Warmth in the Wilderness - A Tribute to Jason BeckerBiohazard - Uncivilization The Black Crowes - Lions Black Label Society - Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live + 5 BONFIRE - Strike 10 (BMG) BOY HITS CAR - S/T BOY SETS FIRE - AFTER THE EULOGY Robin Brock - Hidden Power Terry Brock - Back to Eden Jack Bruce - Shadows in the Air Stan Bush - Language of the Heart
B
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Brain Surgeons NYC
– Denial Of Death
(Cellsum Records – 2006) The 2nd album from this cool rockin’ band who feature the likes of Ross The Boss from Manowar and female vocalist/guitarist Deborah Frost that blasts of immediately into chuggin’ orbit with ‘Rocket Science’. There’s some damn good tunes on here with wacky titles that I
dread to think where the ideas came from that include ‘Constantine’s
Sword’; ‘Jimmy Boots Fetish’; ‘Tomb of the Unknown
Monster’ and ‘Change the world Henry’. Well worth checking out! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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Broken
Melody - Face The World - (CD) & If You Want To Fly
- (EP) Broken Melody are an Italian melodic rock band with a little power metal punch, more often than not you either get power metal or melodic rock, but Broken Melody have combined both these styles to produce a different style of rock. ‘If You Want To Fly’ EP is a four-track sample demonstrating what the band is about, an acoustic version of the title song also throws a different spin in to their talents. ‘Face The World’ is a nine track CD that opens up the true capabilities of the band, with the guitar riffs, power cords and melodic interludes. With these guys being from Europe you know what to expect, although the CD was pleasant to listen too, I feel there is something missing, which reduces the continual playing and the admiration that it may deserve. 7/10 By Tony Watson |
November |
| Randall
Bramblett - Now it’s Tomorrow What a refreshing change, don’t let the name or the cover of the CD put you off. If the softer rock is more your choice and the likes of Cold Play, Travis, U2 or even REM are the dominant bands in your CD collection then I would recommend this one to be placed there with them. From the start of ‘Sun Runs’ to ‘Lets Go’, through ‘Some Mean God’ to the last track ‘Where a Life Goes’ fills the air with such calm it will relax even the hardest of men with an ambient trance of love and joy. It’s not often you can turn round to people and say I have got a wonderful relaxing CD for those evenings next to an open fire with a nice glass of Chianti, nibbles and an evening chat amongst the nearest and dearest. P.S. my wife has never stopped playing it and she is giving it 10/10 8/10 from me, Enjoy! By Tony Watson |
August |
| Sebastian
Bach - Angel Down A brilliant brand new album
from Canada's finest Rock Voice, Sebastian Bach who proves he certainly
don't need the name of his former band anymore to score any points.
9/10 |
| Blue
Floyd - Begins Well you'd be forgiven
for thinking that they'd stolen half of a name from a legendary UK
Rock band, but these guys are a kind of live project from the Southern
States of the USA (well that's the impression I get) who play us an
array of Pink Floyd classics in a bluesy style - hence the name of
the band.
10/10 |
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SRDJAN BRANKOVIC -
Expedition Delta
(SPV - 2008) Aside from Shadow Gallery six-stringer Gary Wehrkamp and three lads from Labyrinth, this seemingly unknown but not untalented gent leads a whole army of the like here on what is a fair departure for the guys at SPV. Putting on a presumably prog-power metal oriented effort to be greeted instead by some highly sweet AOR noise, I would only hold back from calling the material herein predictable on the grounds that I like wasn’t predicting it. Nevertheless, any Survivor or Pride of Lions fans I recommend this one to won’t be one bit disappointed. In fact, find the gorgeous female lead vocals something of a bonus though the male voice standards here aren’t exactly lacking at that. ‘Fading images’, ‘Self Abstract’, ‘Into The Halls Of Eternity’, ‘Move on’ and’ Reach For the Light’ are reasons that this being a studio project only is all them ore of a pity as these are some very fine melodic rock tunes and have had me humming before the end of one spin. Hopefully, while I can’t guarantee an astronomical wad of attention within Britain’s shores, this’ll sell enough in Europe and elsewhere to possibly finance a bit of live work, for these numbers will sound immense onstage. Fabulous. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMMENDED IF YOU LIKE |
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By Blood Alone - Seas
of Blood
(Jericho Hill Records - 2008) Seas of blood, more like seas of vomit. I have never heard so much sh*t in my whole life. I don’t even know why I’m wasting my time reviewing such trash. The few second intro of ‘Serpentarius’ leads you into a sense of enlightenment, then all of a sudden the female vocals came rolling in as flat as road kill. This then put strain on the whole track, which withered away to a droning blur that was as exciting as watching paint dry. In fact I’m not going to waist any more of my precious time listening to such drivel……. it’s that boring that I fell to sleep then for a few second’s, sorry about that. Don’t waist your time with this one. I was going to give it a big fat 0 but at least they turned up at the studio to record it. 1/10 By Tony Watson |
July |
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Breakdust - Mutilated
Earth
(666 Productions - 2008) This is a real problem. You see, for a band that play a formidably aggressive form of music, there needs to be a real spark there. A sense of urgency, danger, passion. A sense that at any second someone could fall apart and take the whole show with them. This is an essence that French metallers Breakdust Don't have. Kicking off with the acoustic lead title-track, a resounding combination of awesome riffage, pneumatic drumming and the best Max Cavalera impression this side of "Roots, Bloody Roots", before kicking into the mid-paced manglings of "Cruel Destiny" and the thrashtastic allure of "Eye Of Cyclone", it quickly becomes evident that Breakdust have created a top-notch metal album. Musically. But unfortunately, the band lack any form of real soul; leaving a real void and casting huge doubt over their sincerity. Fact is, while this musically tight, by the book modern metal; harking to a sound between Pantera and pretty much anything featuring Max Cavalera, the lack of genuine meaning behind the songs leaves a resolutely empty feeling deep within. To top this off, the bands youth quickly shines through on "Whom To Believe", as a deep sense of tension resides throughout. Not a feeling of musical depth, but more a feeling that the band are nervous and unsure where to place themselves. That said, they do save themselves with instrumental track "Bitter Prayer", packing some of the albums most vividly violent and enthralling moments into 5 minutes of tightly wound hardcore-buggery, leaving the impression that this is the kind of thing the band were going for the whole time; but never quite managed. With some practice and some real soul-searching, Breakdust could be brilliant. They've got the chops, the skills and the craftsmanship; all they need now is to get to the heart of what it means to be in a band, and with any luck, album number two will pack far more of a punch than there debut. 6/10 By Tom Brumpton |
May |
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Broken Teeth –
Electric
(S/R - 2007) Long before there was Airborne, there were these guys who have their roots firmly in the AC/DC trenches – not that it’s a bad thing of course. Jason McMaster and the boys give us what we ordered – pure unadulterated hard rock starting off with ‘Roll Over and ending up with ‘El Diabolo. It’s decent ‘n’ fast Young-brothers like 4/4 meat and potato material with hightlights that include ‘Hell For Sale’; ‘She’s Gonna Blow’; ‘Stick It In’ ‘Hangin’ by the skin’ & ‘Undertaker’ (my fave number on the album). I can dig this – party on with no pretension brothers and sisters. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
February
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| BULLET
