CD review CJSS "Metal treasures"

CJSS released a 'new' album called "Metal treasures". Actually the album is basically a "Best of..." from the two CJSS albums "World gone and" and "Praise the loud". Both were released in the mid-80's by David T. Chastain. That was the time when David became famous in the metal scene. The guitarist had different bands and projects. Next to CJSS he also released a few great records like "Ruler of the wasteland" together with the female singer Leather Leone under the name Chastain.

The question with this album is, why it has been released. A "Best of..." album based in two albums feels a little bit strange. But on the other hand the songs are good. Of course it is without a doubt that David has a great neo-classic guitar play on the songs. His soli are just great to listen to. The good thing with CJSS, as well as with Chastain records, is that the guitar supports the songs. The tracks are not only a lot of soli put together. Next to Chastain esp. singer Russell Jinkens does a really good job. He has a great voice which is perfect for the songs. The songwriting was important and the result was really good US metal songs, which unfortunately didn't get enough attention already in the eighties. Songs like "Praise the loud", "Metal forever" and "Out of control" are just worth to be listened to.

CJSS always stayed in a niche and I could imagine that the support from the old label "Black Dragon" wasn't the best at that time. Since we are lacking good oldschool US metal in these days a bit it is good to remind yourself to those songs. Or you haven't experienced the mid 80's since you were too young. Than it is a good piece of history for you. I just can say "Metal forever".

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Metal forever
2. Out of control
3. No-man's-land
4. Hell on earth
5. Gates to eternity
6. Thunder and lighting
7. Praise the loud
8. Living in exile
9. Citizen of hell
10. Thiefs of heart
11. Movements Qp827

Label: Leviathan Records

Genre: US Metal