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October / November 2006Journey | Teasing Lulu | Setherial | Stonegard | Mon Roe | Time Requiem | Place Vendome | Rhapsody of Fire | Dead Star Assembly | Quest of Aidance | Primitive Graven Image | Silencer | Built Upon Frustration | Conglomeratorz | Gypsy Carns | Spiritual | The Dirty Royals | Johnny Hi-fi | Planetary | Deathwork | Merendine Atomiche | Deceived | Sinister | Elvenking | Wastefall | Dogs 'n Bones | Twin Method | Oblivion | Zyklon | Complex Zero | Stalaggh | Bob Cately | Held Under | Saros | Neosonic | Hellrazor | Raze to Ashes | Pendragon | Yattering | Jerry Lee Lewis | Warrant Journey This album really doesn't need an introduction. This was Journey's biggest selling and most popular album, perhaps the pinnacle of their career, and anyone who's not been living in cave these past twenty five years should be familiar with it. To say "Escape" was a milestone in Journey's career would be an understatement. It was their first and only number one album, it stayed on the charts for three years, and it contains many of Journey's best known songs. "Escape" blasts off with one of these songs, "Don't Stop Believin'". Again, this song needs no introduction, beginning with those unmistakable piano strains, and building up as it goes along, into a powerful anthem. It's followed by "Stone In Love", a driving rock tune with an ultra catchy hook and a lot of jamming guitar work from Neal Schon. The riff that the song begins with is instantly memorable. As usual, some of the biggest hits from "Escape" were the ballads. Those include "Who's Crying Now", "Still They Ride", "Open Arms", and "Mother Father". This last song packs more of a punch as far as Journey ballads go, with a strong beat and power chords. Jonathan Cain's piano playing is the foundation of these ballads, and he plays very well, giving them a very rich, almost classical texture. Steve's voice, meanwhile, is full of emotion, and can bring tears to your eyes. To balance out the ballads, there are also a number of good hard rocking tunes on this album, including the title track, "Keep On Runnin'", "Lay It Down", and "Dead Or Alive". These songs all rock out to the max, pedal to the metal all the way, with some great axework from Neal. When Journey rocks, they rock! Although they are famous for their ballads, they should not be thought of as an "all ballad" band. Some bonus tracks are also included, those being "La Raza Del Sol", a tune with a funky vibe, which is something a little different for Journey; and live versions of "Don't Stop Believin'", "Who's Crying Now", and "Open Arms". "Escape" is quite possibly one of the greatest rock albums ever made; a classic rock masterpiece! Mike Stone's production is flawless; very slick, polished, and rich, but it also gives the music a punch, and enhances the band's talents. The playing and songwriting are also top notch. Steve Perry sings his heart out throughout the whole album, his voice more powerful than ever; Neal's guitar playing is nothing short of brilliant; Jonathan's keyboard and piano playing is of orchestral proportions; and Ross Valory and Steve Smith are, as always, a strong backbone for the band. Journey really outdid themselves with "Escape". An album like this is a tough act to follow. The band's next album, "Frontiers", actually did follow this one up quite well, but that one is not included in this set of reissues. "Evolution" The next Journey album in this set is "Evolution", the second to feature Perry on vocals. The title is appropriate, as the band were progressing in their sound and raising the bar for themselves and the arena rock sound they were helping to define. The opening track is a very short instrumental called "Majestic", again an apt name as this album does have a very pomp-y sound to it. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the music is very slick and grandiose, with a huge sound. Possibly the best known song on this album is "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'", which was Journey's first top twenty hit. Everyone should be familiar with this tune. It's an edgy, bluesy number with a pounding beat, and all those endless "na na's" at the end. That part is a bit annoying, but there's also some good guitar work from Neal Schon to make up for that. His guitar playing stands out throughout the whole album. Two other songs all fans, and classic rock radio listeners, should be familiar with are "City Of The Angels" and "Just The Same Way", respectively. Both are big, pompy tunes that land halfway between being an anthem and a ballad. Steve Perry's grand vocals, the big choruses, the concert piano playing, and Baker's production make these songs swell up like a frog's belly. As for the rest of the songs, there are of course a few ballads, like "Too Late", "Do You Recall", and the lilting, breezy "Daydream". This one is light, even by Journey's standards. The album goes out with a bang, ending with bombastic rocker, "Lady Luck", in which Schon and Smith flex their musical muscles on guitar and drums, respectively. Journey turned out another classic in "Evolution", and this was