“Our Endless War”
Whitechapel
Metal Blade Records
Produced by: Mark Lewis
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Returning with the fifth full-length of their decimating career, there is no stopping the juggernaut that is Whitechapel. The album titled “Our Endless War” is the culmination of everything the band from Knoxville, TN has worked toward since their inception in 2006. The album is being released via Metal Blade Records and features 12 ruthless tracks produced by Mark Lewis.

The newest album from Whitechapel is everything you have come to love about the band while taking it a step further. The group has forged new ground with this release elevating them to the next level of heavy metal music mastery. From the albums opening instrumental track “Rise” which subtlety builds before giving way to the album’s explosive title track “Our Endless War” which is instantly kicked into gear by singer Phil Bozeman’s guttural vocals. The album features some really great instrumentation which I felt showcased each of the members the bands growth as musicians.

Probably my favorite track off the release is the track titled “The Saw is the Law” as it features a pounding rhythm section and fast paced, demonic like vocal rants that instantly grab your attention. Other notable tracks were “Psychopathy” which features an intro ala Ozzy Osbourne’s “Diary of a Madman” while one of the albums bonus tracks titled “Fall of the Hypocrites” is about as heavy as you can get as the songs shear power could literally blasts you across the room when turned up load enough.

Track Listing:
1.) Rise
2.) Our Endless War
3.) The Saw is the Law
4.) Mono
5.) Let Me Burn
6.) Worship the Digital Age
7.) How Times Have Changed
8.) Psychopathy
9.) Blacked Out
10.) Diggs Road
11.) A Process so Familiar (Bonus Track)
12.) Fall of Hypocrites (Bonus Track)

“Rise Up”
Saliva
Rum Bum Records
Produced by: Bobby Huff
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Hard Rock heavy hitters Saliva are back with their 9th studio album titled “Rise Up”. The album is being released via Rum Bum Records and features 12 all new tracks produced by Bobby Huff. “Rise Up” marks the true revival of Saliva, presenting the band doing what they do best true, gritty, heavy rock n roll.

When any member of a band leaves in inevitably changes the makeup and camaraderie of the group. However when it’s the groups lead vocalist not only do the previously mentioned factors change but so does the biggest factor. The groups sound. Former Saliva vocalist Josey Scott had a very signature style which was captured on the groups break out hit “Click, Click Boom” laying the foundation for the groups sound up to his departure from the band in 2011. Scott’s replacement Bobby Amaru now in his second release with the band has taken what Scott created and took it to the next level. Though “Rise Up” is not Amaru’s first recording with the group it is certainly his strongest. Songs like the “Rise Up”, “Redneck Freakshow” and “Army” are classic Saliva with an updated feel make this album one you will certainly want to pick up and have on hand for those quickly approaching summer barbecues.

As I said before anytime a founding member leaves a band things are going to change sometimes for worse sometimes for better. In the case of Saliva’s latest offering “Rise Up” it’s certainly for the better as the band sounds stronger than they have in years.

Track Listing:
1.) Rise Up
2.) She Can Sure Hide Crazy
3.) No One But Me
4.) Lost
5.) 1000 Eyes
6.) Redneck Freakshow
7.) Choke
8.) Army
9.) Closer
10.) In It to Win It
11.) The Enemy
12.) I Don’t Want It

“Salvation Town”
Jonny Two Bags
Isotone Records
Produced by: David Kalish
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Former U.S. Bombs and current Social Distortion guitarist Jonny “Two Bags” Wickersham has just released his debut solo album titled “Salvation Town”. The album features 10 stripped down originals that were produced by veteran producer David Kalish. The album is being released via Isotone records and along with Wickersham features guest appearances by David Lindley, Pete Thomas and legendary singer songwriter Jackson Browne.

I really enjoy when guys like Jonny Two Bags are able to step outside of their comfort zone and in to the lime light. Not only does it show tremendous character but for me it elevates them to whole new level of musicianship. A good example of this is “Salvation Town”. Though this may be Jonny’s debut release it’s as if he is a seasoned pro. Half Cash and half Dylan Jonny’s voice is familiar yet fresh while the instrumentation is catchy and keeps your attention throughout all 10 tracks. Tracks such as “One Foot in the Gutter” and “Hope Dies Hard” were personal favorites as each was stylistically different yet seemed to be well crafted and thought out. Other notable tracks worth checking out were the accordion backed “Clay Wheels” and “Then You Stand Alone” which features a guest performance by none other than Jackson Browne.