FOR MY VALENTINE - Scream Aim Fire An outfit of the rare breed prepared to name an album after their vocal style, Bullet For My Valentine are a much more integrally formed produce than even I was first led to assume. As I noted during my first encounter with them, that being their GNR support slot in 06 which in turn led me to give their debut disc a rizz - a not unto-mentioned eighties edge to their product did indeed transcend, and with this new’un, this is even more evident just one tune’s duration inward. The opening title number itself leads me to believe that frontman/guitarist Matt Tuck has been taking a few stints of axe tuition from Kai Hansen of German metal goliaths Gamma Ray - that intro riff the chief incriminator. Fond as I am of all things European and loud, which being British this lot are of course, ‘Eye Of The Storm’ offers more of the same trad metal aggression coupled with their contemporary take on the seemingly again popular genre before mellowing affairs a bit for ‘Hearts Burst Into Fire’. Yes, these lads do soft stuff as well and we hear a bit more of it through the remainder of the platter though for every tactful interval, we sustain about five times as many skull-unfriendly shred attacks from messrs Tuck and Padge, and the result is one delightful ratio, ‘Waking The Demon’, ‘Disappear’, ‘Deliver Us From Evil’,’ Say Goodnight’ and ‘Last To Know’ being several potential favourites themselves. Inevitably destined to shift about four-five times the million or so units they have done to date with ‘The Poison’, B.F.M.V’s road is still a rapidly upward route but a long way from encountering the hole they like every band, hope to avoid falling down. While most of the other punters, mostly of the ageing purist-ey variety, headed for the bar that night at Sheffield Arena, I stood my ground, and gave them the chance. Shame on all those who didn’t, as you’ve turned away from a treat here. 8.5/10
By Dave Attrill |
January
2008 |
| BASS INVADERS - Hellbassbeaters (Frontiers Records - 2007) An act that features Markus Grosskopf, Tom Angelripper, Schmier, & Peavy Wagner. When I learned some time earlier in 2007 of Helloween legend Markus Grosskopf’s current spare-time escapade, one reacted in the natural way i.e. “What the f$#%?” Only a man of his talent could take this brave liberty, with only ELP being the other guitar-less rock/metal act of any significance to date. I had only one word – well two - to say on listening to this first effort, - NOT BAD. Raking in other famous names of the four-string trade, with Billy Sheehan, DD Verni and Rudy Sarzo being just three, MG has concocted a fresh and diverse collection of metal tunes from styles right across the board (well with members of Whitesnake and Mr Big involved it had to be expected) and most of them impress. You get the effective equivalent of lead bass and rhythm bass as supposed to their absent six-string counterparts, with solos included and after a while spent listening to catchy cuts like ‘Armageddon’, ‘Godless Gods’, ‘Empty Memories’ and ‘Razorblade Romance’, the instrumental abnormality of this album seems less of hindrance or note. While Mr G has obviously got the commitments with Weikath and co on his shoulders at present with latest album ‘Gambling With The Devil’ to promote globally, hopefully a dip in activities for Germany’s finest will result in a second serving of power metal’s best experimental venture in years. Do not let Kerrang’s 2-K review deter you from judging for yourself, there is decent material available under this sleeve even if the sound may take a little getting used to.
By Dave Attrill |
BEGGARS
BALL – 1321 Noisy US quartet Beggars Ball’s collective moniker is quite fast to light up the little red bulb above the plate that reads ‘glammy sleaze/cock rock act’ but a little way in and I detect a false alarm. Their quite stoner metal –tinted sound owes a fair few tads to all things LA/Sunset strip associated but is barged aside by a grindy guitar edge landing potentially much too far of the guide line for the comfort hair-rock purists. No bad thing fro fans of the uncategorisable, it is not though ‘til the second (vocal) cut that the intended hooks establish some presence and the live potential follows for most of the other three. It’s only a disappointing fact that on a couple of tracks, the vocal melody of the chorus doesn’t move about enough to distinguish itself from the verse, but the worse crime committed is the other five numbers turning out to be mere rehashes of what’s just gone over the preceding twenty minutes. As a well known British saying goes ....cheeky beggars! 7/10
By Dave Attrill |
Pre-2008 |
| Frankie
Banali & Friends - 24/7/365 The Tribute To Led Zeppelin One of those classic ‘get a load of rock names together and produce an outstanding tribute album to one of the UK’s best loved and hugely successful groups – that one that features Bonham, Jones, Plant and Page – yes, I mean those rock icons who were originally called ‘The New Yardbirds’ who need no introduction. Some albums of this nature fall flat – but not this one since you have knockout performances from guys like Mark Boals & Bruce Kulick (The Ocean); Jeff Scott Soto & Gilby Clarke (Royal Orleans); Don Dokken, Michael Lardie & Steve Fister (Kashmir) and 8 other killer tracks that see peeps as high calibre as Glenn Hughes, Bobby Kimball Reb Beach & Doug Aldrich get involved in. Each track features Frankie Banali on Drums (with John Bonham’s Snare kindly loaned for the album) and Tony Franklin on his customised fretless bass. It beautifully ties in with the Led Zep reformation and the Mothership album as well being released. There’s been a few Led Zep tributes CDs around, but even so, this one is well worth having. Wot No ‘Stairway To Heaven’ – only kidding! 9/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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Blue Cheer –
What Don’t Kill You…
(Evangeline – 2007) Old Bluesy Rockers with a brand new studio album – 1st one in yonks as well. It’s loud ‘n’ bluesy all the way through but after a while becomes a samey – only so much you can do with blues I guess – it’s done well though I’ll give iit that. Highlights include the Humble Pie like opener ‘Rollin’ Dem Bones’; ‘Piece O’ The Pie’ with its high pitch wailing then raw as f*ck throaty shouty vocals; ‘Gypsy Rider’; ‘Malajusted Child’ with a riff runnin’ through that reminds me of The Beatles ‘Come Together’ and another heavy Marriott like ‘Just a little Bit (Redux)’ No new ground broke but this is classic bar-room old school blues-rock. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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BREED 77 - Look
at Me Now
(Albert Productions – 2007) We may have to, actually. The Gibraltar boys have given their melodic metal sound a bit of a further makeover. In fact they’ve almost gone totally into AOR mode with ‘L.A..M.N,’ and more or less ‘Zombie’ as well and the funny thing is, it works from the off, the Ep’s title track a beautiful and highly catchy snip of contemporary hard rock that may achieve the unlikely in bring supporters of rock’s two most opposed genres together here. The two Spanish lingo remixes tread comparatively heavier waters but are still worth leaving the play button down for. Almost doubtlessly the best tune I’ve heard from the 77, I hope this musical direction is maintained for some age to come. 9/10 By
Dave Attrill |
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BLIND ALLEY - Destination
Destiny
(Perris Records - 2007) Swede quintet Blind Alley’s name has fluttered about within the confines of Metalliville associates minds before though sadly it did not go as far as a copy of their debut album four years back. Catching up with them as their second disc sees day light, there must be something I missed with that last one as ‘Destination’ is as Swedish as 2,000 Volvos parked in a street, from the moment it kicks into motion. If you enjoy the various acts that have come up on the Z, MTM and Frontiers rosters over the last seven or eight years, - as I did -this shouldn’t let the side down. Blessed with a respectable knack for producing hooks, Blind Alley are, along with Perris label mates Keldian, proof again of Scandinavia’s continuous capability to produce the great bands this scene needs. Elements off particular north American AOR faves also show up but I’ll leave you to spin this beaut for yourself and find out. I hope I can find a copy of that first record before too long if it’s anything like this one. 8/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE Damned Nation, Eclipse, Honeymoon Suite, Prisoner, Alfonzetti,
Talisman |
| Buckcherry
– Next 2 You (Single)
(Atlantic/Eleven Seven Music) Nice catchy pacing track from the band that every girl wants their cherry poppin’ to – hopefully it will be as successful as ‘Crazybitch’ was – maybe the video may get seen more - lol. Anyways – this buckin’ rocks man & you gotta get ‘Next 2 You’. 9/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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Burn – Global
Warning