just a stepping stone for what was to come on later albums. "Departure" This was Journey's first top ten album and kicks off with another one of their big hits, the hard-driving anthem "Any Way You Want It". It's followed by the bouncy, jazzy "Walks Like A Lady". This album is loaded with ballads, like the next two songs, "Someday Soon" and "People And Places", the latter lsounding ike Zeppelin's "Thank You" meeting Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". And there's much more, including "I'm Cryin'", "Good Morning Girl" (where they use some strings), "Stay A While", "Natural Thing", and "Little Girl". Ballads, ballads, ballads. I know that was one of the things Journey was all about, but too many of 'em can make an album a bit boring. Besides, Journey are a rock band, and rock bands should play rock music. There are a few more rockin' tunes on here, like "Where Were You", "Line Of Fire", and "Homemade Love". When Journey rocks, they can rock, but they should do it a little more often. That's certainly not to say this a bad album, just a few too many ballads on here. I suppose Journey fans won't have a problem with that, however. The aforementioned "Natural Thing" and "Little Girl" are both bonus tracks, not originally featured on the album. This, if you ask me, is a weak link in the Journey catalog. They took a big step forward on their previous album, but they don't build on that progress on this album, not moving forward as much, and as I said, the ballads are just too numerous. However, a giant leap was just around the corner with their next album. "Greatest Hits" This set of Journey reissues is topped off with this compilation, originally released in '88. It's a collection of sixteen Journey classics that we all know and love. Many of them are from the previous albums of this bunch. Included are "Don't Stop Believin'", "Wheel In The Sky", "Open Arms", "Who's Crying Now", "Anyway You Want It", "Lights", "Lovin' Touchin', Squeezin''", etc. There are also the big hits from the two post-"Escape" albums (which were not included in this set), "Frontiers" and "Raised On Radio", respectively. '83's "Frontiers" continued in the Journey tradition, following in the footsteps of "Escape". The hits this album spawned were included "Separate Ways", a classic Journey anthem with an epic keyboard beginning, backed by rumbling guitars and a pounding beat, topped off of course by Steve's powerful, operatic voice. Also from "Frontiers" is the ballad "Faithfully", which could be considered an ultimate Journey ballad. It seemed like they "biggered" everything they were famous for on this song-bigger piano, bigger vocals, bigger chorus, bigger drums, bigger beat, bigger everything. A power ballad to end all power ballads. Moving on, three years later brought us "Raised On Radio" This album was just a little different for Journey (one reason perhaps was because some key members left the band). "...Radio" seemed to take a more laid back approach musically. The songs were less bombastic with fewer power chords, and a more mellow vibe all around. Everything seemed just a little "smaller" on this album, if that makes sense. Steve's voice was just as strong and emotional as ever, though. Three songs from "...Radio" are included here; "Girl Can't Help It", "I'll Be Alright Without You", and "Be Good To Yourself". This last tune is a bit anthemic and actually reminded me of Bon Jovi. Another "ROR" song, "Suzanne", was also a bit hit but is strangely not included here. We also have a couple of Journey hits that were on movie soundtracks but not released on a Journey album; "Ask The Lonely" and "Only The Young". The former is another classic Journey anthem, with some big keyboards and guitars, and Steve belting out for all he's worth, while the latter is a mellower tune in the vein of "Raised On Radio". In both cases I believe the songs were more successful than the movies they were featured in. Anyone ever see "Vision Quest" or "Two Of A Kind"...? Anyway, this album is rounded out with a bonus track, "When You Love A Woman". This song is from "Trial By Fire", the band's '96 reunion album. The classic lineup regrouped after a ten year hiatus, and if this song is anything to go by, it's like they never missed a beat. It's a typical, classic Journey ballad; big piano, big Steve Perry vocals, a bit of a tear jerker...all the elements are there. Now, it's ten years later and the band are still going strong, albeit with a different lineup (Steve no longer fronts the band). Journey are a legendary band unlike any other who helped define a sound and an era. Their place in rock history is doubtlessly secure and their legacy will live on forever. If you're a younger fan who missed out on them the first time around, or an older one whose LPs and cassettes are getting worn out, this set of reissues is just right for you. Enjoy! Teasing LuLu A surprisingly mature debut offering from Brighton's brightest young stars 'Teasing Lulu' 'Infatuation' the new single out now on Militant Recordings. With a bass line that'd make Peter Hook salivate served up by punk goddess in the making Louisa Carr and guttural vocals from her