the flame power of those who personally attack him through self depricatingly co-opting their ammunition is near genius, and I can say that...... he got me good on that Motorhead thing.

So basically, please come out strong in support of or in opposition to opinions, just not people.

[Moondog303]

I second that!

:evil:

[ISEN TORR]

I think Merlot nailed it on the head there. Opinions are always o.k. as are strongly stated contrary opinions, but personal attacks are where it crosses the line (and I've been guilty of that myself, way over reacting to an opinion about Motorhead, my apologies for that).

On a side note, Merlot's complete deflation of the flame power of those who personally attack him through self depricatingly co-opting their ammunition is near genius, and I can say that...... he got me good on that Motorhead thing.

So basically, please come out strong in support of or in opposition to opinions, just not people.

Then what is Themis attack on the Greek metal scene in Athens? A "Friendly" jibe? Am I missing something here? I dont think so. According to Herr Brougham, I am a dickhead. So whats that? Enlighten me. Has he the right to stoop to name calling because he is a "writer"?

The level of hypocrisy here is incredible, he's never even fucking heard Brocas Helm, yet wonders why someone might want to defend them. How utterly fantastic, he wonders why I accuse him of crying, just read his posts! Damn, If I didn't know better I'd say this guy is a wind up merchant.

The problem here is certain "writers" getting their over inflated ego's deflated by some home truths. The internet sadly gives a sense of power to them in been able to deliver their opinions to a broader spectrum of individuals. however I might suggest they tone it down a little in future. Its all well and good writing some ill concieved nonsense on a message board, but bringing a band halfway around the world for a gig like Greg Varsamis in Athens did, or getting off your aerse like said band did, in my book constitutes a basis for genuine respect. Not some title under a name on a messageboard that says "Writer".

[merlot brougham]

Am I crying? Did I resort to name calling only after you did? Yes I have been hypocritical at times but I think the difference is that I try to rise above it.

But seriously dude, let's just drop it. This has gone way too far already. I already said I totally respect your opinion if you drop the insults.

[ISEN TORR]

Errr, sorry. You started the insults. I only Said his opinions were "FULL OF SHIT". A statement of fact. Really. Go back and read the posts again.

[powerofhate]

brocas helm rule thay are a killer metal band its as simple as that!!they make the long trip to greece to play a gig with two members of the band ill and get slagged off by a "writer".maybe he should of checked the facts before making his thoughts known here.a lot of people put a lot of effort to get the guys to greece and should be hailed for it not put down.
i.m amazed brocas helm got reviewed here as they would not be a hellride kind of band .

[Greg]

i.m amazed brocas helm got reviewed here as they would not be a hellride kind of band .

That would be incorrect. Brocas Helm kicks ass.

I come up with these ridiculous 'dream tours' all the time containing bands of the past and a cool one would have been Brocas Helm, Attacker and Sacred Oath. Oh well, carry on and go back to the fighting.

[Chris]

i.m amazed brocas helm got reviewed here as they would not be a hellride kind of band .

They aren't?? We review/interview classic metal bands all the time and I carry a good amount of NWOBHM and NWOBHM-influenced bands in the store. Morningstar just got the interview treatment a couple of weeks ago.

[merlot brougham]

Isen Torr, fair enough, I misread your post and I apologize. I'm going to go bury my head in the sand now. However, don't think that I or any other "Hellride Staff Writers" make assumptions, moderate or try to impose our thoughts or wills on anyone simply because of that title. I write a few reviews and Chris gave me that title because he generally likes to read them. It don't mean shit in the grand scheme of things and I assure you that with or without that "title" I would act like a dick. I hold the opinions of non-writers just as highly as writers around here. I feel very strongly that I speak for everyone of the regulars around here when I say that. Except for my opinion which no one respects at all.

Speaking of which, Themis's remarks are an opinion, your reaction that his opinion is "full of shit" IS AN OPINION, not a fact.

I never want to go to Greece now.

