Another work from prolific guitarist/Vocalsit Phil Vincent, a more concept in the loose sense of term album, with treason being the main idea. Phil has read by heart and knows how to imply the songwriting book of Marg Magnold and DRIVE SHE SAID/TOUCH.
'The melodic, monster riffs he comes with and have Vince O’Regan bringing them to life are edgy, raw and still silk, a combination of high addictiveness, melody and guitar driven power.In addition to his own songs we have two covers of" Do it Good" (by TYGERS OF PAN TANG) from their much acclaimed 'Wild nights" album, in a more Radio oriented, still guitar driven rendition and "Theme from a Summer Place", written by Max Steiner, an unusual choice,that shows another more emotional side of Phil.
Song after song we follow the treason stories, traitorous, betrayals all dressed up in some well crafted melodic Hard rock, that cries out to be played at FM radio and arenas. Stand outs are "Betrayer","Nobody's Fault" and"Now, You Know", to name but a few. With a slick production and a tight band supporting this new project,
Phil is once more hitting bullseye, waiting for the wider recognition to bang his door, rather than left betrayed ,but still the excellent songs and music will remain.
A great, yet underrated guitar player, versatile, melodic, jazzy and heavy when he feels the composition needs it. Andy Timmons was the guitar player for DANGER DANGER but has a strong body of solo works in the last decades. In this his latest effort he continues to mix guitar shredding, jazz complexity, melodic rock and a love for the 90s maestros, especially Macalpine and Satriani and a sweet tooth for Michale Schenker and his taste for melody.. His personal sound has strong influences from melodic guitarists like Schenker, Roth and Macalpine but has a more US approach to the whole sound.
'Recovery ' covers a lot of territories from laid back jazz, soundtrack music to shredding but is most of all a healing album, letting the listener go with the flow.As Timmons himself states , “Healing is a constant we all navigate. And of course, music is the key to all this: It has been my safe place to express and heal throughout my life.”. This phrase, represents the spirit of the album
Timmons reconvened with the players who contributed to Electric Truth in 2021 for the Recovery sessions: Lemar Carter (Joe Bonamassa) on drums, Travis Carlton (Robben Ford, Steve Gadd, Larry Carlton) on bass, Deron Johnson (Miles Davis, Stanley Clarke, Alanis Morrissette) on keyboards and Jeff Babko (Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, Jimmy Kimmel Show) on keyboards.
He moves swiftly from opening jazzy "Elegy For Jeff" to "Recovery" with its Middle East influences and the Macalpine tone . His sound is versatile depending on the feeling and his purpose, never letting the listener distract. He even has a song with vocals to spice things up a bit in".Something Good’s Gonna Come" a slow melodic rock tune with CHEAP TRICK and pop rock, written all over it.
"Love > Hate" is a tune with cinematic climax and a strong main melody, "Where Did You Go" has an Italian aroma, "Between Brothers' is an up tempo, high speed fusion rock tune, then some fingerpicking on "Lost In This World" a mid tempo ballad, groove and swing at "It Doesn’t Mean Anything", slow jazz moves at "Why Must It Be So", a tribute to Schneker at the epic "Almost Home" and for the closing,a slow pace cinematic instrumental, "Arizona Sunset" with a killer vibrato.
If you are aware of his work, just listen to the new album, you know his high standards. If you don't know this guitar player extraordinaire and you are into melodic rock and jazz /fusion guitar playing get a grip on him, you won't be disappointed.
Song of the week- Blackberry Smoke - Run With The Pack (feat. Paul Rodgers and Brann Dailor) (Official Music Video)
329.003 προβολές 20 Αυγ 2025 #BlackberrySmoke #BadCompany #RunWithThePack Watch the official music video for Blackberry Smoke's rendition of "Run With The Pack" featuring Paul Rodgers and Brann Dailor. Stream “Run With The Pack”: https://found.ee/runwiththepack Pre-Order + Pre-Save CAN’T GET ENOUGH: A TRIBUTE TO BAD COMPANY: https://found.ee/badcompanytribute
Torchbearers of southern rock, Blackberry Smoke has released their rendition of the Bad Company classic, “Run with the Pack”, from the forthcoming tribute album, Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, to be released October 24, 2025 on Primary Wave Music. Bad Company co-founder and vocalist Paul Rodgers contributes background vocals on the track, while Brann Dailor of Mastodon plays percussion and also provides background vocals. “Bad Company has always been one of those bands that just hits you in the chest – raw, soulful and real,” says Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke. “Run with the Pack” is like a masterclass in groove and grit. There’s simplicity to it that’s so powerful – no frills, just feel. You don’t need to dress it up – it’s just honest. Paul Rodgers’ voice is cool confidence, never overdone, just authentic. That kind of music doesn’t age; it just gets cooler.” Paul Rodgers says, “Blackberry Smoke absolutely channeled the essence of the song and everyone delivered from their souls. I love every aspect of their performance harmonies, guitars and delivery!” Director & Editor: Andy Sapp (Freedom Machine) Recorded and Mixed by Tom Tapley at West End Sound Additional Engineering: Miles Landrum Song published and album released: https://PrimaryWave.com/ Written by Paul Rodgers Published by Badco Music Inc. (ASCAP) and WC Music Corp. (ASCAP) All rights administered by WC Music Corp. Charlie Starr (Lead Vocal & Guitar), Kent Aberle (Drums), Richard Turner (Bass), Paul Jackson (Guitar), Benji Shanks (Guitar), Brandon Still (Piano) Background Vocals – Charlie Starr, Paul Rodgers, Paul Jackson, Brann Dailor Percussion – Brann Dailor Recording & Mixing by Tom Tapley at West End Sound (Atlanta, GA) Additional Engineering – Miles Landrum Brann Dailor appears courtesy of Loma Vista Recordings Lyrics: You never give me my money You only give me your sympathy 'Cause I keep on running There ain’t no way to catch up with me I'm leaving you, don't make no fuss You won't even see me, oh no, for dust I'm running with the pack I’m running with the pack I'm running with the pack Never looking back.