diminutive co-hort Lucy Dalton, the single shows a new side to the normally perky punk trio. With a subtle underpinning of drums, the single spins into your subconscious as a tale of love and longing sweeps over you, propped up by bass lines to break your heart. Normality is restored on the flip side as the girls belt out the lyrically simple live favourite 'You Ain't My Baby' and we remember why we fell in love with Louisa and Lucy in the first place with this slice of bubblegum punk pop. With a reputation of being able to prop up punk legends such as 'The Damned', 'Rezillos' and 'Dead Kennedys' let's hope this single is just a sign of things surely to come. Infatuated yet? You will be. Single released by Released on Militant Recordings. "Torture Garden" This CD is in the mode of Black Metal. The album has it's moments, and I do mean some. For the most part there is nothing new here that I haven't heard a thousand times before. I really can't say more than that. SETHERIAL Fast blasting death/black metal. The guitar riffs were ass kicking and this release really impressed me. The vocals are pure hate kind the way it needs to be with this kind of music. The production is bottom heavy and the riffs will slay and crush you and draw blood. One of the better new releases my ears have heard. http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com STONEGARD Holy shit this band goes from a doomy sludge style in a full blown thrash speed metal assault and then back to the doom. The vocals are wicked cool as they are like the guy from Circus of Power almost like a sludgy rock style. The speed parts had me going nuts and the slow parts were heavy as fuck. Not your average band and well worth a listen. http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Mon Roe They hail from Sweden, introducing their self titled debut. This is the first time this line up has played together. Includes 13 tracks of solid catchy Pop Rock music, in which I enjoyed very much. The vocals were great and their music was memorable. Believe me you want this disc in your collection! TIME REQUIEM Way cool progressive metal is the ticket here. Yes the music and the vocalist sound like Dream Theatre, but I don't care. The production and playing are strong and the riffs will have your neck snapping and any fan of progressive music will want this and it is better than the last few D.T. releases I can tell you that. http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com PLACE VENDOME Excellent AOR rock is the ticket here. Great melodic songs and perfect vocals. God these bands are killing me as the songs are so catchy I am hooked from note number 1 to the last note. For fans of Journey, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, etc. http://www.locomotiverecords.com Rhapsody Of Fire I think the band's bio said it best Rhapsody Of Fire has been one of the most unusual phenomena of the current Metal scene. Some highlights of this CD is that they are backed up by the 50 piece Brno Academy Choir, also the 60 piece Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra. Once again Christopher Lee appears as the narrator of the Wizard King. Add them all together and you have a pretty cool CD. Their music and vocals are pretty good, but it took several listens to get into the songs. Judge for yourself! Deadstar Assembly "Unsaved" is a 15 song release and what I have in front of me is a three song sampler disc. Not enough to form a solid opinion. But, I did like what I got to hear...even though I couldn't seem to get Dope out of my mind. As soon as the first track kicked in, that's the band that came to mind and I went through the other two songs on this release, I couldn't get that comparison out of my head. "Killing Myself Again" and "Dejected" sound like they could have been written for and/or by Dope and track number two, "And Ashes Will Fall," has the same vibe as some of Dope's more recent material. Don't get me wrong...I'm not saying they're a carbon copy...but...they can be compared to the band and I'm sure DSA comes into their own on their length release. I'd say they're worthy of checking out. http://www.myspace.com/deadstarassemly QUEST OF AIDANCE Raw uncompromising death metal. Sort of like if Mortician played death metal. The vocals are low, but not super low and are tolerable. The music is chaotic, fast death metal with low tuned guitars. This is death metal the way it was meant to be played and no nu metal jump riffs. PRIMITIVE GRAVEN IMAGE I got sent this bands demo as a prelude to a release in 2007. This is pretty good black metal with a lot more feeling and emotion than most other black metal bands I have heard. The 2 guys don't just play fast for fast sake and create more of a mood and emotion along with feeling with their music. the 6 songs here were quite good and I am sure the debut will be a masterpiece of black metal. http://www.opengraverecords.com Silencer I do enjoy Deathmetal but this CD, I just couldn't take much of this at all. I got no enjoyment from this what so ever. What can I say other than it's just not my cup of tea or anything you Deathmetalers can brew. Decide for yourself BUILT