740. Various Artists / Metal For Muthas. 1980. 3.5/5

Any notable article or long form document looking back at the start of the so called New Wave of British Heavy Metal will often refer to this release, if for no other reason than it was a part of the history of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, Iron Maiden. Given that they were afforded two song positions on this ten track release, it probably states just how far advanced they already were by this period of time. Perhaps though, just as viable a question is, given the success Iron Maiden attracted following this initial release, what happened to the other bands featured here? Is there any particular reason why they did not go on to huge international careers. In fact, where did they go from here?

You can accept the fact that the two Maiden tracks here are excellent, but it is interesting to hear the earlier versions of "Sanctuary" and "Wrathchild". The self titled track by Sledgehammer immediately comes across as impressive, and fits in well with the album's direction.  This is followed by another faster track, "Fighting for Rock and Roll" by E F Band. This is another song that you can see why they were put on this compilation at the time. Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Blues in A" is exactly that, a blues track, and does NOT fit in well with the album's direction. So what the hell is it doing on an album that publicises itself as promoting metal? Apart from being an average song, it has no place in this collection when you place it alongside the other songs on the album. Ordinary.
Praying Mantis was seen as a band from this compilation that would be the one to "make it". "Captured City" is the song they have here, which is okay, but the vocals are just a bit weedy. However, you can sense greater things in the music than the vocals allow to improve it. Ethel the Frog's "Fight Back" sounds like a typical NWoBHM track, based on fastish guitars and drums, without really showing anything that would hook you in for further music from the band. Angel Witch's "Baphomet" is probably my favourite from the remainder of the album, and my favourite band here apart from the obvious top dog. The Samson track, "Tomorrow or Yesterday" is an early taster of their material, which improved dramatically over the next two years with the recruitment of Bruce Dickinson. The closing song "Bootliggers" from Nutz is another unusual one, given the band already had three albums out, and then disbanded not long after this album was released.

35 years on, and this is still an interesting look back at what was happening in the metal scene in the UK at the time, in what was perhaps a breeding ground for the genre. Funnily enough, it turns out that more bands made it to the big time after this period, having been inspired by what these bands were producing, than the bands who produced the material in the first place.

Rating:  Born into a scene of angriness and greed, dominance and persecution  3.5/5