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Wyvern - The Red Flame of Pain
Friday, September 24, 2010
Then why did they make a song that makes it sound so favorable? This was recorded in 1990. You can find the lyrics online. No matter what the lyrics were, this disc is just horrible even disregarding that track.
Wyvern - The Red Flame of Pain
Friday, September 24, 2010
1989 rather.
Pathfinder - Band Profile
Friday, September 24, 2010
That was a great interview, the part about the cheeseburgers cracked me up. These guys are very talented and deserve all the praise and publicity they can get.
Wyvern - The Red Flame of Pain
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ah, and I've listened to a lot of NWOBHM and similar type bands in my time and this is one of the worst. Never mind that they are from Italy and this was done well past the prime of that particular "style". It is just a very poor record. Bad production, terrible singing, awful lyrics, the songs are awkward sounding.
Frontline - Circles
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
It was their last album, and a huge disappointment. Some bands evolved, Frontline just seemed to wither away. Check out the State of Rock album with Tony Mills on vocals. Many of the same musicians from Frontline, and a very similar sound. The only thing missing is Stephan Kaemmerer's vocals... but Mills does a good job with it.
Pathfinder - Beyond the Space Beyond the Time
Sunday, September 19, 2010
It has been a long, LONG time since an album has tackled me in the grandiose manner that this one has. This one just "has it" where SO MANY do not. Are they trying too hard? I don't think so. If anyone grabs this expecting the next "NIME" are they going to be disappointed? I don't think so either.
Pathfinder have found the sweet spot on their first outing. Personally I can't see how they are going to top this, as the album has everything and the kitchen sink in it. A fantastic album that makes you go "OH MY GOD POWER METAL!!!" and you mean it in the most enthusiastic, giddy, gleeful way possible.
Dio - RevelationZ Top 20 Dio Tracks - A Tribute
Sunday, June 6, 2010
There are ALOT of songs that were left off that should have been in the list. However if everything essential was included this would no longer be a top 20 list! "Night Music" from Lock Up the Wolves is one of my personal favorites. It is nearly CRIMINAL not to have "Gates of Babylon" which was simply an incredible song. "Rainbow Eyes" and "Catch the Rainbow" show the softer side of Dio, with beautiful vocal performances, "Rainbow Eyes" being a little melancholy and "Catch the Rainbow" simply hopeful and relaxed. The Butterfly Ball's "Love Is All" is upbeat and joyful. "Invisible" and "Caught in the Middle"... "All the Fools Sailed Away" and "Egypt (The Chains are On)". "Killing the Dragon" and "Carolina County Ball"... could go on all day really... RJD left behind an incredible legacy! He truly was a vocal god.
Pretty Maids - Pandemonium
Saturday, April 10, 2010
It probably is closer to a 7 than a 6 (after all the ratings adjustments I have had to do, I seem to be erring on the deep end of caution lately).
Strangely, "Beautiful Madness" is one that really clicks with me, while "Old Enough to Know" seems too tried and true. I love Pretty Maids, and everything they have done, even their worst is head and tails better than most bands on their very best days can accomplish.
Pretty Maids - Pandemonium
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Good review, though I don't really consider them all that out of form on their last album. Which we don't seem to have a review of..... how did that happen? I more or less agree with everything said here except "Beautiful Madness", thats a great song!! BooO on you!!! hahah.
Rock Sugar - Reimaginator
Saturday, March 6, 2010
What a brilliant review!! I actually have a review of this written down on a notepad (before you published this) and it pretty much says the same thing! What a well executed (and original) idea for a tribute/covers type album. The party atmosphere comes through bright and bold and technically the album just shines blindingly. The Eurythmics mesh up is one the clear cut favorites. Did you catch the little Geoff Tate/Queensryche bit in "Shook Me"? Harnell has the vocal rhythm just nailed to perfection.
A fantastic disc! Brilliant production too.
Various Artists - 21 Albums Of The 2000s
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thank you and I'm so glad you enjoyed the article! I will be doing a 1990s one too but that is REALLY tough (and probably much more predictable than this one). There were certainly more technical albums out there, but these are the ones that had lasting power. Especially something like The Cage 2, which I can pop on even now - nearly ten years later - and still feel that sense of amazement. But you know, people are certainly capable of arguing quite venomously over a wrong/right opinion as well, so I wouldn't be surprised to see this go up in flame wars at some point. :)
Various Artists - 21 Albums Of The 2000s
Friday, February 19, 2010
Good picks Steen! (and some that I have not heard even, so I will be checking them out shortly)
Avantasia PT 1 and Ayreon's Equation were both on my (near final) drafts, with full writeups and then I scrapped them at the last minute (remembered Angel Dust and just axed them). However, it is so hard to pick an Ayreon album for me, because I loved nearly everything Lucassen put out in the 2000s under the Ayreon name. Which one is THE best? I am still not sure...
AVANTASIA was definitely amazing.... separating them is nearly impossible (as I found out).
PRIDE OF LIONS debut was on one of my preliminary drafts... all three were great, and I may just give the nod to The Destiny Stone as well, though its been years since I revisited it.
REDEMPTION I am having trouble with. Something about the disc just does not click with me. Every listen is difficult and it seems more like a chore than a pleasure. Am not sure why... what am I missing here?
Various Artists - 21 Albums Of The 2000s
Friday, February 19, 2010
Well that's just it. I don't know. I love Fates Warning, Queensryche and so forth... maybe it just needs more time?
Various Artists - Alanna's Year In Review - 2009
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Yes he does love his Dio, that's for sure. I wish Jorn would branch out more (the Allen/Lande stuff is fantastic, and his Masterplan, and Millenium, and well... The Snakes, and you get the picture). But its been awhile since he's really stretched his talents...
The Sonata Arctica is a bit heavier than "Unia" (I believe) though i really enjoyed that disc too. Sometimes I wish they would throw a few tracks in that recall their debut but their new direction is pretty fresh as well (and "In the Dark" is one of the most alluring, soul stealing songs I have ever heard).
Leverage - Circus Colossus
Saturday, January 16, 2010
OMG! I had NO idea this was out. It excited me so much I still feel lightheaded. THANK YOU for the review. I have to get this... now.
Blackmore´s Night - Winter Carols
Saturday, January 2, 2010
That's exactly what happened to me. It has been laying around for two years now in my promos and I found it before Christmas and literally that was THE soundtrack for my Christmas this year. We trimmed the tree to it, unwrapped our packages, it played during dinner... My mother flipped over it, the kids liked it, it was just crazy! Seems that everyone can get into this regardless of musical allegiances. :)
Some of Candice's best vocal work too. Her backup singer just fills her out and makes her sound terrific.
Lita Ford - Wicked Wonderland
Thursday, October 29, 2009
You are right! This album is absolute garbage!! I can understand wanting to "move forward" but this trash sounds like stuff that comeback bands were putting out in the mid 90s to cold receptions.
Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way to Blue
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I was listening to Saigon Kick's "Water" just the other night. What a strange, diverse and interesting album!
Winger - Karma
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Feeding Frenzy" kinda pulls it down a bit for me. I think because I keep skipping it when I listen to it... but it is a superb cd. Still listening to this one along with W.E.T.
Magnum - Into the Valley of the Moonking
Sunday, October 18, 2009
gizmo:
I don't believe they actually listened to the album!! Because if they HAD listened to it, those reviews would not have been such negative, ridiculous garbage!!
House of Lords - Cartesian Dreams
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Oh yes! Some of the lyrics on this album are SO bad! Especially in "Born to be Your Baby". I just try to shut out the lyrics and just ride the vibe of the song, which is very good. I believe HOL were doing fine on their own too which is why I'm puzzled over the collaboration with Baker who just seemed to muck things up.
Repo Man is a cover and a crappy choice for one too.
A shame!
Iron Maiden - Brave New World
Friday, September 11, 2009
No, no, I believe "garbage" and "boring" do indeed describe this "Brave New World" which was neither *brave* nor *new*. It is plodding. Predictable. Ridiculously, aggravatingly, mindnumbingly repetitive. "Out of the Silent Planet" I described (back when it came out) as "one of the worst songs I have ever heard in any genre, any musical format." With three guitarists I expected to be blown away, not bored to sleep (or to tears). "Virtual IX" was a terrible album, and to this day I cannot comprehend why there was so much hype surrounding "BNW" before and after it came out. Granted, I have not listened to since around its initial release besides a few curious pokes here and there. I realize there are a virtual plethora of Maiden fans out there that will accept and devour anything that plops out carrying their band banner, but to me, this album was a straight up embarrassment.
And no, I am not a "Maiden hater", I quite adore many of their albums (especially from the 80s), not to mention Bruce Dickinson's twin solo masterpieces, "Accident of Birth" and "Chemical Wedding".
Have a great day!
Danger Danger - Revolve
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Oh DO check this one out, it just keeps growing on you the more you listen to it! This has been my constant companion for over the past week and Tommy is right, that opening song is a real rock n roll killer of a song. Gets the album going to a fine start. "Never Give Up" is another very strong song that gets overlooked to begin with. A very delicate little ballad that is both sweet and hopeful. What an excellent release by these guys!
Danger Danger - Revolve
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Oh DO check this one out, it just keeps growing on you the more you listen to it! This has been my constant companion for over the past week and Tommy is right, that opening song is a real rock n roll killer of a song. Gets the album going to a fine start. "Never Give Up" is another very strong song that gets overlooked to begin with. A very delicate little ballad that is both sweet and hopeful. What an excellent release by these guys!
Iron Maiden - Brave New World
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Oh wow, I HATED this album when it came out. It was the butt of many jokes for years. Its garbage no matter what band dumped it out. Boring is the word!
Magnum - Into the Valley of the Moonking
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
This was an unusual album for me, because usually the songs that I notice first are the ones that remain my favorites. However, this one is so diverse and beautifully done that others have taken precedence unexpectedly. "Time to Cross that River" and "If I Ever Lose My Mind" are of special note.
I am fairly positively certain that Catley will do a followup to "Immortal" and he is also appearing on the next Avantasia album, so there's that to look forward to. Catley + Karlsson is just a match made in heaven though (and I admit that I am a huge fan of Karlsson's work too).
Cheers!
Lost Horizon - A flame to the ground beneath
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wow I don't have this and am now feeling like I've really missed something here.
Chris Laney - Pure
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wow, I love this album...
It went from being "very good" to "essentially awesome" after several dozen more plays. "I Dunno" just oozes sassy "want you" vibes, "Fire & Ice" is a constant high - never a dull moment there, "Get U Down" smooth Def Leppard style and blatant sexiness, "Pissed At What U Missed" is hard n angry but oh-so catchy and "Make My Day" has caught fire in my heart more recently with its snippets of overwhelming melody that gush out unexpectedly. A great album that grows with time into something just wonderful.
I hope Laney does more.... solo.
Dream Theater - Black Clouds And Silver Linings
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
They haven't been the same since Kevin left. "Awake" is still their masterpiece, no matter how pompous, serious and technical they get these days. The endlessly long songs are a bit of overkill too. Not a bad album, but not near the brilliance of "Awake" which is a shame. Better luck next time?
Coldspell - Infinite Stargaze
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
They certainly have plenty of interesting inspirations to draw from. I love the fact that their vocalist sounds like a Robert Mason clone,but would like to hear more done with that voice too. He seems to hold back a bit I think. A very good album, especially for a debut as you said!
Sweden Rock Festival 2009 - Steen's Festival Diary
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thanks for the Europe info Nina! Always loved Scream of Anger but man... no Stormwind? :D Looking forward to your festival article too. More Tempest pictures!? Hothothot. *grin*
Sweden Rock Festival 2009 - Steen's Festival Diary
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Another awesome festival report!! I love your concert reports (as always) and REALLY appreciated the Europe pictures. Joey Tempest is incredibly hot! Did they play anything from Wings of Tomorrow?
I loved the bit about Jordan (DT) playing the bit on his iphone. That's just awesome.
Another great report, thanks for sharing!
Jorn - Spirit Black
Saturday, June 13, 2009
"I Walk Alone" was something really special from that Tarja album. The rest was so-so but that was a real showstopper. I do love the way her version has this cold, calculating cruelty to it. Its just chilling to the bone. However, Jorn brings a whole alternate dimension to the song and I love both versions.
I agree that its amazing how a different voice and different arrangements can completely transform a song... this is a good example of that, and also why I like the Northern Kings cover tracks so much.
