Various Artists - Heavy Metal Heroes Vol I-III (1981-1990)

Side A:

1. TWISTED ACE - I Won't Surrender
The biggest problem with this song seems to be that they aren't sure what they want to be. This is particularly obvious in the vocals, such as the falsetto chorus or the Hocus Pocus bit near the end. Slightly different to single version.
2. GRIM REAPER - The Reaper
In my opinion this is one of their best songs, despite (or perhaps because of) the different singer. This song eventually evolved into Final Scream. Only release with first singer Paul DeMercado.
3. JAGUAR - Stormchild
Decent song, similar to their Back Street Woman single, though JAGUAR would get better than this (before getting much worse). Reissued on Power Games - The Anthology.
4. SOLDIER - Storm Of Steel
First and probably heaviest song by this solid NWOBHM band. Rerecorded by the recently reformed band for their Sins of the Warrior CD.
5. BITCHES SIN - Strangers On The Shore
This song was rerecorded for their Predator LP, but the version on this compilation is so much better. It sounds heavier and surprisingly less sloppy, in addition to being about a minute longer.
6. METAL MIRROR - Hard Life
This song is OK, but I'll never understand why their similar sounding single can sell for $150 or more. Rereleased as a bonus track on II.

Side B:
1. HANDSOME BEASTS - Local Heroes
A decent, slightly bluesy effort with a catchy chorus. Later rerecorded for their 04 CD.
2. BUFFALO - Cold As Night
I love everything about this song, from the epic, almost doomy intro to the awesome riff to the fist pounding chorus. Originally exclusive, but later released on the Best of Buffalo CD.
3. EXPOZER - Rock Japan
The most commercial sounding song on here, but still an enjoyable piece with a great solo.
4. SPLIT BEAVER - Running Wild
Exclusive track from this AC/DC clone. Like the similar band STARFIGHTERS, they're good but ultimately unremarkable.
5. DRAGSTER - Do It!
An energetic and well-done song, though the BDSM lyrics are a bit silly.
6. WITCHFINDER GENERAL - Rabies
Slow early BLACK SABBATH style song. Not the best introduction to WITCHFINDER GENERAL, though it does have a nice solo.

Side A:
1. LIONHEART - Lionheart
Starts off nearly identical to the DRAGSTER song from Volume 1 but soon we hear the powerful chorus and this turns out to be one of the better songs on this LP. Quite a bit different from the more commercial sounding Hot Tonight LP. Reissued on a Japanese-only CD called Unearthed: Raiders of the Lost Archives.
2. SHIVA - En Cachent
Usually compared to RUSH, I find this song has more in common with another Canadian trio, TRIUMPH. Either way it's a great prog-tinged NWOBHM song.
3. PALLAS - Arrive Alive
Scottish band PALLAS continue the progressive trend, but they mix it with a new wave sound. Don't let that scare you though, it's a song that most melodic metal fans should enjoy. Also rerecorded as Eyes in the Night and released as a single in 1984. I like this version better because while Eyes of the Night is arguably more metal, Arrive Alive is less polished and commercial sounding.
4. MENDES PREY - What The Hell's Going On?
Similar to more mainstream bands like MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP.
5. MANTLE SWALLOW PALMER - Ice Cold Diamond
Don't know who Mantle or Swallow are, but drummer Steve Palmer played in Glenn Tipton's first group, THE FLYING HAT BAND. Decent but unremarkable 70s style rocker.
6. OVERKILL - Out Of My Head
Galloping rhythm and nice chorus in much the same vein as their Elemental single.

Side B:
1. JESS COX - Devil's Triangle
Jess Cox' post-TYGERS OF PAN TANG career consists mostly of dull, radio-friendly hard rock. However, this track is actually kind of heavy and at least moderately interesting.
2. TWISTED ACE - This Fire Inside
Nice, catchy melodic rock/AOR which is what I think they were meant to play from the start. Originally slated to be released as Heavy 14 but for whatever reason it was only released on this compilation, leaving a mysterious gap in the label's catalog.
3. WITCHFINDER GENERAL - Free Country
When I heard this fast-paced BLACK SABBATH inspired song I became an instant WITCHFINDER GENERAL fan.
4. NO FAITH - Oh Well
Maybe it's just because I never liked the original, but I find this cover of the old Peter Green-era FLEETWOOD MAC song terrible.
5. PERSIAN RISK - Calling For You
Classic Welsh NWOBHM that is much more metal than their later material. Powerful vocals by Carl Sentance and some good guitar soloing make this one of my favorite songs of the genre. According to Malc Macmillan's NWOBHM Encyclopedia this is different to the single version, but I can't tell them apart.
6. NO QUARTER - Power And The Key
Less LED ZEPPELIN influence than their other material, this song takes a more traditional and energetic NWOBHM approach.