The Answer: Revival (Spinefarm)
Northern Irish Blues/hard rockers The Answer return with their third and possibly best album. Starting with hard hitting opener Waste Your Tears we are immediately hit with the heavy rocking riff of this retro influenced band. Frontman Cormac Neesons voice is at its finest throughout with the band also on fire, the soloing is particularly excellent. Use Me is another speedy rocker that creates this opening salvo. The bands time on the road with AC/DC has served them well as the songs on this album feel more accomplished than their first but more fluid than on their last. First single Vida (I Want You) is a funky number that feels a little bit commercial as is Nowhere Freeway which features Lynn Jackman from Saint Jude dueting with the band. Honestly this could be a number one as it has a distinctly modern sound to it, Destroy Me has a Kashmir like sound with a crunching guitar riff that comes out of a Middle Eastern vibe and One More Revival brings the gospel influence to the album. This is an album of great tracks that really doesn't do anything new but who wants that when this is great as it is. The second disc features some demos and extra tracks out of these Piece By Piece, What I Am and their cover of Fire & Water are the tracks that stand out. The Answer are the leading band of their genre and on this album they prove it. 9/10
The Union: Siren Song (Payola Music)
The collaboration between former Thunder guitarist Luke Morley and Pete Shoulder continues with this second album. Their debut was blues rock masterpiece and was one of the best albums of the year, this album continues in that vein. Opener Siren Song starts with a countrified opening and then blasts the doors off and rocks like something BLS may have written. Blame It On Tupelo follows the rocking trend until Orion breaks the flow with a folky detour. This is then followed by the almost Glam-rock stomp of Obsession and the hymn-like ballad of Make Up Your Mind which shows just how soulful Shoulder's gritty and sonorous voice can be. The Remedy has a dirty slide riff that falls into another ballad of Cut The Line that is beautiful and works well after the rockier song before it. The album is brilliantly written with light and shade in every track. Morley and Shoulder's guitar playing is fantastic and Shoulder's voice is suited perfectly. After the demise of Thunder as a touring and recording prospect I thought I'd lost the book forever, however The Union is just another great passage in the history of rock and roll. 8/10
Reckless Love: Animal Attraction (Spinefarm)
Having released their first album last year Swede's Reckless Love have returned with their second album that is possibly even more 80's than their first. Like last time there is a very strong Van Halen element to the album with frontman Olli Herman both looking and sounding like 'Diamond Dave' and guitarist Pepe ripping out the double tapping like Eddie used to. However their sound has matured on this album, the opening and title track has a distinctive Def Leppard vibe to it and ballad Fantasy is straight out of the Bon Jovi songbook. This album maybe lumped with the parody metal of Steel Panther but Reckless Love are not a joke band they are just bringing the Booze, Babes and Bikinis of the Sunset Strip back to metal and in doing so they have created a well-produced and performed party rock album full of juicy hooks and some very tasty guitar playing, after listening to this album you'll be hungry for more (sorry for the puns). 7/10
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Monday, 3 October 2011
Reviews: Steven Wilson
Steven Wilson: Grace For Drowning (Kscope)
Starting with a multi tracked vocal song in the title track and a heavy weight instrumental in Secritarian before the cascading Deform To Form A Star gives the first hint of his day job this could only be the new solo album from creative genius Steven Wilson. Every track on this album is different; it spans multiple genres and has Wilson's creative stamp over all of it. No Part Of Me is a techno infused romp that includes a horns section crescendo and is then followed by Postcard a touching piano led ballad that features a choir that dissolves into the next track Raider Prelude which is a haunting baroque style track that has a chamber music style. The final song on disc 1 (yes this is two discs) is Remainder The Black Dog which sounds like an early Porcupine Tree track and features the guitar talents of the legendary Steve Hackett of Genesis. The second disc has fewer tracks but they are of the same quality, opener Belle Du Jour is a restrained acoustic track with orchestral backing. Index is an industrial style track filled with a restrained menace. Track One follows and turns from its acoustic opening to a dark ominous coda and then into a Pink Floyd style guitar solo. Raider II was the track that was going to be the deal breaker for many people, described as a 23 minute jazz-funk track this was going to test even the most open of mind. The track starts slow and then builds into a flute topped rockier section about 3 minutes in the flute continues over the jazz influenced piano led middle part (the piano played by Jordan Rudress of Dream Theater). This leads into a guitar rundown and a blasting section showing Wilson's guitar talents before breaking into a jazz clarinet breakdown. This moves into an ethereal acoustic part that becomes almost folk-like before ending on a crushing guitar up-scale that also features some scat sax playing before ending in percussive crescendo and trails out with a bass led coda. The final track is Like The Dust I Have Cleared From My Eye and is a slow ballad with a stunning guitar part that ends the album well.
I realise this is a big review but there is really a lot to say, this album is fantastic and any fan of music should seek out this and its predecessor (as well as Wilson's other works with Blackfield and No Man). An excellent album from a gifted individual. 10/10
Starting with a multi tracked vocal song in the title track and a heavy weight instrumental in Secritarian before the cascading Deform To Form A Star gives the first hint of his day job this could only be the new solo album from creative genius Steven Wilson. Every track on this album is different; it spans multiple genres and has Wilson's creative stamp over all of it. No Part Of Me is a techno infused romp that includes a horns section crescendo and is then followed by Postcard a touching piano led ballad that features a choir that dissolves into the next track Raider Prelude which is a haunting baroque style track that has a chamber music style. The final song on disc 1 (yes this is two discs) is Remainder The Black Dog which sounds like an early Porcupine Tree track and features the guitar talents of the legendary Steve Hackett of Genesis. The second disc has fewer tracks but they are of the same quality, opener Belle Du Jour is a restrained acoustic track with orchestral backing. Index is an industrial style track filled with a restrained menace. Track One follows and turns from its acoustic opening to a dark ominous coda and then into a Pink Floyd style guitar solo. Raider II was the track that was going to be the deal breaker for many people, described as a 23 minute jazz-funk track this was going to test even the most open of mind. The track starts slow and then builds into a flute topped rockier section about 3 minutes in the flute continues over the jazz influenced piano led middle part (the piano played by Jordan Rudress of Dream Theater). This leads into a guitar rundown and a blasting section showing Wilson's guitar talents before breaking into a jazz clarinet breakdown. This moves into an ethereal acoustic part that becomes almost folk-like before ending on a crushing guitar up-scale that also features some scat sax playing before ending in percussive crescendo and trails out with a bass led coda. The final track is Like The Dust I Have Cleared From My Eye and is a slow ballad with a stunning guitar part that ends the album well.