[Mike]

I'm with Chris and Greg on this, Brocas Helm is definitely Hellride material, and a band that a lot here might love that haven't heard them. Between this review, the Abdullah demo 2003 "not doom" controversy and at least one other (which one skips my mind at the moment), I seem to have a very unintended ability to stir up shit storms with reviews. I'm gonna hope that I get relieved of that unnatural ability real soon.

[master of doom]

Oh come on,just admit you all love a good flame war now and then!!!
Come to think of it,why not offer Daniel a 'job' as Staff Writer?That would surely heat things up around here!!!

[Chris]

I don't think he'd accept. We aren't TR00 enough.

[master of doom]

I know you're not,but still,he would make a worthy addition to the staff me thinks!

[Chris]

That would be very KVLT. Dan, consider this an open invitation.

[master of doom]

Ok,let's see what will happen shall we?Hehehe...should be interesting to see the outcome of this...

[Chris]

You're a writer too, aren't you my TR00 friend? I'd love to get some of your stuff in here too. I won't pay you so you don't have to feel like you sold out or anything... ;)

[Mike]

I'm glad to see Daniel and Master of Doom back! I think it would be great to have either, or both, on board as writers. As someone implied earlier in this thread, being a writer DOES NOT make one above others. I see it as just a committment to contribute regularly, beyond just posting comments, with reviews, interviews and stuff like that. I think we could use some hard line old schoolers in those departments and by doing that and letting people get a more in depth view of their musical passions and beliefs, I think their occassional hard line posts would be a lot more warmly received than they may have been in the past. That said, I know that Master of Doom already contributes a lot of writing in his stellar zine Reflections of Doom, maybe Daniel writes elsewhere also, so understandable if they can't.

[Chris]

I'm all for diversity of opinion. As long as it doesn't resort to general fucktardness.

[Chris]

I just called Dan to see about this. I got this very polite message on his machine.

"Hello, this is Daniel. I'm sorry I can't get to your call right now, but I'm out slaying false doom. Please leave a message after the beep and I'll get back to you as soon as I can".

It was nutty.

[master of doom]

Hahahah...now ain't that the spirit?!?

Anyway,about the offer...well that ain't exactly what I had in mind...fuck,came round and bit me in the ass didn't it...seems to happen to me quite often lately!
Well,I'll give it a tought for sure...just let me sleep on it for a night ok?

[Chris]

Sure, I'd be proud to have what ever you can offer. We have our differences of opinion, but your knowledge and insight into the genre remains unparalleled. And you can write, a big plus. ;)

[ISEN TORR]

Speaking of which, Themis's remarks are an opinion, your reaction that his opinion is "full of shit" IS AN OPINION, not a fact.



Sorry but it is Fact, for your information you can hear the evidence on the mighty BROCAS HELM - "Black death in Athens" LP released by EAT METAL records. A recording of that very show. There, it is plain to hear, we are listening to masters of their instruments. No band in their right minds would release an album of piss poor performance.

I appreciate you conceed defeat in this argument, and are man enough to admit you are wrong. I hope you will in future think before replying. I have wasted valuble time replying to this, time I could have better spent consuming lager and listening to metal.

[merlot brougham]

Sorry but it is Fact, for your information you can hear the evidence on the mighty BROCAS HELM - "Black death in Athens" LP released by EAT METAL records. A recording of that very show. There, it is plain to hear, we are listening to masters of their instruments. No band in their right minds would release an album of piss poor performance.

I appreciate you conceed defeat in this argument, and are man enough to admit you are wrong. I hope you will in future think before replying. I have wasted valuble time replying to this, time I could have better spent consuming lager and listening to metal.

Look, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Live it was Themis's trash and your treasure. No right, no wrong, just gut feeling.

I'm not speaking of this one release in particular but your reasoning is flawed anyway. How much shit is flooded on to the market and unwitting listeners grab it up only to realise it is shit. How many bands think that what they are releasing is good and they sell millions of copies and we both know it is shit (ex. Linkin Park)? By your reasoning those people would have the right to say we are wrong and have more of a leg to stand on simply because they have numbers. You can put that reasoning into multiple scenarios and it is flawed in every one. The only way to resolve it is for you to do a formal review of this release.

