| CD REVIEWS - 2007 |
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| HARD ROCK SPECIALISTS |
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| PRETTY MAIDS � Wake Up To The Real World (Frontiers)
Yeah it's been a while, but the boys from the Netherlands coming stampeding back with a very good, consistent slab of AOR hard rock metal! Opening proceedings with the catchy, classy title track � complete with an awesome riff, excellent melody line, this song is a winner all around. Next we get, All In The Name Of Love � which sounds reminscent of early Iron Maiden, with a romping riff, that's truly impressive. Modern rock is represented by the excellent, I Am The End � which reeks of metal with a brilliant rollicking, meaty riff topped of with a chest beating chorus and some tasty band interplay mid song � awesome! The TOP40 pop groove of, As Guilty As You � could, should be a 'Hit Single' if only the deadshits that programme our radio stations, actually knew what good rock music actually is?! Yes, it's a great little pop tune, equal to the calibre of Mega acts like, say Bon Jovi! It's back to straight ahead, kicking your ass rock 'n' roll courtesy of, Why Die For A Lie � which explodes from the speakers, pulverising anything before it! This tune reminds me of Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow?! Vocalist, Ronnie Atkins sounds so similar to 'legend' vocalists, Glenn Hughes/Ian Gillan � in places, it's frightning! Next up it's anthem time, Such A Rush � a slow menacing riffed beasty that has a tasteful light 'n shade approach that works exceedingly well here, this is a killer rock song. Musically speaking, PRETTY MAIDS have alot of good points - taken from numerous excellent bands, delivered in their own unique way that makes this band enticing to the listener. Maybe, it's just me but - Pretty Maids are definitely, a class act along the lines of other AOR acts like, House Of Lords, Gotthard, Shark Island � to name a few, these boys are most definitely, in the same league! Yes, of course there is a heart string pulling ballad, Where Your Beauty Lies � to me it's a by the numbers ballad, that's not to say I don't like it � it's perfect in fact, with just enough syrup to satisfy those who love ballads. Personally, I love the ass-kickers and thankfully this CD has plenty of 'em, Brave Young Breed � is downright nasty, cascading along at a great rate of knots. The tough grind of, Terminal Violence � should appease most with an insaitable, catchy groove. Next up is a cover of Deep Purple's, Perfect Strangers � quite simply, PRETTY MAIDS perform it to perfection, uncannily that's who they remind me of in various places on this album, Purple crossed with Rainbow, it's quite amazing! Closing this very good album is, Another Shot Of Your Love � it's reminiscent of the above mentioned bands with a infectious haunting melody � again this has 'Hit Single' written all over it! As the year 2006 comes to a close, Pretty Maids just sneek in with one this year's best AOR hard rock releases that easily rubs shoulders with the brilliant above mentioned AOR acts as far as classy rock is concerned. Definitely, a contender?! - 9/10 |
| SINNER - Mask Of Sanity (Frontiers)
The first thing that strikes you when listening to the new SINNER album, "Mask Of Sanity" - their first recording in many years is the overall groove of 'classic' styled hard rock throughout. Musically, there's an underlying feel which is reminiscent of 'classic' sounding Thin Lizzy - with riffs, melodies and song construction being similar in approach with the vocals, uncannily sounding like the late, great - Phil Lynott in may places. Depending on your point of view, it's either a good or bad thing - it's your choice. A 'bonus track' is included and it comes as no surprise that it's a cover of the Thin Lizzy tune, Baby Please Don't Go - which is executed to near perfection! Personally, I love it - being an old Thin Lizzy fan and obviously, Sinner are big fans too and the songs on show here are some pretty, tasty hard rock tunes indeed. For alot of fans this will be a blessing, to hear those riffs cranked out like the old days and as I said there's some pretty good tunes on offer. The band consists of Mat Sinner (Primal Fear) - vocals and bass guitar, Christof Leimn - guitars, Klaus Sperling - drums, Frank Roessler - keyboards and Tom Naumann - guitars. Song wise it's a fairly consistent, batch of mid tempo hard rockers, Can't Stand The Heat, Thunder Roar, Diary Of Evil, Badlands, The Other Side and Revenge - all delivering what is to be expected. The most intresting tune is titled, Black - which could easily be lifted off a contempory Goth rock band like say, HIM, The 69 Eyes etc. The relentless power metal inspired pounding of, Under The Gun - zips along at a fairly good pace, with another of my personal favorite here being: Last Man Standing - which has a great chorus, complemented by a catchy, crunchy riff highlighted by some very tasteful solos, a damn fine song! There's a couple of slow paced numbers, The Sign - which sort of lumbers along while, No Return - is definitely the pick of the slow numbers here. Overall, this is a farily reasonable effort that should please most who love the genre. I must admit, it took me a number of listens before I was thoroughly convinced about the whole package as I found the vocals (sorry Matt) - a tad boring and bland in delivery. Maybe it's just me, but I was expecting a vocalist with a far broader range to be belting it out, that's why I've deducted a couple of points. If you're a fan of SINNER - then you should love it. If you've never heard of them, then this is a definitely a pretty good place to start! - 7/10 |
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| SAXON - Inner Sanctum (SPV) As soon as the thunderous drum fill kicks in, on the opening track on the brand new SAXON album, �Inner Sanctum� - you just know the band means business! Long regarded as a 'second division' band by many in the media and for that matter some sections of the metal fraternity � SAXON are one of only a handful of British Metal acts who over nearly 3 decades, have weathered the storm, standing tall and proud - in the face of adversity! Label changes, bad management, in-band fighting and probably a host of other near, catastrophic events, it's a wonder that SAXON are even still going?! Having been a long-time fan and we're talking, 27 years - I've lived through all of SAXON's high's and low's and unlike many, including long term friends � I still support this lovable hard rock metal act! Vocalist/frontman Biff Byford is someone I've admired for many years, his on stage banter is from the heart, no rehearsed cheesy lines like: How ya doin' Cleveland?! Personally, I believe SAXON - have always suffered from an image problem. Like countless metal acts during the 80's, SAXON too tried to change their image to suit the 'hair-band' popularity � especially in America and I believe that many hard core UK fans deserted the band. Also, their lack lustre efforts through the late 80's certainly didn't help SAXON ascertain MEGA heights � that's for sure. The slide from an epic release like, 1983's blistering - �Power And The Glory� to a more commerical, almost AOR sound through following releases, Crusader, Innocense Is No Excuse, Rock The Nations and Destiny didn't help the bands' progress as serious contenders in the metal world! Thankfully, throughout the 90's - SAXON re-introduced themselves to their fans through constant touring and releasing a string of consistently harder, edged albums � that re-introduced the tougher aspects of the band. The albums they released, Solid Ball Of Rock, Forever Free, Dogs Of War, Unleash The Beast and brilliant, The Eagle Has Landed II � definitely helped reserrect the bands' fortunes, that's for sure. The band have a solid reputation and loyal following throughout Europe and even today, still seem to be adored by thousands of fans! Coming into this century, SAXON � released, Killing Ground and Metal Head � both of which were patchy albums at best - while 2005's, 'Lionheart' � was in my humble opinion � one of the bands' finest moments in nearly a decade! Infact, my all time favorite SAXON studio albums are, Power & The Glory, Unleash The Beast, Solid Ball Of Rock , Wheels Of Steel, Lionheart and the over produced, Innocense Is No Excuse! To me they are the most consistent albums, released by the band. It pleases me no end - to let you know that the new SAXON, "Inner Sanctum" � is a very, good release by this veteran British Metal 'legend' band! Personally, I think SAXON have finally achieved that magic goal � of releasing two consistent albums, back to back � something the band has never done before! I know there will be fans who strongly disagree with me � hey, it's just my opinion. The music herein is quite possibly - the heaviest SAXON - has ever sounded, the band not ascertaining this degree of aggresion and dynamics since, 1983's 'Power & The Glory'! Musically speaking, this album displays 2 sides of SAXON. The 'classic' sounding tunes we expect to hear are represented by, I've Got To Rock To Stay Alive and Going Nowhere Fast - both of which are medium paced rockers, that definitely do their job well. Ashes To Ashes � contains a nasty riff combined with an almost football chant type chorus that works well and I'm sure will be a new live favorite?! The first single, If I Was You � is modern in sound as well as in approach, with a very infectious melody for the chorus � an excellent single choice. The other side of SAXON � the modern 'power metal' version is displayed here in all it's fabulous glory with opening song, State Of Grace � beginning with a solem intro which explodes via a thunderous drum fill � then it's full steam ahead, with this frantically riffed beastie containing one of the most 'in-your-face' riffs SAXON have ever written! With no let up, Need For Speed � blasts along with another menacing riff that's heavy with the band backing Biff to the hilt, with this brilliant, tough and tenacious SAXON tune. Next up - and we're into another bombastic bruiser titled, Let Me Feel The Power � sounding like a bulldozer crossed with a 747 � an absolute blinder of a song! Yes, we have a slow SAXON tune on offer, Red Star Falling � which is typical of any of this bands' ballads over the years with the pull at the listeners heart strings, making this both majestic and epic sounding in feel. We now come to the last song on this album, Attila The Hun � which is one of the longest tunes penned by the band, clocking in around 8 minutes. The song is an 'epic' in the true sense featuring explosive double kick drum chorus, deathly riff-a-rolla, speed metal riffs, soaring vocals, crashing drums � yep, it's all here on this one and it's great to hear a solid workout bewteen the band members, something a little different that actually works! Look, I know it's a very good review - look, I admit there's possibly a little bias on my part being a 'long-time' fan but if this record was crap � believe me, I'd say so! This is one of SAXON's strongest, ever studio releases and if, "Inner Sanctum" - doesn't elevate this 'legend' act further up the ladder � to the heights of fellow countrymen, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Motorhead - then there's a real lack of respect for them and there's something terribly wrong, with most of the metal world's taste! A contender?! - you bet your sweet ass it is! - 10/10 � yes FULL MARKS! |
