Last night, Lindsay, Jaden, and Manny joined me in seeing one of my favorite bands, Haunt. Here's a video for you to watch or listen to as you continue on.
Haunt's Official music video for their track Serenade.
We saw them in Winter Park's Conduit. We have been there many times. In fact, we saw Haunt there last year. Loved the show so much we came back again; glad to see them back through so soon. A real treat.
Haunt is special. There are a few bands right now that are seemingly, bottling up the essence of 80's hair metal and releasing new material with very similar DNA. That is a good thing, mind you. Let me take you back a bit.
Let's say it's 1986 and I am about 10 years old. I live on base (Whiteman AFB) near Knob Noster, MO. A small rural community, and an Air Force Base supporting each other. It's prime-time-'80s-Midwestern-vibes. Think Stranger Things basement. That's my childhood.
Interestingly, my recollection of that time is even better. I know that nostalgia is a helluva drug, and most people have general affection, but I still can't help but think that growing up in the '80s was the best time to be a child. All the benefits of technology without the repercussions we see today. I know that no era is without significant trials of their own time, the '80s sure felt hopeful to me with more promise than our current times cynicism.
It was precisely in that doe-eyed time, when the Knob Noster Fair would happen annually. Our small mid-west town would seemingly transform into something altogether different. The Octopus, cow patty bingo in the main square, loads of carnival style games and a dizzying array of wares to purchase, most notably, ninja stars and butterfly knives.
One of the prizes you could get at those games was a bands album art screen printed on glass or mirror, wrapped in a cardboard sleeve.
This can be yours for about $30 bucks! Listen, I don't know either. There was a lot of cocaine in the '80s, I'm told. Maybe that explains it. However, take a look at that image. To my 10 year old stuff, it was like a little window into a fantasy epic. I was playing Dungeons and Dragon's with my older brother. Life was magical.
The music of Dio or that which can be lumped into what's called The New Wave of British Heavy Metal, was like an audio track to the adventures in my mind, fueled by D&D adventures like The Keep on the Borderlands.
They were good times. Last night, seeing Haunt and Hitten, reminded me of a time that is full of magic and promise. Mystery and menace.
Left: The Spanish band, Hitten. Right: Trevor William Church of Haunt.
The dueling guitars of Hitten!
Like what you hear? There are more bands putting out some great tunes that call to more magical times:
- Sumerlands - Their album Dreamkiller is a banger (that's what the kids say these days) from start to finish.
- Need a little more Boris Vallejo in your music? Have a listen to Eternal Champion.
- Spirit Adrift, is a bit softer(?). Still great.
As for what it might have been like for real back then? Watch this below. You won't be disappointed.
Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Perhaps you are reading this and have never played D&D or any role-playing game. I would love to teach you and help you setup a game for yourself and your friends! Check my gaming groups site, the Stanley Gaming Guild!
