7/10

By Tony Watson

The Kamen - S/T EP
(S/R - 2008)

A great Sheffield Rock band who I have not seem live yet but hope that fact will change very soon, going by how good some of this sounds. It's a 3 tracker but I know for sure there's miles more music up there sleeves than what is revealed on here.

They are like a Steel City Free or Bad Company or even dare I say almost Journey brought bang up to date with some poppy elements as well with standout song on here with best cut being the opener 'The Man I Am'. 'Closer' comes close to it in quality that reminds me of U2 gone more melodic rock with crunchy rockin at ya chorus and driving drums.

Nice to hear what a talent Richard Gloger is on Bass as I used to work with this dude a few moons ago next to a well known big road not too far away. Good one bro!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

KILLSMITH - Sexual Savior
(Kachina Records - 2007)

Kicking in at the offset, sounding similar to another band who share the last half of their name, Killsmith then go on to turn out a completely different kettle of fish and then some. Imagine being locked in a bar overnight with a constipated Andrew WK for company and I think you are in chance of getting the picture.

I can only look on this offering as probably the mot original sounding band and recording I’ll hear this full annum which in their case is close to being their sole ground for redemption, for this disc becomes unbearable at many intervals across its eleven tunes, partly due to some very bad choruses amongst offending elements. Industrial metal, like all other rock/metal genres, has its points both high and low.

One finds this lot perched wonkily in the middle.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

KORN – Untitled
(Virgin - 2007)

Lack the stratospheric popularity of a decade back as they might, Korn won’t go down with their boat, opting instead to sail on with all that please to steer.

With Marilyn Manson and Slipknot still barely afloat themselves somewhere, Jonathan Davis has some desperate purpose to stop around. Despite having only old mucker Fieldy for company, industro-goth troupe Matrix look to have saved the day for them. Scarcely reminiscent of the noisy young man who once roared ‘Are You-u-u rea-a-ady-y-y,”, “Get the f*** out of my fa-a-ace, no-o-o-w-w, “ not to mention repeatedly acquainting all and sundry with the fact that he dreams about sex all day, J.D. has now reinvented himself as some sort of soulful goth crooner with assistance from these new friends of theirs.

Not unfamiliar to myself as I’ve heard one or two 1-track advance promos already by this stage, the shift in style has come to people’s attention over time and changes in/departures of personnel, most of which happened since the fashion-motivated majority of the band’s once loyal hordes decided to move on (shame on them).

The hooks here, strangely enough, are as instant as those penned in their halcyon duration had a habit of being, and the eighties electro feel gives the guys a re-shaped edge to their approach, sans the rough bits. Absorbing sounds dominate the 13 tracks with a few small gaps narrowly allow for near-tedium but the bands moniker is all that survives to identify Bakersfield’s finest, aside from vague slithers of classic stringery from Fieldy that link to their mid-nineties produce, but of course he is a highly versatile guitarist, so this is not unexpected.

Whatever the score with Korn is today, it is nonetheless good to see them still at it, not caring what the doubters to turn us. Saying that though, a re-union of the original line up that created those unforgettable moments in metal such as ‘Blind’, ‘Shoots And Ladders’ and ‘Ball Tongue’ would be welcome anytime.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Heavy Classically Orientated Power Metal that’s very much of a serious nature. Done exceedingly well though with a perfect usage of violin sounds which well with the guitars – especially on the opener ‘Solitaire’.

Highlights include the haunting ‘Love you to death’ about a womans final days and the fact that her lover will always love her forever; the chanting beginning ‘Mourning Star’ and ‘Anthem’ with its gorgeous string arrangement.

Excellent stuff but as I said earlier – of a serious nature.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

This, the second live album by this 'power' metal band from Florida, focuses almost exclusively on tracks from their previous three albums (Karma, Epica and The Black Halo).

In short - a veritable goldmine of quality songs to cherry pick. I won't waste effort quibbling over what didn't make the cut but will just reiterate that you'll need to look elsewhere to have more than a morsel of their earlier work.

