Plasmatics - Wendy O. Williams (WOW)

WOW is technically a Plasmatics record, but due to some licensing issues, it was released under the name Wendy O. Williams - WOW as a 'separate' release. The Plasmatics started out as more of a punk rock band, but their sound gradually progressed into heavy metal. WOW, despite having a lot of ballads/slower songs, is actually a really solid album. It really shows how the band had progressed at this point: able to make more complex, melodic songs without sacrificing any of the power or aggression Wendy/The Plasmatics were known for.

It's both a blessing and a curse that this band was big in the 80s: it seems like the popularity of punk/metal at the time both helped this band rise to fame, but also meant it was far too easy for (the band) to become lost in a sea of talented metal/punk bands. Aside from having a great front[wo]man, The Plasmatics were a truly talented band, and it's a bit of a shame they never achieved a bigger level of success.

ARTIST: WENDY O. WILLIAMS/THE PLASMATICS

ALBUM: WOW

GENRE: HEAVY METAL

MEDIAFIRE

Manilla Road - Crystal Logic + Open The Gates

Manilla Road are one of the best heavy metal bands, period. Everything heavy metal should be -- amazing guitar, epic vocals/lyrical themes, solid drumming/bass -- this band has. They're one of those bands that is able to completely encompass the genre they're in. It's a far cry from the black metal/crust stuff I've been posting lately, and if you're not a fan of "classic" metal, steer clear of this. However, if you're even someone who can casually enjoy an Iron Maiden album, you need to hear this. I really don't know how else to describe them other than that they released some of the BEST heavy metal/NWOBHM of the 1980s, and if you haven't heard it yet, you're missing out! They have a ton of great material, but these two albums are some of the best known -- and the best sounding, if ya ask me.

ARTIST: MANILLA ROAD

GENRE: HEAVY METAL

CRYSTAL LOGIC

OPEN THE GATES

UPDATE  06/26/12: Both links are dead due to copyright infringement. You can purchase both albums through the official Manilla Road store here, or find them elsewhere on the internetz.

Blacklace - Unlaced

I was introduced to this band through an old friend of mine, who described them as 'awesome female fronted heavy metal.' And while he's not wrong on that front, he failed to mention that they're also in the top 5 for Cheesiest Heavy Metal Band to Ever Exist. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome. I'm just still blown away by how unflinchingly 80s heavy metal this band is. In terms of musicianship, it's a decent album. Mostly what puts it on my radar is the female vocals (which are quite good, and remind me a bit of ACID) and the overall no-fucks-were-given-at-any-point cheesiness of this album. Bon appetit.

ARTIST: BLACKLACE

ALBUM: UNLACED

GENRE: HEAVY METAL

MEDIAFIRE

Plasmatics - Coup D'Etat

This is another post where I don't get to upload what I'd really like to share with everyone -- in this case, the upcoming Lita Ford album. It reminds me of Motorhead's Motorizer in terms of overall sound and production, which is a good thing as I don't like a lot of Motorhead's discography. Also, I'm a huge sucker for good ol' female fronted rock n' roll. Which brings me to tonight's topic, Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics.

My suggestion to you would be to thoroughly google Wendy and her band yourself, because there's way too much awesomeness to cover here. To summarize, the Plasmatics were a heavy metal band that were way ahead of their time, and Coup D'Etat is arguably their best album. I like everything of the Plasmatics that I've heard so far, but I feel like this release showcases their musicianship and energy the most effectively.

Now I admit, this band took me a while to get into. When I first heard The Damned, I hated it. I think the drawback to this album is that it's very much a product of its time, and if you're not accustomed to 1980s production/music trends, it's going to seem like a long, painful album to sit through. But trust me when I say that this band is one of the most highly underrated gems of heavy metal.

WENDY O. RULES, POSERS GET LOST!

ARTIST: PLASMATICS

ALBUM: COUP D'ETAT

GENRE: HEAVY METAL, ROCK N' ROLL

COUP D'ETAT (MEDIAFIRE)