| CD REVIEWS - 2006 |
| WARRANT � Born Again (MTM/Riot) For those of you too young to remember, the mid 80�s was alive �n� kickin� with countless bands in the US unleashing their own style of hard rock, trying to emanate the success of two of Los Angeles most �in-famous� early 80�s bands � namely Motley Crue and Ratt. Both bands had hit �pay-dirt� with platinum selling albums, and every record company in the US was signing anybody who had long hair, wore make-up and was marketable. By the mid 80�s another LA band � WARRANT were the new kids on the block with hit songs, Down Boys, Big Talk, Heaven, Uncle Tom�s Cabin and of course the massive hit Cherry Pie propelling them into the platinum league! Their next album, �Dog Eat Dog� � released in �91 (highly underrated and easily their best work to date) should of been enormous but unfortunately a new musical genre had exploded onto the mainstream public � GRUNGE, which all but destroyed WARRANT�s and countless other hair-metal bands� chances of riding the wave of success. The fortunes of countless metal acts quickly dwindled, undeterred WARRANT released two further studio records, 95�s "Ultraphobic� which was a fairly consistent release with a slight change in musical direction but their �96 release, �Belly To Belly� � was an extremely dismal affair! The band seemed destined to become part of history � that is until now! With the recent resurgence of hard rock, numerous �come-back� releases by Skid Row, L.A Guns, Stryper, Buckcherry and Beautiful Creatures to name a few � WARRANT too have indeed re-grouped, releasing their strongest album in years! With an almost complete original line-up, the exception being original vocalist, Jani Lane - the new album sounds tight, refreshing and above else reinvigorating with a batch of catchy tunes that should please long-time fans! New vocalist, Jamie St. James (ex-Black�N�Blue � late 80�s US band) does an excellent job belting it out with the band cranking out the riffs and those excellent melodies are again, back on deck. James and the band bring WARRANT back from the brink of extinction with a fairly consistent product, it�s not a killer CD, 7 songs out of 12 come up to scratch but it�s a pretty good start � believe me?! Highlights are, �Hell CA� � a mid-paced rocker with an infectious chorus that�ll have you singing or humming along in no time. Other notable songs that have those special qualities are, �Devil�s Juice�, �Dirty Jack�, �Angels�, 'Good Times', 'Roxy' and �Bourbon County Line� � all possessing catchy choruses, great riffs, layered harmonised backing vocals, adding to the unmistakable WARRANT sound of old. Considering former singer Lane was the main songwriter, you wouldn�t know it here � he may be gone but the majority of the new songs on offer sound pretty good to these old ears! A couple of tunes, 'Down In Diamonds' and 'Love Strikes Like Lightning' are a little lame � the latter having half a chorus that works but is stopped mid chorus with the wrong melody spoiling an otherwise good song. 'Rollercoaster'� jumps along O.K. while 'Glimmer' � a ballad is average as was the Crue song of the similar name. The song, 'Velvet Noose' has a good riff but melody wise is fairly weak but thankfully, overall the album is a good return for this former mega act. Now, the question is will any of their long-time fans rejoice in their return � only time will tell? - (7/10) |
| HAMMERHEAD � Stiff (Independent) Tasmania, the small island state below the Australian continent which is famous for a number of things. In no apparent order they are, apples, woodchips, incest and the world famous Warner Brothers cartoon character, The Tasmanian Devil � being the obvious standout! Being such an isolated place, you wouldn�t think Tasmania would produce cranking metal acts?! Well, you�d be wrong, because a couple of metal bands who�ve made a name for themselves are, PYSCHROPTIC � a hard-core death metal act and veteran hard rock/metal act TYRANT � both bands releasing a couple of albums in the last few years and both, still remain today. Well, ladies and gentleman - Tasmania has another metal act, HAMMERHEAD who�ve just released their debut platter titled, �Stiff�. Like veteran act Tyrant � HAMMERHEAD are a hard rock band with tinges of metal weaved throughout their bombastic music as displayed to great affect on this CD. The production is crisp, tight and hammers (no pun intended) the point home with some good, catchy hard rock � some of the best I�ve heard from Australia in the last couple of years and definitely, the best hard rock band to emerge from Tassie in the last couple of years! Most of the songs are up-tempo rock with standouts being, Animal, Fight, Dance Of The Mail Order Bride, Peacefully, Clinically Excited and The One You Knock Back � being the pick of the bunch. All have great riffs, cool melodies and all kick serious ass � especially when you see the band live! Hot When You Cry is a mid-paced song that cruises along while, Never The Same gallops along with an almost frantic riff. It�s not all cock-rock here folks with HAMMERHEAD showing a couple of different directions musically. Pure Evil has as it�s title suggests a nasty lick, On Her Own is commercial and crunchy at the same time while, Emirembe is an �epic� type tune which starts out slow, builds to a crescendo complete with dual guitar solos. The most interesting song on offer is, Feel The Pain which has a modern metal approach without the slide into the �Dark Side� (Nu-Metal) with an almost eerie riff that really is mesmerising that launches into a tough, strong chorus � a very good song. HAMMERHEAD are a competent outfit with vocalist/guitarist: Nick Reeve screaming out the words, bassist; Adrian Smith; drummer; Nathan Adams laying down the backbeat and lead guitarist; Adrian Scott - shredding, licking and riffing all over the top of the tunes � making this a very good hard rock debut record which serious metalheads should own. - (7/10) |
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| BUCKCHERRY � 15 (Universal) To say I like Buckcherry is, well a vast understatement - The answer is a resounding yes! When news filtered out in 2002 that the band was disbanding I was sincerely disappointed as I personally think, Buckcherry are one of the best, dirty rock �n� roll bands I�ve heard and had the pleasure of seeing LIVE! Their gritty self-titled debut of �99 was a true wake-up call, that at least some bands wanted to keep rock music alive during the dismal late 90�s when numerous acts were jumping ship to the darkside - (Nu-Metal) because of disappearing careers and dwindling bank balances. Don�t laugh, there were plenty of established hard rock/metal acts that tested the waters of �sell-out� to a Nu-Metal musical direction. Names like, Motley Crue, Warrant, Dokken, Def Leppard among others � remember? All dipped their toes into the abyss � luckily most have redeemed themselves?! Back to business at hand, Buckcherry - just about everybody remembers the hit single, �Lit Up� off their �99 debut with that classic line, �I Love the Cocaine� right?! The album itself kicked all the way and when you saw the band in the �flesh� � well they cranked it like no-one else around at the time � brilliant! Album # 2, �Time Bomb� released in 2001 - was an O.K. affair at best, with only 3 possibly 4 songs that made the grade, Ridin�, �Porno Star�, the crunchy title track and possibly, �Place In The Sun� � the rest, well fillers is the word that comes to mind. Time, it seems had run its course and some months later the band disbanded. Rumours persisted out of L. A. that vocalist; Josh Todd was in-fact jamming with ex-GNR members - Slash, Duff & Matt Sorum! To many it seemed like a great combination?! Well, we all know how that turned out. Undeterred, Todd went on to release his �highly underrated� solo album in 2004, �You Made Me" which was, tough, menacing and full of attitude and it was one of the strongest releases for the year! So, here we are coming towards the end of 2005 - one of the best years in hard rock/metal releases with countless acts releasing their most consistent efforts in ages � in some cases their best releases in over a decade! The new BUCKCHERRY album, �15� their third and �come-back� CD is one of this years strongest rock releases and that�s saying something! The CD contains some of the strongest material penned by the band since their debut platter. It�s a very strong, tough, well rounded album with all the elements you could wish for in a band that seems to have found that magic spark again! The songs are more varied in style and I think Todd�s solo experience has opened up a lot more ideas for the band to explore. Believe me it shows � songs like, �Broken Glass�, �So Far� and �Next To You� - all just steamroll out of the speakers, bludgeoning everything in sight � truly awesome! They all kick and all have great melodies, especially, Next To You (if this isn�t a single then somebody�s got some explaining to do) with a melody that�ll stick in your head for ever. If we have to pick standouts, then a couple of songs really stand up here. �Out Of Time� stars with a brooding riff that explodes into a very, strong chorus � complete with AC/DC styled power chords � simply outstanding stuff! Nearly, everybody who hears the song, �Crazy Bitch� is gonna love it � both musically and lyrically it�s the perfect type of tune that Buckcherry are now in-famous for with more crunch offered through tracks like, �On Set�, �Sunshine� (another single?) The band experiment with different styles through, �Everything� which rocks and is very commercial to boot. A couple of slow tunes, �Carousel� is in semi-ballad territory cruising along � while, �Sorry� is the heart-wrenching ballad in all it�s glory, both do what there are intended to do. The most unusual song, �Brooklyn� sounds like late night jam after a drinking binge with a real blue-grass groove which works well. Fans of dirty rock �n� roll, rejoice � Buckcherry�s latest delivers the kind of album we all crave but are afraid to admit sometimes?! Yes, deep down we all still like ass-kickin� rock & roll played by a bunch of dirty, sleaze bag rockers � the way it was meant to be. There have been numerous acts over the years that have tried to entice frustrated Bon Scott AC/DC fans out there and while this album doesn�t ascertain those �glorious heights� - it does however come damn close in places to re-capturing that beloved sound and attitude that the above superstars � once had in abundance! - (9/10) |
| QUEENSRYCHE � Operation Mindcrime II (Rhino Import) Comparisons unfortunately, are going to be made upon this release because of a couple of things. Firstly, to release a �follow-up� album to what most people consider to be Queensryche�s finest hour, "Operation Mindcrime� released some 18 years ago - is in itself an extremely hard act to follow. Second, although over the ensuing years the band have had some good songs on a number of interesting and at times entertaining albums, the majority of fans have wandered away to other acts to satisfy their progressive-rock cravings. While sales plummeted, Queensryche continued un-abated releasing albums that never, ever ascertained those glorious heights of their �88 masterpiece and that�s where � part of the problem lies. Hounded and inundated by �loyal� fans for years and years to write another �Mindcrime� � it seems the band have indeed, finally listened and come up with their most consistent work in nearly 2 decades! Unlike numerous colleagues, friends and a majority of the bands� � �so called� fans who�ve deserted the band over the last decade, I have actually liked the direction the band pursued. Hey, I�ll be the first to admit some of the bands songs were mundane, but they always seemed to have a song or two that made you forget the cruddy ones. Well, I must admit upon hearing the new, �Operation Mindcrime II� � I was pleasantly surprised to hear that QUEENSRYCHE had actually written a very competent record, that while not reaching the heights of their �88 opus � it actually comes a pretty damn close, second � No Shit! Musically speaking, it�s up there with some of the best songs penned by the band since �90�s �Empire� album?! Yes, there are tunes that have that spark, intensity, that heaviness and that alluring quality that makes for a good release. There are plenty of guitars, numerous changes in musical styles throughout and above all else � most of the songs stand up, even when heard away from their intended story telling context within. Song-wise:- I�m American gallops along sounding loud & proud, as does the up-tempo, Sign Says Go � both, bounding out of the speakers. Another rousing tune, Fear City Slide has melody, charm and an almost familiar texture to it while the stylish, One Foot In Hell � has it all with a great riff, melody, a - captivating chorus and dual guitar solos! Honestly, there are heaps of good songs here with the usual distinct styles that this excellent band has become known for. For fans of the last decade tracks like, Hostage, The Hands and Speed Of Light, should enthral both old-school and new fans alike, with their dexterity and a pure mature execution. A couple of �guest stars� are also along for the ride, Ronnie James Dio stars as Dr. X sharing the lead vocal with Geoff Tate during the song, The Chase. Also back for a return engagement is vocalist, Pamela Moore - who reprises her role and as usual her voice is impeccable, sharing vocals with Tate on a number of occasions. I won�t bore you with too many details suffice to say, this is a complex, well thought out and well executed record, delivering exactly what most of their �long-time� fans have been asking for, for so long. I�m sure, there will be plenty of scribes from various metal fanzines, �bagging out� this record and I�m sure they�ll be some fans who try to compare it to the original. The bottom line is � you can�t, you have to accept it for what it is - a good, competent, creation that has it�s own unique quality similar in feel to the first �Mindcrime� but doesn�t follow the blue-print to a tee. To the uninitiated, QUEENSRYCHE would come across as an over-indulgent, bunch of hacks � something you and I know is far from the truth. As someone once said: �Queensryche � the thinking mans' metal band, Absolutely bloody right"! � Let�s hope the uneducated take notice this time around?! - (8/10) |