Magnum - Into the Valley of the Moonking
Friday, June 12, 2009
I would say it has the heart of "Storyteller's Night" but also a great deal of Bob Catley's solo efforts as well. It's a modernized Magnum sound but not in a suffocating way (like "Brand New Morning"). There are moments that recall their AOR inspired efforts as well as the more progressive bits and even a bit of the 70s too. It's a combination of all these things...
As for the bad reviews, I have not read them myself, but I cannot fathom how someone could like "Alice" and "Morning" yet not appreciate the freshness, tight hooks and progressive layers that define "Moonking". Give it a shot, you will likely enjoy this one despite what other reviewers might say.
Elegy - Reissues: Primal Instinct ; Manifestation Of Fear; Principles Of Pain (Reissue)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Yes, after stripping the heart and quirky uniqueness from the band, they certainly did change... and lost themselves in the process. Everything after the departure of Hovinga was shallow, overly processed, murky messiness. Ian Parry is a decent enough singer but has the charisma of a rock, atleast when he's singing with Elegy (and many instances solo as well). I remember being quite thrilled with the prospect of a new Elegy, and high hopes for Parry (after hearing some of his creepy solo discs) and was dismally disappointed over the results.
The music better suits the name, but that's about all it does. Eh well.
Sunstorm - House of Dreams
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I think this is still a very good album. Maybe more of an 8 but still...
Turner's finest vocal performances were no doubt the last two Rainbow discs, the "Rescue You" solo album and Malmsteen's "Odyssey". Of course, these were all within a few years span and about 20 years ago, too. I believe that Turner is at his best doing AOR which he doesn't seem to do very often, so any disc in that genre that's thrown our way, I seem to get overly excited about.
"Divided" and "The Spirit Inside" are two very awesome songs, any way you slice it.
Cheers!
Takara - Invitation to Forever
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Yes, well I did want to be most thorough about the whole Takara disaster. I kept listening to it in hopes that it would somehow get better upon repeated exposure...it does not. It actually gets worse. It should come with a "this album is shiatty" warning.
Edguy - My obsession with Edguy
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I have also, fallen out of love with Edguy. It's not the poppiness that bothers me, I think they pull that off very well. It's the quality of the songwriting that continues to bug me and the reason why Tinnitus Santctus has failed to grow on me despite desperately wanting to like it. It's just flat. They no longer sound inspired, and when they try to cater to the fans with faster, heavier songs, it just comes off as so lifeless. There's no pulse there to excite the listener anymore.... Tobi is a talented individual. My opinion though is that he is suffering from burnout.
Dream Theater - Awake
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I very rarely give albums a 10 but this one comes so very close, I think I would have to. The disc is simply amazing from start to finish... "Space Dye Vest" is one of the most haunting pieces of music I have ever heard. Such longing, such emptiness, a sense of bleak desperation... all of those gothy bands that are trying to convey that atmosphere of darkness fallen, none even come close to the kind of empty emotion that pierces this deeply depressed track. It's absolutely magnificent. The double hit of "Lie" and "The Mirror"....
The musicianship, songwriting, production... it all clicks. I love the heaviness mixed with that exploring progressive touch. The ultimate progressive metal album? I think so.
Various Artists - Alanna's Highlights 2008
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Metallica is about as mainstream as a metal band as you can get - and they are THRASH! And yes, "Enter Sandman" is what I would classify "mainstream thrash"! Megadeth as well. Even Slayer to a certain extent (widely known, lots of merchandise sold, and high album sales too). They appealed to the popular crowd and even tailored their music to get a bigger piece of the radio pie and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. Every genre has hit mainstream if they possibly can, even punk which is anti-mainstream but nontheless!!
As for "everyone" - that means most journalists and a good chunk of Trivium's fans as well. Trivium was a tragedy because some of the music is quite excellent, and if another singer was layered on the top other than Heafy, it would have been quite an album, but alas that's not the case, so therefore its a total waste of songwriting. So THAT'S the big deal with THAT.
No I do not particularly enjoy growly "cookie monster" vocals although I have heard a great share of them and sometimes they do fit with the music.
Poley/Rivera - Only Human
Monday, January 26, 2009
You know, the more I listen to the album the more I like it. Some reviews have stated that the last half of the album is inferior to the first but I have to totally disagree because "Breathe Deep", "Delirious", "Crossing the Ocean" and "NWS" are some of my favorites!
"Only Human" is still the reigning king of this disc however! Good stuff all around.
Edguy - Tinnitus Sanctus
Saturday, January 24, 2009
My favorites were Vain Glory Opera and Theatre of Salvation (the title track is what sealed the deal on that one), though Rocket Ride was very fun and still had the Edguy flavor. Interestingly enough I thought Mandrake was kind of "eh" myself, but....
I'm not so willing to give up on Edguy. Who knows what they will do next? Tobi needs to get back to the drawing board and stir up some interesting ideas. That last Avantasia album wasn't all that fantabwonderful either.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Legendary Tales
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Oh dear, I didn't realize that Dreamquest II was supposed to be out LAST year... what happened??
The first one was just fabulous..
I'll have to do some research on this.
Various Artists - The State Of Power Metal Music
Monday, January 5, 2009
No Manowar or Virgin Steele on your list? That's just dumbfounding!
I do agree that power metal has been on the decline, but its not a recent phenomenon.
It seems like the whole genre just burst into brilliance in the 1996 through early 00s, and then tapered off into tedium, with a few bright points blazing here and there. There was an absolute glut of bands that came thundering through all of a sudden and fell away with the same speed. The market couldn't support so many bands, with mediocrity increasing rapidly.
The bands that survived have tried doing different things which works sometimes and other times fails. It takes something *really* unique to trump the glory of some of those 90s albums...
Angra's "Angels Cry"
Blind Guardian "Nightfall in Middle Earth"
Kamelot "The Fourth Legacy"
Labyrinth "Return to Heaven Denied"
Stratovarius "Visions"
Symphony X "Divine Wings of Tragedy"
Virgin Steele "Invictus"
And there was plenty of garbage too like Crystal Eyes, Dragonhammer, Centurion, Thunderstorm, Languard... Highlord, ThunderSTONE... etc.
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Thursday, December 18, 2008
"Rebel Yell" was a forgettable track for sure. I also think that "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "Killer" from this album are pretty average too. Nothing that I would have revisited if it weren't for the others on the album.
I think its unfair to toss this in the same boat as the first disc, especially if you have NOT heard it yet.
The main attraction of the disc (for me) is having the four vocalists strutting their stuff simultaneously on not only the same album but the same songs. That's how its mainly been marketed so they likely realize that's the main draw too.
And anything that has Kakko emoting like on "Nothing Compares 2 U" is going to be a winner in my book.
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
And what's the point of doing covers that sound *exactly* like the song you are covering? Why not just listen to the original? So what if your band can reproduce the song note for note, don't you think its more interesting if they push the boundaries of how you think about the song?
I think all the songs on "Rethroned" are recognizable when stacked up against their originals. With that said, some of my favorite covers were the ones that At Vance did with ABBA songs back in the day. Those were awesome as well.
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Monday, December 15, 2008
What!?
I think some people are either deaf or need their ear drum privileges revoked.
Seriously.
I can think of dozens of bad cover albums.
This is not one of them!
What makes this "inept"? Explain yourself!
Northern Kings - Rethroned
Friday, December 12, 2008
"Reborn" is great
"Rethroned" is *bettter*
All vocalists participate on more songs.
The track selection is quirkier than the original.
The album is worth it just for "Kiss From A Rose" & "Nothing Compares 2 U".
I agree that "Don't Stop Believing" was NOT the best song on "Reborn", although the basic melody is still there, its just not as prominent as it was in the original track. Same thing here with "Wanted Dead or Alive".
I wouldn't dismiss it just based on "Reborn". Check out "Kiss From A Rose" on youtube first before you pass final judgment.
Nickelback - Dark Horse
Friday, December 12, 2008
I liked "Rockstar" from the previous album because it was so *big* and *cheesy* yet got radio play so that means I could sing it loud and proud and people wouldn't stare (too much) or would join in. So it had THAT going for it. This new one..... not so sure about. The vocals/lyrics grate on my nerves usually and it just seems they are stagnant in what amounts to rock kindergarten level of writing. Which sucks.
Virgin Steele - Life Among the Ruins
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
It IS a masterpiece as long as you come in with the expectations of listening to a really awesome AOR/hard rock album and do not expect to hear anything related to "Invictus" and their more power efforts. It's a more mature evolution from "Chains of Fire", "Tragedy" and such from "Age of Consent".
Virgin Steele - Life Among the Ruins
Sunday, November 30, 2008
This is actually the third or fourth review (ALL of them ORIGINAL I might add) that I have written for "Ruins" over the past dozen years or so. I've also owned atleast three copies of this, maybe four. I know three times on CD for certain and perhaps a cassette tape too. It's an album I personally know incredibly well, have listened to it hundreds of times, and it still thrills me to this day. Just a fantastic album all around. I just wanted anyone reading the review to know that this was not my first go-round with the album, its something that has been marinating in my mind and coursing through my blood for over a decade.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Friday, November 28, 2008
Ah! I did NOT know about the other Goran Edman release. I will have to track that down ASAP. Thanks for the heads up on that.
Saw the "Triple Loaded" video, that was pure awesomeness, seeing JLT get any kind of mainstream exposure makes me happy. He certainly deserves it. "Heaven Tonight" has been one of my fav music videos for YEARS. There used to be a mom and pop VHS store in town that had mostly stock from another store that went out of business years before. They had a Malmsteen teaching tape, Live in Leningrad and The Collection. I rented them CONSTANTLY and watched them over and over again til they were burned into my mind. The energy in "Heaven Tonight" is so infectious and Yngwie's raccoon tail just cracks me up (as well as when he sticks the guitar between his legs, phallic suggestion INDEED).
They just don't make videos like that anymore. Though there was one from Edguy a few years back that I liked, maybe it was Superheroes. I will have to check youtube again to be sure.
"Odyssey" was actually my first Yngwie album too (well, best of and THEN Odyssey). I flocked to it from JLT's Rainbow connection (plus loving "Hold On" from the best of disc).... !
Karmakanic - Who's the Boss in the Factory?
Friday, November 28, 2008
It's all the noodling that holds the disc back. I could edit "Send a Message From the Heart" and make a magnificent track out of it that would last about 6 minutes tops. But at almost 20 min its just too much. They don't know when to quit but Reingold is known for that (besides the superb "Universe" album which I miss so much!).
Karmakanic - Who's the Boss in the Factory?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Ah but I only use noodling as a derogatory term. There are many bands that are adept at making lengthy, entertaining songs full of awe inspiring instrumental passages. Its when its aimless and going in circles into perpetual neverending boredom, does it become "NOODLING". :D
I loves me some Dream Theater too... "Awake" is just genius.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Yes, Jeff was on all those Malmsteen albums. He does have a great voice, and one that suited Yngwie's style. He was the original singer for him, in fact! Jeff had some nice renditions on "Inspirations". I liked his take on "Gates of Babylon", "Burn" and "Carry On My Wayward Son" especially. It's been years since I've listened to it, but used to play it quite frequently when it first came out.
Besides Turner, I have problems choosing between Goran Edman and Vescera as my second favorite Malmsteen vocalist. I love Edman in general, but Vescera was a really powerful force on "Seventh Sign" especially. Tough decision to make.. the videos from the Edman era may seal the deal though! :)
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
How about some Yngwie "Odyssey" then?
"Dreamin (Tell me)", "Deja Vu", "Crystal Ball", "Hold On", "Heaven Tonight", the cheesyfun "Riot in the Dungeons".
Joe Lynn Turner sings on this one and it has a much more radio friendly sound.
Try it before you swear off Yngwie once and for all. :D
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Ah! I LOVE Joe Lynn Turner! For a long while he was my absolute FAVORITE and I still adore him. VERY underrated. Everyone should know who JLT is. He did some commercials for the US market a few years back (I forget what it was, Burger King maybe?) and everytime the commercial would play I would have to point it out and get all excited. People thought I was nuts (then again maybe I was, haha).
Have you heard his "Rescue You" solo album? Its a true AOR gem that's a bit under the radar. I always wanted to hear the followup that was never properly released. I KNOW there are copies out there somewhere but have never ran one down. But Sunstorm is another treat that wasn't very high profile (and more recent too).
As for YNGWIE. I KNOW he has the tendancy to be arrogant (he believes himself the greatest guitarist ever - or almost ever) and there is reason for that. In the 80s, when he was a teenager or barely out of his teens, he was heralded as this amazing, untouchable player that took the guitar world by storm. The music media proclaimed him a god, and yeah, of course it went straight to his head... but t hat's enough about Malmsteen I suppose. I just see reason for his arrogance, even if it irritates alot of others (you would think he was the ONLY guitar player with an ego attitude problem but that is FAR from the case).