As for me, I think before every reply and I usually think, "How much should I fuck with this person?" How dare you insinuate that I don't. I feel sorry for your poor time management skills as well. I just replied to your message while listening to metal and drinking lager. You Euros sure are lazy sometimes.

[Chris]

I am throughly entertained by this thread.

[Mike]

I'm fluctuating between entertained and saddened. I hope the initial point of the thread isn't lost in the conflict. I wasn't at the show and haven't heard the LP so I can't comment on that. I just hope that people are reading the initial review and noting it and the other comments about classic past releases like the immense "Black Death" and "Into Battle". Regardless of that particular show this band is awesome.

[master of doom]

Judging by the 'Black Death in Athens' lp they did play a stormer of a show there...there are a few mistakes to be heard throughout the band's set,but this is an honest live recording,no dubs,no nothing...how many bands out there do you know that have the balls to release a live recording in it's original state?

Brocas Helm is a killer band that continues to play the music THEY love without kneeling to the temptations of selling out...for that alone they should be Hailed as True Metal Warriors!!!

And all 3 of their albums simply slay...fucking metal in it's purest and rawest form!!!

[Moondog303]

This thread had been something else! Again, I am sad to say I have never heard any of Brocas Helm's releases!

:evil:

[Reverend Odd]

And I am sad that I did not make it to HOA this year!

[master of doom]

You're not the only one Oddy...oh well,there's still KIT3 to look forward to...Tyrants Reign,Hallows Eve,Helstar,Repent,Jaguar,Witchfynde,Sacred Steel,...damn this is going to be good!!!!

[Reverend Odd]

Yeah! If I can make it! But Jaguar an Witchfynde (witrh Beltz I hope) would be great so see live! Don´t know much about the others apart from Sacred Steel!

[master of doom]

Tyrants Reign are going to crush...marks my words,this is even going to be better than Attacker at the previous fest!!!
And damn man,be sure to check out Hallows Eve (Tales of Terror) and Helstar (Burning Star and Remnants of War are nothing less than milestones in metal history!)...I'm also looking forward to Repent,I've had the advance to their new album for a number of months and it is fantastic old school bay area influenced thrash!!!

[Reverend Odd]

Okay!

[Mike]

I'll second that om Helstar! Great stuff and really cool guys also, I got the priveledge of interviewing them back in the 80's. I'm thinking that Chris is going to need to start a True Metal Forum also!

[ISEN TORR]

How dare you insinuate that I don't. .

I dare because I can. Stop crying Merlot, your blubbering like a schoolgirl my good man. You are wrong with a capital W. To continue this argument is foolhardy of you and not chivalrous at all, especially as I have been the gracious victor and accepted your defeat with good humour.

I don't care about Linkin Park, I only know the name and that they are five Kunts in sports clothes. That alone is enough for me to justify sending them to the gas chambers. The point in question, which has been confirmed by MASTER OF DOOM is that the LP testifies that this was a near perfect performance.

If you would like to hear this yourself, i can sell you a copy. Time management is an Amerikaan invention to justify running around like headless chickens in a slaughterhouse.

[merlot brougham]

Now, for a fact and not an insult, I can say that you are genuinely a fucking asshole. If retard baiting were a sport I would win a gold medal. Wake up loser! This is an INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD. Not an ancient battlefield. Douche hydrant. Time management and multi-tasking would be skills you may want to consider learning. Then maybe you could make a point and not be an asshole all at once. That's it, I'm never viewing this thread again and you have officially made me never want to hear Brocas Helm.

I'm definitely never going to Greece now.

[ISEN TORR]

As I suspected all along, you are a churlish ignorant fool with virtually no intelligence whatsover. You resort as always to petty name calling.
I am afraid the only retard is you. Your refusal to accept the facts as they are presented to you makes you seem retarded. I bet you think the earth is flat too, and that leeches are a good cure for all manner of ailments!
Off to the dungeon with you Merlot!!