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| BEYOND FEAR (SPVRiot) For a lot of people who�ve become fans of US vocalist, Tim Owens � this, his debut solo release has been a long time, coming. Owens, gained world-wide recognition through his stint as the replacement for departed vocalist, Rob Halford with UK metal �legends�, JUDAS PRIEST (1994 � 2002). Since his departure, Owens contributed vocals for US veteran metal act, ICED EARTH - whose 2004 release, �The Glorious Burden� gained worldwide attention and the healthiest sales the band has ever achieved. Owens vocals were featured on four JUDAS PRIEST albums during his time with the band. Two pretty good LIVE CD's �Live Meltdown� (�98) and �Live In London� (�02), also an excellent DVD of the same name � proved beyond doubt that this man, could sing and scream - as good as, if not better than the �legend� singer, he had indeed replaced! Both studio albums, �Jugulator� (�95) and �Demolition� (�01) while not killers were reasonably, consistent efforts with �Jugulator� being the heaviest Priest, has ever sounded on record! �Demolition� meanwhile, captured a more �classic� approach � both delivered in places and Owen's voice was brilliant throughout. His appearance on ICED EARTH�s �Glorious Burden� definitely lifted the bands� profile higher in the metal world, generating interest, propelling sales to a new high and now here we are 2 years later we have his first Post-Priest release. Well, his new band � BEYOND FEAR are just what the doctored ordered � let me tell you. Owens sings and screams his way through this very tough and ferocious outing that should impress most who hear it. Comparisons are obvious � but most of you know by now how ordinary his former bands� �come-back� release from last year was. This album devours it, hands down - in almost every department! Seriously, when Owens is singing into the stratosphere � as only he can, he leaves countless singers flailing in his wake. Song wise, it�s a mixed bunch within the metal genre, with some songs having a �classic� feel, though the vast majority are brutal in attack and delivery. Musically speaking, it�s a hybrid of Judas Priest, Iced Earth and a few other tougher sounding, metal acts. Album opener, �Scream Machine� � is aimed straight at the heart of Priest/Halford fans with a song that just about equals anything those bands have penned, being tough, intimidating � it�s an awesome track with Owens singing to perfection. �Save Me� is a relentless, riffed bastard that simply soars through the catchy chorus, not to mention Owens voice � wonderful. The frantically paced, �The Human Race� steamrolls out of the speakers, having a � time groove in places � it�s another pretty good song. The obnoxious, �Coming At You� is a real �in-your-face� hard rock song that chunks along, battering down doors along the way. �Telling Lies� has a modern metal approach, while �I Don�t Need This� starts slow and menacing then jumps into an almost Iron Maiden middle section then it reverts back to the original grinding riff. �My Last Words� (possible single?) is sharp, short and � to the point while tracks like, �Words Of Wisdom� and �Your Time Has Come� are metal songs, through and through � harsh, persistent and uncompromising. One of the CD�s highlights is, �And....You Will Die� which is as tough as they come, a brutal metal beast of the highest calibre � as hard-hitting as anything on �Jugulator�! There�s going to be people slagging Owens and this CD off, a majority through jealousy (the bastard is one of today�s BEST metal singers!) and I expect there will be those who�ll criticize him for ripping off his former bands. I�d say there all, full of shit � because the man has nothing to prove, he�s an excellent singer and this CD is exactly what his fans would want and expect! His old associates from Birmingham - will never admit it but Tim Owens� new band, BEYOND FEAR leaves their recent, return release - for dead! - (9/10) |
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| GOTTHARD � Made In Switzerland (Nuclear Blast/Riot) I�ve got to be totally honest here � I really do like hard rockers GOTTHARD - their last studio album, �Lipservice� (05) was easily their best effort to date, chock-a-block full of good, catchy, commercial hard rock songs of the highest calibre. Hopefully, it�s opened up the right doors for this magnificent outfit from Switzerland, the fact that the majority of the rock music press virtually ignores this band is in itself - bordering on being a criminal act. Undeterred, GOTTHARD have just released a brilliant LIVE CD � cleverly entitled, �Made In Switzerland� recorded in December 2005 in their home town of Zurich. The cover art depicting a bull mounting a cow in a typical �Switzerland� type setting, right out of the �Sound O Music� � is priceless. No bullshit, this is 5 star quality - all the way with this highly underrated band doing what they do best � entertain! This CD is of excellent quality - capturing one of the most professional sounding hard rock outfits that graces the planet! The sheer class, precision and above all else � the quality of musicianship, including the vocals is impeccable. Upon listening to this CD, it should give you an almost warm fuzzy feeling to hear a band that has that �special� quality. Why these guys aren�t massive, really does mystify me when I hear the quality contained herein. Song wise, there are numerous titles from the above mentioned studio CD, namely: All We Are, Dream On, Said & Done, Lift U Up, Anytime, Anywhere, I Wonder, and Nothing Left At All � all sounding equivalent to their studio cousins, albeit with a slightly crisper, tougher edge. Standouts, I Wonder and Nothing Left At All � are what I�d call, very good ballads having a great riff, melody and passion � equal to anything mega acts like Bon Jovi or Aerosmith have released! The Gary Glitter like intro to, Lift U Up just sets up this fantastic melodic rock song. Straight ahead rocker, Said And Done � is a firm favourite, with it�s Krokus (another great Swiss rock band) - that�s who Gottard remind me of in places, KROKUS/early AC/DC � with a less abrasive, more AOR overall sound musically. The track, Sister Moon is also a highlight to hear as is fan favourite, Mountain Mama. There are a few songs from previous studio efforts including - Let It Be, Heaven, Top Of The World, One Life, One Soul, In The Name � all sounding top notch here. Three cover versions are also along for the ride including a stunning version of the Deep Purple tune � Hush, also we have the Mighty Quinn and an excellent rendition of Led Zeppelins�, Immigrant Song. For �long-time� fans this is a great package - with initial copies of this release, �Made In Switzerland� coming in a �Limited Edition� compete with a DVD of the event. (we didn�t get a copy - but we�ll be buying it!) This band is pure class � all the way with some pretty good, catchy hard rock songs that are captured here in all their magnificent glory. - (8/10) |
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| EVERGREY � Monday Morning Apocalypse (Nuclear Blast/Riot) The new EVERGREY CD, �Monday Morning Apocalypse� should be in everybody�s CD collection � it�s THAT good! It�s tough, tenacious, uncompromising and melodic in places and if you think for a minute these guys have wimped out � think again! EVERGREY have both the insight and intelligence, taking the best elements within the metal genre and cleverly merging them with �old school� thinking and believe it or not � it works, exceedingly well here! Production is crisp and tight, the songs are loaded with hooky, menacing, meaty, riffs and in most cases � the songs really do stand out and are quite accessible to the listener. The opening track, �Monday Morning Apocalypse� is an angst ridden beast with an �in-your-face� approach that teases and tantalizes your senses with an almost, Faith No More chorus � a very good song. Another favourite is, �Unspeakable� � having a rolling intro which crashes into another tough riffed bastard with a hypnotic melodic chorus that�ll have you singing in know time. The modern sounding, �Lost� has class, great melody and a memorable hook - making it a perfect �single� candidate. The almost gothic intro and outros to �Obedience� are quite clever, the song then erupts into another tough slice of metal, with great use of light �n� shade throughout. The solo mid sections is reminiscent of LA band, Dokken in feel and groove � quite interesting! The variation in styles within the metal genre that this band splices into their songs is very, very good giving EVERGREY their own unique sound. Maybe, just maybe they�ve created a new genre all of their own?! The anthem, �In Remembrance� � has that certain magic that makes it a great memorable �classic� song. It has a near operatic feel with a strong, goth-rock sounding chorus mixed with a multitude of metal licks � excellent! Tough abrasive rock arrives via, �At A Loss For Words� with a chunky up-beat riff which transforms mid song into an almost �classic� metal mid section � coupled to a hooky chorus. The modern metal grind of, �Still In The Water� is punctuated with glorious power chords, backing vocals and soaring solos � the albums� highpoint musically speaking. The moody, �The Dark I Walk You Through� has that hint of early Metallica in riff execution coupled to a strong, melodrama chorus complete with a piano outro � a nice touch. The classiest song on this platter is, �I Should� which has tough riffs, catchy hook ridden chorus, great dual solo mid section and again incorporates a multitude of influences. �The Curtain Fall� has an antagonizing riff that�s as tough as they come. The band also explores the quieter side of metal on a couple of tunes, �Closure� and �Til Dagmar� � both showing a certain style of their own. The fact that EVERGREY have created a style of metal that is definitely their own which is different to the norm, combining various styles within the metal genre takes class. There have been numerous acts over the years that have tried to merge old and new metal � with most failing and looking like complete fuck -ups. Not this band, EVERGREY�s new CD, �Monday Morning Apocalypse� is definitely up as a contender for - �Album Of The Year� � it really is, that impressive! - (9/10) |
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| RHINO BUCKET � And Then It Got Ugly (Acetate Import) LA�s finest rock �n� roll band - Rhino Bucket, or the �Buckets as they are known by the bands� �die-hard� fans - are a band that you either LOVE or HATE � it�s that simple! It�s also a well known fact that AC/DC guitarist: Angus Young has dismissed them for � �ripping off� his band. The fact of the matter is, Rhino Bucket do indeed, sound very similar to Bon Scott era AC/DC � and that�s what it�s all about! Remember the first �Wayne�s World� movie? Well, a Rhino Bucket song called, �Ride With Yourself� which was featured in the movie � that, my friends should tell you all you need to know. If Garth & Wayne thought they were cool?!! The band have now released 4 albums during their career, the new CD, �And Then It Got Ugly� � is exactly what die-hard fans would want and expect from this great little rock band. There�s no bullshit hype, no paparazzi, no saucy photos, no surgically enhanced bimbo celebrity girl-friends � nah, Rhino Bucket are just a genuine rock �n� roll band. While, countless other LA rock acts have ascertained wealth, big titty bimbos and �superstar� status � the �Buckets have just gone about their business of playing good, catchy hard rock. For the uninitiated, Rhino Bucket � emerged in 1990 through their excellent self-titled debut with word spreading quickly about a band that had all the hall marks of vintage AC/DC (1974 � 1977) with a vocalist sounding uncannily like the late, great Bon Scott. Helped along by good, catchy songs like, One Night Stand, Train Ride, Blood On The Cross and Beg For Your Love � proving beyond doubt that the �Buckets did sound very similar to Bon & the boys! The bands� follow-up releases, �Get Used To It� (�92) and �Pain� (�94) � again gave us more of the same, dirty bar room boogie of the highest calibre. There was also a �live bootleg� recording from a 1990 show at LA�s �Coconut Teaser� � which was pretty good, with some hilarious in-between song banter by George Dolivo - vocalist/guitarist. It also contains a great tune called, Swinging With Sally � absolutely priceless! It�s with great relief that I can say that after a 12 year gap between product, Rhino Bucket have finally returned with a new CD which is packed full of their usual dirty hard rock - that is typical of this highly underrated, un-sung act. Opening song, �Welcome To Hell� - is a fucking �classic� in the true sense of the word. It�s a tough, relentless bastard of a song that Bon Scott himself would smile about, having a great driving feel and the chorus - if you�re not singing it as you listen � then sadly, you wouldn�t know a good song if it slapped you in the face! It doesn�t let up with various styled songs within the �Bucket genre including, the in-your-face stomp of �Smile� or the mid pace tempo of, �Dead And Well� or the charging, Don�t Bring Her Down or the excitable, �Hammer And Nail�. A surprising inclusion, an acoustic version of, �I Was Told� (originally featured on �Pain� CD) is here sounding very tasteful. Another standout song is, �Invisible� having a great melody line, great intoxicating riff and an excellent groove. The driving, �She Rides� � is another standout for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the song tears along at a great pace, it�s catchy and it�s a good song and is one of the CD�s best tracks. Interestingly, this songs� structure is reminiscent of US band KIX - it�s really the only place on the CD that the Kix influence seems apparent as ex-KIX guitarist; Brian Forthsyte has now been a member of the band for a few years. �Blood, Sweat And Beers� is another �classic� acca-dacca sounding song, while �Monkey Boy Highway� - is not dissimilar in feel to (�Bar Time� from the �Get Used To It� CD) sauntering out of the speakers. The most unusual song on this CD is, �Word� � which has an almost �The Jack� (AC/DC) groove musically to it. Lyrically speaking, it�s has that certain style and is what you�d expect from this band. Look, I know I�m making comparisons to AC/DC but I�m sorry � that�s who Rhino Bucket, remind me of and I don�t see a problem with that. However the hands of fate have dealt up the cards � both are good, rock �n� roll bands in their own rights. I love bands like: Rhino Bucket, Buckcherry, Krokus, Cinderella, Britny Fox � all great bands, all of whom have been accused of ripping off AC/DC � who cares, as long as it rocks!!! Having had the pleasure of listening to, seeing the band �live on stage� � in Australia, (which I must confess I thought would never, ever happen?!) meeting and drinking with the lads I can assure you they�re just a bunch of genuine rock and rollers. I highly recommend the new Rhino Bucket CD, �And Then It Got Ugly� as it serves up a certain style of hard rock music that is loved the world over. The fact is, it�s far superior to the above mentioned mega-acts� product nowadays � that�s why we love the �Buckets! - (9/10) |
