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Mastodon Hushed And Grim Album Review

Mastodon Hushed And Grim Album Review

CD and album reviews are not anything this site usually takes on; however, Hushed and Grim is one of the most anticipated heavy metal releases of 2021. As soon as it came out, I saw all other metal blogs racing to be the first to weigh in on the 8th full-length release from the Atlanta prog metal quintet. So I decided to hold my thoughts and take some time before publishing my opinion.

Full disclosure, I have been friends with Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders since I was 18 (and so were they) and had known Braun and Bill for the better part of two decades. Even coming up in the Atlanta music scene with these guys, I never was a serious fan until Blood Mountian. I felt they hit their stride on this album. The subsequent Crack The Skye is an absolute metal masterpiece.

The album’s following also had moments of greatness, and the focus on Braun Dailor’s vocal added a whole new dimension to the band’s sound.

So What About Hushed and Grim?

At over 86 minutes in length with 15 songs, Hushed and Grim is far from easy listening. There is a lot to unpack. A common thing I’ve heard from many of my friends is, “I listened to the whole thing the day it came out and thought it was great and then never listened to it again.” Oddly enough, I found myself doing the same thing. That said, is Hushed and Grim a disappointment?

Not at all.

Let’s start with the good points. One notable element is Troy Sander’s bass playing that has sat in the back over the past few releases is now pushed up much louder in the mix, and his playing jumped up a notch, even boasting a bass solo on “Teardrinker.” Troy even penned 4 of the tracks after taking a backseat on songwriting duties for much of the last decade.

Brent Hinds shines, as usual, with many tasty guitar solos done in a style that is all his own. One of my favorite tracks on the album is “The Beast,” a Brent composition and features some excellent Jimi Hendrix-like guitar parts you rarely hear in metal.

The lyrics primarily deal with longlime manager Nick John’s death, an awesome guy I had the pleasure of knowing over the years.

For me, the standout track is the first single, “Teardrinker,” which is somewhat commercial and incredibly catchy. “Skeleton Of Splendor” is a close second and ventures in some fantastic, atmospheric stuff similar to my favorite Mastodon song, “The Czar.” The opener “Pain with an Anchor” and the second single, “Sickle and Peace,” are also great.

Once you get into the second half of the album, it does start to drag, especially near the end.

All in all, the album is well worth a listen; you might want to make a playlist of the songs you really like and maybe not listen to some of the rest.

Hushed and Grim Full Album Stream

That concludes my first album review. I hope you liked it.

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The Top 25 Most Expensive Metal CDs Of 2021 We’ve Encountered

The Top 20 Most Expensive Metal CDs Of 2021

This article is a continuation of my 2020 blog post detailing the most expensive metal CDs that we have had first-hand experience with from buying a lot of heavy metal CD collections. For the 2021 update, I have expanded the list to 25 because we’ve grown considerably as a business. The values assigned to each are based on amounts we have sold them for and are not an aggregate. All CDS from the 2020 blog post have also been excluded from this list, but you can view the archive here.

1. Krabathor – Cool Mortification CD 1993 Monitor – 010174-2331 Czech Republic

Krabathor – Cool Mortification CD 1993 Monitor – 010174-2331 (Czech Republic) – This CD is rare and HEAVILY counterfeited — there are very few real ones floating around. Some counterfeits even mimic the runout matrix, but if the ring does not look exactly like this, it is fake.

SOLD 9/11/2021 – $199.95


2. Morpheus Descends – Ritual Of Infinity CD 1992 JL America – 3815-41012-2

Morpheus Descends – Ritual Of Infinity CD 1992 JL America – 3815-41012-2 – This is a another heavily bootlegged CD, but the 1992 first press with this runout Matrix / Runout (Variant 1): W.O.# E35739-1 *MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN HELIX* CD 0400313815-41012-2 is worth a mint.

SOLD 8/1/2021 – $149.95


3. A.C. ‎– It Just Gets Worse CD 2003 Earache ‎– MOSH 195CD Original Factory Sealed

Anal Cunt ‎– It Just Gets Worse CD 2003 Earache ‎– MOSH 195CD – This is more than what this CD usually fetches (usually $50-$70), but this copy was factory sealed made it slightly more expensive. The fact Seth Putnam and the gang are canceled from metal continues to drive Anal Cunt CD price northward.