I realise this is a big review but there is really a lot to say, this album is fantastic and any fan of music should seek out this and its predecessor (as well as Wilson's other works with Blackfield and No Man). An excellent album from a gifted individual. 10/10
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Reviews: Mastodon, Evile, Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa
Mastodon: The Hunter (Roadrunner)
After the prog-metal madness of last album Crack The Skye the metal madmen of Mastodon return with a more straight forward album that only has a semi concept. Smashing out of the blocks with Black Tongue and the catchy; almost commercial Curl Of The Burl. Both these songs feature the big riffing that Mastodon have made their name in. The next track Blasteroid is a punk rock song with odd time signatures that mixes things up a bit especially because it is followed by the heavy stoner riffing Stargasam. The band have created another heavy album where every track is different and the album is better for it. The vocals of Brent and Troy are brilliant as are drummer Brann who takes his first full lead vocal on the track The Creature Lives. The playing is stunning especially on All The Heavy Lifting and on the very trippy title track. Mastodon have come back from their prog flight of fancy with a very accomplished album that harks back to their roots but also sees them as the band they are now. Give it a few spins and you will unlock all of its treasures. 9/10
Evile: Five Serpents Teeth (Earache)
This is Evile's third album and their first since the tragic passing of bassist Mike Alexander. With debut Enter The Grave the band produced a retro thrash attack that was dumb fun, on second album Infected Nations they became more technical but a bit more inaccessible. On this third album the band have found their sound, which is a mix between the two previous albums. From the opening of the first title track, you realise that the bands playing is far more accomplished than it used to be, frontman Matt Drake's voice has also matured and is now his roar pitched between Araya and Hetfield's. The soloing from his brother Ol is brilliant and lightning fast. Most of the songs range from speedy thrashers like Eternal Empire and chugging riffers like the very commercial sounding Cult. The band are not all heaviness however the tribute to Mike Alexander In Memoriam is an excellent ballad that serves as a fitting tribute to their former bassist (who also co-wrote the song). All in all this album is an excellent metal album that shows a young band who are going to go far. I for one can't wait to see them rip these songs up live. 8/10
Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa (Provogue)
Beth Hart is a female blues singer that is well known in the blues rock circles. Joe Bonamassa needs no introduction at all. These two great artists have teamed up for this album of blues and soul covers. Joe B specifically chose Hart to sing on this album and you can see why, her soulful gravelly vocals are perfect for hard drinking, hard loving songs that are covered on this album. Joe's vocal input is limited to just one track which is a duet between the two, but his expressive guitar playing is on every track bringing them a more modern edge. The rest of the band are Joe's solo band and they all play like the seasoned veterans they are. Like all of Joe's recent albums the production his helmed by Kevin Shirley who brings his fantastic plaudits to the album. The star however is Hart herself who is a stunning talent, vocally she is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse but is grittier, she steals this album and is a perfect vocal foil for Joe's guitar. An excellent album that is for blues and soul fans as well as fans of the two title musicians. 8/10
After the prog-metal madness of last album Crack The Skye the metal madmen of Mastodon return with a more straight forward album that only has a semi concept. Smashing out of the blocks with Black Tongue and the catchy; almost commercial Curl Of The Burl. Both these songs feature the big riffing that Mastodon have made their name in. The next track Blasteroid is a punk rock song with odd time signatures that mixes things up a bit especially because it is followed by the heavy stoner riffing Stargasam. The band have created another heavy album where every track is different and the album is better for it. The vocals of Brent and Troy are brilliant as are drummer Brann who takes his first full lead vocal on the track The Creature Lives. The playing is stunning especially on All The Heavy Lifting and on the very trippy title track. Mastodon have come back from their prog flight of fancy with a very accomplished album that harks back to their roots but also sees them as the band they are now. Give it a few spins and you will unlock all of its treasures. 9/10
Evile: Five Serpents Teeth (Earache)
This is Evile's third album and their first since the tragic passing of bassist Mike Alexander. With debut Enter The Grave the band produced a retro thrash attack that was dumb fun, on second album Infected Nations they became more technical but a bit more inaccessible. On this third album the band have found their sound, which is a mix between the two previous albums. From the opening of the first title track, you realise that the bands playing is far more accomplished than it used to be, frontman Matt Drake's voice has also matured and is now his roar pitched between Araya and Hetfield's. The soloing from his brother Ol is brilliant and lightning fast. Most of the songs range from speedy thrashers like Eternal Empire and chugging riffers like the very commercial sounding Cult. The band are not all heaviness however the tribute to Mike Alexander In Memoriam is an excellent ballad that serves as a fitting tribute to their former bassist (who also co-wrote the song). All in all this album is an excellent metal album that shows a young band who are going to go far. I for one can't wait to see them rip these songs up live. 8/10
Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa (Provogue)
Beth Hart is a female blues singer that is well known in the blues rock circles. Joe Bonamassa needs no introduction at all. These two great artists have teamed up for this album of blues and soul covers. Joe B specifically chose Hart to sing on this album and you can see why, her soulful gravelly vocals are perfect for hard drinking, hard loving songs that are covered on this album. Joe's vocal input is limited to just one track which is a duet between the two, but his expressive guitar playing is on every track bringing them a more modern edge. The rest of the band are Joe's solo band and they all play like the seasoned veterans they are. Like all of Joe's recent albums the production his helmed by Kevin Shirley who brings his fantastic plaudits to the album. The star however is Hart herself who is a stunning talent, vocally she is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse but is grittier, she steals this album and is a perfect vocal foil for Joe's guitar. An excellent album that is for blues and soul fans as well as fans of the two title musicians. 8/10
Friday, 30 September 2011
Live & Dangerous 11: Sylosis, Malefice, Anterior, Chapters
Sylosis, Malefice, Anteior, Chapters (CF10 Cardiff University)
Chapters
Having arrived for the end of Chapters set I only saw a few songs but from what I saw they were a generic four-piece death/thrash band. They seemed accomplished and ready for bigger things but really they were nothing that special. 6/10
Anterior