Axel Rudi Pell - Tales of the Crown
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I know. Maybe that's why I like it so much. Sometimes change is bad.
From the Inside - Visions
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Vex:
I'll definitely check out Butch Walker. I've heard the name but for some reason it always struck me as being some kind of country/western kind of artist...and never resonated with me, dunno why.
You are probably right about Tyketto, there were many "more sophisticated" bands that came out around that town that did not find success either, although it seemed almost a given. Alot of it had to do with marketing and so forth too, much like music is now in some ways.
As for Harnell, have you heard the Morning Wood album? Its mostly acoustic and covers, but Harnell does an amazing cover of "Sun in your Sky" which I adore.
Another offbeat favorite is "Because I Love You" from "Transistor". I just love the vocals there. His phrasing, the tone, everything. I heard he has a solo demo disc out too but I haven't tracked it down yet. Maybe after the new year.
Starbreaker - Love's Dying Wish
Friday, November 21, 2008
Alot of people did *not* like this album! I know its a bit more modern than even the last Starbreaker, and the vibe darker too, but I enjoyed it immensely. Tony Harnell and Karlsson just go together perfectly... though I'm crazy about Karlsson's work in general. I think he's a genius. :D And Harnell... he's a vocal god, that's for certain!
From the Inside - Visions
Friday, November 21, 2008
I completely agree with your assessment of the guitarwork on the Tyketto album. It has a very melodic feel but still has bite. I am amazed that it did not attract more attention, as it came out around the final height of 'hair' metal and it far superior to many other releases that enjoyed success at the same time. A shame really. I'm just glad that Vaughn has stuck with the genre and not faded into a non-rock obscurity like many other musicians at the time have succumbed to. I love the warmer, deeper tones that he has now, but still that silky smoothness. He just amazes me continually.
Various Artists - Playlist - November/December 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
I found Shadow Gallery from a friend's site waaaay back in the day. He used to host a "song a day" kind of thing, circa 97 or 98 that lasted for a year or so. Through his site I heard Blue Murder, TNT and Shadow Gallery... I also thought SG had an incredibly cool name and after hearing "Crystalline Dream" was definitely hooked on their music.
LDB: You are right, Iced Earth covers were extremely cool! My favorite is the one with the demon chickie on the cover. :D Their later releases haven't been so awesome art-wise though.
From the Inside - Visions
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
VeX -
Aww, thanks! We just have good tastes in music it seems, because I've been listening to Tyketto's "Don't Come Easy" today and just absolutely love it. You are right that Danny's vocals are superb and the guitars are just smoking. I've had this for quite some time (talking over a decade plus here...) and never really listened to it until recently. I also have "Shine" which I dug out of the archives too to give it a proper listen. :) When I'm not still spinning "Visions" that is. heheh.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"Seventh Sign" was my favorite of the two, even though I was quite high on Malmsteen mania when "Magnum Opus" came out. "Seventh Sign" has a better song balance and Vescera's voice is just amazing here. Those that say Yngwie plays with no feeling should check out "Bad Blood", the guitars are just scathingly enraged on that song. Now That's emotion!
I also was very partial to "Odyssey". Yes, it was his most commerical but it suited him. Joe Lynn Turner's vocal performance was breathtaking too... one of his better recordings. There were some throwaway tracks but the main meat of the album was truly premium material.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Perpetual Flame
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thanks for the comments!
I agree with Vexx that "Seventh Sign" and "Magnum Opus" hold more memories and thus time has been kinder on it than a brand new release.
I would go so far as to say its the best thing he has done since "Magnum Opus". If you never liked Malmsteen before though, "Perpetual" is not going to change your mind. He does nothing different, at all. It's a Malmsteen album through and through. And though I think its endearing that he has kept his rock star, snobbish attitude that he had when he was a teen, others find it annoying. He thinks he's a guitar god and well, I certainly wouldn't tell him otherwise.
From the Inside - Visions
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thank you! *smiles*
I agree about Danny 100%. I fell so hard for his voice, and am still in awe over it. So smooth and pure, I am ashamed that I had not paid more attention to it prior to this album. It was songs like "Telemetry" that really snapped my attention toward him and I've been plowing through some of his earlier material as "catchup" such as Tyketto.
Various Artists - Playlist - November/December 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wow, I previous did not know of anyone that was into them prior to "Carved in Stone", although I knew that there had to be have been some people that were fans from the debut. Where did you first hear about them? They seemed to be really obscure when I got into them in or around 96/97. "Tyranny" was when everyone else jumped on the bandwagon.
I agree with you though, I absolutely cannot imagine SG without Mike's voice. He was such an important part of the band, and a good chunk of their identity.
UnSun - The End of Life
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I have not heard of Delain but will check them out on your recommendation.
Maybe UnSun seems better to me simply because i've had so many other horrid (similiar) bands to compare them to this year. They stand out above those, that's for sure.
And yeah, there's nothing special but it doesn't make me want to drown the cd in the toliet or play frisbee to the garbage can with it, which is more than I can say for most of these copycat mememetoo gothy bands at the moment.
UnSun - The End of Life
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thanks Brian, I appreciate the comments. :D
Here's the definition of sylph, taken from the online dictionary.com :
1. a slender, graceful woman or girl.
2. (in folklore) one of a race of supernatural beings supposed to inhabit the air.
----------
either fits.... I think!?
The album isn't all that bad, gizmo.
It grows on you the more you listen to it. It is not at all memorable however (the songs fly in and fly right out of your head).
None - Ratings explained...
Friday, October 31, 2008
See, here i would have to disagree because I feel that Virgin Steele peaked with Marriage of Heaven and Hell I and II has been sliding backward slowly ever since. That was DeFeis' magnum opus, and everything afterward, even though it was as you say "epic", lacked alot of the originality and fresh pulse point that those two discs achieved so flawlessly.
Then again my favorite VS record is "Life Among the Ruins" and I still keep hoping for a true sequel to that.
Being "Epic" doesn't make a good album. I could probably name two dozen albums that have an epic feel but are absolute garbage or redundant copies of other bands... but each to their own.
None - Ratings explained...
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Don't you think there are ENOUGH "true epic metal bands" that are playing the *ahem* "true" style ALREADY? Yes, I think so. Quite. Which is why I personally applaud Kamelot for doing something *different*.
Different is good.
There's enough other bands doing the "epic true" thing already.
And if you get right down to it, they have not been the same since the 90s. The first three albums had a signature sound of their own (well, it sounded like Crimson Glory to be honest) and many people were upset over the personelle and style change for "Siege Perilous", and you see how that turned out... (the awesome "The Fourth Legacy" and "Black Halo" and all the others).
So.....meh.
None - Ratings explained...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Oh yes, The Fourth Legacy does indeed have the best cover art! And its probably my favorite Kamelot album if you get *right down to it* (next to The Black Halo - which is absolutely incredible.)
TNT - Atlantis
Monday, October 20, 2008
I have not heard the album to comment on the music portion of this review, but the writing itself is brilliant. I love the closing bit about the coasters. I'm anxious to hear "Peter Sellers Blues" simply because I am a David Niven fan myself.
Crown of Thorns - Faith
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Brian:
I agree with your comments, it does seem like Jean is phoning it in these days. The album lacks spark and luster, something that previous CoT releases had in abundance. It's not a bad disc, it's just not one that has enough personality to keep you coming back to it. A shame too...
From the Inside - Interview with Danny Vaughn
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Little Drummer Boy:
Thanks, you would be spot on to recommend "Visions" to me, its an awesome disc! I'm glad you are enjoying it. I wasn't really familiar with Danny Vaughn (was but was not) either but have been trying to remedy that.
Try out TYKETTO's "Don't Come Easy", its more in the 80s style (which was the era it was recorded) but sounds splendid. I prefer the warmer tone of his voice now but he was a superb singer then too. :)
Bob Catley - Immortal
Sunday, September 28, 2008
I wouldn't say the album is close to the entirety of "Storyteller's Night". It had some incredible pop-type tracks that were just oozing with melody. This album doesn't really have anything quite that infectious. However, many songs come close to the vibe and feel of the "Storyteller's Night" song itself. And Karlsson obviously had been studying "The Tower" and "When Empires Burn" because "Immortal" is much more a continuation of those albums than "Spirit of Man" was. All four of these written by different people I will add.
If you like Catley's other material you'll like this very much. It doesn't bother with trying to be modern, like current Magnum, and I think that's a good thing in its favor.
Brother Firetribe - Heart Full Of Fire
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The first album is a staple in my cd player. It's truly fantastic. There are several songs in a row that are just massive, one right after the other.
Truthfully I haven't listened to this one as much but should remedy that I suppose. :D
Various Artists - Playlist - September/October 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I don't believe Gary Hughes had anything at all to do with "Immortal". It's all Magnus Karlsson's vehicle. You can hear his stamp all over the album... and I think its brilliant. Even the guitarist manages to mimic his sound, and he wrote some compelling material for Catley to sing.
Now Im all interested in that Lanfear album.
Various Artists - Playlist - August/September 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I couldn't agree more with your comments. :D
"Vain Glory Opera" was my Edguy awakening, shortly after the album hit. The buzz was just incredible and I remember scoffing at the band's name. "Edguy? How ridiculous... couldn't they have thought of something better?" But names can be decieving and they certainly were heads and tails better than all the bands that came afterward that had the "cool" names. Ha! It must have been a real blow to head out for a concert like that only for it to be cancelled when you get there. That's awful...
"Heaven and Hell" is my fav Sabbath moment too, I don't know how many times I have listened to that album (more than I care to tally most likely). Just so many incredible songs, I become personally affronted when someone points out its "garbage" and why aren't I listening to "Iron Man" and "real metal" instead.
Agh.
:D
Anderson Laine Readman - Three
Monday, September 15, 2008
I want another Anderson/Laine/Readman album... was listening to this today and realized how awesome it really is.
Various Artists - Playlist - August/September 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Oh you have so many albums on here that I genuinely love. The Marcello/Vestry disc is an amazingly great cd. I still listen to "Gone" and "Fireworks" on a regular basis.
Giant's "Time to Burn" is so solid, I spent hours listening to this disc...
Crossfade was so brilliant! I grieve over the fact that it was a one-off. I'm still waiting for some kind of followup on that one.
Frontline! "State of Rock" was such a tasty disc. They had a sound that was not quite like all the other AOR bands. It's difficult to put a finger on that pulse point, it was just this unique feel that escaped everyone else. "Heroes" was right up there with it, and contains my personal favorite Frontline song "Moving Closer" (though I like the remix version on "Right Attitude" a little better).
After that, I'm not sure what happened... they slowly started dwindling into a more generic sounding band. "Against the World" started the trend, and the last, "Circles" just bored me to death.
Which is sad, because a decade past they were *so* promising.
Sorry for the long post...
Dream Theater - Awake
Thursday, August 28, 2008
This album is so awesome, it still makes me purr with pure happiness. After twelve years or so - that's quite the complimentary accomplishment.
It's always six o'clock on a Christmas morning.
Mötley Crüe - Saints of Los Angeles
Saturday, August 23, 2008
I haven't heard "Carved in Stone" in years. I remembered being absolutely repulsed by it when it came out though. "Exposed" was always my cup of tea, "The Edge" being just brilliance. However, I'll go dig up CiS and see if I missed anything, my tastes have broaded dramatically since then, so it could just be a gem waiting in the rough. :D
Sixx A.M. is also on my must hear list now. I had no idea it was deep as all of that, and only heard about it when they released a track to one of the guitar games - Rock Band I think it was.
Blackmore´s Night - Secret Voyage
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Ah ha, that's my favorite too.
Although I don't think its an original.
Revolution Renaissance - New Era
Saturday, August 23, 2008
gizmo:
Absolutely. Stratovarius has been quite spotty the past few years - and they were always a rabid favorite of mine. Watching their decline over the years has been a painful, bitter experience. Fortunately this album doesn't suffer as dearly as those last Strat discs did. Though I do miss Koti's voice here.
Finntroll - Jaktens Tid
Saturday, August 23, 2008
It's hard to keep your band's sound together after you lose BOTH of your founding members... one to health issues and another to death (Somnium fell off a bridge?!)... Their history post "Jaktens" is rather depressing, I knew of the member changes but not the reasons behind them. It makes me hear "Jaktens" in a whole new light.
