VARIOUS ARTISTS - MISTER VARNEY PRESENTS U.S. METAL UNSUNG GUITAR HEROES 12" LP Vinyl Album

"Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes," a compilation encapsulated in a 12" LP Vinyl Album, unveils the hidden gems of late 1970s and early 1980s obscure American heavy metal. Curated by Mister Varney, this collection pays homage to the unsung guitar heroes of the era. Each track is a sonic revelation, spotlighting the raw talent and innovation that characterized underground metal during this pivotal period. This album becomes a treasure trove for enthusiasts, resurrecting the spirit of forgotten virtuosos and their contributions to the rich tapestry of American heavy metal history.

Mission Accomplished: U.S. Guitar Kill!!!

 

Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal: Unsung Guitar Heroes – A Pivotal Moment in Heavy Metal History
Album Description:

In the early 1980s, the heavy metal landscape was undergoing a significant transformation. While established bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were dominating the scene, a new wave of underground talent was bubbling beneath the surface. It was in this fertile ground that "Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal: Unsung Guitar Heroes" emerged as a groundbreaking compilation album.

Historical Context

Released in 1981 on Shrapnel Records, the album was the brainchild of Mike Varney, a visionary figure in the heavy metal world. Varney recognized the untapped potential of American guitarists who were pushing the boundaries of the genre. "U.S. Metal" served as a platform to showcase these virtuosos, offering them exposure to a wider audience.

Musical Exploration

The album was a diverse collection of tracks that spanned the spectrum of heavy metal. Each song was a testament to the unique styles and technical prowess of the featured guitarists. This diverse range of tracks demonstrated the breadth and depth of the genre's emerging talent and Varney's commitment to unearthing and promoting the most innovative guitarists of the era.

Music Genre

"U.S. Metal" firmly established itself within the heavy metal genre, but it also pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. The album featured elements of speed metal, neoclassical metal, and hard rock, creating a unique sound that resonated with a growing audience hungry for something new and exciting.

Producers and Key Performers

Mike Varney, the driving force behind the album, produced "U.S. Metal" with a keen ear for talent. He handpicked the guitarists featured on the album, ensuring a diverse and compelling collection of tracks.

Music Genre:

US Heavy Metal 
Album Production Information:

The album: "MISTER VARNEY PRESENTS U.S. METAL UNSUNG GUITAR HEROES" was produced by: Mister Varney

Mike Varney A music producer and founder of "Shrapnel Records", in the rock and heave metal music, known as producer of several W.A.S.P albums . Mike Varney isn't just a record producer; he's a legend in the world of rock and heavy metal. At the young age of 22, he founded Shrapnel Records, a label that would become synonymous with shred guitar and propel a generation of musical heroes onto the scene.

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Shrapnel wasn't just another record company; it was the first in the US dedicated solely to heavy metal. Founded in 1980, it arrived at a pivotal moment, capturing the burgeoning shred guitar movement and giving a platform to the dazzling technical proficiency that was taking the metal world by storm.

Varney's vision wasn't just about heavy riffs; he had a keen eye for talent. Shrapnel became the launchpad for iconic guitarists like Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, and many more. These players, known for their lightning-fast picking and neo-classical influences, would redefine what it meant to be a metal guitarist.

Varney's influence wasn't limited to shred. Shrapnel also embraced other genres that fell under the rock and metal umbrella, including progressive metal and blues-rock. His impact transcended the music itself; he helped popularize the "shred guitar" aesthetic, with its focus on virtuosity and technical mastery.

Shrapnel wasn't Varney's only venture. The Shrapnel Label Group also includes Tone Center Records, dedicated to jazz fusion, and Blues Bureau International, a haven for blues and blues-rock. He even co-founded Magna Carta Records, a progressive rock and metal label.

Mike Varney's legacy is undeniable. He's not just a record producer; he's a shepherd who nurtured a generation of musical talent and helped shape the sound of rock and metal for decades to come. His influence continues to inspire guitarists and music fans today, ensuring that the shred spirit lives on.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Scott Church, Michael Verchiani

This album was recorded by: Calypso Records, Novato, California

Mastered by: Paul Stubblebine

Album cover design: Mister Varney

Art direction: Another Coopirini Fantasy Illustration Cover

Album cover Illustration: Benny:

 

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Shrapnel 1001

Album Packaging:

This album "Mister Varney Presents U.S. METAL - Unsung Guitar Heroes, " is a compilaton album of Metal Guitar Heroes published by Verney Metal Music Co.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1981 Made in USA
Complete Track-listing of the album "Mister Varney Presents U.S. METAL - Unsung Guitar Heroes, "

The detailed tracklist of this record "Mister Varney Presents U.S. METAL - Unsung Guitar Heroes, " is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. U.S. Metal / Chumbi , Guitar E.M. Kay
  2. Look into the Light / Exxe, Guitar Henri Hewitt
  3. No Time / Gilles - Meblin Assault, Guitars: Bob Gilles, Dan Mablin
  4. Outta Line / Whizkey Stik , Guitar; Carl McLaughlin, Produced by Terry Duoos, Whizkey Stik
  5. Damascus / Issak Newton, Guitar Scott Roseman, Produced by Kent andScott Roseman
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Gettin Higher / The Rods, Guitar David "Rock" Feinstein, Produced by Carl Canedy and David "Rock" Feinstein
  2. The Snake / Greg Strong, Guitar Greg Strong, Produced by Mr Varney, Engineered and co-produced by Fred Waxler
  3. Liquid Lady / Reddi Kilowatt, Guitar Terry Kilgore, Produced by Teddy Kilgore
  4. Code 3 / Lyle Workman, Guitar Lyle Workman, Produced by Lyle Worknab and Bill Tarvin
  5. Rockin' Disease / Toyz, Guitar Rob Lyndall, Produced by Toyz

 

Front Cover Photo Of Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes 12" LP Vinyl Album back cover

Close up of Side One record's label Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes 12" LP Vinyl Album

"U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes " Green Colour Shrapnel Record Label Details: SHRAPNEL 1001 ℗ 1981 Shrapnel Records Sound Copyright

"U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes " Green Colour Shrapnel Record Label Details: SHRAPNEL 1001 ℗ 1981 Shrapnel Records Sound Copyright