Ep. 123 Van Halen - Diver Down - Review & Reaction!   Van Halen’s Diver Down, released in April 1982, stands as one of the band’s more polarizing records—both celebrated for its playful, party-rock vibe and criticized for its heavy reliance on cover songs. Clocking in at just over 31 minutes, the album blends original material with a series of classic rock and pop covers, showcasing the band’s versatility and sense of humor. While not as influential as Van Halen I or 1984, Diver Down helped reinforce Van Halen’s image as hard rock’s ultimate party band, solidifying their mainstream appeal in the early '80s. Diver Down is often seen as a transitional album—a bridge between Van Halen’s raw early years and their polished commercial peak. While it’s cover-heavy and short, it captures a carefree, rebellious spirit that was essential to the band’s identity. For better or worse, it proved that Van Halen could do whatever they wanted—and still go platinum.

Ep. 122 Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction - Review & Reaction!   When Appetite for Destruction dropped in 1987, it didn't exactly fly off the shelves...... At first. Released on July 21, 1987, "Appetite" didn't enter the top 50 on the Billboard album charts until Jan 16, 1988. Shortly after this, it exploded like a Molotov cocktail into a music scene that had grown too comfortable with glam metal’s glossy sheen. Guns N’ Roses—raw, dangerous, and oozing attitude—brought back the grit and grime of rock ‘n’ roll. This debut wasn’t just an album; it was a statement. With Axl Rose’s snarling vocals, Slash’s bluesy, melodic solos, and a rhythm section that swung like a wrecking ball, Appetite redefined hard rock for a generation. Appetite for Destruction went on to become the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S. It influenced countless bands in the late '80s and '90s, from grunge (which appreciated GNR's authenticity over glam's gloss) to hard rock and even punk revival scenes. The band’s mix of punk energy, bluesy riffing, and metal aggression helped bridge the gap between classic rock and modern hard rock, keeping the genre alive during a time when synth-pop and polished hair metal were dominating.

Ep. 121 Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Review & Reaction! Released in 1983, Rebel Yell solidified Billy Idol as a dominant force in 1980s rock, blending punk attitude with new wave and hard rock elements. The album, produced by Keith Forsey, was a commercial success and a defining work of the era, showcasing Idol’s signature sneer, Steve Stevens’ virtuosic guitar work, and a mix of high-energy anthems and moody ballads. Rebel Yell remains one of the defining albums of the 80s, blending punk, rock, and new wave with unforgettable hooks and dynamic production. With its mix of anthems, ballads, and edgy rockers, the album not only propelled Billy Idol to superstardom but also influenced generations of rock artists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Rebel Yell is an essential listen for anyone exploring 80s rock.

Ep. 120 Black Sabbath - Master of Reality - Review & Reaction! Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality, released in 1971, is a landmark album in heavy metal history. It took the band’s signature doom-laden sound to a new level, emphasizing slower, heavier, and more menacing riffs. This album was crucial in shaping the doom, sludge, and stoner metal subgenres, influencing countless bands like Sleep, Kyuss, and Electric Wizard. Tony Iommi’s down-tuned guitar (due to a factory accident that damaged his fingertips) contributed to an even darker and thicker sound, making Master of Reality one of the heaviest records of its time. Master of Reality laid the groundwork for multiple metal subgenres, particularly doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock. Its raw, down tuned heaviness, combined with themes of war, religion, drugs, and despair, resonated with generations of metalheads. The album is frequently cited as one of the greatest metal records of all time, and its influence can be heard in the works of bands like Metallica, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. This album solidified Black Sabbath’s role as the forefathers of heavy metal, proving that music could be both devastatingly heavy and deeply introspective. Over 50 years later, Master of Reality remains essential listening for any rock or metal fan.

Ep. 119 Ratt – Out of the Cellar - Review & Reaction Ratt’s Out of the Cellar is one of the defining albums of the glam metal movement of the 1980s. Released on February 17, 1984, the album solidified Ratt as one of the premier acts in the Los Angeles hard rock scene. With its mix of sleazy, bluesy riffs, catchy melodies, and a slick production courtesy of Beau Hill, Out of the Cellar played a key role in shaping the sound of '80s hair metal. Out of the Cellar remains one of the quintessential glam metal albums of the 1980s. Ratt successfully blended heavy metal grit with pop accessibility, helping to shape the genre's sound. The album’s legacy lives on, with Round and Round still receiving significant airplay, and the band's influence evident in many rock acts that followed. If you're a fan of classic '80s rock, this is an essential listen.