[Moondog303]

Hey Isen, put that disc on cd and I will review it fairly. I have never listened to Brocas Helm, so it would be a first to me.

:evil:

[ISEN TORR]

I am afraid Master Moondog that I cannot. It is a vinyl only release (And this is of course the choice of champions).

Perchance Sir Schumacher of BROCAS HELM may be contacted for a copy in the US, and of course their rather excellent new opus too "DEFENDER OF THE CROWN" which in my opinion is the release of the year. Only the new IRONSWORD and WOTAN albums come close.

[Moondog303]

How does one contact him? I have read this thread from the beginning. I would like to review some Brocas Helm and also judge for myself.

As for vinyl only, surely you could rip mp3's from it and burn it. Unfortunately, I haven't had a turntable in 15 years. I will have to remedy that someday.

:evil:

[ISEN TORR]

http://www.brocashelm.com

A cassette of the live LP is possible. Depending on your location....

[powerofhate]

i,m of the opinion that this a stoner and false doom forum? :laugh:

[theminio]

Isen Torr first off FUCK OFF :flipoff: . Secondly, if you are Greek let's discuss things up close, you can find me at Rockstar Records every Saturday morning, (bring your battle axe with you, I'll stick it up your true epic ass) or if you know Gregory from Eat Metal or Kwstas Kaliazis then he can give you my phone number and we'll discuss things.

Also, don't play the tough guy and insult Merlot behind the safety of your monitor, come and say the things you say to Merlot in my face and then we'll see who we'll be crying afterwards.

You are the typical, idiot I was reffering. I have the Wotan CDr for 2 months from my good friend Kostas Kaliazis who is the Greek Wotan Fan Club owner. It is a good album but it has SO many Manowar copies it sometimes becomes annoying. An example is “Innoxia” the riff of which is identical to “Blood Of My Enemies”.

BTW Isen Torr I when I was listening to Into Battle and Black Death (yes I am reffering to the era you needed to send hidden money to the US to get a copy of such albums, with 50% chances of getting them) you were listening to you mother's lullabies, so don't give me lessons of how good a band BH are, I love them and that's the reason I went to their concert. But I didn't like it (like MANY others), so what? If you liked it, then good for you. Also, any reply you have to make, you know know where to find me, come say it face to face.

To Chris Barnes: Chris, sorry for the low level that this guy had dragged me to, but it was not so great returning from holidays and finding 5 pages of posts about me, just because I though a concert was bad. He made it personal so I couldn't resist.

[ISEN TORR]

You my inbred friend are the typical so called "Writer" I was referring to. I seriously doubt you were listening to BROCAS HELM before me, since I'm probably 10 years your senior, and any time you want a fist fight little man, just call me, you'll shitting your teeth for weeks to come.

And, I'm not Greek you halfwit, ENGLANDER!! So now you know were to find me, you can find me in various pubs in Huddersfield on a Saturday night. Now, who's been the tough guy eh? I'm offering you a fight...fucking idiot.Who's been tough now eh? Your the other side of Europe, it's pretty easy to "Ask me for a fight" when you know as such. I'll wager you'd think twice in person little man. Shut the fuck up, and either pick up a guitar yourself, or get out of the way.


Chris : Sorry if this is the sort of idiot you think of as a "Writer" then there is little hope indeed.

[ISEN TORR]

Metal Invader ? ANAL INVADER!

[daniel]

I think it`s quite funny you`re insulting Rich in this way Themis, nothing you produce could ever come close to the mighty Solstice, and there is no way in fuck you`ve done more for metal than Rich, further it`s quite insanely laughable that you think you`d take him out in a fist fight! Though such a duel would be great entertainment.

[Moondog303]

A cassette of the live LP is possible. Depending on your location....

I have wrote them! Thanks for the link Rich!