SOLD 6/7/2021 – $129.95


4. Iron Maiden – Tailgunner CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 2233 PROMO

Iron Maiden – Tailgunner CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 2233 PROMO – With no cover art (comes as disc only), the mega-rare Iron Maiden radio promo is worth a pretty penny.

Sold 8/8/2021 – $99.95


5. Sanctuary – Into The Mirror Live / Black Reflections CD 1990 Epic– ESK2188 PROMO

Sanctuary – Into The Mirror Live / Black Reflections CD 1990 Epic– ESK2188 PROMO -Worth so much because: 1000 copies were manufactured and 500 were distributed to radio stations / stores. The other 500 were destroyed due to contractual issues with the label. 

SOLD 6/12021 – $99.95


6. Nasty Habit – Rock Hard CD 1991 American Records – 1439-2

Nasty Habit – Rock Hard CD 1991 American Records – 1439-2 – Honestly, I have no idea why this CD is so expensive, but it didn’t sit on the shelf long.

SOLD 8/8/2021 – $99.95


7. Accidental Suicide – Deceased CD 1992 Grind Core – 89811-2

Accidental Suicide – Deceased CD 1992 Grind Core – 89811-2 – Very rare self-release grindcore. This copy sold for a lt because it was factory sealed, but any copy is worth at least 50 bucks.

SOLD 5/5/2021 – $98.72


8. Death – Scream Bloody Gore CD 1987 Combat – 88561-8146-2 (FIRST PRESS)

Death – Scream Bloody Gore CD 1987 Combat – 88561-8146-2 – The first press and the repress if this album has the same catalog number. The first pressing lists all of the song titles straight in a row. The repress says “Side A / Side B” on the rear card.

SOLD 4/4.2021 – $98.69


9. Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2

Gutted – Gutted CD 1997 Loud N Local Music Group – LNLMG9701-2 – The original indie release is the one that’s worth big money. It was later reissued by the Greek label Repulsive Echo.

SOLD 6/1/2021 – $96.94


10. Gorguts ‎– Considered Dead CD 1991 R/C Records ‎– RCD 9273

Gorguts ‎– Considered Dead CD 1991 R/C Records ‎– RCD 9273 (ORIGINAL RARE) – Like many CDs from the golden age of death metal, this one is worth a bunch and does not stick around long.

SOLD 7/7/2021 – $95.95


11. Immolation – Stepping On Angels…Before Dawn CD 1995 Repulse Records RPS 004 CD

Immolation – Stepping On Angels…Before Dawn CD 1995 Repulse Records RPS 004 CD – Another winner from one of the more prominent bands from the 90s golden age of death metal.

SOLD 3/3/2012 $95.41


14. Immolation – Dawn of Possession CD 1991 R/C Records RCD 9310

Immolation – Dawn of Possession CD 1991 R/C Records RCD 9310 – ORIGINAL PRESS – Debut CD from Immolation and second title from this band to make this list.

SOLD 5/5/2021 – $92.23


15. Dawn ‎– Slaughtersun (Crown Of The Triarchy) CD 2004 Necropolis 44021-2

Dawn ‎– Slaughtersun (Crown Of The Triarchy) CD 2004 Necropolis 44021-2 – I don’t know much about this band.

SOLD 2/1/2021 – $89.96


16. Iron Maiden – No Prayer For The Dying CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 73695

Iron Maiden – No Prayer For The Dying CD Single 1990 Epic – ESK 73695 – Another super rare 3-song radio, which includes two unreleased cover tunes.

SOLD 7/21/2021 – $89.95


17. Bruce Dickinson: Killing Floor / King In Crimson CD CMC International

Bruce Dickinson: Killing Floor / King In Crimson CD CMC International RARE PROMO – Another very rare and valuable radio promo with only one song from the Iron Maiden frontman.

SOLD 8/28/2021 – $87.95


18. Transgressor – Ether For Scapegoat CD 1992 Cyber Music – CYBER CD 03

Transgressor – Ether For Scapegoat CD 1992 Cyber Music – CYBER CD 03 NETHERLANDS = Another band I don’t know a ton about other than their CDs are worth a bunch.

SOLD 4/21/2021 – $82.95


19. Scorpions – Virgin Killer CD 1989 RCA – B20D-41012

Scorpions – Virgin Killer CD 1989 RCA – B20D-41012 Japan /w OBI Banned Cover – Japanese version with the original banned artwork – super valuable and out-of-print!