Ep. 118 White Lion - Big Game - Review & Reaction! The Lost Episode This episode, thought to be lost forever, was recently rediscovered in the dank basement of the Big Talk Studio. It has been pieced together to as close to its original form as possible , as parts of it were too damaged to retore......Enjoy! White Lion’s third studio album, Big Game, released in 1989, followed the success of their breakthrough album Pride (1987). While Pride established the band as a force in the glam metal scene with hits like "Wait" and "When the Children Cry," Big Game took a slightly different approach. The album showcased a mix of melodic hard rock, socially conscious lyrics, and an attempt at diversifying their sound. Big Game arrived at a time when glam metal was beginning to wane in popularity, as grunge and alternative rock were on the horizon. While the album didn't have the same lasting impact as Pride, it did showcase White Lion’s continued effort to balance radio-friendly rock with more serious themes, such as war, conservation, and social issues. Songs like "Little Fighter" exemplified their ability to infuse hard rock with meaningful messages. While the album didn’t achieve multi-platinum status, it remains a favorite among White Lion fans and is often praised for its musicianship, particularly Bratta’s guitar work.

Ep. 117 Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - Review & Reaction!   Bon Jovi's self-titled debut album, released on January 21, 1984, marked the beginning of the band's journey to rock stardom. Though it wasn't an immediate blockbuster, it laid a solid foundation for their later success and showcased the band's raw talent and potential. The album blends hard rock and pop-metal elements, establishing Bon Jovi's signature sound that would evolve and mature in subsequent releases. "Bon Jovi" helped to establish the band's presence in the rock scene during the 1980s, a time when glam metal and hard rock were gaining popularity. The album's success in the United States and internationally, particularly in Japan, contributed to the band's growing fan base and set the stage for their breakthrough with their third album, "Slippery When Wet." It also helped to define the rock sound of the 80s, blending catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and relatable lyrics.

Ep. 116 Poison - Flesh N Blood - Review & Reaction! Released on June 21, 1990, Poison's third studio album, "Flesh & Blood," is a quintessential glam metal record that showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and a touch of bluesy grit. The album marked a significant point in Poison's career, both in terms of musical evolution and commercial success. It reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and produced several hit singles that solidified Poison's place in the rock pantheon.   "Flesh & Blood" came at a time when glam metal was peaking in popularity. The album's success contributed to the mainstream acceptance of the genre, bridging the gap between the more theatrical elements of 1980s rock and the rawer, more introspective sounds that would define early 1990s rock. Its mix of party anthems and introspective ballads captured the spirit of the era and influenced many subsequent bands in the glam and hard rock scenes.

Ep. 115 Mötley Crüe - Theater of Pain - Reaction & Review!   Mötley Crüe's "Theater of Pain" is a significant album in the band's discography, marking a shift towards a more glam metal sound and away from the raw edge of their earlier work. Released in 1985, it showcased the band's ability to blend hard rock with catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, influencing the glam metal scene of the mid-'80s. "Theater of Pain" solidified Mötley Crüe's status as glam metal icons, contributing to the genre's mainstream popularity. The album's success helped pave the way for other glam metal bands and influenced the fashion and musical style of the era. It produced several hits that became staples in the band's live performances and music videos that became MTV favorites.

Ep. 114 Overkill - Years of Decay - Review  & Reaction! Overkill's "The Years of Decay", released in 1989, is considered a classic in the thrash metal genre. Its blend of aggression, technical skill, and lyrical depth influenced many bands that followed. The album's success helped solidify Overkill's place in the metal pantheon and continues to inspire new generations of metal musicians.

Ep. 113 Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying - Review & Reaction! Released in 1986, Megadeth's "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" is a cornerstone of thrash metal, showcasing the band's technical prowess, socio-political lyrics, and Dave Mustaine's distinctive snarling vocals. This album played a pivotal role in defining the thrash genre and influenced countless metal bands that followed. Influence of the Album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" is considered one of the most influential thrash metal albums of all time. Its combination of speed, technicality, and lyrical depth helped solidify Megadeth's position as one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. The album's politically charged themes resonated with fans during the turbulent 1980s, and its title track, "Peace Sells," became an anthem for disaffected youth and a staple on MTV, thanks to its catchy bassline and provocative lyrics. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" remains a seminal album in the metal genre. Its impact is still felt today, as it laid the groundwork for future generations of metal bands. The combination of technical skill, lyrical depth, and raw energy ensures its place in the pantheon of great metal records. If you're a fan of thrash metal, this album is an essential listen.

