Saturday Shuffle: Van Halen, Chrome Division, White Zombie, Slayer, Jackson Taylor

A few all-time favorites in this bunch ...

Van Halen, “Jump.” From the album 1984 (1984). Keyboards often overpowered guitars, and fans were left scratching their heads at some of the material on this record, but I still have to admit that this song has one of the catchiest synth lines around, and that’s coming from a guy who, for the most part, hates keyboard.

Review: Chrome Division, "3rd Round Knockout"

There’s just something about black metal guys getting together to jam on some old-fashioned hard rock that works. By all rights it shouldn’t, since the accessible melodies and memorable hooks that go along with the style of music are pretty much the exact opposite of what black metal bands normally do. But every time I hear one of these projects, it seems to be pretty good.

Chrome Division is the brainchild of Dimmu Borgir vocalist Shagrath, who plays guitar for the band and only does backing vocals. I remember enjoying their 2006 debut record Doomsday Rock ‘n’ Roll, which, as I recall had much more of a Motorhead feel.