You try to keep me in cages But baby, you got to catch me first You think your law is contagious I'll do my best, you can do your worst I'm leaving you, now who can I trust You won't even see me, oh no, for dust
I'm running with the pack I’m running with the pack I'm running with the pack Never looking back #BlackberrySmoke #BadCompany #RunWithThePack
These guys live and breathe for the DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW of the golden days and they know how to write more than decent songs.Up tempo hard rockers that could be easily at "Burn", "Stormbringer" or 'Down to earth" albums by a band that love the 70s and prove it in evernote they play.Graham Bonnet and his sound has been a driver for the band, who doesn't imitate but create new, exceptional tunes.
Following three acclaimed studio albums and recording sessions in iconic locations like Abbey Road, NIGHTHAWK return in 2025 with their latest album, “Six Three O” It was captured at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales - where classics by Queen and Oasis were once born - and once again brings together a stellar lineup of Swedish rock powerhouses.
Led by Robert Majd (Captain Black Beard, Metalite) on guitars, NIGHTHAWK features Björn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on vocals, John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra) on keyboards, Rasmus Ehrnborn (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on bass, and Magnus Ulfstedt (Black Paisley) on drums. The album was produced by Sverker Widgren (Portal, October Tide), continuing the trusted collaboration that shaped their previous Mighty Music release “Prowler” (2023).
Opener track "Hard Rock Warrior" is exactly what the title describes, a stormy Graham Bonnet era, hard rocker, an in your face punch "Wrong Side Of Desire" is like RAINBOW get themselves Jon Lord to fill their sound with his organ playing, while at "Home Tonight" DEEP PURPLE meets the Scandinavian melodic rock school to give birth to an epic sound tune."Angel Of Mine" has the fire of 'Burn" an up tempo, hard rocker that takes no prisoners.while the pace slows at "Can’t Say Goodbye" a mid tempo, epic, emotional mid tempo ballad.After that small moment of rest comes another gatecrasher in the face of "I Am The Night" with some furious Hammond playing..
Overall the album is a living tribute to the DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW days through new and powerful, memoprable compositions. Add to this a cover of " Man On The Silver Mountain" by RAINBOIW and you have one of the best retro/non retro,70s inspired/Scandinavian born and raised, Hard rock album of 2025 with Björn Strid proving how versatile , vocal powerhouse is in another unforgettable delivery.
US power metal reigns supreme as long as Geoff Thorpe manages to find the suitable singer. New album for VR, their 14th and they do what they know best. Deliver fast, furious yet melodic US power metal. At the end of the day VICIOUS RUMORS are among the pioneers of the genre along with SAVATAGE, LIEGE LORD, LIZZY BORDEN, ARMORED SAINT, METAL CHURCH.
They still keep going strong and with an insatiable appetite they write songs like"Dogs of war" ( a song about today's world in flames condition , with painful lyrics, at last musicians who talk about today's issues.), "High hell hammer"and "" Wrong Side of Love" that will stand the test of time. You will find a bit more complex, melodic elements like prime time QUEENSRYCHE a t" Dogs of War" or a bit more "commercial" or shall I say crowd pleasing moments at "Wrong Side of Love" but then the core of VR is power metal influenced by the 80s mega bands and delivered in true metalic fashion.How many bands can you mention that start their album with an iron fist like "Bloodbath" and keep the pace at the same uptempo with songs like "Crack the Sky in Half," "In Blood We Trust", "The Devil's Asylum", with foot on the pedal till the end of the album, like a bunch of 20 years old metal heads, at their first album recoring.Larry Howe ,thundering drumming help to support the aggressiveness of their new work.New singer Chalice shines as also the great guitar work of Thorpe and Cooper with their trademark harmonies and exchange of licks.
For those who like the aforementioned bands and also LETHAL, LEATHERWOLF and the great US power metal scene of the 90s , waste your time looking for copies of the old albus.VICIOUS RUMORS are still holding the torch and showing the way, playing US power metal with intensity, technical proficiency and most and above all ,down to earth, a wrecking ball that demolishes everything.
Song of the week- MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - DON'T SELL YOUR SOUL (Official Video)
231.927 προβολές 28 Αυγ 2025 #MichaelSchenkerGroup #MSG #DontSellYourSoul From the new MSG album 'DON'T SELL YOUR SOUL' Access the album here: https://Schenker.lnk.to/DSYSALBUMID After shaking the grounds of Wacken Open Air with a surprise announcement, Michael Schenker now unveils the official video of the title track from the upcoming Michael Schenker Group album "Don't Sell Your Soul"! Subscribe to earMUSIC: https://earmusic.lnk.to/Sub
Greek folk-traditional/metal band P.I.P. returns with their latest effort. While musically they continue to play heavy metal in the vein of the 80s/90S Classic sound,they continue to surpise adding elements from the Greek folk scene and make their own great rendition of Greek folk (Rembetiko) song of "Kaixi".
Their tendency to add more and more melody, folk,traditional elements and guitars, create unique examples such as "How to breathe" where Gary Moore will smile from up in the skies. Their passion is all over the album and one of their strongest elements, the vocals of Yolanna Galani who have a distinctive color of their own, makes P.I.P. a unique experience. While songs like "How to breathe" show another face with 90s alternative influences reminiscent of another great Greek 90s alternative band MAKE BELIEVE. They have their own distinctive sound, in the same way SKYCLAD used to carry the folk metal torch in the 90s.'Erase me" is a song with strong Celtic influences, with pipes etc. "Amnesia"is an epic song with folk influences and still a great heavy metal tune, a combination of the two worlds that P.I.P.stands for.
