100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

Deep Purple - "Highway Star"

Released March 30, 1972 on the album "Machine Head"

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the former host of MTV's Headbanger's Ball Riki Rachtman to discuss the first really heavy song either of them ever heard as kids: Deep Purple's "Highway Star". They discuss the importance of that song, the greatness of the album and the band, plus some other musical firsts, including first album and first rock poster on their walls.

Brian also discusses the production on this song with producer Jay Ruston

As always, we get facts, figures and education from author Martin Popoff.

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Slayer - "Chemical Warfare"

Released August 4, 1984 on the EP Haunting the Chapel

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the man known on Tik Tok as Metal Horror Madman, who has built a reputation for being passionate for metal, a defender of Slayer who goes so far as to scream about it. They discuss his discovery of Slayer, his love of the band and what stands out about "Chemical Warfare".

Brian also discusses Slayer's production and specifically this track with Bill Metoyer who was part of the production of this EP along with Brian.

As always, we get facts, figures and education from author Martin Popoff.

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In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the Executive Producer and Co-Creator of "Dark Side of the Ring" and the recent series of heavy metal documentaries, "Into the Void" about the song that he chose as the theme music for that series, Cirith Ungol's "Into the Void".

Brian also talks about the production on this record with Bill Metoyer, whom Brian worked with on the production of Cirith Ungol's follow-up record, 1986's "One Foot In Hell".

Author Martin Popoff provides his usual expertise in discussing the song, with many facts and even more opinions about Cirith Ungol's career.

The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Evan Husney can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/RF4lOsgH3lk

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Accept - "Fast As A Shark"

Released in November of 1982, on their album "Restless and Wild"

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is reunited with his former co-host for the "Metal Misconduct" podcast for the NHL, Shawn Roarke, who is the director of editorial for NHL.com. They discuss some of their memories of doing that podcast, and how easily the episodes can still be found.

They primary focus for the interview the importance of Accept's "Fast As A Shark", and how the case can be made that it was the first speed metal song, but it's undeniable that the song is a classic and inspiration to many hard rock and heavy metal artists who followed

Brian also discusses the production of "Fast As A Shark" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams, who talks about just how abnormal it was for Accept to have a song (and a record) this fast, and how they were never quite this fast again.

As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Accept's "Fast As A Shark".

The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Shawn Roarke can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/iZgs9OdlrsY

Shawn Roarke is on X @sroarke_nhl

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Ministry - "Just One Fix"

Released on June 14, 1992 on their album commonly known as "Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs"

In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO talks about the importance of the industrial sound to the legacy of heavy metal by focusing on Ministry's "Just One Fix". Current Ministry guitarist Monte Pittman talks about the song and how much fun it is to play it in their live shows. Monte also talks about starting his career and his long collaboration with Madonna.

Brian also discusses the production of "Just One Fix" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams, who breaks down the unique sound and the technology that was available to produce it back in 1992.

As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Ministry's "Just One Fix".

The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Monte Pittman can be found on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fvS0n5HFpY

Monte Pittman is on social media @MontePittman

Ryan Williams is on Instagram @AugmentedRyan

Martin Popoff is on X @Popoff Martin

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