Now, first thing that will probably strike you about this live album is the clarity of Khan's (formerly of Conception) vocals, sounding polished, almost beyond his years. Even his Norwegian seems flawless, damn it! (No, I don't speak Norwegian btw). Musically the band sounds heavier than the recorded work, putting more muscle behind the tight riffing, which is only a good thing in my book. They also mix a variety of musical styles that will undoubtedly still get labeled under the 'power metal' banner which conceals their versatility. I personally enjoy the 'eastern influence' crafted into some of the arrangements.

Onto the tracklist:
'March Of Mephisto' and 'The Haunting' had support from strong (and well directed) videos and are flagship tracks for the band and TBH album - excellent when given the steroid-pumped live treatment.
'Soul Society', 'Abandoned', 'Forever', 'Moonlight', 'Karma' and 'Farewell' bristle with firepower and are mouthwateringly well performed as with the relative pensioner of the playlist 'Nights Of Arabia'.

I could, and frequently do go on but I'll simply point out this is a worthy purchase that should quickly grow on you over successive spins. If you're new to this band this is a great place to start, the CD captures Kamelot at their heaviest and clinical best after three landmark albums.

The only decision left to be made is whether you also get yourself a copy of 'Ghost Opera', the bands most recent (2007) album that further continues the run of fine albums.

9.6/10

By Al Hoath

9/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

666/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

100/100

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

The band that were formerly known as KrunK, now going by the surname of the James and Athena – before we go any further, for all you out there that didn’t know – this is the drummer of Scorpions and his Wife Athena (Lee), sister of Tommy Lee of Motley Crue.

Very much Green Day like but on a piss-take a lot of the time – James ain’t the greatest of vocalist in the world nor does he claim to be but the passion is there with highlights being ‘Money Changes Everything’; ‘Do you want to play’; ‘High (in my little room)’ and the rappin AC/DC riffin’ ‘Anti’ with Athena on vocals. Nice one, they’ve re-done the KrunK song ‘Generation X’ and reworked the Scorpions classic ballad into a bashin’ rocker and it sounds f*ck*n’ great – wonder what the guys from the Jimmy’s day job think to it.

Give ‘em a try – you may dig this band – I’ve known about ‘em for about 4 or 5 years.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Unfortunately I feel the lyrics did make me cringe in numerous places, in particular during ‘Easy Rider’ but then again I’m not biker so maybe I’m missing something! Tracks that really made me sit up and take note on this album were ‘Queen Of The Future’ and ‘Always And Forever’ that hit hard with fine guitar hooks. The bar is raised, for me, by impressive song composition and I found the ‘QotF’ chorus extremely catchy.

‘Liquid Shadows’ and ‘Stone Cold’ are also both strong performers and the former has a well composed orchestral intro that erupts into a maelstrom of metal at a pacy rhythm with slower orchestral interludes.

The instrumental finale ‘Ad Tempus Vitae’ was reminiscent of work by Symphony X for me; well performed and showcasing some superb technical guitar sounds and a pleasant surprise making me reiterate the unpredictable nature of this superb album.

8.8/10

By Al Hoath

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

KOALA - Do Not Be Afraid
(Co-Pop - 2005)

Well I'M not but a sleeve design like this usually indicates alternative rock content. What a surprise then to find that it does indeed. Not a massive fan of said genre as you know, I found this to fall within my softer side towards the scene, being quite removed from predictable Brit-pop drivel.

Yes, they may be British and pop-like but more in a Clash-meets-Squeeze sort of way with one tune also sounding like a go-between of 70s legends Bay City Rollers and Mud and at times unfortunately akin to Euro-pop horrors Air.