They won't imitate, but on the contrary incorporate elements from the musicians they have been influenced by and are vital part of their sound, melting them with the characteristic voice of. Galani."Sirens call" has incorporated musical elements of Pontos , Pontian lyra etc creating a unique atmosphere. Stand out tracks like "Kaixi", "Erase me", "How to Breathe" are proof of P.I.P. musical vision, a unique, metal but not conventional result.
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The album is closing with "Mothers lament" a song that stands out not only musical but also for its lyrics,a story of uncertainty, of life in our troubled times,having to raise children, in times of war and desperation, showing that P.I.P. are more than just another metal band. They are a bunch of musicians who have strong feelings, anguish, fear and doubts for today's world status and wont fear to talk about it.
Sometimes the band's name is self explanatory on what you are going to listen to.(Hope wont have to remind anyone,the classic JUDAS PRIEST album, that lend band its name) So if you're in to the 80s JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, early HELLOWEEN, this is the album for you. A side project of THERION has the high level of musicianship and also the fan feeling all over the album.
From the opening, in your face, all gun blazing heavy metal thunder "Heavy Metal Shakedown", to the more "I'm in love with my car-QUEEN' I in its metal version "I'm in Love with My Tank" with clever lyrics and twin guitars ,they play Heavy metal. More complex, or epic as in " The Time Machine" or just plain, simple and heavy, ready for stadium sing along as in " Darkside Brigade" and "Intruder", DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH enjoy this album as a tribute to the artists taht made them ,what they are. It is touching to see well known musicians ,paying tribute to their musical heroes and genres by not covering but rewriting musical history, with new tunes ,that step on the marks of the metal Giants of the 80s. As the album title says, Odes to the Gods written and sung by their most loyal, faithful Defenders of their faith.
For those of you who have seen THERION and Thomas Vikstrom ending their shows with covers, you know the man's incredible voice and versatility. Here he shines once more in songs tailormade for one of the most charismatic metal singers in Scandinavia. As for Christofer Johnsson, his love for the golden days of 80S metal, JUDAS PRIEST AND IRON MAIDEN is undeniable, so add a bit of ACCEPT to the recipe and you have an album for the those of you who still cant get off the 80s and want it new, heavy and fast.
Song of the week- Serj Tankian - I'm Counting On You (Chris de Burgh Cover) [Official Music Video]
101.558 προβολές Έκανε πρεμιέρα στις 5 Σεπ 2025 Official music video for "I'm Counting On You" from the upcoming compilation album 'Covers, Collaborations & Collages' due 10/24/25. Pre-save now: https://createmusic.fm/coverscollabor... Originally written and performed by Chris de Burgh. Directed by George Tonikian Edited by D.S. Bradford Featuring Artwork by Vahe Berberian Lyrics The night is so wild, and downstairs the child, Is sleeping, her spirit is free, For more than an hour, I have walked in the rain, I've been wondering what she will be, But where are the heroes, where are the dreams, That I had, when I was young, Am I hoping in vain, just to think, She could change anything? Well I'm counting on you; I'm counting on you to bring that sweet gentleness, To your world and all that you do, My generation is losing its way, We don't know, what we're leaving for you, So may there be millions who feel like you do, Oh my love, There is so much to know, There is so far to go, But you are not alone, When this is your world, And I'm counting on you; Come to me, turn to me, give me your eyes, When you see the mysteries of time, Here there are those who just live in the past, They will never let history lie, And this sad little island is breaking my heart, With its dark, Shades of green, And as hard as I try, I just cannot see why, This should be I'm counting on you, There is so much to know, There is so far to go, But you are not alone, When this is your world, And I'm counting on you, I'm counting on you
When the brand is Swedish and the genre is melodic hard rock, you know it's guaranteed success, most of the time. In 'Chasing Danger' CBB chased the success and hit bullseye. With hooks and choruses that are more addictive than sweat in the summer heat in Europe, the band delivers first class melodic rock.
You have the BON JOVI influences of the first three albums, the West Coast influences, bands like TOUCH,DRIVE SHE SAID, but also HARDLINE, SIGNAL, TYKETTO, the classic melodies of STYX,LOVERBOY , some real 80s pop/Italo Disco injections to mellow the whole thing with groove and most and above all the songwriting of CBB.
In modern AOR you have hit single machines like ECLIPSE and also bands like CBB who know how to develop a melodic riff to a more than decent tune. With standout tracks "When It's Over", "Piece Of Paradise" , and "Can't You See", "Chasing Danger" is an exercise in melodic rock and good taste. It might be their seventh album,and first with new singer Fredrik Vahlgren but they deliver with passion and fire. Check them out if you don't have them until now.
Album number two for the collaboration of one of the most underrated voices in Hard rock music, Jeff Scott Soto and ex MEGADETH bass player Ellefson. The combination may look awkward in the paper, but in reality it serves a lot the heaviest side of Soto. Don't forget his work with"Biker Mice from Mars", "SOUL SirkUS", his solo SOTO works and Malmsteen.
The album is a killer of ,heavy riff, modern metal music (owes a lot to PANTERA,FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) ,monster where the aggressiveness in the songwriting meets a more modern, low tuned, heavy riffing letting Sotto deliver his inner metal fan. There are stand out songs like "SOAB" and "Shout", up tempo but also with the Sotto pomp element combined with the more metalic edge of Ellefson and also some support from other artists at the vocal department in "Poison Tears" (featuring Laura Guldemond ofBURNING WITCHES) and "Vengeance" (featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens of KK’s Priest) ,the last as a double bass drum waterfall that crashes everything along its way."Snakes And Bastards" are among the stand out tracks, heavy,aggressive and grandiose, thanks to Sotto's melodic delivery, while "It’s Over When I Say It’s Over", has a catchy and dominating chorus.
The duo Ellefson-Soto is joined by Italian guitarist Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi on drums , a modern, stripped down production to create a modern heavy metal album with an in your face feeling.