Though very different from the hard and fast punk music Jonny is normally associated with “Salvation Town” does a great job showcasing a completely different side of Jonny’s musical style making this album certainly worth checking out.

Track Listing:
1.) One Foot In the Gutter
2.) Avenues
3.) Then You Stand Alone
4.) Clay Wheels
5.) Forlorn Walls
6.) Wayward Cain
7.) Ghosts
8.) Hope Dies Hard
9.) Alone Tonight
10.) The Way It Goes

“All You Can Eat”
Steel Panther
Open E music
Produced by: Jay Ruston
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The Sunset Strip’s hottest export, Steel Panther, is back with their third full-length album titled “All You Can Eat”. The album is the first release from the band since starting their own label title Open E Records and features 12 all new original tracks produced by Jay Ruston. With edgy song titles and enough sexual references to overload urbandictionary.com the guys in Steel Panther continue to wave the flag for the glory years of 80’s hair metal.

The latest from Steel Panther may not be the group’s strongest effort to date but there are some killer vintage guitar licks and rhythms that do a good job making up for what the album lacks in substance. Of course if you are at all familiar with the band then you know going in what you are in for. “All You Can Eat” features an edgier sound than what we have heard previously from the spandex clad 4 piece making this attribute one of the more shining moments of my listen. Of course with songs like “Party like Tomorrow is the End of the World” and “Gangbang at the Old Folks Home” you know there are good times to be had blasting these and the other 10 tracks as you role around the subdivision in your vintage Z-28.

“All You Can Eat” is certainly a stepping stone for the band musically however I feel they still have yet to capture the power and appeal of their over the top live performances.

Track Listing:
1.) Pussywhipped
2.) Party like Tomorrow is the End of the World
3.) Gloryhole
4.) Bukkake Tears
5.) Gangbang at the Old Folks Home
6.) Ten Strikes You’re Out
7.) The Burden of Being Wonderful
8.) Fucking my Heart in the Ass
9.) B.V.S.
10.) You’re Beautiful When You Don’t Talk
11.) If I Was The King
12.) She’s on the Rag

The Pretty Reckless
“Going to Hell”
Razor & Tie
Produced by: Kato Khandwala
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Gossip Girl” star Taylor Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless is back with a brand new full length album titled “Going to Hell”. The album is the follow up release to the groups 2012 EP titled “Hit Me Like a Man” and features 12 brand new tracks produced by Kato Khandwala and are being released via Razor & Tie records.

Throw any preconceived notions about actress/lead vocalist Taylor Momsen out the window as the latest from The Pretty Reckless is a mixture of styles ranging from full on heavy metal to pop tinged dance tracks which making “Going to Hell” an interesting listen that runs ravage on your ear drums. You just never know what to expect when an artist crosses over to another discipline be it acting, music, sports etc. lot of times we are left underwhelmed by the attempt however Taylor Momsen and her band are the complete opposite. Their latest offering shows immense range and solid progression on all levels. Momsen takes on all styles. From the shredding scream induced “Sweet Things” to the soulfully acoustic track “Burn” Momsen certainly covers the style spectrum. Back by a solid band consisting of bassist Mark Damon, Drummer Jamie Perkins and Lead guitarist Ben Phillips the group sounds as though they have been playing together way past their years.

“Going to Hell” is not to be taken lightly or passed off as some actress’s half hearted side project. With the band’s latest release Momsen and company show that they have more than what it takes to be considered one of today’s top up and coming rock acts.

Track Listing:
1.) Follow Me Down
2.) Going to Hell
3.) Heaven Knows
4.) House on a Hill
5.) Sweet Things
6.) Dear Sister
7.) Absolution
8.) Blame Me
9.) Burn
10.) Why’d You Bring a Shotgun to the Party
11.) Fucked Up World
12.) Waiting for a Friend

Black Label Society
“Catacombs of the Black Vatican”
eOne Music
Produced by: Zakk Wylde
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Black Label brethren rejoice as the latest release from Zakk Wilds Black Label Society is finally here. “Catacombs of the Black Vatican” is the follow up to the groups 2010 release “Order of the Black” and is set to prove to everyone that it was well worth the 4 year wait. The album is being released via eOne Music and features 11 all new tracks which were produced by Zakk Wylde and mixed by Black Label alum Adam Klumpp.