(Formula One Records – 2007) British Hard Melodic Rock band that I am surprised that I have not before and don’t come too far from me, hailing from Loughborough, Leicestershire. They got together in 1993 originally and with a slight change in line-up are back again in 2006. This is fresh stuff and thank god they are back – probably one of the best bands I have ever heard from this area – and fill the hole somewhat since Deadline & Contagious broke up a year or two ago. Every song is a killer without a filler in sight – no wonder they got the chance to tour with the likes of Thunder & Steve Gibbons in the past. Standouts include the opening powerful ‘Shadow of the Satellites’ the likewise ‘Made that Way’; the power ballad ‘Pray for Rain’ (with it’s Strawberry Fields Forever String section) & ‘I Don’t Mind’. Be great to see these guys soon in concert. They deserve to do really well. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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BODY COUNT - Murder
For Hire
(Escapi – 2006) When your band is fronted by such a monumental - and controversial - character as Ice T, it is little wonder that even after a gap of almost a decade, your re-appearance is bound to turn heads. As a continuous wave of change in the musical waters sadly sinks too many others, Body Count rely faultlessly on their frontman for their continued recognition within the metal scene. Their recent live album featuring a set that included almost the entire of their 1992 debut, found room for a number or two from this long delayed fourth studio offering as well and today sees a much tougher though rooty B.C. than before. Not as fast or punky as the first album was in quite a few places, ‘Murder 4 Hire’ really throws the two intervening long-players, ‘Born Dead’ and ‘Violent Demise’ together and allows fro more of the typical street-rap rhythms you’d expect from Ice as a solo artist, albeit with a pair of crunching electric guitars and a pounding rhythm section. Taking a trek down tangent street for a few seconds, some might still not be aware yet that only Ernie C also survives - sadly literally - from the first line-up fourteen years ago, but the works of late colleagues Beatmaster V, D Roc and Mooseman live on in the three sprightly young gentlemen who stand in their place today having clearly listened long before they came. A solid and ruthless
affair with a bluesier edge on one or two songs, having been on ice
(tee, hee, ,hee, Dave) for so long has only strengthened their musical
muscles six-fold. Body Count - a band you refer to as has-beens at your
own risk entirely. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
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BEAUTIFUL MISTAKE/Ettison
Clio - S/T (Split EP)
(Reignition Records – 2006) The ultimate band for many a reviewer, including moi, has almost certainly got to be split releases. Especially when one band are great and the other….well, ok. Beautiful Mistake, the band answering the latter description, are first to pass and their heard-it-all-before-sville alt metal sees them do little more than this, really. A mistake indeed that we sit through three cuts by them but only two from girl-fronted hard rock discoveries Ettison Clio who sound scarily reminiscent, on ‘On The Inside’, of hair rock legends Danger Danger - which merits them a mark or two alone. More of them and less of the other next time, please, Re-ignition Records. E.C have potential I wish to witness to further extent. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
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BREED 77 - Blind
(Albert Productions - 2006) Present day metal kings Breed 77 are high enough in profile to not need to have to cover Korn numbers to boost their profile so it’s relaxing to know that this single is one of their own writing. A catchy and pretty subdued cut that enables anyone new to their melodic metalcore a good taste of what they’re all about, I hope that their latest album from which this is clipped, levels up. Impressive stuff. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
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Tommy Bolin –
Whips and Roses II
(SPV – 2006) It’s sad to think that heroin killed off such a varied guitar guru as this album proves how good he was – one can only imagine what he’d be up to if only he was with us now as the guy who replaced Ritchie Blackmore definitely had more tricks up his sleeve that we’ll never now know about. Since I haven’t heard any of his official solo albums that he released or ‘Whips and Roses I’ I can’t make comparisons but was very intrigued what was on this album and believe me, it’s an aspiring mix that goes from southern rock-like stuff – (think Joe Walsh hanging in the swampland) in the opener called ‘The Grind’; the black funkin’ of ‘Crazed Fandango’ the stand-out rockin ‘Sooner Or Later’; the freaked out sinister Brighton Rock meets acidic Pink Floyd experiment that is ‘Spacey Noodles’ the epic echoing ‘Lotus’ from a vocal point of view that has a ‘Sweet Home Alamba’ thang goin’ down in the verse that flows into ‘Journey 2’. If you like the blues then you’ll love the last 3 numbers that starts off with Bolins Boogie – man, this guy could play !! Rock In Peace Mate !! 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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BEAUTIFUL SIN - The
Unexpected
(AFM Records – 2006) Female-fronted metal bands - they may not be exactly ten to the penny but they are visible, and more importantly, audible to most. Germany can already boast one such success to its laurels in eighties faves Warlock but two decades along the line, it’s time for a ‘second coming’. Step forward Beautiful Sin, the latest vehicle driven by ex Helloween barrel-basher Uli Kusch who teams up for this unexpectedly stunning offering with Belgian discovery Magali Luyten. Venturing pastures quite commendably new, Kusch may have fans of the German metal legends frowning at their style departure, still melodic metal but taking a somewhat latterday Dream Theater direction - don’t enough bands try this one now already? This being said, purists will probably still be distracted at the door by Luyten’s rich, highly penetrating voice which fit well above amply with the guitar grooves of Uli’s Norwegian pal Jorn Viggo Lofstad who he plays together with in his other current band Masterplan. Choosing the de rigeur ditties here is hard with a big ‘H’ – Luyten’s injections of soul saturated vocal lust are contagious through all eleven tunes with a hook at every stop. Not a bad, or hardly even average moment with its confines, ‘The Unexpected’ is one hundred percent as it be titled and as much recommended, Helloween fan or not. Probably European metal’s mightiest work of this annum, at only 46 minutes, it is way too short but at least that gives me time for a few extra spins. You will definitely be sinning not to own it. 10/10 By Dave Attrill |
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Beggars Ball –
Fight This Town
(S/R – 2006) Raspin’ raunchy loud metal & rock n roll that’s like a mash of Zodiac Mindwarp, The Almighty, Circus of Power who feed the southern blues into their Hollywood, California roots. They got it, they just f*ck*n’ got it – sticking the sound to ya where it hurts most – guys you know what I’m talking about – can see ‘em makin’ a few female friends too. Ten tracks without a filler in sight. Simply so much good stuff on here – prepare to be grooved to death with cuts like the explicit groupie influenced ‘Starbanger’; the splendid redneck-like gritz of ‘American Vocal’; the cracking moderately paced ‘Famous & Filthy’ or the Rob Zombie meets Monster Magnet rifferaging of ‘Low Life Blues’. These guys have the right attitude to stir up the sh*t and re-write the brains of those corporate dickhead major label people who don’t know a decent act from a crock of ten a penny horsecrap that pollutes a lot of the music scene today. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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Big Cock –
S/T
(Driver Wild Music – 2006) Yes that really is their name and what do they play – cock rock funnily enough and very good at it too. Coming from Scottsdale, Arizona I can see this band being big, scuse the pun, judging by the way they masterfully perform these sexy songs on this here insertion to the CD player. You’ll stop on for the full ride from ‘Second Coming’ right through to the fourteen track ‘Let’s make love’ – this I guarantee ya is a cock rocker’s wet dream – I wouldn’t mind meeting the influences from songs like ‘Get me up’; ‘Dirty Girl’; ‘Ride on Me’ and ‘Rock hard’ to name but a few – wonder if every one of them is a ‘Scottsdale Girl’. They even have time to cover the old Tom Jones song ‘She’s a lady’ and it f*cks all over the original as well. Why ain’t every album a pleasure to listen to like this one is. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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Lewis Black –
The Carnegie Hall Performance
(Comedy Central Records – 2005) Not having much knowledge at all about American Comedians, I assumed that Lewis Black was a frontman of some sort – well he is but aint got a band or sings either – he’s a top class dude from New York. I like his style – straight talker, tells it how it is, no b*llsh*t kinda guy – likes to swear a lot as well but that simply adds to it and is not a substitute for sub-standard material one bit or he would be here on 24th September, 2005. He’s got some explosively interesting banter too – like talking about performing for Bush (the President of the USA); his rappart about Candy Corn that tastes like sh*t; how to top Carnegie Hall; sayin’ the word f*ck – if I got a dollar for every f*ck, then I’d get a good night out of it – well who wouldn’t – lol; the G spot; fun at customs with cases and tons more – hearin’ is belivin’ – he’s damn funny let me tell ya !! He has the audience in absolute stitches and rightly so and he will you as well. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
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Blind Guardian –
A Twist in the Myth
(Nuclear Blast – 2006) A nice bit of OTT Metal that you know we at Metalliville like to hear – big, bombastic wailings, thunderous drums and cranging guitars – as well as high ended vocals on many occasions. I have to say it’s the 1st time I’ve heard them – I knew the name but that was it – man, these guys are crackingly good – love how they mix celtic music with metal with ‘Turn the page’ being a good un to start from – no not the Bob Seger song. This theme is interspersed thoroughout the album – maybe they are always like this – any way this is a very splendid quest of metal to my ears. Those arrangements, riffs and solos are really something to lose breaths over – take ‘Another Stranger Me’ as an exquisite example. They even get all dancing out in the woods and madrigal and pipy on us with ‘Scalds and Shadows’ before bombasticating it all up again with the powerful orchestral like ‘The Edge’ before closing it with some more metal with ‘The New Order’. Class !!! 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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The Bonedrivers –
Roadhouse Manifesto
(BlueBlack Records – 2006) They rock you, they sooth your soul and take it south as well. Yes The Bonedrivers are back with their motorin’ but laid back blues licks all the way from the West Coast of the USA. There’s the opening Hendrixy ‘Who burned my building?’ with its melodic harmonies; the greatness of ‘Live to Ride’; the SRV like ‘Get it’ and the brilliance of ‘The Light of the Morning Sun’ with its wondrous bottlekneckin’ guitar work. It’s like steppin’ into a deep south bar as this is what you’d expect to witness – what a band. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Pre-May
2006 |
|
BRICKS FOR SHOULDERS
- You Are, Therefore I Am
‘Hailing From The Musical Mecca Of New York’ is supposed to mean it’s worth giving a listen. Thus from the home city of Kiss, Anthrax and various hardcore luminaries, these latest exports have to impress. The title of this mini-album’s opening number ‘You’ve Got To Be Kidding’ however, all but aligns with my opinions. Some bloke barking randomly along to a guitar line almost completely robbed of rhythm or direction is - once again - not the key to great music making, unless their idea of musical achievement is a fifth division version of Helmet. Only passable penultimate number ‘You Fill In The Blanks While I Load My .357’ with its Megadeth/Anthrax guitar tendencies rescues this release from being completely unlistenable. The Big Apple has prided itself on many mighty outfits over the past three or four decades, but this is one of its bruises. 3.5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
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Beautiful Creatures
– Deuce
(Perris Records – 2005) Now on the famous Glam related label from Texas, the BC’s have really suprised me with this release as some of it is more minor keyed and aggressive – more nu-metal inspired that sleaze. Not something I’d associate with Jo Leste. Highlights include the song ‘Unforgiven’ that has a great chorus with its Marilyn Manson feel; the crunchy Rob Zombie meets Black Label Society ‘Sympathy’ and the nu-metally ‘Empty’; the stonerfied ‘Ton of Lead’ and great ballads that are ‘I still miss you’; ‘Starr Cross’ and ‘I won’t be the one’. This is definitely one that’s well worth checking out. Catch ‘em live in the UK in April. 9/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
BIRDS
OF PARADISE/CHARGER - Split single Charger’s contribution to this double A-side, is subtitled ‘You Are already Dead’, which may work as a tactical description of their fortunes if they fail to produce anything more listenable than this twelve minute lump of totally directionless industrial dirge which I just manage to sit through in its entirety. Repeating the same riff for two thirds of the duration tests me as it is. The latter act are better but no more than acceptably so, same sort of vocals though very badly affected by the mixing, but to more a tuneful musical trek, adding in pin-prick pinches of pop and blues twang but still nothing to get too excited about overall. Still, they’ve got more than just one song - I hope - of their making so maybe next time.. 5.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
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Blackberry Smoke –
Bad Luck Aint No Crime
(Self-Released – 2003) So what do you think this band are – well funnily enough they are an exceptional redneck like rock band – kind of Black Crowes meets The Georgia Satellites. Sweet stuff from the South and played with passion – you can even tell that the songs are culled from real life happenings which include great numbers like ‘Nothin for you’; ‘Angeline’ and ‘Sure was good’ (which is very Ronnie Lane). These guys would vibe the crowd on any stage no matter where they played especially with the dittie ‘Scare the Devil’. You just can’t beat ‘Freeborn Man’ which is pure steamin’ bluesy gritty rock n roll with a bit of Dixie thrown in. F*ck*n’ Brilliant Band. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
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Black Label Society
– Kings of Damnation 98-04
(Eagle/Spitfire – 2005) The swansong best of now that Zakk has left the label. Right from ‘Sonic Brew’ to ‘Hangover Music Vol. 6there’s bits from all and it’s a good listen throughout. So get on your ‘Horse called War’ and ‘Bleed For Me’ because you know you’re ‘Stronger than Death’ and on the way stop at the ‘House of Doom’ before reaching ‘Doomsday’. Anyway, enough of my ramblings – relive the BLS sounds and don’t forget to check out the enhanced extra CD where you encounter a bundle of covers in good ole Wylde style such as Neil Young’s Heart of Gold’; Black Sabbath’s ‘The Wizard’and The Beatle’s ‘Come Together’. 9/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| BARCODE
- Showdown If you’re looking for anything particularly new from shouty hardcore quintet Barcode, this review might as well be left here, but if you’re into loveable ol’ school punk metal noise or both the above, read on. 16 nice an’ angry slabs of it stomp and spit their way by in the space of 35 minutes, giving the purist plenty of time for further full playbacks. One gathers that their two guitarists may very well have listened to some Metallica in the their time: a few very ‘And Justice For All’ moments are evenly distributed amongst these tracks. I for one am fully in vogue with the fact that this genre is nowhere near as self contained as quite many think it to be. A treat for fans of the scene’s giants, and guaranteed of a good few support tours with some of them as well. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
|
BLEED THE SKY - Paradigm
In Entropy
(Nuclear Blast - 2005) Their moniker may be a catchy tag but just watch as they spoil it with a bunch of heard it all bef…. oh no… they haven’t. Their way of produce may be shrieksome hardcore-oriented metal but with a darker over-structure that should broaden their following and these six lads have more or less kicked their ball into the right goal in this game. Diverting their choruses into more subtle regions, a la Boy Sets Fire, BTS are quite assured not to pass over our heads as more big-this-week gone-the-next also rans. Pumping plenty of old school rhythm guitar jolts into the mix that blends well in, in the album’s overall depth, plus being signed to one of metal’s top labels gives them some sturdy boots to stomp around in - on some people’s skulls preferably. Bleed-ing good stuff. 8/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED
IF YOU LIKE |
| BLOODCHURN
- Ravenous Guardian
(Unmatched Brutality) Once more we encounter a name of the sort you'd thought
had spent the last fifteen years being legally quarrelled over on
the national 'band register' by about 200 hundred death metal bands
worldwide. That and the front sleeve pic of what looks like a bloke
eating himself are about the only thing I find drastically interesting
on this album.
