A Time of Changes

After various years of releasing demos and an album with Satan, the legendary vocalist Brian Ross finally managed to bring out with this project a debut album with studio versions of tracks only available beforehand as demos. The differences between each of them are clear. While the demo versions projected a dirtier sound, the studio versions had a different guitar distortion and a more polished production. It does not mean that these studio versions are necessarily better since the demos are, to a certain extent, more attractive, especially "Blitzed Alive".

The release is good from the beginning to the end, and the first part is great. "Inferno" is a good opening number: great riffs and high-intensity drumming. It leads to an unasked question: have you ever noticed that Metallica wrote a similar intro for "Hit the Lights"? "Blitzkrieg" sounds like a renewed version of the punkish number appearing in the early demos. In fact, this is not the version covered by Metallica. These songs are precisely a point of comparison between the demos and the studio release. At first impression, the studio versions do not hold the same energy as the demo songs, which is clearly reflected in the two aforementioned songs. Much of these differences are mainly a result of the production refining and all the sound engineering behind the recording of Blitzkrieg's debut.

The rest of the album is not different in production, exemplified by other numbers like "Armageddon". "Pull the Trigger" a cover from the other Brian Ross' project Satan (part of the 1982's demo "Into the Fire"), is a more commercial number. It is not as heavy as Satan's version. This song is another example of how Blitzkrieg was more aligned to certain commercial standards that took out some of the heaviness and energy that characterized their early works or the early stuff from Satan. Fortunately, this alignment does not seriously affect the band's sound. Still, more work could have been done with the album to make it an authentic heavy metal machine. With this in mind, the only conclusion is that the album itself is a worthy piece for NWOBHM fanatics. Still, if you are just getting into it, you should definitely give a try to the compilations circulating here and there.

You can also read this review in https://antichristmagazine.com/review-blitzkrieg-a-time-of-changes-neat-records/

Some of us certainly have a very demanding, intense and time-consuming job. The telephone is always ringing, e-mails are constantly coming in, appointments are always pending and need to be prepared and followed up. So it's good to be able to relax in a state of boring equilibrium at the end of the working day, which is already too short. That may sound easier said than done. But fortunately there is "A Time of Changes", a remedy recommended by leading doctors. Side effects are a little earwax and the urgent desire to listen to "At War with Satan" or "Hell Awaits" again. So nothing bad.

Blitzkrieg washed up in the NWOBHM and certainly didn't have the luck of the fittest. There are four years of absolute silence between their first single and "A Time of Changes". No wonder that the train had left the station a long time ago. But would it have been otherwise with different timing? Probably, because some people seem to like this debut. I, on the other hand, can't find anything exciting here. The dudes of Blitzkrieg play - even by 1985 standards - rather simple, at best medium-hard, traditional metal. The songs are conventionally structured, the singer mostly remains in a relaxed chatty tone and even the rare use of the double bass gives the material only little steam. The choruses, which should normally crown a conservatively conceived song, also lack expressiveness. They are recognisable as such thanks to a minimum of catchiness, but apart from the somewhat drawn-out "Infernoo, Infernooo" there is little to hold the listener's attention.

Maybe I don't like the record because the band name or titles like "Armageddon" create a false expectation in me. It's not fast and fiery here and the group is far away from any apocalypse. Even the solos add no touch of aggression. Sporadically, the marching tempo is increased, e.g. during "Hell to Pay". But Blitzkrieg have a penchant for integrating quite melodic tones in every song, so that even "Hell to Pay" changes little in the basic mood of "A Time of Changes". It is and remains in large parts the favourite record of Prince Valium and Baron Valerian. The two should be particularly at peace with "Vikings", one of the more or less obligatory ballads of the time, even if this one predictably allows for a little more than anaemic mumbling after two minutes.