Hardcore fans of BLS myself included have been waiting for this album now for quite some time so allow me to be the first to say that I wasn’t at all disappointed and neither will you be. “Catacombs of the Black Vatican” features a much more scaled back production which harkens back to some of the bands earliest releases. Songs such as “My Dying Time” and “Beyond the Down” features Wylde’s signature sound and squealing style we all know and love while tracks like “Angel of Mercy” and “Scars” are acoustical throwbacks to the Pride and Glory days, something I found to be really cool! The album is certainly heavy yet has a relaxed feel making it one of those albums you can throw on while hanging and throwing back some cold ones.

Wylde and his crew of hooligans are by no means reinventing the wheel with the songs found on “Catacombs of the Black Vatican” however they are revisiting their deep seated roots while expanding musically. Zakk’s voice has never sounded better and his guitar playing isn’t too shabby either. Flanked by bassist John “JD” DeServio and former Breaking Benjamin drummer Chad Szeliga the group seems to be at the top of their game and their latest release does a great job of proving that.

Track Listing:
1.) Fields of Unforgiveness
2.) My Dying Time
3.) Believe
4.) Angel of Mercy
5.) Heart of Darkness
6.) Beyond the Down
7.) Scars
8.) Damn the Flood
9.) I’ve Gone Away
10.) Empty Promises
11.) Shades of Gray

“Ronnie James Dio- This is Your Life”
Various Artists
Rhino
Produced by: Wendy Dio
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Ronnie James Dio is one of the most beloved figures in rock history. His gifts, both as a singer and songwriter, are instantly recognizable, whether he was with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, or leading Dio. Sadly, Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer in 2010, but his towering voice and legacy live on. To celebrate one of rock’s most powerful voices, an all-star group of his friends and fans recorded 13 of their favorite tracks for a tribute album that will raise funds for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund (diocancerfund.org). Produced by his longtime manager and wife Wendy Dio, the album includes contributions by such metal heavyweights as Metallica, Motörhead and Anthrax, as well as appearances by many of the musicians who performed with Dio over the years.

Just the lineup alone with have metal heads clamoring to get their hands on this album. Everyone from Rob Halford and Glenn Hughes to Tenacious D and Killswitch Engage are here covering some of the most legendary songs in heavy metal. The thing I think I liked most about this release is that all the songs were performed in the same vain as the originals. That’s something you don’t find too often in tribute records as a lot of times you get re-workings of the original material which rarely lives up to the original. This was the complete opposite as each of the 13 tracks are a fitting salute to the original recording. Anthrax’s cover of “Neon Lights” is an explosive opening track which gives ways to solid performances of “The Last in Line” by Tenacious D, Straight Through the Heart by Halestorm and the always entertaining Killswitch Engage cover of “Holy Diver. However the real gems come in the way of the collaboration pieces. Corey Taylor and company do an amazing cover of “Rainbow In the Dark” while Rob Halford lends his soaring vocals to “Man on the Silver Mountain”, Metallica, A Light In The Black, Tarot Woman, Stargazer, Kill The King all join forces for the “Ronnie Rising Medley” which is something you definitely won’t want to miss.

“Ronnie James Dio- This is Your Life” has all the classic Dio songs we know and love but with amped up performances by some of today’s top metal artists and with Wendy Dio at the production helm each track takes on a life of its own blending both the new and old. Whether you’re a Dio fan from way back or a newer fan of one of the artists who appear on the album definitely pick this release up as not only will you be getting some really great music you will also be helping out a really great cause.