UPON FRUSTRATION Typical groove death metal with the tough guy vocals. This band follows the same formula that a million other bands do. The band use dula vocals some are low death growls and others are the tough guy style. The band plays jump happy riffs that sound like every other band doing this. This band also mix up the jump parts with you guesssed it, some fast parts. Wow how original. Info: http://www.dacorerecords.com Conglomeratorz This was decent but nothing new musically or vocally. They can play but like I mentioned they need to come up with a sound of their own. Until then I don't see them going much further. See what you think. Gypsy Carns This Gypsy Carns has been playing since the 60s, but this is the first I've ever heard of him. He plays acoustic blues/bluegrass, with very religious overtones. The whole album is unplugged-it's just Carns and his steel guitar, with him jammin' out those blues tunes, and singing in a rough and raw voice. On one song, "John The Revelator", he doesn't even use his guitar, he just sings and uses some sort of percussion often heard in folk music, sounds like a frame drum or something. This isn't metal or even rock, although it could be compared to someone like Steve Earl, but it's good. Carns can play a mean steel guitar, and he can sing to beat hell too (and from the sound of things, "beat hell" is exactly what he wants to do!), and all the songs are kinda bouncy and perky. He keeps it very simple, following the "less is more" policy. I'm not sure if that's true for everything, but here, it certainly holds up well. Carns and his guitar make a dynamic blues duo! Doesn't seem to be a need for anything else. SPIRITUAL More typical nu metal/goth crap with the big riffs and black metal vocals with female opera vocals and violin parts. The songs are flat and didn't connect with me. The band are using every typical generic trick in the book and what makes this release any different from the 1000's of others that have done it before and done it just as bad. Info: http://www.lasercd.com The Dirty Royals These four Brits have a new EP-CD out. It's only 17 minutes long but shows off the bands talents. The songs vary between great pop-punk and personal story telling. The regal foursome lead by Oxford-bred brothers Simon and Matt Williams and including Jimmy Martin and new L.A. drummer Keith Tenenbaum. Pop this one in your player now! JOHNNY HI-FI This was a cool little alternative band. The songs won me over. This is like some of the light metal stuff that would be on the radio, but the songs are so much better and way more catchier than all those radio bands. Song after song of well crafted power pop punk/metal with some great melodic vocals and music. Info: http://www.johnnyhifi.com PLANETARY This was like some power pop progressive music. The songs to me were flat and didn't do a thing for me. They just plodded along with little or no direction. There was no hook or riff that had me getting interested. The vocals weren't so hot as his voice got a little annoying after a few tunes. Overall, this wasn't very impressive. Info: http://www.asceticrecords.com DEATHWORK 6 tracks of rip roaring old school thrash that put a smile to my face. The band reminded me of Sacred Reigh or Atrophy in the playing and style of music. The 6 tunes are all honest to goodness thrash tunes with plenty of riffs and double bass and power and speed. The vocals are thrash style as well. I'd love to hear more from this band cause the 6 tunes were just a tease. Info: http://www.deathwork.com MERENDINE ATOMICHE Some cool thrash metal from these guys. The music is more in the straight metal vein, but the band also throw in some thrash stuff at times. The vocals are powerful and no tough guy or nu metal is found anywhere. The riffs hit hard and are meaty and are something anybody can sink their meat into. The production is right on the money too. Well worth getting. Info: http://www.mausoleum-records.com DECEIVED 4 songs of really band thrash metal with tough guy singing. This is a like a bad Pantera. The 4 songs did nothing for me and the band play the groove metal with the thrash overtones like a million other bands. Nothing of value here. Info: http://www.deceivedband.com SINISTER This band is back and they are back in a big way. 8 new deadly tracks of speedy death metal to fry your brain. The riffs are razor sharp and will draw blood. The drumming is out of this world. The vocals are great death metal style vocals, sung with passion and emotion. The production is on the money and all I can say is this is one hell of a death metal release. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com ELVENKING This was some not so good power metal. The band play power in the vein of a million other bands with the happy riffing and the chanting choruses, etc. The vocals are clear and aren't bad, but the band just sounds too much like a ton of other bands I have heard doing this style. This isn't bad, but its nothing to write home about either. http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com WASTEFALL This really didn't do a thing for me. The band try and play a weird of thrash metal with some heavy metal throw in. Sort of like Anthrax with John Bush singing. The songs just didn't do it for enough though the singing is decent as is the production. Something about this band didn't register with me. Info: http://www.lasercd.com Dogs 'N' Bones The album cover features a scremin' metal/punk cartoon chick. The album's called "Dirty Fuckin' Loud." Before I heard a single note...I knew this was gonna be an album that I would enjoy. In fact, I would have been greatly disappointed if it wasn't a kick ass release. Lucky for me...and you if you decide to check them out...I have another great album to add to my permanent collection. Dogs 'N' Bones are a pretty rockin' Italian band. I'm not exactly sure how I'd describe their music. It's not quite metal, it's not quite punk and it's more exciting than your normal, modern rock album. So, what would you call it? If I go by the promotional material that came with this release, they list their musical genre as "heavy/street." Those two words do give you an idea of where the band is coming from. However, I'd still say that there's more to it. What that "more" might be...I can't quite put my finger on it. But, that's a good thing because it doesn't put this band into any one category. Also, it's a rather small album. Nine songs that run a little over half an hour...kind of like the early Van Halen releases. When you listen to this disc...it seems longer than it actually is...it's more "full" if you know what I mean. What more can I say? This is an album worth checking out...especially if you're looking for something that you can kick back and rock out to. I promise you this...you will enjoy what Dogs 'N' Bones has to offer. http://www.dogsandbones.com TWIN METHOD Typical, boring groove metal with some death metal parts. Tough guy singing and then the low death growls. Wow so original. Bands like this are a dime a dozen and this band and all bands that rip off Pantera, etc, suck. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com OBLIVION I have no info on this accept that the band played some shows around NJ in the 80's. I am sure I was at one of the shows as there was a ton of flyers for shows they played on in the cd inlay. This has 3 demos and 2 live tracks. This band played thrash metal in the vein of Overkill, Nuclear Assault, etc. Great thrash metal vocals and playing. I am surprised they didn't get signed as the 3 demos really showed this band could play. Shame I have no info on the band, but if you can find this, get it at all costs. Great old school thrash metal. ZYKLON Some furious and fast death metal is the ticket here. This band returns with a fury and one hell of a release. This is a full barrel assault on your senses. The production is perfect and the tunes are full blast, speed ahead. Great death metal vocals and no groove, no tough guy vocals and no goth anywhere to be found. This was just perfect. Info: http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com COMPLEX ZERO This wasn't bad, but the tough guy vocals parts really need to grow. The band play metal with a bit of groove and an alternative edge to them. The vocals are clean in some parts and then you have the generic growl tough guy parts, which really take away from this band. if this band loses the growl vocals and just keeps doing what they are doing they are on their way. the tunes are catchy, heavy numbers. Info: http://www.complexzero.com STALAGGH Complete and utter shit is what this is. A big bag of noise and screaming with nothing of value at all. I have listened to 1000's and 100's of release and this I would say ranks near the bottom. Yup it is that band and adds nothing to anything. A bunch of static noise is what this is. Info: http://www.autopsykitchen.com Bob Cately Bob Cately is lead vocalist for British progressive rock band Magnum, and he has also made several solo albums. This is his latest one. The style is melodic hard rock, similar to Magnum's style, but more straight ahead rock. This sounds like it could have come out in the 80s, reminiscent of European bands like Bonfire and the Pretty Maids (the opening track, "Heart Of Stone", is similar to the Maids' "Future World"), with some progressive elements here and there, especially in the keyboard playing. The music is very melodic and polished but also rocks hard and has an edge to it. The guitars pack a crunch, but are balanced out by heavy use of keyboards, which give it a touch of melody. Bob's voice is smooth, but also gutsy and spirited. Everything on the album is well done. It's a good, rocking album, Bob and his band playing classic style rock that ignores all current trends. They also throw in a few ballads to balance things out. One of these ballads, "Beautiful Mind", really stood out. It's a beautiful, haunting song with some complex, spacey keyboard arrangements that are almost psychedelic. Very influenced by Keith Emerson, and with a romantic feel to it. This is a good, straight forward rock album-slick and polished but also hard rocking. Held Under Let's start with the basics… Held Under first started in 2001 and they hail from Albany, New York. "The Catastrophe of