Foreigner
Alive & Rockin’
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Tracks: 9

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I would like to consider myself a huge Foreigner fan. I recently saw them perform this past Spring and SeaWorld Orlando and they put on a hell of a live show.
This album was recorded at the 2006 Bang Your Head Festival in Balingen, Germany. This 9-track concert was released previously on DVD but never as an audio CD. I feel that it is definitely missing the energy of the live show. The instruments seems a little bit toned down or muted during the songs. I still have a few original Foreigner albums on my iPhone and I re-listened to those track (of course a different singer), they just sound so much more energetic.

The line up for the concert includes Mick Jones (guitars), Kelly Hansen (vocals), Jason Bonham (drums), Jeff Jacobs (keyboards), Tom Gimbel (guitars, saxophone, flute) and Jeff Pilson (bass). Let me tell you after seeing Kelly Hansen perform live this year, I totally love this voice and he is able to belt out these songs well. This release though didn’t really show that wonderful aspect.

The set list, of course includes the classic crowd-pleasing tracks including U.S. Top 20 hits like “Juke Box Hero”, “Cold As Ice” and “Hot Blooded.” There is even a little tribute to Zeppelin with “Whole Lotta Love”. I have never been a mega big fan of “Starrider and I feel it slows down the album a bit as well. Overall if you are a fan of Foreigner, I would honestly say skip this album, re-listen to your classic vinyls or CD’s and catch these guys live.

Track Listing:
1) Double Vision
2) Head Games
3) Dirty White Boy
4) Cold As Ice
5) Starrider
6) Feels Like The First Time
7) Urgent
8) Juke Box Hero / Whole Lotta Love
9) Hot Blooded

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Deep Purple
“Total Abandon: Australia ‘99”
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Tracks: 12
Running Time: 73 minutes

Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I doubt I’d still be playing guitar if it wasn’t for “Smoke On the Water”.

As a young kid, I expected to pick up a Stratocaster and immediately rock. It didn’t work out that way, though, as my hands didn’t seem to want to merge with the singles in my mental jukebox.

But then Ritchie Blackmore came to my rescue. Armed with the four distinctive power chords that comprise the first 10 seconds of “Smoke on the Water”, I suddenly became the rock deity that I had dreamed of being. I went from being the kid who regularly got beaten up for his lunch money to being an absolute bad-ass that nobody would dare fuck with. The power of “Bom-bommm-bommmmm. Bom-bommm-b-bommmmm. Bom-bommm-bommmm-bom-b-bommmmm” would defeat all.

It’s very clear on “Total Abandon: Australia ‘99”, that Deep Purple knows full well that they created one of rock’s most sacred sonic icons that probably – along with the Ramones – launched hordes of dreamy youth into being legends in their own minds. Before “Smokin’” the Aussie crowd, guitarist Steve Morse – the fourth guitarist in the group’s history – takes them on an aural tour of some of the most well-known riffs in rock history (from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, the Beatles and the Kinks). And then, after a pregnant pause, he and the rest of the band – including lifer Ian Paice and long-time members Ian Gillan on vocals and bassist Roger Glover – deliver the chords. Indeed, rock and roll’s mothership has arrived to give us all some Close Encounters of the Violet Kind.

The rest of the disc – which is essentially a truncated one-disc edition of a 2CD set that was released in late 1999 that included the entire 116-minute live show – proves that Deep Purple is timeless. Despite the fact that they’d been going for a full 31 years prior to the performance this disc documents, they’d never been trapped by the flash-in-the-pan styles that would claim the musical souls of so many of hard rock’s greatest bands. While bands like Van Halen used the mid-80’s went to the dark side and dabbled with synthesizers and other trendy instrumentation, a reunited Deep Purple delivered some of the most hard-hitting songs of their career – ones that would simply refuse to age.