:evil:

[ISEN TORR]

You are welcome Master Moondog. If only all writers adhered to your politeness and enthusiasm it would be easier for all concerned.
Daniel, I'll get the videocam ready should Themis decide to come and stick something up my "true epic ass". Though I'll wager it will be his dick he'll be trying to stick there. I shall valiantly rip it off and insert it into his own mouth and see how much shit he talks then....

[theminio]

First, since you are English and I am Greek then we'll never meet so your threats are pointless.

Second, I am really disapointed you were in Solstice a band I had some respect for.

Third, I can't waste anymore time with people who post only to destroy threads, so I will finish as I started and never bother again with you no matter how much more you insult me (BTW you can email me directly so that the Hellride forums do not suffer more from your idiocy, my email is up there on the site).

Finally, your problems with me should not involve Metal Invader. Metal Invader is not my property, it has a 9 year course, 1995-2001 as a printed magazine, and the reason it is not available in print anymore is that we prefered to support the underground, putting Solitude Aeturnus on the cover when others prefered to play safe and put Metallica on the cover. And the actual reason we dropped it is because the publishers decided to turn it more mainstream, but we refused (and that took balls because about 5 people that were working full time there, including our chief editor, were left without a job). So confine your future comments towards me and not towards Metal Invader.

[Moondog303]

You are welcome Master Moondog. If only all writers adhered to your politeness and enthusiasm it would be easier for all concerned.

I try to be polite and halfway enthusiastic. I am here to review, post and of course learn and hear new music and generally have a good time.

[ISEN TORR]

"First, since you are English and I am Greek then we'll never meet so your threats are pointless."

No. You threatened me FIRST. Like Merlot, go back and read the posts. If you can't stand the heat, move away from the damn inferno.

"Second, I am really disapointed you were in Solstice a band I had some respect for"

Don't be dissapointed. I'm still in SOLSTICE - Huzzah!! Or were you dissapointed I was a member of SOLSTICE? Explain yourself.....

"Third, I can't waste anymore time with people who post only to destroy threads"

I'm not "Destroying" the thread, I'm only correcting your mistakes. If you have a problem with this harsh reality of life, then find a hobby like stamp collecting or something. I'm not trying to insult you at all, but If you write the shit you did expect to get it back.

Right, to the dungeon with you Themis...you can join Merlot and both ponder your sins in the dark....

[Mike]

I once heard Brocas Helm described as "Battle Metal", and now strangely a review of them has led to a battle amongst metal heads!

Really if you take a step back from it, this is true infighting. A very differing opinion of one show by a band that most on this thread (including the main brawlers) love, and taking things to a personal level have got a little out of hand. I'm encouraging all parties to take a step back and re-read the thread objectively. Outside of the different opinions of that one show, everyone agrees that everyone is entitled to an opinion and others don't have to agree with it. Most if not all have expressed a love of true metal. This has really broken down to a trading of personal insults. Is your energy best spent in prideful squabbles with your brothers?

It's a small brotherhood, where passions run high, so sparks are going to fly, but save the serious malevolence for the Nu-Metallers shall we? I could really picture all involved here, happily involved in the sharing of metal knowledge and lore and appreciating each other's brotherhood. Raise a pint to your brother, not your fist! (but make mine a pint of coffee, or we'll be learning a whole new depth to chaos and violence round here ;))

[lordofslumber]

First, since you are English and I am Greek then we'll never meet so your threats are pointless.

Backpedal! First you make a fight, then you perhaps get an inkling of who you're talking to then turn and run.... Really cool. :cheerup: It'll be okay man.

Mike: what's going on here, really is a battle who decides what's what in the all too small metal underground. People who just think its all some big joke - like the guy in Lair of the Minotaur, a band that I will now never work with, ever because of that stupid remark. A marginal act, but one I pushed to get on Templars of Doom.... Confirming all I think about that whole sect of the 'metal' underground, they now can fuck right off.

