100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

Metallica - "Hit The Lights"

Originally Released as part of the first Metal Massacre compilation (6/14/82)

In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO takes us all the way back to the beginning, with one of the songs featured on the original Metal Massacre compilation, Metallica's "Hit The Lights", which is the first song the band ever recorded. Joining him for his walk down memory lane is Associate Producer on the album, John Kornarens. Brian and John talk about how they befriended a young Lars Ulrich, whose determination to start a band led to Metallica being included on the record. John talks about his role in making sure the song was able to be included on the record, and he and Brian discuss their trip to London to promote the record, including spending a day with Uli John Roth.

Legendary producer Bill Metoyer discusses the production on the song, while contrasting and comparing the different versions. He also explains why he never got to see Metallica when they were starting out in LA.

John Kornarens can be found on Instagram @JHKLA59

For decades, John Kornarens has been a sought-after director and stage manager on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, The Talk, Dr. Phil, The Insider, Murphy Brown, and Rachael Ray. He also directed music videos for legendary Danish metal band Mercyful Fate.
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Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to longtime Billy Idol collaborator, guitarist Steve Stevens about Scorpions "Catch Your Train", the band's Uli Jon Roth era, the 70's rock scene in and around New York, what he thinks of Yungblud and much more.

Producer Jay Ruston discusses the production on this song and Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song.

Visit our YouTube Channel for a longer, uncut version of this interview:

https://youtu.be/wLRcx04o_jA?si=l2UctRurR27GQmG6

You can follow Steve on Instagram and X @SteveStevens.
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Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Cannibal Corpse bassist and songwriter Alex Webster. They discuss the song "Scourge of Iron" from the band's 2012 album "Torture", Alex's musical background and influence, the extreme vocals of death metal and the evolution of the band's sound throughout their career.

There's also focus on the production of the song, which Mark Lewis provides some unique insight, as he produced the follow-up album.

As always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into historical context.

Watch the complete unedited version of the interview on our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/tm18aZ7x-e8

Cannibal Corpse's website: CannibalCorpse.Net

Follow Alex Webster on Instagram @AlexWebsterBass and he's on X @AlexCannibal

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Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by King's X bassist and singer Dug Pinnick. They discuss the band's career, how the band feels about their early collaboration with Sam Taylor and what it was like making the 1992 self-titled album that was their last with Sam. The primary focus is on one the band's most-streamed songs, "Black Flag".

There's also focus on the production of the song, which Jay Ruston joins Brian to discuss, and as always, author Martin Popoff puts the song into historical context.

Watch the complete unedited version of the interview on our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/BqCH_0hHTUI

Watch the official video for "Black Flag" by King's X:

https://youtu.be/RR0G9XKuHdE?si=ukX8Ef9u7DP7MtUi

King's X's website:

KingsXRocks.com

King's X's are on both Instagram and X @KingsXOfficial

Dug Pinnick is on Instagram @DugPinnick and on X @dUgpinnick_

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This week, producer Jay Ruston has been promoted to the primary guest, talking to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel about Rush's "Anthem", a song that was suggested by fellow Canadian and fellow contributor to this show, author Martin Popoff. Producer Mark Lewis also talks about the production of this song.
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