Ep. 112 Testament - The New Order - Review & Reaction Testament's "The New Order" album is a thrash metal masterpiece that solidified their place in the pantheon of heavy metal legends. Released in 1988, it was a defining moment for the band and the genre as a whole, showcasing their technical prowess, intense energy, and thought-provoking lyrics. 🤘 The album had a significant influence on the thrash metal scene, serving as a blueprint for many bands that followed. Its impact can still be felt today, with its relentless riffs and blistering solos inspiring countless musicians across the globe. 🎸 Overall, Testament’s "The New Order" is a timeless classic that continues to inspire metalheads around the world. Its influence on the genre cannot be overstated, and it remains essential listening for any fan of thrash metal. 🎶

We kick off our 3rd annual Heavy May-tal Month with an absolute classic! "Pantera's 'Cowboys from Hell' album is an absolute powerhouse of metal mayhem 🤘. Released in 1990, it marked a pivotal moment not only for the band but for the entire genre of heavy metal. Phil Anselmo's aggressive yet melodic vocals cut through the mix, delivering intense lyrics with raw emotion. Dimebag Darrell's guitar riffs were razor-sharp and instantly recognizable, showcasing his unparalleled talent and innovation. Rex Brown's bass lines added depth and heaviness to the sound, while Vinnie Paul's powerhouse drumming drove the songs forward with relentless energy. Influence-wise, 'Cowboys from Hell' had a seismic impact on the metal scene, inspiring countless bands and musicians to push the boundaries of the genre. Its combination of aggression, melody, and technical proficiency set a new standard for what metal could achieve, and its legacy continues to reverberate through the music world to this day." This album cemented Pantera's status as one of the most influential bands in metal history.

Ep. 110 Van Halen - 1984 -- Review & Reaction! 🎸 Van Halen's "1984" Album Review 🎸 Step into the time machine and journey back in time with Van Halen's groundbreaking album, "1984"! Join us as we dive deep into each track, exploring the electrifying guitar riffs of Eddie Van Halen, the pulsating rhythms of Alex Van Halen & Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth's unparalleled vocals. Released on January 9, 1984, by Van Halen, stands as a monumental album in the annals of rock music, merging hard rock and synth-driven tracks in a way that became emblematic of the era's sound.

Ep. 109 Damn Yankees Self Titled Debut - Review & Reaction! 🎸🔥 Welcome to our latest episode, where we're diving deep into the rock supergroup sensation Damn Yankees and their electrifying self-titled debut album, "Damn Yankees"! 🌟 Released in 1990, this album burst onto the scene, delivering a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and a touch of AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) that still resonates with fans today. 🌟 Review 🌟 Damn Yankees' debut album is a masterclass in '90s rock, offering a blend of anthemic rockers and heart-wrenching ballads. The supergroup, consisting of Ted Nugent, Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades, and Michael Cartellone, brought their A-game, crafting an album that's not only emblematic of its era but has stood the test of time. With "High Enough" leading the charge as the album's most recognizable track, the rest of the album provides a solid foundation that has captivated listeners for decades. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Damn Yankees, this album is a rock and roll journey worth taking.

Ep. 108 The Top 10 WWE Intercontinental Title Matches at WrestleMania   In this electrifying episode of The Big Talk Podcast, your hosts, Chris and Gregg, dive deep into the heart and soul of WrestleMania - the Intercontinental Championship matches that have left an indelible mark on the legacy of The Showcase of the Immortals. With a passion for the squared circle, they embark on a thrilling journey through time to rank the top 10 Intercontinental Title matches in WrestleMania history. From the high-flying antics and technical wizardry of the 1980s and 90s to the gritty, emotion-charged battles of the new millennium, Chris and Gregg provide detailed commentary on the matches that defined generations and the unforgettable moments that crowned champions and created legends. Whether it's the spectacle of WrestleMania III, the technical masterpiece at WrestleMania X, or the high-stakes drama of more recent showdowns, every match is a chapter in the storied history of the Intercontinental Championship. Listeners are treated to a mix of analysis, nostalgia, and spirited debate as Chris and Gregg share their personal memories of watching these epic encounters and how it shaped their love for professional wrestling. As the countdown to the number one spot unfolds, fans are invited to relive the excitement, the heartbreak, and the triumphs that have made the WWE Intercontinental Title a coveted prize at WrestleMania.  It's a celebration of the moments that have captivated fans around the world and solidified the Intercontinental Championship's place in WrestleMania history. So, tighten your turnbuckle, grab your championship belt, and join Chris and Gregg for a journey through the top 10 WWE Intercontinental Title matches at WrestleMania. It's a slobberknocker of an episode that you won't want to miss!   #WWEChampion #WWFChampion #IntercontinentalChampion #StoneColdSteveAustin #TheRock #TripleH #HulkHogan #BretHart #ShawnMichaels #RandySavage #UltimateWarrior #ChrisJericho #EddieGuerrero #RazorRamon #TheMiz #RicFlair #PedroMorales #SethRollins #CodyRhodes #Edge #WWE #WWF #WrestleMania #Undertaker #JohnCena #RomanReigns #DanielBryan #CharlotteFlair #BeckyLynch #EddieGuerrero #CMpunk #ChrisBenoit #RickySteamboat #KurtAngle

