July 12th, 2025 - Viendo Rojo Deportes Sangrientos

 

Hello and happy Saturday metal maniacs, evil-doers, and craft beer freaks!  The Meista here today pairing "Blood Sports", the kick-ass debut album by the indelible New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) band Avenger and a tasty and smooth Viendo Rojo Dark Mexican Lager from Talisman Brewing Company!  Hell yeah!

Album Info:

• Artist: Avenger
• Title: "Blood Sports" 
• Recorded: March through April 1984 at Impulse 24 Studio in Newcastle, UK
• Release date: September 28th, 1984 (1st full-length studio album by Avenger)
• Record company: Neat Records / Classic Metal
• Production: Martin Smith 
• Album cover art: Pete Cronin (photography) 
• Personnel: Les Cheetham (guitars), Mick Moore (bass), Ian Davison Swift (vocals), and Gary Young (drums)
• Musical style: Heavy metal, NWOBHM, speed metal
• Sound: Fast, furious, and aggressive, the sound on "Blood Sports" is pure heavy metal adrenaline!  The songs are fiery, in-your-face, and so very, very rockin'!
• Major themes: With a nod to 1970s sci-fi b-films, themes on the album include violence, fighting, war, bravery, speed, power, aggression, life and death, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "Enforcer"
2. "You'll Never Take Me (Alive)"
3. "Matriarch" (Montrose cover)
4. "Warfare"
5. "On The Rocks"
6. "Rough Ride"
7. "Victims Of Force"
8. "Death Race 2000"
9. "N.O.T.J."
10. "Hot 'N' Heavy Express" (Radio Jingle 1982)
11. "Enforcer" (Demo 1983)
12. "Love's Too Late" (Demo 1982)

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Talisman Brewing Company (Ogden, Utah)
• Website: https://www.talismanbrewingco.com/
• Brew: Viendo Rojo Dark Mexican Lager
• Style: Mexican Lager
• Serving: 32 ounce crowler can
• ABV: 5.0%
• Pour: The Viendo Rojo pours a clear, deep copper color with a light tan, frothy, 1+ finger head with great retention and lots of sticky, intricate lacing.
• Nose: The nose is malty, slightly floral, toasty, and roasty.  There are aromas of dark toasted bread, roasted hazel nuts, hearty barley, roasted maize, and a splash of honey.
• Taste: The taste of the Viendo Rojo follows the nose with malty, roasty, and slightly sweet flavors.  There are notes of roasted malts, doughy wheat bread, corn chips, a touch of sweet honey, and a hint of caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Medium in body and well carbonated, the mouthfeel is crisp and very smooth with a clean, slightly dry finish.

Overall pairing: The Viendo Rojo from Talisman Brewing Company is a great brew to accompany metal onslaught that is the mighty Avenger!   I'm pairing these two beauties for several reasons: a) both kick ass, "Blood Sports" for its sonic assault and the Viendo Rojo for its delicious malty flavor.  b) both employ a simple, yet solid approach.  d) the name of the beer and the album title work well together.  e) did I mention that they both kick ass?  :)

Cheers and hails!!