Despite having a bias towards Anterior because of my nationality, they are also a great band that plays melodic death metal that is filled with face melting solos. When the supported Sylosis earlier in the year they wiped the floor with them. This time they were equally as anthemic and entertaining but due to the other bands that were coming they seemed a little undersold. Still they played a relatively short set that had the home town crowd moving and air guitaring along. 8/10
Malefice
A band that always inspires pits due to their heavy crushing riffs and furious breakdowns Malefice were quite rightly second to the headliners. They opened with their chugging groove riffage that continued throughout their set. The playing was heavy and fierce and Dale Butler's screams were guttural, the breakdowns were neck snapping and the faster passages and solos on the newer songs got whipped the crowd into a frenzy. The band finished with the title track of their latest album Awaken The Tides which ended the set on a high and made the crowd ready for the headliners. 8/10
Sylosis
When I first saw Sylosis they seemed to be a band finding their feet with their new line up. After the loss of their singer lead guitarist Josh Middleton stepped up to plate and on the newest album did a fantastic job. Only now has this translated into the live arena, his vocals and lead playing are brilliant, as are the rest of the band. Their new thrash mixed with metalcore and death metal works very well, the band are still a little static on stage but due to the technical nature of the riffage that can be overlooked. Sylosis got the crowd really moving continuing the pits that Malefice started and even ending on a Wall Of Death. The final tracks of Conclusion Of An Age and Empyreal ended what was a very good set from a superb band. 9/10
Final thoughts: This gig shows what talent there really is in Britain, all of the bands were from the UK and all hopefully will become much bigger than they are now. This was a fantastic gig and a triumph of British metal.
Chapters
Having arrived for the end of Chapters set I only saw a few songs but from what I saw they were a generic four-piece death/thrash band. They seemed accomplished and ready for bigger things but really they were nothing that special. 6/10
Anterior
Despite having a bias towards Anterior because of my nationality, they are also a great band that plays melodic death metal that is filled with face melting solos. When the supported Sylosis earlier in the year they wiped the floor with them. This time they were equally as anthemic and entertaining but due to the other bands that were coming they seemed a little undersold. Still they played a relatively short set that had the home town crowd moving and air guitaring along. 8/10
Malefice
A band that always inspires pits due to their heavy crushing riffs and furious breakdowns Malefice were quite rightly second to the headliners. They opened with their chugging groove riffage that continued throughout their set. The playing was heavy and fierce and Dale Butler's screams were guttural, the breakdowns were neck snapping and the faster passages and solos on the newer songs got whipped the crowd into a frenzy. The band finished with the title track of their latest album Awaken The Tides which ended the set on a high and made the crowd ready for the headliners. 8/10
Sylosis
When I first saw Sylosis they seemed to be a band finding their feet with their new line up. After the loss of their singer lead guitarist Josh Middleton stepped up to plate and on the newest album did a fantastic job. Only now has this translated into the live arena, his vocals and lead playing are brilliant, as are the rest of the band. Their new thrash mixed with metalcore and death metal works very well, the band are still a little static on stage but due to the technical nature of the riffage that can be overlooked. Sylosis got the crowd really moving continuing the pits that Malefice started and even ending on a Wall Of Death. The final tracks of Conclusion Of An Age and Empyreal ended what was a very good set from a superb band. 9/10
Final thoughts: This gig shows what talent there really is in Britain, all of the bands were from the UK and all hopefully will become much bigger than they are now. This was a fantastic gig and a triumph of British metal.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Out Of The Beyond 9
Blood Ceremony: S/T
This occultist doom/metal band hail from Canada. They are your typical Rise Above records fodder, the songs concentrate on Witchcraft and mysticism. Satan and the party God Pan feature heavily. The band have a set of nine heavy rocking songs drenched in organ and flute both of which are played by front woman Alia O'Brien, who also provides the suitably moody and bewitching vocals that have more than a passing resemblance to Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. The tracks are all heavy/jazzy/folky and psychedelic in their own way. Fans of Rise Above bands and this kind of 70's style Doom rock will enjoy this retro throwback of an album. 8/10
Protest The Hero: Fortress
This album is the bands second and I think is their best album. Each track is a cacophony of noise and speed that is mixed with the great vocals of Rody Walker. The band were a Mathcore band but on this album they have stepped up their game and released a schizoid progressive metal album, that’s sounds like what would happen if Dragonforce gave the swords and sorcery a rest. (DF Keyboardist Vadim plays a keyboard solo on one track in an interesting link). The band could well now be linked with the djent scene but they are so much more and are intentionally very hard to classify. Cracking album that will be like Marmite to most people. 8/10
Exit Ten: Remember The Day
Another band that are more than how they look on paper. They seem to be another scene band that will only be liked by kids and those with fringes. However Exit Ten are a band that bring searing technicality and merge it with pop sensibilities. The band reminds me of InMe and their debut is a great prog rock album that is truly progressive as they are a rock band that tries to push the boundaries of their sound. The vocals are great as is the playing. One warning though this album is very hard to find as problems with the production company meant that it was withdrawn just after release. If you can find it however you will be surprised by what you find. 9/10
Blood Ceremony: http://youtu.be/W3QWZl5vWCw
Protest the Hero: http://youtu.be/32Q4x112dAU
Exit Ten: http://youtu.be/XEUkkO6FDBE
This occultist doom/metal band hail from Canada. They are your typical Rise Above records fodder, the songs concentrate on Witchcraft and mysticism. Satan and the party God Pan feature heavily. The band have a set of nine heavy rocking songs drenched in organ and flute both of which are played by front woman Alia O'Brien, who also provides the suitably moody and bewitching vocals that have more than a passing resemblance to Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. The tracks are all heavy/jazzy/folky and psychedelic in their own way. Fans of Rise Above bands and this kind of 70's style Doom rock will enjoy this retro throwback of an album. 8/10
Protest The Hero: Fortress
This album is the bands second and I think is their best album. Each track is a cacophony of noise and speed that is mixed with the great vocals of Rody Walker. The band were a Mathcore band but on this album they have stepped up their game and released a schizoid progressive metal album, that’s sounds like what would happen if Dragonforce gave the swords and sorcery a rest. (DF Keyboardist Vadim plays a keyboard solo on one track in an interesting link). The band could well now be linked with the djent scene but they are so much more and are intentionally very hard to classify. Cracking album that will be like Marmite to most people. 8/10
