{"product_id":"armageddon-usa-up-in-flames-cd-2015-private-press-same-band-that-did-money-mask","title":"ARMAGEDDON USA - UP IN FLAMES (CD, 2015, Private Press) same band that did \"Money Mask\"","description":"Jewel case release\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUS Private Press 2015 - Fantastic Comeback Album of a US White Metal Institution ! Killer US Metal\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMembers: Mike Vance, Rob Lee, Dan Wilkinson, Joe Hasslevander (of the mainstream band, RAVEN!), Robert Bussey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmageddon, in 1989 the band released the classic album \"The Money Mask\", has now released their second album called \"Up in flames\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an album of very high quality, themes very powerful, this album has the same quality as its predecessor \"The Money mask\", featuring the same classic sound of the era, if you listen, you can not believe that this album has been launched in 2015, a highly recommended album for true lovers of the classic metal sound\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Fans of Metal Church, Saint, Judas Priest, Halloween, Siren, Vicious Rumors, Exciter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e01 All Over The World 03:10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e02 Spinner 04:30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e03 Hypnotized 05:20\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e04 Wanted Man 05:18\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e05 In Your Face 05:08\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e06 Satisfaction 04:26\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e07 Allie 03:53\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e08 Crazy 03:06\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e09 Time Divider 04:36\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 Revolution (Peace Of Mind) 06:03\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 Up In Flames 03:59\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eWe have only fond memories of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Money Mask\u003c\/em\u003e, the 1989 Talkingtown Records debut full-length of Washington, DC based Armageddon. The album started the group down the path of traditional metal in walking a fine line between Judas Priest, Armored Saint, Metal Church and Saint but also touched upon the occasional thrash and speed metal moment.  Signature tracks “The Money Mask”, “Mercenaries Of Injustice and “More Than Conquerors” epitomize the bellicose and hardy Armageddon sound in mauling with the best of them, while “(Liberation From) The Blazing Wasteland” ups the aggression and “We’re Outa Here” the all out speed either way.  A more melodic side to the group’s songwriting abilities can be found in the brilliant “Nightlight”, delivering five minutes of non-stop and catchy riff driven groove, and “The Ship Of Changes”, a scintillating metal ballad highlighted by tasteful acoustic guitar.  Ultimately, I embrace how Armageddon brought some much needed muscle and backbone to an eighties-metal scene that at times reveled in a bit too much fluff, hairspray and commercial hooks to a fault.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eArmageddon actually came together under the name Second Chance in the early eighties after vocalist Mike Vance and guitarist Robby Lee met through an ad placed in a local newspaper.  Later rounding out its line up with drummer Mark Wiley, the group began work on the material that would encompass the Second Chance demo tapes in addition to placing the track “(Liberation From) The Blazing Wasteland” on the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eEast Coast Metal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecompilation from 1988.  The change to the Armageddon moniker did not take place until prior to the deal with Talkingtown in 1989. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eAfter the passing of twenty-five long years, I am pleased to announce Armageddon has received a much-deserved second chance (no pun intended) in that Vance and Lee reformed the group in 2008, and subsequent to seven years of hard work, released its sophomore album\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUp In Flames\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein the summer of 2015.  Now known as Armageddon USA due to the high volume of bands going under the Armageddon heading, the group recruited current Raven members John Gallagher (contributing bass on three tracks) and Joe Hasselvander (handling all drum duties in addition to filling in on bass \u0026amp; guitar) to help complete the project.  Many will recall Hasselvander from contributing his timekeeping abilities to several tracks on\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Money Mask\u003c\/em\u003e. Rounding out the Armageddon USA line up is Robert Bussey (Taker, The Calm \u0026amp; Attic Symphony) on bass and guitars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eOpening track “All Over The World” picks up where\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Money Mask\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eleaves off, a fleet footed slab of classic metal unequivocal with its unyielding aggression but also precise in terms of the front to back refined guitar harmonies.  “Spinner” follows and maintains the up-tempos leanings, even faster with frenetic verses approaching the tumultuous, albeit tempering (even if somewhat) for its melodically tinged chorus.  Standing out on both are the trademark lower register vocals of Vance, who continues to operate in guttural to soulful to gritty vocal territory but can still cut loose with a high-pitched scream or falsetto at a moments notice.  Those into other NWOBHM vocalists such as Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Al Atkins (original Judas Priest front man) and Josh Kramer (Saint) will feel right at home with his course style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eAlso of heightened capacity is “Satisfaction” in aligning a delectable but mercurial machine like precision with tsunami-guitar walls and extended stretch of elevated dual lead guitar.  This one proves no frills but effective.  Albums title track is another barnburner, starting to a drum solo and scream followed by non-stop angst as a more bristling side to the band comes to the forefront: chorus proves curt as it gets, while rhythm section pummels remorselessly.  What the two share is a sound akin to old school Saint (think\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarriors Of The Son\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emeets\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eTime’s End\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eArmageddon USA also delivers its share of mid-paced backbone.  “Wanted Man” highlights a ton of reverberant groove in this capacity, no frills with its heavy hitting demeanor in which vast bass lines and melodic guitar harmonies contest.  “In Your Face” proves aptly entitled as a catchy and riff driven slugger giving rise to a freight train like chorus and cool drum solo at the end, while “Time Divider” plays up a turbulent but melodic essence with its power low-end groove and muscular overtures throughout.  Inherit to the trio is the fantastic guitar lead guitar work of Lee, Bussey and Hasselvander, who combine for some skillful dual lead harmonies and soloing of an adroit nature (I am uncertain as to who handled which solo on which song but it is very well done).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eThe group is also not afraid to throw the listener the occasional curveball.  Ballad “Allie” is first to deserve mention, which unlike “Ship Of Changes” from\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Money Mask\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis more a classic ballad with its acoustic basis and lighter, ethereal overtones.  While far from bad and not filler, it is also my least favorite of the albums tracks in that musically I feel the group could have done a bit more with it.  