Track Listing:
1.) Neon Lights- Anthrax
2.) The Last in Line- Tenacious D
3.) The Mob Rules- Adrenaline Mob
4.) Rainbow In the Dark- Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Satchel, Chrisitian Martucci, Jason Christopher
5.) Straight Through the Heart- Halestorm
6.) Starstruck- Motorhead w/ Biff Byford
7.) Temple of the King- Scorpions
8.) Egypt – (The Chains Are On)- Doro
9.) Holy Diver- Killswitch Engage
10.) Catch the Rainbow- Glenn Hughes, Simon Wright, Craig Goldy, Rudy Sarzo, Scott Warren
11.) I- Oni Logan, Jimmy Bain, Rowan Robertson, Brian Tichy
12.) Man on the Silver Mountain- Rob Halford, Vinny Appice, Doug Aldrich, Jeff Pilson, Scott Warren
13.) Ronnie Rising Medley- Metallica, A Light In The Black, Tarot Woman, Stargazer, Kill The King
14.) This is Your Life- Dio

Disney Junior: DJ Shuffle
Various Artists
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Disney

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I saw that Disney Junior was released their first compilation CD, I figured that I already had all the previously released albums and don’t really need the same songs again…but boy was I wrong! “DJ Shuffle” is a really fantastic collection of classic and (most importantly) NEW songs that have never been released before on an album. I think that Disney Junior could have gotten away with just throwing previously released songs on this album and I am sure people would have bought it. If you are a fan of Disney Junior, they I cannot recommend this album to you anymore! It has literally been on loop for the last three days and I see no signs of it slowing down.

Parry Gripp gets the album started with the title track “DJ Shuffle”. My 22 month old daughter immediately started shaking her butt during this techno track. Then we go right into one of Disney Junior’s biggest new shows “Sofia the First”. There is the theme song included along with the fan favorite “Blue Ribbon Bunny”. Then there are two new songs that haven’t been released on an album yet “Friendship is the Formula” and “Hoppin’ Out With You”. These are great and very fun songs.

Next up we go to “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”. First we get the new Swashbucklin’ Version of their theme song, which is previously unreleased. I have been really digging this new slightly more heavier opening for the show. Then we have two of my favorite songs “Roll Up the Map” and “Bubbly Blue”. There is also a brand new song “Swamp Stop”, which is also unreleased. I love the characters Sharky and Bones. There music is always such a blast to listen to and contributes so much to the show.

“Doc Stuffins” is up right after that with all new songs. There is an updated extended take on “Time for Your Check Up”. The other new songs are “Ready for Action”, “Picture You” and “Stuffy the Great”. Personally I feel that “Picture You” really doesn’t fit in with the album since it a very slow and kind of a downer after “Ready for Action” but it is still a sweet song. My daughter was dancing like an ole fool until this track and then she got bored and distracted. Luckily she was quickly grabbed again by the next show’s songs.

Of course what Disney Junior album is complete without “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”. In fact now that they have ceased production on this series, I have that they still continue to support it with future DVD and music releases. What kid doesn’t go crazy to “Hot Dog!” “Choo Choo Boggie” is another great track from the show. Lastly there is an extended version of the “Minnie’s Bowtique” opening from the short series.

Now the next and last two of the album are the real draw for me on this album, the first is “Henry Hugglemonster”. There is the main title included, “I’ve Got Pizzazz”, “To Monsterschool” (stay in your head ALL DAY!), “The Hugglemonster Way” (one of Summer’s better songs) and lastly “Heromonsters Whoohoo!”. This show is so great and I hope to see Disney Junior releasing a solo album for this sometime this year…hint hint!

The last show included is also the newest, “Sheriff Callie’s Wild West”. This show features great music from singer Mandy Moore and Lucas Grabeel. The theme song kicks off the set followed by “Picture Perfect”, “Amazing Lucky Scarf” and “Ask for Help”. The one song I really was hoping for was “Horseshoe Peak”, which is not here. This show has so many great songs already and has only been on the air for a short time. So like “Henry Hugglemonster”, this show deserves a solo CD as well this year, no question!

Wrapping up the CD is four additional bonus karaoke instrumental tracks. They include “DJ Shuffle”, “Blue Ribbon Bunny”, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates (Swashbuckin’ Version)” and “Time for Your Checkup”. There is still more if you put the CD into the computer you will be able to access additional special content. Keep them coming Disney Junior!