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| TAROT � Crows Fly Black (Nuclear Blast)
Now here's a very interesting release � Finnish rockers, TAROT's brand new album, �Crows Fly Black� - helping kick off 2007 in fine style. For those of you who've never heard of them, the band have been releasing product since the mid 80's! Musically speaking - it's a mixture of metal, rock, goth - all weaved together in a glorious union, that works very well displaying music that is a dark mix of hard rock, with metal undertones with a Goth rock leaning on some tunes. If you love bands like, Sentenced, Poison Black, Rob Zombie or even the early, heavier material of acts like, HIM and The 69 Eyes � then this is defenitely worth giving a listen too! Opening song, Crows Fly Back - has a real angry, crunchy riff that's almost medi-evil sounding � excellent. The bombastic, Traitor � reeks of an almost Maiden groove galloping along while, Ashes To Ashes � has both light 'n' shade appeal, combined with a tasty riffs and licks with some excellent playing being demonstrated herein. The tough menacing riff of, Messenger Of Gods � steamrolls along with the songs' groove similar to say White Zombie � a nasty, dirty sounding rock song � brilliant! One of the albums' most solid tunes is, Before The Skies Come Down � which has an almost 'epic' sound to it, again with angry riffs highlighted by a soaring chorus � really lovely stuff! The tempo is brought to a skidding halt courtesy of, Tides � a laborious ballad complete with half-time chanting chorus, that helps cement it all in place. Back to anger management with, Bleeding Dust � showing a lean to a modern metal groove complete with a staccato riffing, which kicks into a repetitive power metal chorus. The mid paced crunch of, You � is definite single material, with a melody that equals anything that previous successful Goth Rock acts, have written over the last decade or so! A slow brooding cruncher, Howl � has depth, feel and a fairly commercial taste that is quite palatable being complemented with a nasty riff that captivates the listener. The closing song, Grey � has it all, a good tough riff with tasty melody, topped off with soaring vocals � a very well put together tune. What separates - TAROT from countless Goth Rock acts currently plying their trade, is that they possess a singer who has a good range, who can sing, scream, soar � and all in melody, something most Goth bands can't boast about. Musically, the band is a guitar driven beast with thankfully, subtle keyboards unlike numerous acts who have a tendancy to over induldge in the keyboard department. Songwise, it's all over the place, with countless grooves within metal music, that they have devoured and regurgitated into their own unique, slant on the genre which is both refreshing and stimulating! TAROT's "Crows Fly Black" � is an excellent sounding product, that should please their fans no end. For new comers, this is a very consistent hard rock release, that is definitely worthy of your hard earened dollars � a definite contender! - 9/10 |
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| ROSE TATTOO � Blood Brothers (Armageddon Records Import)
The first recording for Australian hard rock 'legends ROSE TATTOO - minus slide guitarist the late, Pete Wells - just had to be a ball-tearer for the band, as they had to show the world and their late friend, Wellsy - that they still are a quality, ass-kicking Australian hard rock act! I'm delighted to say, that Angry and the lads have delivered an absolute Killer of an album with �Blood Brothers� - easily being the bands' best, most consistent album since 1981's �Assault And Battery� - I shit you not! There will be some who disagree strongly but the cold hard fact is: ROSE TATTOO haven't sounded this tough, tenacious and driven for a very, very, long time! Personally speaking, the band have never sounded better, with a spring in their step and a bark that hasn't been apparent in years! The reason is obvious, with no disrespect to all the players who have contributed to the band over the years but guitarist, Mick Cocks - is the main reason the TATTS sound like the TATTS again! Mick Cocks played guitar on both of Rose Tattoo's best ever albums, 1978's self-titled debut platter 'Rose Tattoo' (Rock & Roll Outlaws - overseas readers)and 1981's, 'Assault And Battery'. Both albums had that bite, crunch and tenacity that were loved by hard core fans the world over but when Cocks was dumped from the band, while on tour in Europe in '81 � well the wheels started to wobble, that's for sure! 1982's, 'Scarred For Life' - with Rob Reilly on guitar was average at best with each successive album there after, becoming more and more mundane. Luckily the Tatts were still popular in Europe and through a couple of decent releases this century, the 2 disc live set, '25 to Life' and 2002's 'Pain' � Rose Tattoo were up and kicking again! Five years later and a new album, 'Blood Brothers' � has a great groove, with the band sounding hungry and with an urgency and determined attitude that's been a long time coming! Production is crisp, tight and full bodied courtesy of Mark Opitz (who's worked with AC/DC and Cold Chisel � two of Australia's other icon bands) with all instruments sounding good in the mix. Look, I reckon it sounds great but for me it just isn't heavy enough compared to the bands' brilliant debut platter! Song-wise, the opening tune is a cover of the old Stevie Wright tune, Black Eyed Bruiser - penned by Vanda and Young, who also produced early AC/DC and the first 3 Rose Tattoo albums. The song is loud and proud and definitely sits at home with the Tatts, a great opening song that announces, hey we're fuckin' back! Next up it's, Slipping Away - and it's riff-a-rolla courtesy of Mick Cocks who leads the band in a sprint for the home stretch � a fuckin' classic! We apply the brakes - just a little through the boogie stomp of, Once In A Lifetime � that's reminiscent in feel to the bands' mega hit, Rock & Roll Outlaw � both being excellent songs of the highest calibre! The slow blues grind of, 1854 � has Aussie 'pub rock' anthem written all over it, cruising along nicely, with a great chorus that'll have you singing in no time at all! The slow brooding, City Blues � is a tale of desperation and vocally Angry really belts it out with an almost, glorious passion � showcasing a great singer and a great band, doing something a little left of field and it works well. Next up is a sleazy little blues tune titled, Sweat Meat � which is vintage Tatts with clever lyrics and a great hook. The up tempo drive of, Man About Town � is definitely one of the albums' highlights with a swaggering, driving riff backed up with the band charging full steam ahead � killer! The chugging riff of, Creeper � is down 'n dirty with plenty of crunch and a awesome groove that reels the listener in, a great little tune. Back to up tempo rock reminiscent of The Cult's Wild Flower via, Stand Over Man � which stomps along while, Nothing To Lose � sounds not dissimilar to fellow countrymen, Tyrant's 'Never Too Loud' in both approach and style, with both tunes being belters! The last song, Lubricated � is the fastest song on offer steamrolling along at near Motorhead pace and is very similar to speed as the Tatts 'classic' � Astra Wally, off their magnificent debut! With the return of guitarist Mick Cocks to the fold � easily one of the worlds' best ever hard rock rhythm guitarists � alongside 'legends' in their craft, Rudolph Schenker (Scorpions) and Malcom Young (Ac/Dc) Cocks too is as solid as a rock, bringing this version of ROSE TATTOO � back to the power packed beast, that use to crush crowds way back in the late 70's! Angry is in fine voice, sorry - throat throughout with Steve 'Kingy' King bruising out the bass lines with Paul DeMarco � belting the skins! New slide guitarist, Dai Pritchard � had some pretty big shoes to fill replacing Pete Wells(who has become a 'legend' over the years) and Pritchard fills them well performing an outstanding job throughout the album. I'm going to deduct one point - for not making it quite as heavy sounding as I would of liked, maybe it's just me?! Regardless, ROSE TATTOO - deliver a cracker of an album with "Blood Brothers" � something I'm sure both they and past members � are very proud of. Yes, the TATTS are back � you better beleive it! - 9/10 |
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| THE ALMIGHTY - Anth*f***in'ology - The Gospel According To.. (Sanctuary)
This excellent Scottish band were one of my BIG favorites � as far as British Rock bands were concerned during the late 80's! Their first 3 albums, 'Blood Fire And Love' (89) 'Blood Fire And LIVE' (90) and 'Soul Destruction' (91) � being 3 of the best ever British hard rock/metal albums of that era! The only other notable new British Rock act of the time was THE CULT � who like THE ALMIGHTY, lost their way around the mid 90's! The Almighty - definitely peaked with their 4th album, 'Powertrippin' (92) but soon after the band decided to change their musical style to a more alternative, punk direction and follow the changing musical trends of the day. Not surprisingly, their dedicated fan based deserted them like a sinking ship, with their fortunes plummeting to the abyss. The band re-formed some years later, releasing 2 albums that were fairly ordinary, even by their standards. Now we have the bands' first retrospective release, �Anthfuckin'ology � The Gospel According to�? - which contains basically, all the bands' single releases on one album. As a package goes, it's pretty good as showcases the band from their inception, through their 'peak' with some outstanding songs, Destroyed, Wild And Wonderful, Free 'N' Easy, Devil's Toy, Sin Against The Light, Addiction, Out Of Season, Jesus Loves You (But I Don't). We unfortunately, quickly plummet to the bland and wrong musical direction choice, that brought about their demise with mediorce tunes like, Wrench, Jonestown Mind to bottomless depths with songs like, Do You Understand and All Sussed Out � sounding more like - The Clash than the once loud 'n' proud - THE ALL FUCKIN' MIGHTY!! It saddens me no end that THE ALMIGHTY � didn't continue their metal musical direction of the late 80's and really take on the world, as I do believe they really blew it! They weren't the first band to blow their chances and they won't be the last to do so! I'm hoping that the fact the band has reformed, that hopefully they will pick up their career at the 'Powewrtrippin' era - and deliver a ball buster of an album within the next 12 months and reserrect both their career and British Rock?! In the mean time, this is a good collection to introduce yourself to one of Britain's better hard rock acts of the late 80's! - 7/10 |