Exit Ten: Remember The Day
Another band that are more than how they look on paper. They seem to be another scene band that will only be liked by kids and those with fringes. However Exit Ten are a band that bring searing technicality and merge it with pop sensibilities. The band reminds me of InMe and their debut is a great prog rock album that is truly progressive as they are a rock band that tries to push the boundaries of their sound. The vocals are great as is the playing. One warning though this album is very hard to find as problems with the production company meant that it was withdrawn just after release. If you can find it however you will be surprised by what you find. 9/10
Blood Ceremony: http://youtu.be/W3QWZl5vWCw
Protest the Hero: http://youtu.be/32Q4x112dAU
Exit Ten: http://youtu.be/XEUkkO6FDBE
Friday, 23 September 2011
Reviews: Opeth, Arch/Matheos, White Wizzard
Opeth: Heritage (Roadrunner)
Prog metal masters Opeth have been threatening to make this album since Blackwater Park the band have been slowly adding more 70's style prog rock flourishes to their work with every album. Watershed featured less of the guttural roaring from Akerfeldt and now Heritage has got rid of it completely. They have also toned down on the metal and become a 'rock' band. That isn't to say this album isn't heavy. It is but in a different way to its predecessors. The album starts and ends with two acoustic instrumentals that frame the album perfectly. The first proper song is Devils Orchard which is a very retro sounding organ drenched progressive track that sets the tone nicely. The following 8 tracks are songs that would be more at home on a King Crimson or a Camel album. The only thing that links them to the Opeth of old is Akerfeldt's undeniably powerful and resonant voice. Second track I Feel The Dark starts off as a slow acoustic number and then the guitars after about 3 minutes and crush everything that came before. Next track Slither is a tribute to Ronnie James Dio and as such has a very definite Rainbow-like sound with Akerfeldt doing his best Ritchie Blackmore impression this leads into the dramatic and haunting Nepenthe which features a jarring piano opening backed by a jazz shuffle that turns into a song that sounds very similar to Porcupine Tree. In fact the whole album has a very Porcupine Tree sound. The bonus tracks of Pyre and Face In The Snow are also excellent the one a jazzy number with an excellent classical guitar solo and the other a doom laden and emotional ballad. This is truly a finely crafted album from an excellent band, it will split opinion but the faithful will see it for the masterpiece it is. 10/10
Arch/Matheos: Sympathetic Resonance (Metal Blade)
John Arch and Jim Matheos were the two founder members of the flagship progressive metal band Fates Warning. Arch left soon after their first few albums but Matheos is still the leading creative force behind the band. So because of the history between these two this album was going to be special, and it lives up to the expectation. Although only featuring 6 tracks they are all over 5minutes long with three clocking in at over 10 minutes long. All of the tracks have the emotional and intricate playing of Matheos who is on fire throughout, Arch's LaBrielike voice (or should that be LaBrie's Archlike voice, because of the chronology) soars above the heavy riffing with fantastic emotion and power. Admittedly this album does sound a lot like Fates Warning, but that isn't a bad thing, so if you are not a fan of that band then you will not like this album (there I said it) if however you like well written, played and produced progressive metal then this is an album I suggest you purchase. 9/10
White Wizzard: Flying Tigers (Earache)
This is White Wizzard's second full length album; it was recorded with second vocalist Wyatt Anderson before he left recently. The album is also has an expansion in sound, the band's core is still a new take on NWOBHM but they have now included a distinct Sunset Strip sound of bands like Skid Row and Motley Crue. The first 6 tracks are speedy metal tracks Night Train To Tokyo having a distinctly sleaze style. The main bulk of the album though is a concept that revolves around aliens as the beginnings of humanity; these tracks are very well formed and have some prog tinged elements similar to Maiden's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son. Founder John Leon handles not only the bass but also the lead and rhythm guitar on this album, all of his playing is good and Anderson's vocals are very overwrought and soaring, but he can also do the sleaze style grit. A great album but even with the new expansion in sound this is still a very formulaic but enjoyable album. 7/10
Prog metal masters Opeth have been threatening to make this album since Blackwater Park the band have been slowly adding more 70's style prog rock flourishes to their work with every album. Watershed featured less of the guttural roaring from Akerfeldt and now Heritage has got rid of it completely. They have also toned down on the metal and become a 'rock' band. That isn't to say this album isn't heavy. It is but in a different way to its predecessors. The album starts and ends with two acoustic instrumentals that frame the album perfectly. The first proper song is Devils Orchard which is a very retro sounding organ drenched progressive track that sets the tone nicely. The following 8 tracks are songs that would be more at home on a King Crimson or a Camel album. The only thing that links them to the Opeth of old is Akerfeldt's undeniably powerful and resonant voice. Second track I Feel The Dark starts off as a slow acoustic number and then the guitars after about 3 minutes and crush everything that came before. Next track Slither is a tribute to Ronnie James Dio and as such has a very definite Rainbow-like sound with Akerfeldt doing his best Ritchie Blackmore impression this leads into the dramatic and haunting Nepenthe which features a jarring piano opening backed by a jazz shuffle that turns into a song that sounds very similar to Porcupine Tree. In fact the whole album has a very Porcupine Tree sound. The bonus tracks of Pyre and Face In The Snow are also excellent the one a jazzy number with an excellent classical guitar solo and the other a doom laden and emotional ballad. This is truly a finely crafted album from an excellent band, it will split opinion but the faithful will see it for the masterpiece it is. 10/10
Arch/Matheos: Sympathetic Resonance (Metal Blade)
John Arch and Jim Matheos were the two founder members of the flagship progressive metal band Fates Warning. Arch left soon after their first few albums but Matheos is still the leading creative force behind the band. So because of the history between these two this album was going to be special, and it lives up to the expectation. Although only featuring 6 tracks they are all over 5minutes long with three clocking in at over 10 minutes long. All of the tracks have the emotional and intricate playing of Matheos who is on fire throughout, Arch's LaBrielike voice (or should that be LaBrie's Archlike voice, because of the chronology) soars above the heavy riffing with fantastic emotion and power. Admittedly this album does sound a lot like Fates Warning, but that isn't a bad thing, so if you are not a fan of that band then you will not like this album (there I said it) if however you like well written, played and produced progressive metal then this is an album I suggest you purchase. 9/10
White Wizzard: Flying Tigers (Earache)