Mötley Crüe - Saints of Los Angeles
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I don't really think it's you. You arent really missing much of anything... I believe the problem with the album (and the people reviewing it) is that they want *so very much* to like the album. It has elements that other recent Motley albums were missing but it is in no way up to the standards of their 80s material. Well, except for that one (title track). Maybe they can use this as a springboard for an even better followup.
And I will check out Sixx A.M. I had heard of it but did not pursue it but am interested now.
Blackmore´s Night - Secret Voyage
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
gizmo:
You are right - and this one is absolutely fallen under that same spell as the rest. However, "Locked Within the Crystal Ball" is just genius, and I would think the album would be worth purchasing just for that one song alone.
The first album had the two most memorable songs (in my opinon at least) - "No Second Chances" and "Wish You Were Here". I can sing those on request anytime, anyplace - and after ten years... that's impressive. Maybe.
Mötley Crüe - Saints of Los Angeles
Monday, August 18, 2008
ThraX:
I certainly can understand why you would not like the album. It doesn't have the "stuff" to stand the test of time and wears thin fairly quickly. I have seen it reel in some amazingly positive reviews (in the "genius" category as we would give it here) and it certainly does NOT live up to that. I still like the title track, the rest has too many problems, and rides more on the insights of the band than on its musical competance.
Magic Circle Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Haha, that was a great video, thanks for the link! That's alot of flame blowing considering they aren't wearing much in the way of clothing. I'd be afraid I'd burn myself to a crisp. But that was awesome to watch.
I never really thought about the whole photo taking etiquette that should be followed during concerts. Who wants to just take photos through the whole show when you can be watching it? I agree with you though there, and must say again, that the photos you did get were really amazing.
And it looks like the concert series was amazing despite the few drawbacks (the lack of water would have really bothered me, that's just shameful).
I THOUGHT Brutal Legend was going to be PC bound as well.. most "big" games like that come out on consoles and the PC so they can make as much of their money back as possible, since games now have over $100 million dollar budgets (Grand Theft Auto IV was 100 or over and Final Fantasy XIII has soared to $120 in production costs). So there is still hope yet.
Magic Circle Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Saturday, July 26, 2008
AHh I love the pictures! You really got some great ones. Doro looks fantastic and the pic of Steve Lee doing some kind of martial arts looking pose is just classic! The rainbow was an incredible touch. Like a thank-you blessing from the sky for Manowar's most awesome musical presence. HOWEVER! Where are the pics of the Pleasure Slave chicks? That's what I wanna know. :P
It sounds like the festival was very disorganized. Do you know what happened with Def Leppard AND Whitesnake cancelling? If it was any other festival, something like that would have been crippling, but since the main attract was Manowar it probably didn't have the backlash impact that normally would have followed a fallout like that. I know I would have been disappointed. AND Brazen Abbot not showing up too... that's three of my fav bands right there.
Hopefully next year they can get it together and have some backup plans. It sounds like Manowar has a busy year ahead of them... new cd, movie AND video game? Ha you know what's funny though? I mused back.... oh in 1991-1992 somewhere that someone should make a Manowar video game, it would be the perfect setting for a true metal game, taking the lore and lyrics and creating a grand hail and kill action/adventure... though there already IS a metal adventure game in the works called BRUTAL LEGEND that I know Dio is involved in and Jack Black...
ah but finally, that seemed like an awesome experience overall. Thanks for the report, always look forward to these. :)
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I hope you like the Centaur album. It's been so long since i last heard it that I'm starting to have doubts if it was any good or not... since it seems the rest of the world has forgotten Centaur to the bargain bins.... ha.
Hovinga was also in a band called Sister Sin? I think? Something along those lines, though I have not heard it. The last time i heard his voice was Prime TIme's last disc. Always liked him and Elegy just sunk down the drain after he left.
Mötley Crüe - Saints of Los Angeles
Thursday, July 24, 2008
ThraX:
I think the title track is quite good and very much in the style of classic Motley... the rest of the album not so much but that one song is almost worth it (if you grew up on them like I did anyway).
Savatage - Dead Winter Dead
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
This was my first Savatage album, and can thank a figure skater for that. Jozef Sabovcik did alot of rock programs in his figure skating, including "Not What You See", which I fell in love with after watching his on ice performance to the song. It was so dynamic... the album is surely a classic, and I agree with your comments on the lyrics, they are moving and have meaning. It was the perfect natural progression of Savatage and "Wake of Megellan" might have even been a tad better.
But you still can't deny how this disc changed them and its overall impact.
Mötley Crüe - Saints of Los Angeles
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Michael-
Great review, I couldn't have written a better one myself. I happen to agree on all points, so not much left to state other than a big bravo! Ah and the title track, it's surely the grandest thing they have done since the 80s and if the disc had a few more like it, this would really be a smashing record. Vince sounds great too, more like his solo "Exposed" days than some of the more recent material.
It's disappointing AND delivers. How's that for a contradiction?
UFO - Obsession
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What a VERY overlooked album this little gem was! Obsession is filled with catchy tunes, hot rockers and smokin hot guitarwork from Michael Schenker. "Only You Can Rock Me" is just sublime for a souped up party rock track.
Mennen - Planet Black
Monday, July 7, 2008
You are welcome to your opinion as I am welcome to mine. To my ears, this album is a load of you-know-what, and I'm not making any excuses to claim otherwise.
I'm not like other reviewers elsewhere that throw a bit of promotional writing in their review and then maybe one or two lines of original work and call it a day. Every disc I review is listened to multiple times before forming any kind of opinion, whether the band's track record is stellar...or not. In this particular case, I heard the album six times before reviewing, and a seventh while writing the review. Having loved Joss' Zinatra one-off may have coloured my view of the band, since I know what he is capable of.
The only thing that is truly sad here is stooping to call me a "bitch" because you disagreed with my opinion. If you care so much, why don't you write your own counterpoint review somewhere and explain all the wonderous things you think of the album instead of reducing yourself to childish name calling and making broad, false assumptions?
Have a nice day
Alanna
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Oh ho, looking forward to it. Someday! Yes! I wanted to hit Rocklohoma here, it's about a... six hour drive? But with gas prices what they are, and the heat being so ridiculous I couldn't afford it and would probally pass out from heat exhaustion if I could! Eh well!
Do you know how long its BEEN since I've heard Letter X? I'm thinking... atleast ten years? But from what I recall, "Time of the Gathering" is a pretty good release and is a mix of AOR/progressive/power metal. From 1991 of all things!
As for CENTAUR. Power World from 1994 was their finest moment!
Loved the first three Elegy albums too! That first one just blew me away... they kind of "continued" (the vocalist atleast) in Prime Time, which had a more AOR direction. And Elegy just lost it once whathisname came on board. The Consortium guy.. IAN PARRY! Yes!
His pre-Elegy solo albums were just...strange. I had "Thru the Looking Glass" back in the 90s and it had the weirdest vibe.. have you heard that? Am I the only one that thinks that album is creepy, even though there is nothing outright "strange" about it? Hmmm.
Overland - Break Away
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Yes, it's very good. Overland is really on top of his game here, and Brian is right, his performance is one of the most inspired from the last few years. Really solid stuff here, that grows on you the more you listen.
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Yes i hope to make it to one someday too, hopefully you can be my tour guide then! I am a pretty directionless individual and manage to get lost in my own house sometimes so hhaha... I do know a chick that lives in Germany but she doesn't like metal...for shame!
Looking forward to the Magic Circle writeup!!! Brazen Abbot w. Joe Lynn Turner sounds exciting too but of course Manowar - it doesn't get better than that.
The Forgotten Prog Bands of the 90s would be great, if only I could remember them all!! Maybe some research is in order here? I remember Superior, Letter X, and Eternity X and Centaur! and those have pretty much fallen off the radar... and old Elegy. Man those were some good albums!
Winger stuff is good too... although I must say it has been over ten years since I was introduced and am not sure how well they have held up. "Pull" though for certain, is pretty timeless since it just has a different sound than all the rest...
CheerZ
Sweden Rock Festival 2008 - Steen's Festival Report
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
LOVE the report! Not as "wild" as some of the others but...WOW. The Avantasia concert seems like a once in a lifetime event. I can only imagine what Jorn Lande and Tobi sounded like dueling it out - LIVE! Incredible! You managed to get some awesome pictures too! Ahh it's almost as good as being there.....almost. :D
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
I can't wait to read the write up of Sweden Rock.... AND you are going to Magic Circle? I am BEYOND green with envy on that one...
Skagarack was one of my fav bands back about 8 years or so ago. "Hungry for a Game" is SUPERB, just LOVE that title track. The self titled was also quite good but my memory of that is a bit more fuzzy.
Noticed Magnitude 9 in your list... had forgotten about them! In fact, I have forgotten about ALOT of prog bands from the 90s that were underground-ish. I wish there was a good site that listed these (noexit.net was one way back when).
CheerZ!
The Last Things - Circles and Butterflies
Sunday, June 29, 2008
This sounds really unique. An intriguing review to say the least! Too bad I have like, no chance in hell to find it, but your review makes it seem so wonderful!
Jorn - Lonely Are the Brave
Saturday, June 28, 2008
frehleyscomic:
All i can say is: Thank you! I appreciate the kind comments. And of course I agree that Jorn is something special indeed!
Emir Hot - Sevdah Metal
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
This is way too derivative to even come close to an 8 or a 9 by RevelationZ scale, in my opinion. It's just far too close to Yngwie Malmsteen for comfort, and the songwriting is not all that great. Maybe if I had not already heard five zillion Yngwie wanna-bes this would come off a little rosier, but as it is, there just isn't enough new ideas here to set it apart...
if you do love neo-classical metal, there ARE some tasty guitar sections here. They just don't have good songs to house them.. thus the lower score.
Cheers
Whitecross - Ninteen Eighty Seven (2005 ReRecording)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I love Barren Cross as well, a very good band indeed!
There was a Xtian metal act that I believe came out around either 88-89 or 90-91 that was a snapshot copy of Queensryche. Some record label awhile back released two of their albums from that time period into a double set. I had it, and liked it quite a bit, but CANNOT for the life of me, remember what this was or even the band name and its driving me insane. I had it around 1999-2000 and must have lost it when I moved the first time in 2000. Anyone help out here?
Jorn - Lonely Are the Brave
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
"The Inquistor" is perhaps (PERHAPS) one of Jorn's greatest accomplishments. He and Turner trading vocal lines is just bliss, Joe Lynn sounding so emotional and Lande laying down his lines with the ferocity of the hand of some diety giving the smackdown.. it's incredible. It STILL blows me away.
Lande has an amazing discography. How many other vocalists have managed to align themselves with so many quality acts and recordings in the same time period as Jorn has? Not many....
George Lynch - Scorpion Tales
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
This sounds like an interesting recording. Scorpions were one of my fav bands in the 80s and I can't really imagine most of these guys doing a decent Meine impression. Most interested in Big City Nights (since DuBrow is with us no more) and Holiday (cos I've always liked Shortino and "Holiday" is one of my Scorp favs). Seems like mostly 70s and early 80s material was hit up here.....
Ah and I bet Tommy Heart could do an awesome Klaus impression.
Whitecross - Ninteen Eighty Seven (2005 ReRecording)
Friday, May 16, 2008
I did mention quite a few very good Christian themed bands right at the start of the review including Guardian.
Unfortunately I grew up with some kids (teenagers) who's parents would not allow them to listen/watch/read anything that was not Xtian related. It was a sin to do so and these beliefs followed them into adulthood. That's why I said it was creepy, because there are many, many more like them. And that's the target audience of most of these bands as well.
Sure everyone is influenced by somebody, but many Christian bands were clones of their big brothers. Whitecross sounds just like Ratt. While Ratt was popular. Such shameless riffing on other bands would not have been tolerated in the "secular" musical crowd. Just look at how much Whitesnake was ripped a new one for so-called "copying" Led Zeppelin (something I could understand in Kingdom Come but didn't agree with for WS for the most part).
As for Christian bands, all I have to say is: Saviour Machine. Absolutely fascinating and delving deeply into eschatology. If you haven't heard them, I highly recommend it.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
PLANET ALLIANCE is indeed an excellent release! Thank you Drummer for the recommendation. It was a bit pricey but quite worth it. I am shocked and dismayed that I didn't come across it the first time around but am grateful for the kind suggestions.
It's very much in the style of the Allen/Lande releases and is a fluid, mesmerizing piece of work and another huge accomplishment for Karlsson.
I've quite liked Cloudscape in the past but was impressed with the vocals here moreso than in the singer's main band. He has a richer melodic range than anticipated. Quite a gem this one!