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| THE 69 EYES - Angels (Virgin Import) Following up their 2005 album, �Devils� along comes this years' model, �Angels� - again it's a slickly produced album for THE 69 EYES - that will tantalize long-time fans of this Finnish band. This time around there's a definite, more rock orientated flavour - that now suits the band very well. The title track is almost identical in feel to the previous 'Devils' title track � both having that James Bond theme song groove that's captivating in both style and delivery. The best cuts here are represented by, Los Angeles � which is one of the strongest songs on offer with an excellent melody and tough riff, with the first single/video, Perfect Skin � having all the elements needed for a single, hook, melody and a sing-a-long chorus. The video clip shows a definite lean towards the US Market - following in the footsteps of fellow countryman, HIM. One of the standouts here is, Frakenhooker � being the heaviest tune on offer with a style more reminiscent of earlier recordings with crunching riffs, infectious chorus and a sense of humour thrown in that actually works. The slow staggered riffed, Ghost � has a nice feel with a very tasty chorus combined with the tough sounding riffs complementing each other superbly � a very good song. Other notable rock tunes are, Never Say Die (reminiscent of Lost Boys from 'Devils')), Rocker � which is a medium pacer with a couple of commerical songs; Wings And Hearts and Shadow Of Your Love � both songs amble along in medium paced territory and do a reasonable job. State Of Heart � is a slow emotional filled ballad, that should keep all the lady fans happy with a very tasteful performance, personally it's a bit of a drag?! In My Name � rates a little better but again it's tearful ballad time albeit with a slight crunch. Look, fans of the band will probably love this record, to some they were probably hoping for a tougher sounding record but I think 'Angels' is a far better, more consistent beast than the previous, 'Devils' � but it's far from being the killer many expected! It's commercial to the max which depending on your point of view you'll either love it or hate � it's as simple as that?! The 69 Eyes deliver a pretty good album that should keep their growing fan base happy. - 7/10 |
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| HARDCORE SUPERSTAR (Independent Import)
Well, I'm both surprised and happy that HARDCORE SUPERSTAR � are still doing their thing as I thought the band has disbanded not long after the release of their third album from a couple of years ago, �No Regrets�?! At the time, it seemed that the band had run it's course - with very little press but look who's back and boy are they back! I always thought their debut platter, �Bad Sneakers And A Pina Colada� - was a rather bland affair except for the 2 singles, Someone Special and Liberation � both being great slices of pop rock. Their second LP, �Thank You (For Letting Us Be Ourselves)� - was a far stronger product, with a number of commercial and very good tunes. Unfortunately the above mentioned third album, was a sickly pop affair that just lacked that spark of it's predecessor. Now we have the bands' fourth release, "HARDCORE SUPERSTAR" � it's easily the bands' best and most consistent product to date with lashings of powerful, hook laden pop/rock of the finest caliber. Fans of acts like, LA Guns, Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat, Beautiful Creatures, Guns 'N' Roses, Velvet Revolver etc. albeit with a more pop influenced flavour should absolutely - love this release? Songwise, there's a shitload of out and out rockers to satisfy most hard rock fans with tasty little gems like, Cry Your Eyes Out, Simple Man, Kick Up The Upper Class, Bang On Your Head, Last Forever, She's Upbeat and the stomping, Blood On Me � all are rawkus rock & roll tracks. The mid paced, Hateful � has substance complemented by a nice use of a light 'n' shade effect topped off with a great hook. Infact, all the songs herein have great melody lines that should have you hummimg, singing in no time at all. As far as standouts go, then I recommend, We Don't Celebrate Sundays � which has 'anthem' stamped all over it. I bet this song goes down a storm live, as it cranks along at a good pace and when it reaches the chorus � unless you have shit for brains, you should be singing along with your fist raised in the air! The swagger of, Wild Boys � sounds almost like an outake from a Faster Pussycat album, while the Motley Crue sounding, My Good Reputation � are both excellent stuff! The only subdued tune, Standing On The Verge � is a semi ballad that raises it's head, just enough to entice and not sound overblown. Look, I think this is a great rock record by a band who definitely deliver a solid, rock release that should raise their status � not just in their homeland but hopefully for them around the world. If you've never heard of HARDCORE SUPERSTAR � then this is an album you should buy. If you like any or all of the above mentioned hard rock acts � then I'd say there's a good chance that, Hardcore Superstar - is right up your alley! - 8/10 |
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| WASP - Dominator (Independent Import) Memories, are a wonderful thing! I remember sitting face to face with one Blackie Lawless, back in 1985 conducting an interview for RAM magazine for the then, new release - WASP's second album, "The Last Command". I loved WASP's self-titled debut and I still love, The Last Command! I remember Blackie being a true gentleman, unlike a number of egotistical wankers (no names I can't afford a lawsuit!) - so called 'rock stars' I've had the misfortune of interviewing over the years! Anyway, back to the story in hand - Yes, the man with the very dangerous cod-piece, Blackie Lawless returns with a new studio album that's entitled, �Dominator�. While I must admit that some of WASP's releases over the years have left me a little cold - the new CD basically picks up where the excellent, 'Helldorado' left off with a more traditional hard rock sound, that WASP had in their early years. The production is full and very slick without losing any of the bite, with the songs being good, strong rock tunes that should wet the appetite of long-time fans. Musically speaking, there's plenty of ball tearing rockers like; Shadow Man, My Wicked Heart, Hell For Eternity, Revengeance Be Thy Name, Stone Cold Killers and Rubberman � all possessing tough riffs and that unmistakable voice of Blackie Lawless � soaring effortlessly over the songs. For a change of pace, look no further than; Black Bone Torso � which has an atmospheric feel complete with haunting vocals while, Hallowed Ground � too has a somwewhat similar groove. For some reason, there are 2 versions of this song included here � a similar ploy was used on the recent, Skid Row album - Revolutions Per Minute? There is of course a passionate ballad titled, Trail Of Tears � having a nice light 'n' shade appeal. "Dominator" - is a very consistent package with all the elements that WASP fans will love and appreciate. Blackie delivers another notch on his long and distinguised career. Yes, another notch to an already swollen codpiece?! - 8/10 |
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| IN THIS MOMENT � Beautiful Tragedy (Century Media)
Ladies and gentleman � let me introduce you to a new US based act, IN THIS MOMENT � who hail from Southern California are going to take your breath away, with an absolutely devastating debut release titled, �Beautiful Tragedy�! The band, IN THIS MOMENT have a crispness, individuality and intensity � that up until now has been virtually been unheard of as far as US based metal acts of the last 5 years are concerned. They definitely have a uniquie sound, that's for sure?! Combining elements of hard rock, thrash, traditional metal and a slight hint of nu-metal (just a little is OK?) with excellent playing, highlighted by songs that move between atmospheric to all out brutality the next. This five piece outfit, consists of Maria Brink � vocals, Chris Howarth � guitars, Blake Bunzel � guitars, Jesse Landry � bass guitar and Jeff Fabb � drums. When you hear this CD it's tough, brutal and at times quite captivating and then you realize the vocalists' - is actually a woman who has quite an incredible vocal range. Maria Brink � looks the part, being a blond haired beauty with a street look who possesses one fantastic voice that can attack a song with equal tenacity of Pantera's Phil Anselmo one minute then slips into mainstream territory ala, Evanescence � the next! The intensity is so in-your-face, it's frightening and it's also so refreshing to hear a woman who possesses the balls (no pun intended) � who carry's it off in a triumphant style that leaves a lot of men singers in the genre, for dead! Songwise � it's chock a block full of high intencity rockers, Ashes, Daddy's Falling Angel, Next Life, Circles, You Said Eternity, Prayers and the excellent title track, Beautiful Tragedy! There are a couple of songs that introduce a change of pace, The Legend Of Odie and When The Storm Subsides � both showing the truly wonderful aspects of Maria's vocal range. Depending on your tastes, this band is not for everybody but I truly believe that if you give, IN THIS MOMENT a listen you will agree that they have fresh sound, meanacing, brutal and at times they have a slight commerical feel � all in all, this a very good debut platter and it's most definitely worth a listen. - 8/10 |
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| MEGADETH - United Abominations (Roadrunner)
No matter what I or any other reviewer says � it's all a matter of choice as to whether you deem MEGADETH worthy of your interest? Personally, I like the band and despite all the history behind mainman Dave Mustaine and his brief period in a previous metal act from the 80's, Metallica � honestly, who gives a flyin' fuck! Some people have this deranged idea of Megadeth vs Metallica - I say, 'bollocks to that! Both bands are part of Metal history, both haved contributed to the genre, both have had fairly successful careers and to be brutally honest, neither sound remotely similar in style - so what's this crap some knuckleheads keep harping on about? That my friends is a cold, hard facts � whether you like it or not! While I think the new album, �United Abominations� is a strong, consistent beast that should please most 'longtime' fans - there will be those who will shit-can, ridicule or simply dimiss this new release with contempt. Well, they would be the dickheads who claim Mustaine has lost his way � well, again you're wrong and a dickhead! Overall, the new MEGADETH album is a tight, well produced package that showcases the man and the band doing what they do best - easily out doing their last good release, 'The System Has Failed' � which was head and shoulders above the previous lukewarm effort, 'The World Needs A Hero'! Songwise, most tracks have a anti US government stance � which knowing Dave is to be expected with the worlds' current events! With song titles like; Gears Of War, Washington Is Next, Never Walk Alone ... A Call To Arms, Amerikhastan and United Abominations � you know the drill and the music is some of the best by the band in ages. There's plenty of quirky, tenacious riffs and some strong riff-a-rolla happening throughout, with personal favorites being: Sleepwalker, Play For Blood, Burnt Ice and the remake of the 1994 tune, originally recorded on �Youthanasia� - A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free). Sounding very similar, albeit with a slight reworking that features LACUNA COIL vocalist, Cristina Scabbia - lending vocals in the chorus, a nice touch. Unfortunately, the lead solo has also changed which may offend some purists?! Look, I'm deducting a couple of points for a couple of songs that I find tedious � hey, somebody might love every song, power to 'em! I like MEGADETH's �United Abominations� - it's a good record, it's not a killer but it's definitely as good as their last outing?! Some will bag it - but the bottom line is, If you like the band then you should be fairly satisfied with a well rounded, tough sounding MEGADETH album! - 8/10 |
