Lamp of Thoth - The Slog
Today I learned that Jex Thoth and Lamp of Thoth are not the same thing. Really poor Saint Vitus clone. Nothing good to say about this song except that it’s topical. 2/10.
Violator - Dead to this World
Solid song from a solid band, definitely some good riffs in there and the production and performance are how retro-thrash should be, but doesn’t seem very blue-collar to me. It’s more political and about consumer culture. 6/10 – half points = 3/10. 6/10.
Motorhead - (We Are) The Road Crew
Motorhead isn’t a personal fave but still a very good song and perfect representative of blue-collar metal. 7.5/10.
Overkill - I Hate
Bobby Blitz is one of the only guys that could get away with a rant like this. Love the attitude and the pacing. 8/10.
Zoetrope – Amnesty
Really need to give Zoetrope another chance. This song itself wasn’t amazing, kind of repetitive, but I do tend to forget what an ugly street-thrash sound they had, definitely doing the job in the mindset for a blue-collar playlist even if the lyrics are a little less direct. 7/10.
Spiritus Mortis - The Man of Steel
This was enjoyable although I found myself losing focus during its three minute duration. More importantly though, uh, Superman lyrics? I thought maybe there’d be some metaphor about the working man being the strongest part of our economy or something like that but I don’t see the relevance at all. Unless comic superheroes are supposed to be an inherently blue-collar interest, which I disagree with. 5/10 – half points = 2.5/10.
Pentagram - Because I Made It (Demo)
Haven’t heard this one before, good emotional blues-doom, but blue-collar? I can see how it could be relatable, but seems like pure introspection and depression overall. If there were any reference to the kind of work done to ‘make it’ I’d give it full points but I dunno. I mean, even if going from an obscure underground metal band to the mainstream qualifies as blue-collar work, this song was apparently first demoed in 1996 so I doubt it’s about the band themselves. 7/10 – half = 3.5/10.
The Ruiner - The Bull
Huh, M-A rejected this band and they’re one of the heavier stoner bands I’ve heard in these playlists. Can’t find the lyrics but that YouTube comment about the band’s explanation sounds good enough for me. 7/10.
Burning Fallus - Drowning in Bliss
One of the most thematic songs, but unfortunately sounds kind of amateur, weak riffs and chorus. 4/10.