This is White Wizzard's second full length album; it was recorded with second vocalist Wyatt Anderson before he left recently. The album is also has an expansion in sound, the band's core is still a new take on NWOBHM but they have now included a distinct Sunset Strip sound of bands like Skid Row and Motley Crue. The first 6 tracks are speedy metal tracks Night Train To Tokyo having a distinctly sleaze style. The main bulk of the album though is a concept that revolves around aliens as the beginnings of humanity; these tracks are very well formed and have some prog tinged elements similar to Maiden's Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son. Founder John Leon handles not only the bass but also the lead and rhythm guitar on this album, all of his playing is good and Anderson's vocals are very overwrought and soaring, but he can also do the sleaze style grit. A great album but even with the new expansion in sound this is still a very formulaic but enjoyable album. 7/10
Live & Dangerous 10: Panic Room, David R. Black, Sarah Dixon
Panic Room, David R. Black & Sarah Dixon (Globe Cardiff)
Despite problems with Globe causing confusion a fair few packed into he newly refurbished (and air conditioned) Globe to see Progressive Rock group Panic Room. The band are all former members of the band Karnataka and singer Anne-Marie Helder is both a solo artist and member of Mostly Autumn (as is Drummer Gavin Griffiths).
Sarah Dixon
As this young woman walked on stage with just a single acoustic guitar I started to panic, was this going to be introspective mushy love songs? Well in a word yes but they were well written and her expressive voice sang them very well. Her playing however was not great but as she explained the other guitarist that usually backs her could not be there so she was doing well on her own. Despite being obviously nervous she managed to play a small set of good songs that would have benefited from extra musicality. 7/10
David R. Black
Despite having a heavier and more alternative feel than the other bands David R. Black are name that maybe some have not heard of, despite almost relentless touring and recording since the 1990's the band still remain elusive. However from what I saw this is a shame as they are strong, intricate players with well-crafted songs with playing as heavy as lead. Frontman David R is a cheeky Mancunian who exposes his virtues on stage and plays in the same cocksure and aggressive manner, drummer Pai smashes the drums relentlessly and bassist Sarit Black casts a spellbinding and attitude filled figure on the other side of the stage. The band play Pixies like alternative rock with some added progressive leanings especially on the newer tracks. A great live band and one that everyone should see. 8/10
Panic Room
As Panic Room arrive they do so to a cheer and immediately kick off with a new song called Song For Tomorrow which was a brave and well received move. The band a visibly excited especially new(ish) bassist Yatim Halimi who bounds around the small stage with furious energy. The band play through well-known songs Freedom To Breathe and Picking Up Knives before they slow the pace with the introspective and emotional The Fall. The action picked up again with Reborn and then was followed by one of Anne Marie Helder's solo songs called Exodus which has been given new life by the band. Another new track Promises followed Yasuni. The track was signalling the end of the gig the band had played fantastically all night Edwards' keys worked brilliantly with Davies' technical guitar playing, they were backed by the driving rhythm section of Griffiths and Halimi and Helder's voice was stunning throughout (her guitar playing wasn't bad either). They went into their funked up cover of Bitches Crystal by ELP which led into the heavy rocking Dark Star and the epic Satellite which is possibly one of the best songs the band have ever made, and has an absolutely killer solo. The band then left and came back for their encore of Sandstorms and band introductions (complete with the bassist doing a lap around the audience). The gig ended on a high note with everyone clearly enjoying it. I have seen a few band prog bands but Panic Room are one of the best they play with a fire that isn't present with Anne Marie and Gavin's other job in Mostly Autumn. Simply superb. 9/10
Despite problems with Globe causing confusion a fair few packed into he newly refurbished (and air conditioned) Globe to see Progressive Rock group Panic Room. The band are all former members of the band Karnataka and singer Anne-Marie Helder is both a solo artist and member of Mostly Autumn (as is Drummer Gavin Griffiths).
Sarah Dixon
As this young woman walked on stage with just a single acoustic guitar I started to panic, was this going to be introspective mushy love songs? Well in a word yes but they were well written and her expressive voice sang them very well. Her playing however was not great but as she explained the other guitarist that usually backs her could not be there so she was doing well on her own. Despite being obviously nervous she managed to play a small set of good songs that would have benefited from extra musicality. 7/10
David R. Black
Despite having a heavier and more alternative feel than the other bands David R. Black are name that maybe some have not heard of, despite almost relentless touring and recording since the 1990's the band still remain elusive. However from what I saw this is a shame as they are strong, intricate players with well-crafted songs with playing as heavy as lead. Frontman David R is a cheeky Mancunian who exposes his virtues on stage and plays in the same cocksure and aggressive manner, drummer Pai smashes the drums relentlessly and bassist Sarit Black casts a spellbinding and attitude filled figure on the other side of the stage. The band play Pixies like alternative rock with some added progressive leanings especially on the newer tracks. A great live band and one that everyone should see. 8/10
Panic Room
As Panic Room arrive they do so to a cheer and immediately kick off with a new song called Song For Tomorrow which was a brave and well received move. The band a visibly excited especially new(ish) bassist Yatim Halimi who bounds around the small stage with furious energy. The band play through well-known songs Freedom To Breathe and Picking Up Knives before they slow the pace with the introspective and emotional The Fall. The action picked up again with Reborn and then was followed by one of Anne Marie Helder's solo songs called Exodus which has been given new life by the band. Another new track Promises followed Yasuni. The track was signalling the end of the gig the band had played fantastically all night Edwards' keys worked brilliantly with Davies' technical guitar playing, they were backed by the driving rhythm section of Griffiths and Halimi and Helder's voice was stunning throughout (her guitar playing wasn't bad either). They went into their funked up cover of Bitches Crystal by ELP which led into the heavy rocking Dark Star and the epic Satellite which is possibly one of the best songs the band have ever made, and has an absolutely killer solo. The band then left and came back for their encore of Sandstorms and band introductions (complete with the bassist doing a lap around the audience). The gig ended on a high note with everyone clearly enjoying it. I have seen a few band prog bands but Panic Room are one of the best they play with a fire that isn't present with Anne Marie and Gavin's other job in Mostly Autumn. Simply superb. 9/10
Friday, 16 September 2011
Live & Dangerous 9: Wheatus, MC Frontalot, Math The Band, City Stereo
I know, I know. The name conjures up images of the early 2000's and films with Jason Biggs but hear me out. It was a gig that a few friends (and readers) were going to so I tagged along, and you know what I'm glad I did.