For those of you who follow Soto alla around his career and have in mind the "Vacation in the underworld", this album comes as a colorful and meaningful addition to Soto's vast discography, showing his musical diversity and metal origin.
Daron Malakiαn and the SCARS ON BROADWAY-"Addicted to violence'
Nothing more, nothing less, than the always diversifying and experimenting Malakian, from the aggressive opener "Killing Spree", to the SOAD alike "Done me wrong" , with its eastern scales,with the more mid pace "Satan Husein" always chick in tongue, he proves old habits die hard.
But as usual Daron challenges himself with a mid tempo, almost darkwave epic and one of the stand out tracks "The shame game" shows the man and his band has no limits when it comes to create music as they envisaged it, beyond borders and genre limitations. A mesmerizing track that ooze fear and revenge."Destroy the Power" has an intense political message, sharp riffs and middle Eastern feeling, another winner, that grows slowly as does the main,middle East melody, covered in spikes. Malakian has an opinion and the courage to express it in a world that tries to shut up ,free spirits, talking about the power and the abuse of the mass regimes."Your lives burn" has a punk rock feeling and equally "disturbing" lyrics. "Imposter" has that metal feeling that had the work of Biafra with D.O.A, heavy ,staccato riffs, that are blended with the funky, rhythmic parts that SOAD incorporate to make metal a bit more "different" for the average fan, a unique blend that captivates the ear and make the listener , gaze with surprise,on what diversity, really means, in the days of plastic music.leaving the lyrics as the final blow.
Suddenly "You destroy you", a MOR song, that has nothing to do with the rest of the musical context of the previous songs, but has the violence (introvert this time) as a common denominator, giving a reason to let your hair down before the next act of violence. "Watch That Girl" moves in the same direction, more up tempo but with a 90s alternative feeling in it, a warning to lethal relationships and girlfriends. The tenth song of the album is "Addicted To The Violence", a self explanatory hand grenade that blows the rest of the listener to pieces, in an epic grandiose way, that reminds SOAD and FNM, in a mid pace, escalating paean.
An album that has its heart upon its sleeve, speaking Daron's truth with no fear or prejudice and becomes even more vital after the assassination of Charlie Kirk
Song of the week- DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG - Babylon (Official Music Video)
46.212 προβολές Έκανε πρεμιέρα στις 6 Σεπ 2025 DIERKS STUDIOS GMBH Taken from the album "Babylon" (October 3rd, 2025) 🎧 Stream / get it here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylonYT "'Babylon' is an absolutely worthy title track. Featuring a pounding, ultra-hard riff, plus the vocal melodies of Udo, Peter and Manuela that transport you straight into a fairy tale from "One Thousand and One Nights." The guitar arrangements and especially Mathias' solo guitar work support the imaginative atmosphere and drive the song to its absolute climax." 🎧 Stream / get the single here: https://datog.rpm.link/babylonsingleYT ▶ FOLLOW REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC 🛒 EU: https://shopeu.reigningphoenixmusic.com 🛒 US: https://shopus.reigningphoenixmusic.com 🛒 UK: https://reigningphoenixmusic.omerch.com Web https://www.reigningphoenixmusic.com YouTube: https://rpm.link/YTsub Instagram: https://rpm.link/instagramYT Facebook: https://rpm.link/facebookYT X: https://rpm.link/twitterYT TikTok: https://rpm.link/tiktokYT Spotify: https://rpm.link/spotifyYT ▶ FOLLOW DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Web: https://datog.de Facebook: / dirkschneiderandtheoldgang Instagram: / datog_official YouTube: / @dirkschneidertheoldgang3767 Music & lyrics by Udo Dirkschneider, Peter Baltes, Stefan Kaufmann, Mathias Dieth, Manuela Bibert & Sven Dirkschneider Recorded & mixed by DATOG at Dierks Studios Cologne, Germany Mastered by DATOG at ROXX Studios Solingen, Germany Video produced by RCN TV Nuremberg, Germany DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG are: Udo Dirkschneider | Main Vocals Peter Baltes | Bass, Main Vocals, Backing Vocals Manuela "Ella" Bibert | Main Vocals, Backing Vocals, Key Instruments Stefan Kaufmann | Guitars, Backing Vocals Mathias "Don" Dieth | Guitars, Backing Vocals Sven Dirkschneider | Drums, Backing Vocals Lyrics: Walk the world of wonders where every tale is true Ride a magic journey that was made for me and you Scent of jasmine lingers in the air Time to find an ancient love-affair Lonely heartbeats echo in the night Mystic havens - fantasies ignite Dancing in the desert where dreams are taking flight Genies granting wishes in a thousand and one nights Breezes rushing - fantasies unfold Tales of love and passion to be told Hear the mystic symphony of night Gentle whisper - for your own delight In one thousand and one nights Where the holy gate's gonna be your fate Golden treasures shining bright For the Holy Queen of Babylon Flying magic carpets are endless dreams of ours Finding an oasis in glowing moonlit hours Come on now be brave don't hesitate Open up the empyrean gate Rising higher faster in the sky Feeling sure that we will never die In one thousand and one nights Where the holy gate's gonna be your fate Golden treasures shining bright For the Holy Queen of Babylon Light and shadows dance in the stillness of the night Come and take my hand live the fantasy of life Still the jasmine lingers in the air Everlasting ancient love-affair Still our heartbeats echo in the night Mystic shadows dancing in the sky In one thousand and one nights Where the holy gate's gonna be your fate Golden treasures shining bright For the Holy Queen of Babylon #dirkschneider #oldgang #heavymetal #babylon #titletrack #udodirkschneider #stefankaufmann #peterbaltes #mathiasdieth #svendirkschneider #manuelabibert #dierksstudios #accept #rpm #reigningphoenixmusic
80s hair metal alive and well. Musicians like Brazilian (world traveler) Danny Veras are not reviving a bygone era, they breath fresh air to the genre, writing from the start, new songs, feeling the ulse and rocking the good old,fashion LA way.he new album ‘Can’t stop the Rock” is his 3rd solo effort, that also was co- written and produced by Paul Sabu. Sabus collaboration explains easily, the style and the album direction, into melodic, guitar driven, 80s hard rock The title track was co-written with the late Frankie Banali. On board are Linkan Andersson on guitar (Secret Society, Methods of Mayhem, Tony Mills), Barry Sparks on bass (Dokken, Michael Schenker, UFO…Yngwie).