Small flaws aside, this is an interesting collection of numbers, mostly listenable ones, and a lot of them likeable but a few might want to be skipped on later listens. I'll leave you to decide which ones, yourself.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

The good ol 'geetar riffin' is as ferocious and fast as we remember it and coupled with Mike Petrozza's core-of-earth-bred cackle, unchanged to this day, keeps everything 1987 about this album. With European and possibly UK tours (or date/s in the case of the latter) likely this year, now may be a bad time to want to form a nu-metal/alternative band with too much intent to succeed.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Lenny's back with his for namesake band and has this time brought along guitarist Eric Foers who takes care of the solos. It's very like his last album (scroll down for the review of that) but sounds more real.

It's an album that's trapped in a miserable dimension of Led Zeppelin on downers (think of the negativity of 'Kashmir' and other less than average quality late Zep tunes). I wouldn't advise listening to it if you are suffering from depression as it's bound to be the reason for you calling it a day on life.

Lowlights (as opposed to highlights) are 'Gotta move now'; 'Silhouette Paintings' and the Beatle/Enuff Znuff like acoustic 'Inhaling the silence'. I just hope that Mr. Wolfe ain't as miserable in real life. Remember, The Samaritans are only a phone call away. I ain't knocking it musically - I just wish he'd liven it up a bit - watch out for the ending secret track too - just when you thought that the anxiety was over.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Second vocal album from the ex-Poison and Mr. Big guitarist whose done a treat with the new release. 'Get Up' makes you do just that - it's like a cross between the best sounds that'd you'd expect from Mr. Big, The Black Crowes and Glenn Hughes - it's that good.

Powerful blues grooves that come over very fresh like the opener 'Losin' my mind' 'Still' and 'Fantasy' or the title track itself that's a heavy slab of stoner rock. 'Such a Shame' isn't such a shame - it's a masterpiece that flows ona crackin' bassline that Richie wails over with his set of pipes. Those ballads have great hooks too with good uns being 'Made for tonight' ; 'Remember' or the nice 'n' souly 'Special'.

He ought to tour over here on his own merit or at least support somebody.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

This is not a drill (E.P)
(FSU Records - 1999)

Buzzin' Nottingham based Rock band who've supported artists like Love/Hate and
Stevie Rachelle's Tuff in the past couple of years. This was their 1st ep which no doubt landed these supports. The sound is a bit compressed for my liking but I can't argue with the songs such like the feel good rock 'n' rollin' like 'Joker in the Pack'; the Hard-Edged AOR'ish 'Horizon'; the deep heartfelt acoustic 'Until Tomorrow' and the crushin' melodic smacker shouty chorus killer 'How about You'.

This should have got them a deal - one can only wonder why it didn't.

7.5/10

Inside (E.P.)
(FSU Records - 2003)

This second ep sees Kickback sound as though they are let loose more and appear less take the opener 'Feel' for instance. Hang on a minute guys have you guys been listening to a bit of Def Leppard 'Inside' is like a cross between 'Bringing on the Heartbreak' a 'Too late for love atmosphere' before stomping into their own style - some of the drumming is a bit shaky though but the band hold it together. Best song though is kept 'til last the pulverising rocker 'Love Song' with a top notch running bass line and well structured chorus - especially how the backing vocals compliment the lead throatery.

Nice One.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Californian hardcore faves Kaos always deliver the expected packages to their believers but to the newly converted there are one or two surprises likely to be discovered. The main element of interest is the impressively melodic and quite Bay Area-esque guitar work supporting Jason Darnell's puke-propelled shrieking. T

This genre as many are quite aware has more often than not, had its appeal vandalised by the sameiness of most of its\roster but messrs Murray and Loescher's riffing keeps this material quite accessible.

An enjoyable slab of anger metal likely to be favoured, and as much by the unconverted.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Earth Crisis, Testament, Megadeth.

Another new label name appears, on the back of another new band name to boot. The oddly named Kadenzza immediately left me wondering, as did their material pretty shortly after. Assembling the tools required for black metal and those commonly used for symphonic/progressive rock machinery, a burgeoning industry appears to be already underway with these lads manning the helm.