I arrived too late to see City Stereo but from what I heard they were generic pop-punk and really not my thing but no score because you can't judge a band on two songs.
So onto the next support:
Math The Band
These are a two piece electronic band with garage influences (Think a sped up White Stripes that play Nintendo a little too much) Guitarist and singer Kevin Steinhauser shouted and slashed at his guitar for all he was worth but star of the show was electronic and drum player Justine Mainville, who's terrifyingly bug-eyed performance was both professional and at times a little scary. Any band that opens with an Andrew W.K song is pitching its tent and for Math The Band the tent stayed up for the entire set. Every song was a schizophrenic whirlwind of noise with added blips and bleeps to spice things up. A great band to get the crowd warmed up and one I would see again given the chance. 8/10
MC Frontalot
When the next act is named MC Frontalot I started to itch slightly. Was I going to be subjected to some god awful Hip-Hop? No I wasn't because MC Frontalot is a New York based self-proclaimed 'Nerdcore' rapper, he is a nerdy bald white man who raps about final video game bosses, Goth chicks and movie spoilers, and that is right up my street. He was very good at what he did but from a technical perspective the sound on his voice could have been clearer (considering this was the 'lead instrument'). Other than that a very enjoyable show. 8/10
Wheatus
One of the bands of my teenage years, Wheatus were huge when I was first watching MTV (when they still showed music). Everyone knows 'that song' but they have managed to survive for 10 years, and are still making albums in a D.I.Y fashion. Starting with Leroy the band kicked off a crowd friendly set. The band were in a jovial mood throughout and looked as if they were really enjoying themselves. Frontman Brendan B. Brown was funny, charming and gave a great frontman performance. The band backed him ably with kudos to bassist Matt Milligan who despite being the youngest member of the band is an utter professional. The crowd called for the songs they wanted to hear and the band complied (although we never did get that cover of Wonderwall) what we did get was their cover of My Name Is Jonas which was a way of paying back Weezer for their cover of ...Dirtbag at the summer festivals. As the penultimate song rolled by the band realised they only had 12 minutes to finish the set, and you could feel that neither the audience nor the band wanted to, but finish they had to and did so in spectacular style playing Teenage Dirtbag to a rapturous reception. Was I two minds? Yes. Am I glad I went? Yes. Would I go again? Well, yes I think I would. 8/10
I arrived too late to see City Stereo but from what I heard they were generic pop-punk and really not my thing but no score because you can't judge a band on two songs.
So onto the next support:
Math The Band
These are a two piece electronic band with garage influences (Think a sped up White Stripes that play Nintendo a little too much) Guitarist and singer Kevin Steinhauser shouted and slashed at his guitar for all he was worth but star of the show was electronic and drum player Justine Mainville, who's terrifyingly bug-eyed performance was both professional and at times a little scary. Any band that opens with an Andrew W.K song is pitching its tent and for Math The Band the tent stayed up for the entire set. Every song was a schizophrenic whirlwind of noise with added blips and bleeps to spice things up. A great band to get the crowd warmed up and one I would see again given the chance. 8/10
MC Frontalot
When the next act is named MC Frontalot I started to itch slightly. Was I going to be subjected to some god awful Hip-Hop? No I wasn't because MC Frontalot is a New York based self-proclaimed 'Nerdcore' rapper, he is a nerdy bald white man who raps about final video game bosses, Goth chicks and movie spoilers, and that is right up my street. He was very good at what he did but from a technical perspective the sound on his voice could have been clearer (considering this was the 'lead instrument'). Other than that a very enjoyable show. 8/10
Wheatus
One of the bands of my teenage years, Wheatus were huge when I was first watching MTV (when they still showed music). Everyone knows 'that song' but they have managed to survive for 10 years, and are still making albums in a D.I.Y fashion. Starting with Leroy the band kicked off a crowd friendly set. The band were in a jovial mood throughout and looked as if they were really enjoying themselves. Frontman Brendan B. Brown was funny, charming and gave a great frontman performance. The band backed him ably with kudos to bassist Matt Milligan who despite being the youngest member of the band is an utter professional. The crowd called for the songs they wanted to hear and the band complied (although we never did get that cover of Wonderwall) what we did get was their cover of My Name Is Jonas which was a way of paying back Weezer for their cover of ...Dirtbag at the summer festivals. As the penultimate song rolled by the band realised they only had 12 minutes to finish the set, and you could feel that neither the audience nor the band wanted to, but finish they had to and did so in spectacular style playing Teenage Dirtbag to a rapturous reception. Was I two minds? Yes. Am I glad I went? Yes. Would I go again? Well, yes I think I would. 8/10
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Reviews: Dream The Electric Sleep, Amon Amarth, Nero
Dream The Electric Sleep: Lost And Gone Forever (Self Release)
DTES are prog rock power trio that come from Kentucky. This is their first release is a concept album that is based on a young couple in a mining town. So far so ordinary I hear you cry, well not so because DTES draw from a plethora of influences and are equal parts Floyd, Muse, U2 and in some places Radiohead. The songs span long run times and are a kaleidoscope of textures drawing light and shade in every song. Second song Coal Dust And Shadows moves from a U2 riff into a soaring Pink Floyd solo, the songs continue in this vein throughout the album with everyone being different. Where DTES also break the mould is that they are giving the album away 100% free. That's 14 tracks on an album that clocks in at over an hour of constantly great music, surely that is a deal that any classic, prog or any rock fan can't turn down. Stunning 9/10
Link for the album: http://www.noisetrade.com/dtes
Amon Amarth: Surtur Rising (Metal Blade)
