- Mission Accomplished: U.S. Guitar Kill!!!
"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.
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 Discover the story behind Mike Varney, the visionary founder of Shrapnel Records, who redefined rock and heavy metal by launching guitar legends—explore his journey on his dedicated webpage Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Scott Church, Michael Verchiani This album was recorded by: Calypso Records, Novato, California Mastered by: Paul Stubblebine at the Automatt, San Francisco, California Album cover design: Mister Varney Art direction: Another Coopirini Fantasy Illustration Cover Album cover Illustration: Benny:
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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:
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The album cover for U.S. Metal is a vivid and chaotic illustration that depicts a battlefield scene where soldiers are replaced by guitar-wielding rockers. The soldiers, dressed in military fatigues with “U.S. Metal” insignia, engage in an intense battle, but instead of conventional weapons, they brandish electric guitars like axes of war.
Explosions and fires rage in the background, casting an apocalyptic atmosphere over the landscape. Some figures wield their guitars like clubs, while others strum them mid-action, blending elements of war and heavy metal bravado. The scene exaggerates the raw power and aggression often associated with the genre, giving the impression of rock as a weapon of rebellion. The prominent “U.S. Metal” logo crowns the cover in bold red, reinforcing the album’s patriotic and hard-hitting theme.
The artwork is a tribute to the fierce, no-holds-barred spirit of heavy metal, presented as a sonic warzone where only the loudest survive.
"U.S. Metal Unsung Guitar Heroes " Green Colour Shrapnel Record Label Details: SHRAPNEL 1001 ℗ 1981 Shrapnel Records Sound Copyright
The record label is bright green and features the logo of Shrapnel Records at the top, with an image of a tank above the word ‘Shrapnel’ in bold, curved text. Below the logo, the label reads: Mister Varney Presents U.S. Metal - Unsung Guitar Heroes. The text is neatly printed in black, listing five tracks for Side 1 with the associated artists and songwriters. The details include publishing credits, copyright information, and the year 1981. The catalog number, ‘Shrapnel 1001,’ appears on the right side of the label.