Released in 1990, this CD is among the ten headbanger-oriented compilations that JCI assembled for its Masters of Metal series of the late '80s and early '90s. Some of other discs in the series got into gothic fantasy metal (Dio, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest) and high-speed thrash metal (Megadeth, Anthrax), but you won't find either of those styles on Masters of Metal: New Metal Monsters. This collection of 1980s recordings is pop-metal all the way, and most of the artists are stereotypical 1980s hair bands: big guitars, big ...
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Released in 1990, this CD is among the ten headbanger-oriented compilations that JCI assembled for its Masters of Metal series of the late '80s and early '90s. Some of other discs in the series got into gothic fantasy metal (Dio, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest) and high-speed thrash metal (Megadeth, Anthrax), but you won't find either of those styles on Masters of Metal: New Metal Monsters. This collection of 1980s recordings is pop-metal all the way, and most of the artists are stereotypical 1980s hair bands: big guitars, big drums, big hooks, and, of course, big hair. Though not the last word on hair bands, Masters of Metal: New Metal Monsters does contain some definitive examples of pop-metal. Anyone who spent a lot of time watching MTV's Headbangers Ball and other metalhead programs of the 1980s will be more than familiar with Britny Fox's "Girlschool," Winger's "Madalaine," Mr. Big's "Addicted to That Rush," Cinderella's "Shake Me," and L.A. Guns' "Rip and Tear." Equally infectious is the Bulletboys' unlikely cover of the O'Jays' "For the Love of Money," a Philadelphia soul classic that lends itself surprisingly well to a pop-metal/hard rock makeover. Again, this 41-minute CD (which should have been about 30 minutes longer) is far from the last word on 1980s hair bands -- there are no selections by Bon Jovi, Motley Crüe, Warrant, Def Leppard, Quiet Riot, or Ratt. Nonetheless, Masters of Metal: New Metal Monsters is a respectable, if brief, compilation that's worth obtaining if you're a pop-metal enthusiast. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
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