Bound to win no end of prizes from the purists, this US fivesome deliver nothing radically catchy, and while no disappointment is guaranteed for fans of endlessly high speed strumming and vocals as usual only decipherable by reading the lyric, it frankly just dissolves otherwise into the background with the other countless less than spectacular contributors to the genre. Only those expecting normal business need attend today. 5.5/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| Big
Bang Babies - 3 Chords and the Truth
(Perris Records) A neat comilation of the triple B's - that old cult glam band that famed glittered silver highlighted hair guitar hero came from - or in other words the genious that is Keri Kelli. It just shows you where Pretty Boy Floyd and Shameless got it all from - sh*t both Steve Summers and Alexx 'Skunk Michael' will kill me for saying that - oh well - ne' mind - check out 'Stop the world' and 'Hero' for perfect examples. Love the acoustic ballad about a guys girlfriend with the line 'Everybody loves my baby' with the Tyla like style. Then there's an a la Malmsteen instrumental as well and of course a ton of sleaze spilled all over the CD. Hey, if you fancy a Christmas classic then go for 'Winter Wonderland' - makes me laugh. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
|
Blind Date –
S/T
(Perris Records – 2004) From Austin, TX. They sound like Ted Poley era Danger Danger without the hooks and hits. A good band but too safe AOR sounding to cut it majorly. Overtly AOR overload after a while and gets tedious. Well played but man, this needs partying up a bit. 6/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| BLOOD
TSUNAMI - 3 Track Demo Not the most sensitive moniker a band could have in light of recent events but then metal isn't exactly stereotyped for its tactful side. Well, Blood Tsunami's music isn't anyway. A catchy amalgam of Metallica-meets-Kreator fuelled thrashiness, some of the riffs here write the songs by themselves and these three tunes sell a serious quantity of potential on behalf of this new act. I'm not sure of their exact nationality, though from the sleeve details I'm at least guessing there's Scandinavian dealings afoot here, but B.T. are a worthy addition to the scene to watch out for, this year. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
|
Boned – Up
at the Crack
(Perris Records – 2004) AC/DC like stuff – as sqawky as f*ck on the vocals. It’s pure tongue in cheek all the way through with songs including ‘No talking with your mouth full’; ‘Drain the main vein’; or the title track itself ‘Up at the crack’. It’s cool c*ck-rock filled stuff. Get’s my vote. 8/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
| BRODEQUIN
- Methods of Execution I've got one for you. Play them this a couple of times. No particular disrespect to US death trio Brodequin but most bands I hear within this genre do write what can be told apart as songs, and songs per se. Apart from odd Testament/Megadeth -esque moments, this is little better than one track repeated over eleven times with alterations to intros and ends to distinguish the tunes in the one remaining way feasible. I have encountered it before but when it comes to one or two chords - or should I say notes played continuously at 100mph along with growls indecipherable enough to condradict the presence of lyrics, the end of thirty-five minutes of this racket can't come quickly enough. A case of extreme metal's main ingredients rather overcooked and unfortunately burning the veg too. Oops. 4/10 By Dave Attrill |
Broken
Teeth – Blood on the Radio
(Perris Records – 2004) Live in 2004, for a radio broadcast - not that you wouldn’t have guessed that from the title. Hereby find 15 electric ditties culled form their 2 studio albums ‘Broken Teeth’ and ‘Guilty Pleasure’ (must get that sometime). Can’t go wrong this album at all. Just full on squawkin, rawkin’ ecstasy with renditions of songs like ‘Pull the plug’; ‘Stick it in’; ‘Undertaker’; ‘El Diablo’ and many more. Crank this up. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan |
|
Broken Teeth –
S/T
(Perris Records - 1999) Classic dirty AC/DC riffage is to found on the debut from Broken Teeth – suits me sir!! Sex, Sex Sex and some more Sex is the motto here. The bands vocalist is none other than Jason McMaster (ex-frontman of ‘Dangerous Toys’). ‘Undertaker’ has got a bit of fake crowd applause (like on ‘The Jack’ and some good ole ‘Live Wire’ like bass-playing. The one that’ll do it for ya most is the classic squawkin’ ‘Trippin’ over a bone’ about a having undisclosed secrets. Can’t help diggin’ the explicit ‘Stick it in’ about wanting to do just that to some female – he wants to see all her dirty magazines as well. ‘Pull the Plug’ is a good ‘un too about a girl going off ya because you look less rock than you used to – showing starf*ck*rs up for what they really are ‘Shallow Whores’. It all finishes on a bluesy slow bit o’ boogie a la AC/DC’s ‘Nightcrawler’ called ‘Who turned out the lights’ that concerns a woman who has changed from being an LA Glam Girl to an older Miss. Normal run off the mill – well some girls get older and grow out of it – much to the disappointment of many geezers who still think they are Gods of the Strip. A corkin’ debut. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| 2004 |
| Jean
Beauvoir - Chameleon
(Frontiers - 2004) He's got it right there - Jean can change his musical skin like the reptile itself and compose, perform and arrange any musical style single-handedly - I'm sure that Jean is short for Jeanius. It's moving 'n' emotional 'n' grabbing with opener 'I wanna know' concreting that statement from the start - it's very Terence Trent D'Arby. Just don't expect 'Crown of Thorns like material or it'll disappoint but if you want a varied album then it's one for you. It's poppy at time and takes an African flavour aboard on 'When the river runs deep' that's about partying with friends. The girls are gonna like this release as well as the lovers of romance out there who'll lap up tales of happiness like 'Even More'; 'Something to believe in'; 'Angel'; 'Amazing' or the Anastasia like 'Addicted to Us'. Every track is 100% beautiful and worth 100% of your attention. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| DAVID
R. BLACK - Trinity Part 2
(1000 Watt - 2004) So what exactly happened to Part 1, may I ask... never mind, we can't have everything, can we? Not actually a solo act but the joint name of two of their three members, the Brit newcomers help see the burgeoning trend of melodic rock/alternative crossover style cultivated on our side of the pond as well. Think Blink 182 and Green Day, watered down and add elements of Def Leppard and The Police on the melody side and there's certainly no crime in trying this sweet little six-tracker out for size. Subject of a fair whack of stonking reviews from various zines across the nation, David R. Black can add another one to that collection. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Black
Hill - Nasty Nights
(S/R Demo - 2004) Wham bam, Italian Glam. They have the elements of Pretty Boy Floyd, Poison, Love/Hate and Skid Row. Find humour in 'Granma Glam' with it's 'I wanna f*ck you' line; the mono come stereo ballad 'Strange Days' or the slammin' 'Give me my money back'. Glam doesn't get much better than this!! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Bonedrivers
- Preview CD
(Blueblack Records - 2004) A 4 piece band from San Francisco who are groovin' and laid back with a Hendrix-like vibe especially on 'Who burned my building down?' 'Live to Ride' is a chilled out cut about being on two wheels on the freeway and is kinda Eagles'ish while 'Light of the morning sun' is very much like The Outlaws getting together with The Beatles, Ry Cooder and Tom Petty. Looking forward to hearing the full album when it's ready for release. 100% proof that you don't have to come from way down south to have that rebel sound. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Brain
Surgeons - Black Hearts of Soul