Whether by accident or not, every now and then Blitzkrieg manage to create a good piece of music. "Inferno" has some fairly distinctive riffs and especially the relatively opulent title track with its catchy melody in the verses and the Dan Beehler memorial scream at the end collects plus points. Also positive is the down-to-earth attitude of the music and the renunciation of technical gimmicks to the detriment of the songs. Apart from these things, I can't identify many more pleasing elements. The album's own averageness oozes out of every pore. In any case, I was glad when the supposedly light-footed, actually just faceless closer was over. The history of metal has seen much worse releases than this, but unfortunately this does not mean that Blitzkrieg’s first work deserves a lot of applause.

In 1985, when the NWOBHM style gained the greatest popularity, Brian Ross with his band Blitzkrieg recorded one of the best records of the genre. He managed to do it flawlessly, just like in the case of his previous band called Satan. This release keeps the quality like Iron Maiden did on their albums, it's powerful like Motorhead, and it defends the image of metal just like Saxon does!

If only this album was put together back in 1981 as it was to be, this could easily have been the most memorable metal album of all time and the best example of traditional metal. Unfortunately, the band broke up shortly before releasing their debut, and Brian Ross had to wait 3 years to put everything back together. The effect was harsh for the group. They never captured higher popularity.

This album is extremely well-composed and, to my surprise, is recorded with high quality. Songs are melodic and listening to them gives me a lot of fun. There is nothing superfluous in it as each song is written famously with brilliant guitars and drums. I just can't imagine another vocalist for this release because Brian Ross has done great work and gave this release great atmosphere. It is a monumental release. When listening to this record, I feel like moving in the time, especially during "Armageddon", which is the best track here. Musically, this album is very similar to Court in the Act. This should not surprise anyone, for as we know Brian participated in another band, the one I mentioned at the beginning.

Blitzkrieg is another timeless classic, but is a bit underestimated. They should have gotten more of a reputation than they have. Fortunately, Blitzkrieg has passed the test of time, the guys are still making great song, and they are still releasing albums. I hope that they will manage to play metal in the way they have managed to do so far. This album is a great example of heavy metal's undefiled might. Recommended to every metal maniac because, regardless of style and taste, this album is epic and everyone should enjoy it.

This was Blitzkrieg's First full-length studio album, and what a solid NWOBHM album it was!

The intro (“Ragnarok”) is quite mystical yet I find myself skipping it every time, the second track “Inferno” is a brilliant introduction of Brian Ross' memorable vocals. Once you hear his opening scream, you can pretty much predict the album is going to be a scorcher.
“Blitzkrieg” is the track I’m sure everyone is familiar with, as much as I’m fond of Metallica’s cover version I truly cherish the original. Brian’s vocals clearly dominate the track and make you appreciate the song on another level.
“Pull the trigger” has a bluesy riff and is another favourite of mine but “Armageddon” with out a doubt is the best track. Although the song doesn’t start with a flashy riff or anything spectacular, I can still appreciate the repetitive 58-second build up to a well-written verse. This is such a melodic masterpiece that takes you away, I found myself listening to it whilst staring up at my ceiling. It just mystifies you and takes you away in a trance. I guarantee you will agree when you get to the “frighten children are praying” part.
“Hell to pay” is a live track that has an adrenalin pumping vibe that makes you wish you were at the show. Brian’s vocals live are just as powerful if not more when recorded in front of live audience.
“Vikings” is a ballad that sends shivers down the back of my neck every time I listen to it. Although not as strong as “Armageddon” it still possesses the ability to mystify.
“A time of changes” is the cover title of the album and is my second favourite track.
The track is not only well written lyrically, the riffs can only be described as unique and unheard of. It certainly has taken my tastes into another level.
Finally “Saviour” is probably a let down considering the albums highlights and strengths, don’t get me wrong its still an excellent track but I doubt the song had much hope without Brian’s vocals. Lets face it Brian Ross’ vocals are what make up Blitzkrieg.
If you can find this album on ebay or any old record store I strongly recommend you snap this one up as you wont find many of these gems.