Stormtroopers Of Death includes the famous Billy Milano (M.O.D.) on vocals, Scott Ian on guitar and Charlie Benante on drums (both of Anthrax fame). Also, bassist Dan Lilker has been in many other underground metal bands, including Brutal Truth, Nuclear Assault, Exit-13 and early Anthrax among others.
S.O.D. don’t always write songs to anger, but often pen lyrics to amuse. For instance, in response to their (misconstrued) earlier lyrics, S.O.D. wrote the politically-correct (and Agnostic Front-esque) We All Bleed Red: a track that condemns racists and racism. Also, S.O.D. include healthy doses of humor for the metal fan, poking fun at Slayer (Seasoning the Obese), Celtic Frost (Celtic Frosted Flakes), and King Diamond/Mercyful Fate (King at the King/Evil Is In). The cover to Bigger Than the Devil is a tribute to the classic Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden.
From The BNR Metal Pages (http://www.bnrmetal.com/):
“06/25/2002 : Following personal disputes between Billy Milano and the two Anthrax members (Scott Ian and Charlie Benante) concerning the “Behind The Music” VH-1 program on Anthrax (Milano felt that Danny Lilker was slighted) the band is once again disbanded. “
Diamonds and Rust
S.O.D. Lyrics
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In "Diamonds and Rust", S.O.D. covers a song written and originally performed by Joan Baez, which was about her relationship and breakup with Bob Dylan. S.O.D.'s version takes a much heavier, thrash metal approach, but still captures the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The song tells the story of someone looking through old letters and photos, reflecting on a past relationship that ended in heartbreak. The singer describes the love they once had as something precious, like diamonds, but now feels it has turned to rust. Despite the pain and sadness of the memories, they still hold onto them and acknowledge the role they've played in shaping who they are today.
The lyrics in "Diamonds and Rust" are beautifully written, with vivid imagery that helps paint a picture of the emotional landscape the singer is navigating. They describe the letter that was written in tears, the old photographs that show a happy and loving couple, and the dreams that have all turned to rust. These images are powerful and relatable, helping the listener empathize with the pain of a broken heart. The song ultimately culminates in a sense of acceptance and understanding that the past can't be changed but can still be appreciated for what it was.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'll be damned
Wow, I can't believe it
Here comes your ghost again
Your memory still haunts me
But that's not uncommon
It's not surprising, it happens often
It's just that the moon is full
It's just happening on a night with a full moon
And you happened to call
And coincidentally, you contacted me tonight
And here I sit
And now, I find myself sitting here
Hand on the telephone
Holding the phone in my hand
Hearing a voice I'd known
Hearing your familiar voice
A couple of light years ago
A long time ago, it seems
Heading straight for a fall
Heading for a disastrous end
As I remember your eyes
As I recall the way you looked at me
Were bluer than robin's eggs
Your eyes were as blue as the eggs of robins
My poetry was lousy you said
You criticized the quality of my poetry
Where are you calling from?
From where are you making this call?
A booth in the midwest
From a public telephone booth located in the central region of the country
Ten years ago
A decade ago
I bought you some cufflinks
I purchased cufflinks for you as a gift
You brought me something
You gave me something in return
We both know what memories can bring
We both know that memories can evoke powerful emotions
They bring diamonds and rust
Memories can bring both beautiful and painful moments
Contributed by Kennedy S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.