The only problem with “Total Abandon” is the absence of Ritchie Blackmore’s unique style that, despite its raw and sometimes fumbly nature, was always comprised of rapid-fire notes that pierced like daggers. Guitar wizard Steve Morse of the Dixie Dregs joined Purple in 1994 shortly after Blackmore’s departure in 1993. While he definitely has the skills to pay the bills, he often exhibits too much pyrotechnic flash that’s saturated with blisteringly fast hammer-ons and ridiculous bends. It’s impressive fretwork to be sure but 18 years later it sounds rather dated and ready to be filed under “chronic guitar masturbators of 80’s and 90’s” with the likes of Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Despite Morse’s antics, “Total Abandon” shows that Purple could still bash out the goods more than three decades into their career. For 73 solid minutes, we get to explore the violet vaults and enjoy one of the best hard rock bands that the genre has ever spawned.

Tenacious D
“Rize Of The Fenix”
Produced by: John Kimbrough
Label: Columbia
Tracks: 16 (including bonus tracks)
Running Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: May 15, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a loyal ‘D’ fan since 1997 going all the way back to the HBO TV series.  I remember being in college back in 2001 and seeing flyers everywhere for their album and that just sealed the deal of my lifelong fandom.  I know people did not like the film “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny” but I was a huge fan…and no I am not a stoner either.  I have had the album on my iPhone since it was released. “Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)”  is truly the great song in the world…but I later found out it was just a tribute.  Oh well, let’s get to “Rize of the Fenix”, the third album from Tenacious D.  I listened to this album for about three weeks before writing this review.  In that short period of time, this album grew on me quite a bit and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since.  “Rize of the Fenix” is a travel back to the bands roots and without a doubt delivers the goods.  The D is back and better than ever!

The title track, “Rize of the Fenix” is a fantastic opener and really leads the album for success.  It is long and doesn’t let up from the moment it begins, while changing tempos and pace throughout.  The band even goes back to their skits with “Classical Teacher” and Flutes and Trombones”.  Though “Classical” is a little too long for me and “Flutes” has potential but its punchline falls a little short.  Overall I still enjoyed them but I do find myself occasionally skipping them to get back to the kick-ass music.  “To Be the Best” always gets me pumped but only runs a minute, I wish it was longer because it would be my new pump up song like the ‘Your the Best Around’ from “The Karate Kid”.  Two of my favorite tracks is “Deth Star” and “Roadie”, the first being a fast sci-fi kick-ass track and the latter is more soft yet reminiscent of “Wonder Boy”.  “Ballad of Hollywood Jack and Rage Kage” is also a really great track.  All the tracks just seems to really shine and delivers what the D does best, belt out fun silly songs.

Jack Black and Kyle Gass recorded this album in a garage on a budget of only $600 dollars and even though the album still sounds freaking sweet.  If you put the first album and this one on random, I would have a hard time distinguishing the two if I never heard them before.  The music sounds great and, of course, even has Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) tearing up those drums on the album.  Overall the D has never broken any musical standards but it is just a really fun 45 minutes.   Also make sure to pre-order the album on iTunes before May 15th, so you can score the super rare D Track, “5 Needs” which was from Tenacious D’s cameo in the 1996 movie “Bio-Dome”.

Track Listing:
1. Rize of the Fenix
2. Low Hangin’ Fruit
3. Classical Teacher
4. Senorita
5. Deth Starr
6. Roadie
7. Flutes and Trombones
8. Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage
9. Throwdown
10. Rock Is Dead
11. They Fucked Our Asses
12. To Be The Best
13. 39
14. Quantum Leap (Bonus Track)
15. Rivers of Brown (Bonus Track)
16. 5 Needs (iTunes Pre-Order Track)

Rick Hornyak
“Marigold”
Produced by: Rick Hornyak
11 tracks
Running time: 45 mins