"Playin with fire" is a track straight out of the 80s songbook with a nice guitar solo , and additional heaviness on the chorus, so you can't call it plain aor. Can't Stop the Rock is an in your face , anthemic rocker, that could use some extra vocal power in the chorus , POISON is written as main influence all over the "I want you forever" ballad, a song that has all the elements, acoustic guitars, piercing solo and honey dripped melody. 'Keep the faith" goes the same direction, with some decent influence from Bon Jovi solo works, western,country and classic rock, up tempo and rocking.
"Devil's garden" has a VOODOO X aroma , a mid tempo , dark rocker that stands out ."its crazy" has the JOURNEY school of melodic rock stamp all over it ,while "Darlin" is another 80s ,honey soaked tyle mid tempo ballad."Misery" is another melodi rock mid tempo, while "Rich woman" gets a bit more uptempo, a twelve bar inspired rocker,that chorus reminds of 80s and for some reason Ian Gillan Band "Woman from Tokyo".
At the end of the day, Veras.is true to his musical beliefs and although the production could be a bit crunchier, he gives us an album full of 80s inspired US melodic rock/AOR, that you listen to with no regret.
Joe Stump’s Tower of Babel – Days of Thunder (Silver Lining Music)
US neoclassical maestro Joe Stump followed the steps of Malmsteen, Impellitteri and now is a vital member of ALCATRAZZ. At the same time he presents his new solo work, where he continues what he does best. Speed up versions of RAINBOW inspired songs, with excellent guitar parts and much aggressiveness.
"Days of thunder' is an excellent piece of neoclassical metal with Graham Bonnet overtones at the voice of the gifted Jo Amore, a typical,yet substantial neo classical thunder.He gathered a band of seasoned and capable musicians who know how to perform speed, melodic,neoclassical metal without losing the feeling, Jo Amore on vocals , Mark Cross (drums, backing
vocals), Mistheria (keyboards), Nic Angileri (bass). “Blind Are Your Eyes” has a WHITESNAKE /VIRGIN STEELE feeling at their more passionate, slow burning times and its a nice deviation from the fast speed, fretwork of Stump, giving his band a chance to loosen up and be more atmospheric. "Alone in the desert" has the famous middle east sentiment that was introduced to us by Mr Blackmore and Stump knows how to strip it down to its basic, more dark and metallic form, a slow,mid tempo, scorpion who waits for the right moment to sting you. Next song "In the heat of the night" is a fine example of how melodic rock tries to be bit catchy, reminding Impellitteri ,especially at the vocal harmonies, of the chorus, a nice attempt to be "commercial" with a catchy riff.
Sacrifice" is an in your face, neoclassical metal song, nothing to remember, nothing to forget, a decent in your face attack."Trust me" is a slow, monstrous, in the vein of "Mistreated", with a crawling, blood thirsty riff and a groovy rhythm section, delivering a heavy rock cornerstone for the album.Closing track, is another 70s (RAINBOW infused) hard rocker with some great Hammond addition and a nice up tempo ace that gives Stump another chance to deploy his guitar shredding talents.
Overall , a recommended album for fans of RAINBOW, IMPELLITTERI, ALCATRAZZ, Malmsteen and neoclassical metal in general, with nice, memorable compositions and solid performances.
Η εμφάνιση των «θρύλων» του LA , BABYLON A.D στην Αθήνα , μου έφερε στο νου, μια σειρά από σχήματα που έμεινα το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της καριέρας τους, στα στενοσόκακα (back street alleys) να κοιτούν τη λεωφόρο του Sunset Strip, που διάβηκαν για λίγο και συνήθως σε σύγχυση από το αλκοόλ και τις ουσίες. Έτσι αποφάσισα να κάνω μια μικρή αναφορά σε συνοδοιπόρους των ΒΑ αλλά και μερικούς επιγόνους, που μάταια ελπίζουν στην ανάσταση μιας εποχής που χάθηκε μαζί με το γουόκμαν και τα αερόμπικ της Τζειν Φόντα, αλλά ξαναζωντανεύει σε μικρά κλαμπ πλέον, από πενηντάρηδες που αρνούνται να δεχτούν ότι ο κόσμος άλλαξε και 20αρηδες που ζουν το ρετρο όνειρο τους, γιατί οι κιθάρες θα σιγήσουν τελευταίες στον κόσμο του ΛΑ και στις πιο ταπεινές του εκδοχές ανά την υφήλιο.