I realise that this album was released in March but I have only just bought it so here's my review. Continuing their theme of Viking trad metal Amon Amarth return with their newest album Surtur Rising is again lyrically based on Norse mythology. Johan Hegg again leads the proceedings with his guttural roars and shouts, the rest of the band play very well the guitars are tight and the soloing is melodic. The real star though is drummer Fredrik Andersson whose blast beating is stunning throughout the album. In terms of style they don't move away from the style of their previous albums which is death metal with power metal influences. Opening track War Of The Gods sets the tone perfectly with speedy riffing and great soloing. The Last Stand Of Frej is a doom laden slow burning monster that's full of atmosphere, a fantastic track that is out of the norm (and also gives Andersson a break from the blast beats). Surtur Rising is a good album that doesn't do anything different but it's done very well. 7/10
Nero: Welcome Reality (MTA)
I realise that this is primarily a rock and metal blog but the emergence of Dub step has been linked with such metal friendly acts as The Prodigy and Pendulum. Nero are signed to Chase and Status' record label. This debut album features the already released singles Me & You, Innocence, Guilty and Promises. So it is up to the rest of the tracks to hold people's attention, they do this admirably, opener Doomsday and closer Departure bookend the album brilliantly as they are very orchestral pieces filled with the pulsing bass lines dub step is known for. The main vocals on the album come from Alana Watson whose voice is perfectly suited to the heavy and melodic music. The album shares many similarities with rock and metal and even feature synth created guitar effects. Three of the tracks are remixes of songs by The Jets, Hall & Oats and Carmen. The tracks are all linked together giving the album an almost concept feel throughout. For fans of dub step and electronica this is great, but fans of rock and metal are also going to enjoy this as well (I promise). 8/10
DTES are prog rock power trio that come from Kentucky. This is their first release is a concept album that is based on a young couple in a mining town. So far so ordinary I hear you cry, well not so because DTES draw from a plethora of influences and are equal parts Floyd, Muse, U2 and in some places Radiohead. The songs span long run times and are a kaleidoscope of textures drawing light and shade in every song. Second song Coal Dust And Shadows moves from a U2 riff into a soaring Pink Floyd solo, the songs continue in this vein throughout the album with everyone being different. Where DTES also break the mould is that they are giving the album away 100% free. That's 14 tracks on an album that clocks in at over an hour of constantly great music, surely that is a deal that any classic, prog or any rock fan can't turn down. Stunning 9/10
Link for the album: http://www.noisetrade.com/dtes
Amon Amarth: Surtur Rising (Metal Blade)
I realise that this album was released in March but I have only just bought it so here's my review. Continuing their theme of Viking trad metal Amon Amarth return with their newest album Surtur Rising is again lyrically based on Norse mythology. Johan Hegg again leads the proceedings with his guttural roars and shouts, the rest of the band play very well the guitars are tight and the soloing is melodic. The real star though is drummer Fredrik Andersson whose blast beating is stunning throughout the album. In terms of style they don't move away from the style of their previous albums which is death metal with power metal influences. Opening track War Of The Gods sets the tone perfectly with speedy riffing and great soloing. The Last Stand Of Frej is a doom laden slow burning monster that's full of atmosphere, a fantastic track that is out of the norm (and also gives Andersson a break from the blast beats). Surtur Rising is a good album that doesn't do anything different but it's done very well. 7/10
Nero: Welcome Reality (MTA)
I realise that this is primarily a rock and metal blog but the emergence of Dub step has been linked with such metal friendly acts as The Prodigy and Pendulum. Nero are signed to Chase and Status' record label. This debut album features the already released singles Me & You, Innocence, Guilty and Promises. So it is up to the rest of the tracks to hold people's attention, they do this admirably, opener Doomsday and closer Departure bookend the album brilliantly as they are very orchestral pieces filled with the pulsing bass lines dub step is known for. The main vocals on the album come from Alana Watson whose voice is perfectly suited to the heavy and melodic music. The album shares many similarities with rock and metal and even feature synth created guitar effects. Three of the tracks are remixes of songs by The Jets, Hall & Oats and Carmen. The tracks are all linked together giving the album an almost concept feel throughout. For fans of dub step and electronica this is great, but fans of rock and metal are also going to enjoy this as well (I promise). 8/10
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Reviews: Dream Theater, Stuka Squadron, Rise To Remain & Neonfly
Dream Theater: A Dramatic Turn Of Events (Roadrunner)
The mighty Dream Theater arrive with their latest album and their third since moving to Roadrunner. My personal opinion of those albums is the same as that of many bands that move to Roadrunner, they seem to want a specific Roadrunner sound. On Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds & Silver Linings Dream Theater were trying to reach for an aggression and heaviness they were not used to. On this album that is not the case, there is still the orchestral and epic arrangements that have featured on their later albums but this album is definitely focussed on DT's past. What this change has to do with the exit of Mike Portnoy is anyone's guess but Mike Mangini fills the stool admirably, the rest of the band are as usual completely flawless, (and no matter what anyone says James LaBrie has one of the best voices in music). Starting with the first single which is definitely drawn straight from the Pull Me Under era. Second track Build Me Up, Break Me Down has a techno styled backbeat, which is also present on the epic and eastern influenced Outcry. These small new instrumental flourishes add a new dimension to the DT sound. The relatively short track This Is The Life is a tender ballad that breaks up the album and makes way for the two 11 minute plus songs that follow it. A Dramatic Turn Of Events is a new chapter for the legendary US Prog-metal band, but it is one that looks back over former glories. Simply great stuff 8/10
Stuka Squadron: Tales Of The Ost (Iron Crown Records)
What would happen if Iron Maiden only sang about the occult and Nazi's. The answer is simple, they would be Stuka Squadron. All the band have joke names with Von, Herr and Vampire references featuring prominently and the band itself being named after a WWII German fighter plane. You would expect them to be from Germany but this is a band of plucky Brits that have their tongues wedged in their cheeks. They do however take their music seriously using NWOBHM as inspiration and adding some doomy elements that make them sound more akin to a latter day Grand Magus. Opening with the album's title track that's sounds very similar to 2 Minutes To Midnight, they immediately show their statement of intent. All the tracks are well written and also well played, with frontman Duke Fang Begley's being a highlight. The tracks are split by small spoken word interludes that set the atmosphere of a WWII horror film, the songs themselves are fairly long all clocking in over 5 minutes, whether you think this is good or bad is up to personal taste. All in all this is a well-conceived and well executed retro styled metal album. Truly a blood sucking treat. 8/10