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| BIG COCK � Year Of The Cock (Independent) Let me just say I�m surprised it�s taken this long, before a band named themselves - Big Cock! Well, we�ve all heard stories, most have seen or know of porn star John Holme's big member - so let�s just concentrate on the band and their debut CD. The CD is titled, �Year Of The Cock� and as far as - �cock-rock� goes, it�s not that bad at all - in-fact, I'd call it a 'classic' release. As far as a debut release goes, well it actually 'out-cocks' most of the cock-rock bands like Poison, Motley etc. Musically, it reminds me of numerous hard rock acts from over the years, Cinderella, Poison, Warrant, etc. the tougher songs sounding not dissimilar to Australian hard rock acts, Heaven, Tyrant or even Bengal Tigers! In truth, it sounds very close to Lynch Mob in places - which is not all that surprising as vocalist, Robert Mason contributed vocals to the 2nd Lynch Mob CD. Bottom line - that�s who Big Cock sound like! I know, due to their name - it�s hard (no pun intended) to take these guys seriously but I�m sure these guys are just having fun � that�s what it sounds like to me! Influences are a plenty, you�ve heard it before but as I said before, who fuckin� cares � as long as it rocks! The songs range from out in out rockers, most of which are definite high-lights:I Want It All, King Of Cool and Mean Street Machine - all sounding loud and proud, while mid tempo rockers are represented by, Take It All Off, Bad Moutherfucker, Year Of The Cock and Old # 7 � each having a good feel and delivering what most devoted �cock-rockers� � should love! A couple of ballads � as to be expected are also along for the ride with, Hard To Swallow (self explanitory) is rather tender in delivery with its cheeky lyrics. Meanwhile, Carrie�s In Love is a serious ballad and is pretty good � up there with Warrant, Poison, Motley etc. The charging, Dynamite � zips along at a great rate (sounding awfully close to - Rose Tattoo�s �17 Stitches� from their 2003 �Pain� CD) while the song, Cinnamon (never heard it called that before?) is about well, eating a woman�s anatomy. The tune called, You Suck The Love Out Of Me � is as cock-rock as you ever want it to be, being shameless and offending � all in one, a perfect song. There are some pretty cool songs on offer here if you love the genre. Look, it�s not rocket science but BIG COCK�s �Year Of The Cock� serves up good old fashioned, �cock-rock� � the way it�s meant to be delivered. - (7/10) |
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| WIG WAM - WIG WAMANIA (Indy) Norwegian kings of glam, Wig Wam are back with a vengeance. The bands� new CD, 'Wig Wamania', debuted at #10 on the Norwegian charts and with good reason! I first discovered Wig Wam while watching, of all things, the Eurovision Song Contest of 2005. Representing Norway, they finished 9th - an outrage in my opinion that they didn't finish higher! Their song for the contest, 'In My Dreams', achieved great success in Europe, however the accompanying album, �Hard To Be A Rock N Roller� - left a lot to be desired. The potential was there, but clearly hadn't been realised. Now in 2006, we see the release of their sophomore effort, �Wig Wamania� and the boys really put a massive snake - skin boot right up the arse of the 'difficult second album' theory. At first listen, the new CD has all the makings of an absolute glam rock classic! Whether, that can be achieved in today's rap and MTV driven music world is another thing - but for the informed members of the hard rock community throughout the globe, this CD should strike a chord. The album kicks off in great fashion with 'Rock My Ride' - the similarities to their big Eurovision hit are evident, and you may get the feeling that you're in for much of the same. Wrong. 'Slave To Your Love' is next, and it becomes obvious that Wig Wam have hit their straps as far as the production of glam rock goes. This is backed up by the first single from the album, 'Gonna Get You Someday', which is probably the most traditional sounding glam rock song I have heard since the late 80's. 'Daredevil Heat', 'A RnR Girl Like You', 'Can't Get Her Out Of My Bed' are all more than enough to keep the most avid glam fan happy, but it's not all upbeat rock songs. What would every classic glam rock album be if it wasn't sprinkled with a cheesy ballad or two? 'Bygone Zone' and 'At The End Of The Day' both have all the right hooks and melodies to make the ladies cry and the men wave their lighters in the air. When talking about this CD, I can't leave out a single song. Notable mention goes to the tongue in cheek track, which seems very Twisted Sister inspired, 'Breaking All The Rules', while the anthemic 'Kill My Rock n Roll' doesn't get you throwing a fist or two in the air, then it's probably time to check your pulse. If that�s not enough, they've even thrown in 'The Riddle', which is a rollicking instrumental track and one can't help but think it belongs on a David Lee Roth era Van Halen record. �Wig Wamania� - takes so many influences on board, if you put the members of Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister and Warrant all in a room at their peak and asked them to write an album, then this would be the result. Hey, glam rock isn't for everyone and this CD is cheesy, probably riddled with stolen ideas, and doesn't bring to us anything we're unfamiliar with. Regardless, if you want a good, fun album that packs a punch and gets you singing along with infectious vocal lines, then get your hands on this album as soon as you can. I for one love the record. Take it as it is, and you won't be disappointed. - (10/10) |
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| SAXON � The Eagle Has Landed III (SPV) Regular Killawatts readers know that I'm a huge admirer and big fan of UK 'classic' rock metallers, SAXON and have been since 1980. Biff & The boys are 'legends' as far as I'm concerned alongside other longtime favorites, Judas Priest, Motorhead and Iron Maiden. While SAXON have never achieved MEGA status, they have however regained much respect throughout most of the metal world. Along with the above mentioned acts, SAXON � too have been ambassedors of 80's UK metal, the band recently passed a healthy 25 years of cranking out the riffs and anthems. Throughout the years, the band have written numerous, memorable moments in hard rock and their LIVE performances are always entertaining. The first live album released in 1982 was, 'The Eagle Has Landed' � it's still a bloody 'classic' � with a band full of bravado and 10 classic songs in tow, showcasing a young, hungry oufit. The bands' second 'offical' live release was the excellent 1996 2 CD set, 'The Eagle Has Landed II' - which again featured blistering performances of some of the bands later material. Vocalist Biff Byford sings his balls off on this recording, helped by a maticulous band delivering like no tomorrow, all enhanced with excellent production! Now 10 years later comes the third offical instalment of live SAXON � 'The Eagle Has Landed III' and this time the 2 disc set contains one disc full of vintage classics while disc two consists mainly of recent material. Basically, you get two era's of SAXON's musicial career in one concert � highlighting the differences between the older songs which do have a very different feel and attitude to the later material. The 'classic' songs on offer here are outstanding, to hear some of these old tunes given today's production values just proves how good a band SAXON are. Just take a look at the songs - Backs To The Wall, Redline, Warrior, Stand Up & Be Counted, Stallions Of The Highway, See The Light Shining, This Town Rocks, Play It Loud, Never Surrender, To Hell In Back Again, Frozen Rainbow, And The Band Played On, Solid Ball Of Rock, Crusader and of course - the mighty, Wheels Of Steel. It's great to hear, Suzie Hold On but what about new live versions of, Strong Arm Of The Law or 747 (Strangers In The Night)? � that would of been nice! Regardless, all sound great here with a band that is very much a well oiled machine nowadays and believe me - you can hear it as the blast through the tunes with a vitality and energy you can really feel and hear. Now to the later material, at times there are some songs that reach into the stratosphere but unfortunately there are certain tunes here that don't sit well in a live enviroment. The songs in question, sounding tired, jaded and almost unforgetable. That's not to say they're performed badly, nothing could be further from the truth but a couple of better song selections would of made this CD a 10/10 affair! There are 8 songs from the bands' 2005 �Lionheart� CD � easily their most consistent album since 1997's 'Unleash The Beast' album. Most sound pretty good in their live surroundings, Beyond The Grave, Lionheart (the - modern day Crusader), Man & Machine, English Man O War, To Live By The Sword - all making the grade. Personally, songs like - Searching For Atlantis, Flying On The Edge and The Return sound bland and drag a bit as live songs as do other tunes that suffer the same fate; Court Of The Crimson King and Travllers In Time. Dragon's Lair isn't a killer song but luckily, it coasts along courtesy of a fairly busy riff saving it from bordem. I'm a little surprised that more tunes from SAXON's 1997's 'Unleash The Beast' CD (one of the bands' stronger and more consistent studio releases of the last decade) are not included here? All we get is the title track, which is fine but what about cracker-jack tunes like, Terminal Velocity, The Thin Red Line, Cut Out The Disease and what about, Ministry Of Fools?! Personally, this 2 disc set would of been given full marks had the above tunes been included instead of the above mentioned lack luster selections. Being a longtime fan - I think it's a pretty good CD to add to your SAXON collection, sound quality wise it's very similar to the 'Eagle II' or the brilliant Live DVD, "W.O.A. 2001" from the excellent 'Saxon Chronicles' 2 DVD set -released back in 2003. SAXON are and always will be - one of the best hard rock metal bands that have proudly flown the flag for British Rock alongside Motorhead, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Def Leppard over the last 20 years or so! If you're thinking � what about the Darkness?! Think again! Those bozos will NEVER be in the same league as the above 'legends'! - (8/10) |
