Radioactive Metal

Today more than ever touring is getting tougher and tougher on a lot of artists. Especially financially.

 

Pop artist Kate Nash has a huge following and her tour was packing 'em in. But she returned home in the red (!). But a couple bare behind pics on OnlyFans and that was that. So that got us thinking about the whole OF thingy and if it's a viable option for artists. What does it take to make it as a musician in today's economy? Have we returned to the days of Mozart when musicians and artists relied on wealthy patron for support?

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we talk Metal artists playing WrestleMania. Musically, we crank new Cadaver, Bikini Kill, Wolf (80s), Inepsy, Witch Vomit, Jivebomb, Demona, Revenge (Chile) and we introduce Mexico's Skeletorn  (love that moniker) in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

Horns Up!

The mid 80s were an interesting time for Canadian legends Rush.

 

Like so many of their contemporaries of the time, the trio seemingly openly embraced the era by developing a very "80s" look and sound. That was never more evident than their '85 album "Power Windows". The decisive album is 40 years young.

 

So as is tradition, we've chosen this album for our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive series. Since we're talking Rush, we once again got our "Rush Guy", Mr. Mark Buell on the horn to help dissect this record. We go track-by-track and discuss everything Rush in that era. What's your 411 on "Power Windows"?

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we share our Record Store Day haul and acknowledge Rex Manning Day.

 

Musically, we crank some Scowl, D.I., Sledgehammer, Shed The Skin, Krossfyre and introduce T.O. crossover thrashers The Slime in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

Horns Up!

There was a time when "physical product" was flying off the shelves.

 

There were some points when labels and stores couldn't keep up with demand.Through it all though there were some albums that should have sold by the bucket load. But they somehow fell short.

 

This week we go over some of these "can't miss" albums. That did. "Cold Lake" anyone? "Chinese Democracy". How about Crue's self titled album? Great albums that never got a fair shake?

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we discuss some past musical advancements and some geek talk. Musically, we crank some Conflict, -(16)-, Hobbs Angel of Death, Frightmare, Damien Throne, Hell Poison and we introduce Greek metallers Ringlorn in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

Horns Up!

We've all seen the memes.

 

Pics of a dozen deceased artists with the caption "You can only bring one back for one more show". Unfortunately, Metaldom has lost their share of artists. And I know we'd all love to see them play their trade one more time. Lemmy? Ramones? Maybe RJD?

 

This episode we share our list of encore performances. In our "News, Views and Tunes", we talk the appropriate Juno winners and some Geddy Lee talk.

 

Musically, we crank some Necrophagia, The Great Kat, VHS, Nite, Maul, Antagonizor, Allies and we introduce hardcore bashers Fast Response in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

Horns Up!!!

Aaron is an accomplished musician. He's gifted on a number of instruments and frequently educates us with his Gear Talk. As for Snowy...not so much. He's never so much as owned an instrument. But that's not to say he doesn't appreciate a good axe.

 

Especially if it's a signature instrument played live by a fave artist. For instance, Micheal Schenker's Flying V. Or one of Lemmy's basses. How about one of the guitars Mantas used to record their classic debut? So this week Aaron has a laundry list of these special instruments to quiz Snowy on how much he'd pay to have these awesome artifacts hanging on the RAM office walls.

 

Musically, we crank some new and used from Haemorrhage, Slaughter (Can), Spazz, Massacra, Medieval Steel, Iron Curtain, Armoured Angel, Stainless and introduce Quebec bashers Vortex in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

 

Horns up!! 

Rock n Roll has no rulz.

 

But I'm sure when we're consuming our fave artists, we all have our own guidelines. Especially when it comes to the all important vinyl. I know when we're digging in the shops we have our own "do's and don'ts". Where's our shopping preferences? What about pic discs and coloured vinyl? And what about Walmart? So this week we do a deep dive into our favourite pastime of digging through the record bins.

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we celebrate Thin Lizzy Day and share the fun of our recent golf trip (!). Musically, we crank new and used from Primordial, Savage Master, The Hanson Bros., Jawless, Teaser Sweet, Genocidal Rites, Phantom and introduce India's Sacrifix in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

Horns Up!!

Welcome to #2 of our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive Album Spotlight. Last time we focused on Motley Crue's "Theatre of Pain", an album that epitomized 'Hair Metal'. This time we're going to the opposite end of the spectrum.

 

NY thrashers Anthrax' second effort "Spreading The Disease" was an important album. Not just for the band, but the Metal underground in general. Along with some of their Big 4 brethren's key releases, the album introduced a more mainstream audience to the  awesomeness that is Thrash Metal. It's also an old fave of ours that still gets turntable time. Was this your fave 'Thrax album?

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we go over the "Metal Massacre..." and "Sisters With Transistor" documentaries. Musically, we crank Sacrifice, C.O.C., Bitch, Living Death, S.S. Decontrol, Lady Beast, 7 Year Bitch, Direct Action, November's Grief and introduce Toronto's Villian in our "Indie Spotlight.

 

Horns Up!!

The countdown's on!!

 

Record Store Day is generally a big f'n deal around the RAM offices. April 12 is when it all goes down and the first step is the release of the RSD Special Albums list. Another tradition is going over the list on the air. We scroll the list and make our picks for what we hope to find on The Big Day. So go to www.recordstoreday.com, find the list and join us.

 

As well, we discuss the "Only Girl in the Orchestra" documentary. Musically, we crank some Terrorizer, Omen, Christian Mistress, Chemicide, Traveler, Morbidity, Tomar Control and we introduce India's Air Raid Silence.

 

Horns up!

Every year the nominees for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame always seem to raise eyebrows and get tongues wagging. Over the last couple years, the controversy generally is about what exactly constitutes inclusion. Semantics aside, we enjoy getting "The List" and this year we're taking a cue from "High Infidelity" and making our Top 5 list of choices. Who you got?

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we hit up the "Capt. Comics Expo" and go over the viral Taylor Swift fan divorce video. Musically, we crank some Blitzkrieg, Budgie, The Exploited, Razor, Sadistic Intent, Mean Mistreated, On Fire and introduce trad metallers Dragonrider in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

If you are curious about the "Whamola" Aaron mentioned, you can view it here.

 

Horns Up!

It's that time again. Our little longtime listeners know what the Juno Awards (Canada's answer to the Grammies) mean to us. At least the Metal category, being two time judges ourselves. So we're stoked for this year's nominees. Especially since four out of five are Radioactive Metal alum. So in the spirit of the Junos, we go over the list and "cast our vote" over the air. You'll find making a pick to be a Herculean task too.

 

In our "News, Views and Tunes", we go over the "Back To The Beginning" final Ozzy gig and announce the Manitoba Metalfest. Musically, we crank Deceased, Anciients, Striker, Warpig, Steel Inferno, Pupil Slicer, Drop Off Point, Malefaction and introduce Finland's Steel Machine in our "Indie Spotlight".

 

Horns Up!