Tremonti
“All I Was”
Fret 12
Producer: Michael Baskette
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“All I Was” is the debut solo release from Creed/Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti. The album is being released via Fret 12 records and was produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Incubus, Stone Temple Pilots). Take everything you know about Mark Tremonti and throw that out the window. Yes Mark is the guitarist for the platinum selling rock band Creed as well as the guitarist for Alter Bridge however his first solo album takes a completely different path from his other projects by going straight for the throat. “All I Was” features heavy guitars and thunderous double bass beats as each track borders on the rock/metal line. Tremonti’s vocals are haunting and surprisingly strong for a guy who has predominantly sung backups until now. Tracks such as “The Things I’ve Seen” and “Proof” run the gambit of melodic metal while the much heavier “Giving Up” and “So You’re Afraid” will get your blood pumping. Producer Michael Baskette can add another great album to his already impressive catalog as the tones contained on this album are crisp and clear while still retaining a great bottom end.

When a guitarist from a successful group or in this case groups steps out on their own for the first time you never know what you are going to get. The end result is generally something very similar to their previous work. This is definitely not the case for Mark Tremonti. The songs featured on “All I Was” have a fresh feel and are packed with solid guitar riffs and great vocals. If you are looking for something that is both heavy and melodic pick up a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.)    Leave It Alone
2.)    So You’re Afraid
3.)    Wish You Well
4.)    Brains
5.)    The Things I’ve Seen
6.)   You Waste Your Time
7.)    New Way out
8.)    Giving Up
9.)    Proof
10.)  All I Was
11.)  Doesn’t Matter
12.)  Decay

Vision of Disorder
The Cursed Remain Cursed
Candlelight Records
Producer: Will Putney
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of VOD since 1996 and I remember, like it was yesterday, listening to them on the school bus every single day on….cassette…that’s right kiddies. “The Cursed Remain Cursed” marks the bands first studio album in 11 years. It also marks the bands best album since the self-titled debut. Now before I get yelled out by the internet trolls, “Imprint” is a fucking amazing album don’t get me wrong but their debut has always been my favorite. And for that matter as much I like the first album, this release really gives it a hell of a challenge. It is mad, fast and fucking intense, exactly what VOD should be. If you are looking for a trip down memory lane, I highly recommend this album, VOD has never sounded better.

“The Cursed Remain Cursed” is the band’s first album from Candlelight Records, who recently have become a label to reckon with. The Long Island, NY guys teamed up with producer Will Putney (Shadows Fall) for these new eleven tracks.  Tim Williams really delivers a raw and true performance, his vocal tracks are just as angry and well-aimed as they were back in 1996. Guitarist Mike Kennedy really shreds heavy and brings back the hardcore.  The album’s lead single “Loveless” is easily one of my favorite tracks. “The Enemy” is also one fast and heavy track.  What I am dying to see is these songs performed live.  I hope that the band is planning on heading to the Orlando, FL area (hint, hint) these tracks will make for one hell of an amazing mosh-pit.  (Note to my wife: No I will be not be in the mosh-pit ;-), but I can still observe)

Since this band was one of my main influences into hardcore music, I highly recommend this to anyone looking to go fucking crazy.  If you are looking for the effect that this band has on people around them, I have a quick story for you.  Earlier this month, I driving to work listening the track “Watering Disease”. I was sitting at a red light with a car behind me and that car had its windows opened. With that song blasting, I look behind me and the lady was literally closing her window and was, no joke, holding her ears!! And that my friends is the power of VOD! “The Cursed Remain Cursed” drops September 18, 2012, be sure to pick that shit up! Easily one of my favorite albums of the year!

Track Listing:
1. Leveless
2. Set To Fail
3. Blood Red Sun
4. Hard Times
5. Annihilator
6. Skullz Out (Rot In Pieces)
7. The Enemy
8. The Seventh Circle
9. New Order of Ages
10. Be Up On It
11. Heart And Soul

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http://www.myspace.com/vodhardcore
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Francesca Battistelli
“Christmas”
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Tracks: 11
Label: Fervent Records

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Francesca Battistelli is one of the notable rising stars in music today. She only entered the spotlight in 2008 and has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance) and has over 700,000 in album sales to date. So what better than to make a Christmas album, since it is a gift that keeps on giving every years. This album is a real treat and is very simple yet powerful. Though this album is not the only album Francesca will be featured on this Fall, also including “A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth” and “A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary”. So be sure to support those albums as well. “Christmas” will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season.

This 11-track album is produced by Ian Eskelin. It is a nice compilation of classics and some newly-penned Christmas songs. The traditional songs include: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Marshmallow World,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “The Christmas Song,” “What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude),” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “Joy To The World.” Battistelli co-wrote all of the new songs as well such as: “Heaven Everywhere,” “Christmas Is,” “Christmas Dreams” and “You’re Here.” They are really nice songs and the fact that she included original songs sets this aside from other Holiday albums.

Battistelli said been quoted saying “Christmas is my favorite time of year”. I personally share the same feelings as well. You can tell that she is not just trying to sell her album, you can literally hear it throughout each song. The words are so pure and really filled with Christmas joy. Francesca is just getting started in this business and she is going to have a lot more coming up. But sticking with this album, I suggest grabbing some hot chocolate, grabbing a blanket and get ready to welcome in the holiday season.

Track Listing:
1. The Christmas Song
2. Heaven Everywhere
3. Christmas Is
4. What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude)
5. Marshmallow World
6. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. You’re Here
9. Joy To The World
10. Christmas Dreams
11. Go Tell It On The Mountain

Edie Adams
“The Edie Adams Christmas Album: Featuring Ernie Kovacs (1952)”
Release Date: October 9th, 2012
Label: Omnivore Recordings
Tracks: 15
Running Time: 29 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Omnivore Recordings is the label behind releasing this gem of a Christmas record. Edie Adams sings the best Christmas tracks along with Ernie Kovacs. There are 15 classic that have been pulled out from rare audio air checks from the TV show, “Kovacs Unlimited” dating back to the early to mid 1950’s. These recordings only exist today because Edie herself paid for them to be recorded. This holiday album from Edie Adams is also her first Christmas album. If you are looking for more audio titles from the archive of both Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams, stand tuned since Omnivore and Ediad recently announced a deal together to release a bunch of unreleased recording.

There is just something about these tracks that make them very fun and entertaining. Even though they are from way before my timem still listening to these Christmas tracks from the 1950s, really put me in the mood. Edie Adams had just such an amazing voice and add that to the charm of Ernie Kovacs, this is a perfect match. Edie brought the vocals and Ernie brought the humor. “Silver Bells” is a great notable collaboration of the two. Some of the classics are tracks like “Winter Wonderland”, “White Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”. There is even a fun little Irish track “Christmas In Killarney” and also “It’s a Marshmallow World” makes me laugh every time.

I know today is the age of digital downloads and MP3, but I feel that his album really deserves to be listed to on Vinyl LP. I am not sure if it is available at this time but it would be a great idea if it is not. You can just hear the cracks and unique sounds that this was home recorded. Music today is way to polished and produced, it is very refreshing to here a different type of Christmas recordings. I could see myself putting this album on, relaxing with my wife and daughter and sipping some hot chocolate on a cold night. If you are looking to get some of that old time Christmas feeling, this is a must purchase for sure!

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Last of a Dyin’ Breed
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Label: Roadrunner Records/Loud & Proud Records
Tracks: 11
Running Time: 43 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Pronounced “leh-nerd skin nerd”, I have been a member of the Skynyrd Nation for the last 20 years. When I was approached to review this album, I got a wave of terror since they are in fact of my favorite bands. When you are reviewing one of your favorite band, you most importanting don’t want it to suck. Well luckily this album doesn’t and in fact is one of the bands most amped up records to date. If you go from the country-backed “Gods and Guns” to this Southern rock-infused “Last of a Dyin’ Breed”, it is like two different bands. Compared to the political edge to “Gods”, you can just feel that boys of Skynyrd are in the studio just having fun and delivering some good ‘ole southern rock! Skynyrd is still at the top of their game and show no signs of slowing down.

“Guns” producer Bob Marlette is back on board for “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” and really re-ignites and even improves on the magic they had last go-round. The sound of the album is traditional Skynyrd blended very well with what is going on right now in the world. It is an album for the fans and definitely made for the fans. If you are looking for instantly memorable songs and some ridiculous three-guitar attacks, look no further! I do not think that there is a Skynyrd fan out there that will disagree with me that Skynyrd is on fire with this album.

Longtime members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar) and drummer Michael Cartellone are leading the pack on this album. The last time they recorded an album was 2009, which was a rough year for the band with the loss of Billy Powell and Ean Evans. Joining them is their newest bassist Johnny Colt (The Black Crowes, Train), guitarist Mark “Sparky” Matejka and keyboardist Peter Keys. Van Zant has honestly never sounded better vocally. With Medlocke and Rossington, you can just tell that they are literally tearing the shit out of their guitars. Skynyrd is a band that will never be put down and will just keep on coming.

If I had to choose a favorite song, I would have a very hard time for sure. Some notable tracks are “One Day at a Time”, “Something to Live For” and definitely “Ready to Fly” (shit, I guess I do have a favorite). Other notable tracks are “Homegrown”, which uses some cool vocal distortion and “Honey Hole”. They are probably two of the most unique tracks and just plain fun. Of course props needs to also be given to the title track “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed”. Johnny’s vocals are honestly the best they have ever been.  Also keep an ear out for “Mississippi Blood” featuring rare vocals from Medlock.  I have seen Skynyrd perform live probably 10 or more times and that track can easily open every show and get the crowd going.  I can just see Johnny getting up there and raising that microphone up like he always does! Woo hoo hoo!

If you are a die-hard Skynyrd fan, be sure to pick up the special edition of this record because you get not one but four bonus tracks, including “Poor Man’s Dream”, “Do It Up Right”, “Sad Song” and “Low Down Dirty”. After listening these tracks together as whole, this album isn’t complete without them personally. I can’t stress more that these are a must for all Skynyrd fans.

Track Listing:
1. Last Of A Dyin’ Breed
2. One Day At A Time
3. Homegrown
4. Ready To Fly
5. Mississippi Blood
6. Good Teacher
7. Something To Live For
8. Life’s Twisted
9. Nothing Comes Easy
10. Honey Hole
11. Start Livin’ Life Again

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
Lawless: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Distributed by: Sony Masterworks
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Tracks: 14
Running Time: 39 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis have collaborated on many films including “The Proposition”, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and “The Road”. They all seem to have the same feel to each of them, though all unique. The film is based on Matt Bondurant’s 2008 novel “The Wettest County in the World” and that novel was adapted into a screenplay by Nick Cave. The soundtrack is a nice mixture of original songs written by Nick Cave for the movie and performances by Country legends Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris along with Grammy Award winner Ralph Stanley (O Brother, Where Art Thou) and Mark Lanegan from Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age.

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis are best known for their work in the critically acclaimed rock band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Cave and Ellis mixed their original music with innovative vocal under the name of The Bootleggers, which was the band they formed for the project. After listening to this album on loop a few times, I did start to dig it a bit more, but I feel it still runs a little too short for my taste. Nonetheless, it definitely captures the essence of the film very well. It also has a real period feel of country mixed with bluegrass. I would actually recommend listening to it and THEN seeing the film, since it will definitely get you in the mood.

The track from country legend Willie Nelson was actually previously unreleased and packs a mean harmonica. There are two versions of Velvet Underground’s “White Light/White Heat”, one by Mark Lanegan and the other by bluegrass veteran Ralph Stanley. The two new songs that Cave and Ellis specifically wrote for this film was “Cosmonaut” and “Fire in the Blood” featuring versions from Emmylou Harris and Ralph Stanley. The album ends on an instrumental track called “End Crawl, which is a brave move but is a good close.

Track Listings
1. Fire and Brimstone
2. Burnin’ Hell
3. Sure ‘Nuff ‘N Yes I Do
4. Fire in the Blood
5. White Light / White Heat
6. Cosmonaut
7. Fire in the Blood / Snake Song
8. So You’ll Aim Towards the Sky
9. Fire in the Blood
10. Fire and Brimstone
11. Sure ‘Nuff ‘N Yes I Do
12. White Light / White Heat
13. End Crawl
14. Midnight Run
15. Midnight Run (Buddy Cannon Mix)

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Order of Nine
“Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror”
Nightmare Records
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Originally formed under the name Templar, the Pennsylvania based band Order of Nine are back with “Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror”. The album is the follow up to the bands 2008 release “A Means to Know End” and could be described as 2 parts Type O Negative and 2 parts Dream Theater. Each of the 11 songs contained on the album cover immense ground both musically and lyrically. From virtuous guitar shredding to booming base lines, and haunting vocals that reach down into the very core of one’s soul Order of Nine give their all. The albums opening/title track “Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror” sets the tone for the album and lets you know right off the bat just what you are in for. While tracks such as the thickly layered “Dreamspeak” feature elegant piano passages combined with classic guitar shredding. The song “Reign Down” which is featured towards the end of the album was another personal favorite as it had an early Queensryche vibe while still sounding fresh.

Though the band could easily be classified as a progressive metal band their songs don’t follow the often standard 12 minute plus time frame. With most of the albums tracks clocking in at just under 6 mins. Order of Nine does a great job of getting in and out. You won’t have to worry about lengthy solos or overdubbed intros wasting your listening time as “Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror” cuts right to the chase. If you are looking for something to bolster the prog-metal section of your music collection pick up a copy of Order of Nines latest album “Seventh Year of the Broke Mirror”.

Track Listing:
1.) Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror
2.) Words that were Said
3.) Dreamspeak
4.) Spiral Staircase
5.) Changing of the Guard
6.) Innocence
7.) Third Wish
8.) Eye of the Enemy
9.) Twelfth Talisman
10.) Reign Down
11.) Winter’s Call

Fozzy
“Sin and Bones”
Century Media Records
Producer: Rich Ward
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Sin and Bones” is the 5th full length release from the heavy metal band Fozzy. Fronted by WWE super star Chris Jericho and backed by Rich Ward, Frank Fontsere, Paul Di Leo and Billy Grey the group has been releasing albums since 1999. “Sin and Bones” continues the Fozzy tradition of no frills in your face American heavy metal. The album is being released via Century Media Records and features 10 blistering tracks produced by Rich Ward.

Being a big wrestling fan growing up I remember when the band first came out and featured Chris Jericho’s alter-ego Moongoose McQueen. The band has come a long way since then proving that they are a legitimate band and not just something created for television. “Sin and Bones” opens up with the eerie “Spider In My Mouth” which sets the stage for songs like the album’s title track “Sin and Bones” and the trudging Ozzy Osbourne esc. “Shine Forever”. The album features some great playing by the band and the overall production/mixing of the album was very clear and crisp.

Over all not a bad album but not a great album either. “Sin and Bones” at times tries to cover too much musical territory causing Jericho’s vocals to sound strained which at various times gave the performance an uncomfortable feel. I think it’s great when a band tries to venture into different styles and ranges however if not done correctly the result can be devastating. “Sin and Bones” isn’t that far off track but just enough to rock the boat.

Track Listing:
1.) Spider In My Mouth
2.) Sandpaper
3.) Blood Happens
4.) Inside my Head
5.) Sin and Bones
6.) A Passed Life
7.) She’s my Addiction
8.) Shine Forever
9.) Dark Passenger
10.) Storm the Beaches

Close to Home
“Momentum”
Artery Recordings
Producer: Andrew Wade
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

“Momentum” is the 3rd and latest release from the Cincinnati Ohio based band Close to Home. For those unfamiliar with the post-hardcore group consisting of Josh Wells, Andrew DeNeef, JJ Cooper and Travis Hartman the group has been around since 2005 when it was formed by Josh and Justin Wells. Early on in its career the group was dealt a vicious blow when it lost original bassist Brad Andress to cancer in 2006. The band has since rebounded and their newest album “Momentum” is surely the bands strongest effort to date. The album is being released via Artery Records and features 11 in your face tracks produced by Andrew Wade (A Day to Remember)

Energy and intensity is what you find on the latest Close to Home album “Momentum. From start to finish the band keeps its listeners attention through all 11 tracks. From catchy pop styled choruses to gruff screamo vocals it’s hard not to become wrapped up in this album. Tracks such as “Don’t Waste Your Breath”, “Family Ties” which features guest vocals from We Came As Romans Kyle Pavone and Dave Stephens and “Sleepless in Cincinnati” are beautifully crafted works that showcase each of the member’s talents.

When a band switches lead singers it can go one of two ways. Either it works out great or it totally flops. In the case of Andrew DeNeef taking over for Nick Stein it worked perfectly. The band sounds stronger than ever and should be extremely proud of what they have created as the album lush and full of life. If you are a fan of bands such as A Day to Remember, Of Mice of Men and other groups in the post-hardcore genre you will surely want to check out Close to Home’s and their latest release “Momentum”.

Track Listing:
1.) Make it Count
2.) Don’t Waste Your Breath
3.) Pirates Belong at Sea
4.) Hanging Onto Nothing
5.) Family Ties
6.) Backstabbers Need Not Apply
7.) Sleepless in Cincinnati
8.) Young & Stupid
9.) Fake It Til You Make It
10.) Modern Warfare
11.) Nights like Tonight

Blaqk Audio
“Bright Black Heaven”
Superball Music
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Bright Black Heaven” is the latest release from synth-pop group Blaqk Audio which consists of AFI lead singer Davey Havok and guitarist Jade Puget. “Bright Black Heaven” is the follow up to the groups 2007 debut release “CexCells”. The album is being released via Superball Music and features 12 new tracks produced by both Havok and Puget.

Release dates for “Bright Black Heaven” have been being announced since 2009 and an after a number of postponements the album is finally being released. Fans of the group’s previous release “CexCells” will surely enjoy the new album as it features a much more polished and mature approach. This could be accredited to it being the group’s second release or the fact that it has been in production for 3 years. Either way I found this release to have improved leaps and bounds from the previous. Song structure seemed to come more in to play making each of the 12 tracks unique and colorful. Tracks such as “Fade to White”, “Everybody’s Friends”, and “Bon Voyeurs” all had some interesting elements of darkness added to them which at key points broke through the synth fueled poppy backing tracks.

Though Blaqk Audio is totally separate from Havok and Puget’s other group it is still hard to see the two in any other light. Even though I think “Bright Black Heaven” is a bit dated in its approach there were still a few AFI nuances hidden within several of the songs which were fun to hear. These little glimpses will surely give AFI’s fan club the Despair Faction hope that new material from the bay area band will eventually come to light. However until that happens, fans will have to adapt to the new sounds created by Davey and Jade.

Track Listing:
1.)    Cold War
2.)    Fade to White
3.)    Faith Healer
4.)    Deconstructing Gods
5.)    Everybody’s Friends
6.)    Let’s Be Honest
7.)    With Your Arms Around You
8.)    Bliss
9.)    Bon Voyeurs
10.)   The Witness
11.)   Say Red
12.)   Ill-Lit Ships

JT Hodges
JT Hodges
Release Date: August 21st 2012
Label: Show Dog Universal Music
11 Tracks
35 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I had the privileged of interviewing JT in person last year and he was one of the nicest and humbled guys in the business. You can just tell that his inspiration and creativity was flowing like crazy. At the time, he only had his one single “Hunt You Down” released but promised a great debut album. Let me tell you he really delivered on his words. My only real complaint is that the album runs a little short at 35 minutes. I would have liked it to be a little longer. Nonetheless, it is one of the best country music albums that I have had the privilege to listen to in the last few years. Keep an eye out for JT Hodges, he is going to be doing great things for the genre.

It is rare on an album that honestly every single track is single worthy but that is the case with JT’s debut album. I think they are going to have a very hard time picking his new single. JT’s songs aren’t just scripted tracks. You can tell that there is fantastic real life experiences behind each track and they are just dripping with inspiration. “Sleepy Little Town” and “Goodbyes Made You Mine” are both guaranteed to be hit singles very soon as they are the most catchy on the album. JT also has a very unique song in the business that sets him aside from all other country acts. His tracks are not large productions but feel like they really draw you in to each songs. If you don’t like this album well then it has a simple solution…”I’m gonna hunt you down!”.

Track Listing:
1. Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely
2. Sleepy Little Town
3. Hunt You Down
4. Give It One More Night
5. When I Stop Crying
6. Goodbyes Made You Mine
7. Leaving Me Later
8. Right About Now
9. Rhythm Of The Radio
10. Green Eyes Red Sunglasses

Composer: Hans Zimmer
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Label: WaterTower Music
Tracks: 15
Running Time: 43 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Hans Zimmer has worked on every score in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy along with James Newton Howard.  On “The Dark Knight Rises“, he takes this task on solo.  It ended up but being a decent but not outstanding finale score to a fantastic trilogy.  “The Dark Knight” score definitely trumps this one by quite a bit, sort of like the film does as well.  Normally, I really do love Hans Zimmer’s work but overall it is not his best work.  I just don’t see myself spending a lot of time revisiting it like I did with his past work like “Inception”.  Also there were a definitely some mastering and clipping volume issues on a bunch of tracks. Despite my feelings on the album, it is still a big success charting at #7 on the Billboard top 200 making it the first score in over 10 years to break the top 10!