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| DEF LEPPARD � Yeah! (Universal) Once upon a time ... back in the 80's a young band from Sheffield in England, were the darlings of the music press and millions of fans worldwide. Def Leppard was a name that was on everybody thoughts, steadily climbing the ladder of success with each succesive album release that definitely - hooked the world. Remember, those glorious moments in hard rock history � early 80's when a young pimply faced Def Leppard were strutting their stuff on the TV singing, 'Hello America'?! Well, America did indeed take notice � and how, the Lepps ascertained MEGA sales and 'superstar' status with 'Pyromania', 'Hysteria' and 'Adrenalize' � all entering the Platinum league, selling an absolute shit-load of records and creating history with 'Hysteria' being one of the all time best selling hard rock records ever - selling over 17 million copies! While all the above mentoined albums were pretty darn good, I always still had a soft spot for Def Leppard's second album, �High 'N' Dry�(1981). To me it's the bands' finest hour, when they were; lean, mean, with catchy songs, cranking riffs, solid production not overproduced and above all else, it captures a bunch of lads growing from boys to men - to be a serious hard rock contenders. During the 90's, the bands' career nose dived to an almost - 'centre of the earth' depth, not helped by a very lack lustre effort, �Slang� but luckily for the band, their two most recent studio albums were fairly consistent. Their last studio release, �X� was the most consistent product by the band since, �Adrenalize�! So here we are, the new release by Def Leppard, �Yeah� an album of cover tunes � maybe it's a record company obligation, who knows? For the life of me I can't understand why would you release this unless � pick your option: A � need more time to finish writing new album, B - haven't or can't write decent songs anymore, C � couldn't be bothered, or D. � all of the above?! Look, the songs on offer are all O.K. tunes, all are presenetd well enough here and it sounds like Def Leppard, but it's not great � if you know what I mean. There's not enough meat for me, it's a little safe sounding and these types of albums are cool enough, to fill in time until the next album proper is released but why not just keep working and finish the new studio album instead?! With the influx of so many 'classic' hard rock acts releasing new product over the last couple of years, in most cases their best work in over a decade - I really was hanging out to hear what the follow-up to �X� - was going to be like? Look, if I want to hear cheesy cover tunes I can just go into town, any night of the week! Sorry folks, I like this band but this CD is full of avarage cover versions that sound O.K. - if you need to hear what Def Leppard are up too, then fine but it's not what I want hear from this once, exceptional talented, hard rock act! - (2/10) |
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| HOUSE OF LORDS � World Upside Down (Frontiers) Talk about a good record, if this new CD by melodic rockers HOUSE OF LORDS - "World Upside Down" is not the AOR 'album of the year' � then there's something terribly, terribly wrong with the world! Seriously, this is one very good, melodic hard rock album � one of the highest in calibre with excellent production, great songs, great melodies, great chuncky riffs, blow you away choruses and that's just the rock songs! Let me tell you, when HOL go into swoon mode and pull out one of their ballads � there will not be a dry eye in the house?! HOL have songs here that equal, if not eclipse the likes of, Bon Jovi, Axel Rudi Pell, Gotthard, TNT etc. do you get the picture � very good commercial, sounding hard rock of impecable quality is on display herein! Up tempo songs like, Rock Bottom, I'm Free, My Generation and These Are The Times are among some of the finest AOR rock I've ever heard! While some people rave about acts like Journey, Foreigner etc. this album is 'up there' with those MEGA acts, no bull! This CD is full of infectious, hooky melodies that'll have you singing along in no time whether you're driving the car, bangin' your partner, having a shower � whatever, it's that sort of album you'll love to death if you love the genre. The backup vocals are surperb enhancing the songs to perfection, showing pure class! Influences are varied, in places it reminds me of Dokken, Rainbow and countless good 'classic' melodic hard rock acts. When HOL want to crank out a riff, believe me it cranks when it's needed and when it has to be subtle, well this band knows how to write good songs � it's absolute magic to these ears that's for sure. Like Gotthard, House Of Lords are a class act � if these bands were around in the mid 80's when this genre was loved by the mainstream music public, then both acts would of been superstars! I hope I'm wrong, but the sad fact is - this product will probably bypass the masses in mainstream music which is a real shame because, "World Upside Down" by House Of Lords, is a first class album � all the way! - (10/10) It's that good! |
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| VENGEANCE - Back In The Ring MTM/Riot) There are countless hard rock acts around the world that have a soft spot for AC/DC style riff-a-rolla. Acts like, Krokus, Buckcherry, Britny Fox, Rhino Bucket, Accept, Nashville Pussy - to name a few! Well, you can also add Dutch band, VENGEANCE to the long list of AC/DC riff-a-rolla acts. While fans of AC/DC wait patiently for a new album, Vengeance dish up a pretty good appetizer till then with their new album, "Back In The Ring". The production is crystal clear - courtesy of one Michael Voss (No, not the Brisbane Lions AFL football player of the same name), this CD has a thumping rhythm section, in your face guitar riffs and a perfectly raspy Brian Johnson style lead vocal. It's great to hear Vengeance back, after a long absence delivering one of the best straight ahead hard rocking records of the year. Armed with 11 in your face rockers, the guitars are ripping with tastefull keyboards in parts � thankfully not overdone to spoil the feel and all are delivered with energy and enthusiasm. From the opening, this is old school rock 'n' roll delivered with a passion � listen to songs like, Back In The Ring, No Mercy, Bad Attitude, Holy Water and the hilarious - Cowboy Style, all the songs here reek of rocking hard and having some fun. This is a good old, fashioned hard rock record with a strong emphasis on the traditional AC/DC style, so if you like Rhino Bucket, Buckcherry, etc. etc. - then VENGEANCE's "Back In The Ring" is right up your alley! - (7/10) |
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| AXEL RUDI PELL � Mystic (SPV/Riot) German guitar wizard, Axel Rudi Pell is back with another studio album, titled "Mystica", the follow up to 2004�s amazing �Kings & Queens� record. That album was always going to be a hard album to follow, due to the simple fact that it rocked hard and was probably one of the best pure hard rock, albums to emerge in the past 5 years. Whilst Axel and his band could never particularly disappoint, this writer wasn�t exactly brimming with excitement after listening to "Mystica" a few times. Starting in traditonal ARP fashion - the opening track is an instrumental, before jumping into a thumper of a track called, Fly To The Moon. Vocalist - Johnny Gioeli is in fine voice here, with the song itself is a great way to set the scene for yet another arse kicking hard rock album from the German guitar god. Sadly, this is probably one of the high points on "Mystica". I was fooled by the title of track 3, Rock The Nation -most would pick it to be a huge hard rock anthem and whilst it is probably the best chance for a radio hit on the album, it is nowhere near the quality of a few choice tracks on Axel�s last record. Gioeli is, for my mind, one of the best rock singers going around, and has been for a number of years, however I have to question his voice on this otherwise pretty cool track. If the chorus had been sung an octave higher, which Gioeli is definitely capable of doing, this song would be huge. But unfortunately the vocals and the slow tempo of the verses bring this track down. Other highlights are the tracks, Valley Of Sin, Living A Lie, and Losing The Game - all three kick along and showcase the talent of this band and what they are capable of delivering. Basically, the rest of the album all blurs into one with songs that are either too long or too slow. Don�t get me wrong, there�s nothing wrong with a good ballad here and there, and to his credit, Pell has written some of the best ballads in the genre, but the slower tracks on this album are boring and unemotional. Pell�s basic formula for a down tempo track is to really only feature guitars in the chorus and of course the solo. The other parts of the songs drag along, with not even Gioeli�s awesome voice being able to save them. Admittedly, even some of the better songs have their ordinary bits also. Honorable mention goes to the title track, which has a great chorus, again, mainly thanks to Gioeli. To sum it up, the 4 excellent songs on this record are almost as good as the top stuff on �Kings & Queens� � and I do mean almost � they ain�t quite there. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is sadly lacking that certain, completeness that we have come to expect from Axel Rudi Pell. Too many songs are too long, and honestly there aren�t enough songs on offer with only 10 tracks on the album, and 2 of those are instrumentals. It hurts me to say it, but as far tracks on offer just seem to be thrown together, and even some of the lyrics are throwing back to previous album names and subject matter. The best performances on this album comes from either vocalist, Gioeli (for the most part struggling with uninteresting tunes and doing his utmost to rescue them) or the producer � you can�t fault the sound quality of this record. Maybe, I�m being a bit too harsh because of the previous albums' excellent high standard?! "Mystica" is a decent enough album, but on the whole it's nowhere near the best that these guys have done. Personally, I�ll be hanging out to hear Gioeli on the new Hardline record, later in the year. - (6/10) |
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| MOTORHEAD � Kiss Of Death (SPV) What can you say about this band?! An Icon?! A British Metal Institution?! The baddest band in the world? The list is endless really, it's almost as long as their career - oh, don't forget the grammy?! And where do you start about the man himself, Lemmy! Some call him GOD, a legend, well I think he's one of the coolest hard rock/metal 'legends' around today. Lemmy has never changed his spots � so to speak. He's never conformed to the suits that run the music industry! No, lemmy just keeps putting out hard assed records just the way he wants! I Love this band, I've been a fan for nearly as long as Motorhead have been around, (yes, I'm an old bastard too - Ed) and I will always fly the flag for Motorhead because, they are such an important part of my musical life! Though the band never ascertained - 'super stardom' they have for nearly 30 years, released some excellent records along the way. Personal favorites include, Overkill, No Sleep Til Hammersmith, No Remorse, Ace Of Spades, Another Perfect Day, Bastards and Inferno � to me, they are the best, most consistent products released by the band. The bands last album, �Inferno� was one of their most consistent, well produced, throughly convincing albums by the band since their brilliant 'Bastards' album! That of course is my opinion, it's not everybody's. So now, we come to the new Motorhead album, �Kiss Of Death�. Well, it's definitely well produced, it's tough, mean and nasty like it should be and the execution by the band is as usual, top notch! Everything sounds great, songs like, Sucker - thundering along, while Christine is a sing-a-long tune and there's even a very cool ballad, God Was Never On - Your Side � all your typical Motorhead tunes. There are plenty of other styles within the Motorhead world on display here but the sad fact is, it's a good record but unfortunately folks � it's not up to the high standard of their last CD, 'Inferno'! Some of the melody lines, well they lack that magical spark of tunes like, Smiling Like A Killer, Killers, Fight, etc. that were quite infectious � most here are kinda bland by comparison. Along with fellow British metal Icons, Saxon � MOTORHEAD have never been able to release back to back, consistent studio albums and that's probably why both bands never became MEGA acts?! Regardless, �Kiss Of Death� will please most fans with songs that are what you would expect, Sword Of Glory � steamrolls along and Be My Baby - has a nasty relentless riff. One Night Stand - has a dirty boogie groove while Devil I Know - is a straight down the line hard rocker. Trigger � zips along at a frantic pace with a melodic chorus � that works well while, Under The Gun � seems to just trundle along. Living In The Past - is a medium paced rocker that hooks you in with a excellent riff and this tune has quite a anthemic feel, working well and definitely one of the high lights of the album. The most interesting song musically is, Kingdom Of The Worm - which both lyrically and musically is very dark and proves quite different for the lads. Going Down - charges out like a bulldozer on heat, my personal favorite and easily one of the albums highpoints! Look, it's not that �Kiss Of Death� is a bad record, after a few spins I'm warming to it nicely � it's a definitely a grower and It definitely has all the right elements of a good album and that's the problem, as far as I'm concerned. It's good, but it's not great! - (7/10) |