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It was about three songs in, on the second listening of Rick Hornyak’s new CD, “Marigold,” that I put my finger on how to best describe his sound. The Austin, Texas resident, by way of Clarks Mills, Pennsylvania, was spinning beautiful stories that made my mind wander. And then it hit me. Hornyak’s music is best described as Mike Nesmith (his solo stuff (“Different Drum”), not his Monkees years) meets Jimmy Buffett. Like Nesmith, who hailed from Houston, Hornyak has a smooth, folksy delivery that emphasizes the moods of each song. Like Buffett, his lyrics tell amazing stories. He is also an accomplished guitarist, starting of songs like “So Many Times Before” with some fancy guitar work. To me the standout song is “See This Through,” delivered so sincerely it could have been part of Bad Blake’s concert set in the film “Crazy Heart.” Other notable songs are “Foolish Love” (good for slow dancing) and the cheerfully delivered “The
Monkey Song.”

Track Listing:
1. So Many Times Before
2. See This Through
3. Right in Front of Me
4. Cigarettes
5. Homesick Blues
6. Don’t Hide Away
7. Foolish Love
8. Door to Your Heart
9. Far From Home
10. The Monkey Song
11. Moving On (Without You)

Rise Against
“EndGame”
DGC/Interscope
Producer: Bill Stevenson, Jason Livermore
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Endgame” is the 7^th studio album from the punk rock band Rise Against. The album is the follow up release to the bands successful “Appeal to Reason” album. Produced by Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore and released via DGC/Interscope “Endgame” features 12 high energy songs chocked full of great instrumentation and lyrical references to recent events around the world.

The latest album by Rise Against features everything fans of the band have come to know and love. From Catchy sing-along choruses to thought provoking lyrics front man Tim McIIrath takes the listener on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. “EndGame” seemed to have a much more polished approach compared to the bands previous release and even though it doesn’t seem to cover as much territory musically the group’s sheer intensity and in your face approach really grabs you. Songs such as “Help is on its Way” and “Disparity by Design” were instant favorites that I’m sure will garner some really great live performances. Crunchy guitars and catchy choruses consume almost all 12 tracks on the album making any one of the songs capable of becoming a hit.

Straight forward and thought provoking “EndGame” is everything you could want from a punk rock album and more! The band appears to be at the top of their game and is showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon. If you haven’t done so already get to the store or your computer and add this album to your collection. Also be sure to check out the band on their current 2012 spring tour which will also feature special guests A Day to Remember.

Track Listing:
1.)    Architects
2.)    Help is on the Way
3.)    Make it Stop (September’s Children)
4.)    Disparity by Design
5.)    Satellite
6.)    Midnight Hands
7.)    Survivor Guilt
8.)    Broken Mirrors
9.)    Wait for Me
10.)  A Gentleman’s Coup
11.)  This is Letting Go
12.)  Endgame

Sweet
“New York Connection”
Produced by: Andy Scott
11 tracks
Running Time: 40 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment this CD kicks off, it rocks mega hard and doesn’t let up until the CD ends. The Sweet are well known their Glam Rock during the 70-80’s and though still they sound just as good as they ever have. “New York Connection” is comprised 11 cover songs including the 2011 single “Join Together”. There is also a revamped original recording for their 1972 b-side “New York Connection”.

If you are a fan of 70-80’s rock, then you are going to love this album easily. The album kicks off with the great song “New York Groove” and just includes on great hit after another. Some of the other great cover tracks included are “You Spin Me Round”, “Because the Night” and “Blitzkrieg Bop”. All the covers sounds really kick-ass and get your toes tapping and head rocking.

Peter Lincoln takes lead on vocals on 8 out of the 11 tracks. Andy Scott takes lead vocal for “Sweet Jane” and is a great tribute to The Velvet Underground. Bruce Bisland belts out “Blitzkrieg Bop” and doesn’t let down the Ramones. Lastly Tony O’Hora puts a new spin on Patti Smith’s “Because the Night”. Overall, the guitars are well…sweet! The music is loud and sums up a great 40 minutes you will experience with this album.