Creation" has 10 tracks and is 54 minutes and 24 seconds in length. The band's line-up is Jeff Andrews - Vocals, Jeff Ingleston - Bass, John Glass Brenner - Drums, Dave Seacord and Dave Matthews - Guitars. When I first started playing Held Under's album "The Catastrophe of Creation" and their first song (Tears Fell into Ashes) began with the sounds of a bunch of ringing phones and office equipment and I thought the album was going to suck but I was very wrong. After I got through the second song (The Endless Hours) I then began thinking to myself "Why isn't this band signed?" I pondered this question while enjoying the music and I came to a conclusion… There is no reason! They have balanced the brutality and the melody of their music in such a way that the songs are just so damn catchy. In particular the song "The Endless Hours." Now that I really think about it that song is quite impressive and is also one of if not the best song on the album. It possesses all the best qualities of the band. First we have Jeff Andrews voice. He can actually sing. He can sing and he and really growl and scream and those are the things I look for in a metal vocalist. In my opinion he is on the same level as Breaking Benjamin's Ben Burnley who is one of my favorite vocalists. As for the guitarists, bassist and drummer… Well, put simply… AMAZING! I recommend any metal head check this band out. You could even go to their MySpace page (link below) and listen to a few songs. It's free so you have no reason to refuse. If they make the right choices in the future this band will be going places. http://www.myspace.com/heldunder Saros First off, I'm going to take a snippet from the bio sheet to share with you. "The story of Saros begins with two Bay Area natives meeting up with two east coast transplants. Armed with mutual backgrounds in punk, affinities to metal, and an interest in pushing boundaries, they took off with a running start. On the strength of an unreleased demo and the reputation of their live shows alone, they quickly gained a word of mouth following. With a point of departure that builds on a rich tradition of Bay Area thrash, they inject atmospheric instrumentation and a punishing rhythm section that drive a hypnotic beat home with a precision that rival their obvious krautrock and prog influences." Sorry, but I really didn't feel like my own interpretation of their history would sell it. Saros deliver 5 tracks at over 40 minutes here. One track just under 10 minutes. Two over 10 minutes and the lonely other two right about 6 minutes in length. The great thing about it is they're not repetitive songs. Think of an Opeth track. Or a Maiden song. There are plenty of breaks and changes and not one song will bore you or make you feel like your listening to the same song for 12 minutes. Or for 45 minutes. (sorta like a Black Dahlia Murder set) I'm not real sure that the traditional Bay Area thrash elements are all there as stated, but there's a little. Maybe more of a light hearted black metal, thrash, doom mixture. And like I said, with the length in the songs, Saros push so many boundaries of music into each track, as well as the entire album, I don't think they can even be put into any genre other than extreme metal. I don't know. So many parts of each songs reminds me of so many bands. Enslaved, Black Sabbath, C.O.C., Venom, Exodus, Opeth, Nevermore, Megadeth. And the list goes on. But put them all in a blender, put the setting to puree and pour yourself a nice helping of Saros. A very worthy band to check out. And after three full listens, right now being number four, there are so many new sounds to discover. So read now further, head on over and have a listen for yourself. http://www.hungryeyerecords.com Neosonic This foursome comes from L.A. Jonathan Cy guitar, Bonnie Miller/vocals, Alexander James drums, D.J. Nicole Hart/machines. Neosonic has a unique punk rock and electric hardcore sound. Their EP concists of five tracks,which I really wish was longer. This isn't hard core punk it's more punk with a popish sound. I fully dig what they are doing. http://www.neosonic.us Hellrazor I was not too sure how to take Hellrazor at first. After a couple songs I hit stop. Cranked up the volume and started over. Good thing I did. This is a rare brand of hard rock that has been tried by many and only mastered by a few. With 'Feel The Sting', Hellrazor are on the right path to be masters of their genre. "With epic songs, mind-numbing hooks, and unforgettable melodies, Hellrazor's hits will haunt you." And how very true that statement is. Very catchy, memorable songs that have you singig along with them instantly. I didn't even know the words to the song, but by time 'Bad Blood' came on, I was running around the jobsite singing along. You may not be running around like some freak, (me!) but I guarantee you will catch yourself singing along. A very well written album with driving guitars and a pounding rhythm section. Vocalist Danny E Rail has a voice all his own. The closest comparison I can come up with is Vain. You've al heard of Vain right? Or how about Fate (Hank Sherman's), Tigertailz is another. Their sound is