(Cellsum records - 2004) They could be called a supergroup as opposed to a project as they've been at it for 10 years now. They feature the following - Albert and Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Club; Deborah Frost of 'Flaming Youth' plus David Hirshberg and Ross the Boss of Dictators and … wait for it … Manowar. So what's on offer - blues rock and good old fashioned rock as well with both male and female vocals. It's a compilation of previous album material (not that I've heard any of it before but they must be great releases by the sound of these tracks with highlights being the stompin' 'Swamp Thing' (1999); a dirty bass thing called 'Gun' (1996) that's like Blondie meets AC/DC and Bubble; the rock 'n' roll of 'Victory Boulevard' and the 'No more Hero's' like (as in The Clash) 'Sally' (1995) about a chick whose been up to a bit more than blackberry pickin' in the hedges. If you fancy a bit humour then you gotta go for '(666) Devil Got your mother' (1994) about Satan getting your mom up the duff and ending up with Beelzebub as your brother who looks like John Denver. Beats me why they have remained underground for all this time. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| October |
| BONRUD
- S/T
(Frontiers - 2004) Though they may be led by the hap who lends his name to the band, Bonrud are similar in more ways than one to someone else whose last name begins with that syllable. Then again whilst Paul Bonrud's line in tune-penning fails to differ totally from that New Jersey chappie's recent produce, his own combination commercially scores the goals for him. Throw in a healthy dose of Mitch Malloy, a mastering of Nelson and a good few juices off some of those Artenzia-signed nu-breed types on top of the initial ingredients as supplied by Jon you-know-who and this recipe is quickly completed. Tuck in if you drool at the sound of hook-soaked pop rock with melody and diversity blended in over a mixture of tempos plus a hint of punk/alt flavouring to trick the taste buds a bit but there'll be little room for any pudding afterwards though. Already a major sighting in most independent record stores, this debut by one of the label's best signings this year should not be missed. Buy, if only to finance a visit by this chap to British stages in the near future. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| July |
| BRODY
- Torn From A Warm Place EP
(Blunt Monkey - 2004) Whether or not they have taken their name from Roy Scheider's 'Jaws' alter-ego, these young men pack quite a bite in their material. Generally it's pretty typical run-of-the-mill contemporary metal but in most parts not without its hooks buried in. As most who've logged onto this site more than twice in their life previously are likely to be aware, this end of rock n' roll is not often something I'm that quick to sink my teeth into, (you done with the s**te jokes yet, Attrill?) but this definitely rates as a grower after three or four listens. Just when I thought it was safe to diss nu-metal off again….. 7/10 By Dave Attrill |
| June |
| STAN
BUSH - Shine
(Frontiers - 2004) Stan Bush's last minute slot-switch with Dare at last year's Gods was almost as much a bad thing as a good thing - the one major down-heartening point for most being that his 65-minute set had to follow Wharton and co's 90-minute one. Another was not having any material from this latest powerhouse of an album ready to be aired on that night. The opening treble-barrelled attack of 'Shine', 'Falling' and 'I Will Be There' are laced with Stan's trademark latterday sound that accounted for the quality of his last two discs before 'I Turn To You' comes across as almost total Two Fires fare. Current drummer Kenny Aronoff actually played on the Ramos/Chalfant-fronted project's first outing, four years back. In other places we have rockers like 'Say It Ain't Love', 'Have You Ever Believed' and the disc's numero uno 'The Chance You Take', amongst the most memorable tunes he's penned since that one he did for a certain kiddies cartoon flick, nearly two decades ago. With a voice still showing but not one iota of faltering, and ripping guitar work from new man Tim Pierce, S.B. has nothing to worry about for a long time. Pity that not as many take to this Bush as they do to a certain other one. 9/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Black
Label Society - Hangover Music Vol. 6
(Spitfire Records - 2004) So the smart arses are gonna say, "So where's Volumes 1 to 5?" but of course the vol.6 refers to the fact that it's the sixth album release from BLS. It's a record that like many out there I have been waiting for Zakk and his pack to put together for a few years. They've shown us briefly what they can do on other albums when it comers to ballads and softer melodic numbers but this release is full of 'em. Every single song and I mean every single single song is a complete f*ck*n' masterpiece. All the album grabs your attention and there's a mix of genres covered like blues, rock, metal and country - all at once at times to create what can only be described as the sound of 'Black Label Society' in a vibrant and positive mode. You can't pick one song above another so I'll randomly pick a few out to tell you about. 'Steppin' Stone' looks like it's a stab at the music industry - people being used as a way to get higher up the ladder no matter what may happen. 'Takillya (estayabon)' is a compkicated Spanish instrumental ditty that is a perfect introduction to 'Won't find I here' about someone who doesn't know what he wants and has the exceptional lyric, 'No need for tomorrow when you can't find today. A stand-out fave for me is 'House of Doom' where no-one as Zakk puts it 'gets out alive'. Despite the straining in the vocal department in his piano version of Procal Harum's 'Whiter Shade of Pale', you can't help but like it. 'Crazy or High' the albums opener is awesome as is the swayful 'Fear'. The contemporary 'No other' could be mistaken to be a Lynryd Skynyrd. This is easily the best album I've heard so far that's been released this year. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| March |
| Blue
Cheer - Vincebus Eruptum + OutsideInside
(Track Records - 2003) A new version of the Track Records company have re-released the 1st two Blue Cheer on 1 single CD and good on 'em too. Vincebus Eruptum (meaning 'Control of Chaos) is legendary as the band blew up the control room the first time the engineer tried recording them (he did say to set up and play like they were doing a gig - fatal!! they did warn him previous but so be it. Second time around and it came together in a few days flat. The finished article is loud and pushes blues and rock to its distortive limit especially the volume of the drums and guitar. With their big hit of Eddie Cochran's 'Summertime Blues' as well as other album tracks like Mose Allison's 'Parchment Farm' with the classic lines 'all I did was shoot my wife, I guess I'll be here for the rest of my life' it's a milestone of an album. InsideOutside is very much a psychedelic affair and melts what you'd expect to hear from early Pink Floyd mixed in with The Yardbirds. It's a far more polished release than 'Vincebus Eruptum' take for instance the charged 'Sun Cycle'; the bass 'n' drum driven 'Just a little bit'; covers of The Rolling Stone's 'Satisfaction' (Otis Redding Style) with a from left to right pan throughout and Booker T. Jones' 'The Hunter' and then their own funky blues number 'Babylon'. Be good to see all the others re-released on Compact disc as well. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Bowes
and Morley - Mo's Barbeque
(STC Recordings - 2003) Familiar surnames? - they should be because it's two of those guys from Thunder 'Danny 'n' Luke' who are soulin' and funkin' it up with their other musical outing performing material that at times wouldn't completely work in a Thunder set. This is more Otis redding and Stevie Wonder with plenty of oomph. A few covers are aboard like Wonder's 'Living for the City'; 'I can't stand the Rain' and 'Come together in the morning' by Free - songs that are given 100% and just as good as the original versions - in fact Danny always wanted to be Paul Rodger's (as he personally told me last year). The originals easily match up nicely as well like the piano/bass led funk of 'Desire'; 'Why did you do it?'; and 'Waiting for the sky to fall'. There's enough zest to grab the rock entourage and plenty of passion for the soul 'n' funk fanatics. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Butcher's
Bill - Quick and Painful
(S/R Demo - 2003) Brooklyn Boys who sound like rednecks cranking up rock 'n' roll that's all the vibe, flavours amd elements of some of the best in the biz. There's the swagger of Zodiac Mindwarp, the thrilling boogie stomp of AC/DC; the early attitude of G 'n' R and the electricity of The Sex Pistols. Recorded all in one day (September, 9th 2003 to be exact), Butchers Bill keep it flowing throughout with simplistic upbeat rock that includes knockout songs like 'No good' about not being right for some chick; 'Going Home' because it was a crap party and 'Gun For Fun' (no explanation needed there!!). These boys put the enjoyment back into rock 'n' roll and prove that good albums don't take forever to record. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| February |