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| CHEAP TRICK � Rockford (Riot) Veteran US Pop/rock Icons � Cheap Trick return with an absolute killer of a record with their new CD, �Rockford�. No, I'm not full of it � this product has all those magic elements that made the band a household name back in the late 70�s early 80's. Packed to the brim with catchy riffs, infectious melodic choruses, a power ballad or two and plenty of tasty pop/rock tunes to devour. Vocalist, Robin Zander�s voice is as explosive, seductive and down right brilliant as it ever was � he really is one of the best rock vocalists on the planet, even some 30 years later! Zany guitarist, Rick Neilson has as usual, an abundant collection of tasteful licks, riffs and melodic solos throughout with the ever tight perfect rhythm section of bassist ,Tom Peterson and the lovable drummer, Bun E. Carlos. Songwise, it�s Cheap Trick by the numbers with those insatibale grooves set up the minute the song starts, impecable, outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable rock tunes crafted by a band with mountains of expertese throughout this excellent record. There's plenty of Beatles influenced tunes here � something Cheap Trick have done exceedingly well throughout their long and distinguised career. The radio friendly essence of tunes like, Dream The Night Away, Every Night Every Day, If It Takes A Lifetime � all possessing that special quality that makes all of them perfect radio fodder. Welcome to the World, is an up tempo rocker that simply blisters along with the song, Perfect Stranger cruising through familiar pop orientated territory. All Those Years - has a subtle pop groove topped off with a melodic rock twist stamped all over it. Other notable inclusions are, Decaf � which has an almost hynotic appeal that reels the listener in. The crunch of songs like, Come On Come On and Give It Away � harks back to the bands' earlier years with tunes full of agnst, attitude and above all else a great groove. The ballad, O Claire reeks of a Beatles type arrangement and melody that works well as to be expected, think along the lines of the bands' massive hits, The Flame or Voices � get the picture?! This Time You Got It, has it all - with great feel, a melodic rousing chorus. simply a perfect Cheap Trick tune. The track, One More Day has a light 'n shade appeal that gives you an almost rollercoaster ride effect. Believe me, there's not one throwaway or dud track contained here, this is an excellent return for Cheap Trick and their new CD, �Rockford� is a very strong product indeed. If after a couple of spins you don't think this is a strong record then I hate to say it - but you know absolutely nothing about good melodic rock music! There will be countless scribes from various magazines or webpages who'll write off this CD and band, well the fact is, they are wrong � I'm right! Seriously, If you love Cheap Trick � then this CD is a must for you. Brilliant return guys! - (9/10) |
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| POISON BLACK � Lust Stained Despair (Century Media) Following on where their 2003 debut, �Escapextacy" left off - POISON BLACK turn up the heat with their brand new second platter, �Lust Stained Despair�. Gone is CHARON vocalist, Juha-Pekka Lepp�luoto who's returned to his band to concentrate on their career so new mainman, Ville Laihiala (vocals, guitar - formerly of SENTENCED) steers the band in a musical direction not too disimilar to his former band with the same mean, nasty, dark, goth rock albeit with more variation and sometimes a slightly more commerical groove in places. Oh No! � I hear you cry, don't worry POISON BLACK have not sold out � no fuckin' way, unlike recent albums by HIM and The 69 Eyes � both being good releases but sucked as far as previously efforts were concerned. Well, the new CD by POISON BLACK has all the right elements that make this a very good, Goth rock album � with lots of tasty riffs, excellent melodies and some damn tuff riffs to boot! Production is thick and angst ridden, the guitars are dirty when they supposed to be and believe me this record rocks. If you loved the last Sentenced CD, 'The Funeral Album' � you're gonna love this sucker as it picks up where that excellent record left off. Songwise, there's plenty here to satisfy the devoted Goth rockers but what makes this album so appealing to non-goth rock fans is a combination of grinding rock songs, a little left of field that offers the listener something both interesting and different sounding to the norm. Kicking the CD off is, Nothing Else Matters � as soon as the angry riff erupts you know these guys mean business, a good tough opening track. Next up, Hollow Be Thy Name crashes out of the speakers with a medium paced rocker while, The Darkest Lie � possibly a contender for a single has groove, melody and a haunting piano backing � priceless! The down 'n' dirty, Rush explodes and hymotises at the same time and could also be a single, very catchy. Next up, Nail � starts with a enticing keyboard intro then launches into a crunchy riff capped off with a light'n' shade chorus that is simplt captivating. Ravitar � possess a climbing riff that is enhanced with a vicious melody that lifts this song as one of the album's highpoints. The cascading riffed, Soul In Flames - has hit written all over it with a commercial groove that never wimps out. The raptor paced, Never Enough � ducks and weaves and launches into a double kicked chorus � absolutely brilliant! It's not all balls to the wall with, Pain Becomes Me � being a slow thought provoking ballad of substance with a quaint acoustic solo which is a nice touch. The mesmerising, Love Control Despair � is quite captivating with an unusal keyboard lick and it's definitelty another tune that could be a single. Closing this opus is, The Living Dead � rolls out like an old friend making you both satisfied and warm inside. Look I'll be honest, I loved the last Sentenced CD from last year and I really do like, �Lust Stained Despair� � by POISON BLACK. To me it's the perfect Goth Rock record. - (9/10) |
| SLAYER � Christ Illusion (Warner) Regardless of what is written here, this the new Slayer CD - �Christ Illusion� which is the bands' first recording since 2001 is gonna sell by the truckload, as is already the case all around the world. The band themselves are 'legends' � in the true sense of the word. When Slayer burst onto the metal music scene in the early 80's alongside other newcomers to the metal world at the time like - Metallica, Megadeth, Exodus etc. these bands changed the face of metal forever. All are still idolized today by millions of metalheads. The new CD has jumped into the upper reaches of countless mainstream 'Album' charts around the globe, such is the fanatical fan base for this veteran metal act. Featuring an all original line-up, �Christ Illusion� is exactly what the bands' legions of long-time followers could ask for with Slayer dishing up a near perfect release, full of all their hallmarks that has made them one of the worlds most respected metal bands of the last 25 years. Fans will not be disappointed as this CD contains countless, downright menacing, brutal riffs, power packed rhythm sections executed in the bands' own unmistakable style � Slayer deliver an album full of a varied selection of ass-kicking tunes that we've all come to love. The songs themselves are formidable - with bruising tracks like, Catatonic - or the almost chaotic, Jihad � impress with their delivery and their heaviness. Skeleton Christ � is a masterpiece, having crunching relentless riffs, crushing double kick drums. It's also full tilt attack on, Consfearacy � a blistering frenzied tune of biblical proportions that would impress even Ben-Hur himself!! The medium pace plunder crossed with impossible speed metal drums are what you get with, Black Serenade � a 'classic'! The song, Eyes Of The Insane � is probably the most, mainstream Slayer tune herein but don't for a minute think the band has sold out � far from it. We get both, slow and fast Slayer on the track, Cult - while we get buzz sawed with the frantic, Supremist. Flesh Storm - has depth but still crushes your brain into submission with the speed of a bullet train. Rounding off this excellent platter is, Catalyst � which is typical Slayer all the way, pounding, probing and punishing all in the same breath. I could waffle on but there's no point, we all know the bands' history. The bottom line is - this is a very, very good release by Slayer � quite possibly their best album since their, 'Reign In Blood' opus?! The fact is I'm not a hard-core fan, never have been but grew up with and respect Slayer for who they are; pioneers, legends, their music is unmistakable and talk about HEAVY � these guys really did set the bench mark! Yes, I really do think this album is a bona fide 'Metal Masterpiece' - it has everything a hardcore metal fan could possibly ask for. For those uninitiated, this is a great place to discover the awesome, SLAYER! - (10/10) |
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| SHARK ISLAND � Gathering Of The Faithful (Frontiers) Well, talk about a long time between drinks?! The interest surrounding this release is quite amazing because, SHARK ISLAND have such a reputation that surrounds them that it's almost to the point of - 'legendary' status! The band released an album way back in 1990, �Law Of The Order� - that was hailed as a 'classic' by many. Shark Island were one of the biggest bands on L.A. Strip in the 80s, selling out countless shows playing their brand of moving, melodic, classy hard rock which has to be said, is some of the coolest hard rock you're ever likely to hear! The band's music has energy, guitars that are not too heavy or chuggy like most of the bands from that era and a vocalist with an amazing timber and vocal range, making Shark Island an extremely unique listening experience. Despite rave reviews for several years, a record deal was never an easy process for Shark Island. Initially they were signed to Universal but later dropped, then picked up by Sony. What happened to Shark Island remains somewhat of a mystery? It seems it was due mainly to record company problems, their greed and sudden fasination in the early 90's new musical trend, Grunge - definitely didn't help Shark Island's cause or for that matter a number of hard rock acts at the time - anyone remember the excellent WAR BABIES? - same fortune befell them! Shark Island vocalist, Richard Black recently sang in 'Contraband' - a supergroup that consisted of members of Ratt, MSG, Vixen and LA Guns. They released a self-titled album in 1991 but despite the big names, it was far from a masterpiece. Back to the new album, �Gathering Of The Faithful� which features 3 of the 4 original members, vocalist � Richard Black, guitarist � Spencer Sercombe and bass guitarist � Christian Heilmann with drummer - Glen Sobel, rounding off this recording. The material herein was supposedly demos from the 90's that have been re-recorded and released as this new album. Musically speaking, Shark Island have a unbeleivable groove through their music that has to be heard to be believed. Seriously, it definetly rocks in places, it's well executed on all fronts but it's the underlining feel to each and every particular tune that really does captivate the listener. Most of the material here is of a melodic rock quality, comparisons if we have to make them would be as diverse as, Great White, The Doors, Billy Idol and early David Lee Roth � get the picture?! Opening track � Blue Skies, simply skips along with a melodic chorus that screams RADIO AIRPLAY � as do many songs herein! The second song � Tomorrow's Child, is definitely a high-point featuring a great almost funk groove, brilliant singing and this tune is truly awesome. Next up � The Stranger, reminds me of another late 80's act - Great White, with very similar feel indeed. Next up, Go West � starts off sounding like Billy Idol/The Doors then jumps into a commerical rocker while the mega ballad, Welcome Goodbye � has a quality that'll have every woman reaching for the box of kleenex. The riff on the song, Life Goes On � is almost a carbon copy of the RATT tune Back For More, that aside it's a very enjoyable 'classic' sounding rock song. Up tempo rockers like � Heaven, Will To Power, Temptation, impress with a flair many acts only wish they could muster. The standout as far as the heavier tunes is concerned is, Down To The Ground � which is strong, melodic and instanly accessable making you wanna shake your head or tap the old feet . Overall, most of the songs on offer here are very, laid back in approach and all possess a very indiviual feel that emenates through all the songs. It's bona fide cruise control on tunes like - Need Your Love and Looking For The Sun - showing that SHARK ISLAND pen some of the coolest, sounding rock songs on the planet! Shark Island's, �Gathering OF The Faithful� is one of the classiest, melodic hard rock releases of the year, so far. Yes, their music is an aquired taste as it's not heavy as some of the other melodic rock acts like - House Of Lords, Gotthard but Shark Island certainly share as much of the same magnificence � that's for sure. What seperates, Shark Island from the pack (excuse the pun) is there sheer excellence in song writing, with interesting well composed music of an extremly high quality that really is - a class all their own! - (9/10) |