LITTLE CAESAR:
το σχήμα του αειθαλούς Ron Young (τον έχετε δει να εκτοξεύεται στο Terminator 2, έξω από το μπαρ, σπάζοντας την τζαμαρία, ο μακρυμάλλης μοτοσικλετιστής) συνεχίζει να περιοδεύει ακόμα και να ηχογραφεί αραιότερα. Με ένα ep και δύο άλμπουμ που συνδύασαν Hard rock και soul επιρροές και έναν τραγουδιστή με την επιρροή της μαύρης μουσικής να είναι έντονη στο ηχόχρωμα του αποτελέσανε ,μια ξεχωριστή ενότητα στην μουσική σκηνή της εποχής. Ξεχωρίζει η διασκευή τους στο “Chain of fools” της Aretha - Αν δεν την ξέρετε, αν διαβάσετε Σειρηνάκη). Βρώμικοι, με τατουάζ, μηχανές και ροκ ν ρολ καρδιά
Ακούστε το “Little Caesar” (1990)
CIRCUS OF POWER:
Η χαμένη ελπίδα της Ν.Υόρκης που στις τελευταίες συνθέσεις της έχει και τοN Ελληνοαμερικανό κιθαρίστα Bill Tsounis , ενώ είχε συμμέτοχη και του Brant Bjork (KYUSS). Στα πρώτα κλασικά πλέον άλμπουμ τους, συνδύασαν το sleaze , με την επιθετικότητα του punk rock ροκ των ΜC5 και την μεταλλική αίσθηση. Σκληροί, μηχανόβιοι και με ήχο, φτιαγμένο από το ίδιο μέταλλο με το μαχαίρι επιβίωσης του Τζον Ραμπο κυκλοφορούν σποραδικά άλμπουμ, περιοδεύουν όταν δεν ακυρώνονται οι συναυλίες τους, ενώ ο τραγουδιστής τους Alex Mitchel κάνει πλέον καριέρα και ως συγγραφέας, όταν δεν κυκλοφορεί με τη μηχανή και την απόλυτα ροκ ν ρολ εμφάνιση του, μια μίξη σπαγγέτι γουέστερν και ροκ μυθολογίας.
Ακούστε το “Vices” (1990)
TORA TORA:
όπως και το αντίστοιχο πολεμικό σύνθημα των Ιαπώνων στο Περλ Χαρμπορ, ανήκουν πλέον στην ιστορία, αλλά το πρώτο άλμπουμ τους, είναι υπόδειγμα, βρώμικου, επιθετικού hard rock, που έκανε το LA να γυρίσει το κεφάλι του και να τους αγκαλιάσει έστω και για λίγο .Συνεχίζουν ως σήμερα, με συναυλίες και τελευταίο άλμπουμ το» Bastards of Beale» του 2019
Ακούστε το “Surprise attack” (1989)
SPREAD EAGLE:
Αν υπάρχει το αντίστοιχο του Dickinson στο sleaze είναι ο Ray West των SE. Ένα σχήμα που τα φωνητικά του τραγουδιστή τους, σε κάνουν να το λατρέψεις ή να το μισήσεις, αλλά δεν παραβαίνει τους κανόνες της σκηνής, παραμόρφωση, γκάζια και ρυθμός που σε πιάνει από το λαιμό. Αγνοείται η τύχη τους ΄’ίσως φωλιάζουν σε κάποια β0υνοκορφή.
Ακούστε το “Spread eagle’ (1990)
ΤΚΟ- SUICIDE SQUAD – WAR BABIES
Χρειάστηκε το δεύτερο άλμπουμ τους των TKO (Technical knock out), παρουσιάσεις στο Kerrang και τα γεμάτα γρέζι φωνητικά του Brad Sinsel, για να κερδίσει το σχήμα από το Σιάτλ μια θέση στο πάνθεο των αδικημένων της sleaze σκηνής. Οι αλλαγές μελών και ο χαρακτήρας του Sinsel δεν τον αφήσαν να γνωρίσει την αναγνώριση που θα του άξιζε, ούτε με τους βραχύβιους- SUICIDE SQUAD και πιο πρόσφατα τους WAR BABIES . Μέλη των ΤΚΟ διετέλεσαν οι Ken Mary (FIFTH ANGEL), Rick Pierce, Sheeley, Gary Thompson (Q5) Παρ όλα αυτά τραγούδια σαν το “I wanna fight” , περιέχουν όλο το πνεύμα του LA των 80s σε ένα στίχο, Με ένα riff, (χάρη στον χαρισματικό κιθαρίστα Adam Brenner) βαρύ, με ένταση, οξύτητα και μυρωδιά από αλκοόλ και κινητήρες εσωτερικής καύσης, σε μια εποχή οικολογία σήμαινε να πετάς το μπουκάλι του ουίσκι στον κάδο και να μην το σπας στο πεζοδρόμιο του Sunset Strip γυρεύοντας τον επόμενο καβγά.
Ακούστε το “In your face” (1984)
NEVADA BEACH:
Αν οι AC/DC σας αρέσουν εδώ έχουμε τα νόθα παιδιά τους. Με ένα EP και ένα πολύ καλό άλμπουμ στο ενεργητικό τους. Βρέθηκαν σε μια κατάσταση σαν τους AIRBOURNE σχεδόν 3 δεκαετίες πριν. Αποτέλεσμα η αφάνεια. Παιδί του τραγουδιστή και κιθαρίστα Hank Decken επανήλθαν στην ενεργό δράση στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του 2010 με ένα νέο άλμπουμ με υλικό από τα 90ς. Υπάρχουν ακόμα και περιοδεύουν σε γειτονικές πόλεις ,γιατί όπως καταλαβαίνετε, για να επιζήσουν χρειάζεται πλέον και πρωινή δουλειά.
Ακούστε το ‘Zero day” (1990)
THE THROBS:
Αν οι THE CULT και οι AC/DC είχαν ένα νόθο παιδί, θα ήταν οι THROMBS .Ένα κλασικό άλμπουμ που συνδυάζει sleaze και goth , ένα σχήμα που τα μέλη του θα μπορούσαν αν κάνουν τους σωσίες στους GUNS αι μουσικές με το στίγμα της εποχής, κιθάρες, πολλές κιθάρες. Από τον Καναδά στη Νέα Υόρκη και μετά χαμένοι στις λεωφόρους του βρώμικου ροκ ν ρολ, με ένα άλμπουμ κληρονομιά και μια ακόμα κυκλοφορία το0 2014. Αγνοούνται στη χρονομηχανή αν και μέλη τους εμφανίστηκαν στα σχήματα των Sebastian Bach, SMASHED GLADYS, FASTER PUSSYCAT.