Rise To Remain: City Of Vultures (EMI)
Rise To Remain could have had an easy ride since starting their career in 2008. Frontman Austin is Bruce Dickinson's (Iron Maiden) son. They could have traded on his name and ridden the coat tails of his father's success. They haven't done this, despite a few opening shows with Maiden. What they have done is trade on the success of some other bands. Rise To Remain are at their heart a Metalcore band, they have the screamed and clean vocals and the melodic choruses built on heavy riffing. Austin's vocals are great, he can scream, growl, roar but also crucially, sing cleanly. His clean vocals have more than a touch of Matt Tuck from BFMV to them. The band back his voice admirably, their riffing is concise and technically brilliant and the soloing is strong and reminiscent of Maiden it also moves them away from the rest of the Metalcore pack. A great album to pick up if this type of music is your bag, but be weary if not because despite the flawless execution, they are not doing anything new. 7/10
Neonfly: Outshine the Sun (Rising Records)
Neonfly are Power Metal band from the UK that play upbeat melodic metal. They have a metallic base but build on it with stadium size choruses in the style of Helloween and other European contemporaries. The vocals of Willy Norton are very expansive and band founder Fredrick Thunder's guitar harmonizing with second guitarist Patrick Harrington is fantastic. The band have already toured with Pagan's Mind and fellow Brits Power Quest meaning that they have great live experience, this shows on their album which is very professional. The album is made up of speedy, powerful tracks full of great soloing and subtle keyboards. The only thing I would say is that the production is a bit flat which is barely noticeable (and only really affects the drum sound) over the quality of the songwriting. A very enjoyable debut from a home-grown band. 8/10
The mighty Dream Theater arrive with their latest album and their third since moving to Roadrunner. My personal opinion of those albums is the same as that of many bands that move to Roadrunner, they seem to want a specific Roadrunner sound. On Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds & Silver Linings Dream Theater were trying to reach for an aggression and heaviness they were not used to. On this album that is not the case, there is still the orchestral and epic arrangements that have featured on their later albums but this album is definitely focussed on DT's past. What this change has to do with the exit of Mike Portnoy is anyone's guess but Mike Mangini fills the stool admirably, the rest of the band are as usual completely flawless, (and no matter what anyone says James LaBrie has one of the best voices in music). Starting with the first single which is definitely drawn straight from the Pull Me Under era. Second track Build Me Up, Break Me Down has a techno styled backbeat, which is also present on the epic and eastern influenced Outcry. These small new instrumental flourishes add a new dimension to the DT sound. The relatively short track This Is The Life is a tender ballad that breaks up the album and makes way for the two 11 minute plus songs that follow it. A Dramatic Turn Of Events is a new chapter for the legendary US Prog-metal band, but it is one that looks back over former glories. Simply great stuff 8/10
Stuka Squadron: Tales Of The Ost (Iron Crown Records)
What would happen if Iron Maiden only sang about the occult and Nazi's. The answer is simple, they would be Stuka Squadron. All the band have joke names with Von, Herr and Vampire references featuring prominently and the band itself being named after a WWII German fighter plane. You would expect them to be from Germany but this is a band of plucky Brits that have their tongues wedged in their cheeks. They do however take their music seriously using NWOBHM as inspiration and adding some doomy elements that make them sound more akin to a latter day Grand Magus. Opening with the album's title track that's sounds very similar to 2 Minutes To Midnight, they immediately show their statement of intent. All the tracks are well written and also well played, with frontman Duke Fang Begley's being a highlight. The tracks are split by small spoken word interludes that set the atmosphere of a WWII horror film, the songs themselves are fairly long all clocking in over 5 minutes, whether you think this is good or bad is up to personal taste. All in all this is a well-conceived and well executed retro styled metal album. Truly a blood sucking treat. 8/10
Rise To Remain: City Of Vultures (EMI)
Rise To Remain could have had an easy ride since starting their career in 2008. Frontman Austin is Bruce Dickinson's (Iron Maiden) son. They could have traded on his name and ridden the coat tails of his father's success. They haven't done this, despite a few opening shows with Maiden. What they have done is trade on the success of some other bands. Rise To Remain are at their heart a Metalcore band, they have the screamed and clean vocals and the melodic choruses built on heavy riffing. Austin's vocals are great, he can scream, growl, roar but also crucially, sing cleanly. His clean vocals have more than a touch of Matt Tuck from BFMV to them. The band back his voice admirably, their riffing is concise and technically brilliant and the soloing is strong and reminiscent of Maiden it also moves them away from the rest of the Metalcore pack. A great album to pick up if this type of music is your bag, but be weary if not because despite the flawless execution, they are not doing anything new. 7/10
Neonfly: Outshine the Sun (Rising Records)
Neonfly are Power Metal band from the UK that play upbeat melodic metal. They have a metallic base but build on it with stadium size choruses in the style of Helloween and other European contemporaries. The vocals of Willy Norton are very expansive and band founder Fredrick Thunder's guitar harmonizing with second guitarist Patrick Harrington is fantastic. The band have already toured with Pagan's Mind and fellow Brits Power Quest meaning that they have great live experience, this shows on their album which is very professional. The album is made up of speedy, powerful tracks full of great soloing and subtle keyboards. The only thing I would say is that the production is a bit flat which is barely noticeable (and only really affects the drum sound) over the quality of the songwriting. A very enjoyable debut from a home-grown band. 8/10
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