SOLD 6/20/2021 – $74.95


20. Seance – Fornever Laid To Rest CD 1993 Black Mark Production – BMCD 17

Seance – Fornever Laid To Rest CD 1993 Black Mark Production – BMCD 17 – Very rare release on Quarthon’s from Bathory’s Black Mark label.

SOLD 6/21/2021 – $74.95


21. Massacre – From Beyond CD 1991 Relativity – 88561-2038-2

Massacre – From Beyond CD 1991 Relativity – 88561-2038-2 – Death alumni’s minus Chuck. This CD has Very sought after.

SOLD 3/3/2021 – $74.61


22. Dismember ‎– Like An Ever Flowing Stream CD 1992 Nuclear Blast ‎– IMP. NBA 6018

Dismember ‎– Like An Ever Flowing Stream CD 1992 Nuclear Blast ‎– IMP. NBA 6018 – This CD has been reissued many times, but the first press in the one that is worth money.

SOLD 1/2/2021 – $73.71


23. Burzum – Det Som Engang Var CD 1997 Misanthropy Records ‎– AMAZON 002

Burzum – Det Som Engang Var CD 1997 Misanthropy Records ‎– AMAZON 002 – DIGIPAK – For some reason, you are forbidden from using the word “Burzum” on eBay. Still, if you search for “1Burzum” you are likely to find the entire catalog.

SOLD 4/4/2021 – $69.95


24. Dark Forest – Land Of The Evening Star CD 2012 Bleak Art Records ‎BAR011

Dark Forest – Land Of The Evening Star CD 2012 Bleak Art Records ‎BAR011 Canada – Rare Canadian death metal.

SOLD 7/13/2021


25. Dominus Xul – The Primigeni Xul (I Condemned My Enemies) CD 1999 Picoroco CHILE

Dominus Xul – The Primigeni Xul (I Condemned My Enemies) CD 1999 Picoroco CHILE – Last but not least.

SOLD 2/1/2021 – $59.95


Looking To Buy CDS?

I am the largest seller of heaven metal albums and CDs on Ebay. Visit my store here.

https://www.ebay.com/str/lametaltrashrocklametaltrashrock


Do You Have A CD Collection You Want To Sell?

I am always looking to buy heavy metal CD and record collections like this. Hit me up if you have one to sell — I pay top dollar!

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Iced Earth Guitarist Jon Schaffer Involved In US Capitol Riots

Iced Earth Guitarist Jon Schaffer Involved In US Capitol Riots

Iced Earth guitar player/founder/songwriter Jon Schaffer was among the mob of Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol in Washington DC, yesterday, January 6.

In a photo from Roberto Schmidt of the AFP agency, Schaffer is among a group of rioters who pushed past police and into the Capitol building.

Back in November, Schaffer was interviewed and said, “They will go down. They’re messing with the wrong people, believe me…If someone uses violence against us, we will react accordingly. Schaffer expressed his distrust of the US government, stating he was neither “a left-or-right guy.”

“I’m an American – that’s my country, that’s where I live,” he said. “I don’t trust my government. I don’t give a shit if it’s an ‘R’ or a ‘D’ next to the person’s name. I try to understand the bigger picture. I’ve done a lot of reading and a lot of studying. I’m a man of my convictions, and I don’t say things I don’t truly believe.”

He continued, “You can’t put your hope into one president or one person, or a mayor or a governor or whatever. You’ve gotta be out there and actively put pressure on these people, let ’em know you’re paying attention. If you’re not paying attention, they’ll rob you and steal everything. Your freedom, too. Not just your money. They’re gonna steal your fucking freedom. ‘Cause, they’re a bunch of sick control freaks.”

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Killer New Golden Age Of Metal Vinyl Collection I Just Bought!

thrash metal vinyl collection

It’s really hard to find good heavy metal vinyl collections, this is a rare exception. I managed to pick this one up with someone in Pittsburgh who answered my ad seeking vinyl collections. I paid a pretty penny for this collection, but it’s well worth it as is all the vinyl is in near-mint condition and contains many HUGE TILES (most first press). Check out this video of the unboxing.

You could check out this page where I listed the contents of all these albums, they are from the golden age of metal circa 1984 to 1989. A lot of good thrash metal and some hard to find hair metal records.