Six tracks long - though a couple of them are conceptual epics split into several smaller parts, they know how to go in at the deep end with first impressions. Although the church organ-style keyboards are a tad overwrought most of the ideas here are good and if you can handle Artension or Royal Hunt with death metal vox alternating with something that sounds like a b*st*rd mutation of Nick Holmes and Pete Steele, you can go very little in the way of wrong with this offering.

Kadenzza are definitely a band with potential if they gain a little more profile.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

3rd release from the ex-Pretty Boy Floyd and it don't seem like 5 minutes since his Ramones tribute album but there you have it. It's gone time, hard-hittin' crunchy glammy punk rock - much to my content.

Those who got the Hairspray Heaven Volume 2 sampler will recognise the title track and those who don't are bound to have heard the 7th track on the album '21st Century Digital Boy' by Bad Religion. In between and onward there's plenty of slammin' goin' down and I recommend the songs 'Out of sight' with its loud 'yeahs' and the closing ballad that's like PBF and the lyrical subject concerns meeting a girl who has brought him from bad to good luck.

A very strong album - so when are you visiting us in the UK?

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The second release from those psyched up Punkin' Glamstera of LA'dom. Imagine Marilyn Manson crossed with an Industrial Alice Cooper who all Californian on us - well that is a decent way of describing Killingbird especially after hearing 'First class ticket'; 'Dust it off' and 'Sober only underground'.

Elsewhere it's eclectic ballads like 'Where in the world?' or 'Passing through' with its arming rhythm or the buzzing up the vibe with 'Some will fade'. This is hot, down a few shots and get that party off with this album.

Mad, mad metal in a sinister surgin' powerful way from LA - file somewhere between The Murderdolls, Marilyn Manson and Motley Crue and Ministry.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

One wonders when the ever-functioning production line of high-quality prog rock will reach the end of its vital components. The works seem at least untouched by any wayward spanners as Sweden's Kaipa come along the belt. Fitted with the usual main parts, this six-piece have another extra set of new sounds programmed in, producing sweet sounds pretty much akin to those of Queen on top of the trademark Yes and Dream you-know-who influences, and what would complete the mix without a touch or two of the varnish of fellow Swedish scenesters Flower Kings.

Having a dual male/female vocal though alternating at far apart intervals, and favouring the former, is quite on their reasons for recommendation and it along with mentioned other factors keeps the album interesting for most of its seventy-eight minute entirety. Like I said before, if Freddie Mercury and mates ever had a go at prog this would come pretty near the result.

Superb.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

A band that should have been huge but somehow never managed to get much past critical acclaim.

This is a collection of old songs that have been newly recorded like the seemingly autobiographical 'Rockpile' about keeping above water and surviving; 'Working Man' about the guy in his 9 to 5 dead-end job which no doubt, may can relate to and other recollective pieces such as 'Bad luck'; the opeing 'Johnny' that clocks in at nearly 12-minutes and the pop-punky closer ' Save Us'.

An album by a very talented trio that incorporates a varied selection of styles rock-based music.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The ex-Poison, ex-Mr. Big guitarist sees a change in direction as opposed to his usual shreddin' sounds as this is more widely charismatic and guaranteed to appeal to a mass of different musical appreciators, be in grunge fans who'll warm to 'Forever One', commercial pop watchers (the song 'Get a life' about somebody who ought to get one) and the contemporary listeners Suzanne Vega'ish 'Deeper into you' that'll fi well onto radio.

One of the numbers, entitled 'High' is presented in both acoustic and electric form about getting high in order to get through life due to having a bad relationships- is it about anybody in particular Ritchie?

A surprisingly good album from one of the USA most acclaimed Rock guitarists who has a singin' voice too, not to mention a go-given talent to write exceptoinally well crafted catchy songs.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Like Robin Black, Crash Kelly comes from Canada and coincidentally enough is on the same label in the UK.