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| GOTTHARD � Domino Effect (Nuclear Blast)
Regular readers know how much I like swiss rockers, GOTTHARD � their 2005 studio CD, �Lipservice� was easily one of my Top 10 releases - for that year, not to mention the heavy rotation they received on my Killawatts Radio show! Their live DVD/CD of 2006, �Made In Switzerland� - was a fantastic package that showcased one of Europe's finest, hard rock acts! To this day, it still bewilders me no end - WHY this band are not massive - with a style and class that outweighs many within the genre of melodic hard rock. It's painfully obvious to many � not just me, that mainstream music lovers would fall hopelessly in love with GOTTHARD and devour their product - if only they knew or heard of them?! WAKE UP radio programmers, it's time you give this band the airplay they deserve! The new album, �Domino Effect� - picks up where the excellent, 'Lipservice' - left off with more of the same, infectious, melodic, radio friendly - hard rock you'll ever hear! If you love bands like, Bon Jovi, House Of Lords, etc. then GOTTHARD are defintely worth spending your hard earned cash as they write songs equal to the calibre of the above acts. The difference is that GOTTHARD have so much more class compared, to most within the genre with some of the best commerical hard rock ever! The overall sound to this album is slighly darker, in texture than previous efforts but that doesn't distract from the great song writing skills herein. It's still has a commerical flavour throughout without being as, fluffy as 'Lipservice' was. Uptempo rockers and best cuts are - Master Of Illusion, Gone Too Far, Domino Effect, The Oscar Goes To, Delirious, On My Way, Come Alive, Bad To The Bone and Now! As expected there's a few ballads, Call Me, Letter To A Friend, Tomorrow's Just Begun and Where Is Love When It's Gone. I've said it before and I'll say it again, GOTTHARD are one of the finest sounding bands, EVER to come out of Europe and their new album, �Domino Effect� is an absolute winner! - 10/10 |
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| SCORPIONS � Humanity Hour 1 (Sony/BMG)
If you haven't heard of SCORPIONS then you're probably in your early teens � so you're forgiven! For the rest - no excuses as Germany's biggest hard rock export, SCORPIONS � a veteran band of 30 years plus returns - with an absolute masterpiece of an album, that should satisfy their 'die hard' fans! The new CD, �Humanty Hour 1� - is an absolute killer sounding record � that's for sure, with a glorious full bodied sounding production, handeled with marticulous precision courtesy of Desmond Child. Child is a star in his own right - having produced, arranged and co-written numerous hit songs for such acts including, Aerosmith, Kiss, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi � to name but a few, from a very impressive career. To these old ears it sounds as though, Child has taken all the best elements from the SCORPIONS peek period, 1985 -1989 and helped coax the band in their song writing � as all the tunes contained herein are some of the best, commerical hard rock songs ever penned by the band! Most songs contain, glorious choruses and arrangements - that deliver songs that just embed themselves in your memory banks! While this new CD is a very well rounded, excellent sounding product, it's definitely a grow-er and it doesn't quite ascertain those glorious rough 'n' ready heights of the bands' 'classic' masterpiece, "Blackout" (82) or even their recent 'come-back' CD, "Unbreakable" (05). Musically speaking � it's reminiscent in texture like a cross between, "Love At First Sting" (85) and "Savage Amusement" (88) - both records being 2 of the bands' most successful album releases. However, it's the presentation that's dramatic - with mountains of class, style and when the boys lock horns with songs like the stampeding, Hour 1 or the crunching, 321 � both of which are as hard as nails � and are 'classic' SCORPIONS songs, the band have never sounded better. Personally, I would of prefered a couple more songs of this calibre. Most of the album features medium paced hard rockers, The Game Of Life, The Cross, We Were Born To Fly, Loving Me To Death � all having that magic essence from the bands' peak era. There are a few of ballads, with some having an almost operatic sound in comparison. All have that radio friendly feel of yesteryear, albeit with today's incredible production values � simply poetry in motion! Like the recent Gotthard release, SCORPIONS too have gone for a tougher sounding guitar sound that only heightens the bands' appeal. When the band breezes through epic commercial slices like, Love Will Keep Us Alive, Humanity, Love Is War, Your Last Song, The Future Never Dies, they are simply irresistable � some of the best, commercial, melodic hard rock you'll ever hear! If you're a fan � you should love this record as it shows the SCORPIONS doing what they do so very well and "Humanity Hour 1" - is an excellent CD for the veteran German rockers with producer, Desmond Child - definitely bringing back the sting in the SCORPIONS tail - A masterpiece! - 9/10 |
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| OZZY OSBOURNE � Black Rain (Sony)
The Prince Of Darkness � Ozzy Osbourne returns with his new album, �Black Rain� - his first studio release in six years, his last being 2001's, �Down To Earth�. The new CD basically picks up where DTE left off but this time around we get a far more cohesive sounding product, that is easily one of Ozzy's best, most consistent releases since the epic, �No More Tears�! There will be some punters who'll disagree � hey, that's life and that's your opinion but personally the new CD is far superior in sound, song quality and most importantly � the overall groove is far better with an enthusiasm and energy that were missing from both, 'Down To Earth' and 'Ozzmosis'? Let's be honest here - both were good albums but they were patchy affairs that lacked that substance of some of Ozzy's better releases! �Black Rain� - finds Ozzy sounding great, his voice and harmonies being some of the best the double O has belted out in years! Ozzy's partner in crime, Zakk Wylde (he's been Ozzy's guitarist since 1988 � nearly 20 years) is outstanding throughout, with tough riffs, excellent solos and a chemistry that really makes this CD stand out. Songwise � there's plenty of dynamics, killer riffs, great harmonies and ideas that work well within the songs structures that outshine a lot of Ozzy's past lack lustre tunes. Anyone remember the extremely lame album, The Ultimate Sin?! Look, I know it was the album that broke Ozzy in the US but he looked like someone's grandmother! Kicking off the CD is, Not Going Away � with it's grinding riff blugeoning the listener into submission and Ozzy making a statement, he's not going anywhere! Next up is the rawkess, I Don't Wanna Stop � which is Ozzy at his best with a catchy sing-a-long chorus backed up with a killer riff that has 'party anthem' written all over it! The title track, Black Rain - is a sombre piece that has his Ozzness sounding almost haunting in the vocal department, with a up tempo ending that sounds rather cool. The first ballad, Lay Your World � is what you'd expect and is quite palatable for those who love ballads. Down and dirty is the groove of, The Almighty � having a nasty almost funk styled feel that's complemented by Ozzy's excellent vocal harmony. Up next is the full throttle attack of the strangely titled, 11 Silver � which bolts along like a banshee on heat! The melodramatic, Civilise The Universe � is another standout with a cracker melody and is a frantic riffed beastie of the highest order. The mega power ballad, Here For You � is as infectious as the black plague, with soaring melodies and should prove to be a hit when it's released as a single? Another highpoint, Countdowns Begun � grinds, teases and stampedes out of the speakers with the intencity of a Sherman tank?! Closing this opus is the straight out attack of, Trap Door � charging like a rabid bull in mating season � another cracker of a song. Zakk Wlde's playing is impeccable throughout - as to be expected, the man never disappoints in the guitaring department with his brilliant playing making it's presence felt with some very tasteful solos herein. Look, there's gonna be heaps of wankers - slaming this record because of petty jealousy, a bad hair day or whatever � well fuck 'em! Ozzy is a 'legend' � he fronted the original Heavy Metal band, BLACK SABBATH as well as his very successful solo career which has now spanned some 27 years and his new album, �Black Rain� - is an album most 'die hard' Ozzy fans should love with a vengeance! - 9/10 |
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| ANNIHILATOR � Metal (Riot)