Track Listings:
1. DJ Shuffle (Parry Gripp)
2. Sofia the First Main Title Theme (Sofia the First)
3. Blue Ribbon Bunny (Sofia the First)
4. Friendship Is the Formula (Sofia the First)
5. Hoppin’ Out With You (Sofia the First)
6. Jake and the Never Land Pirates (Swashbucklin’ Version) (Jake and the Never Land Pirates)
7. Roll Up the Map (Jake and the Never Land Pirates)
8. Bubbly Blue (Jake and the Never Land Pirates)
9. Swamp Stomp (Jake and the Never Land Pirates)
10. Time for Your Check Up (Doc McStuffins)
11. Ready for Action (Doc McStuffins)
12. Picture You (Doc McStuffins)
13. Stuffy the Great (Doc McStuffins)
14. Hot Dog! (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
15. Choo Choo Boogie (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
16. Minnie’s Bowtique (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
17. Henry Hugglemonster Main Title (Henry Hugglemonster)
18. I’ve Got Pizzazz (Henry Hugglemonster)
19. To Monsterschool (Henry Hugglemonster)
20. The Hugglemonster Way (Henry Hugglemonster)
21. Heromonsters Woohoo! (Henry Hugglemonster)
22. Sheriff Callie’s Wild West Theme Song (Sheriff Callie’s Wild West)
23. Picture Perfect (Sheriff Callie’s Wild West)
24. Amazing Lucky Scarf (Sheriff Callie’s Wild West)
25. Ask for Help (Sheriff Callie’s Wild West)
26. DJ Shuffle (Instrumental)
27. Blue Ribbon Bunny (Instrumental)
28. Jake and the Never Land Pirates (Swashbucklin’ Version) (Instrumental)
29. Time for Your Checkup (Instrumental)

Composer: Oscar Araujo
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Soundtrack
Label: Sumthing Else Music Works/Konami

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2” is the latest game in nearly 30 year history of “Castlevania”. It is the last game in the new trilogy from Mercury Stream, following “Lords of Shadow” and Lord of Shadows: Mirror of Fate”. Oscar Araujo has been behind the series as the composer for each of these three video games. Having listened to each of the three scores, I found this one really standing out to me personally. Now it is dark, scary, action packed and at times also very beautiful, including tracks like “The Throne Room”. Having played the game myself, I really enjoyed listening to the score after the fact and I felt that it added a lot to the game. I look forward to Araujo’s next project! A must listen for any “Castlevania” fan.

One of my main concerns with the score is that they left out one of the best tracks from the game, which was the beginning first big fight. That track was SO epic and I literally was thinking (while getting my ass kicked in the game) how amazing this it was. That wasn’t the only track missing either some of the electronic sound tracks were MIA as well. Looking back that though, this score is just a thrill to listen to and most importantly it passed by most important loop test. I also say that if I can leave an album on loop for hours at a time and do not get bored listening to it or find it repetitive then it is a winner. I literally had this album on loop for eight hours and I literally loved every single track.

Babymetal
“Babymetal”
BMD Fox Records
Produced By: Tsubometal, TAKEMETAL, Kyoto, Yuyoyuppe
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I’m rarely at a loss for words when listening to a song. Babymetal is the latest sensation to hit Youtube and leave American viewers in confused silence. It’s not because we’ve never seen this before, but because we’re seeing two opposite things being slammed together into one creation. On one side, you have a metal band that could easily join the flooded generic metal market. On the other side, you have a trio of underage Japanese girls in skirts and pigtails singing like they’re hoping to be the next big pop sensation to screeching guitars. So. Seriously. Where do I begin?

Babymetal combines throat crushing metal riffs and blast beats with synthetic harmonies and ecstasy induced dance club bass tracks. Suffice to say, a hardcore Babymetal fan could easily show up to a concert and headbang to their heart’s content while fist pumping a glow stick and chanting to songs about eating chocolate. Come on, even the blackest souls in the metal community love chocolate. There are plenty of artists who’ve tried to breed different genres together and have only been met with criticism. People will shrug them off as the latest niche with no lasting impact. But what makes Babymetal linger in our mind longer? It’s a clever approach. They visually play into the perverse mind of a male dominated fan base. For others, it’s a humorous and bewildering experience to see adorable Japanese girls dancing across the stage to death metal.