And then the other segment of the metal underground, that actually really *likes* metal... and doesn't think that it's all some kind of joke; that doesn't laugh at a bunch of 'old' guys still into the things that they were into when they were young. You and I have seen this sort of cynical horse crap time and again, cooler than thou types who continually try to cling to heavy metal, but yet, at the same time keep it at a distance, because it would mean actually standing up with people who they think of as geeks and losers. This begs the question: why would they bother? If they don't like it then they should get out.

Chris: How does it feel to be Rick from Casablanca? Hahaha, I haven't figured out who's who yet... but I know for one fact that this place is a neutral zone. Cheers for keeping it up and running....

Rich: Ale and Kill!
Jean: Crusade \m/
Daniel: become a staff writer here... it would be a good move!!!!

In Doom,
Karl

[Peter Vicar]

As promised elsewhere, this was an entertaining thread... all hail C.O.T.D.!!! Herr Walker... once again thank you for the verbal fireworks, so much more comprehensible when written down, haha! And Chris... give the writer status to Daniel if he just feels like it, oh yes, down with the false doom indeed...

Doom what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law

[La Tray]

I'll fight all of you, by Crom, and I don't care what bands you're in because I have never heard of any of them.

[ISEN TORR]

Sabre's at dawn it is! Who will act as your second?

[La Tray]

Subotai, Thief and Archer. He's Hyrkanian, you know.

[Tito Brown]

I'm typically behind La Tray.

[La Tray]

I'm typically behind La Tray.

Not a good place to be, Tito, considering what I had for lunch. But thanks. . . .

[ISEN TORR]

He's Hyrkanian, you know.

Is that contagious or does he have some ointment for it now?

[Chris]

Chris: How does it feel to be Rick from Casablanca? Hahaha, I haven't figured out who's who yet... but I know for one fact that this place is a neutral zone. Cheers for keeping it up and running....


I remember the days of tranquil and easy-going posts, casual discussion providing diversion and respite from a hostile world. But now the rest of the world has caught up to Hellride, and I tune my fiddle as I watch the whole motherfucker burn.

[Moondog303]

Subotai, Thief and Archer. He's Hyrkanian, you know.
You better get a Poitainian or Zingarian.

:cheers: :evil:

[Chris]

Now in stock: http://www.smartcart.com/hellride/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=HM-1312

You know, if you Google "Brocas Helm" this thread comes up first? Amazing.

[brocas]

This is great.

I'm enjoying the hell out of this.

An artist is someone who provokes a response in a person, no matter what that response is.

And I'll tell you: I like this kind of thing a lot better than the standard Politically Correct everybody kiss everybody's ass style that you'll see in most magazines and websites.

There's a lot more honor in honesty.

And I feel anyone has the right to say what they feel, and I'll defend that right.

But I also want to thank you guys for the defense, especially Rich. We still need to do a show together - Rowena's trying to get us to Ireland; maybe then.

Anyway, metal is based on passion, and that's what this is all about - so I think something must be going right around here. Just keep in on paper, I don't want any blood spilled defending me.

Good arguments on both sides, though. I commend you all.

But *I* will defend the Greeks. They're the greatest metal fans I've ever seen. They're the Lost Boys of Music, and I hope they never grow up.

[Peter Vicar]

Oh, I just want to make it clear that my comment was not to imply that any of the participants of this argument are supporters of false doom (and we have Daniel, Jean and Richard here to strike the idiocy down anyway).

Themis from Hellas has given us good support earlier and is a decent bloke, but he'd better watch who he starts to argue with... oh well... only Metal is real!

[ISEN TORR]

Well, thanks for everyone who took part in this debate. It was unusually invogorating. Thanks also to Themis who was man enough to PM me, and better explain his position.

But most of all, thankyou to Mr J.Schumacher, Mr B. Wright and to Mr J.Hayes for inspiring me. I feel it is only fair to post my own review originally from the MISKATONIC forum of "Defender of the crown". And Jim, we shall meet soon, as between myelf and Rowena we will organise some Irish/UK dates. Hails!!

