New Now:Today In Metal History November 6th, 2024 SCORPIONS, CRAIG GOLDY, PAUL GILBERT, LIVING COLOUR, KREATOR……

Metal music is a genre rich with history, filled with iconic moments that shaped its evolution, bringing together a diverse range of influences from hard rock to thrash and death metal. November 6th stands as an important date, seeing the birth of influential albums, the debut of legendary bands, and the emergence of virtuosic guitarists who have shaped the sound of metal for decades. Today, we take a look at key events in metal history that occurred on November 6th.

1. Scorpions – ‘Blackout’ (1982)

One of the most iconic albums in the history of heavy metal, the Scorpions’ Blackout was released on November 6th, 1982. The album marked a significant moment in the German band’s career, solidifying their international success and propelling them into the upper echelons of hard rock and heavy metal.

After the commercial success of Lovedrive (1979), the Scorpions had already begun to define their style: melodic, yet heavy, with a distinctive blend of hard rock and metal. Blackout took that sound to new heights, with powerful songs like “No One Like You,” “Still Loving You,” and the title track becoming staples of their live set. The album was a turning point for the band, showing off the full potential of Klaus Meine’s unique voice and the twin-guitar attack of Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs.

The success of Blackout was crucial in expanding the Scorpions’ global fanbase, especially in North America. The record went platinum in the U.S., cementing the band as one of the leading forces in the burgeoning heavy metal movement of the early 80s. The album also marked a key transition for the band, showcasing a more refined, commercial sound that would carry them through the 80s and beyond.

2. Craig Goldy – Birth of a Guitar Virtuoso

On November 6th, 1961, guitarist Craig Goldy was born. Goldy, known for his virtuosic abilities and work with bands such as Dio, Giuffria, and Rising Force, has been an influential force in the world of heavy metal, particularly in the realms of melodic rock and power metal.

As a member of Dio, Goldy contributed to some of the band’s most revered albums, including Dream Evil (1987), and Lock Up the Wolves (1990). His guitar solos and songwriting helped to shape the distinctive sound of the band during the 80s and early 90s, as he brought both technical skill and melodic sensibility to Dio’s music.

Craig Goldy was also a key member of Giuffria, which helped define the 80s glam-metal and AOR scene with albums like Giuffria (1984) and Silk and Steel (1985). Goldy’s mastery of melody, technical prowess, and his unique blend of classical influences made him a standout talent in the world of heavy metal guitarists.

In recent years, Goldy has continued to contribute to the metal community, further solidifying his place as one of the great guitarists in the genre.

3. Paul Gilbert – ‘Flying in a Blue Dream’ (1986)

November 6th is also the day that Paul Gilbert released his groundbreaking solo album Flying in a Blue Dream in 1986. Gilbert, best known for his work with Racer X and Mr. Big, demonstrated on this album his incredible technical prowess and compositional skills.

As a guitarist, Paul Gilbert became renowned for his lightning-fast playing, intricate solos, and creative approach to guitar technique. Flying in a Blue Dream was an album that showcased his abilities not only as a shredder but as a versatile musician with a gift for melody and songcraft.

The album became a touchstone for aspiring guitarists, as Gilbert’s playing on tracks like “I Like Rock” and the title track was a clinic in precision, creativity, and sheer technical skill. The album was not just a display of blistering solos but also an exploration of blues, hard rock, and even some jazz influences, blending different musical worlds into a cohesive and accessible collection.

Gilbert’s influence on the guitar world cannot be overstated, and Flying in a Blue Dream remains one of his signature works, showcasing his talent for both virtuosic playing and crafting songs with emotional depth.

4. Living Colour – ‘Vivid’ (1988)

On November 6th, 1988, the groundbreaking album Vivid by Living Colour was released. The band, led by the powerful vocal and guitar talents of Corey Glover and Vernon Reid, injected a dose of creativity, genre-blending, and social consciousness into the world of metal, hard rock, and alternative music.

Vivid was an instant classic, with its bold combination of hard rock, metal, funk, jazz, and punk. Songs like “Cult of Personality” became anthems of the late 80s and early 90s, with lyrics that addressed social issues such as race, politics, and identity. The band’s musical prowess was undeniable, as Reid’s virtuosic guitar work and Glover’s distinctive voice created a unique sound that set Living Colour apart from the rest of the rock scene at the time.