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| BIG COCK � Big Cock (Driver Wild Music Import) Picking up where their 'classic' debut record, �Year Of The Cock� left off - Big Cock again raises it's head just a year later with another good, stiff, balls-to-the-wall release by the undisputed kings of 'cock-rock' � "BIG COCK" with their new, self-titled second album. Just like their debut, Big Cock serves up another smorgasboard of sexually, sinful, scintilating tales - just dripping and oozing more sexual content, than a friday night at the local cat house! Packing more punch - than a John Holmes deep pelvic thrust, Big Cock crank out the riffs, they give us memorable hook lines, and some of the most entertaining songs I've heard since their great debut. Songs that have come, sorry - fun written all over them, above all else this album should give you an almost orgasmic feeling, listening to this good time rock 'n' roll band. Big Cock, definitely pushes the boundries further than any other, cock-rock act have ever dared, especially lyrically and to me that's the big plus about this band. Countless acts have tried to present a � we're the cock-rock band of the world - persona but in most cases they were just full of piss and wind. I'm not gonna name anyone � most of you reading this will have your own idea of whom I'm talking about. That's what serperates Big Cock from the pretenders � is the senserity of delivery to the songs themselves, that really does come across. In the wrong hands, it could be quite tacky and tasteless but these guys write songs that have sexually provocative lyrics that shouldn't offend � they should put a smile, on your face. I suppose it depends on your outlook on life and if you take yourself far too seriously?! Whether you want to take these guys seriously or not � that's not the issue here, it's the sense of fun and good times that really comes across as far as I'm concerned. Enough foreplay, let's take a peek at the songs. Opening up is, Second Coming � which is both amusing and clever in it's presentation, slamming straight into, Fucked Up � which charges out like a bulldozer in heat. Next up, Real Man � to me is the highlight on this CD with it's excellent swaggering riff and a good catchy chorus, a perfect good rock song and Big Cock definitely should write more songs of this calibre � brilliant! Ride On Me � has rhythm, is tough and crunches along with some nice slide guitar playing, courtsey of � David Henzerling that enhances this tune. The slow thrust of, Rock Hard � pulsates, slithers around on all fours then smacks you where the sun don't shine. The cover of the Tom Jone's classic, She's A Lady � is absolutely priceless, singer Robert Mason does an excellent job with his rich, timbered voice while the band simply rocks hard behind him. It's a great rendidtion that I reckon ol' Tom would give the thumbs up too. The almost punk rock grind of, So Easy Bein' Me � blasts forth from the speakers and works well with this tight, terrific number. It's ballad time (just like, Hard To Swallow off the debut) - Every Inch Of My Love has a well thought out, cleverly composed arrangement that shows style, class and a definite sense of humour � very clever. I have to say it but I too do love a, Dirty Girl � and as we all know they certainly do, make the world go round and this song is another high point on this album and is exactly what you want from a band called, Big Cock! The pop feel of, Scottsdale Girls � could have been released back in the 60's by the Beatles or Small faces with it's extreme radio friendly groove and is another clever arrangement that is similar in feel to, Carrie's in Love � off the debut. Springing into action comes, Get Me Up � which is a stomping rocker with an 80's wall-of-sound chorus, making it another top notch tune that definitely stands tall. The teasing, Take Me � is an anthem about what comes natuarlly while, Booze & My Baby � is a rocker that's all about drinking and pumping, what else is there! Wrapping things up is the country flavoured, Let's Make Love � which I could imagine country radio stations adding it to their playlists. It has a classic line, �c'mon baby climb on, I'm as hard as a diamond� - what can I say?! Yes, for all of you out there who craved more, "BIG COCK" � well, then this their second, self-titled album is just what, sexual therapists, bondage mistresses and all 'cock-rock' fans with that insaitable thirst could ever want. Excuse all the puns but if they can do it so can we - Another 'classic' cock-rock masterpiece! - (7/10) |
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| ZAKK WYLDE'S BLACK LABEL SOCIETY � Shot To Hell (Riot) Zakk's back - with a brand new Black Label Society album, �Shot To Hell� which basically picks up where his last CD, �Mafia� finished. Production duties are shared by Zakk and Michael Bienhorn (Ozzy's 'Ossmosis Lp), giving this album a little more polish and fatter overall production this time around. The album sounds tough, texured and at times bordering on brutal where it needs to be with a number of tracks having a mellower groove, which is not all that surprising. Yes, Zakk takes us for a wander through the 'Zakk Land' - which as we all know gives you a number of different feels, musically speaking. Songwise, we have the out & out rockers that have that definite, full frontal attack like - Concrete Jungle, Black Mass Reverends, Faith Is Blind and Devil's Dime � all possessing, mothers of riffs. The light 'n' shade flavoured tracks � Black Out World, Give Yourself To Me and Hell Is High � all have meaty riffs, excellent melodies and are thick with the grunt of a 30 foot alligator! The interesting, New Religion - has an almost 2 minute piano intro that unleashes a relentless, riffed monster of a song which sounds like magic, to these ol' ears! Laid back offerings include, Blood Is Thicker Than Water � one of my favorites with an infectious groove and captivating melody that cruises along while, Sick Of It All � is also commercial in sound with nice female backing vocals adding a nice touch to the song. There are a number of radio friendly sounding tracks on this CD but don't worry there's no cause for alarm � Zakk hasn't sold out! There a couple of ballads, but don't fret they are not the soppy, tear jerking, reach for the kleenex type of tunes. The songs in question are typical mellow compostions that Zakk has constantly written since his, 'Book Of Shadows' days. Tunes like, Lead Me To Your Door, The Last Goodbye and Nothing's The Same all have the quality we've come to expect from this talented man and his band. As usual, the band sounds awesome - with Zakk's unmistakeable guitar heroics creating tasteful licks, riffs and brilliant solos throughout this new opus proving without a doubt that Zakk Wylde - is one of America's finest and most gifted hard rock guitars of all time! So there you have it, �Shot To Hell� has everything a Zakk Wylde fan could possibly ever want from a Black Label Society album with not one dud song here out of the 13 tracks herein. If this album doesn't sell a million copies in America then somebody's ass needs a serious, thorough kicking! - It's an absolute ripper of an album! - (9/10) |
| UFO � The Monkey Puzzle (SPV) Talk about a 'classic' British hard rock band?! You need go no further than the mighty, stalwarts - UFO! Veterans from the 1970's, the band today still sounding solid, with an air of excitement that can definitely, be heard in their music. The new album, �The Monkey Puzzle� is as consistent as their last studio release, 'You Are Here' � released back in 2004. That CD like the newie was produced by, Tommy Newton who also produced last years double live CD, 'Showtime'. I really do like his production values - which is crisp, fat in the right places and clear as a bell in others � the man definitely has a great pair of ears! Personally, I'm sick of hearing the bottom end dominate production as has been the case over the last decade or so, here we get a very full 'classic rock' sound, albeit with today's production qualities. The band have never sounded better, with a real zest flowing through this new CD, with an almost original line-up of, Phil Moog, Pete Way, Paul Raymond and the return of original skinsman, Andy Parker � and of course fully fledged guitarist Vinnie Moore � UFO are now a settled line-up and by god it really does show! We all know about Michael Sckenker's chequered career, he's has come and gone a number of times and to be honest - the band, don't miss him! Now that fully fledged guitarist Moore is in for the long haul - he's an exceptional player of equal quality and ability with class, good chops and plenty of melody in his playing. Whether he's cranking out a mean riff or playing dirty slide guitar, his tasteful solos deliver numerous styles including, a little tasteful shredding! Songwise, it's a perfect UFO album � with it's mix of cool emotional charged ballads, Drink Too Much, Some Other Guy and Good Bye You all pulling on the old heart strings. Melodic rockers are well represented here by 'classic' type rock songs - Hard Being Me, Who's Fooling Who, Down By The River, Kingston Town and the nasty riffed and persoanl favorite, Heavenly Body being quite possibly the pick of the bunch?! The tune, Rolling Man � has a riff that is not too disimilar to Kiss' �Cold Gin� - pumping this old time rocker along quite nicely. The layered, Black And Blue � is 'classic' UFO of the highest order and is one of many high points on this very, consistent hard rock album. I could rave on, but the bottom line is � old UFO fans should absolutely love this record and if you've only discovered this UK band through the recent releases and enjoyed them � then you're gonna love this record also! As usual, Mogg's voice is rich, timbered and sometimes down-right sexy, in the right place. He still has an excellent voice filled with passion and depth, the rest of the band do what they do so well � everything sounds brilliant! UFO's �The Monkey Puzzle� is an excellent British, hard rock release - that showcases a band with mountains of style, pure class and an excellence that bozos like The Darkness, will, never, ever achieve! - (8/10) |
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| IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death (Sanctuary) Along with fellow UK countrymen - Judas Priest, Motorhead, Saxon and possibly even the powder puffs Def Leppard, IRON MAIDEN too - are a British Metal Institution from the 'Glory Days' of the 80's! All the above have had long and in most cases distinguised, successful careers and in all cases have passed the 25 years celebrations � some actually passing the 30 years of rocking and all - are still going strong, God bless 'em! IRON MAIDEN quite possibly are the most successful band, next to Def Leppard as far as album sales, merchandise and of course � the mammoth World Tours?! I'm still a Maiden fan, I too bought the t-shirts and have been since I first purchased the debut album, 'Iron Maiden' (80) and 'Killers' (81). Personally, I loved Paul Di'Anno's growl, it suited the music by the then, fledgeling British metal act! When Di'Anno was dumped and Bruce 'Air-Raid-Siren' Dickinson took over the vocals on the bands' next album released in 1982, 'The Number Of The Beast' (arguably still their best ever release?!) it was a runaway hit World Wide - helped by the very successful singles, Run To The Hills and the tremendous, title track. The next 3 album releases, Piece Of Mind, Powerslave and Live After Death � is were where I left being a hard core fan of the band. Sure, I've followed their career, purchased a number of their CD's along the way as they've had some pretty good songs but let's be honest here, most of the following albums haven't had the consistentcy of the above mentioned 'classics'. The bands' fortunes have never looked back since those days, with the exception of the Blaze Baily era. Blaze is a good singer, it's just that his voice didn't suit the band � it's as simple as that! It'd be like Lemmy fronting Def Leppard � it just wouldn't work! The return of Bruce in 2000 with, 'Brave New World' got me hooked again with the best sounding Maiden album I'd heard in years. The follow-up and their, 'Live In Rio' DVD kept my interest, so it comes as no surprise that the new CD, 'A Matter Of Life And Death' is typically 'Maiden' and will be devoured by their devoted fans, the world over! Personally, I think Kevin Shirley (who's been in the producers chair for the last 3 albums) has done a sterling job with the best the band have sounded since the 'Beast' days! It's tough, crisp and everything is as clear as a bell with the overall sound great in the mix. The band is as good as ever, with ol' Bruce still having an amazing set of pipes and musically, you can't fault them. Unfortunately, what lets this opus down for me my friends is: - there are way too many songs over 6 minutes in length with 7 out of the 10 tracks herein clocking in around 7 minutes or longer?! If you're looking for songs say of the calibre of; Run To The Hills, Flight Of The Icarus, The Trooper or Ace's High � well, then there's nothing here of that standard with the exception of opening song, Different World. Look, I'm not slagging 'em off 'cause - MAIDEN are one of the all time 'classic' metal bands and the songs contained herein are all executed to perfection with some, being the most cohesive tunes written by the lads in years. I simply just can't sit and listen to long, drawn-out songs anymore! A couple would of been fine, but come on - 7 songs that's basically three quarters of the album - it's just way too many! It doesn't matter who it is, my attention span starts to veer away after 6 minutes or so but if that's what you like, then you're gonna appreciate and love this record?! My favorites are the opening track, Different World or The Pilgrim or Out Of The Shadows and The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg � the rest, well they're good if you don't mind the long, drawn out rambling songs. If you worship the band, then you're gonna love it. Me, I've heard it all before and to be brutally honest, they did it so much better all those many years ago! - (5/10) |
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| HAMMERFALL - Threshold (Nuclear Blast)