The name ANNIHILATOR is synonymous with 'old school' metal heads, as the band have cranked out some ball tearing riffs and songs over the years, now releasing 12 albums in all. This new release, �Metal� - is dedicated to Adam Wilson, Alex Waters and Parker Waters and features only one original member, guitarist; Jeff Waters � who has assembled a power packed bunch of lads as well as some 'special guests' who all help bring, these metal beast together. It's a power packed CD from start to finish - with many tasty riffed tunes to satisfy almost all die-hard metal heads? Dave Madden handles the lead vocals with aplomb while drummer, Mike Mangini is an absolute machine behind the kit � laying down blitzkrieg double kick drums throughout. Main man - Waters plays all guitars and bass on this album. There are numerous members of countless Metal acts appearing as 'special guests' helping out from bands like, Exciter, Anvil, Trivium, Nevermore, In Flames, The Haunted, Arch Enemy, Lamb Of God etc. The songs are mostly 'classic metal' with a mix of traditional metal with slight influences of Nu-Metal and Hardcore in places but believe me it doesn't distract at all from the well crafted metal tunes herein. Kicking off with, Clown Parade � has an attacking riff that stampedes along, a great little number while, Couple Suicide � charges along with a nice melodic guitar lick, tasty! One of the CD's best tunes, Army Of One � has 'anthem' stamped all over it with a crisp riffed bastard of a song that is reminiscent of early Manowar, Anthrax � an excellent 'metal classic' song about uniting the metal army of the world � brilliant! Next up is, Downright Dominate � which is sometimes brutal then drifts into a melodic bridge/lead solo that's superb, another great song. There's no let up with, Smothered � delivering another chest beating tune that blazes away into the stratosphere. We now come to the albums most interesting song, Operation Annihilation � which has an almost Dream Theater, Queensryche groove crossed with a nasty, chuncky riff making it a very enjoyable outing. The speed freak riffed, Haunted � is definitely a standout for sheer presicion, performance and delivery � an absolute brain crusher of a song with a maidenesque melody meets nu-metal all rolled into one, that works exceedingly well � excellent stuff! The morbid intro leads us into, Kicked � which jumps out of the box like a steamroller crushing all before it. Detonation � cranks into gear with a Black Sabbath homage riff, that'll have you looking at the CD deck to confirm it's not BS � a crazy idea that works well mixed with nu-metal styled vocals, a pretty cool song. Bringing this new, ANNIHILATOR CD to a close is, Chasing The High � which is the fastest song on offer, giving just about any thrash band a run for their money as far as speed is concerned. Midway into the song it simply changes direction into a melodic feel which jumps back again to attack mode to blister away to it's end. I reckon it's a very satisfying album, if you love the band, the genre and are a die-hard 'old school' metal head like me. Newcomers to Metal � should check it out as it does have a groove many of today's artists seem to foget. I'm deducting a couple of points 'cos I'd like it just a little tougher in the production department?! ANNIHILATOR's "Metal" � contains excatly what the album title states, pure and simple! - 8/10 |
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| RHINO BUCKET � Pain And Suffering (Acetate Import)
One of the world's most underrated hard rock bands, Los Angeles based - RHINO BUCKET (fuckin' cool name?!) releases a new product, �Pain And Suffering�. Basically, it's a re-packaged, re-mastered version of the 1994 CD, 'Pain' - which is worth buying 'cos it's a bloody 'classic' hard rock release. Originally, it was Rhino Bucket's 3rd album release following up the bands' - 'out of print' releases, the excellent, 'self titled' debut and the brilliant follow-up, 'Get Used To It'. Well, �Pain And Suffering� contains plenty of AC/DC undertones � something us 'die-hard' fans have come to love and adore about Rhino Bucket over the years. The album has songs like, Pain � a slow bruiser that smacks you in the face while the up tempo stomping rock 'n' roll of, I Stand Before You � is an absolute cracker of a tune, having drive, a great hook and everything you want from a dirty rock 'n' roll band?! Other gems include, Too Much Talk (think 1974 vintage AC/DC here folks!), the slow relentless riff of, Blow By Blow � is an immaculate rocker that chugs along as if it's in cruise control. The frantic, Mad Maggie � pumps along, while we get down and dirty with, Bird On A Wire � giving us a even balance. Next is, What'd You Expect � a medium pacer that rawks hard and fast with great dual guitar licks swaggering through the song, absolutely lovely. The commercial groove of, I Was Told (included as a bonus acoustic track on 2005's, 'And Then It Got Ugly') the song rocks along at a lively pace and is one of the highlights herein. The Hard Grind � sounds like the song title suggests, a grinding, stomping medium paced rocker of substance and the band sounds great. Sounding a little like Australian band, THE ANGELS (Angel City US readers) � World Gone Mad � barrels out at a great pace to the finish post. Now let's talk about the 5 'bonus' songs which are great to hear, including one of the bands' own cult songs, Swingin' With Sally � recorded live. If I'm not mistaken, it's lifted from a 'bootleg' recording I actually still own, �Rhino Bucket Live At The Coconut Teaser, 1990�? The song is a 'classic' with great lyrics � something the band has always delivered with a definite sense of humor, that would be courtesy of George?! The tune, Ain't Got Solutions � is a brooding rock song that reels you in while, Knife in You � has an almost Cheap Trick groove to it as it bumps along nicely. The quality is raised just a little for, Head Above Water � which is by far the strongest of the new tracks offered here, with a great groove and it's a real winner. The last song here is � to my knowledge, Rhino Bucket's only cover tune recorded , it's the old Ian Hunter tune, Bastard � which is close to the original with a subtle time change at the end of the song � a good version. The songs all are of demo quality, the live tune being the exception. RHINO BUCKET's - �Pain And Suffering� is a great little package � sure I'm a little biased but seriously they are a great little rock 'n' roll band who deliver what some people crave and love! This is a great purchase for newcomers to the band. The obvious AC/DC comparisons will be made by some, so what! - RHINO BUCKET do it so well and they please a lot of fans of early Bon Scott era AC/DC and there's nothing wrong with that! - 8/10 |
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| VELVET REVOLVER � Libertad (Sony/BMG)
A couple of years have passed since Velvet Revolver's - impressive hard-assed debut platter, �Contraband� first hit the world. Since that release � the band have risen to 'Star' status with the above mentioned debut, clocking in over 2 million units sold in the US alone � which in today's accessible music world � is no easy feat! To have a multi-platinum selling CD is a BIG deal, unlike the 80's where countless acts sold a million plus records - today it's a very rare thing. Acts like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ratt, Poison, Megadeth � to name but a few, all acts are around today and all enjoyed platinum success in the 80's and none of them have had platinum success in the US in years! So like numerous US acts before them - who delivered excellent, ball busting debut releases � along comes Velvet Revolver � with that all important second album, �Libertad� one of most eagerly awaited releases for fans of the band?! Well, I hate to be the bearer of 'bad news' but, � Velvet Revolver have released an extremely average album that is gonna disappoint many fans of the band or indeed hard core GNR fans who jumped ship � sick of waiting for the album, �Chinese Democracy� - that's still hasn't arrived? Seriously, there are 5 songs out of 13 - that almost reach the heights of the ass-kickers like, Slither � off the marvelous debut displayed herein, these being, Just Sixteen, She Builds Quick Machines, Let It Roll, American Man and Spray. All rock OK, Spray being the pick of the bunch but most seem to be missing that special something � that makes a song a winner? The majority of songs here are average at best, most sound like Stone Temple Pilot 'out-takes' but we are not talking heavy STP, we're talking, lame, meandering, meaningless music you've herd a billion times before! Considering the talent that's gathered here, this really is a poor effort � even by the standards they set on their debut? Maybe, that's the problem - maybe the debut was such a good record that most bands can't come up with songs as strong and that seems to be the problem here. The story is similar to that other US act from a couple of years ago, anyone remember - Brides Of Destruction? Their debut was pretty good, it kicked reasonably hard but the follow-up was an absolute disaster! Well, luckily for Velvet Revolver - �Libertad� isn't a disaster and that's because of the above mentioned up tempo rockers � the rest well, the word woeful springs to mind. The exception being, Grave Dancer � which is a tasteful ballad performed to perfection. The rest, Get Out The Door � has a nice groove, a tasty sleazy riff while, The Last Fight - is semi ballad territory � both songs are well, OK! The song, Pills Demons etc � is pure pop which might or might not appeal to your taste, personally it sounds like an Elvis Costello tune? Shit, I thought Velvet Revolver were a ROCK band?! To make matters worse, a bland almost carbon copy version of the Electric Light Orchestra tune, I Can't Get You Outta My Head � next .... Look, I really loved VR's �Contraband� � in-fact it was one of my favorite albums of the year it was released but the new CD, �Libertad�- is so very disappointing on so many levels. I'll be interesting to see how many of you will agree with me?! Average � is the word! - 5/10 |
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| ICED EARTH � Overture Of The Wicked (SPV)
ICED EARTH are probably one of the most underrated 'traditional' metal acts, ever to emerge from the USA. Along with other notable US traditional metal acts like - Malice, Warrior, Armoured Saint and possibly a couple of others that have escaped my memory � ICED EARTH are a glorious metal band, that deliver some excellent tenacious, tantalizing and memorable moments in US metal history! While some will say what about Metallica, Megadeth etc. - yes they too are excellent exponents of US metal but they unlike the above mentioned acts, let's be honest both have had some mediocre, releases along the way. Some 'die hard' fans of ICED EARTH still love the old band, power to 'em but some of us have embraced the new band featuring the marvelous vocal talents of one of today's best metal singers, Tim 'Ripper' Owens. By now, most of us know the Owens story, if you don't watch the movie, �Rock Star� and you'll get the general idea. After screaming his way around the world with British Metal 'legends' - Judas Priest for close on 8 years, Owens proved without any doubt that he could match Rob �Metal God� Halford in the singing department and he wisely hooked up with ICED EARTH after being dumped by Priest after the 'Demoltion' World Tour. His first post Priest recording was 2005's ICED EARTH release, �The Glorious Burden� which was said to have sold close to a million copies world wide � a feat the band had never achieved in their 20 year plus history! The new 4 track EP, �Overture Of The Wicked� - is a teaser of things to come as ICED EARTH have 2 albums, �Something Wicked Part 1� to be released in September with Part 2 - to be released in February 2008. As to be expected the 4 new songs are tough, menacing and most definitely metal in approach and sound. All the elements that make this band popular are here, killer riffs, great solos, pounding drums and of course Owens' brilliant voice weaves it's magic throughout. The production is crisp, powerful and thankfully not overdone with enough space to make this a very good recording � sound wise. Some of you will agree with me, others won't -it just depends on your taste. The songs, 10,000 Strong - is full of attack and bite with the, Prophecy � being an epic tune of almost biblical proportions with class, style and an absolute winner all around. The bombastic, Birth Of The Wicked - barrels along at a frenetic pace and has a exceptional sing-a-long chorus. Closing this EP is, The Coming Curse � which is more glorious pounding meta,l that even loin clothed metal heads, Manowar would be extremely proud of composing. Yes, it's metal, yes it's glorious and yes it's ICED EARTH doing their thing to perfection. You either love 'em or hate 'em - you're choice? In today's world where 'traditional' metal is a minority � this is so refreshing to hear. Can't wait for the albums?!! - 9/10 |
