PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
This release consists of the first Bitch EP (Damnation alley) from 1982 and their first album (Be my slave) from 1983. Both have been remastered and sound better than they’ve ever sounded before. As well as the album and EP on a CD the package also includes a DVD containing video footage of the band in concert including their performance at the Keep it true festval in Germany in April 2011.
OK for anyone who hasnt come across the band Bitch before, they were highly controversial in the 1980’s because of their lyrics about bondage and their bondage inspired performances in concerts, with lead singer Betsy often wielding a whip. Track names such as “Be my slave”, leatherbound” and “Live for the whip” give a good indication of the subject matter included in the lyrics. Although many things that were controversial or shocking in the 80’s seem tame these days, I suspect that even now the songs on this album still retain some shock value due to the taboo nature of bondage/S&M and some parents wouldn’t be happy if they heard their children listening to some of these lyrics.
Musically they are good hard metal/rock – the closest comparisons musically are probably Girlschool amd Hysterica, although Bitch are probably heavier than Girlschool.
Comments on a few of the tracks…
“Right from the start” kicks the album off how it means to carry on – with lots of power. Although Bitch have a female singer (Betsy Bitch), they arent a lightweight or symphonic metal band – they play proper heavy metal and this track really shows the power they have.
“Be my slave” kicks off with Betsy shouting “I want you to be my slave” – the first introduction on the album to one of their favourite themes – bondage.
“Leatherbound” – another hard rocking song played at a frantic pace and Betsy’s screaming vocals fit perfectly with the power of the music.
“Save you from the world” starts off as a slow song before the drums rapidly increase in tempo and power and some finger shredding guitars riffs kick in to mark a change of pace to a heavier faster track. Although its probably the “ballad” of the album it feels too heavy to call it a ballad.
“Live for the whip” punctuates the heavy guitar based metal with whip cracks followed by moans of pleasure – which will no doubt have infuriated the crusading members of the PMRC who in the 80’s tried to get various songs banned for obscene or explicit lyrics and who are responsible for the introduction of the warning labels we still get on albums sometimes to warn us of explicit lyrics.
Previously unreleased track “Let’s go” is another good solid track that stands up well against the album and EP tracks. Sometimes when a track that wasnt released is included in a package like this then its clear why it wasn’t released (just not good enough), but in this case the track is certainly good enough to justify inclusion.
This is a great release – the songs have been remastered so they sound better than ever, and the fact that for your money you get an EP, and album and a DVD of videos makes it excellent value too.
Rating: 8.5/10
Be my slave track listing:
1. Right from the start
2. Be my slave
3. Leatherbound
4. Riding in thunder
5. Save you from the world
6. Heavy metal breakdown
7. Gimme a kiss
8. In heat
9. Make it real (make it rock)
10. World war III
Damnation Alley track listing:
1. Saturdays
2. Never come home
3. Damnation alley
4. He’s gone
5. Live for the whip
Previously unreleased tracks:
1. Let’s go