But how do they stack up musically? It’s heavy and catchy with whatever style it’s blending. It feels like you’re about to watch a violent, cheery anime. The album flies through different styles of both sounds. Songs switch things up by playing death metal, power metal and heavy metal. For every riff they chug differently to, the girls switch up and down the Top 40 list. We’ll get those intermittent breaks of techno, rap and even dubstep, but that’s not say they both stray away from that formula and settle on a mellow Sevendust sound or belt out that heavy rock ballad. Other times you feel like you’re listening to a Dance Dance Revolution song or the latest rave mix. While every song feels unique, the album is very top heavy. Once you’ve passed through the first seven songs, you feel like there’s nothing new to be offered and they falter in delivering a complete album. They do end on a strong note with their final song.

While there’s definitely some songs I’ll be listening to in the future like “Megitsune” and “Akatsuki Akatsuki”, overall they’ll need to start getting past the initial shock value and begin to focus on their work. Presentation is nothing without craft unless your presentation is consistent and the main attraction. In this case, the presentation is cemented in their age. If they simply started trading out singers for younger girls, they’ll appear shallow and potentially show their true colors as a quick cash grab in the same vain as “American Idol”. If they let time take it’s course, the extreme minded perverts will feign interest as their adolescents idols show signs of maturity. What’s left will be those who are simply interested in the music and looking for the next big thing. They need to show those people they’re willing to take the music into a fresh theatrical direction and continue pushing deeper into this bizarre blend of J-Pop and hardcore metal. It’ll definitely be interesting to see if they can move past the novelty they’ve created.

Track Listing:
1.) Babymetal Death
2.) Megitsune
3.) Gimme Choco!!
4.)li ne!
5.) Akatsuki Akatsuki
6.) Doki Doki Morning
7.) Onedari Daisakusen
8.) 4 no Uta
9.) Uki Uki Midnight
10.) Catch Me If You Can
11.) Akumu no Rinbuykyoku
12.) Headbanger!!
13.) Ijime, Dame, Zettai

“Knight of Badassdom”
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Composer: Bear McCreary
Label: Sparks & Shadows
Run Time: 65 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

“Knight of Badassdom” is no question of the coolest titles of all time. It is directed by Joe Lynch (“Wrong Turn 2”, “Holliston”) and has been waiting to be released for a few years now. It follows three best friends (Peter Dinklage, Steve Zahn and Ryan Kwanten) and LARPers as they take to the woods to reenact a dungeons and dragons-like scenario fresh out of the mythical Middle Ages. It is a nerd’s dream come true. When I heard that Emmy Award®-Winning Composer Bear McCreary (“The Walking Dead”, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) was making original music for the soundtrack, I high-fived the closest person to me out of shear excitement. If that isn’t enough there is still more the album features performances by heavy metal and rock names including Brendon Small (Dethklok), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio), Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa), Steve Bartek (Oingo Boingo), Ira Ingber (Bob Dylan), Pete Griffin (Three Inches of Blood) and Joe Travers (Zappa Plays Zappa). This album is dripping with amazing talent. It is also quickly becoming one of my favorite albums to listen to.

What I look for in an album is something I can listen to over and over. “Knight of Badassdom” is a good album but it is great after multiple listens. I found myself catching little things that I didn’t catch the first time. This is not only an amazing score to the film but also a pretty kick ass rock/metal album. I really love Dethklok’s music by Brendan Small and you can really here his contribution and influence on this. There are also some really killer solos and rhythm guitars featured on this album. They went above and beyond here with these tracks. There are also featured vocals from Brendan McCreary and Raya Yarbrough on a few tracks. I love composer Bear McCreary because you can tell that he is just such a cool guy. He read the script for this film and was totally behind it. The guy is a Grammy winner and yet he still backs a small film like this by releasing it under his record label, Sparks & Shadows. He is one of the biggest composers in the business right now and I hope he continues to back future projects like this!

Speaking of amazing rhythm guitars, props need to go to Mike Keneally, Pete Griffin, and Joe Travers for rocking that section. Doug Aldrich’s insane guitar solo on “At the Gates” is a highlight on the album. One of the main things, I love about this album is how all over the place it is. From Ira Ingber playing the “down-home slide guitar” to Steve Bartek bringing the horror cues to the playing of Scottish pipes by Eric Rigler (who was featured on the score to “Braveheart”). There is a lot of range in this score and it is very entertaining. I easily left it on for about 8 hours on loop yesterday and it didn’t bore me out at all…and that is the true test to an album for me. Do you feel the urge to skip a track? No? Then you have yourself a really winner for sure! eOne Films is releasing “Knight of Badassdom” with TUGG screenings beginning on January 21st and available digitally and on VOD as of February 11, 2014. The soundtrack is available now everywhere including Amazon and iTunes. Don’t miss this album and be sure to support this film!

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Monty Pittman
“The Power of Three”
Metal Blade
Produced by: Flemming Rasmussen
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The Power of Three” is the latest solo release from Madonna guitarist Monte Pittman. The album is third solo release from the Los Angeles based artist and is the follow up release to his 2012 album titled “M.P.3: The Power of Three, Part 1”. The 10 tracks which make up this release were produced by legendary rock/metal producer Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica) and are being released via Metal Blade records.

Having known Pittman from his work with Madonna and Prong I was certainly interested in checking out what he had in-store for listeners on his newest solo release. Pittman blends a number of different styles which are as diverse as the list of acts he has worked with. The albums opening track “A Dark Horse” starts out with a haunting acoustic passage which gives way to blistering, overdriven electric guitars flanked by thunderous drums and vocals reminiscent of Pentagrams Bobby Liebling. As I made my way through later tracks such as the catchy, power groove filled “Blood Hungry Thirst” and the four on the floor “Missing” my attention was kept making me anxious to hear what would come next as Pittman covers immense musical ground.

Don’t let the fact that Monte Pittman has played with a number of pop acts fool you as he is definitely a metal guitarist and “The Power of Three” is a shining example of that. Double bass filled breakdowns, ripping solos and crushing rhythms made this album a great listen. My only advice to would be listeners is to make sure you have stretched your neck properly prior to starting the album as it’s bound to get a work out from the 10 head-banging tracks

Track Listing:
1.) A Dark Horse
2.) Delusions of Grandeur
3.) Everything’s Undone
4.) Blood Hungry Thirst
5.) Away From Here
6.) On My Mind
7.) Before the Mourning Sun
8.) Missing
9.) End of the World
10.) All Is Fair In Love and War

Chiodos
“Devil”
Drk/lght Records
Produced by: David Bottrill
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Devil” is the 4th and latest release from the Michigan based post hardcore band Chiodos. The release is the first for original vocalist Craig Owens who left the band in 2009 and returned to the bands lineup in 2012. “Devil” features 13 eclectic tracks which range from multi layered progressive rock to face ripping, molten metal. Produced by David Bottrill (Tool, Stone Sour) the album is the first to be released via the bands own imprint Drk/lght and will be available April 1st.

Formed in 2001 Chiodos released two albums prior to the departure of founding member/ lead vocalist Craig Owens in September of 2009. Though the band would release an album in 2010 titled “Illuminaudio” it lacked Owens signature sound. Fast forward to 2012 Owens rejoins the group and the creation of “Devils” begins. Jam packed with a variety of styles and instrumentation the album has something for everyone. Tracks such as “Why The Munster Matter” showcase the bands creativity as the track plays out like a complex puzzle of syncopated riffs and break downs. The track”Duct Tape” sounds as though it could be the haunting soundtrack of an eerie yet entertaining dream.

Though “Devil” lacked cohesiveness and is a bit schizophrenic in its approach each song is carefully crafted to give the listener the best experience possible. Whether you are a fan of the punk rock styling’s of “3:00AM “ or the laid back acoustic tinged “Looking For a Tornado” the latest offering from Chiodos could be their best offering yet.

Track Listing:
1.) U.G. Introduction
2.) We’re Talking About Practice
3.) Ole Fishlips Is Dead Now
4.) Why The Munsters Matter
5.) 3:00am
6.) Sunny Days & Hand Grenades
7.) Duct Tape
8.) Behvis Bullock
9.) Looking For A Tornado
10.) Expensive Conversation In Cheap Motels
11.) I’m Awkward & Unusual
12.) Under Your Halo
13.) I Am Everything That’s Normal

The Zero Theorem
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Composer: George Fenton
Milan Records
Tracks: 26
Running Time: 57 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The Zero Theorem” is the newest sci-fi extravaganza directed by legendary director Terry Gilliam (“Brazil”, “Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas”, “Twelve Monkeys”). I have been following this film for a long time and I was very excited that the score is being released way in advance of the film. In fact the film at the time of writing does not have a US theatrical release date. If you watch the trailer to this film you can tell that is going to be quite the trip, this soundtrack is a perfect compliment to the film. What it succeeds in is making me REALLY want to see this film now. No question, this is already one my favorite scores of 2014.

If you are a fan of Terry Gilliam’s films, like myself, then you will know how important and the music to the film. I still have the “Brazil” score on my phone for many years. Well there is no change here and the score plays a very significant role in “The Zero Theorem”. Acclaimed composer George Fenton really does a wonderful job with this score score. It ranges from combining simple classical moments then mixed with exciting futuristic, electronic tracks. I also really enjoyed the new rendition of “Creep” performed by Karen Souza. I can’t wait to see how it ties into the film itself. I have had this album on loop since receiving it and I do not see that changing for many months to come! Highly recommend checking this out!

Track Listing:
1. The Zero Theorem Main Title -George Fenton
2. Leth on the Street
3. Creep – Karen Souza
4. Remote Central
5. Joby’s Party Part 1
6. Meeting Management
7. Joby’s Party Part 2
8. Joby’s Party Part 3
9. The Mainframe
10. The Entities Won’t Crunch
11. The Nurse
12. Bob and the Clones
13. Bob’s on the Job
14. Enter in Tropical Style
15. Beach Romance
16. Shrink Rom Rap – Bob’s Crunch – Tilda Swinton
17. Inside Your Head
18. A New Bainsley
19. There’ll Be No Call
20. We Can Be Together
21. Bainsley Leaves
22. Bob Collapses
23. Q Loses It
24. Destroying the Mainframe and the Release
25. Qohen Leth
26. 0=100% (Party part 2) (Konstantine Pope Remix)

“Sofia the First: Songs From Enchancia”
Label: Disney
Tracks: 19
Release Date: January 28, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Having a 20 month old daughter, our family is quite the fan of “Sofia the First“. She has been watching the show since she was 8 months old and stops everything she is doing when it comes on. We also have first “Sofia the First” CD in our record player non-stop and she loves the music (as do I). “Sofia The First: Songs from Enchancia” includes 15 songs from from the first season of the Disney Junior TV Series. The album also includes a bonus song, “Be Who You Wanna Be”, which was a big summer hit and features Jake from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) and four karaoke instrumental tracks for kids to sing-along to. If you are a fan of this show then this CD is a must have. My daughter has had it on loop since we received it and I have a feeling we are going to burn it out quickly!

Season one has brought us so many great songs including “Good Little Witch” and “Bring My Best Friend Back” (which is such a great duet). I also love that there are three tracks with classic Disney princesses included as well. “The Love We Share” features Ariel, “Ride of Your Lives” features Jasmine and “Make it Right” features Belle. I love all three of these tracks and so glad that they made it onto this CD. Disney has a gold mine with this show and I love how they try and blend in classic Disney characters as well without being cheesy or overwhelming! Can I suggest a duet with Rapunzel next? My daughter will flip out! One track that I realized was missing was the holiday special song “Wassailia”. I can’t wait to see what season two holds for this show.  I am sure the music is going to be so great and I look forward for Disney Junior to release future song collections in the coming months!

Track Listing:
1. Sisters and Brothers (Sofia)
2. Merroway Cove (Sven, Oona and Sofia)
3. The Love We Share (Ariel and Sofia)
4. Bigger Is Better (Amber)
5. (You Can Always) Count On Baileywick (Cast)
6. Make It Right (Belle and Sofia)
7. Good Little Witch (Ballad) (Sofia)
8. Good Little Witch (Lucinda and Sofia)
9. The Ride of Your Lives (Jasmine, Sofia and Amber)
10. A Recipe for Adventure (Aunt Tilly and Sofia)
11. Bring My Best Friend Back (Clover and Sofia)
12. The Simple Life (Cast)
13. Make Way for Miss Nettle (Miss Nettle)
14. Enchancia (Ruby, Jade and Sofia)
15. Be Who You Wanna Be (Jake and Sofia)
16. Merroway Cove (Instrumental)
17. Bigger Is Better (Instrumental)
18. Good Little Witch (Instrumental)
19. A Recipe for Adventure (Instrumental)