The score runs a very short 43 minutes and the only real notable track is “Rise”.  If the whole album played as epic on this track, then the whole album would have benefited. “Rise” also is the final track on the album and in fact possibly the last Batman track from Zimmer.  The song takes it time getting started but really gets epic and runs a nice 7+ minutes. But it is so good I just wish it was longer.  I do see myself leaving this song on my iPhone for many months to come.  Although not able to be reviewed, there are 3 additional tracks available for download and 2 are exclusive to the CD: “Bombers Over Ibiza (JunkieXL remix)”, “No Stone Unturned (exclusive)” and “Risen From Darkness (exclusive)”.  There is also an Extended Original Motion Picture Soundtrack available but I am not sure how much it could improve the overall score. Overall, if you are a die-hard Batman fan, you might enjoy this final chapter in the trilogy…or at least keep “Rise” on loop.

Track Listings:
1. A Storm Is Coming
2. On Thin Ice
3. Gotham’s Reckoning
4. Mind If I Cut In?
5. Underground Army
6. Born In Darkness
7. The Fire Rises
8. Nothing Out There
9. Despair
10. Fear Will Find You
11. Why Do We Fall?
12. Death By Exile
13. Imagine The Fire
14. Necessary Evil
15. Rise

Staind
“Live from Mohegan Sun”
Armoury Records
Tracks: 16
Total Running Time: 74 minutes

Our Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Listening to the 16 tracks that make up “Live from Mohegan Sun” is like having 16 consecutive meals comprised of nothing but lunch meats. Sure…it’s pretty yummy at first, but you quickly get to the point where you crave something different. Perhaps a steak. Or a caesar salad. Or a spicy burrito. Hell, even a Twinkie would do.

The main man behind Staind’s deli counter, Aaron Lewis, seems to know three vocal modes: an Eddie Vedder-ish vocal that’s tonally limited, a raging raspy scream that’s become an anger rock cliché, and a German death metal-ish low guttural croak that, despite seemingly evil intentions, fails to be menacing. To his credit, Lewis gives it all of the energy he’s got for the whole show, but it all becomes repetitive and rather boring about four songs in.

The musicians behind Lewis aren’t exactly master chefs in the tonal variety bistro either. They’ve got two menu items to dish up: hush-hush quiet or rampaging with standard-issue power chord riffs that are incessantly matched by on over-amped double-kick bass drum – and there’s far more of the latter than the former on display here. Adding to the frustration is that, whenever the band is in full-out, ball-crushing rocker mode, the overall mix suffers from an extreme amount of digital clipping. In fact, it’s so jarring that it might even bother non-audiophiles. (Yep, kids…put Staind’s “Live at the Mohegan Sun” just below Metallica’s “Death Magnetic” on the list of “loudness wars” victims.)

The net result of all of this is a jam-packed 74+ minute disc that ultimately fails to be interesting despite all of the energy that’s been channeled into it. Even though Staind has been in the alternative angst rock game for a long time, both Maynard James Keenan-fronted bands – Tool and A Perfect Circle – make for far more intriguing listening. While Aaron and his guys serve up sliced turkey, Maynard’s bands cook up a cornucopia of tasty cacophony that challenges the palette and nourishes the ears.

At one point during the show, Lewis asks the crowd “Who’s smoking weed?” We will probably never know who the mystery toker was, but I do know one thing: that person is smart enough to know that when you’re force fed enough baloney, one good option is to become an herbivore.

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Emilie Autumn
Fight Like a Girl
Producer: Emilie Autumn
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Tracks: 17
Running Time: 62 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are aware of Emilie Autumn and her unique sound, then you are in a real treat for “Fight Like a Girl”. If not then get ready to be blown away. Personally, I was only recently introduced to her music and let me tell you I was immediately hooked. After interviewing Emilie as well you can literally hear her inspiration with each word as she speaks about the music.  The new album is based on her autobiographical novel, “The Asylum for Wayward Victorican Girls”.  “Fight Like a Girl” is far from just a regular rock album and it plays more like a stage musical.  While listening to the album, I could just imagine how each song would be presented on the stage.  Overall a great listening experience and a very mature and revealing album for Autumn. I can’t wait to see it live.

The album kicks off with the title “Fight Like a Girl”, which is purposely pop-like but also very dark.  It is probably the best track on the album and my personal favorite.  It is perfect kick-off for this album.  Following that up is the super energetic “Time for Tea”, which is so intense and catchy that I found myself leaving it on repeat a few times.  Both songs are two of my favorite Autumn songs ever in fact!  The next two tracks really sets up the album for its more theatrical direction, the instrumental “4 o’Clock Reprise” and the quiet ballad “What Will I Remember”.   From here the album really takes off and spread its wings wide open and keeps you guessing with each song.

“Take the Pill” picks up the pace again and is a very heavy and fast-paced track.  “Girls!, Girls!, Girls!” reminds me a burlesque show out of “Moulin Rouge”.  It is very entertaining and fun. “If I Burn” is a slow-burn and shows Autumn’s wonderful vocal range, I could see this song being the next single.  “The Key” is probably the most theatrical track on the album.  I couldn’t stop thinking that it is a mixture of something out “Jekyll and Hyde” meets “Sweeney Todd”. I also really wanted to point out that each song really takes it time and overall the album is well-paced. There are instrumental tracks throughout which gives you time to breath since this is one intense album. We close with “Start Another Story” and “One Foot In Front of the Other”, they are 360 turn from “Fight Like a Girl” but is a great ending to the album’s story.

The album has been described as “an operatic feminist treatise set inside an insane asylum, wherein the female inmates gradually realize their own strength in numbers.”   journey.  Each song merges perfectly with the next and really blends well as an album.  It has been a while since Autumn’s last album “Opheliac” but it is definitely worth the wait.  She has seemed to have really poured her heart and soul into this album and her lyrics are sometimes brutal but honest.  She is a really great storyteller and I would have to say that this is one her best albums to date. Emilie Autumn will be following the release of “Fight Like A Girl” with a US tour which begins in September. Be sure not to miss this tour as it is sure to be one hell of an event.

Track Listing:
Fight Like A Girl
Time For Tea
4 O’Clock Reprise
What Will I Remember
Take The Pill
Girls! Girls! Girls!
I Don’t Understand
We Want Them Young
If I Burn
Scavenger
Gaslight
The Key
Hell Is Empty
Gaslight Reprise
Goodnight, Sweet Ladies
Start Another Story
One Foot In Front Of The Other

Attika 7
“Blood of My Enemies”
Rocket Science
Producer: MudRock
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Blood of My Enemies” is the debut release from the hard rock/ metal group Attika 7. The group consists of former Biohazard singer/bassist Evan Seinfeld, former Static-X bassist Tony Campos and famed motorcycle build/guitarist Rusty Coones. Together with famed producer MudRock (Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack) the group has created a sound/album that showcases the bands influences while at the same time creating something completely new.

The 13 tracks contained on “Blood of My Enemies” will pulverize your senses until they burst. Each song is beautifully crafted to give the listener the most bang for their buck. From the foreboding opening track “Crackerman” to the hook heavy “Devil’s Daughter” to the skull rattling title track “Blood of My Enemies “Attika 7 delivers. Seinfeld’s gruff and at times haunting vocal presence is a perfect match for bringing Coones lyrics (written while serving time in Federal Prison) to life. This album is as real as it gets and it only gets better each time you listen to it.

Attika 7’s “Blood of My Enemies” is a no bullshit, straight forward hard rock/metal album. Those expecting to find a reboot of any of the member’s former bands won’t find it here. Instead you get something that is brand new but with a broken in familiar feel

Track Listing:
1.)    CrackerMan
2.)    Serial Killer
3.)    All or Nothing
4.)    Devils Daughter
5.)    Greed and Power
6.)    LockDown
7.)    The Hard Cold Truth
8.)    No Redemption
9.)    Blood of My Enemies
10.)  Living in Oppression
11.)  Dying Slowly
12.)  HellBound
13.)  War