Ακούστε το “The Language Of Vagabonds and Thieves”(1991)
Koritni:
Γάλλος επίγονος, με επιρροές από ACDC, GUNS N ROSES, με σειρά πολύ καλών κυκλοφοριών από την Γαλλική Bad Reputation. Παρέμεινε γνωστός σε όσους διάβαζαν Rock Hard από την αρχή, γιατί τον παρουσιάσαμε μαζί με το πρώτο του σχήμα GREEN DOLLAR COLOUR, σε μια εποχή που οι περισσότεροί σνόμπαραν το US Hard rock και ειδικά το sleaze, ποσό μάλλον τις ευρωπαϊκές εκδοχές του στην μετα τα 90s εποχή. Αν δεν τον ξέρετε , ψάξτε τον, θα σας αποζημιώσει.
Ακούστε το “Lady luck” (2007)
CRANK COUNTY DAREDEVILS:
Ακόμα ένα σχήμα που αξίζει της προσοχής σας ,σε αντίστοιχη μοίρα με τους KORITNI και δυο άλμπουμ. Γεννήθηκαν σε λάθος εποχή, στην Βόρειο Καρολίνα με ύφος και χαρακτήρα ροκ σταρς αλλά λιγότερη τύχη. Έπαιξαν όσα υπήρχαν τα λεφτά για μπίρες και τσιγάρα με τελευταία κυκλοφορία το 2017 κ εμφανίσεις ως το 22 στα καλύτερα μαγαζιά, αρκεί να τους πληρώνουν τα ποτά..
Ακούστε το “Livin in the red” (2006)
JUNKYARD:
Πολλοί τους χαρακτήρισαν σαν το σχήμα του ενός άλμπουμ, αν και έβγαλαν περισσότερα με το πιο γνωστό τους, το ν2, “Sixes, Sevens & Nines” να είναι εξαρχής δυσεύρετο. Όπως δυσεύρετη ήταν και η μίξη Νότιου ροκ κ sleaze rock,ac dc, punk k MOTORHEAD που οι ίδιοι πέτυχαν και μετά εξαφάνισαν τη συνταγή. Συνεχίζουν ενεργοί δισκογραφικά ως σήμερα, μιλώντας σε όσους ζουν και αναπνέουν για σειρές όπως το Sons of anarchy, μόνο που οι JUNKYARD, είναι μέλη της κοινότητας. Δυστυχώς τον Αύγουστο, πέθανε από καρκίνο, ο τραγουδιστής τους. Το μέλλον πλέον αέβαιο
Ακούστε το “Sixes, Sevens & Nines” (1991)
BANG TANGO:
Αν υπήρχε Θεός, ίσως υπάρχει αλλά ακούει τραπ και ραπ την τελευταία εικοσαετία, θα είχε δώσει στον Leste (φωνητικά) την αναγνώριση που το άξιζε. Ορμώμενοι από το LA, συνεχίσουν με διάφορες μετενσαρκώσεις/συνθέσεις ως σήμερα. Τα δυο πρώτα άλμπουμ της παρέας από το LA είναι συγκλονιστικά κ ευρηματικά, μια μίξη sleaze μελωδικού ροκ, new wave και ανεξάρτητου ήχου και μια βελούδινη φωνή, που έμελλε να συνεχίζει να προσπαθεί να τους κρατήσει στην επιφάνεια με μικρή επιτυχία για χρόνια. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES side project Leste και των DJ Ashba με πιο σκληρό μοντέρνο sleaze rock ήχο που κυκλοφόρησε και αυτό σε λάθος εποχή. Ειδικά το «μαύρο’ άλμπουμ τους, βάζει τα γυαλιά σε πολλούς , επώνυμους του χώρου.
Ακούστε το “Dancin' on Coals» (1991) κ. “Beautiful creatures” (2001)
THE SOUTHERN RIVER BAND:
2025, νέο άλμπουμ AC DC, STATUS QUO, GUNS N ROSES και μια παρέα από την Αυστραλία που δεν έχει ενδιαφέρον να καεί για τη δόξα και τις αρένες. Με τους ρυθμούς τους, ρυθμικοί, δυναμικοί και με έξυπνο στίχο, οι SRB, σε μια εποχή που το πλαστικό ροκ του SPOTIFY γεμίζει τα στάδια, μοιάζουν τόσο επίκαιροι όσο ο άνθρωπος του νεάντερνταλ σε ένα συμβούλιο για την εναλλακτικές πηγές ενέργειας. Είναι όμως εξίσου άμεσοι, δυναμικοί, παλαιολιθικοί και εθιστικοί, όσο ο πρόγονος μας. ΑΝ η ταινία του Ζαν Ζακ Ανο, σας έχει μιλήσει, “ο πόλεμος για τη φωτιά”, ντε, εδώ είναι η κατάλληλη υπόκρουση, Έχουν δε το άσμα ύμνο, “Fuck you, pay me” και ήδη οι καρέκλες των AIRBOURN τρίζουν, αν όχι σε δέκα χρόνιά από τώρα θα αναφερθούν σε ένα ακόμα άρθρο για τις χαμένες ελπίδες.