| JACK
BLADES - S/T
(Frontiers/Now & Then - 2004) Is their any member of Night Ranger still yet to release a solo disc on this label? As frontman for the San Fran legends, you'd expect Jack Blades to be the first in line, but everyone has already got in before him on that one, Kelly Keagy's 'Time Passes' being the best of the rest so far. Jack's material is however as furthest away as any of the Ranger boys have got from that they created together. The first five or so are the expected AOR product though towards the end of the first half of the album, you can notice the differences starting to dissolve in. By the end of the disc, you're wondering if another band got recorded on to the disc by accident, because the material couldn't aim in a more Beatles-esque direction if Jack sat up all night thinking about it. While enough bands round the planet make livings out of pilfering ideas from McCartney et al, to J.B it probably seems just a matter of over-influence because this is smashing stuff from the vocalist/bassist who has reeled in a star studded cast for the guitar parts including Ranger colleagues Brad Gillis, Jeff Watson, Ratt's Warren DeMartini, Journey's Neal Schon, ex-Brother Caine man Damon Johnson and even himself. With the question of another Night Ranger CD ever being recorded bugging the minds of many, at least the personnel are busy in other ways, and Jack Blades knows there is no excuse for him to just sit at home either. 8/10 By
Dave Attrill |
| BLINK
182 - S/T
(Geffen Records - 2004) Quite what someone of my mullet rock magnitude is doing reviewing this release by one of alt rock's biggest names is beyond me. I know exactly what to expect from this lot ... Or do I now? Initial play of opener 'Feeling This' is quite promising, housing a noticeably multi-way structure. 'Obvious' is of similar complexity, and hey, I'm liking this album already. So you see it's not all 'In, three chords and out again' in this business. These three lads make the effort to put a bit more creativity into their writing and through the first seven numbers, 'The Fallen Interlude' ( which is as prog as a punk-pop band dare get, in particular ),they tell this like it is. 'Go', 'Asthensia', 'Always', 'Here's Your Letter', 'Not New', and Anthem Pt 2 (Live) are about the only formulaic throughout cuts that of the sixteen-strong album but the material is still kept a tad higher above the water by Messrs Hoppus and deLonge's occasional dual vocal alternations. Strong material from one of America's currently biggest bands and which deserves more to keep them on top than most of their scene counterparts. 8/10
|
| Jan.
2004 |
| Blue
Cheer - Live In Japan
(Track Record - 2003) Late 60's noise-mongers caught live 'n' loud in the land of the dragon - well Air West Tokyo and Osaka Club in Osaka to be exact.. It's bluesy, it's ferocious - kind of like Mountain meets Rory Gallagher with the demolition effects of Hendrix. There's a mass of OTT distortion fuzz and wailing gruff vocals that work well with the arrangements like the great riffing 'Big Trouble in Paradise' and the slow paced blues of 'Blue Steel Dues' that frontman, Dickie Peterson says was inspired by his brother - a fine musician but a bad, bad, man. You can't help but love the Motorbikin' Hell's Angelness of 'Ride with me' and yes, before you ask they do their squawkin' mad take of 'Summertime Blues' and the dirgin' 'Out of Focus and 'Doctor Please'. It's vibrant and climaxing rock 'n' roll. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan |
| Tomas
Bodin - Sonic Boulevard
(Inside Out/SPV - 2003) Sonic Boulevard is the latest instrumental release from Swedish prog-rocker Tomas Bodin (Flower Kings). This album doesn't just reflect Bodin as a keyboard player but as a skilful composer, bringing together an array of instruments to create his own clear vision of this album. Slipping from deep and moody to stylish and bright with skilled production. Certainly Sonic Boulevard is reflective and can be compared with the Flower Kings and other explorative bands. But with this Bodin explores areas of jazz and soundtrack music to create something that stands out in the crowd. 8/10 By Steve Windle |
| BOWLSCRAPER
- S/T (3-Track Sampler)
(Self Produced - 2003) Barrelscraper, I was going to rename this lot when the first three, and probably only three, chords struck but no, these American din-dealers seems to have been taught better than that. Producing some sort of semi-commercialised hardcore thrash noise would amount largely to their credit and I can see a sizeable amount of interest from old(er) school followers with this, especially if Pro Pain, Pantera and Machine Head. Featuring the two-way vocal style of singing and growling on alternating rosters, piled on top of classic-style chugging rhythms a la Metallica, this material should garner loyalty from right across the extreme metal fraternity. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Nov. 2004 |
| Backdraft
- Here to save you all
Now you'd be forgiven for thinking that these guys were full on USA, Southern State Red-necks with a taste for the heavy feel if Black Label Society but are in fact they are from Sweden. Excellent stuff - ballsy, strong Rock 'n' Metal Blues in the style of Lynyrd Skynyrd meets The Cult (especially the track 'Angels High'). Among the album there's a kick in the testicles to townies on 'See you burn'; a ZZ Toppy-type number called 'El Rancho'; a ditty that's pure Sabbath named 'Original Sin and a slammin' maestro piece titled 'Hillybilly Blues' that has that enthusiastically addictive country blues guitar solo. More like this please is needed for these ears. "The South's gonna rise again tonight" as Donnie Van Zant will put it. Get your arses over ere soon. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| B-CODE
- S/T Italy's all of a sudden interested in spouting out interesting new metal acts. B-Code are one. This four track disc convinces me of their game, which they play pretty well, to tell you the truth. Vocally, think Metallica, White Zombie and Paradise Lost and musically their own thing supporting it. Melodic, subtle and brooding, I'd appreciate another taste from this lot as I still haven't got the clearest picture of their intentions but I'm interested so far. Keep it up. 7/10 By Dave Attrill |
| BLIND
DOG - Captain Dog Rides Again When you look at a sleeve and such a preposterous title like that you can only expect some ska punk workout imminent rather than the deep driving retro metal sound that emanates from the depths on this occasion. Another Swedish band, who appear to be going places - aren't they all!! It so happens that Blind Dog are on their second album here, their first disc, the equally ludicrous -sounding 'Last Adventures of Captain Dog' apparently having gone down quite a treat in their native land's metal market. If you've either heard the Divine Propaganda CD or read the review, you should be a degree clued up on this offering's resident tones. Guitars deeper than the ocean and their frontman, whatever his name is, sporting a good Flynn/Anselmo range which he tames down suitably for the more sixties oriented parts of the album. An approachable collection of tunes -one or two numbers may takes some getting into but if you like the old-fashioned-meets-new-fashioned thing, I'd suggest trying if, for definite. 7.5/10
RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE |
| Brazen
Abbot - Guilty as Sin
Bulgarian born 'Nikolo Kotzer' is a multi-talented instrumentalist whose released an album of high class rock and metal that you won't tire of because it's very varied in styles - be it melodic rock (One life to life); Symphonic Power Metal (Eyes of the Horizon), AOR balladeering (I'll be ever free) or the late 80's Malmsteen majesticness of 'Slip Away'. There's even Yngwie connections here too as the as the album features the vocal talents of the ex-Malmsteen frontmen Joe Lynn Turner, Goran Edman, Jorn Lande and current wailer, Doogie White. There's even hints of Richie Blackmore also as 'Mr. Earthman' is as 'Purple as possible and the track 'A whole lotta woman' rocks you out with attitude - just hope Led Zeppelin don't throw a benny at the title. Can't fault this album one bit !! The band is even made up of ex-members of Europe - Ian Haughland (Drums); John Leven (Bass) and Mi Michaeli (Keyboards). Just imagine if Joey Tempest wanted a dive into a ditty as well - now there's a thought. 10/10 By
Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| Broadzilla
- Lady Luck