He'll be joining The Quireboys on their late 2003 UK Tour and he's definitely a retro -rockin' Glam King - and I reckon he's gonna make his mark in a big way like Robin did when supporting Danger Danger. Crash can take you to yesteryear with numbers like 'Love me electric' with its 70's T-Rex kinda chorus or the romantically acoustic '11 Cigarettes' about giving your rare 12" Hanoi Rocks single to a girl and not getting it back that's like a musical mix of Smokie meets Tyla.

If you like the 2,3,4 style of The Ramones then 'I wanna be like you' will be right up your street or alternatively sink yourself into the self-proclaimed Aerosmithy 'Something Hollywood'. Crash Kelly isn't afraid to take risks either as he's covered Rainbow's 'Since you've been gone' in a baritone register which fans of both artists will either like or really hate.

All in all this is a fully entertaining album that you'll be fighting over in the near future.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Remember Saigon Kick, well Matt Kramer was their original lead vocalist. This ain't your usual 80's start trying to rekindle the style of music he was playing the best part of 20 years ago - no way dudes!! Matt's gone into recent territory and dabbled in the current metal sounds (like the track, 'Goodbye to all tomorrows) as well as getting a bit experimental and industrial on us.

Some of the stuff is negatively sounding but life ain't an easy breeze is it unless you live off a silver spoon. Many of the musical arrangements wouldn't be out of place on an Iggy Pop or late 70's David Bowie album (a good example being 'Soul Star'). Matt even manages to grab you with atmospherics like Marilyn Manson and at times the vibes and haunting vocal qualities of Jim Morrison flood out of the songs, especially in 'Exit'. I must also bring 'I'm getting closer' to your immediate attention as it's real biting with a Stoner meets Grunge groove.

The lyrics are moving and incredibly well thought out in the entire album that ironically features famed drummer, 'Jonothon Mover' not to mention three songs co-written with the legendary axe swinger, George Lynch ('If god could hear me now'; 'I'm getting closer' and 'Caught up on the inside').

I like it a lot !! and so will you.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

KATATONIA - Viva Emptiness

(Peaceville Records - 2003)

Why? Why? For $&%*'s sake why?! They've had five albums already, yet it's taken until this, their sixth for me to establish ear contact with the sound that Sweden's Katatonia call theirs. It's been a long time coming and my wait has prospered. Here, they deal in a grunge-meets-metal mix that takes its mould off a tamed-down Stone Temple Pilots but a lot more deeper and soul-digging.

Through the dominance of the described style, they still see a gap through which to take a pop at other targets and tunes owing to Dream Theater and even the Beatles can be found in situ. Guitar work is evidently indecisive between tracks, but within them, styles are straddled and the resulting licks supply the full substance. 'Criminals', 'Premonition', 'Walking By A Wire', 'Complicity' and Inside The City Of Glass' nearly anchor the appeal of the CD themselves but this is altogether a pleasant hour spent for a first time Katatonia listener such as oneself, and on having just read other ravings of the press, I am not alone in my approval. Thus, I can only anticipate that the previous five albums matched these standards, as do their future discs, or exceed them, even.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

'Ey, it's good how these ol' timers can carry on doing anything they want when they see a label wiling enough to accept it. Kansas frontman Steve Walsh has taken this obvious advantage to get together with this here Daniele Liverani gentleman we've heard mention of, and produce this succulent little spinner. From opening number 'Strike Like Lightning', there's little question that he's wanting to do something else - ooh, how brave of him - as this number belts along with pure AOR attitude, and completing a double bill.

'Shadow' is another Survivor-on-steroids type arrangement that gives an album like this the push it needs. Looking into other rooms in the house, 'Who's Gonna Love You Tonight' How You Gonna Live Without Love', Say It With Love' and 'Love leads the Way' are all packed with Walsh's vocal melodies staying sweeter than strawberries and cream but 'Living Memory' is the monster song on this album -if any UK live slots , e.g. Gods 2004, are likely for this act, let's hope it's on the set list. Couple this with Liverani's talented playing and a pristine production job courtesy of Steelhouse Lane kingpin Mike Slamer and this train provides a reliable service.