Track listing:
1. New York Groove
2. Gold On The Ceiling
3. All Moving Faster
4. New York Connection
5. Shapes Of Things
6. You Spin Me Round
7. Because The Night
8. Sweet Jane
9. Blitzkrieg Bop
10. On Broadway
11. Join Together

Hung
“Hung”
The End Records/ReThink Records
Producer: Andy Abel/Ryan Kelly
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Hung” is the debut release from the New York based progressive metal band Hung. The band consists of Dmitry Kostitsyn- vocals, Lyris Hung- electric violin, Evil Jon- guitar, Sam Roon- bass and Kenny Grohowski- drums. Together the group blends a variety of musical styles ranging from classical to full on metal. The self titled album is being released via ReThink Records which is owned by Chris Adler of Lamb of God and features 10 original tracks that were produced by Andy Able and Ryan Kelly.

The debut offering from Hung features unique instrumentation and melodic vocal passages but, don’t let the word melodic throw you though as the band is full on metal! Vocalist Dmitry Kostitsyn is part Jekyll and part Hyde in his performances which are further enhanced by the technical playing of the band behind him. Each song on the album is crafted to appeal to a variety of listeners. Songs such as “Left for the New Life” and “Sediment of War” cover so much musical ground that it almost makes your head explode just trying to take it all in. Andy Abel and Ryan Kelly did an excellent job at the production controls as they seemed to really capture each member’s performance on all of the albums 10 tracks.

The bottom line is I don’t think I can say enough good things about this album or the band. With this being the Hung’s debut album I really can’t wait to hear what’s next. Every once in awhile something new and fresh comes along and Hung are it!

Track Listing:
1.)    Eos
2.)    Desert of Sad
3.)    Maria
4.)    Progeny
5.)    Evil Tsar
6.)    Left for the New Life
7.)    Inertia
8.)    Infernal Redeemer
9.)    Matter of the Blood
10.)  Sediment of War

Jeff Loomis
“Plains of Oblivion”
Century Media Records
Producer: Aaron Smith
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Plains of Oblivion” is the second solo release from Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis. The album hosts a variety of musicians such as former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. The album is being released via Century Media Records and features 10 original tracks that were produced by Aaron Smith.

The new album by Jeff Loomis is more than just another progressive metal album. “Plains of Oblivion” Is an album packed full of songs that will make your head spin and your ears bleed from the sheer sonic goodness. Each of the 10 songs on the album feature creative structures that even fair-weather fans of    progressive metal music will enjoy. Tracks such as “Escape Velocity” and “Requiem for the Living” were strong personal favorites as I really loved the thunderous background of each track. Couple that with Loomis’s over the top solos and you can’t go wrong. Fans of Jeff’s other work will surely want to check this album out as it really showcases his playing on a whole new level. Guest appearances by Chris Poland on the track “Continuum Drift” and Tony MacAlpine on “The Ultimatum” were also highlights of “Plains of Oblivion”.

Though the album took a few listens through before I could fully appreciate it I found it to be a pretty good album. I would have liked a couple of the songs to be trimmed down a bit more but lengthy songs come with the territory. If you are looking for an album with some really great playing then do yourself and pick up the latest album from Jeff Loomis.

Track Listing:
1.)    Mercurial
2.)    The Ultimatum
3.)    Escape Velocity
4.)    Tragedy and Harmony
5.)    Requiem for the Living
6.)    Continuum Drift
7.)    Surrender
8.)    Chosen Time
9.)    Rapture
10.)  Sibylline Origin

Brendon Small
“Galaktikon”
Producer: Ulrich Wild
Tracks: 9

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Galaktikon” is the first solo release from “Metalocalypse” master mind Brendon Small. Produced by Ulrich Wild “Galaktikon” is a concept album based around a superhero’s divorce and the subsequent kidnapping of his ex-wife. Each of the nine tracks are arranged so that the listener can follow along on this space themed musical adventure.

Being a fan of Brendon’s work in Dethklok I was very anxious to hear this album. Along with Small are Dethklok alums Gene Hoglan and Bryan Beller. Together the three provide some very in-depth and technical arrangements that are quite a bit different than the ear splitting, guttural tracks the group is primarily know for. Each of the album’s 9 tracks feature some really great melodic elements that I feel will help the album appeal to a broader audience. Tracks such as “Beastblade” feature heavy instrumentation with a unique blend of echo infused vocals. While the track “You Can’t Run Away” feels like a metal infused psychedelic odyssey cranked way beyond 11.

Brendon Small’s album “Galaktikon” will surely feel right at home next to your “Dethklok” and other metal albums. However you do not need to be a fan of Small’s previous work to appreciate this album. Personally I would have liked to have heard a duet with Small and his character Nathan Explosion as that I think would have put this album over the top. One can only hope that we will be privy to something of that magnitude in the near future. If you are looking for something heavy but without the cookie cutter layout of modern metal bands then do yourself a favor and pick up this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Triton
2.) Prophecy of the Lazer Witch
3.) Beastblade
4.) Deathwaltz
5.) Truth Orb and the Kill Pool
6.) You Can’t Run Away
7.) Arena War of the Immortal Masters
8.) Dangertits
9.) On My Way

The Cult
“Choice of Weapon”
Producer: Chris Gross/Bob Rock
Cooking Vinyl
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Choice of Weapon” is the latest release from the British rock band The Cult. The album is the bands ninth studio album and is the follow up to the 2007 album “Born into This”. “Choice of Weapon” is being released via Cooking Vinyl and features 10 brand new tracks produced by Chris Gross and Bob Rock.

After being pushed from its originally scheduled 2011 release date The Cult’s “Choice of Weapon” is finally here! Each of the 14 songs on the album are perfectly crafted and feature lush musical arrangements making this album a really great listen. Singer Ian Astbury’s Jim Morrison esc vocals provide an eerie yet beautiful feel to the multi layered instrumentation. The albums opening track “Honey from a Knife” is a straight forward rocker that sets the stage beautifully for what is to come. Tracks such as “The Night in the City Forever” and “Wilderness Now” take you on a soothing sonic journey where you can almost envision what is being described in the lyrics.

This album was surely worth the wait. The band sounds phenomenal and producers Chris Gross and Bob Rock did a great job capturing the energy of the band and I think each of the 14 tracks really showcases everyone efforts. I did find that the album took a few listens through before it really grabbed hold but once it did it didn’t let go. I found myself putting the album on repeat as the tracks never seemed to get old or tiresome. Both diehard and casual Cult listeners will enjoy this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Honey from a Knife
2.) Elemental Light
3.) The Wolf
4.) Life>Death
5.) For the Animals
6.) Amnesia
7.) Wilderness Now
8.) Lucifer
9.) A Pale Horse
10.) The Night in the City Forever
11.) Every Man and Woman is a Star
12.) Embers
13.) Until the Light Takes us Away
14.) Siberia

To order your copy of “Choice of Weapon” head over to www.amazon.com or the Apples iTunes store.

Composer/Conductor: James Horner
Release Date: March 26, 2012
Number of Discs: 4
Running Time
Label: Sony Masterworks

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

With the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic launch and the 15th anniversary and re-release in 3D of James Cameron’s film, I can’t seem you get enough of “Titanic“. It is one of those movies that once you start watching you are hooked. The same goes for the wonderful score by James Horner. I spent countless hours listening to this score on repeat back in ’97 through at least ’99. It has been quite a while since I’ve listened and it still is just amazing. This amazing Collector’s Anniversary Edition is not just the score to “Titanic”. It includes much much more.

Sony Classical is the label behind this amazing 4-CD set with newly remastered versions of both the original and “Back to the Titanic” soundtracks. It also features a previously unreleased disc of period music recorded for the movie by I Salonisti (the 5-piece quintet that appears in the film) and also “Popular Music From The Titanic Era”, which is a new compilation of songs from the early 1900’s. I mean honestly what else can you ask for if you are a fan. Well, there is more…this release also comes packaged with four vintage Titanic luggage stickers and a booklet with previously unseen production photos. This is easily one of composer’s James Horner best pieces of work and it will be recognized for many years to come.