that of the utmost catchyness of a mildly sleazy sounding rock-n-roll. Very infectious riffs and choruses. So beware and be prepared to enjoy. Raze To Ashes This I really liked. We need more of this Metal and Heavy Rock. It has taken a beating for a while now as you should know. These Boston based rockers are ready to burn up stages nation wide. From the sound of their newly remastered self titled EP they are ready. Brenden Mulheam vocals/guitar, Campbell Hoffman guitar/vocals, Tom McManamy bass and Mike Burke drums. What makes them so good is they bring a good variety to their songs with all their influences you'll hear something you like from this livewire band. They cite everyone from Metallica, Iron Maiden, Traveling Wilburys and Tears For Fears. I'm now a believer in Raze to Ashes. Pendragon Pendragon are a progressive rock band from England who have been going at it for over twenty years. This is a collection of songs picked from several of their albums, plus two unplugged versions of two of their older songs, recorded just for this release. Pendragon are as progressive as they come, sometimes pushing the boundaries of prog. They are very talented, and write sophisticated and complex music that is sometimes lilting, sometimes intense, and always attention getting. Many of the songs are quite long, some going over ten minutes. This may seem a bit indulgent but they have the talent to make it an interesting listen, even if the songs are a bit lengthy. The songs also change gears many times as they go along, which also helps to hold the listener's attention. Pendragon are led by vocalist/guitarist Nick Barrett, who also writes most of their music. His guitar playing seems to be very influenced by David Gilmour and Alex Lifestone. Clive Nolan plays keyboards, and boy does he play. Influenced by other progressive keymasters like Keith Emerson, he is sometimes like a one man orchestra. He plays sophisticated arrangements and some amazing harmonies, and his playing helps set the mood for the songs. The band's influences range from prog godfathers like Yes, ELP, and King Crimson to bands like Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, and Rush. Shades of classical, jazz, and folk music are also mixed into their sound. Acoustic guitars and pianos are used very often, and many of the arrangements are classically based. The album begins with "The Walls Of Babylon", which has a lengthy intro, consisting of a keyboard background and guitar solo, then picking up, as it turns into a prog rock tune with a driving beat but still maintaining a mellow vibe. "Total Recall" and "And We'll Go Hunting Deer" are mellower tunes with some new age influence. "The Black Knight" (from Pendragon's first album, "The Jewel") leans in a rockier direction with a heavier beat, and is more guitar oriented, with some power chords. "The Shadow" and "The Voyager" have a lot of folk and classical influence but still keep a foot on the rock side of things. The latter song contains a good, long guitar solo from Barrett. The two aforementioned unplugged versions of "King Of The Castle" and "Paintbox" round out the album. Both are very well done, played entirely on classical guitar, with much complexity and panache. Nick is one hell of a musician and he's got an amazing band in Pendragon. These guys can be more progressive than progressive at times, and the fact that they've been keeping at this for over two decades also says something. They are outstanding musicians and songwriters and execute their music flawlessly. Why they're not as big as Rush or Yes is beyond me. If you're any kind of prog fan, Pendragon will blow you away! Yattering Poland's Yattering give their latest effort in the live sense. At least I think it's their latest. I was unable to drum up any current info from the official website. Looks like it was last updated early in '05. The show was recorded in Krakow in April 2000. The release date on the disc is 2004. Maybe it's just now hitting our shores. With licensing and legalities in the industry, unfortunately this happens with bands from other countries fairly often. And vice-versa. Production wise, excellent in sound quality. High quality recording. Often not the case with such a brutal death metal band. In the live recording sense. (that I've come across). So in that case, I highly recommend. Besides the shear brutality Yattering display. Comparable to Cannibal Corpse, God Dethroned, Usipian, Lividity and Suffocation. Track listing is as follows : ' Anal Narcotic, Life For Life, The Feeling, Unnormally Zone, Lost Within, The Murderer, The Art Of The 20th Century, Exterminate, Eyes Can See, Dittohead, Chase Of Thoughts, I'll Neglect' Jerry Lee Lewis Mr. Lewis is still a great ball of fire...and I call him Mr. Lewis because the man many know as "The Killer" deserves to be shown some respect. The amount of talent on "Last Man Standing" is simply mind blowing. You've got Jimmy Page, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Neil Young, John Fogerty, Ringo Starr, Merle Haggard, Kid Rock, Rod Stewart, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Little Richard and Don Henley to name a