The inevitable bit of title-thieving comes with closing number 'Tears On The Pages' almost identical to that of a song by a certain Canadian act on this same label. Forgiving all as we do, and I hope Messrs Dee and Grehan will as well, this is another highly welcome slice of good ol' fashioned American melodic rock. Built to blue prints it may quite well be but always keep those blue prints handy, Steve, they never lose their usefulness.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

A live album from the long-surviving prog rockers caught live in concert at Earthlink Live Festival in Atlanta Georgia, USA on June 15th, 2002.

It's like old style Genesis and pretty heavy going - not exactly a get up and party album but it's technically brilliant and lyrically very cosmic, mystical and incredibly deep. The Wall is an extremely good number - and by the way, it is not a cover or anything at all to do with Pink Floyd.

This is an album that needs to be properly listened to and studied - that's if you have the patience to get through it all.

No prizes for guessing the name of the encore, well it had to be 'Carry on Wayward Sun' didn't it - there'd be a riot if it wasn't part of the set.
For lovers of 70's Progressive Rock and those wishing to broaden their musical horizons.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Repetition is something I'm not exactly a stranger to in rock music, and I'm used to sometimes receiving a batch of almost identical-sounding albums by almost identical sounding bands. Then again, as with Raise Hell, Malevolent Creation and Darkane whose albums I've also assessed upon the same English autumn evening, when a band tries moving the controls about, the course of flight does tend to keep altering dramatically.

Kataklysm look to have tried following such well advised footsteps. Rather formulaic death/black metal it may be but this band have kept me listening, through yet another forty-minute-odd stint of speed and brutality from the bowels of the earth, and have also adjusted a bit to that old tradition of short songs, with 'In Shadows & Dust' raging past in 2 mins-24. Elsewhere, 'Chronicles Of The Damned' and 'Bound Tin Chains' do their rounds of the rhythms in the space of barely more than three minutes and still make their mark.

Although the musicianship is without saying, the variation is at times a tad weaker than on certain other discs I've just spun but overall it's another good job done in the dark side of the metal department, and again a few unpredicted tuneful moments to account for.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Fun-time bluesin' Rock featuring songs about girls, the devil cars and guitars. It's very addictive listening and I'm hooked.

He has that Black Crowes/Stonesy thing going for him as well as elements of 77 Top, Hendrix and the odd stroke of Led Zep.

It's uplifting and completely recommended especially thtpe gospel sounds found on the 'Streets of New Orleans' or the funky slide of 'Dirty Knees', the woman crazed wailin' 'Voodoo Doll' or the gospel female backing V's found on the moonshinin' 'Crescent City'.

This is sleazy cool blues rock at its finest.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Killingbird - S/T

(2K Music - 2002)

Fresh out of California these aggressive glam punkers are out to prove a point that are just as in-your-face as Swedish fates the Backyard Babies or Hardcore Superstar but are rubbed up and ran through barbed wire with touches of L7 and Tura Satana.

Abrasive, edgy and unnerving they are with powerful numbers like the opener and single release 'Cocaine Tongue' that was recently aired on the Heatslick sampler. They've even covered 'Just like Heaven' by The Cure which is sensational. You'll find plenty of dirt ridden angst and l love 'Little Flower' for this - that combines a slutsy rhythm with hard vocals reminding one of strong-centered rampage made famous by Marilyn Manson , especially in the chorus section.

The only snag is that some if the album sounds rather similar - but it's gutsy and raw - so doesn't get at all tedious I'm pleased to say. 'Outta Mind' is a great example of this since it's full of life with a gloomful instrumental section with spot- on lead stringin' and deep bass chug with cabals riding over the top - purely explosive. I especially took a liking to 'Slip' an acoustic number that breaks the mould about being upset by the loss of someone - it comes across kinda off- key to the ears but the sound works with the vibe of the song.

A band worth looking out for, especially live.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Oh, so it's out at last is it. We've waited over a bl**dy year, after first reading reviews in Metal Hammer back in May 2000. Next thing, we hear they go and bin it and decide to record it all over again. Never mind, never mind, it's here, all is forgiven, boys, the wait's been worth it, etc, etc. Ah, I know the reason they've gone back and redone it. They've heard 24K. Just listen to that opening track, the naughty boys. Great track actually but that won't help you lads when confronted by Mladen and his army of solicitors. They've fancied taking a pick out of Vaughn's book on a couple of tunes as well, most notably 'Time' but it keeps this album some cred in the commonplace melodic rock spectrum.

The rest of the songs show quite a different Kick to that heard on the stunning 'Consider This' CD two years earlier. The style is practically a completely fresh set of ideas, and some alternative rock influences, mostly a la Bush have filtered through the band's song-writing pipelines. Echoes of the past still sound through, though, with some resemblances to 'Another Crazy Summer Night', 'Victory Dance' and 'Consider This' traceable by the trained ear.

Virtually the same line-up as before with singer Nick Workman, the Jones brothers on guitar and bass and Olli Cunningham on keyboards and the new member is Benji Reid, behind the kit. Another great piece of work by Croydon's finest but be warned - the typical big-haired hard rock sound you think you're expecting - it isn't there any longer. It pays to have an open mind, you know!!!

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Karma to Burn are a hot, groovy instrumental trio made up of Rich, Will and Rob. They are well and truly a fine fitting tribute to the sounds of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath as well as all things dark and sinister.

The ten titles on 'Almost Heathen' are simply given number names - which adds a wee bit of humour to the band!!! The opener, 'Nineteen' is throbbing, racey, Sabbath stuff whereas, track 2, 'Thirty Eight' is nasty, crunchy and down-right evil and throws in some excellent Bill Ward styled Snare & Tom-tom slamming. Those drums must be played with 10B sticks or have been recorded extremely loud and placed high in the master mix!! Satan will be grinning all over - guaranteed!! Track 3, 'Thirty Four' is like a mixture of the first two tracks, but seems to have Machine Head/Pantera flavours burned in as well.

I really like 'Thirty Nine' (track 5 on the album) because it reminds me of two of favourite Black Sabbath songs 'Fairies Wear Boots' and 'Hole in the Sky'. 'Thirty Six' (track six) would neatly fit on Sabbath's 'Volume 4' or 'Masters of Reality' albums - You can't help but dig it. The wailing/feedback chaos that is 'Thirty Nine' kicks serious dirty ass!! Think 'Iron Man' etc. Make your own mind up for the rest of the album - I'll leave it in your capable hands.

If you love Black Sabbath and fancy an entire instrumental tribute to Great Britain's finest - then you won't find nothing better than what's available here. From numbers 'Nineteen' to 'Forty', the albums a complete treat!!!

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Greg Koch has a remarkable guitar style - or should I say styles because he can get his hands around anything as this 17-track compilation proves.

He has the technically gifted precision that many can only dream. Down the
wacky almost Jazz-Rock route he goes with 'Zoiks' or what about the fast racey licks found in 'Spank it', the driving blues of Hendrix's 'Spanish Castle Magic' - a live version at that. The drum heavy fun-rocker 'Defenestrator' is cooking Jam fusion - Oh Yeah!!! - then there's his self-penned tribute to Hendrix called 'Big Jim' (who Greg wrote a report on in 3rd Grade - much to the puzzlement of his teacher!!

'The Grip' even includes liner notes from the man himself - which give explicit details on how he came up with the songs - cool or what.

Greg is one of the most talented guitarists who's ever been placed on an album - he's a mesmerizing and has the abilty to grab your attention in seconds and keep you there throughout. He really is a melting pot of the world's greatest guitarists e.g. Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana the three Kings (Albert, BB and Freddie) and Dick Dale etc. etc. the list goes on.......

10/10

By Ken and Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS