Tom Keifer
“The Way Life Goes”
Merovee Records
Produced by: Chuck Turner, Tom Keifer, Savannah Keifer
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Tom Keifer is probably best known for his work as lead singer of the popular 1980’s blues/rock band Cinderella who’s hit song “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” is still being played on countless classic rock stations around the world. “The Way Life Goes” is Keifer’s first release as a solo artist and features 14 hook heavy blues/rock tracks that showcase Keifer’s gritty yet melodic voice.

Very rarely do you see artists venture out on a solo career some 20 years after their initial success. What’s even rarer is when the artist is able to pull it off. Tom Keifer has done that and more with the release of “The Way Life Goes”. Tracks like “It’s Not Enough” and “Cold Day in Hell” do a great job setting the tone of the album as they snake back and forth with driving, upbeat instrumentation which captures and holds the listeners attention.

Tracks like “Ask Me Yesterday” and “You Showed Me” are more ballad like numbers featuring piano and acoustic guitars. The icing on the cake is Keifer’s vocals. For a guy who at one time was unable to sing due to a paralyzed left vocal cord you would never be able to tell listening to this record. From low to high Keifer shows great range and strength making “The Way Life Goes” an enjoyable listen. Whether you a fan of Cinderella in the bands glory days or you’re just looking to check out some new music that covers a lot of territory then this is the album for you.

Track Listing:
1.) Solid Ground
2.) A Different Light
3.) It’s Not Enough
4.) Cold Day In Hell
5.) Thick and Thin
6.) Ask Me Yesterday
7.) Fools Paradise
8.) The Flower Song
9.) Mood Elevator
10.) Welcome to My Mind
11.) You Showed Me
12.) Ain’t That a Bitch
13.) The Way Life Goes
14.) Babylon

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Red Dragon Cartel
“Red Dragon Cartel”
Frontier Records
Produced by: Ronnie Mancuso, Jake E. Lee
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Red Dragon Cartel is the newest rock/metal group formed by former Ozzy Osbourne/Badlands guitarist Jake E. Lee. Along with Lee the group features Ronnie Mancuso on bass, drummer Jonas Fairly and singer D.J. Smith. Together the group creates a sound that blurs the lines between progressive rock, heavy metal and industrial synth pop. The self-titled debut is being released via Frontier Records and features 10 original tracks produced by Mancuso and Lee and Executive Produced by Kevin Churko (Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne).

Having been a subscriber of Guitar World magazine for as long as I can remember I certainly wasn’t stranger to the work Jake E. Lee. From Ozzy’s “Bark at the Moon” and “Ultimate Sin” albums to his recent appearances on VH1’s “That Metal Show” he was a player that was always on my radar. When it was announced he was going to be coming out with a new project I was certainly down for checking it out. “Red Dragon Cartel” is a unique blend of styles that cover a wide spectrum of hard rock and metal. The albums opening track “Deceived” shares a striking resemblance to “Bark at the Moon” while forging new ground both musically and vocally.

The track “Feeder” is a catchy rocker that is the first of several tracks to feature guest appearances with this one featuring Robin Zander of Cheap Trick fame. Other guest performances on the album include Maria Brink of In This Moment, former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno and former Pantera/current Kill Devil Hill bassist Rex Brown to name just a few. Don’t let the long list of guest musicians fool you in to thinking that Red Dragon Cartel can’t stand on their own as singer D.J. Smith and the rest of the members of the band all can certainly hold their as the guest performances act more like the icing on the cake.

Though I found portions of the album sounding a bit dated there was nothing on the album that made me want to stop listening. I think the members of Red Dragon Cartel have made a solid record that showcases a number of different styles and talents and those things alone are makes this album worth checking out.

Track Listing:
1.) Deceived
2.) Shout It Out
3.) Feeder (feat. Robin Zander)
4.) Fall from the Sky
5.) Wasted
6.) Slave
7.) Big Mouth (feat. Maria Brink)
8.) War Machine
9.) Redeem Me
10.) Exquisite Tenderness

Reverend Horton Heat
“REV”
Victory Records
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The high octane psycho-billy rebels know as Reverend Horton Heat are back with their 11th studio album simply titled “REV”. Though it has been four years since the bands previous release “Laughin’ & Cryin’ with the Reverend Horton Heat” the 3 piece band from Texas have not missed a beat. The album which is the band’s first since signing with Victory Records features 13 tracks which are very reminiscent of the bands early material.

Having been a fan of the Reverend since the early 90’s I was pretty excited when I started to hear grumblings that the band was working on a new album. Little did I know how surprised I was going to be when I was finally able to listen to it. Classic RHH all the way! The album wastes no kicking the tires and lighting the fires as it blasts right out of the gate with the instrumental track “Victory Lap” which showcases the always impressive instrumental skills of Jim “The Rev Heath”, Jimbo Wallace and Scott Churilla.

As the album progresses you hear everything from classic rockabilly to country and all stops in between. The song “Schizoid” is vintage RHH through and through from its subject matter to the Rev’s signature “yeahs”. The track “My Hat” is the perfect dance number for those looking to swing the night away while the album’s first single “Let Me Teach You How to Eat” goes straight for the throat in blazing style. Don’t let a four year gap between albums scare you away as “REV” is all killer and no filler. Even if you never thought about buying an RHH album in the past this one is a great starting place as it does a great job of capturing all of the bands style and sound.

Track Listing:
1.) Victory Lap
2.) Smell of Gasoline
3.) Never Gonna Stop It
4.) Zombie Dumb
5.) Spooky Boots
6.) Schizoid
7.) Scenery Going By
8.) My Hat
9.) Let Me Teach You How to Eat
10.) Mad Mad Heart
11.) Longest Gonest Man
12.) Hardscrabble Woman
13.) Chasing Rainbows

Mathew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs
“Under the Covers Vol. 3”
Shout Factory
Produced by: Mathew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Singer song writers Mathew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs are back with their 3rd installment of cover albums titled “Under The Covers Vol.3”. Like their previous two compilations which covered songs from the 60’s and 70’s the latest in the trilogy tackles the widely popular 1980’s. Produced by both Sweet and Hoffs the album is being released via Shout Factory and feature 14 tracks ranging from the obscure to the more popular of 80’s tracks.

When you hear the name Mathew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs it’s hard not to envision the sounds of Sweet’s classic album “Girlfriend” and the countless hits Hoff has sang/played on with her former group The Bangles. Though the two are quite different it’s easy to assume they wouldn’t mix very well however the result is the exact opposite. Since the duo’s first covers album “Under the Covers Vol. 1” in 2006 the two have been steadily releasing more work together. The latest “Under the Covers Vol.3” brings the listener back to the age of stone washed denim, hyper color t-shirts and teased hair. Though Sweet and Hoff chose to cover a few more obscure tracks like R.E.M.’s “Sitting Still” and “The Bulrush” by The Bongos each track is given a fresh spin featuring bubbling pop type arrangements making the album one of those that you can throw on and kick back to while looking through your old year book.

My favorite of the 14 tracks were the renditions of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin” and the always enjoyable Go-Go’s tune “Our Lips Our Sealed”. Even though both of those tracks have had their fair share of reworking by other artists these two renditions were packed with plenty of appeal. My biggest complaint about this album was again that some of the songs were a bit obscure for my liking however I certainly cannot fault the performers for wanting to do something different from an era over flowing with tons of great music.

Track Listing:
1.) Sitting Still
2.) Girls Talk
3.) Big Brown Eyes
4.) Kid
5.) Free Fallin’
6.) Save It For Later
7.) They Don’t Know
8.) The Bulrushes
9.) Our Lips Are Sealed
10.) How Soon Is Now
11.) More Than This
12.) Towers of London
13.) Killing Moon
14.) Trouble

Big Head Todd & The Monsters
“Black Beehive”
Shout Factory
Producer: Steve Jordan
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

With 25 years in the music business under their belts the members of Big Head Todd and the Monsters have no plans of slowing down. The group’s newest album titled “Black Beehive” hits the shelves a quarter century after the group’s 1989 debut album “Another Mayberry”. Featuring 11 brand new tracks produced by Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Steve Jordan (John Mayer, Keith Richards) “Black Beehive” see the band strengthening their roots while moving forward at the same time.

Filled with classic blues based instrumentation that blends several other genres such as country, rock and folk music “Black Beehive” is a melting pot of styles and sounds which will appeal to a variety of listeners both young and old. From the down home thump of “Hey Delila” to the dark and gritty rumblings of “We Won’t Go Back” the band covers a lot of musical territory while remaining true to their signature sound. The album features several guest performers including guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks, Long time Howlin’ Wolf band member Eddie Shaw on Saxophone and harmonica along with producer Steve Jordan who all add the proverbial icing on the cake making the almost 3 year gap between this album and the bands previous release “100 Years of Robert Johnson” worth the wait as both acoustic and electric instrumentation coupled with Todd Mohr’s stylistic vocals make this a must have for any BHT fan.

Track Listing:
1.) Hey Delila
2.) Everything About You
3.) Seven State Lines
4.) Josephina
5.) Black Beehive
6.) We Won’t Go Back
7.) Fear, Greed and Ignorance
8.) Hubert’s Dream
9.) I Get Smooth
10.) Travelin’ Light
11.) Forever Bonnie

Against Me!
“Transgender Dysphoria Blues”
Total Treble Music
Produced by: Laura Jane Grace
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Transgender Dysphoria Blues” is the 6th and latest release from punk rock veterans Against Me! Produced and written by front woman Laura Jane Grace the album features 10 brand new tracks which are a careful mixture of 90’s punk/indie rock. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” clocks in at just under 30 minutes and is being released independently via the bands own label Total Treble Music.

For those unfamiliar with the events leading up to the release of this album do yourself a favor and find a copy of the May, 12th 2012 issue of Rolling Stone. Not only will that article catch you up to speed but it will also shed some light on the album’s title and several of the songs found on the record. If you already know singer Laura Jane Grace’s (formerly Tom Gabel) story then listening to the songs on “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” will certainly hit on a number of emotions while giving you a look into something a lot of us might not understand. The album plays as if you are listening to someone reading a diary filled with entries of struggle, confusion and sadness.

Tracks like “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” and “True Trans Soul Rebel” contain the bands signature punk driven sound while the lyrics give us a glimpse inside the tumultuous thoughts of Laura Jane pre-transformation. “Drinking with the Jocks” is an in your face tale of trying to fit in with what society deems as acceptable or “normal”. Though a good portion of the albums subject matter revolves around Laura Jane’s experiences songs such as “Osama bin Laden as the Crucified Christ” and the albums closing track, one of my favorites “Black Me Out” are filled with political references and insight that range from subtle to full on blatant.

Along with this being the first album to feature Laura Jane Grace it also is the first to feature the bands new drummer former Rocket from the Crypt drummer Atom Willard. Though the lineup and the look of the band has certainly changed since they first burst on the scene in 1997 the new version of Against Me! Is stronger than ever and “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” does a pretty good job at reaffirming that.

Track Listing:
1.) Transgender Dysphoria Blues
2.) True Trans Soul Rebel
3.) Unconditional Love
4.) Drinking with the Jocks
5.) Osama bin Laden as the Crucified Christ
6.) FUCKMYLIFE666
7.) Dead Friends
8.) Two Coffins
9.) Paralytic States
10.) Black Me Out

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Lamb of God
“As the Palaces Burn” 10th Anniversary Edition
Razor and Tie
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Originally released in May of 2003 Lamb of God’s “As the Palaces Burn” was the bands 3rd studio release. The album was widely received and is considered by many as one of the most influential, modern day metal records of our time. Produced by Strapping Young Lad/Devin Townsend Project mastermind Devin Townsend the album featured 10 aggressive and brutally honest tracks which conveyed the bands feelings during a very turbulent time in America. The 10th Anniversary edition of “As the Palaces Burn” is being released via Razor and Tie Record and features re-mixed/mastered versions of the original 10 tracks included on the album along with three previously unreleased demo versions of “Ruin”, “As the Palaces Burn” and Blood Junkie”. Accompanying the CD is a DVD featuring a newly filmed “Making of” documentary along with interviews and commentary from those involved with the album.

When an album is re-released I generally don’t take much notice as if it was something I was interested in initially I would have checked out the original version of whatever album it maybe. However I have bought a couple in my day only to be relatively disappointed. Sadly that is exactly the same feeling I had after listening to the anniversary edition of “As The Palaces Burn”. Don’t get me wrong the new mixes are certainly better than the original versions as these re-workings offered a quite a bit more clarity and bottom end but, that was not enough to really warrant buying a second copy of the album. The additional tracks were exactly as advertised “demos” as they sounded as if they were recorded on a boom box in some ones basement. This release wasn’t all misses though as the real gem came in the way of the included bonus DVD. Some great interviews are included on here as well as an hour long documentary about the making of the album. I found these alone were enough to make up for any noted short comings.

Hardcore Lamb of God fans will certainly want to check this out merely for the bonus DVD content however if you have the original version and are content with that then I would say this new release is a necessity. However if your original copy was lost or suffered the fate of being scratched as it slid around on the floor of your Dodge Daytona then the “As the Palaces Burn” 10th Anniversary Edition is a suitable replacement.

Track Listing:
1. Ruin
2. As the Palaces Burn
3. Purified
4. 11th Hour
5. For Your Malice
6. Boot Scraper
7. A Devil in God’s Country
8. In Defense of Our Good Name
9. Blood Junkie
10. Vigil
11. Ruin (previously unreleased demo)
12. As the Palaces Burn (previously unreleased demo)
13. Blood Junkie (previously unreleased demo)

A Day To Remember
“Common Courtesy”
Producer: Jeremy McKinnon, Andrew Wade, Chad Gilbert
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ocala, FL natives A Day To Remember are back with their 5th studio album titled “Common Courtesy”. The album which is being self-released consists of 13 all new tracks which run the gambit of sounds and styles which have made the band popular across multiple genres. Produced by vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, Andrew Wade (Close To Home) and New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert “Common Courtesy” could be the bands strongest effort yet.

Though the album was initially slated for release back in October it has basically been in somewhat of a holding pattern due to the logistics of a messy split from the bands previous label Victory records. Well it is finally available and I am pretty confident in saying that it was well worth the wait. Not only does the album include some really great songs such as the explosive opening track “City of Ocala” and the emotional rollercoaster titled “End of Me” but it also include some great artwork created by Mike Cortada along with a bonus DVD containing the bands recent webisodes. Even though I could have done without some of the albums dialogue and the questionable cohesiveness of the albums tracks I found the music contained on “Common Courtesy” to be spot on and I think each piece is more than capable of standing on its own as prospective singles.

The latest from A Day To Remember is more than just another album. “Common Courtesy” is a testament to the DIY attitude which has been present since the early days of Rock and Roll and only further proves that you don’t need a big label to make a great sounding record. Whether you are a hardcore fan, a punk fan or just a music fan in general do yourself and your ears a favor by picking up a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.) City of Ocala
2.) Right Back at it Again
3.) Sometimes You’re the Hammer, Sometimes You’re the Nail
4.) Dead and Buried
5.) Best of Me
6.) I’m Already Gone
7.) Violence
8.) Life @ 11
9.) I Surrender
10.) Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way
11.) End of Me
12.) The Document Speaks for Itself
13.) I Remember
Bonus Tracks:
14.) Leave All the Lights On
15.) Good Things
16.) Same Book But Never the Same Page

Stryper
“No More Hell to Pay”
Frontiers
Producer: Michael Sweet
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Dust off those bibles and stretch out that black and yellow spandex because the boys in Stryper are back with a brand new album titled “No More Hell to Pay”. The new album which is the bands 9th studio album was produced by Stryper front man Michael Sweet and features 12 hard rocking, progressive tracks that are being released via Frontier Records.

When bands from the era of hyper color shirts, stone washed jeans and aqua net are still rocking some 30 years later I have to give it to them. With Stryper they are not only still rocking but they are putting out new material that pretty killer. Vocalist Michael Sweet has only gotten better with age and this is proven on tracks like “Saved by Love” and “Legacy” which features several Rob Halford type screams which could rival that of the man himself. Guitarist Oz Fox does a great job laying down some pretty intricate solos which only add to the progressive rock feel of the album. For those wanting something a little more familiar included on the album is a great updated rendition of the song “Jesus Is Just Alright” which was originally written by Arthur Reid Reynolds and made famous by The Byrds.

Having grown up in the 1980’s I am a sucker for anything that originated from that time period. Good or bad it doesn’t matter I still have to check it out. I was pleasantly surprised during my review of “No More Hell to Pay” because it had elements of a vintage 80’s record but was infused with modern day styling which I found quite appealing. Yes I could have done without some of the over the top biblical references but when you are listening to a band who used to throw out bibles during their live stage shows then it is to be expected somewhat. If you find yourself trolling the isles of your local record store (if it hasn’t closed down yet) or are surfing through iTunes and you want checkout a solid rock record then give the latest from Stryper a listen.

Track Listing:
1. Revelation
2. No More Hell to Pay
3. Saved by Love
4. Jesus Is Just Alright
5. The One
6. Legacy
7. Marching Into Battle
8. Te Amo
9. Sticks & Stones
10. Water Into Wine
11. Sympathy
12. Renewed

Five Finger Death Punch
“The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 2”
Prospect Park
Producer: Kevin Churko
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Following hot off the heels of Five Finger Death Punch’s July 2013 release “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”, “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 2”
Picks ups where the previous album left off. The album like its predecessor is being released via Prospect Park and was produced by Kevin Churko.

I always have to question a bands decision when they decide to release multiple albums within months of each other. However after my first listen of “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 2” any preconceived notions I may have had were instantly thrown out the window. From the albums opening track “Here to Die” which goes from zero to sixty right out of the gate I couldn’t wait to hear the other 11 tracks. Vocalist Ivan Moody seems to have tapped in to a channel of aggression which seems to be the catalyst for every track. Songs like “Wrecking Ball” and “Matter of Time” rip through your speakers and assaults whoever maybe in the immediate listening area. Even when the band slows things down with the albums closing track a cover of the classic Animals song “The House of the Rising Sun” the band still maintains the consistency of the previous numbers. Producer Kevin Churko continues to show why he is the best producer for the job as he does a remarkable job captured all the nuances of each members playing while elevating their sound with a really great mix that was music to my ears.

If you already have “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” then “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 2” is a no brainer. However if you haven’t yet grab either copy I would recommend starting here with Vol. 2 as the album takes you on a rollercoaster ride filled with raw emotion an energy that keeps your attention from start to finish.

Track Listing:
1.) Here to Die
2.) Weight Beneath My Skin
3.) Wrecking Ball
4.) Battle Born
5.) Cradle to the Grave
6.) Matter of Time
7.) The Agony of Regret
8.) Cold
9.) Let This Go
10.) My Heart Lied
11.) A Day In My Life
12.) House of the Rising Sun

Various Artists
“Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson”
Cleopatra Records
Producer: Bob Kulick
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you think of heavy metal your probably not instantly thinking of Michael Jackson however, Cleopatra Records along with Grammy Award winning producer Bob Kulick and a laundry list of metal’s elite musicians are about to change that. “Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson” features 13 reworked versions of some of Jackson’s most memorable songs heard as they never have been heard before.

Being a fan of music there is always room on my playlist for some Michael Jackson. Now I’m not saying I am a fan of everything he ever did however “Thriller: A Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson” has shined a new light on the departed singers catalog. Producer Bob Kulick and a diverse cast of metal maniacs have put together a great sounding metalized pop album. The album hits the ground running or maybe in this case moon walking as it opens up with Testaments Chuck Billy’s grainy rendition of “Thriller” which gives way to Angelo Moore’s spot on performance of “The Way You make Me Feel”. As the album progresses we are treated to performances by everyone from Paul Di’Anno and Doug Pinnick to Phil Campbell and Corey Glover who team up for a great rendition of “Billy Jean”.

Now before all you MJ purists out there take to the message boards only to discredit the albums mere existence I strongly encourage you to take a listen before making any judgments. Yes this is a rather unconventional line up performing however Bob Kulick truly lets his genius as a producer shine as even with the songs being reworked and beefed up they still retain the charm and appeal of the original versions making this album a great listen whether you are a traditional MJ fan or a fan of the artists performing on the record.

Track Listing:
1.) Thriller – Chuck Billy (Testament)
2.) Man In The Mirror – Danny Worsnop (Asking Alexandria) & Billy Sheehan (Mr.Big)
3.) The Way You Make Me Feel – Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Rudy Sarzo (Queensryche)
4.) Black Or White – Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust), Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss),Tony Franklin (The Firm)
5.) Beat It – Priya Panda (Diemonds) & Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guns n’ Roses)
6.) Billy Jean – Corey Glover (Living Colour) & Phil Campbell (Motorhead)
7.) Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) – Elias Soriano (Nonpoint)
8.) Rock With You – Doug Pinnick (King’s X)
9.) Dirty Diana – Chris Jericho (Fozzy)
10.) Bad – Paul Di’Anno (ex-Iron Miaden) & Craig Goldy (Dio)
11.) They Don’t Care About Us – (Icarus Witch)
12.) Never Can Say Goodbye – Lonnie Jordan (WAR)
13.) Smooth Criminal – (Alien Ant Farm)

Saxon
“Unplugged and Strung Up”
UDR Music
Producer: Saxon/Andy Sneap
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

British heavy metal legends Saxon are back with a new album containing reworked versions of some of the group’s most popular tracks which span the groups 30+ year career. “Unplugged and Strung Up” is being released via UDR Music and features 14 reworked Saxon staples produced by the band and mixed/mastered by Andy Sneap.