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| CIRCUS DIABLO (Koch Import/RCA) I LOVE THIS album - there I said it! Unlike the recent disappointing second Velvet Revolver release, new boys on the block - CIRCUS DIABLO definitely throws down the gaunlet as far as ass-kicking hard rock is concerned. The bands' brilliant self titled debut platter showcases a tight, tough, tenacious sounding outfit that will rock you're world - given the chance. Featuring an impressive line-up of hard rockers with members and ex-members of the following bands, THE CULT, THE ALMIGHTY, FUEL, GUNS 'N ROSES - got your attention now? The band boasts an 'all-star' line-up is: Billy Morrison: vocals (ex-Cult), Billy Duffy: lead guitar (The Cult), Ricky Warwick: rhythm Guitar (The Almighty),. Brett Scallions: bass guitar (Fuel) and Matt Sorum plays drums. (The Cult, GNR, Velevet Revolver). CIRCUS DIABLO is going to be compared to VR because it's the same style of rock - what seperates CIRCUS DIABLO from the other is, this album is full of crunching rock songs that have far more to offer, than almost anything on VR's weak 'Libertad' ! The production is crisp, full bodied and kicks hard when cranked - with the songs containing powerful and memorable melody lines, not to mention plenty of tasty riffs to sink your teeth into. You can really hear the Ricky Warwick influence, a number of tunes have that groove similar to Warwick's former band, The Almighty - which in my case is a plus, as they are still one of my 'all-time' favorite late 80's British hard rock acts. Songwise, it's mostly medium paced hard rock with infectious melodies, of course there's a couple of radio friendly tunes that should become very popular - if given the airplay/exposure they deserve. The up tempo rockers like, Loaded, So Fine, Restless, Rollercoaster and Mad Parade - have crunch, groove and are great little rock songs with substance, all delivering the goods. The lighter side of the band is shown through, Red Sun Rising - a soaring tune that has an almost 'epic' feel with vocalist, Billy Morrison doing a great job. His voice is solid with a nice timber and it definitely suits this style well. Unfortuanetly, he's gonna to get compared to VR's singer - Scott Weiland but Morrison has as far as I can tell, a stronger and more distinct voice with a warm timber and to top it off a lovely English accent that fits this band like a glove. There's 2 radio friendly tracks, Shine - that has 'hit' wriiten all over it and Hello Goodbye - also has a semi ballad feel that will also work well on the radio, only time will tell to see how well they're received? The closing tune, Dignified - is a nice touch with an acoustic theme that sounds pretty damn good. The most interesting song, Ants Invasion - has a quirky groove that works exceedingly well. All members of the band perform their duties well, with Duffy's solos being good with some nice licks here and there topping off an all round good product. If you like any of the above mentioned acts - then you should like this power packed hard rock release as it definitely is a good listening album and I'm fairly sure that CIRCUS DIABLO are going to win many fans - that's for sure. A very fine debut album that's worth your money! - 9/10 |
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| HALFORD - Metal God Essentials Volume 1 (Riot)
HALFORD � the band, are an on-going concern according to Rob 'The Metal God' Halford, so we now have a new 'Greatest Hits' type collection that includes 13 tunes by HALFORD with 3 songs from Rob Halford's first post Priest outfit, FIGHT � also along for the ride. The reinstated former Judas Priest screamer, as we all know is back with his old mates from Priest and they are currently working on a follow-up to their luke warm 2005 return release, 'Angel Of Retribution'. �Metal God Essentials Volume 1� - is a tidy compilation that includes 2 brand new songs that are supposed to appear on the next HALFORD album, which is probably at least another 12 months away?! Down to business, Resurrection, Made In Hell, Slow Down and Locked And Loaded are lifted off Halford's magnificent debut platter, with Silent Screams � being a demo version. Four songs are taken from Halford's second album, �Cruicible� - these being, Golgotha, Crystal, Sun and Trail Of Tears. Only one track, Screaming In The Dark � is lifted from, �Live Insurrection� CD with 3 songs from Rob's excellent debut FIGHT project, "War Of Words" included here, Into The Pit, Nailed To The Gun and War Of Words � albeit with different mixes from their original form. All sound good, personally I prefer the heavier sound of the original versions. The new songs, Forgotten Generation � is an up tempo monster with a melodic melody line that sits well with anything off Halford's debut, while the second new song, Drop Out � is another stampeder of a song that should appease all who follow the Metal God. The Australian version contains a 'bonus' version of Forgotten Generation (Vendetta Mix) � which is an industrial type mix of the new song, some will love it others will hate it, depending on your musical taste. Surprisingly, there are no songs from FIGHT's second album, 'Small Deadly Space' - but maybe that's because it was a fairly mundane release. The fact is, both Fight and Halford's second albums were, let's be honest � pretty lame efforts compared to their glorious debut albums. It's as though in both bands' cases, the best songs were used on the debut's and basically � they'd blown their bolt with only fillers left for the follow ups? Some of you will agree, compare both FIGHT's and HALFORD's debut albums � both were killers but both follow ups were average at best! Regardless, this package - �Metal God Essentials Volume 1� is a great way to get most of the best from the man and his metal outfits, while he was away from Judas Priest for nearly 10 years on one CD. A 8 track DVD is included showing behind the scenes for both HALFORD releases, Resurrection and Live Insurrection plus 6 video clips including, Made In hell, Betrayal, In The Morning, Silent Screams, Forgotten Generation and a cover of an ancient Judas Ppriest song from the early 70's, Never Satisfied. A better well known Priest song would have been far better here but maybe that's just me?! Overall, it's a great little package and should make a good addition to any metalheads CD collection. - 8/10 |
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| MOTORHEAD � Better Motorhead Than Dead - Live At Hammersmith (SPV)
What more can be said about this British Iconic band?! For over 32 years MOTORHEAD have delivered ear splitting anthems, to a metal world who LOVE and cherishes these lovable lads. Legend front man, Lemmy � is held in high regard by many throughout the metal world, an Iconic grand father of Heavy Metal, alongside ol' Ozzy and a numer of 'first generation' aging hard rockers who still belt it out day after day! Back in the day � Motorhead released the killer album, �No Sleep Til Hammersmith� (1981) � which established the band in a major way in the UK scoring # 1 on the British album charts. Well, the band returned to the Hammersmith Apollo � for their 30th Anniversary show in June 16, 2005 and the result is the brand new double CD, �Better Motorhead Than Dead � Live At Hammersmith�. The new album features 23 songs, all are played to the usual high standard that this outfit has always delivered, with the current line-up - Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Cambell and Mickey Dee being together now for a decade plus, and boy does it show. Disc One contains: Dr. Rock, Stay Clean, Shoot You In The Back, Love Me Like A Reptile, Killers, Metropolis, Love For Sale, Over The Top, No Class, I Got Mine, In The Name Of Tragedy and Dancing On Your Grave. Disc Two contains: R.A.M.O.N.E.S, Sacrifice, Just 'Cos You Got The Power, (We Are) The Road Crew, Going To Brazil, Killed By Death, Iron Fist, Whorehouse Blues, Bomber, Ace Of Spades and Overkill. As you can see, it's a great selection of songs from all era's of MOTORHEAD's song list � after so many albums it would be near impossible to please everyone but I think this selection herein just about covers most of the bands' best well known songs. Strangely, not one song from 'Bastards' appears - oh well! Believe me when I say, it sounds like a gig to me and when you crank the fucker it definitely sounds like your at the gig - except the lack of bodies next to you trying to stay on their feet while head banging! Personal favorites, just about every bloody song here but some that stand out to me are: No Class, Stay Clean, I Got Mine, Dancing On Your Grave, Killers, Sacrifice, Going To Brazil, Killed by Death ... see what I mean! There are a couple of songs I'm not particularly fond of so I'll deduct - one point! As to be expected, the double CD packaging is excellent � SPV definitely have their act together with a booklet containing all relevant information with some great photos of Lemmy, Phil and Mickey. This is a great LIVE album and if you're a fan then it's a must have to add to your collection. I'm hoping there is a DVD on the way?! "Better Motorhead Than Dead - Live At Hammersmith" from one of the BEST ever UK metal acts displayed here in all their fabulous glory! Buy or Die ... - 9/10 |
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| HEAVEN AND HELL � Live Radio City Music Hall (SPV)
It just goes to show you, when it comes to the 'legend' Black Sabbath � everybody has their favorite era. Me, I love 'em all � especially the MK II or Dio era and obviously there are many who agree with me with the current interest in, HEAVEN AND HELL. Currently touring the world to appease their many fans of that magic era, Ronnie James Dio, Toni Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice (Carmine's brother) under the moniker of, HEAVEN AND HELL - have released a recent Greatest Hits compilation, including three brand new songs and now, here is the new double Live album, 'Live Radio City Hall 2007�. As the title suggests, it was recorded in May at New York City's Radio City Hall and features the above band doing the Sabbath thing. To say, it's great to hear this band doing that magical, classic heavy metal � is almost priceless! The selection of songs is pretty damn good with a couple of surprise inclusions. Disc One: Kicks off with, E5150 � the instrumental opening to, The Mob Rules from the album of the same name. After All (The Dead) � then crunches into action leading us into the glorious, The Mob Rules � an unholy beast that tramples everything underfoot. The almost biblical grandeur of the brilliant, Children Of The Sea � rises up to take your breath away, with both finesse and melody. The slithering, Lady Evil � possessing that cracker jack riff is up next before the devastating, I � unleashes it's anger. We are treated to The Sign Of The Southern Cross � an epic song that has everything, riff, melody, doom � in all it's glory. The relentless messmerising riff of, Voodoo � is truly awesome, with the modern crunch of, The Devil Cried* � closing side one. Disc Two: Opens with Computer God � an eerie riffed monster that leads us into, Falling Off The Edge Of The World � ups the ante, with it's 'special' quality really shining through. A new song, Shadow Of The Wind* � is tough, with a doom laden riff which sounds at home here among the 'classics'. The atmospheric, Die Young � is simply breath taking in delivery and if this song's not in your all time 'classic' Sabbath tunes well? The same has to be said about, Heaven And Hell � the song is absolutely 'legendary' in both appeal and delivery, an epic that is almost on every true metal fans' classic list! The light 'n shade of, Lonely Is The Word � too is a cracker and how can we forget the album closer, Neon Knights - possibly, one of the biggest songs from that era next to the title song?! This is a great package, the sound is good, the musicianship is excellent � as to be expected and HEAVEN AND HELL deliver a fantastic show for all to hear. I imagine the only thing better would be watching, HEAVEN & HELL �Live At Radio City Music Hall 2007� on DVD! If you couldn't/didn't get to see the band recently on Tour � then this is definitely for you! The rest of us, yes it's a 'must have' if you love the band it's a very worth while addition to your collection ?! - 9/10 |
| PRIMAL FEAR � New Religion (Frontiers)
Regular readers already know my LOVE for this German metal band, so much so that I thought their 2005 release, the absolutely brilliant 'Seven Seals' - was the "Album Of The Year" - when I reviewed it mid year. To this day I stand by that appraisel and I have it in my - All Time Top 50 metal albums � I think it's that good! Well, now this CD is in that impressive list too! Maybe my love of German metal acts started with great bands like, Accept, Scorpions, Running Wild through to today's great acts, all have delivered some great moments in metal history. PRIMAL FEAR's new album, "New Religion" � is their first for new label, Frontiers Records after a decade with Nuclear Blast, marking a new chapter in this bands' history! Production is first class - if a little heavy handed in places but that's to be expected due to the union here. Soundwise, you cannot fault this release as it 's an absolutely 'top notch' sounding effort, with none of the bands' intencity suffering too much?! Songwise we have the usual array of mean, nasty riffed sounding metal songs that are now a staple diet of Primal Fear and beleieve me - the band doesn't disappoint. Personal favorites are, Blood On Your Hands � a full barrel attack with a great melody and awesome sticcato riffing, or the stampedeing, Too Much Time � gallops along like a Lambogini � truly awesome! Talk about riffs, Psycho � get's the big thumbs up with a cracker of a riff and a great melody, while one of the albums' killer tracks, Sign Of Fear � is about the best you can ask for as far as the ultimate traditional metal song goes. Another song that has killer quality is, New Religion � a metal anthem of epic preportions. Power metal surfaces to it's full height on, World On Fire and Face The Emptyness � both have all the elements, the riffs, the melody, the speed all wrapped together in an almost glorious wave of power and might. If bands like Dragonforce etc. would vary their songs a little in this genre then they too would be more appealing to many. The Curse Of Sharon � well is or isn't it about one of metal's most famous wives? You know who, Sharon � c'mon you've seen the TV show! Then again it could be written about Sharon (Cylon infultrator on TV show Batllestar Galactica) Regardless, it's a cool sounding song, with a great hook, cool riff and is a great little hard rock song. Mega ballad time sees, Fighting The Darkness � soaring off into the heavens with an epic quality, if a little too long while the melodramatic, The Man (That I Don't Know) � is excecuted well and a nice idea that seems a little contrived. Some will love it, some won't. The idea worked well on 'Seven Seals' but sounds a little cliche here, hence a deduction of a point. I've left PRIMAL FEAR's trump card to last with a ballad, Everytime It Rains � is, should, will be a 'Hit' for the band with a great, smooth sounding rock song that features PF vocalist, Ralph Scheepers and EPICA lead scream, Simone Simons - doing some awesome vocal delieveries throughout making this a very, radio freindly sounding epic. A number of European hard rock acts have tried this formular over the last few years, luckily it works very well here. As usual, Scheepers vocal range is used to it's full extent throughout this CD showcasing a vocalist who can rub shoulders with Halford or Owens � which is a credit to the man. As usual the band - fires on all cylinders delivering a glorious tough sounding, well rounded product. There will be some who'll find this album a little 'over produced' � and I'm one of them. I know I keep harping on about their previous album but the truth is, the band set themselves a very high standard to follow. I think the new PRIMAL FEAR album, "New Religion" - is an excellent metal release with plenty to offer to their fans with a very solid sounding effort. It's definitely a contender - no, it is now my "ALBUM OF THE YEAR" as far as I'm concerned. I think they've come damn close to topping 'Seven Seals' � almost but not quite! - 9/10 (BEST SONG: - Blood On Your Hands) |
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| MORTAL SIN � An Absence Of Faith (Riot)
For those who've never heard of Sydney's, MORTAL SIN � then this brand new release, their first in a while, �An Absence Of Faith� - is a great place to discover the band. Having a 'legendary' status among Australian and some world metal fans, during their reign in the mid to late 80's through their 2 album releases, �Mayhem Destruction� and "Face Of Despair". The new CD has all the elements that made this band popular in the 80's, meaty riffs, great vocals, hard 'n heavy songs and that unmistakable MORTAL SIN groove that is showcased to the max herein on this very good recording. Like a number of Australian metal acts, MORTAL SIN too - have their own style which has numerous metal influences incorporated within their music, giving it a distinct flavor. There's some great metal tunes here, Out Of The Darkness and Deadman Walking � both having a early Maiden meets Metallica groove, both songs sounding mean and nasty. Tears Of Redemption � has 'epic' written all over it with menacing riffs, screaming vocals and workmanship style arrangements, a blistering tune. Before The Bough Breaks � starts with a tasty intro breaking into a tough, tenacious riffed song that is wonderful. Rise Or Fall � is a power metal anthem of expert delivery while My Nightmare � having an almost tribal groove that cranks into an riffola beast that should impress most. New school metal courtesy of, Say Your Prayers � is possibly one of the standouts here amongst a sea of mean metal songs, with a modern down tuned grating sound. Lost Within � is 'classic' old school metal played by a band who never fails to deliver. The bombastic riff of, Eye In The Sky � is tough, relentless and a cracker of a song � destined to be a firm favorite � I would think? Wrapping things up is high intensity of, Broken Promises � steamrolling out of the speakers like a runaway train � truly awesome stuff! There will be detractors over this album, some will slam it for sounding like Metallica, Iron Maiden etc. WAKE UP � these guys grew up and were doing it back in the 80's and if you haven't heard of them? Well, there wasn't the luxury of the Internet 20 years ago! Quality, Australian metal at it's finest � come discover or rediscover the 'legend' that is, MORTAL SIN - proving that there's still plenty to offer through their brand new CD, �An Absence Of Faith�. - 9/10 |
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| HIM � Venus Doom (Sire)
Now that HIM are one of Finland's biggest rock exports � selling a million units world wide of their last commercial 'break through' release, �Dark Light� (2005) the band return with a new darker, sounding album. The new album, �Venus Doom� should please fans who feel in love, with the heavier side of the band a couple of years ago, through the tougher sounding, "Razorblade Romance" (2000) and "Love Metal" (2003) - as musically this CD is far tougher than the above mentioned commerical release. The overall feel has an underlining 'doom' groove in a number of songs, some intersecting the commercial rockers herein, at times giving HIM that unique sound. There's the usual array of pleasant sounding infectious rock tunes, Dead Lovers Lane, Passion Killing Floor, Bleed Well and Love In Cold Blood � that will appease most as all possess chunky riffs, catchy melodies and a little doom in places. A couple of ballads, the first of which, Sleepwalking Past Hope � clocks in at around 10.00 minutes, starting out commercial then picks up tempo mid song then lumbers on until the end. Some will love the experimentation, others will find it too long a laborious. The other ballad, Cyanide Sin � works far better, while Song Or Suicide is more miss than hit. A semi ballad rocker, The Kiss Of Dawn � is typical of good HIM type tune and is one of the album's better moments, with an excellent melody topped off with a fairly decent crunchy riff. If this platter had a couple more songs of this caliber, then this CD would have been a far better product! The title track is another standout, breathing fire with a cracker of a riff topped with a memorable melody (even if it does sound very similar to the classic song, I Can't Help Falling In Love With You) which then detours via full on doom, but it works! Look, I think the new HIM album, �Venus Doom� is an OK album that will please some, some die-hards - well maybe? For those of you, like me who wanted tons of meatier riffed songs, then you could be a little disappointed?! It's definitely a grower - only time will tell? Personally, this makes it 2 ordinary albums in a row, and to me that's - the problem! What I was expecting was an album that would rival 2003's �Love Metal� - but maybe, just maybe, that must of been the bands' peak - musically?! - (5/10) |
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| THE CULT � Born Into This (Roadrunner)
I do know about you, but when one of the UK's 'legendary' rock bands' new album cover is bright pink? - I got to be honest, I was a little concerned! After listening to the new album, I had every reason to be concerned! Depending on your taste in music, the new album by British rock 'legends' THE CULT titled, �Born Into This� is either a masterpiece or an average piece of alternative babble - the choice will be yours?! Having loved the band since 1985 - when I, like most of my generation discovereed the band through the smash hit, She Sells Santuary - from the 'Love' album. Over the next decade the band released numerous successful albums, 'Electric' ('87), 'Sonic Temple' (89) and 'Ceremony' ('91) all providing some of the best ever, British Rock during the 80's - propelling the band to superstar status around the world. Their self-titled album of 1994, introduced a more alternative sound moving away from the stadium rock � a move that, in the end virtually destroyed the band. Luckily, THE CULT regrouped in 2001 and released a new album, �Beyond Good And Evil� - die hard fans were happy that the band were back in familiar territory, so much so that this album is held in high regard by many - as equal to the bands' magnificent musical peak, �Sonic Temple�! Well after 6 years in the wilderness, THE CULT return with an album that sees them back in that alternative mode and to be honest, I find it a fairly lack lustre effort. Look, it's an OK listening album but the quality of songs here, is average at best. There's a few good rockers, Dirty Little Rockstar, Citizens, Diamonds, and all do their job but in most cases there seems to be a lack of spark, drive, whatever - making this release sound very lathargic and a little boring. Some might say it sounds like a burn-out band trying to cash in on the current rock resurgence? Not me, I respect the lads - I'll give them the benefit of the doubt! One of the best songs here, I Assassin � is dramatic, has a good melody and is a decent rock song � I just wish they were more tracks of this caliber. Another is, Illuminated - which starts off with The Who's 'Substitute' riff breaking into a solid groove rocker, which is OK. The song, Holy Mountain is well, bland � maybe this is where Astbury sees himself in a few years time, rubbing shoulders with Rod Stewart crooning his way around the world? The most interesting song musically is, Tiger In The Sun � sounding like early Cult, about 1985 vintage � having a great groove. Maybe, Astbury has spent too many hours singing for the 21st Century Doors and their bland musical approach has rubbed off on him? There's virtaully, no cranking hard rock songs herein, the exception being, Savages � which zips along fairly well and Sound Of Destruction � being a mid pacer that just cruises along with tasty backing vocals being the only up tempo songs that almost bring the band to the cracking outfit we know and love?! There's a couple of licks/riffs that are blatant ripoffs of THE WHO � which sound a little tacky? Production � well safe almost easy listening, compared to many of the bands' previous blues rock masterpieces. The British music press are probably gonna hail this as a 'classic' British Rock album! Well, let's face it � nobody else is championing that crown now that The Darkness no longer exist?! I love THE CULT and hold them in very high regard as far as British Rock is concerned. Next to them, the only other UK band in my opinion that has championed British Rock - with a number of decent releases over the last 20 years is The Almighty! Now before you get your knickers in a knot - I don't consider acts like: SAXON, MOTORHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST etc. etc. as Rock acts - they're metal! Maybe it's just me, but after 6 years I was really expecting another album that would rival, "Sonic Temple" or "Beyond Good And Evil" � to me, two highpoints in the bands' glorious career! The bottom line is, if you liked the self titled release of the mid 90's - then you'll probably enjoy this record. It's OK � but If like me, you wanted to hear THE CULT rock � then you're going to be very disappointed in this lack lustre release. For those who want to hear guitarist Billy Duffy crank out some rock riffs � check out CIRCUS DIABLO instead! Lame, so very lame - 5/10 |
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| ALBUM OF THE YEAR - 2007! |
| GREAT WHITE � Back To The Rhythm (Frontiers)
Back on deck and sounding just like they used toin the mid to late 80's , GREAT WHITE - led by smooth voiced Jack Russel leads the boys through a good return album that should please all their 'long time' fans. Production is crisp and handled well by guitarist, Michael Lardie. The blues groove the band are reknowned for is in high abundance throughtout this release. Standout songs are the crunchy title track, the commercial Here Goes My Head Again, or the swaggering, Take Me Down but the surpize here is, I'm Alive � which has 'Radio Hit' written all over it! Time will tell? A few ballads, something the band have done well forever are represented here, Play On and Was It The Night � both do what you expect, cute pull at the heart string ballads. Up tempo notable rock songs are, Still Hungry - which has some bite, sorry - while the rollicking, Standin' On The Edge � sounds like good time rock 'n' roll to me! The southern blues grooved, Neighborhood � has a great hookline and is one of the best songs on offer here, very cool! Overall, GREAT WHITE's, "Back To The Rhythm" is a fairly consistent album that sounds good, if a little light in the harder edged song department. For hard core fans or newbies. Good, but not great! - (6/10) |
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| THE ORDER � Metal Casino (Dockyard)
Crunchy, tasty straight forward hard rock - reeking of fun, good times and rock 'n roll that sounds reminiscent of a cross between AC/DC meets the Rolling Stones, and everything in between. It's a great sounding package with plenty of in-your-face hard rock, that sounds pretty cool. There's a number of real ass kicking hard rock songs on offer here including, Mama I Love Rock 'n' Roll, Satisfaction and the brilliant, Bridges Burning � being one of the best rock riffs I've heard all year and this song kicks fuckin' BIG TIME! Other tunes, Down With The Rain, Let The Good Times Roll, Forever and Broken Days � are all great hard rock songs of impeccable quality. Melodic rock surfaces via the impressive, In The Heat Of The Lonely Night � great groove, excellent melody � a real winner! To be expected a ballad pops up and I must say it's an absolute ball tearer as far as ballads go! My Last Goodbye - has style, class, and the sheer 'epic' proportions sounding almost like vintage Creed a truly breaktaking song. Funnily enough the same could be said about album closer, Little Wings. Vocalist, Gianni Pontillo has a great set of pipes and he uses it to it's full advantage throughout this wonderous release. This is a cracking hard rock release, equal to the CIRCUS DIABLO debut from mid year- as hard rock record of the year! Yes, THE ORDER's "Metal Casino" � is quite possibly, one of the best hard rock releases of the year! No shit! - 9/10 |
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| HANOI ROCKS � Street Poetry (Demolition Import)
Finland's finest, 'legendary' dirty, sleazy rock 'n' roll band - HANOI ROCKS (one of the coolest sounding band names ever?!) - return with their third album since reforming at the start of this century. The band were one of the hottest up-coming acts on the planet midway through the 80's, poised for 'super stardom' - when tradegy struck while on a US tour, when drummer Razzle was killed in a car accident. Shortly afterwards the band disbanded. Vocalist Mike Munroe released an excellent solo album in the late 80's titled, "Not Fakin' It" � which reeked of 'classic' Hanoi Rocks styled rock, making it a sort after "classic" to many. When HANOI ROCKS returned just a few years back their 'come-back' release, "12 Shots On The Rocks" - saw the return of the flamboyant, punk, filled attitude, blues rock sound of their 'hey- day' and the album - had that magic in the groove again. Unfortunately, the follow up, "Another Hostile Takeover" � was a tad disappointing, being luke warm in comparison to it's predacessor. Well, third time lucky and the new album, "Street Poetry" sees HANOI ROCKS back in business with a very consistent package, easy rubbing shoulders with their best work. There's numerous songs with bite, melody, wit and musically � it's the band doing what they do best, in their own trashy way! Songwise it's the usual collection of commerical sounding smooth rock with up tempo rockers like, Hypermobile, Hirewired, Powertrip, as well as cool grinding rock via, This One's For Rock 'N' Roll and Tootin' Star. All deliver crisp, rock tunes of excellent quality. It's great to hear that Hanoi Rocks still have their tongues - planted firmly in their cheeks with some excellent lyrics and that sense of humour is still here! Lyrically, there's some real gems on offer. The majority of this album is filled with plenty of saucy, stimulating tunes like, Street Poetry, Fashion, Teenage Revolution, Power Of Persuaion, Worth Your Weight In Gold � all possessing that something, that appeals to your senses. The radio friendly, Walkin' Away � could be a hit if given the exposure? - while album closer, Fumblefoot And Busy Bee � has an almost 60's hippie groove, being an excursion of instrumental musicanship that's entertaining and highly amusing at it's climax! Look, I reckon this is a great HANOI ROCKS record, "Street Poetry" � equals anything the band released during their 'hey day' in the 80's! It delivers exactly what fans want � sleazy, dirty rock 'n' roll from a band who are masters of their craft. Now where did i put my make up?! - 8/10 |
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| RATT � Tell The World/The Very Best Of .. (Rhino)
Next to Wasp and Motley Crue � RATT were one of the major leaders in the 'Hair Metal' explosion out of Los Angeles in the early 80's. While acts like, L. A Guns, Poison, Warrant, Great White, Kix, Junkyard, Faster Pussycat and Guns 'N Roses � to name a few, would all achieve different degrees of success, RATT had MAJOR success sales wise in the US. RATT's debut platter, "Out Of The Cellar" (1984) went double platinum (2 million units) and the follow up, "Invasion Of Your Privacy" also crashed the 2 million mark! Susequent album releases, "Dancin' Undercover" (1985), "Reach For The Sky" (1988), "Detonator" (1990) and "Ratt And Roll 8191" (1991) - all within reach of that magic million milestone. The band disbanded shortly after, with singer Steven Pearcy providing the only musical outlet for Ratt fans via his solo project, ARCADE � releasing 2 albums, "self titled" and "A2". RATT reformed in 1997 releasing, "Collage" ('97) and the "RATT" album in 1999. Well, the new RATT compilation, "Tell The World/The Very Best Of Ratt" is basically the "Ratt 'n Roll" package, re-packaged with the deletion of Tell The World and You Think You're Tough � being replaced by, City To City, Dangerous But Worth The Risk, Steel River (lifted off Collage) and Over The Edge (lifted of RATT). The track listing is impressive to say the least, with the hits rolled out - Back For More; Round & Round; Wanted Man; Lack Of Communication; You're In Love; Dance; Body Talk; Lay It Down; Way Cool Jnr; I Want A Woman; Lovin' You's A Dirty Job; Heads You Win, Tails You Lose; Shame, Shame, Shame; Slip Of The Lip and the excellent, Nobody Rides For Free � from the 'Point Break' soundtrack appears as well as the above mentioned new additions. "Tell The World � The Very Best Of RATT" - is an excellent compilation of RATT material that should be in any geniune hard rock fans CD collection! If you're new to the genre � then this is a great place to start and discover one of America's finest ever, hard rock acts - displaying their talent and expertese in infectious, commerical sounding hard rock song writing. RATT 'N ROLL! - 10/10 |
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