Eighteen months after their last release, �Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken� - along comes the new CD from HAMMERFALL titled, �Threshold� - is again, another 'classic' metal release - all the way! Along with fellow European metal merchants, Primal Fear and Dream Evil � Hammerfall too are laying down their best work, possibly the best of their career?! The album is a traditional metal-heads dream - packed with chest beating anthems, meaty metal riffs by the truckload and a delivery that easily rubs shoulders with the above mentioned bands, with Hammerfall's �Threshold� - being a far more consistent package than the previous, 'Chapter V' . Songwise, Threshold � opens proceedings with a menacing riff backed by a glorious melodic chorus while, The Fire Burns Forever � also offering up more of the same with tasty riffs and soaring guitars. The slow brooding, Rebel Inside � is very reminiscent of oldschool metal act, ACCEPT - both in delivery and feel, which should impress lovers of this 'classic' styled band! Next up is, Natural High � which is an up tempo metal anthem complete with infectious riff, melodic solos and a memorable hooky chorus. The almost ballad groove of, Dark Wings Dark Words � shows Hammerfall's other side with power, emotion and class � all rolled into one. Classic metal rears it's head on the next 2 songs courtesy of, Howlin' With The 'Pac � which is an anthem of the highest calibre, and talk about a riff with the frantic riffed, Shadow Empire � serving up another high octaine ripper! The melodramatic, Carved In Stone � cascades along nicely, the instrumental workout, Reign Of The Hammer � showcases the bands' ability while, Genocide � gives us another power charged metal anthem. Closing this opus is, Titan � a slow monster of a song that again reminds me of German 'legends' ACCEPT - with a steamroller of a riff backed with soaring backing vocals � possibly the CD's best song, depending on your taste?! Hammerfall's new CD, �Threshold� is a superior effort to their last album in every way and it almost reaches the heights of fellow Euro metallers - Primal Fear's �Seven Seals� or Dream Evil's �United� - but not quite! A good consistent release by another of Europe's excellent metal bands. (8/10) |
| " ALBUM OF THE YEAR " - 2006 |
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| DREAM EVIL � United (Shock)
Just when I thought I'd narrowed down my contender for, 'Album of the Year' � along comes DREAM EVIL with their brand new CD, �United� which just pips fellow Euro metal merchants, Primal Fear and Hammerfall - at the post! Oh yes - Dream Evil make a triumphant return with an album that is, 'Bigger than Ben-Hur' with riffs a plenty, and some of this years' - best 'classic' metal anthems along for the ride. The new CD, �United� - is a far more consistent beast this time around, their previous excellent release, �The Book Of Heavy Metal� (2004) did however deliver some great metal songs that were appreciated by many. For those of you, who loved the bands' above mentioned product � well this years' model should impress you even further, with a shit-load of meaty riffed metal anthems of the highest order from a band that really believes in delivering, some of the finest moments in 'classic' sounding metal! Songwise, Fire Battle In Metal � kicks off proceedings, with a typical euro metal chest beating anthem compelete with lashings of attack and bravado. The mid paced tempo of the title track, United � is both captivating and tough in delivery with a tasty riff which is complemented by an excellent glorious sing-a-long chorus. Next up, Blind Evil � is fast and furious, albeit with a commercial groove that works rather well. Two of the albums' highpoints are up next; the venomous riffed metal of, Evilution � which is a menacing monster that certainly raises the bar while, Let Me Out � is a 'classic' song of the highest calibre, filled to the brim with every trick in the book � as far as metal song writing is concerned. Mega riff, great melody, great structure and above all else, quality musicanship � this song has it all! The slow crunching, Higher On Fire � has a riff that simply steamrolls all who fall before it, a relentless, ruthless bastard of a song. The galloping thrust of, Kingdom At War - is an anthem of swords, bravery and all things metal � along the lines of Manowar in places! I'm not a great lover of ballads � as many of you reading this would know but, I do believe that some metal acts have written some of the best ballads � ever written! We won't waste space naming bands, suffice to say, Love Is Blind � is a brilliant metal ballad with so much passion and power and only a handful of acts, pull off songs this good! The frantic, Falling � blisters along at an almost speed metal pace with some excellent dual harmony guitars, complemented by double kick attack � simply wonderful! Every true metal album has at least one 'epic' tune, right?! Well, make way ladies and gentleman for, Back From The Dead � the definite high point of this album. Talk about a 'classic' metal song, an absolute killer riff, catchy infectious chorus, blistering guitars, hammering drums - an absolutely marvelous, metal song! There's no let up with, Doomlord � taking up where the previous track ended, again a great catchy anthem complete with a twisted mid section with that something, that just grabs you by the scruff of the neck! Closing this sensational album is, My Number One � possessing a stomping riff which jumps into a almost TOP 40 groove with a wall-of-sound chorus, strange but very appealing � a clever tune indeed which could be a single/video hit?! Last year, Primal Fear released the best 'traditional' metal album of the year - yes, I know they've just released a great 'Best Of' but.... this year - that honor definitely goes to DREAM EVIL - with their new CD, "United" being the a very consistent, metal release that is a must for all true metalheads! - (10/10) |
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| PRIMAL FEAR � Metal Is Forever - The Very Best Of... (Nuclear Blast)
Well as most regular readers already know � I thought Primal Fear's 2005 album, �Seven Seals� - was an excellent traditional metal release, infact I think it's a fuckin' 'classic' metal album - that deserves to be up there with the 'all-time' metal albums?! It's definitely the best record that the band have released to date with great songs and the production is � first rate! The fact that it was the, KILLAWATTS.NET - 'Album Of The Year' - just shows how much we thought of it! Personally, I thought it was one of the best real metal albums I've heard in a number of years! After 6 studio albums for Nuclear Blast, Primal Fear release their 7th album, "Metal Is Forever - The Very Best Of Primal Fear" for the label. Yes, it's a 'Best Of' - which contains a good cross section of material from the bands career including material from the bands' self - titled debut, right through to the above mentioned 'masterpiece' from last year. Early purchase of this CD will secure a 2 disc version that contains 9 'classic' metal tunes given the Primal Fear treatment. The songs include, Metal Gods, Breaker, 2 Minutes To Midnight and Kill The King � get the picture?! Suffice to say, they all sound good but that's another review! Back to the new CD, sure there are some detractors of the band � accusing them of ripping off Judas Priest � well, the fact is they do sound similar to Priest � especially of their 'hey day' era, So fuckin' what! As most of you know, the last Priest album didn't exactly set the world on fire, so if someone out there plays their style better than them, so be it! The majority of songs here are metal anthems � no risk, definitely delivering the goods with blood curdling screams, passionate meaty riffs and a band that cranks big-time. Songs like, Metal Is Forever, Final Embrace, Nuclear Fire, Chainbreaker, Armageddon, Fear � all displaying that glorious Euro metal attack, that the band have now become known for. Highlights are hard to define but personal favorites are, Angel In Black � with it's double kick attack backed up with a menacing, monster riff topped off with perfect Halford/Owens screaming in the stratosphere type vocals � excellent! The slow grind of, Under Your Spell � is tough yet commerical in one, showing the band are not stuck in one dimention. There are 3 songs from the 'Seven Seals' - being the title track, the frantic - Evil Spell and the brilliant, Rollercoaster � all sounding as fresh as they did last year � truly excellent metal! There are a couple of slower tunes like, Seven Seals, The Healer and Tears Of Rage � all showing the lighter side of the band musically speaking. One of the albums' highlight is, Running In The Dust � a Accept/Priest hybrid that is first class metal all the way reminiscent of JP's, Another Thing Comin in overall feel � excellent! The song, Suicide And Mania � is another big riffed bastard, sounding not unlike a Ripper Owens/Beyond Fear/Priest style song with soaring vocals. The song, Iron Fist In A Velvet Glove � also sounds similar in approach to the above, with a little more thought and substance displayed. Look, the bottom line is: if you like PRIMAL FEAR � then like me you probably love most 'classic' metal bands like, Accept, Malice, Warrior, Manowar and Judas Priest � someone that PRIMAL FEAR have been compared too. Yes, they do sound similar too � but as I said before, WHO CARES! "Metal Is Forever" � The Very Best Of" PRIMAL FEAR is a great collection that traces the band from their debut through to last years' 'epic' release. A must for all true metal fans! - (10/10) |
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| PAUL STANLEY � Live To Win (Universal)
Believe it or not � it's an astonishing 28 years since the self titled debut solo album by the 'starchild' of KISS � Paul Stanley was released, finally he releases his second solo album titled, �Live To Win�. Back in 1978 Stanley's solo album along with fellow guitarist, Ace Frehely � were the highpoints of the 4 solo albums by each member released under the KISS banner. Both the efforts by Gene Simmons and Peter Criss - were patchy at best and that's being fairly generous. The recent Simmons second solo CD, 'Asshole' - was very average, proving beyond doubt � who really has the talent in the US mega act?! The new, �Live To Win� album is equal to it's predacessor, basically serving up a similar formular with numerous, tasteful songs of both commerical melodic hard rock and of course a few power ballads. Stanley's voice is as brilliant as ever, singing with perfection throughout this platter and just like it's predacessor, the new CD has some very good songs that will please 'long-time' fans and should surprise those who never heard, Stanley outside of KISS! The production is crisp, full and very modern in approach giving this CD an overall first class sound � Paul Stanley who produced has done an excellent job. The addition of touches of keyboards, female backing vocals and strings enhance some very good tunes. As with his debut platter, Stanley has again picked top notch musos for this CD, suffice to say they deliver a faultless performance. Songwise, the opening title track, Live To Win � is a modern sounding rock song with a tough riff which builds into a typical 'Paul Stanley' sing-a-long, commercial chorus � definitely a winner! Next up, Lift � again has a slow modern groove which is punctuated by Stanley's excellent voice and his uncanny melodic ability, a very good song. The almost pop flavoured intro to, Wake Up Screaming � sets you up for another Stanley killer tune that has style, class and a hookline melody that has HIT written all over it � superb! The rousing rock of, Bullet Proof � is a nother highlight, complete with female backing vocals that help pump this song to glorious hights � a perfect Paul Stanley song with a great hook laiden chorus - brilliant! There's no let up with, All About You � swaggering between a light 'n' shade approach topped off with yet another killer, chorus � talk about good songs � this CD is full of 'em! The straight ahead rock of, It's Not Me � is simple but zips along at a lively pace with the typical hooky chorus. The album contains 3 ballads, the first being a mid paced tune, Everytime I See Around � which could also be a single, with it's repeative and enticing melody line, that just sticks in your brain. Another ballad, Second To None � is a power ballad of mega size preportions, enhanced by piano and a tasteful string arrangement, with a third ballad, Loving You Without You Now � has a almost haunting melody line thats works well. Closing this consistent effort is, Where Angels Dare � which is a strong straight ahead rock song that has a wall of sound chorus and a quirky riff that does captivate the listener. There's no denying that Paul Stanley's second solo release, "Live To Win" is a very good product indeed and easily outshines anything that his partner in crime could ever achieve � musically! I'm gonna deduct a couple of points for the ballads � but that's just me. A winner all round! - (8/10) |
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| SKID ROW - Revolutions Per Minute (SPV/Riot)