Lush instrumentation and arrangements are what you will find on “Unplugged and Strung Up” the latest release from the legendary metal group Saxon. The group which formed in the UK during the mid-1970’s has gone through somewhat of a reinvention lately and this offering of 10 reworked classics does a great job of fueling that rekindled fire. The group does a great job mixing up arrangements which give listeners a variety of musical styling’s. Everything from immense orchestral pieces to remixed originals and even a couple stripped down acoustic numbers are included on this album giving the listener a lot to digest. I really enjoyed the track “Call to Arms” which was a perfect blend of melodic vintage metal and rich orchestration. The acoustic rendition of “Frozen Rainbow” was another song that really stood out. Vocalist Biff Byford shows that he is capable of much more than sheering metal vocals as his voice on this track and the 3 accompanying acoustic tracks sits beautifully in the mix.

Longtime Saxon fans will definitely appreciate this reworking of material as will those who are still new to the group. However for the newer listeners I highly recommend checking out the original recordings first and then circle back to “Unplugged and Strung Up”. For those hardcore Saxon-ights wanting a little bit more metal in their musical diet this release is also available in a special digipack version that includes the re-recorded version of the bands 2002 album “Heavy Metal Thunder” which features tracks like “Motorcycle Man” and “Dallas 1pm”.

Track Listing:
1.) Stallions Of The Highway (Remix)
2.) Crusader (Orchestrated Version)
3.) Battle Cry
4.) The Eagle Has Landed (Orchestrated Version)
5.) Red Star Falling (Orchestrated Version)
6.) Broken Heroes (Orchestrated Version)
7.) Call To Arms (Orchestrated Version)
8.) Militia Guard
9.) Forever Free (Re-recorded Version)
10.) Just Let Me Rock (Re-recorded Version)
11.) Frozen Rainbow (Acoustic Version)
12.) Iron Wheels (Live Acoustic Version)
13.) Requiem (Acoustic Version)
14.) Coming Home (Acoustic Version)

Devin Townsend
“Retinal Circus”
Inside Out
Tracks: 29

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The always entertaining and energetic Devin Townsend is back with a brand new live performance DVD titled “Retinal Circus”. The one night performance was record in 2012 at London’s historic Roundhouse Theater and features 29 songs spanning Townsend’s impressive solo career as well as few songs from Devin’s previous project Strapping Young Lad. The concert is being released on DVD and Blu-Ray as well as double audio CD’s. For those wanting a little bit more the concert is also being released in a number of special edition formats some of which contain everything from guitar picks and art work to Townsend masks and an LP sized pop up “Retinal Circus” stage.

You just never know what will creep out of the mind of the man who brought us albums such as “Ziltoid the Omniscient” and “Epicloud” however, “Retinal Circus” delves further than we could have ever imagined as the performance is a non-stop assault on your senses. The concert features over 3 hours of music that is accompanied by an impressive visual show narrated by none other than fellow guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. The set list does an ok job of covering Devin’s catalog however fan favorites such as “Deadhead” and “Seventh Wave” did not make the cut. Thankfully Devin made up for this by performing two Strapping Young Lad songs. Both “Detox” and “Love?” are a part of the release and also feature a guest appearance by Strapping Young Lad co-guitarist Jed Simon. Fans will surely want to pick this release up for those two songs alone as it was great to hear some SYL material performed live again.

Jam packed with impressive visuals and sound “Retinal Circus” delivers on all levels. Fans wanting to enhance their experience will definitely want to pick up the Blu-Ray format of the concert and for the real diehard Devi fans getting your hands on one of the limited/Deluxe editions is a must!

Track Listing Disc 1:
• Intro
• Effervescent/True North
• Lucky Animals
• Planet of the Apes
• Truth
• War
• Soul Driven
• Planet Smasher
• Baby Song
• Vampolka
• Vampira
• Addicted
• Colour Your World
• The Grey’s

Track Listing Disc 2:
• Intro
• Hyperdrive
• Ih-Ah
• Where We Belong
• Detox
• Bend it Like Bender
• Life
• Kingdom
• Juular
• Love?
• Colonial Boy
• Grace
• Little Pig
• Credits
• Behind the Masks

Metalocalypse/Dethklok
“The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera”
BS Records
Producer: Brendan Small/Bear McCreary
Tracks: 21

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The original score from “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” is now available on CD in all its shredding glory. Written specifically for the one hour animated special series creator Brendan Small and a 50 piece orchestra helmed by Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica/Walking Dead) join forces to create 21 tracks the tell the story of the rescue efforts to save Dethklok guitarist Toki Wartooth arguably one of the bands most valuable assets.