Welcome to the ultimate breakdown of Judas Priest's electrifying album "Invincible Shield." Dive into the raw power of heavy metal with this iconic release as we explore its dynamic tracks, thunderous riffs, and unforgettable melodies. Join us as we dissect each song, uncovering the album's themes, and discussing its impact on the metal genre. Don't miss out on this epic journey through the realms of metal mastery with Judas Priest's "Invincible Shield." In this episode, we delve into the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest's monumental album "Invincible Shield." Join us as we unravel the layers of this groundbreaking release, exploring its sonic landscapes, lyrical depth, and enduring influence. From blistering guitar solos to powerhouse vocals, we dissect each track, offering insights into the band's creative process and the album's significance within the metal community. Tune in as we journey through the epic saga of Judas Priest's "Invincible Shield," celebrating its status as a true metal masterpiece.

Ep. 106 Avenged Sevenfold - "City of Evil" Album Review & Reaction! 🎸 Unleash the sonic fury with Avenged Sevenfold's iconic masterpiece, "City of Evil"! 🤘 Dive into this electrifying review to discover why this album has become a timeless classic in the realm of metal. 🔥 Album Overview: "City of Evil" catapults listeners into a sonic adventure where blistering guitar solos, powerful vocals, and intricate compositions collide. Avenged Sevenfold's fourth studio album, released in 2005, marked a significant evolution in their sound, seamlessly blending elements of metal, hard rock, and even symphonic influences. 🌟 Impact and Legacy: "City of Evil" not only solidified Avenged Sevenfold's place in the metal pantheon but also paved the way for their continued success. Its influence can be heard in countless bands, and the album's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality. 🤘 Join us on a journey through the "City of Evil" – a realm where metal reaches its zenith, and Avenged Sevenfold reign supreme! 🔥🎶 #A7X #CityOfEvil #MetalMasterpiece

Ep. 105 Black N' Blue's - Without Love - Review & Reaction!   Black 'N Blue's "Without Love" is a hard rock gem that encapsulates the essence of the genre during the mid-1980s. Released in 1985, this album marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, showcasing their ability to blend melodic hooks with gritty, anthemic rock. The album kicks off with the energetic "Rockin' on Heaven's Door" & the title track, "Without Love," a powerful anthem that sets the tone for what's to come. Tommy Thayer's guitar work is a standout throughout the album, delivering memorable riffs and blistering solos. Vocalist Jaime St. James commands attention with his charismatic and raspy delivery, adding a distinctive touch to the band's sound. One of the highlights of the album is the infectious "Miss Mystery," a song that perfectly captures the spirit of 80s glam metal with its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. The chemistry among the band members is evident, creating a synergy that propels the album forward. The ballad "Stop the Lightning" showcases a softer side of Black 'N Blue, displaying their versatility in crafting emotional and heartfelt compositions. The production quality of "Without Love" is commendable, with a polished sound that complements the band's polished yet edgy style. The album's overall mix strikes a balance between the raw energy of hard rock and the polished sheen of mainstream metal from that era. Tracks like "Swing Time" and "Nature of the Beach" continue to demonstrate Black 'N Blue's prowess in crafting catchy, radio-friendly rock tunes. The album maintains a consistent level of energy and enthusiasm from start to finish, making it an enjoyable listen for fans of 80s hard rock. While "Without Love" may not have achieved the same commercial success as some of its contemporaries, it remains a hidden gem in the hard rock landscape. The album's nostalgia-inducing qualities make it a must-listen for fans of the genre and a testament to Black 'N Blue's contribution to the vibrant musical scene of the mid-1980s. If you're a fan of anthemic choruses, impressive guitar work, and the overall spirit of 80s hard rock, "Without Love" deserves a place in your music collection.

Ep. 104 Extreme - Extreme II: Pornograffitti - Review and Reaction!   Extreme's "Pornograffitti" is a groundbreaking album that seamlessly blends hard rock, funk, and glam metal, showcasing the band's exceptional musicianship and eclectic style. Released in 1990, the album gained widespread acclaim for its virtuoso guitar work, powerful vocals, and socially conscious lyrics. At the heart of "Pornograffitti" is the hit single "More Than Words," a ballad that reached the top of the charts and became one of the defining love songs of the era. The album also features other standout tracks such as "Decadence Dance," "Get the Funk Out," and "Hole Hearted," each showcasing Extreme's ability to navigate diverse musical genres with ease. Led by the dynamic vocals of Gary Cherone and the exceptional guitar skills of Nuno Bettencourt, Extreme crafted an album that transcends traditional rock boundaries. "Pornograffitti" explores themes of love, relationships, and societal issues with a unique blend of sincerity and musical sophistication. With its memorable hooks, intricate guitar solos, and emotionally resonant lyrics, Extreme's "Pornograffitti" remains a timeless masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the artistry of rock at its finest.