The pile continues to grow which means I have an excuse to have a continuing sound-track to anything I do in the flat and out. There is quite a bit of diversity in this lot from the laid-back acoustic groove of Shaw-Blades to the balls out old-school thrash of Toxik.

Halford: Metal God Essentials Volume 1

Now that Rob is back in Judas Priest, working on an album based on the life of Nostradamus, it is probably a good time to remind people of his solo career between stints in JP. All but the most ardent of Halford fans would admit that Rob's solo career has been patchy at best, especially his "cousin it" industrial bollocks with Two. Some say his band, merely called Halford, produced some of his best solo tracks. The opener "Resurrection" and the rather Maidenesque "Made in Hell" quite amply demonstrate this. The latter has some amusing lyrics that are typical of his double-entendre songwriting style.

The 15 tracks on this CD are a good reminder of the talent that is Halford when he is firing on all cylinders. If you are a fan of Judas Priest and resisted getting the Halford stuff out of loyalty, then this iTunes based (or via Halford Music) set might be a good idea. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Leaves Eyes: Vinland Saga

Yes, I know I am a bit behind the times reviewing this set. But, at least, I have the pleasure of the enhanced version with its bonus track "Amelie" (new version) and "Heal" plus a video (Viking Wuthering Heights) for the cracking track "Elergy", an interview, and a making of clip. The Viking theme and Mrs Krull's lovely ethereal voice make for quite a pleasant heavy ride. They are set to have a new album out soon, one has to wonder how they are going to top this rather impressive CD. This is the sensitive, but not too much, side of the whole Viking metal genre. I found it the perfect accompaniment for reading Beowulf which I reviewed last week.

Sirenia: Nine Destinies and a Downfall

No, not the sequel to Four Weddings and a Funeral, but the new album from Sirenia a bloody impressive nine song collection of goth rock that sounds to me like Evanescence done properly with someone who can really sing. The only fault I have with this CD is that "the bonus" with the special edition is a bleeding poster, the radio edit of the track "My Mind's Eye," and video for said song.

The singer of this band works well with the name of the band with her clear siren vocal qualities. This is a bit lighter than say Leaves Eyes or Tristania but it certainly has enough of an edge to make it of interest to goths and metallers. Well worth seeking out.

Shaw/Blades: Influence

Now I loath cover albums, finding them to be a lazy way to milk the fans for a few more bob. If I wanted to hear the songs, I would find the originals and listen to them. It's a rather sad trend in some older bands.

Of course, when Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades do it, they make an effort to make things special. This is a jolly good album from two extremely talented people but it still leaves me wishing they would release another set of original stuff. That said, they do a great version of "Your Move" by Yes, not an obvious choice for a cover and approved by Jon Anderson himself.