5 Songs to Get You Through the Week #180

5 Songs to Get You Through the Week is a feature I run on Young Ears, Fresh Perspective on Sundays/early hours of Monday morning where I pick out 5 tunes that I think are notable and tell you a bit about them. The point is to give you some rocking music to help you deal with your weekday blues. You can either listen to one each day, listen to them all at once, or any other combination that you feel. As long as you can get through the week without the man getting you down, that's all I care about. Without further ado, here are the 5 tracks I've picked out for this week:

1. Medieval Steel, by Medieval Steel

An American power metal band from Memphis, of all places. They got started in the early 80's. Their history is rather spotty and they never made it into the big time, but they have managed to survive even to this day despite multiple break-ups, hiatuses, etc. People do still attend their shows, and for good reason. In songs like "Medieval Steel" they have towering riffs, thundering shredding solos, and melodic choruses that stick with you despite the fact that they are a tad cheesy.

2. The Sword, by XCaliber

Another FANTASTIC power metal band from the mid-80's that sadly never made it very far. Hailing from Pennsylvania, they only released one album, Warriors of the Night in 1986 and then disbanded the following year. This song in particular from that album is probably my favorite one of all. The lyrics aren't exactly the best, but melodically and sonically it still delivers. It has big riffs, juicy licks, and some ear pleasing melodic vocals that make for a catchy chorus.

3. The Watcher, by Tytan

This NWOBHM band lasted for only two years in the early 80's, but former Angel Witch bassist Kev Riddles still managed to get their only album Rough Justice released in 1985, a couple years after the band's split. This song in particular is kind of what you would get if Dio era Black Sabbath and Paul Di'Anno era Iron Maiden had a baby. It has those big riffs, yet they still groove and move at a decent pace while the singer channels his inner-Dio.

4. On the Run, by Overdrive

This is another NWOBHM band that has had a rather off and on history. They formed in 1977 and initially only put out a demo in 1978, a single in 1981 (which is what we have posted here today), and then nothing until 1989 when they put out another demo. It wasn't until 1990 when they started putting out actual albums. They still play today, but as I mentioned they have broken up and gotten back together a LOT over the years. This song definitely lives up to its name. It drives, packs a punch, and will leave you wanting more.

5. The Voice of the Cult, by Chastain

Oh my god. If you want an American power metal band with insanely shreddy guitars that still flow and make sense in the context of a song with one hell of a powerful, yet still melodic female vocalist, then Chastain is the band for you. They have been at it since 1984, and while technically never having broken up they have gone on hold and through line-up changes quite a few times over the years. Regardless, this tune is a great introduction to them.