Jammed pack with over the top instrumentation and guest appearance by Jack Black, Mark Hamill and Malcolm McDowell “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” will blow your face off with one fowl swoop. Songs such as “Magnus and the Assassin” and “The Fans are Chatting” are dark and heavy with comedic story lines while tracks like “Abigail’s Lullaby” and “En Antris Et Stella Fatum Cruenti” teater on the edge of operatic greatness. This is heavy/progressive metal like you have never heard before.

If you were already a fan of the television show or only caught the recent “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” one hour special the accompanying soundtrack is a must. Brandon Small and Bear McCreary have pushed the envelope with this score and the unlikely pairing has taken each of these two’s performances to the next level. For those wanting more from this monumental occasion “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” will be available in a Deluxe Edition format which includes a “Making of” featurette, interviews and the full libretto. Pull yourself up off the floor after experiencing the visual presentation of this release and get yourself the audio companion now!

Track Listing:
• The Birth/Fata Sidus Oritur/One of Us Must Die
• Magnus and the Assassin
• Partying Around the World
• Tracking/Ishnifus and the Challenge
• How Can I Be a Hero?
• The Fans are Chatting
• Abigail’s Lullaby
• Some Time Ago…
• The Duel
• I Believe
• A Traitor Amongst Them
• Training, Do It All for my Brother
• Before You Go
• The Answer is Your Past
• The Depths of Humanity
• Givin’ Back to You
• En Antris Et Stella Fatum Cruenti
• The Crossroads
• Blazing Star
• Morte Lumina
• Doomstar Orchestra

Tech N9ne
“Something Else”
Label: Strange Music, RBC Records
Various Producers
Length: 66 minutes

Our score: 5 out of 5 stars

Earlier this summer Tech N9ne released his 13th studio album, “Something Else.” It is a massive and brilliant collection of songs that show a maturation in the styles and messages delivered by the artist.

A Kansas City native, and local music legend, Tech N9ne has been performing for the better part of 20 years. My experiences with Tech N9ne are definitely not limited. As a teenager I named our family dog Techanina: my family calls her Nina for short but they know her real name. In 2003 I traveled to Phoenix for a concert of his and remember being in awe that there were so many people who knew who he was and that had bought a ticket for his show. He wasn’t just KC’s secret anymore. That being said, there probably weren’t 250 people at the small venue he performed at. In the decade since Phoenix Tech N9ne has accomplished so much and it shows in his enormous fan base, his record sales and the list of collaborating artists he brings in on this CD.

“Something Else” is a journey broken down into three parts: fire, water and earth. The story and songs focus on a meteor that hits outside of Kansas City and the ripple effect the devastation has on the surrounding communities. There are people looking to the heavens for answers; there is looting and corruption. There are fighters of evil and heroes who are making a difference. The roller coaster effect the songs have are reflective of the collaborating artists brought in for their unique styles, thoughts and artistry. From the surviving Doors to CeeLo Green and an all-star collection including System of a Downs’ Serj Tankian, T-Pain, Kendrick Lamar, Game, Wiz Khalifa, B.O.B. and the Strange Music Artists, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun and Big Scoob. Introducing the songs is KC news anchor Mark Alford.

“See Me” and “B.I.T.C.H.” were the first two singles off of the album and both were met with great response and radio play. Every song on the album is worthy of the air waves, and the DVD is an added bonus. It has a behind the scenes view not just on the making of the album but stories and life events detailed by Tech N9ne as to the importance of the songs, and collaborators. “Strange 2013” was the first song recorded for the album and it features all the remaining member of the Doors including keyboardist Ray Manzarek who passed away this past May. The Doors and their music were an enormous influence on Tech N9ne as a child. Their song “People are Strange” was an anthem for him when he was young because he was, well, strange. It’s no secret why his record label is named Strange Music. For him to end his album with this collaboration is a tribute to both the artists, then and now, and the music they have created.