Customer Reviews

Queen of Hell

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"Queen of Hell" is an 18 year retrospective of Hellion, the band which is produced by and revolves around charismatic lead singer and writer Ann Boleyn. Hard to believe but I know of some folks who just got hip to Ann through this release. As such the release is a terrific sysnopsis of her 18 years recording which only whets the appetite for more ! One will quickly see that Ann is, as several reviews proclaim, the Queen of metal.

For those familiar with Hellion/ Ann Boleyn, the CD present some hard-to-find material. Three tracks are from the '83 mini LP on Music of Nations. Ann's searing rendition of Judas Priest's "Exciter" originally on the Postcards from the Asylum EP is also here. "Witchin Hour" gives one a sneak preview of the previously unreleased collection of this name also currently available. Ronnie James Dio, always a big supporter and one- time producer of Ann, is back on board with the very strong new track "Dead and Gone" . This Boleyn penned song makes everyone very anxious for the upcoming solo release.

The CD is complete with 3 pages of text on Ann's fascinating life and 10 great photos. The limited edition carries the Queen's autograph.

If you do not know about Hellion, this CD will make a great introduction. This band was an example of what made the 1980s music scene great (musicianship, songs, production, etc.) and without the stuff that made it bad (posers, cheesy songs, etc.). If you have never heard this band I am willing to bet that you will want to buy all of their CDs after you here this!

Made in USA in 2000, Serial# NRCD-118, Playing Time 56:10

This CD lifts tracks from previously released material, including their 2 full-length albums, the mini-LP, but also previews a track (in rough, rough mix form) of the singer's upcoming album.

Forget the references to Hell, witchcraft, etc. This is metal at his best; it's like an equivalent to the JUDAS PRIEST of the 80's, but with a female singer, a voice that's rough like R.J. Dio's, plus soaring guitars, great energy!

I bought the mini-LP back in 1983, more as a curiosity, and I've been enjoying most of what they've made since... Not particularly original, but interesting from the first note.

Listen to "Don't Say No" and you'll have a good idea of what they're all about; then FORGET ABOUT THIS CD and buy ANY/ALL of their albums: there's some great stuff on them if you like well-made power metal.