Thanks again. :D
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Dark Lord:
Edge of Forever was a pretty great band and that was their best release by far. Glad to hear you got some mileage out of that one as well as the others you mentioned. Code was good too, I had already forgotten about that!
Little Drummer Boy:
Do check out the Charon! It is superb! Planet Alliance and Karelia on now on my list to check out. Thanks for the recommendations, I actually have not heard those. :D
I also agree about Poisonblack, although a bit of me still pines to hear another PB record with JP on the vox. Ville does an admirable job and brings a whole new twist to the music on "Lust". Maybe the greatest compromise, would be to have both guys singing on there - now that would be something exciting to listen to!
Kip Winger - From the Moon to the Sun
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I will add here as a comment to be taken as a seperate "P.S." to the actual review:
Since writing this I have listened to "Nothing" over 50 times. The song is *amazing* and a candidate for song of the year. The description of it in the review is accurate, but I just wanted to remark on its staying power, and also its clever intricate interworkings that make it such a joy to listen to. The first 30 seconds are "crap" - "Middle Eastern singing" as it is credited on the album itself - which sounds like some yowling cat in its agonizing death throes - but that has little bearing on the rest of the song and thankfully does not crop up again. Just snip this little interlude out and you have a fantastic song that is one of Kip's finest. Bravo. (minus the yowling).
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Greetings Dark Lord -
YES I do love Excapextacy quite alot. My favorite song on there is "In Lust" (cliche I know). It's wickedly wonderful and I appreciate the recommendation.
I'm glad you liked Leverage. The cd is really good, who knows how many times I've personally listened to it (alot) so that's gotta mean something. It's just very appealing I think. Quite the catchy one.
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Oh man! The Dragonlance movie! You know what? I actually *liked* it. Then again, I have been hoping for it to be put to the screen for *years* now.
Yes! The animation is terrible - if they had stuck with just the cell animation it would have been alright, but the CGI just did not mesh with the hand drawn look. Even the designs looking like 80s Filmation cartoons (He-Man, She-Ra) didn't bother me. Most of the characters looked right and sounded right. I loved Sutherland as Raistlin, he was just right. Also... the screenplay was well done. It's hard to squish a 400 page book into an hour and a half movie and I think they did a good job of that, although I WISH they had kept the "Tas and the wicker dragon" part of the book.
The elves were ugly too. Laurana was not beautiful enough to move mountains in the cartoon. And Goldmoon......eh. Disappointing? Yea.
Sooo..... I think Dragonlance fans would enjoy it, if only to see the world come alive on the screen... I bought it so whatever. :D
Saviour Machine - Legend - Part I
Saturday, April 12, 2008
I bought these a loooong time ago and have no idea where they are now... but do remember them as being very unique discs that just had this incredible doomsday atmosphere. Very difficult albums to review in general, but I believe you did a great job trying unravel the little nuances here.
Conception - Flow
Friday, April 11, 2008
This one is very different than the their previous three releases. KingPest is right though, all of them are metal classics. "Flow" remained my favorite because of "Gethsemane" (still an AMAZING song) and the wistful "Hold On". They are the discs' anchors. Superb stuff. I always said Kamelot's "Lunar Sanctum" was kind of a nod to Conception, so that should give you a hint as to what this sounds like a bit.
Hope you enjoy these as much as I did back in the day... isn't it great to discover "new" gems?
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
"Enlighten the Darkness" contained "Still I'm Bleeding" did it not? That is still one of the most powerful songs I have *ever* heard. It is simply.... *amazing*.
Sonata Arctica's "Unia" is beyond superb.....
Brother Firetribe are awesomely fun!
and Wildkard is a hidden gem.
What a great list!
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Dark Lord:
Thanks for the kind comments! I never understood why Tony Martin was treated like some kind of whipping boy for the Sabbath crew either. He has a great voice that is well suited for the music and deserved much better. Sabbath fans are (atleast in my experience) either totally devoted to the Ozzy days or else completely entranced by Dio and there's no room for Martin inbetween. It's just as well since he probably would not have recorded with Guintini or Dario if he had still been tied down to Sabbath - and that would have been a shame.
"Unia" is also so awesome - and seems to have not reached the kind of acclaim it deserves either. I believed this will be one of those overlooked treasures that start popping up on everyone's "forgotten albums" lists in the future.
And thanks for the comments. :D
UFO - Phenomenon/Force it/No Heavy Petting
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I loved "Natural Thing" and equally "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor Doctor". Schenker's guitar playing was (and still is) so unique at the time. There really was no one else that had his particular tone. I wrote a school paper on him in High School, he was such an influence on me at the time. Great albums and worth rediscovering.
Triumph - Just a Game / Allied Forces
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Always loved these albums too, though "Sport of Kings" may have been my favorite. They were discovered all roughly around the same time so nothing was allowed to completely stand out from the rest, though I do fondly remember "Fantasy Serenade" (love that song title!), "Just a Game" and "Magic Power".
Various Artists - Playlist - February/March 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Im glad to hear I am not alone in my love for Charon. Still listening to the album now even. Just has a great mixture of songs and JP's voice is like liquid midnight. Will give Scream Silence a spin when I have the chance, thanks for the recommendation!
Various Artists - The Narrator's Curse
Friday, February 8, 2008
Excellent article that brings up many great points.
The narration on concept albums is getting to be ridiculous. It was kind of novelty when it was first being used, but now it just seems to bog the albums down. Narration should be optional, you should be able to skip it. I think the best example of how to do it the right way is with Blind Guardian's "Nightfall In Middle Earth". There were lots of spoken tracks but they were separated from the actual songs. So if you wanted to listen to the album for the whole "experience" you easily could, and if you just wanted to hit up some songs you were not burdened with having to sit through some douche droning on about some story you might not even care about (like the ridiculous Genius albums).
I know bands want to strive for a more cinematic experience, but this is music we are talking about here, not a book on tape.
The Codex - The Codex
Monday, January 14, 2008
I agree about the Tony O'Hora album. Alot of people passed that up and what a shame too... the vocals plus the presentation was fantastic! I agree that Karlsson's material is great, and am not suggesting he change - I just think the Codex was not up to his usual standards, that's all.
The Codex - The Codex
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
BLah its like Magnus Karlsson's third or fourth run stuff. He gave the premium material to Allen/Lande, Starbreaker, Tony O'Hora and others...
this just sounds similiar but without the emotional impact and expertise that was brought to the table on those other albums.
If you had heard all of those, you would probably think this album is junk too.
Plus Mark Boals just ... I dont know, he just doesn't do it for me, which was about 50% of the problem I had with this disc...
each to their own eh?
Various Artists - Steen´s Highlights Of The Year 2007
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Damn Steen! Your description of "Astonish You" is absolutely perfect! Its probably my song of the year... it is... astonishing! Great list! I need to hear Cage again and pick up Damian's solo I can tell. :D
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
If you want a disc that sounds like what Nightwish should have and could have been, check out Luca Turilli's Dreamquest.
Anyway, I love Marco. He made the album for me. If it wasn't for his brilliant (yes brilliant) vocals on "Bye Bye Beautiful" and "7 Days to the Wolves" I would have flushed this down the crapper where it probably belonged. Annette is an alright singer, but she sounds like a lost little lamb in this dark, gothic mess. She just can't pull it together, whereas a vocalist like Tarja (yes, Tarja) would have blown this material right out of the ballpark and made your hair stand on end. Annette is just pleasant. She isn't inspiring.
Oceanborn is still their best, but this disc is much better than it should have been.
Northern Kings - Reborn
Monday, December 17, 2007
"Frozen" was from Talisman's 1998 album "Truth". Definitely worth tracking down and checking out. They made the song really awesome.
Northern Kings - Reborn
Thursday, December 13, 2007
I LOVE At Vance's cover tunes of ABBA songs that they used to do. That is probably why this album appealed to me so much. Admittedly, a couple of the tracks are kind of dodgy, but as a whole, it is an awesome experience. Do check out "We Don't Need Another Hero" with a good stereo system or a nice pair of ear phones. The production is near audiophile quality and the multiple voices show up brilliantly on this particular piece.
If you like metal bands covering other stuff (another great track from another artist is Jeff Scott Soto's version of Madonna's "Frozen" - seriously!) then do give Northern Kings a shot.
Gary Hughes - Veritas
Thursday, December 13, 2007
I love Gary Hughes with a passion but this album has failed to capture my attention as well. It's certainly smooth but has a "Been there, Heard that" before that prevails over the disc like a dark, monotone shadow.
It's pleasant background music but lacks the snap and fresh harmonies of such as "Strength of Heart" and earlier Ten releases... Hughes needs to go back to his roots and indulge in some brevity instead of these longwinded tangent songs that go nowhere - and take their time painfully doing so.
Kamelot - Ghost Opera
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I love the fact they are not straightforward. There are (in my opinion) TOO many bands out there these days that are playing it "straightforward". If that's something you need there are millions of bands out there doing it already. Kamelot is doing something different. Its creative, its interesting, and it makes you think. The guitar may be taking a backseat this time around but the ambiance, atmosphere and song structures have not. There is so much going on that it's a miracle to pick it apart sometimes...
The Black Halo marks a disc that I would align near perfection, and this falls slightly under it.
Alot to learn? No, I just have different tastes perhaps or have heard *too* much music in my years. Something fresh and new tends to catch my interest moreso than a safe repeat of old sounds.
Ten - X
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Oh my I LOVE that video clip for After the Love Has Gone. It IS memorable. Gary Hughes was gorgeous there and the whole vibe is just electric. VERY entertaining. And this is a superb album, very underrated!
Kotipelto - Serenity
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Maybe you need to give it another spin or two. "Serenity" has a more subtle beauty to it. Koti is moving further away from being merely an extension of Stratovarius by finding his own style which is very melodic in this record. I still stand by my rating and review. Its an album that has alot of subtlety and grows on you with repeated listens. Some may find it "Zzzzz" if they are looking for pure power metal though.
Kamelot - Reissues: Eternity / Dominion / Siege Perilous / Fourth Legacy / Expedition / Karma / Epica
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I agree with Steen here. I remember picking up Dominion and Eternity back in the days where almost anything on Noise Records was a safe bet. The atmosphere that prevails is very much like Crimson Glory from what I remember (have not heard these discs in probably something like 8 years) but they were frequently and fondly listened to.
Siege Perilous bored me to death. After listening to excessive amounts of Conception, Khan's move to Kamelot was disappointing. It was a boring, plodding disc that grated oon the nerves.
And then there was The Fourth Legacy!! Good LORD did I ever adore that album. For the time it was *everything*. I nearly worshipped it. "Lunar Sanctum" was all the marvelous mystery and smooth progression of Conception ressurrected all over again.... wow, what a record.
I miss that cd so much! It was one of my favs but was lost a few years ago. Or soomeone stole it, not sure what happened there.
TNT - The New Territory
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I LOVE the Vagabond albums - and this is nothing like Vagabond! I was in the minority in loving "Transistor" by them, but this is just stretching it too far. Its like its some big joke but the joke is really on whoever buys it. For some reason "Fountain of Love" was stuck in my head for a few days but other than that, the album is just.... blech! I really dont see what you see in it?
Various Artists - Playlist - June/July 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Ohhhh my I had forgotten how much I LOVED the song "Does Anybody Really Fall in Love ANymore?" That was some real fantastic stuff right there. Do I ever miss that album, and the one he did before that..... both soolo discs were great.
Slavior - Slavior
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Wow Im just happy someone agreed with me... it is a pretty bad album. I have never heard Godsmack so did not have that reference for comparision.
Pride of Lions - The Roaring of Dreams
Monday, May 21, 2007
The other two albums are kind of different. The self titled was more like Survivor while Destiny's Stone is very epic in scope and feel. I would liken it to the pompous hard rock of Ten. If you liked Roaring, definitely check out the other two discs though, they are superb cds in their own right.
Running Wild - Reissues (x8) - Part II (Death Or Glory : Blazon Stone : Black Hand Inn : Masquerade)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Masquerade, Blazon Stone and Pile of Skulls were my favorite RW releases. Wow its been such a long time since Ive heard these. "Lions of the Sea" was awesome back in the day. Thanks for this reminder about how great these discs were. Well not GREAT but they sure were entertaining!
Slavior - Slavior
Thursday, May 17, 2007
I understand that alot of people genuinely like this album. For me, its just too close to what radio is playing today. If they had a chance in hell of getting airplay that might be a good thing for them, but for what I like in prog metal, its just not here. The reggae overtones are what seal and kill the deal for me. It just doesnt work. But yes, I imagine anyone that likes what they hear on the radio will appreciate the high musicianship quality and the extra complexity of these songs. They have the outward appearance of being very commercial rock but are more technical than any of the popular bands, which is a plus in their favor.
Its just not my cup of tea.
Redemption is more my style of prog metal and Slavior offered me nothing but annoyance. Still, Im glad some have found redeeming qualities in the disc.
That "Dove" song is still is annoying and repetitive as anything Ive heard recently though. Argh. :)
Running Wild - Reissues (x8) - Part I (Gates to Purgatory - Branded and Exiled - Under Jolly Roger - Port Royal)
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ah RUNNING WILD. I came late to the ship on this band but picked up somewhere around the time of "Black Hand Inn" and "Blazon Stone". This is a really great capsule review for these albums, brings back all the memories of the salty, speedy metal that these guys performed so well. They certainly are/were a unique niche in the metal genre.
Slavior - Slavior
Friday, May 11, 2007
All I have to say is "Shatter". Barf.
Rap vocals, a Nickelback/Linkin Park feel....
I certainly hear it and dont like what Im hearing at all.
None - Staff Main Page - Alanna
Friday, May 4, 2007
Chena - I have no idea what album you are referring to. Please clarify before making sarcastic comments towards me, OK?
Dark Moor - Tarot
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Kamelot has quite a few good albums.
And yes, Dark Moor sounds alot like Kamelot's latter day material. Not a bad example to borrow a few tricks from eh?
"Tarot" is still a very nice disc and one of the finer power oriented albums to come out this year.
Thanks for the comments.
Dark Moor - Tarot
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wizard's Goochan was another good power album out this year. If you liked Dark Moor, you might want to check them out.
Cheers.
Magnum - Brand New Morning
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
You cannot mention a band like Magnum without truding up their past. They reach too far back with too many superb (although each, very different) sounding albums in their catalogue. You can't just ignore a rich history like that, and all the expectations and hopes that come with it.
My issues with this album were with the case of being monotonous and losing their pulse point of melody. You can reinvent yourself without falling into the trap of having every song seem trudgingly the same. I also commented that if they could concentrate on better melodies that they could turn into something grander than what was on this disc. They did just that with "Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow", which I have also reviewed.
As a side note, Bob Catley's solo outings (especially the three helmed under the guidance of Gary Hughes) were terrific examples of how to blend the sound of "then" with the current feel of "now".
Various Artists - Playlist - April/May 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Harem Scarem's Mood Swings is one of my all time fav albums. "If There Was a Time" got me through some rough patches in my life. Also so happy you found Pride of Lions. That is such a great cd. I cannot count how many times I have heard "Astonish Me" - its my song of the year so far. Just superb stuff all around. I agree with all your comments there.
Y&T - Earthshaker and In Rock We Trust
Sunday, March 25, 2007
I have to say that two of my absolute FAVORITE Y&T songs are on In Rock We Trust. They would be Dont Stop Running and I'll Keep On Believing. Great infectious energy for Dont Stop and a smooth emotional rollercoaster for Keep On. Excellent songs both of them. This Time is superb too.
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Im glad you finally discovered and can appreciate the pure genius that is Hysteria. I was very very lucky to be just old enough to be swept up in the Def mania when it happened and this album will always be something special to me. I covet that 2 disc edition though, something I do not have, though I have owned MANY copies of this album since its release in a variety of formats. Need to buy it yet again I can see. Just classic all around. Didnt like Scarsick by PoS that much. They have disappointed me immensely on their last few releases.
Allen Lande, Kamelot and JLT are my most awaited treasures. A trio that should be nothing but outstanding. I get excited just thinking about their impending releases!
Various Artists - Playlist - March/April 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
OOOH and Lake of Tears - Moon and Mushrooms.. just saw an advertisement online for this today...had NO idea they had an album on its way! *Does a little dance* Anyone else thrilled about this one?
Danny Vaughn - Traveller
Friday, March 2, 2007
"From the Inside" is indeed quite excellent. I concur that AOR fans should take that one for a spin over this worn "Traveller" disc. Danny Vaughn has a great voice, and there it was utilized to its full potential with not a single utterance wasted. Its a Fabrizio production so all expectations that go with his works should be anticipated for "From the Inside" too.
"Traveller" is indeed country-ish. Too country for many tastes. Its like faux country music. Not like the real deal with the twangy accents and all... but countryish nontheless.
Big Cock - Year of the Cock & Big Cock
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ive always been a big Mason fan and am pleased he is still putting records out. As far as I know its been a big dry spell the past several years for Mason. Silent Witness, James Byrd and all was a long time ago. He has a real unique style that is perfect for this type of music. Can't wait to have a chance to hear Big Cock for myself. Nice review.
Trivium - The Crusade
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
This album gets marks detracted for
1. Stealing from so many bands shamelessly, its much more blatant that "little nods" or "tributes" or "familiarity" in the music, its all out thievery.
2. Poor, messy songwriting
3. All songs sounding much the same
4. The boring as hell instrumental
5. The lyrics. For their simplicity and lack of taste. That was really the final straw that brought it below average for me. The topics could have been handled interestingly or atleast with a little class. Bringing such brutal murders to a "teehee how edgy are we?" perverse level is just gross.
6. Lack of bass and hollow drum sound
7. NO originality at all
Thats enough isnt it? I really do not believe any of the claims are "exaggerated". Check out the album for yourself. Its bland, boring and has all the problems that were pointed out in the review and probably more. Extensive listening brings this point home pretty painfully.
Trivium - The Crusade
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Ah "Conflagration" - the only five dollar word on the album. Everything else is very simplistic with cheesy lyrics. Besides the horrid bit shown as an example in my review there is the equally laughable: "Transform from Koi into a beast
Dragon", that literally erupts the listener into chuckles (in my case anyway). The lyrical content needs ALOT of work, as does alot of the album.
But these guys are young. Touring with Metallica and Iron Maiden overly starstruck them. They can do better. The previous disc, "Ascendency" was VERY different and had Heafy doing a different vocal style. It worked in their favor because their sound was somewhat unique and not a patchwork of stolen ideas. I will be interested to see how they decide to progress from this point.
I whole heartedly agree that there needs to be more bands willing to carry the torch of the speed metal flame, but utter ripoffs like this is not what the genre needs. It did get the media's attention, but thats not enough.
"The Crusade" is simply not a good album and I think Metallica fans are so starved for the olden days that they will latch onto any familiar ghost from that past. Whether its derivative drivel or not. It *sounds* like a light weight Metallica, and that apparently is enough. Songwriting, musicianship, lyrics, and originality be damned.
Various Artists - Year in Review 2006 - The Best and Worst
Friday, January 26, 2007
I liked the new Edguy quite a lot. It was a very good album. Heavenly and Dream Evil just didnt quite make the cut. One major disc that I didnt hear that would have likely been a contender was the latest by Thunder. There are probably a few others I missed as well that could have made an impact. I did the best I could with the knowledge I possessed.
Fate - V
Saturday, January 20, 2007
I just recently revisited this in preparation for the Year in Review article and...all I can say is this...
I cannot understand where the appeal is. The songwriting is sloppy, the singing is appalling and the entire thing seems to clash with the over slick production.
"Butterfly" is still an interesting song worth revisiting but the rest is dodgy at best. And ranking it as genius? Ludicrious...However, I am pleased that atleast someone has found something worthwhile in this Fate effort.
I do urge anyone that liked Fate's "V" or Per in general to check out the semi obscure UREAS release from 06. It is an oddly personal, dark and depressing album that has alot of creativity going for it. Its Per (and his wifes) personal project and is a gruesome snapshot of their lives.
Mob Rules - Ethnolution A.D.
Monday, December 18, 2006
It sounds like you have been listening to metal as of... maybe a few days ago at best. Stuff like "New Horizon" has been done five billion times over. Its nothing new under the sun. It does not mean that it "sucks" but to me it seems very generic and not something that I would dig the album out for. Mob Rules holds alot of promise and they could manage to create truly superb material from here on out. I've been listening to power metal for about 15 years now and thus it takes something really special to knock my socks off.
And yes, Stratovarius has been considered one of the "greats" for awhile now, more recent efforts (or lack thereof) aside... their run in the mid to late 90s was incredible.
Winger - IV
Friday, November 3, 2006
This disc is destined to be another highly underrated work by Winger. How it is going to fare in the long run is still left in the air but there are a few gems that will likely last the test of time.
I'm completely in agreement on "On A Day Like Today", it is a gorgeous melancholy ballad that is done beautifully. My other favorite is "Four Leaf Clover". Reb Beach's guitar playing on there is like a flashback dejavu to his instrumental "Black Magic". The tonal quality is sublime and the chorus is cracking. Two really great songs... the rest of the album is hit or miss and very dark. I loved "Pull" so i like this one quite a bit too.
Good review.
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Sunday, October 15, 2006
A&D should make an AWESOME movie if they get it right. It was much more action oriented than The Da Vinci Code. Apparently the movie adaption of Da Vinci had the ending changed and did not recieve favorable reviews. The closure of the book was fairly satisfying so I don't know what they altered to screw up the finale for the movie (havent seen it yet either). I DO know it tanked at the box office in the US and was universally hated. Hope that Angels fares better... its PERFECT for a movie. Hmmm maybe some band would care to tackle the A&D thing and turn it into a concept album? Its a thought. :D
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I still love me some Savatage too but they haven't really wowed me since Wake of Megellan. I just have a thing for Zak Stevens I guess. :D Awesome voice that fit that band perfectly....
I am also dying for the next Dan Brown tome. If you havent checked out Angels and Demons yet, do so immediately! It was ten times better than The Da Vinci Code and i loved that one too...
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Deception Point was crazy... I usually can figure out whats going on pretty early on in a book but for some reason he pulled the wool over my eyes on that one. That was actually the last book I finished reading! Digital Fortress is on my shelf but havent given it a looksee yet. There were talks of making the fourth Indiana Jones movie and basing it after Angels and Demons awhile back... too bad that didnt come to fruition because it fits the Indie style real well. Superb book. I just hope his next one can live up to the hype.
You will likely really dig the CIIC album. Im going to try to pick up a copy of it in the future because the promo is a little messed up in places, and its worth throwing some cash at to support the band. "The Black" is terrific... love it more and more.
White Lion - Mane Attraction
Friday, October 13, 2006
I used to love this album. Havent heard it in about six years or so but many of these songs are so good that they are unforgettable. The opener is especially quite..special. It is so very different from their other works. What fire, energy and a metallic edge!
Circle II Circle - The Burden of Truth
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Well...a 7.5 on our scale equals something between "very good" and "outstanding". Its maybe just a little short of "outstanding"... on any other site it would be like, a 9 with a different rating scale. So think of it that way. Its an excellent disc that could have used more variety. That's one of my few complaints. Great stuff though. Its out Friday supposedly (keeps getting pushed back) so keep an eye out for it.
Slamer - Nowhere Land
Thursday, October 5, 2006
"Jaded" is a fantastic tune... the only one I have heard from the album...but wow...
Various Artists - Playlist - September/October 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
I really liked Rhapsody's new album, probably because I am a sucker for their midtempo stuff... Luca's best is still Dreamquest though. That thing is amazing! Im glad youo are enjoying Allen/Lande too... one of my favorite albums...ever. My copy got shuffled when I moved and i cant find it though. AGH !!
I have listened to a bit of the Iron Maiden album and frankly I find it to be about as boring as the last two. The classic FEELING is there but the inspiration is not. It feels very flat to me and uninteresting. Then again, I despised Brave New World - it was repulsing. Just for the record my fav Maiden is Somewhere in Time and I love Bruces solo records. "Accident of Birth" is way up there on my loved list.
Various Artists - Playlist - September/October 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
I liked the first two Winger discs. They werent groundbreaking by any means, but were good examples of melodic hair metal with an intellegent edge at times. I agree that Down Icognito was awesome, probably my favorite Winger tune. The Spell I'm Under was a haunting ballad too.. ah makes me wanna dig this out again.
Various Artists - Playlist - September/October 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
I <3 Winger's "Pull". What an underrated release that got no respect at all. Its an angry, aggressive disc... I dont think that fans of the first two albums were open enough for the new direction.. plus Winger was on the shitlist by this time too. Its such a shame what they had to go through. Great album though.
Adagio - Dominate
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Im a fan of At Vance's ABBA covers too. I like it when metal acts do quirky covers like this. Cheesy? Perhaps, but definitely interesting.