For instance, why not instead add a rhythm guitar track to turn it into a metal ballad or imbue things with an emotional guitar solo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eAlso a bit unexpected is “Hypnotized”, a dark and ominous plodder with a down-tuned aspect that almost lends a portent doom metal quality.  Of note is how Vance alters his vocal delivery to remind of Alice Cooper, with “Hypnotized” as a result lending itself perfectly to turn of the century Alice albums\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBrutal Planet\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(2000) and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDragontown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(2001).  Said creativity allows the song to represent this reviewer’s choice track off\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUp in Flames\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eVance event takes his vocals in an Ozzy influenced direction on “Crazy”.  Albums shortest at just over three minutes, the song basks in its flattering discord, at times slow and dire and others yielding a more energetic effect but always determined and stalwart.  Vance touches upon Ozzy vocally at times on “Revolution (Peace Of Mind)”, albums lengthiest at six minutes in highlighting a pronounced melody in allowing galloping riffs and a harrowing basis to play prevalent roles.  The two make me feel I am listening to a David Benson solo album (by no means a bad thing).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eConstructive commentary is few and far between.  Production is slightly raw but in no way flawed or holds the album back.  Rather any lack of polish allows the groups inherit energy to come across that much more defined, noting that\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUp In Flames\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewas recorded on a shoestring budget with most of its songs containing first takes when the group was tracking.  Cover art comes across a bit low budget but does a good job clarifying the message Armageddon USA is attempting to get across.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eSpeaking of which, lyrics touch upon current world and US conditions and issues.  “Spinner” talks about media propaganda and misinformation –\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eI don’t like no sneak attack\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGotta be ready, ready for that\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf its’ white just paint it black\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThey got an app for that\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFox News you’re giving me the blues\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eCNN you did it again\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMSNBC omg!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e- and “Hypnotized” people mesmerized by their television sets :\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWatch the shiny object flicker in your eye\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt’s going deeper, deeper in your mind\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour opinions are about to be made\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBased on how your information is portrayed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSubliminal messages you’ve got all that you need\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eObey the master of illusion you see\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou you’re on the side of all who play the game\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eAlbums title track deals with polices in that USA that are bad ideas:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eShut down the party we’re under attack\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWeapons are pointed right at your back\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePolitical wizards you hijacked my rights\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRed, White and Blue watch it ignite\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarning, warning this place is getting hot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDeny it all you want but the truth cannot be bought\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eThe cost of war is the subject to “Revolution” (Peace Of Mind)” –\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhite cross stands on a hill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhere they laid my friend\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFour tours in the desert sand\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eUntil he met his end\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhy do we have to go on\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere’s only one solution\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaybe I should take over and drive\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd start a revolution\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e- and finding the truth “In Your Face”:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell you’ve denied the truth before\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpawning lies give birth to more\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell here’s a choice, it’s up to you\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYeah, you decide just what to do\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelieve the lie, you’ll surely die\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelieve the truth and receive new life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReceive new light, receive new light\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFind the truth and receive new life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eIt is refreshing to hear Armageddon USA return after such a lengthy hiatus and sounding as inspired and energetic as ever. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUp In Flames\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ereflects the groups experience in proving the more consistent work in comparison to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Money Mask\u003c\/em\u003e, which (in my opinion) included a couple skip buttons.  Said continuity manifests itself in how Armageddon USA features four songwriters in that Lee, Hasselvander, Vance and Bussey all receive songwriting credits.  My opinion being that the more songwriters an album features the better opportunity for quality material and such is the case with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUp In Flames\u003c\/em\u003e.  Fans of traditional metal and the NWOBHM aesthetic will be well served by checking\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUp In Flames\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eout.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eReview by Andrew Rockwell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack Listing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e“All Over The World” (3:10), “Spinner” (4:27), “Hypnotized” (5:20), “Wanted Man” (5:10), “In Your Face” (5:00), “Satisfaction” (4:26), “Allie” (3:54), “Crazy” (3:04), “Time Divider’ (4:37), “Revolution (Peace Of Mind)” (6:04), “Up In Flames” (3:59)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMusicians\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMike Vance - Lead Vocals\u003cbr\u003eRobby Lee - Guitars \u0026amp; Bass\u003cbr\u003eRobert Bussey - Guitars \u0026amp; Bass\u003cbr\u003eJohn Gallagher - Bass\u003cbr\u003eJoe Hasselvander - Drums, Bass \u0026amp; Guitars\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boone's Overstock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51705070092534,"sku":"reu1789815690338","price":5.21,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0808\/4907\/6470\/files\/armageddon-usa---up-in-flames-cd-2015-private-press-same-band-that-did-money-mas_1.jpg?v=1789815695","url":"https:\/\/intentionalcladfit.shop\/products\/armageddon-usa-up-in-flames-cd-2015-private-press-same-band-that-did-money-mask","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}