Mob Rules - Celebration Day - 30 Years of Mob Rules Review

Compilations are so fun to review. There was a time in my past when I used to prefer buying them than a regular album because they would give me a perfect idea of the band. With that idea in mind I could make the decision of buying the albums or not. It’s the perfect album for bands you don’t know much and want to know without much financial effort because, in general, they were cheaper than a regular album. I guess for bands they were also fun – or at least very useful – because many bands used them to fulfill in contractual obligations in times of short cash or even shorter inspiration.

Okay, here we have another celebration album. Now it’s the time of Mob Rules to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Instead of releasing an alive album as other bands did, Mob Rules’ choice was of a compilation album with lots of unreleased songs, most of them covers. Most of them I’d say are very unexpected because they are far from the comfort zone as “Fame” from the homonymous movie soundtrack or Amon Amarth’s “Raven’s Flight.” Ok, I agree that this song isn’t that unexpected, but in a time even festivals divide Metal into styles and subdivisions it is a kind of surprise. From where I’m standing, Iron Maiden’s “Run To The Hills” is a homage because all Power Metal bands should to some extent honor Iron Maiden for obvious reasons. I’ll add Ghost’s “Square Hammer” as a surprise as well. Well, on second thought, – and reading better the press release – there are three unreleased songs and they are all covers. Amon Amarth’s is the only previously released song. By far, Dio’s “Sacred Heart” is the best. Ok, you are allowed not to agree with me.

Well, I’m not here to criticize a band’s business decision. Wait! Having second thoughts I am. I have to say a compilation is a lazy way of celebrating such an important date. To some extent, I guess alive albums are better to do it because they are a loyal picture of the band at some given time. Besides, Metal fans love alive albums. The band would get better in the picture, if you know what I’m saying.

That said, compilation albums are great for fans who are about the get to know the band, as I said before. If you are one of them, pay no attention to me and buy the album to get to know Mob Rules better. But it’s a lazy way of celebrating an anniversary. Yes, it is.

Mob Rules “Celebration Day – 30 Years of Mob Rules” will be released on May 03rd via SPV / Steamhammer Records.

Track Listing:

CD 1