Michael Schenker Group - Tales of Rock N Roll - Twenty-Five Years Celebration
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
I had originally written the article as saying at the end "dial up Graham Bonnet or Robin McAuley" but before it was published, Robin was announced as the new singer for Survivor. Therefore I doubt he would have time for MSG. Especially considering the state they are in currently.
Survivor - Reach
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Jimi is out of Survivor and Robin McAuley took his place... I am in shock over that one. Maybe it was because of a disappointing lackluster performance from this release? Certainly hasnt recieved alot of exposure but then again, wasnt as great as expected. Oh well.
Survivor - Reach
Saturday, July 15, 2006
I cannot see Robin managing to sing any of Jimis material and keeping true to it. The voices are just very different. I am curious to see how the next album will turn out. I love Robin as a singer, just dont see him as a member of this band. Seems like a strange choice.
Frontline - Circles
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
I am so disappointed, Frontline is one of my favorite bands, although I have noticed a sharp decline in quality over the course of the last few albums. I guess they are not destined to top Heroes or State of Rock.
Jim Peterik - Above the Storm
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
LDB:
I thought it would :) Stick with "Reach" - unless stuff like this is your cup of tea.
Fatal Force - Fatal Force
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
We'll have to agree to disagree. The album (for me) was boring and unoriginal. I will agree that the musicians are top notch. Daniel is a great drummer, Mats a fine singer..and so forth. The production is even excellent. The songs just fail to excite. Its a shame really... but each to their own.
Altaria - The Fallen Empire
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
I really liked the "Divinity" album but this seems so trite and uninspired. The production took a real dive too, the last disc was much crisper and deeper where sound was concerned. The vocalist gets on the nerves more too - more having to do with what the material is requiring of him than anything else I believe. A shame, this could have been so much more. I agree with the rating 100%, its dead average.
Poison - The Best of Poison - 20 Years of Rock
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Apparently some people like them: It sold 40,000 copies in the first week of release and came in at #17 on the Billboard charts. Under Queensryche Mindcrime II which sold 44,000 and was #14. :D
Various Artists - Alanna´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
The top 50 or so was pretty easy to come up, its just trying to plug in the other half that has been so difficult. Since atleast I didnt want to keep repeating the same bands over and over again. I wanted my list to reflect the songs I have listened to the most over the years and that have endured the tests of time and so forth. Its a task that had me banging my head oftentimes (and not just to the music) hehh.
Various Artists - Alanna´s All Time Favorite Songs - The Top 100
Friday, March 31, 2006
I was stupid lucky to get the Gary Hughes disc. I tracked it down around 2000 and got it from someone that had no idea what they had. :D Unfortunately I am not sure of its current whereabouts so... I kinda miss it. Sistinas is an awesome song too, was heavily addicted to it for awhile.
Jorn - The Duke
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Duke of Love may be cheesy but I think thats part of the appeal. :) I agree that Worldchanger is still Lande's best solo album though. It was packed with great songs from start to finish.
Shy - Sunset and Vine
Sunday, February 26, 2006
While alot of stuff from 2004 I no longer listen to often, I still pop this in just for I Will Be Home Tonight. What a superb song. Just love Shy, they are such a great band.
Various Artists - Concept Albums Are No Mindcrime
Friday, February 24, 2006
The tracks where Jorn and Joe Lynn are mixed in together on the Nostradamus album are simply AMAZING. I listened to this endlessly, it just sucks you right in. Definitely Kotzevs greatest work yet.
My fav concept albums off the top of my head:
Nik Kotzev - Nostradamus
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny
Angel Dust - Enlighten the Darkness
Icon - Night of the Crime
Pain of Salvation - One Hour By the Concrete Lake
Savatage - Wake of Megellan
Blind Guardian - NIME
Virgin Steele - Marriage of Heaven and Hell I & II
Various Artists - Playlist - February/March 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
LDB:
I am very pleased to hear that there will be atleast one last hurrah with Tarja put to recording. I wasnt aware that they had anything laid down but I am really looking forward to it. I love the CD Once as well as the Wish I Had An Angel song (Tarots vocalist on that just makes it doubly awesome).
Perhaps it will be like the Stratovarius fiasco, where they will hire another vocalist but the former one returns before you even know it. Who knows?
Michael Schenker Group - Heavy Hitters
Friday, February 10, 2006
Wow havent thought about Leif Sundin in awhile, wonder where hes been hiding? Would be very interesting to hear JLT and Schenker together on one song though. And Mark Slaughter too, he needs to get out more like Sundin. It seems Schenker kinda *lost it* about a decade ago. Hope he finds *it* again because he used to have one of the most trademark guitar sounds out there.
The Tea Party - Seven Circles
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
I love this album and the band. They were such a refreshing outfit that did their own thing but did it beautifully. Being a fan of theirs for almost a decade, I for one, am sorry to see them go. A great farewell however for a great band.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Rainbow Rising is a classic, but I have always been partial to the self titled... "Temple of the King" is just such a timeless song. None of the covers and so forth (I know Angel Dust did it) even come close to the Dio/Blackmore original. Such genius. "Paint me a portrait of eyes that never see... with flashes of lightning that burn for only me" Man I love Dios early lyric writing. He kinda fell off after "Lock Up the Wolves" though.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
I wasn't aware there was a reissue. I am looking forward to reading the review. Remembering back, it was so exciting when Schenker/Mogg got back together. The album seemed fresh and had alot of energy that some of the UFO stuff afterwards lacked.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2006
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Quote: "But Omen takes the l out of the glory of battle."
OMG genius writing! I love that! As you know, I adore Omen and especially this album... it was so picture perfect for the time. I'm still sad over JD Kimball's death since we'll never hear vocals like that again.
Various Artists - Playlist - January/February 2006
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Weird, I've been running through "Walk On Water" again recently too, after not hearing it for about six/seven years. "Venus" still hasn't lost its magic has it?
Ten - The Essential Collection 1995-2005
Saturday, January 14, 2006
If you were impressed with this then the originals would blow your mind. The material here is excellent at its heart but pales to the originals. They could have done so much more but it falls flat, and it really is a kicker that the production is worse here than before.
I love Ten and have been following them since day one and this just was not one of Gary Hughes better ideas. I highly recommend Ten's first two albums which are available as a double pack now: Ten & Name of the Rose.
Skylark - Fairytales
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Well the cover gets an A+ from me, looks like a Luis Royo painting, but the album itself...hehehehh... thats all I have to say. Hehh.
Various Artists - Playlist - October/November 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
Mads: Glad to see that there is another Cloven Hoof fan out there. I think our ranks were ever that big but are dwindling as the years go by. They are one of my fav early 80s metal outfits and this may be my fav NWOBHM album! It's in the top 3 anyway. Really superb stuff for its time... should probably do a full review of this one in the future. :) Stay metal!
Pagan´s Mind - Enigmatic: Calling
Saturday, October 15, 2005
I'd like to point out that on the ratings scale a 7.5 is halfway between being "very good" and "outstanding" and that fits the text of the review just fine.
Crimson Glory - Crimson Glory
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
I paid some creepy amount of money for this disc back almost ten years ago. It's been worth every penny and a favorite ever since. "Dragon Lady", "Azrael", "Queen of the Masquerade": three sing-a-long classics!
Running Wild - Rogues En Vogue
Monday, September 26, 2005
I used to love this band especially "Blazon Stone" through "Masquerade" and its a shame to see them dip to such lows as this abomination. They need something to shake their foundations because the formula is finally getting stale. So much could be done with their unique "theme" and it's just not happening anymore.
Ozzy Osbourne - Diary of a Madman vs. No More Tears
Saturday, September 10, 2005
I'd have to give the nod to "No More Tears" if choosing between these two. Mr. Tinkertrain and Road to Nowhere were awesome songs, and bookends for some great stuff inbetween. It's probably the last Ozzy album that I enjoyed in its entirety.
Blanc Faces - Blanc Faces
Thursday, September 8, 2005
I wrote this around four/five in the morning at a friend's house because my PC was not functioning at the time. :D And it was the best CD I had heard that month. I listened to it many many times and just came up blank that morning when trying to write about it. It's a very solid disc, but could have been more memorable.
To Rocco: The best stuff I have heard this year would be: Masterplan "Aeronautics", Kamelot "The Black Halo", the Hartmaan CD is growing on me quite a bit, and Edge of Forever.
I love AOR, but have been spoiled by the likes of Street Talk I think, and last year's Crossfade, which were absolutely mindblowing.
None - What is the deal with the metal-vest?
Monday, August 1, 2005
Haha, this article gave me quite the chuckle this morning. Thanx! However, I am with Nina on this one, the metal vest is COOL! It shows support for your bands and is kinda like a walking advertisement saying "Hey! I like THESE Bands, what about you?" That follows you no matter where you go. Concerts are kind of like events and alot of people love to dress up for them. Personally, I tend to do the jeans/motorcycle jacket thing with some kind of cute babydoll shirt underneath, instead of THE VEST! but to each their own. Nothing wrong with band shirts either. One of the hottest guys ever was wearing this kind of well worn Iced Earth tshirt, and for some reason that made him even more desirable and HOTTER. You KNOW he loves that band, you KNOW he loves that shirt and something about the metal vibes from that drives metal chicks wild. Ah. That's all. :D
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2005
Monday, August 1, 2005
Jorn Lande is awesome! "Worldchanger" is by far one of my fav discs from the 2000s. Was just listening to it the other day.
None - Morten´s favorite bands, albums and more
Monday, August 1, 2005
If you liked The Da Vinci Code, you HAVE to read the first book, Angels and Demons. It is freakin' awesome. Since you've already read Da Vinci, think of it as a prequel. I wanted to HATE the book (really I did, don't particularly like "mainstream" novels and read mostly Sci-Fi and Fantasy) but absolutely fell in love with this.
Various Artists - Playlist - July/August 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
Steen: Let me guess, you added R Kelly to your "must buy" list. I KNEW IT! Hahaha...
Sweden Rock Festival 2005 - Steen´s Sweden Rock 2005 Diary
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
Ahhhh you write the most entertaining live reviews that I have ever read... I laughed so hard too many times to count during this. The descriptions of your singing are absolutely hilarious. Oh my gawd it sounds like this was pure metal heaven! I'd hawk pieces of my soul on ebay to see a show like this. Rawk on!
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2005
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Ehite, our playlists are put up to let other people know what we are currently listening to and maybe even some random thoughts about the albums we are spinning, it doesn't mean that we will actually do a full review of all the discs that appear on our playlists in the future. I would love to review every CD that ever comes out in the greatest detail but its just not possible. As for JLT's "Rescue You", I would not be surprised if I reviewed and revisited this in the future, it is a spectacular cd and one of my all time favorites!
Various Artists - Playlist - May/June 2005
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Steen - you have never heard MSG! Blasphemy! heh. Michael Schenker's best stuff was done under this monicker throughout the 80s IMO whether it was with Barden, Bonnet or McAuley. I have a soft spot for the McAuley "self titled" MSG disc. Superb and really catchy. And "Desert Song" with Bonnet on vox is one of the most unique songs I've ever heard.
Oh but the Ten CD is awesome, no doubt. =)
Brazen Abbot - My Resurrection
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
You weren't rude at all, it was my mistake... Thanks for pointing it out!
Brazen Abbot - My Resurrection
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
OMG I dont know why I said Belgian. LOL slip of the keyboard! Be kind! I wrote this when I had a 103 degree fever. No joke!
At Vance - Chained
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Thrax: I believe Mats Leven was in Treat for a minute, and he was brilliant there... I've liked him ever since! Can't wait to hear this.
Kamelot - The Black Halo
Saturday, April 16, 2005
I have to agree with almost everything you have to say here, having finally spent some time with this album... I agree that it is amazing. I never thought anything would knock "The Fourth Legacy" off its throne but this one not only kicks it off but stops all over it. Not that I don't still love "Fourth" but damn, this is a fine piece of metal. If I could have engineered the "perfect" Kamelot cd, this would be it. To the opening track "Mephisto" with its strange and beautiful keyboards and grinding war-like march to the epic and pompous "Memento Mori" and the lulling loveliness of "Moonlight", there is not one moment that I'm not just completely amazed here. Khan's voice is a slice of heaven, silken and smooth like butter... and all the musicians are just in top form. With the spectacular production and sublime songs, this is destined to be a classic on down the line. My question is...how will they possibly top this???
Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet
Thursday, April 7, 2005
I remember listening to this when it first came out and was amazed. Was quite the Bon Jovi nut when I was younger. This is still a great album.. full of classics...