Ακούστε το “D.I.Y” (2024)
Υπάρχουν πολλά ακόμα σχήματα που δεν αναφέρονται. Δειγματοληπτικά, οι περισσότεροι εδώ είναι συμμαθητές των ΒABYLON Α.D , γνωρίσαν για λίγο την δόξα και στη συνέχεια καταφέρνουν, κάποιοι και επιζούν με φεστιβάλ και περιοδείες για νοσταλγούς των 80ς. Αν δεν έζησες τα 80ς ,ψάξε τους, αν τα έζησες και δεν τους ξέρεις, ψάξε τους. Αν δεν θες να τους ψάξεις, απλά εμφανίσου στους ΒABYLON Α.D και περίμενε να νιώσεις το σοκ, της παλιοσειράς που θα πεθάνει με την κιθάρα στο 11, τραγουδώντας για μια εποχή που το μόνο που φοβόσουν ήταν να μην εγκριθεί το διακοποδάνειο. Ραντεβού στους ΒABYLON Α.D
Magic Power: All Star Tribute to Triumph (Round Hill records)
Tributes most of the time is a clever way for the remaining record companies to milk the love of the fans ,for bands not active any more,adding some of the most curious names in the metal genre usually who sing from Sinatra to SLAYER with the same ease and apathy for the final result. In our youtube days where this kind of collaboration especially after the Covid lockdown made it familiar to a wider audience, tribute album seem to fade as a tactic. But here we have a tribute album for one of the best Canadian hard rock bands and definitely along with Pat Travers and Frank Marino among the most underrated. So is this tribute worth listening and investing in? I'm saying yes from the start. Despite who sings what, the songs stand the time and the different kind,style, range of vocalists who all , i must admit try the best to present a decent result It is the quality of TRIUMPHs songwriting that helps the singers and musicians to just give a more contemporary, metal sometimes feeling in these classic tunes.
The opener brief intro of “24 Hours A Day” which appropriately segues into “Rock And Roll Machine”. Both sung by Sebastian Bach, who gives a more metalic edge to the song accompanied by another underrated guitar player, Bumblefoot who knows how to fill in for Rik Emmett's enormous shoes.“In Magic Power” who find another familiar face in AOR,melodic rock covers, although in his day job he is more thrashy, Mr is l. Joey Belladonna from ANTHRAX who makes a captivating high note performance. Other participants include Starship‘s Mickey Thomas singing the rocking “Spellbound”. with Phil X on guitars and backing vocals . Dee Snider is convincing handling the lead vocals for “Lay It On The Line” while Paul Gilbert gets his own interpretation of the guitar parts. Next in line is Lawrence Govan ( STYX), with “Somebody’s Out There”,with REO SPEEDWAGON’s Dave Amato covers the lead guitar parts in a more pop oriented song that fits them both as a glove.
“Never Surrender” one of my personal favorites ,has Deen Castronovo’s (JOURNEY) vocal delivery, Tony Franklin’s funky bass, Brooks Wackerman on drums, and Justin Derrico’s on guitar getting the pop rock feeling of the 80s in the best sense.A climaxing groove song that culminates on the chorus. Jeff Keith (TESLA) another unusual choice is singing “Hold On” with a more down to earth approach.CHICAGO 's Jason Scheff takes his turn on “Just One Night”, a mid tempo 80s ballad, delivered straight for the MTV audience. I “I Live For The Weekend” with Slash is t Nita Strauss, and Phil X on rhythm guitars. has Dorothy and Tyler Connolly on the vocals in a ZZ TOP ed version of one of my favorite TRIUMPH songs, less anthemic, more guitar driven, it's all a matter of choice and perception.
Then we hit one of the most unexpected arrangements of the beloved “Fight The Good Fight” featuring Nancy Wilson (HEART) on lead vocals. It has a moody feeling, a laid back 70s comfortness, that suits their rendition of the song."Follow your heart" with Jack Blades on vocals and Reb Beach on guitars., is a perfect tribute in the glory AOR 80s days, anthemic and heavier than the original, still missing the original's crushing vocal harmonies. Allied Forces” with Phil X, is ok, we could live without it, and didn't regret listening to it.
ENVY OF NONE's take on “Blinding Light Show” is among the real attempts to cover an 80s band by some modern musicians and the result is an interesting, modern, seductive,hazy, different and interesting point of view to a classic melodic hard rock tune. The end of the album includes a bonus
track , “Fight The Good Fight” , featuring Dino Jelusick on lead vocals in a more rockier, heavier and in my opinion, more attractive to ears, version of the song that Wislon covered earlier.
Overall, this tribute is a collective proof of the immensity, the musicality and the everlasting power of TRIUMPH songs, through different performers and arrangements,even heavier, showing the artistic value and the nature of the songs and the bands caliber. a tribute fit to the legendary status of the band ,that finally gets the recognition it deserves among its peers
The hair might turn grey, the beer belly starts to smile at the mirror but you still like to listen to something more rockier than the MOR/80s nostalgia songs of your local radio station.BA has the answer to your problems. Another album that is more rocking than his previous works, with a couple of catchy, mellow but addictive ballads and Adams has the winning combination. It might not be as rebellious or edgy as he used to be ,but he knows how to pen a good tune .
So as rock fans get older and musicians too, Adams adapts and creates rockin tunes for the elderly and far more reaching than bands with half his age. Enjoy a proper album from a great songwriter and question yourself how many times in the recent years you have listened to songs like 'Roll with the punches" The album has everything in your face rockers "Roll with the punches' and "be the reason", or more melodic ones like "Make up your mind" ,mid tempo/countrified rockers like the catchy "How's That Workin' for Ya", enjoyable mellow mid tempo, uplifting songs like "Life Is Beautiful" with pop aesthetics.
He knows to be sentimental and surprises us in the Dylanesque "Love is stronger than hate" with the harmonica at the opening bars giving the tone, an old school ballad about war, loss and camaraderie. You have the expectable ballad in "Two Arms to Hold You", corny as it can be and that's what we like in Adams; he always delivers what we love him for. You have to admire his ability to pen catch pop rock tunes like "A little more understanding", or the uptempo/uplifting "Never let you go" harder than most of the so called rock artists of the Spotify generation without speeding up a notch, or use distortion, cause in his core he is an adult rocker, he is Canadian after all.
So all you middle age rockers (myself included)who are tired of the young brats who can't use a riff to put out a decent FM rock tune, Bryan is back,so let's celebrate life of Brian/Brayn, the Canadian prophet has raised the bar high for the rest of his contemporaries.It might not be the summer of 69, but it is still a pretty good summer for another successful MOR rock release
