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It is hard to imagine anyone not being at least aware of Blitzkrieg, one of the most well-known NWOBHM bands, thanks largely to Metallica covering the song "Blitzkrieg" on the B-side of their "Creeping Death" 12" single. Well, there's a reason Lars and crew included that song, and it is because it is a kick-ass metal tune that originally appeared on Blitzkrieg's 1985 album, A Time of Changes. If you've missed any of the numerous reissues, High Roller is giving it a vinyl re-release which includes both the full album plus a 10" bonus disc with extra versions of a few early tracks.

Musically, Blitzkrieg were a prototypical NWOBHM band but one with musicianship and songwriting abilities superior to many of their contemporaries. Cuts like "Inferno", "Blitzkrieg" and "Hell to Pay" display sawing riffs and high-pitched screams draped with echo that combine to form instantly memorable hooks that you'll be singing long after the album has stopped. "Pull the Trigger" (originally written by singer Brian Ross for Satan, a band he also sang for) and "Armageddon" lean a little more to the hard rock side but are no less catchy or entertaining. The whole album has the slightly DIY vibe that so many NWOBHM bands had and, even though it was originally recorded for Neat Records, legendary for their shitty sound, this remaster sounds great.

NWOBHM aficionados probably have this album on multiple formats already, so for them it's all about completing the collection as it seems to be something of a unique format with the two different sized vinyl. If you don't already own it, it's one of the better NWOBHM albums and a pretty good place to start exploring that movement.