Even if you own the “Titanic” soundtrack already, I mean who doesn’t it sold over 25 million copies worldwide. I would suggest picking this up. It is a wonderful compliment to the film and includes so much new recordings that it is worth it just for the three bonus discs. I really enjoyed the disc of music from I Salonisti, which was recorded for the movie itself but never recorded. I am a big fan of music from that period and this was a great addition to the already amazing score. It really made you feel like you were re-experiencing the movie and the music for the first time.

Merrell Fankhauser
The Best of Merrell Fankhauser
Release Date: July 5, 2011
Number of Discs: 2
Format: Import
Label: Gonzo Multimedia

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Merrell Frankhauser is one of the most unique singers I have ever come across. His look is a mix between Jimmy Buffett and Jeff Bridges. This best of collection includes the best tracks selected from Merrell’s entire career. They have been personally selected by Merrell himself. The album itself covers his music ranging from from 1964 to the present and from his early days, including his early band Merrell And The Exiles. He has a mix of sounds ranging from “The Beatles” to “The Monkees” to “The Beach Boys”.

Some of the tracks to keep an eye out for are: “Too Many Heartbreaks”, I am Flyin’ Home”, “The Land of Mu” and “Waterfall”. On the second disc there are four previously unreleased tracks, including “Haiku Jam”, “Surfin’ Pismo”, “When Merrell Met Jane” and “Tiki Lounge”. This collection of songs will definitely entertain his longtime fans and definitely give a good introduction to his new fans as well.

The first disc easily contains the best songs. Disc two includes some more of his “weird” music as I like to call it dealing it UFO’s and the beyond. Though overall his mix of rock to folk to reggae to psychedelia is definitely fun to just put on and tune out to. This release also includes a 16-page booklet with rare photos and sleeve notes by Merrell himself.

Disc 1:
1. Too Many Heartbreaks
2. She’s Gone
3. Lila
4. Supermarket
5. Drivin’ Sideways On a One Way Street
6. Girl I Am Waiting For You
7. I am Flyin Home
8. The Clouds Went That Way
9. One More Day
10. The Land Of MU
11. Blue Jay Blue
12. On Our Way To Hana
13. Garden in The Rain
14. Make a Joyful Noise
15. Dharmic Connection
16. Some of Them Escaped it All

Disc 2:
1. Calling From a Star
2. Alien Talk
3. Matthew’s Dream
4. Waterfall
5. Who Can You Call?
6. Workin’ In The City
7. Flying To Machu Picchu
8. Goin’ South
9. Queen Mu
10. Haiku Jam
11. Tale of Misty Mountain
12. Move to Higher Ground
13. Two Vegetarians
14. Surfin
15. When Merrell Met Jane
16. Tiki Lounge

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Shadows Fall, Maps of War, Spire, All That Is Sacred, One Step From Falling
Date: Friday, February 17^th 2012
Venue: Station 58, Syracuse, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Shadows Fall came to the intimate Station 58 venue in Syracuse, NY on February 17^th and performed to a near capacity crowd. The band came through the city as part of a 5 date tour that is in preparation for their appearance at this year’s Sound Waves festival held in Australia.

One Step From Falling started the night off playing an interesting blend of experimental rock that reminded me of early System of a Down however with less substance. All That Is Scared took the stage next as the club began to slowly fill and though the bands set was brief each member appeared to put their best foot forward. Local favorite Spire was up next and received a very warm welcome from the crowd. The band played a technical blend of prog metal that received a great response from the crowd that helped set the stage for the rest of the evening. Maps of War followed playing to a packed house. The band was very technical and provided an intense in your face performance.

Shadows Fall would close out the night and though the band had not performed since the summer of last year it did not show. Lead vocalist Brian Fair with his signature dreadlocks had the crowd in a sweat filled mosh from the word go. Fair took several trips into the crowd which seemed to only fuel the crowd that much more. Guitarists Jon Donais and Matt Bachand laid down their signature riffage while drummer Jason Bittner and Bassist Paul Romanko filled in the band’s sound with thunderous bass runs and beats. The band played a variety of tracks from their 6 album catalog as well as the track “Fire From the Sky” which will be on the bands upcoming album due in May of this year. Shadows Fall along with all the other bands on the bill really delivered by putting on a great show for the Syracuse crowd.

Shadows Fall Set List:
1.)    My Demise
2.)    Thoughts Without Words
3.)    Enlightened By The Cold
4.)    Burning The Lives
5.)    Stepping Outside The Circle
6.)    Still I Rise
7.)    Fire From The Sky
8.)    The Power of I and I
9.)    King of Nothing
10.) What Drives The Weak
11.)  Inspiration on Demand
12.)  Destroyer of Senses
13.)  The Light That Blinds
14.)  Redemption

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The Devastated
“Devil’s Messenger”
Century Media Records
Producer: Chris Eck
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Devil’s Messenger” is the first release from Southern California’s The Devastated a band whose line up consists of former Impending Doom and Oblige members. Their album is being released via Century Media Records and features 12 original tracks produced by Chris Eck. Fans of these members’ previous groups will surely want to check out this album.

Each of the 12 tracks contained on “Devil’s Messenger” is a gritty, down tuned master piece each containing enough power to raise the dead. The song “Swallowing Tumors” is what I would assume pure evil would sound like while tracks like “The Devils Messenger” and “Zombies” will feed the needs of those in love with the standard breakdowns often associated with grind core music.

Chris Eck did a good job of capturing the sheer intensity of the music while creating a very listenable album. If you are looking to expand you grind core collection go out and get the debut album from The Devastated.

Track Listing:
1.) Drip Drip
2.) Psuedo Smile Campaign
3.) Swallowing Tumors
4.) Failure in Thrive
5.) Roof Top Party Drop
6.) The Devil’s Messenger
7.) Spit Vitriol
8.) Zombies
9.) Blood Bag Drag
10.) Tongue In Cheek
11.) Caprice
12.) Conductor

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Municipal Waste
“The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space”
Nuclear Blast Records
Producer: Municipal Waste
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space” is the fifth album from the Richmond, VA thrash band Municipal Waste. The band consists of Tony Foresta- Vocals, Ryan Waste- Guitar/Vocals, LandPhil- Bass/Vocal and Dave White- Drums. “The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space” features 16 new tracks and is being released via Nuclear Blast Records. This album is the follow up release to the bands 2009 album “Massive Aggressive”.

Relentless and in your face thrash metal! From the opening riffs of “Repossession” to the last note of “Residential Disaster” the latest album by Municipal Waste takes hold and won’t let go. The albums sound is very reminiscent of early 80’s hardcore groups like M.O.D. and Suicidal Tendencies.

Guitarist/Vocalist Ryan Waste lays down some blistering riffs that are truly worthy of the head banging induced neck pain they will surely cause. Vocalist Tony Foresta’s straight forward guttural vocal performances energize all 16 songs while bassist Landphil and drummer Dave White provide a thunderous bass driven back line.

While tracks such as “Covered in Sick/The Barfer” and “The Monster with 21 Faces” were personal favorites all of the tracks on the album had a little something for everyone. Fans of both new and old thrash/hardcore will surely enjoy listening to Municipal Wastes “The Fatal Feast: Waste in Space”.

Track Listing:
1.) Waste in Space
2.) Repossession
3.) New Dead Masters
4.) Unholy Abductor
5.) Idiot Check
6.) Covered in Sick/The Barfer
7.) You’re Cut Off
8.) Authority Complex
9.) Standards and Practices
10.) Crushing Chest Wound
11.) The Monster with 21 Faces
12.) Jesus Freaks
13.) The Fatal Feast
14.) 12 Step Program
15.) Death Tax
16.) Residential Disaster