Gallery Of Some Of The Best Records…

if you or anyone you know is looking to sell your heavy metal CDs or thrash, classic rock vinyl I am constantly looking to buy them, and I pay top dollar.

Click Here For More Info

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Metallica Is The Most Profitable Heavy Metal Band Of All Time – Clocking In At 1.4 Billion In Concert Ticket Sales Alone!

Who is the most profitable rock band of all time? Fox News says it is Metallica – clocking it at 1.4 Billion in concert tickets alone.

Metallica may be right behind another famous rock band, U2, who with their 360 tour in 2011 became the highest-grossing concert tour in history pulling in $736 million. But the metal band’s profits continue to grow putting them alongside the Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift.

Metallica, the heavy metal band from Los Angeles, circa 1981, has grossed over $1.4 billion touring over their almost 40-year career, according to Pollster, making them arguably the world’s biggest, most profitable heavy metal band of all time.


Formed by vocalist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, the group is known for fast tempos, instrumentals and aggressive rock known as thrash metal.

From Fox News…
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/metallica-biggest-heavy-metal-band-of-all-time
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Steve Grimmett From Grim Reaper: Somebody Should Make Movie About That Guy!

I had the pleasure of getting to meet Steve of Steve Grimmett’s aka Grim reaper – he was a fucking awesome guy and a great singer whose life should be made into a Hollywood movie IMO. The guy is 60 years old, had a leg amputated, still sings metal because it’s the only thing he knows how to do, and can still deliver Ronnie James Dio caliber vocals – I saw their show and forgot how many awesome songs they have – including this one.

I got to have drinks with him at The Rainbow Bar and Grill, Los Angeles, before the show, and he was a super cool guy…we talked about Trump, why Bud Light is the best beer on Earth, and how even though getting his leg chapped of sucked, it was cool to see fans line up around the block to donate blood (which 3 eventually did) and how the one album he sang on with Onslaught outsold all of the Grim Reaper albums (which was something I didn’t expect)

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“The Hardship Of The Scots” by Darkthrone – Best New Metal Song of 2019

This is my pick for best metal song of 2019 – I’ll have to admit I hadn’t listened to Darkthrone since “The Cult Is Alive”, so it took me a minute to catch on to this one even though it’s been out for a minute – check it out if you hadn’t already!

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Mercyful Fate to Play Summer 2020 Shows in Europe, and New Songs

mercyful-fate shows 2020

According to King Diamonds Facebook page, “Mercyful Fate will be playing an unspecified number of concerts throughout Europe during the summer of 2020, including Copenhell.”

Mercyful Fate will consist of the “9” lineup, featuring: Hank Shermann, King Diamond, Bjarne T Holm, Mike Wead, and Joey Vera — while Timi Hansen is away Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning) to fill in.

The setlist will consist of songs from the very first “mini-LP,” the “Melissa” album, and the “Don’t Break The Oath” album, plus some brand new unreleased songs.

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Slayer Announces Final Shows On Farewell Tour

Slayer will embark on the seventh and final leg of their sprawling ‘Final Campaign’ farewell tour this November. Slayer will embark on the seventh and final leg of their farewell tour, “The Final Campaign,” this fall. The metal legends will hit a mix of big and small cities during the final 18-date run that wraps up November 30th at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Primus, Ministry and Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals, will be on the bill for these shows. Tickets for the final run of Slayer’s farewell tour go on sale July 12th at 10 a.m. local time. Complete information is available at Slayer.net

The band announced they would be extending tour into 2019. Guitarist Kerry King said, “We’ve heard about fans who have driven five, six hours, or flown in from other cities or countries to see us, so we want to assure our fans that we’ll be on the road through 2019 and will get to as many places as possible for everyone to come and see us one last time.”

Final Slayer Tour Dates

November 2 – Asheville, NC @ Explore Asheville Arena

November 3 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena

November 5 – Salem, VA @ Salem Civic Center

November 6 – Hershey, PA @ Giant Center

November 8 – Springfield, MA @ Mass Mutual Center,

November 9 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

November 11 – KFC Yum Center, Louisville, KY

November 12 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena

November 14 – Moline, IL @ TaxSlayer Arena

November 15 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford Center

November 17 – Fargo, ND @ Fargodome

November 18 – Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center

November 20 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Broadmore Arena

November 22 – Billings, MT @ Rimrock Arena

November 24 – Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena

November 26 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena

November 27 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Arena

November 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum