For a while it looked like the metalworld might be in danger of losing one of its bastion indie labels in the form of SPV / Steamhammer. Formed 25 years ago at the twilight of the German thrash era, the label’s first signings were Destruction and Sodom, followed by the more established acts like Doro and Accept, and ultimately international names like Saxon, Iced Earth and Rose Tattoo. To commemorate their rebirth, they’ve released this generous double CD (albeit priced low) with a superb ‘best of ‘ collection of their best bands from a re-recordings by Saxon (‘Princess Of The Night’) and Molly Hatchet (‘Beatin’ The Odds’) to live tracks by Gamma Ray (‘I Want Out’), Dio (‘Stand Up And Shout’) and Rose Tattoo (‘Bad Boy For Love’). Making up the rest of the 25 tracks are Freedom Call, ‘Ripper’ Owens, UFO, Glenn Hughes, Nashville Pussy and a plethora of both old and new acts including Engrained with a previously unreleased version of ‘Sweet Vampire Girl’. Listening to all of these bands really gave me an impression of the true pedigree of acts making up the SPV / Steamhammer roster so I’m really glad they’re still around - and long may they reign indeed!

-Shan Siva