Joe Lynn Turner - The Usual Suspects
Friday, March 18, 2005
Yes Cochran played on a song here and there on those releases, but Al has appeared on every JLT solo album from the 90s on which is why he came to mind first, not to downplay Karl's contributions. "All Alone" is one of JLT's best songs too.
Joe Lynn Turner - The Usual Suspects
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Yes I am aware that Karl Cochran played guitar as well but neglected to mention him. Petrelli came up because he is a "usual suspect" and is the guitarist I always think about on JLT's solo albums because he shows up so often. I also didn't mention the other musicians, John O'Reilly on drums, Paul Morris and Andy Burton on keys, and David Z on bass. Everyone does a great job on the disc and makes for a real solid musical backbone.
It's good stuff.
Megadeth - Peace Sells...But Who´s Buying? - DVD Audio Edition
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
It's a shame that DVD Audio is basically dead. Those that have a DVD Audio player and a decent stereo system would do well to pick this up along with Deep Purple "Machine Head", Queensryche "Empire" and Foriegner "4".
Mennen - Freakazoid
Friday, March 11, 2005
I think its quite amusing when "people" take someone else's opinion as gospel. I've been reviewing CDs for nearly ten years now and listen to everything multiple times to give the disc a fair shot to grow. This one just doesn't do it. If you don't agree with me fine, but to take shots at a person PERSONALLY because they don't agree with your personal opinion is rather childish and silly. Sounds like some of you need to grow up a little and realize that not everyone in life is going to agree with you 100%. Just because "Freakazoid" doesn't rock my world does not mean you won't enjoy it. Everything I write attempts at being accurate atleast in what you can expect out of the cd and how it measures up to past projects. Is "Freak" like their previous albums? No. Did this affect my enjoyment of the disc? Most likely. I also wonder if some of you even read the review or did you just glance at the first sentence and the overall score? That's likely my final two cents on this subject. You wolves are now free to go ahead and pick me apart.
Oh and if I wanted to be a groupie, I'd follow Europe. I'd love to be banged by Tempest or Norum, and not any of the crew from Mennen. Thank you and good night.
None - Staff Main Page - Alanna
Friday, March 11, 2005
Joao! Dude! Email me sometime if you see this... I haven't talked to you in ages! Stay cool.
Mennen - Freakazoid
Friday, March 11, 2005
Oh and what shortbus dropped you all off on this website? You all need to get back on it and ride back to your Mennen fansite.
Kingdom Come - Kingdom Come
Thursday, March 10, 2005
This was a pretty good cd, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it til I read this review. Bravo for forcing my mind into remembering! Hideaway had this weird, chilling mood and What Love Can Be was a great ballad.
Masterplan - Aeronatics
Thursday, March 10, 2005
I agree with Jarkko's comment about Jorn Lande... he is out of this world! I've been following him since Vagabond (was it Vagabond? I think so...) and he's only improving as time ticks on. This is a bit heavier than what I would like to hear Jorn doing but is still a delight nonetheless. The man can sing anything.
Kamelot - The Black Halo
Thursday, March 10, 2005
I can't wait to hear this - Kamelot's one of my favorites....! And this sounds quite good, especially since I'm more into epic and melody than speed these days.
Mennen - Freakazoid
Friday, February 25, 2005
Hey, I liked their other four Mennen releases as well as the Zinatra disc with Joss - this cd just doesn't do it for me and the lyrics are quite bad! "All systems go, we live it up" isn't poetry. Seems strange that all three negative comments were posted so close together and so long after this review was published....hmmmm...leaked to the Mennen fanclub maybe???
Labyrinth - Freeman
Thursday, February 10, 2005
This sounds like an interesting branching out for Labyrinth. I personally think they peaked with Fabio + "No Limits" but "Return to Heaven Denied" was also excellent in its own right. Looking forward to hearing this in the future.
Europe - Start from the dark
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
I was hoping for more of a "Wings of Tomorrow" type sound which was rumored before "Dark's" release, but I gladly take this and run with it. It IS Europe and more modern than I like, but still a good CD. "Settle For Love" and the title track are especially yummy. My first band, and still a huge fan... maybe together they can do no wrong?
Eyes of Shiva - Eyes of the Soul
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
I cannot be 100% positively sure, but it sounds more South American in origin than Indian, perhaps it is a mixture of them both?
I like to think of Shiva as more of a Final Fantasy summon, haha.
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
The Christopher Lee floating head tshirt. Oh my it is so awesome, I am preparing to order one now.... not.... ahh what were the guys thinking? Who on earth would wear that? Regardless, I just ordered the album based on this review alone. I'm sure I won't be disappointed unless Fabio starts singing about the floating head. Urk.
Dream Theater - Awake
Monday, September 6, 2004
This was a fantastic album and one of my favs of all time. "The Mirror" and "Lie" are a double delight and "Space Dye Vest" is perhaps the most depressing song I have ever heard. The emotion is just crushing. Definitely DT's magnum opus. Good review, there's never enough praise for this one.
Europe - Wings of Tomorrow
Monday, September 6, 2004
In response to Europe "Wings of Tomorrow" availability... it is still out there as part of the Sony Music Memory Collection (re-release 2003). It is unavailable in the United States domestically but even big sites like www.amazon.com have it up for ordering.
And yes it probably deserves atleast a 9.5.
Glen Burtnik - Welcome to Hollywood
Friday, August 27, 2004
Hello All,
I think all here need to simmer down a bit and remember that reviews are simply detailed opinions. Every review I write is only after hearing an album many times and some I take longer than I really should to give the CD time to grow. I hate so many reviews on other sites because they basically write two sentences about the actual music and quote the majority of the press release and call it a review. I'm sorry but I don't do that. I actually bother to listen to the CDs, oftentimes excessively to give everything a fair chance. This one simply didn't grow on me, it just did not happen despite giving it extra time to do so. I also attempt to compare each album to every possible similiar band and style, to give those potentially buying it a clearer vision of what they are in store for. I for one value reviews that are not just the regurgitated press release, as I stated earlier.
As for Glen's work, I am very familiar with "Talking In Code" and "Heroes & Zeroes", and wanted those that are expecting something similiar to those or anything at all in the AOR/melodic rock genre to be fairly warned. Those that love this CD so much, if you are NOT a diehard fan of Glen, and are into AOR/melodic rock with no appreciation for what can be heard when you turn on the radio, do you honestly think you would be interested in this disc? If it was anyone else? Taking a guess here, but likely not.
To those that took shots at me, personally. I do listen to alot of rap and R&B music. "Jesus Walks" by Kanye West and "Save Me" by R Kelly are currently getting alot of play on pop/rock stations in my area, and that's rap/gospel. I also like Elvis and the Beatles. And JPop, and European Techno. I don't pull things out of the air and comment if I have no background in it. Saying "Cry" is like a country song is not a "crack" as one put it. I worked at a country radio station for years, and am very familiar with that style of music as well. Dan Huff is one of the most talented guys in the business and he's worked with Shania Twain among others...
There are also hundreds if not thousands of artists that are trying to be modern that will never get radio play but put discs together. This to me, seems like another desperate futile attempt at media attention. Or perhaps that this is simply the page where Glen wants to be right now, who knows? But do any of you remember the whole fiasco in the mid 90s with glam bands attempting this tactic which failed so miserably then? How often did Warrant get airplay for any CD released after "Cherry Pie"? Not often.
The bottom line is that this is a hybrid record with some blatant rips of various popular styles. If you have actually listened to Kid Rock you would pick up that "When the Shit Hit the Fan" is a poor copy of that. I never said that Kid Rock has spiritual messages, but the style of the music, the overall sound, is right there with him, if not lyrically. And here are some popular artists out there that are putting across good messages over the airwaves, the two urban artists I mentioned as well as Evanescence at times.
And finally those questioning whether I should be reviewing this or not... Glen Burtnik is (was?) an AOR/hard rock artist, thus the CD fell into my hands for review. And I still maintain that anyone that expects the Burtnik of old will be sorely disappointed.
And those that took the time to write in, I thank you for your comments whether you were being nice and voicing your opinion or taking shots at my credibility, intelligence, age, etc. often going beyond opinion into pure bashing. All feedback is welcome and appreciated. You are obviously diehards that would listen and love anything by Glen, and are the kind of fans that keep our artists fueled to the fire to keep producing music. But relax, it all boils down to differences in opinion. So chill and have a nice day.
Peace,
Alanna
Dream Theater - Images And Words
Monday, August 9, 2004
I had forgotten how much I loved this album! I remember cranking it one day and someone made a remark "it sounds like Kenny G went metal"... little did they know how great this disc was. I still can't believe it was released in 1992 either. They were so far ahead of their time.
Virgin Steele - Life Among The Ruins
Saturday, July 17, 2004
This album is easily the BEST of Virgin Steele. Hell, this is one of my favorite albums EVER. David DeFeis sings and writes bluesy hard rock music absolutely wonderfully. And Crown of Thorns is an exceptional and highly underrated song, an emotional twist and turner that spews hate and aggravation, classic seething angst. Love is Pain, Jet Black, and I Dress in Black are mind blowing and Last Rose of Summer, with David in this impossible falsetto is fascinating and beautiful. Why so many people have disliked this over the years is beyond me, sure it is different, but it proves that DeFeis and Co. can conquer every musical genre they choose to touch. Classic and almost perfection. 9/10
Sweden Rock Festival 2004 - Day 3 (Michael) - Danger Danger, Heart & Europe
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
I can't believe Europe are *back*! It sounds like a superb concert, and I'm pleased to hear that they are embracing the "Wings of Tomorrow" album which is one of my favorite CDs ever. Just amazing, really enjoyed the report.
Ayreon - The Human Equation
Tuesday, July 6, 2004
Whew, fantastic review of a great album. I completely agree with the voice of "Love", she seems to embody all the various feelings that can come under the heading of that one word. Arjen really has outdone himself once again, this is a great album indeed.
Pretty Maids - Planet Panic
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
The WORST Pretty Maids album yet! I love the way they change styles every other album, "Sin-Decade", "Future World", "Spooked", "Jump the Gun" - all classics in their own special ways, but this incarnation of the band is plodding and boring. They try to be vicious and rough and it just doesn't work. There are a few good songs (no PM album can be ALL bad!) but overall its a disappointment.
Virgin Steele - The Marriage of Heaven and Hell - Part Two
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Agh do I ever love this cd. Many many hours have been clocked in and well - its just a piece of magic. My favorites are the distinctive melodic groove of "Unholy Water" and the divine "Marriage of Heaven and Hell Revisited", an instrumental piece so beautifully haunting, laced with sorrow that it literally brings tears welling up in my eyes when I listen... essential, and a great review here to boot. I completely agree with the score, can't argue with a classic.
Virgin Steele - The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell - Part One
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Virgin Steele's best works were through the mid 80s to the mid 90s, and while this isn't the peak, its close. The complexity of music and lyrics is dazzling and hooks abound. "Blood and Gasoline" is a song I can crank my lungs up to 11 to belt anytime and I haven't heard it in years, but it remains with me always. Just as classic songs should.
Jorn - Out to Every Nation
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Its the love for Jorn Lande, that's what... his music speaks to us all! XoXo
Dragonslayer - EP (Demo)
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
This is a totally different band from the "other" Dragonslayer. This Dragonslayer never had anything formally released. This demo is even considered "Unreleased" status. Plus I assume they hail from England since they were considered to be from the NWOBHM movement (from what information I could find).
Manowar - Warriors of the world
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
"Glory, glory hallelujah!!!!!!!" Was listening to this just this morning and had tears in my eyes. Eric Adams you do it to me again! Killer album just all over from start to completion. "Nessun Dorma" gives me goosebumps as well. These guys are so talented, I wish it didn't take them FIVE years or more to make a disc, but its always worth the wait.
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Daily Spotlight
Cage - Science of Annihilation
 American Power Metal Kings... So the Science of Annihilation cover states and I am not one to argue, in fact I am more than i....
Read full review
Retro Reviews
(Alanna)
Banshee - Race Against Time
 Banshee had their fingers in many pieces of heavy metal pie. There are eleven songs on this cd, and strangely enough, the sound is like a thick mixture of Y&T, Motley Crue and Eur....
Read full review
(Michael)
Fate - Scratch ´N Sniff
 When this album came out in 1990 it blew me away. I had Fate's prior recordings, but this record is very different from Fate's earlier stuff.
"Scratch 'N Sniff" followed up the disappointing "Crui....
Read full review
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