few. I mean, how often do you see that many big names together in one place? You know it all comes down to respect. Mr. Lewis is a living legend of rock 'n' roll and while all those other artists have done rather well in their own right, they should be honored to have their place on this release. I mean, really, when Mr. Lewis was giving Elvis Presley a run for his money, my parents were still children. So, his particular style of music is well before my time. I'm a child of the 80's. For me, that's when music actually meant something. Long before my favorite decade came along though, Mr. Lewis was showin' 'em all how it was done and, while he might be older than your grandfather right now, he's still teachin' some of those up 'n' coming, wanna-be rock 'n' roll starts a thing or two. I'll be honest with you, some of his more laid back tunes didn't exactly float my boat. But, when Mr. Lewis decides to kick that piano bench out from under him and get down to the business of playin' some good old fashioned rock 'n' roll, it's safe to say that I'm more than impressed. With the way "Last Man Standing" is set up, as far as the track listing goes, it almost has the feel of a live concert experience. You wanna kick the show off with a rockin' number and, gettin' it started on the disc is "Rock 'N' Roll" with Jimmy Page. One of the first things Mr. Lewis says is, "This is rock 'n' roll" and once those words are out of his mouth, that's what you get for the next 66 minutes...a modern record that's classic Jerry Lee Lewis. 21 songs in all and, to be honest with you, there's not really a weak song in the bunch. It's just an amazing album. "Pink Cadillac" with Bruce Springsteen is well worth checking out as is "Travelin' Band" with John Fogerty. Those are some really rockin' tunes. I think he's makin' a point with "Don't Be Ashamed Of Your Age," which is performed with George Jones. While most men his age are probably happy sittin' on the front porch in a rockin' chair, watchin' life go by and enjoyin' the quiet of their golden years, Mr. Lewis is still bangin' away on the piano on what some might say is one of the best albums in his legendary career. Another favorite track of mine is "I Saw Her Standing There" with Little Richard. Now, that's rock 'n' roll for you. About my only real complaint is, when you get to track 19, "Hadacohl Boogie" with Buddy Guy, that's the last real rock 'n' roll song on the album. We end with "The Irish Heart Beat," with Don Henley and "The Pilgrim Ch. 33" with Kris Kristofferson and, while both songs are pretty good, they're kind of mellow. I almost expected this album to end on a high note. But, then again, going back to what I said about this release having a concert feel to it, you could always consider those two songs to be what Mr. Lewis would play when the bartender announces the last call. You wanna wind your audience down and send 'em home with a good feeling and that's exactly what Mr. Lewis does here. There's a lot of energy on this release and he winds you down on the end, giving you some time to think about everything you just heard. On the copy I recieved, plastered across the bottom in bold, black letters is a single line and it says, "The most amazing classic rock 'n' roll album ever!" That's pretty much all you need to know about this release because, when it's all said and done, those words are the best way to describe "Last Man Standing." If you buy one album this year...make sure it's this one. Warrant Some of you may be thinking the same as I did when I first heard. Warrant has a new album? Well yes they do. And if you also have not heard, a new vocalist too. With a 10 year studio hiatus, Warrant are back! Back to spew forth some serious kick ass rock -n- roll. 'Born Again', to me plays off like classic 80's Warrant. Classic "hair metal" at it's best. That is what made them a household name. In the house of rock that is. There are some real rockin' tracks and a couple of ballads as well. I was worried when I first put the disc in that this be just another attempt at the glory days as so many other bands are doing these days. Not here. Warrant seem to be some what "born again". although the disc in a whole is very reminiscent of their past, it contains a certain element of freshness. And with powerhouse vocalist Jaime St. James (Black-N-Blue) at the helm, I can't remember a time when I thought Warrant has ever sounded better. St. James fills the shoes well. Maybe even too well. (I may be a bit privy as I've always liked B-N-B) 'Dirty Jack, Angels, Roller Coaster and Roxy' are a few of the standout, rockin' tunes I was talking about. Head banging, fist pumping mania. Warrant are still Joey Allen - guitars, Erik Turner - guitars, Jerry Dixon - bass, Steven Sweet - drums and as mentioned above, Jaime St. James - vocals. 'Born Again' has the sound and energy to put Warrant back in the game again. I know here in the mid-west not a day or two goes by when you don't hear a classic Warrant track on the radio. So my suggestion to you all out there, call up your local stations and tell them you want to hear the new stuff too. They'll be thankful, and you will too. |