For some people, it's a question of loyality whether they continue to follow a particular band after the vocalist has been replaced - due to an untimely death or in most cases, out of control egos and politics! There have been a number of successful transistions over the years, AC/DC, Van Halen and Judas Priest - immediately spring to mind. More recently, Warrant and SKID ROW have changed their singers � and in both cases, both have faired reasonably well, of course it's all a matter of personal choice and opinion. SKID ROW regrouped early this century with a couple of original members along for the ride and introduced a new singer, Johnny Solinger � who let it be said, was filling a rather large pair of shoes left by the former, sacked singer � Sebastian Bach. The bands' 2003 release, �Thick Skin� was a fairly good return � it wasn't a 'killer' record by any means but it certainly had enough meat to satisfy the curious fans who were thrilled to know one of their favorite bands had indeed returned to making music. Musically speaking, it had a more, modern approach with a 'back to basics' feel that worked well. It still had that underlying, 'fuck you attitude' that made the band so popular in the late 80's and vocalist, Solinger - didn't try to emulate Bach in the vocal department. Songwise there were plenty of good tunes, Ghost, New Generation, Swallow Me, Born A Beggar, See You Around and a re-working of the 'classic' ballad, I Remember You 2 � which just hammered along in it's new groove. Some people appreciated it, while others didn't � it was as simple as that! Some three years later, SKID ROW return with a new album, �Revolutions Per Minute� which is a slightly better record this time around - with plenty to appease those who've accepted the new version SKID ROW and have moved on - just as the band have! Solinger is in fine voice, screaming, singing his heart out all over this platter � he definitely sounds more confident while the band crank out the riffs like there's no tomorrow. The production is tight, crisp and full bodied without being over produced courtesy of veteran metal producer, Michael Wagner � who worked on both the bands' self titled debut and 'Slave To The Grind' albums. The new album kicks off with, Diesease � an angst ridden bastard of a song that has crunch, a dirty mean riff and double-time pounding drums that power it along. Next up is the full throttled, Another Dick In The System � which is definitely reminiscent of early Skids, complete with bouistrous backing vocals and it's a powerful song . Next we slip into, Pulling My Heart From Under Me � which has a strong, catchy, commercial chorus and a light 'n' shade riff that is quite captivating. The almost hillbilly/punk groove of, God Can't Wait � which sounds similar in feel to Living End/Greenday, obviously it's a piss take and a fun song � simple as that! We now come to one of the albums' highlights, Shut Up Baby I Love You � simply put, it's one of the best tunes herein that gallops along with a nasty riff and is 'vintage' Skid Row all the way with a great sing-a-long chorus! The albums' most radio friendly tune is a cover of THE ALARM song, Strength � which the Skids have made very palatable and easy on the ears with it's haunting and enticing melody, me thinks a possible single? It's back to crashing rock 'n' roll, White Trash � which virtually explodes out of the speakers, pounding hard hitting and very tasty! The band definietly haven't lost any of their sense of humour either, especially lyrically which is more than apparent on numerous tracks on this new CD. The next tune, You Lie � is either going to be loved or hated by the listener, depending on his/her sense of humour and/or their outlook on life. Seriously, the song starts out like a quaint country rock tune with hilarious lyrics, then by the songs climax the band are cranking away like a drugged up punk rock act � I totally love it! The radio friendly, Nothing � strolls through commercial hard rock territory with a sing-a-long chorus that sits well on the ol' ears?! The sometimes frantic, Love Is Dead � has an almost morbid sounding mid-section that works well in comparison with the stop/start rhythm sections, easily being the most interesting tune on the CD. The vintage styled grunt of old 'skid row' reappears again on, Let It Ride � steamrolling it's way along with a anthem type chorus, that'll have you reaching for a pint and singing along in no time! I'm sure there will be many so-called music scribes 'shit-canning' this CD for such pathetic reasons as, it's not as good without Sebastain � which is BULLSHIT! The bottom line is, you can't compare either version of the band - it's pointless, both are different beasts just like trying to compare the different versions of AC/DC, Van Halen or Judas Priest! Ex-vocalist, Sebastain Bach was a great singer in the early years of the band � (he's still a good singer today) and their first two albums are testament to that! Let's not forget that album # 3, �Subhuman Race� was crap � that's partly the reason the bands' fortunes quickly nose-dived so abruptly to obscurity � FACT! It's 2006 and time marches on and so has SKID ROW � so maybe all you tossers, wankers � whatever you want to call 'em, maybe it's about time you all moved on too and accept the new SKID ROW album, �Revolution Per Minute� for what it really is, a good, solid slab of modern hard rock. For god's sake � STOP living in the past! Both Sebastain and SKID ROW have moved on - what about you? - (8/10) |
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| KROKUS � Hellraiser (AFM/Riot)
Back in the early 80's, swiss hard rock act � KROKUS were once touted as the best exponents of AC/DC - style rock, since Bon Scott's untimely death in 1980. I for one, fell in love with KROKUS � I still liked AC/DC but to me the band was never the same since Bon's death, some special essence simply disappeared. Obviously, I wasn't the only one who thought that way as KROKUS were about to take off! The bands' rapid rise through the early 80's was courtesy of their following album releases, �Metal Rendezvous� (80), �Hardware� (81), �Once Vice At A Time� (82) and �Headhunter� (83) which broke the band internationally with the hit single/video; 'Eat The Rich' � which believe it or not even recieved generous 'airplay' in Australia?! Fame and fortune followed, as the US market also took notice with the next release, �The Blitz� (84), with subsequent releases unfortunately, being watered down for the American market and the band finally disbanded in the late 80's. There have been a couple of reformations with original members, the mid 90's and again in 2003 with the release of the excellent album, �Rock The Block�. A double live � 'Greatest Hits' package was released in 2005 titled, �Fire And Gasoline� being a very well, recorded product serving up all the 'classic hits! Three years later the band return with a brand new studio album, �Hellraiser� the first since the above mentioned, 'Rock The Block' � which was a very, consistent release. Well, the new CD is pretty damn good, with the typical KROKUS sound to be heard in all it's glory! Musically speaking - it's a mix of the 'Blitz' era - being a well produced product with the bands' melodic hard rock crossed with a slight dash of the 'tougher' era in places. If you liked 'Rock The Block' � then you're gonna love it, simple as that � with plenty of those marvelous Krokus/acca-dacca grooves here in abundance with their usual reincarnations of classic styled, hard rock songs. The title track, Hellraiser � is a firm favorite with it's driving relentless riff and anthem chorus, 'classic' Krokus! The mid paced tempo of, Midnite Fantasy � cruises along effortlessly with some tasteful guitar licks adding the icing to the cake, so to speak. The up tempo, Too Wired To Sleep � gallops along nicely with an almost pop, type groove in places while, Hangman � is a slow brooding tune that has a very commerical melody that is most definitely 'radio friendly'. The first single, Angel Of My Dreams � is a power ballad, a tune that has all that 'radio friendly' essence while another power ballad, So Long � has a slow enticing riff peppered by a soaring melody, while a third ballad, Take My Luv � is equally memorable with some nice guitar interplay � all work well. Back to the rock with a down 'n' dirty riffed, Fight On � which has a nasty feel that is complemented by a rousing chorus with anthem, written all over it. The double kick bass drum attack of, Spirit In The Night � is reminiscent of 'Headhunter' in both feel and compostion, great to hear the boys kickin' hard again! The fast driving boogie of, No Risk, No Gain � trundles along adequately, then we slip into a mid-paced rocker with an infectious riff, rising pre-chorus setting you up for a stomper of a song called, Inside Out � more 'classic' Krokus! One of the highlights is, Justice � a rollicking rocker that has groove, melody and an almost familar arrangement. The most interesting tune is, Love Will Survive � which has a quirky riff intersected by additional guitar licks flowing into a sing-a-long chorus that works exceedingly well. The last tune is the full throttled, Rocks Off � pumping like a big V8 super-car heading down the highway to oblivion. Vocalist Marc Storace - is in fine voice, in-fact he's never sounded better considering he's been belting out hard rock songs for years, his rich timbered voice sounding absolutely brilliant throughout! Along with Storace the line-up includes: Mandy Meier - guitars, Dominique Favez - guitars, Tony Castell - bass guitar and Stefan Schwarzmann on drums? Recently I read somewhere that Accept drummer - Steffan Kaufmann was now a member of the band? Personally, I think a mistake in identity has been made. For long-time followers of the band, you should love this record as it's solid, it's consistent and above all else it sounds like KROKUS doing what they do best. While it's not as tough as their benchmark albums, 'One Vice At A Time' or 'Headhunter' � the new Krokus CD, "Hellraiser" does in-fact deliver what is expected of this veteran, Swiss hard rock act. Not surprisingly, it's reminiscent in places of fellow Swiss hard rockers, Gotthard � who've followed in Krokus' foot steps over the years and they too know how to appease - 'long-time' fans! - (8/10) |
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| EUROPE � Secret Society (Sanctuary/Riot) ADVANCE
Over the past 30 years - I've listened to countless albums, CD's whatever you wanna call 'em and let's be honest here � we all know a good hard rock record when we hear one, right? Believe, it or not I like most of the hard rock acts around today � beit 'old school' acts or newcomers, as long as the band has good songs, a good groove and kick serious ass in their particular style within the wide metal world of today - I'm happy! So, when a band comes along that you know by name have heard their material and thought � well, they're O.K. but they don't really do it for me?! Well, ladies and gentleman � that moment has arrived yet again, with believe it or not � the new 'come-back' album by EUROPE, "Secret Society"! I shit you not � this new album is gonna impress a lot of people, because it is quite possibly, the BEST melodic hard rock record released this year that I've heard! Now, that's saying something � most regular readers would know of my love for both bands, Shark Island and House Of Lords! Both have released excellent, melodic hard rock albums this year � both worthy of being contenders for 'album of the year' � no risk! Well, maybe - just maybe they've just been out classed?! I was really blown away becasue, I was expecting the EUROPE of old - dishing up those wimpy tunes like their massive world-wide hit , 'The Final Countdown' - type of pop/rock but surprisingly, what you get here is a band that's reinventing itself with all the good elements of both old school and today's modern melodic rock bands. The musical direction on this album is melodic rock - first and foremost but what seperates EUROPE from the majority of the pack is - the varied style of songs within the genre that they present here that are very, impressive indeed. Yes, there are a couple of tasteful ballads, there are some very, catchy commerical sounding rock songs with one in particular having an almost Goth rock groove to it. The songs themselves are some of the most enjoyable hard rock songs I've heard in years! Be it the arrangemnts, the melodies, their structures � to me they are all brilliant, with nearly every song here - that's eleven tracks in all, each totally captivating in their own, individual way. I know what you're thinking � this guy is full of it, it can't be THAT good?! Well, if you appreciate well constructed, interesting, captivating, hard rock songs then - I'm dead-set honest, it's that bloody good! Opening up the CD is the title track, Secret Society - an up tempo straight ahead rocker that crunches along and instantly you know, something is different about this band. Next up is the CD's first single, Always The Pretenders � again it's another straight down the line rocker holding back no punches with a very melodic chorus that'll have most humming or whistling along after only a few rotations! Just when you're thinking � O.K , maybe they've fooled me with 2 good rock songs in a row it here comes the wimpy track next � WRONG! Bursting out the speakers comes, Love Is Not The Enemy � a rousing tough, goth rock riffed bastard of a song that sounds similar in feel to something maybe Poison Black/Seteneced could of penned. The first ballad, Wish I Could Believe - has an almost Queensryche like sound and groove � making it a very good, melodic rock song. Next up is the angst ridden riffed, Let The Children Play - which has modern metal undertones that work exceedingly well with an absolute killer melody line making this song like all the precceding songs � a winner! The pop/rock antics of, Human After All � is both commerical and solid in construction and could be another single candiate, as could many of the songs herein. The rollicking romp of, The Getaway Plan � is intoxicating with a half-time chorus that sounds modern and stimulating in one. We slip into a slow groove for, A Mothers Son � a stirring ballad of almost epic proportions, again reminding me of Queensryche and as ballads go, this is a good one. We cruise along courtesy of, Forever Traveling � with it's infectious melody and a certain familar groove that coaxes the listener in, yet another single me thinks. Next up is the song, Brave And Beautiful Soul � which sounds reminiscent of U2 when they used to kick ass with both a vocal and guitar melody line that sounds just like the old Irish band in their peak � a killer tune. Closing this excellent album is, Devils Sings The Blues � a meandering riffed beastie that climbs and climbs into a solid, stirring midtempo rocker that builds into an a strong closing tune for an album. So, there you have it � an honest appraisal of the new EUROPE album, "Secret Society" by a guy who loves bands as diverse as Slayer and Queensryche and about a million others in between! Last year it was Primal Fear, who impressed me the most! This year it's EUROPE, their new album is a serious contender for my 'Album Of The Year' as far as I'm concerned, unless someone comes up with a killer between now and Xmas?! - (10/10) Full Marks! |
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