Ok, so it came out 2 years in the USA but now we've finally heard them here in the UK and boy, do these girls have b*ll*cks. Stickin' it to ya from Detroit City that gave birth to the MC5, Iggy Pop and The Stooges and Alice Cooper, Broadzilla are Girlschool for the new millennium. They even play around with a bit of Slayer in the outro of the opener 'Ecstasy'. They don't take a liking to slimy guys either according to kick it where it hurts feel of 'Y did U have 2B Psycho' that always seem to be at their gigs. The title track 'Lady Luck' (that reminds me of Warlock) and their powerful take of The Supreme's 'Love Child' are real impressive, in fact the whole god-damn album is. You won't be able to take these broads of the CD player. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS |
| BOOT
50 - Popstars
Anticipation is a very unhealthy habit. You see a considerable level of hype over a new release as indication that the disc in concern is worth hearing. And when you put it in the deck and press play. oh, dearie me. Boot 50 look to be guilty. I had high expectations for something remotely innovative from this new act, only to be greeted by three tired treks through mediocre pop punk that quite to some degree justifies this EP's rather fittingly selected moniker, because ROCK stars, this falls somewhat short of making them. 'Cops' isn't a particularly bad number but the opening guitar line heralded what I thought would be a better tune. Disappointing. 4/10 By Dave Attrill |
| BOY
SETS FIRE - Tomorrow Come Today
(Wind Up Records - 2003) Amongst the very first batch of discs I reviewed for this site was the debut by US melodic metalcore hotshots Boysetsfire. Two years along the line and after hearing very little of them in the latter half of that period, the Californian five-piece give us a hefty poke in the ribs to remind us their career hasn't lasted that short. As some previous visitors to this site might have already taken on board, yours truly and nu metal don't quite always go together as well as a dog and a bone, but I'm happy to say - though I already know - that there is practically sod-all Slipknotular about BSF's brand of ballsy vocal-friendly punk metal. I would be fair in stating that although it wears a total contemporary rock tag, the band have stuck to just getting on with their own thing and let the vibes speak for themselves rather than just jump out into the road to wave down the approaching bandwagon. As before there are the obligatory growly bits on the vocal channel of most tracks but the cheery and catch pop-aimed range of frontman, Nathan Gray takes songs like 'Last Year's Nest', 'Full Colour Guilt', 'Release The Dogs', 'Foundations 2 Burn', and 'High Wire Escape Artist' to the top of the mountain, supported all the way once again by messrs Istvan and Laitshaw's basic but ballistic guitar lines. Another strong offering, 'Tommorrow Come Today' contains songs which should double their live shows in strength as well as length. oh, and by the way, how close to Sick Of It All's 'Step Down' does that intro off 'Management Vs Labor' sound to you? (tut, tut, tut). If you're quick enough to snap one up, they've been very kind as to also have put a free DVD into the limited gatefold copies. This contains a blistering 40-minute live set (excusing my earlier judgment about doubling length) which though containing only about three or four tunes off this latest long-player amongst the many from their previous belter, is worth catching as it shows, aside from their live musical prowess, their political motivations and morals beyond their songs which Gray shares with the crowd on stage, between tunes and, accompanied by his bandmates, with us, song by song, which is a lot more interesting to even younger fans no than just a torrent of effing and blinding not unknown of most metal and hard rock bands on the planet. There's an entertaining little slab of behind-scenes material too including a visit to the shared house that they live and rehearse in and a good goggle at the rather decent equipment which aids them one way or another through every day of their musical life. Altogether, an interesting and need I say essential package, delivered surprisingly early in this excellent young band's two album-old career. 9.5 - for both album and DVD By Dave Attrill |
| BREED
77 - La Ultima Hora (CD-single)
(Albert Productions - 2003) Exploring the wild and not always wonderful world of nu-metal for the umpteenth time in the seemingly bottomless latest stack of promo discs, I cross another ubiquitous name from the scene - Breed 77. Sparing any sad and unfunny jokes about my birth year mentioned in band's moniker, and getting straight to the point this Spanish outfit have opted to dig up the roots of alt metal, their spade being made from early Pearl Jam wood for the handle, but with a heavier, darker metal bit on the business end. The three tracks did not support my quest of discovery to a great extent but enough's here to show me the path that this band's footprints have been left on. '77 are a pretty rare but potentially fighting breed, indeed. 7/10 By Dave Attrill |
| BROKEN
ARROW - Abyss Of Darkness
Absolutely zilch to do with any John Travolta blockbuster of same name -on the agenda today is an impressive piece of power metal from this Italian fivesome, carrying a familiar name in their carriage. Guitarist Nick Savio already has his work beknownst to us by way of his currently Frontiers-signed acts, White Skull and the already Metalliville-approved Vicious Mary. A man of varied talents it seems, Savio's native land has had a healthy melodic metal scene developing for some time now, and while this doesn't quite rattle the cage of Swedish genre gurus Last Tribe, you should still lend an open ear, all the same. The melodies are pretty trademark European matter but the thrash and Prog riffing interlacing the tunes is pure fruit of Savio's capability as a composer as well as a player. A solid enough offering to warn Robin Hood that if he fancies a few shots at this particular target, he might not get his arrows back quite in one piece. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill |
| BURNS
BLUE - What If
When Vinny Burns left Brit melodic rock megadogs Ten at the back end of '01, the split, though totally amicable did not go down quite a million quid with their assembled followers. So-o, it appears Mr B has some debts to pay to rock n' roll society on these grounds. Meeting back up with his ol' mucker Sam Blue from pop legends Ultravox, whom Vinny played with during their twilight period, they wallowed in past times that partially accounts for the styles utilized on this resulting offering. Not to mention probably giving him a spin through current day Brit labelmates like Lost Weekend, Bailey's Comet and Pulse of which this album smells very sweetly. The good news for the doubting ~Ten-ites gathered in their numbers is that opening track 'Cool Me Down' is effectively the best of the slower-tempo numbers off the 'Spellbound' and 'Babylon' CDs - obviously Vin looking back at his old pals with a smile one last time as he shuts the gate. From then on, the road lies ahead though down a few already trodden as the previous comparisons describe plus hints of Rainbow and Magnum at places. 'Deadly Sin', 'Lover's Game', 'She Wrote', 'Tomorrow Never Comes', 'Hung Out to Dry' and 'Where Are You Now' plus sax-led belter 'Don't Want To Know' dominate the dynamics covered by Vinny and Sam to prosperous effect and the resulting 51 minutes of power surging through my audio system defines another winning combination. The Vinster may have to be a bit more patient with his followers on this one as it has almost sweet sod-all to do with the symphonic hard rock that has kept his erstwhile act in business over the last 7-8 years. For the open-minded, the only real complaint I can register is that it did not reach me before the Gods 2003 gig. Sterling performance from Vinny Burns once more with a superb lush 80's touch to a lot of the numbers that clearly exhibits Blue's influences as well and before I forget to mention it, another talented voice deserving more notice.. and I hope this album gives him some. 8/10 By Dave Attrill |
| Robin
Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars - Planet:Fame
By far, this
is the best band that's come out of Canada in years - forget Nickelback,
Our Lady Peace and Tuuli and all the other Corporate Sh*t - 'Robin
Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars' are the real 'Rock 'n' Roll'
deal and have just been over to the UK and completed 3 Tours to prove
my point (as support to Pretty Boy Floyd, Danger Danger and as headliners). 9/10 |