On with the review :

"The name rolls of your tongue like some archaic incantation, say it over and over again in a low voice, steadily building up speed and working yourself into a battle fury, then finally in a mad bloodrush you succumb and in a storm of steel bang your head for the metal gods themselves!!

Crom!

Verily, i say to you all, this, the 3rd attack by US metal legends BROCAS HELM is the musical equivalent of been rode over by armoured knights!! It has been in truth 16 years since the bands last full length opus, and of course in those long years we were blessed with two incredible 7"s, but it was never enough! Now finally, holding "DEFENDER OF THE CROWN" in my hands, and repeatedly listening back to the hymns herein I can truly say that life is sometimes good. Opening with the astounding fretboard tapping by both bass and lead guitars of CRY OF THE BANSHEE I am instantly compelled to adorn myself in steel, take arms and seek out every last fucking miserable false metal bastard and split their fucking heads open. A vicious, whirling dervish of metallic madness, crushing riffs, incredible rhythms, scorching soloing!! Then straight into the title track DEFENDER OF THE CROWN, I am taken back to times ancient, riding down enemies, bringing down a warhammer and crushing their spinal columns. What is happening to me? BROCAS HELM, thats what. No band inspires me more. Not MAIDEN, not SABBATH, no one. BROCAS HELM is the perfect and ultimate metal killing machine, and listening to their records which are full of feeling, atmosphere and finely honed songs is one of the greatest experiances for any metalhead.

SKULLFUCKER does exactly as it says,and we already all heard this on the 7", whilst following on is a pretty old song DRINK AND DRIVE, with its older feel which actually makes it stand out amongst the others as I feel this is closer to the "INTO BATTLE" LP material than the later songs. BLOOD MACHINE, WAR TOONS, JUGGERNOUGHT, TIME OF THE DARK & GHOST STORY all appeared on various demo's/7"s and are presented here collected together with 7 new songs, and although I could have wished for 7 new compositions to go with these, the inclusion of the older numbers is welcome.

The likes of HELM's DEEP, NEVER KISSED GOODBYE, PERSIAN GULF, CHILDREN OF THE NOVA DAWN and DRINK THE BLOOD OF THE PRIEST (Another old finally recorded tune) are worth ten times their weight (Which is HEAVY) in platinum...incredible. If BROCAS HELM are to be accused of anything, it could only be making big name bands like ICED EARTH, NEVERMORE, HAMMERFALL etc look like the tired washed up turgid crap they are that masquerades as classic metal. This is timeless stuff, but only the real metal fans will ever know the true musical glory of BROCAS HELM. Bobbie Wright, Jack Hays & Jim "The wizard" Schumacher are the singuarly most gifted metal band on earth. Hail to them!!

11 / 10

(One more than everyone else)"

[Runehammer]

I wish I'd been familiar with BROCAS HELM back in the day, but sadly I was only introduced to them a couple years back.

Fortunately I had the privilege of catching them at HOA and meeting them, together with a bunch of crazy Greek metalheads in the form of BATTLEROAR. As well as being great people (thanks for the offer of a pint Jim) they put on one helluva kickarse show.

Anyway, since getting back from HOA I have been sent a load of Greek Metal and they have an awesome scene with RAGING STORM, BATTLEROAR, MARAUDER, SARISSA etc, etc.

Finally I agree with Rich's rating, I tin Defender of the Crown even surpasses "Into Battle" and "Black Death". :cheers:

[theminio]

SARISSA are veterans of the scene, and their recently released CD is really good, their new singer is the best they ever had. Also incredible is their cover version of "Starvation" originally released by SOCRATES DRUNK THE CONIUM the best greek rock band with an international career in the 70's (together with APHRODITE'S CHILD and their classic album 666)
As far as Battleroar are concerned, well, wait till their next album is released and you'll be amazed, I've heard some unfinished material (without solos, proper production etc.) and even at this state it really is even much better than their glorious debut.

[Moondog303]

I just got a copy of Defender of the Crown in the mail yesterday. Great epic sword and sorcery fantasy stuff. My thanks to J. Schumacher!

:evil: