CD Review: Leslie West “Still Climbing”

Leslie West
“Still Climbing”
Provogue
Producer: Leslie West/Mike Goldberg
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Legendary Mountain front man Leslie West is back with a new solo album titled “Still Climbing”. The 15th release from the 68 year old West is probably his most progressive yet as the album covers everything from hard rock and soul to straight up rhythm and blues.  The album which was co-produced by West and Mike “Metal” Goldberg is being released via Provogue Records and features 10 brand new tracks along with a cover of “When a Man Loves a Woman” which was originally recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966.

Right out of the gate Leslie and his guitar grab you with the track “Dyin’ Since the Day I Was Born”.  The song is a down and dirty hard rocking tune that is the perfect stage for West’s grainy vocals and signature guitar style. As the album progresses Leslie takes you on a musical journey hitting a wide genre of sounds which make this album appealing on a number of different levels. The song “Tales of Woe” is a semi acoustic number that seems to tap in to the darker side of West’s life experiences. The haunting slide guitar featured on and off through the song does a great job playing of the song’s lyrics adding an almost weeping type effect. The song “Don’t Ever Let Me Go” features a catchy guitar line that that gets stuck in your head in the same way a pop song might. One other track worth mentioning is “Feeling Good” which features some impressive dueling vocal lines courtesy of Mr. West and Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider. Even though the pairing may sound a little out there it works.

Fans of Leslies work will certainly want to pick up “Still Climbing” as part of their collection however the album is more than just for West’s devoted fans as it features great arrangements and performances by West and company that any music lover will be sure to enjoy

Track Listing:
1.)     Dyin’ Since The Day I Was Born
2.)     Busted, Disgusted or Dead
3.)     Fade Into You
4.)     Not Over You At All
5.)     Tales of Woe
6.)     Feeling Good
7.)     Hatfield or McCoy
8.)     When a Man Loves a Woman
9.)     Long Red
10.)   Don’t Ever Let Me Go
11.)    Rev Jones Time

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CD Review: “Gravity” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Composer: Steven Price
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Running Time: 72 minutes
16 Tracks
Label: Watertower Music

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I saw the trailer to “Gravity”, I was just blown away. I knew it was going to be something special. I was really hoping that the score was going to be equally as amazing. I just had a feeling…and I was completely right! Already one of my favorite scores of the year, no question. The score is simple and calm yet packs a certain suspense and will keep you on your toes. Having seen the film already, you are able to visualize the score as it plays out in your head. It sets up the scene very well for the final tracks with are heart-pounding. I left this score on loop and it only gets better with each listen. Highly recommend this score.

Steven is definitely a composer to keep an eye out for. His previous work including 2011’s “Attack the Block” and this summer’s “The World’s End”.  I have to admit, I have not heard those scores but I know that I will be checking them out now for sure. I really like this style on this score and I think it really suits the movie very well.  For me if you are listening to the score and it makes you want to stop what you are doing and watch the movie then it has achieved its purpose. It is mysterious and calm like the dead of space and I really felt those themes in the music. I think that there is going to be a lot of greatness coming from this guy and I can’t wait to see what he does next!

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CD Review “Insidious: Chapter 2” Music by Joseph Bishara

Composer: Joseph Bishara
Audio CD
Release Date: September 24, 2013)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Void Recordings
Total Length: 43 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first heard the score to “Insidious” back in 2011, I was blown away.  The score was absolutely terrifying. It really drove the film so well and perfectly executed each scare and left you hanging on the edge of your seat. When it comes to horror films, the score is so important and very few actually get it right. Joseph Bishara is one of my favorite composers as he knows what to do in order to bring the horror aspect to horror films. He has worked with director James Wan on now “Insidious” and “The Conjuring” and now this film. I loved both of those films and equally their respective scores. I have to admit though, I wasn’t a huge fan of “Insidious: Chapter 2” as a film but that doesn’t mean that Bishara didn’t completely rock it with this score.

In fact, this score was the real saving grace for me with “Insidious: Chapter 2”. Even though I didn’t find the second film scary at all, the score definitely stood out for me. In the first film, it really carried you and left you biting your nails. But even though the scares weren’t as pronounced as the first film it still added to the overall atmosphere. I felt it got a little lost while I was watching the film. Personally, I enjoyed this score much more at home on this CD listening to it while watching the film. So if you enjoyed the first score from Bishara and despite whether or not you liked the film, I would still recommend this CD because it really delivers what a horror score should sound like! Can’t wait to hear what he does next!

Track Listing:
1. Ghost photographs
2. inside your dream
3. the flickering entity
4. Insidious Chapter 2
5. you think I did this
6. new home
7. empty crib
8. empty home
9. had a bad dream
10. who behind eyes
11. Don’t You Dare
12. are you Here
13. only Ghosts left
14. this is My room
15. to Live again
16. Mater Mortis
17. putrid chamber
18. Further striking
19. feel real Pain
20. one of the Dead
21. the Mother
22. good little girl
23. closing Further
24. time to forget
25. new haunting
26. void figure 7 (ch2)

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CD Review: GWAR “Battle Maximus”

GWAR
“Battle Maximus”
Metal Blade Records
Tracks: 13
Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

GWAR the rubber clad creatures from Antarctica are back with their 13th studio album titled “Battle Maximus”. The album is being released via Metal Blade Records and features 13 brand new tracks from the heavy metal group that have been slaying audiences and figure heads since the late 1980’s. When a band loses a member there are two things that can happen. The band can either replace that member and continue on or pack it in and call it quits. When Cory Smoot (Flattus Maximus) guitarist and key song writer for the band passed away while the group was on tour in 2011 I was unsure how a role that large could be filled and if there ever would be new GWAR music again. Thankfully the group has decided to forge on and with the addition of Pustulus Maximus (Brent Purgason) Gwar has been able to not only carry on with their signature sludge like sound they have taken it to an entirely new level.

The album kicks off with an acoustic tinged intro featuring the always comical lyrical stylings of Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie) before blasting into “Madness at the Core of Time” which is a song done in typical GWAR fashion. The song also features several Iron Maiden type lead passages which were spot on. As the album continues to pulverize your senses you come across tracks such as “Nothing Left Alive” which features some stellar double bass technique courtesy of Jizmak (Brad Roberts) before making way for tracks such as “Torture” and “I, Bonesnapper” which gives GWAR’s always entertaining sidekick Bonesnapper a chance to strut his stuff and tell stories of his days on the Scum Dog slave ships. The album closes on several high notes such as “Falling” which features even more great solos and a trippy vibe reminiscent of “Dark Side of the Moon” before ending with the track “Fly Now” which upon close listen plays like a tribute to the bands fallen brother Flattus.

All the performances on “Battle Maximus” are well crafted and executed flawlessly. I have to give it to the groups newest members as with this being their first record with the band they are certainly worthy the Scum Dog armor in this writers eyes. GWAR fans both new and old will definitely want to grab a copy of this for their collection as it ushers in a new era for the wart covered creatures known as GWAR.

Track Listing:
1.) Intro
2.) Madness at the Core of Time
3.) Bloodbath
4.) Nothing Left Alive
5.) They Swallowed the Sun
6.) Torture
7.) Raped at Birth
8.) I, Bonesnapper
9.) Mr. Perfect
10.) Battle Maximus
11.) Triumph of the Pig Children
12.) Falling
13.) Fly Now

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CD Review: Hank3 “Brothers of the 4X4”

Hank3
“Brothers of the 4X4”
Hank3 Records
Producers: Hank3
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Brothers of the 4X4” is the 2nd and 3rd album being released by Hank3 on October 1st. The son of country music legend Hank Williams Jr. produced the 16 track 2 disc album that is being released via his own label Hank3 Records. The follow up release to 2011’s “3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin” and “Attention Deficit Domination”, “Brothers of the 4×4” is a down home traditional country album packed full of banjo’s, acoustic guitar, slide guitar and Hank3’s signature voice. The two disc album may be considered traditional by some in its approach the delivery remains unique and classic Hank3.

“Nearly Gone” which opens up disc one of “Brother of the 4×4” is a perfect example as the track consists of standard country instrumentation that is given its own spin with an overdriven vocal mix that gives the track an almost rock type feel. The track “Hurtin For Certin” features some amazing guitar picking from guest musician Johnny Highland while the song “Farthest Away” was my own personal favorite track as it reminds me of something you would hear on an old honkey tonk juke box with blown speakers. Hank3 certainly has his own version of country and though it differs greatly from that of his father and grandfathers its still country. Even if you may not be a huge Hank3 fan give “Brothers of the 4X4” a listen as there is a little something for everyone on there.

Track Listing Disc 1:
1.) Nearly Gone
2.) Hurtin For Certin
3.) Brothers of the 4X4
4.) Farthest Away
5.) Held Up
6.) Outdoor Plan
7.) Deep Scars
8.) Lookey Yonder Commin
9.) Ain’t Broken Down
10.) Overdrive
11.) Loners 4 life
12.) Dreadfull Drive

Track Listing Disc 2:
1.) Getting Dim
2.) Possum In a Tree
3.) Broken Boogie
4.) Toothpickin

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Hank3, here

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CD Review: Hank3 “A Fiendish Threat”

Hank3
“A Fiendish Threat”
Hank3 Records
Producers: Hank3
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“A Fiendish Threat” is one of three albums being released by Hank3 on October 1st. The album was produced by Hank himself and features 13 rocking tunes that are being released via Hank’s label Hank3 Records. The follow up release to 2011’s “3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin” and “Attention Deficit Domination” “A Fiendish Threat” is an interesting take on punk rock. Picture the Misfits but without electric instruments and grease paint.

Each track features a dwelling sound that captures the listener’s attention just prior to Hanks twangy southern voice slapping you silly. The albums opening track “Can I Rip U” does a great job laying the foundation for what’s to come as it’s a full on four on the floor foot stomping number filled with angst that instantly makes you take notice. “Feel the Sting” is jammed packed with blazing fiddle solos and though it may not be a traditional punk instrument Hank and his band will instantly change that assumption.

“Your Floor” was probably my favorite track off the album as it features a eerie chorus/flange type effect mixed with spacey vocals that creep along at a slow yet steady pace before fading off into the distance.Fans of Hank3 are no strangers to his explorative nature when it comes to sound and “A Fiendish Threat” is no exception as the album blends everything from country to rockabilly to punk without missing a single beat.

Track Listing:
1.) Can I Rip U
2.) Different From The Rest
3.) There’s Another Road
4.) Broke Jaw
5.) Watchin U Suffer
6.) Breaking Free
7.) Face Down
8.) New Identity
9.) Feel the Sting
10.) Fight My Way
11.) Full On
12.) Your Floor
13.) A Fiendish Threat

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Hank3, here

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CD Review: Revocation “Revocation”

Revocation
“Revocation”
Relapse Records
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Boston, Mass. natives Revocation are back with a brand new full length album titled “Revocation” The album which is being released via Relapse Records is the follow up release to the bands 2012 EP titled “Teratogenesis”. “Revocation” features 10 brand new tracks that were produced by Peter Rucho. Probably the bands most ambitious release yet “Revocation” fires on all cylinders and delivers nothing but death metal goodness over the course of the albums 10 tracks.

The albums opening track “The Hive” goes straight for the jugular both instrumentally and lyrically. “Arch Fiend” continues the albums break neck pace and features a really cool acoustic interlude which was the perfect transitions to the songs outro solo. The song “Fracked” was a person favorite of mine as it featured some interesting note choices and the lyrics seemed to poke fun at the often controversial subject of fracking. As the album works its way to a close you are blasted with the track “Invidious” which features several blazing banjo iriffs. Yes that’s right death metal banjo music! These little sections are what make this album really fun and unpredictable as you just never know what may be around the next corner. The album ends on a thunderous high note with the song “A Visitation”. Great instrumentation and vocals make this a solid track to end on as definitely made me want more.

If you are just finding out about the band or have been a fan for some time now be sure to get this album either in the standard format or the special edition format which features a cover of Metallica’s “Dyers Eve”

Track Listing:
1.) The Hive
2.) Scattering the Flock
3.) Arch Fiend
4.) Numbing Agents
5.) Fracked
6.) The Gift You Gave
7.) Invidious
8.) Spastic
9.) Entomed by Wealth
10.) A Visitation

 

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CD Review: Nekrogoblikon “Power”

Nekrogoblikon
“Power”
Goblin Records
Producer: Nekrogoblikon
Tracks: 5

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The always entertaining Nekrogoblikon are back with a brand new EP release titled “Power”. The 5 song EP is the follow up release to the bands 2011 full-length album titled “Stench” which contained the song “No One Survives. The video for that song has garnered over 2 million hits on YouTube instantly catapulting the band and their music which they describe as “goblin-core” in to the spot light. The “Powercore” EP which was mixed by the band is being released via Goblin Records and is destine to carry on in the tradition of its predecessors.

After being one of the many who contributed to the 2 million hits for the “No One Survives” survives video I have anxiously been waiting for some new material from the pioneers of goblin-core. Well thankfully I didn’t have to wait long as the bands newest release “Powercore” instantly delivers. Humorous subject matter and crushing instrumentation run rampant throughout the 5 song EP. The band blends everything from dub beats and synth tracks to polka like rhythms mixed with brutal death metal riffs.

The releases opening track “Friends (In Space)” is an assault on the senses as the band throws everything at you but the kitchen sink. The track “Powercore” was probably my favorite as the song features a multitude of layers and sounds that create a different listening experience each time the track plays. My only complaint was I WANT MORE! However these 5 tracks are so well crafted that they will certainly be enough to hold me over until the group’s next release.

Track Listing:
1.) Friends (In Space)
2.) Nothing but Crickets
3.) Powercore
4.) Bells & Whistles
5.) Giraffe

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Nekrogoblikon guitarist Alex “Goldberg” Alereza, here

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CD Review: Nine Inch Nails “Hesitation Marks”

Nine Inch Nails
“Hesitation Marks”
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Tracks: 14
Label: Columbia
Running Time: 62 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Finally “Hesitation Marks” has arrived. This is the eighth album from Nine Inch Nails, and the first since 2008’s “The Slip”. Trent Reznor has been quite busy over the last few years composing films like “The Social Network” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and an Academy Award for Best Score. I have to tell you that I was blown away with those scores and I think that his work with composing music for films has actually made him a better musician. All the track on this album were written and composed by Trent Reznor. He also collaborated with some great people on this album like Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder. But then there was also a few names that made me look twice like Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and The Who’s bass player, Pino Palladino. But let me tell you how well this all meshes and works together. “Hesitation Marks” is easily the band’s best album in the last decade, no question. Can’t wait to see these track performed live!

I read an interview with Reznor, who said that he no longer has the inner rage inside of him and he is actually happy. I guess winning an Academy Award will do that to you. So I have to admit, this record does have a new interesting sound to it but don’t worry NIN purists, the album is still heavy, intense and screams Nine Inch Nails. I also feel that the it really plays well as a whole album.  It is rare where every single track is solid but this record plays so well together that each track kind of flows right into the next one. I have to admit that the best tracks are “Copy of A” and “Came Back Haunted”, they remind me the most of classic NIN. “Disappointed” is a great mellow kick-back track that seems to last forever but in a completely good way. Tracks like “Everything” also have like a pop/rock-like feeling to them, which really works. I have been a loyal fan of Nine Inch Nails since I purchased my a the cassette tape of “Pretty Hate Machine” many years ago, so I think this is really going to jive with fans and also introduce the band to a new generation of fans as well.  This album is easily on my list for best albums of 2013.

Track Listing:
1. The Eater of Dreams
2. Copy of a
3. Came Back Haunted
4. Find My Way
5. All Time Low
6. Disappointed
7. Everything
8. Satellite
9. Various Methods of Escape
10. Running
11. I Would For You
12. In Two
13. While I’m Still Here
14. Black Noise

 

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CD Review: Jimmy Buffett “Songs From St. Somewhere”

Jimmy Buffett
“Songs From St. Somewhere”
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Label: Mailboat Records
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Calling all Parrotheads! Jimmy Buffet is back with new music.  This guy refuses to take it easy. Not only does he consistently tour non-stop every year, but he still manages make new music.  “Songs From St. Somewhere” is not just a cash in album, this is some of his best work to date and really delivers for his fans.  If you follow Jimmy Buffett, you know that he has hundreds of great songs in his library and he can continue to tour without ever making a new song, but this guy just never stops.  You can just tell that he loves what he does and that love is easily found in these new tracks. The album was recorded earlier this year all over the world including Key West, Nashville, Austin, Miami, St. Barts and London. There are several sounds in this new album yet it still has that island laid back Buffett feel.

To kick off this album, the first hit single reunites Jimmy with Toby Keith (last one was “Hey Good Lookin’”) on the duet track “Too Drunk to Karaoke”. This song is such a blast and I can see this song becoming another “Margaritaville” or “Five O’Clock Somewhere”. Jimmy has done some amazing duets over the years with everyone from Alan Jackson to Zac Brown Band but this might be one of my new favorites. “Oldest Surfer On The Beach” is such a chill song and you can literally just sit back and jam out. One thing that I noticed about the album is that he has this very personal and special feel, especially this track. I also really enjoyed bonus track which is “I Want to Go Back to Cartagena”, a Spanish version duet with the Latin singer Fannie Lu. I really loved this track and it is a fantastic way to close out the album.

It is rare that an album comes with a hit on every single track. But “Songs From St. Somewhere” is literally a hit after hit. Plus if you listen to Radio Margaritaville, they have been playing at least four of these songs already for the last few weeks, which has been a bit of a tease but also go us ready to start singing along right from the get-go. So from the moment I received this CD, my wife and I were already fans of those tracks and knew all the words. One thing I am most excited about is hearing these songs live.  I think that these tracks are going to fit very well into their shows, especially songs like “Too Drunk to Karaoke” which is going to be a huge hit with fans. Overall, this is a must have for any Parrotheads!

Track Listing:
1. Somethin’ ‘Bout A Boat
2. Einstein Was A Surfer
3. Earl’s Dead – Cadillac For Sale
4. Too Drunk To Karaoke
5. Serpentine
6. Useless But Important Information
7. I Want To Go Back To Cartagena
8. Soulfully
9. Rue De La Guitare
10. I’m No Russian
11. Tides
12. The Rocket That Grandpa Rode
13. I Wave Bye Bye
14. Colour Of The Sun
15. Oldest Surfer On The Beach
16. I Want To Go Back To Cartagena (Spanish Version)

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Five Finger Death Punch “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” Signed CD Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Media Mikes has teamed up with SKH Music to giveaway 1 band signed copy and 3 regular copies of Five Finger Death Punch’s latest album “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol.1” If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite FFDP song. This giveaway will remain open until Sept. 6th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Acclaimed hard rock band Five Finger Death Punch’s highly anticipated The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1 (Prospect Park in North America / Eleven Seven in all other territories) has debuted as a global success. The album has achieved career highs for the band, with a mainstream chart debut at #2 in The United States, #3 in Canada, #4 in Germany, alongside impressive entries in other territories across the globe. The lead single “Lift Me Up” (featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest) is currently #1 on the U.S. Active Rock charts for the third consecutive week. The successful debut exhibits that Five Finger Death Punch is challenging the notion that “Rock is Dead,” as they look poised to deliver a fourth consecutive Gold certified album following the successes of The Way of The Fist (2007), War Is The Answer (2009) and American Capitalist (2011). Cumulative single sales have now exceeded over 4.5 million.

Track Listing:
1.) Lift Me Up (feat. Rob Halford)
2.) Watch You Bleed
3.) You
4.) Wrong Side of Heaven
5.) Burn MF
6.) I.M.Sin
7.) Anywhere But Here (feat. Maria Brink)
8.) Dot Your Eyes
9.) M.I.N.E. (End This Way)
10.) Mama Said Knock You Out (feat. Tech N9ne)
11.) Dairy of a Deadman
12.) I.M.Sin (feat. Max Cavalera)
13.) Anywhere But Here
14.) Dot Your Eyes (feat. Jamey Jasta)

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CD Review: Newsted “Heavy Metal Music”

Newsted
“Heavy Metal Music”
Chophouse Records
Producer: Jason Newsted
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has just released his debut full length album titled “Heavy Metal Music”. The album is being released on the heels of Jason’s explosive 4 song EP titled “Metal” which was released in the spring of this year via Newsted’s Chophouse Records. With the exception of the songs “Soldierhead” and “Kings of the Underdogs” all the material contained on “Heavy Metal Music” is brand new. This definitely added to the appeal of this release being that it was being put out in such close proximity to the subsequent EP. From beginning to end Newsted and company are bombastic in their approach.

The album’s opening track “Heroic Dose” pounds its way into your skull while doing an excellent job of setting the stage of what’s in store for the listener. Each track on “Heavy Metal Music” features Newsted’s gritty vocals and ripping guitars courtesy of Staind guitarist Mike Mushok and Jessie Farnsworth. Other tracks worth checking out are “As The Crow Flies” which features a really cool groove which weaves it’s way in and out of the catchy choruses while the track “Kindevillusion” is a melding of all things Newsted.

If you listen carefully you can clearly pick out pieces reminiscent of Jason’s previous work. “Heavy Metal Music” features lots great playing that provides something for everyone making this the perfect album to pick up if you are looking for some solid rock/metal music to throw on during that late summer cook-out with your crew.

Track Listing:
1.) Heroic Dose
2.) Soldierhead
3.) As the Crow Flies
4.) Ampossible
5.) Long Time Dead
6.) Above All
7.) King of the Underdogs
8.) Nocturnus
9.) Twisted Tale of the Comet
10.) Kindevillusion
11.) Futureality

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CD Review: Five Finger Death Punch “The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell – Volume 1”

Five Finger Death Punch
“The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”
Prospect Park
Producer: Kevin Churko
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Los Angeles metalers Five Finger Death Punch are back with the first of two new albums titled “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1”. The album is the follow up to the bands 2011 release “American Capitalist” which was certified gold in September of 2012. “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” is being released via Prospect Park and features 14 hard rocking songs produced by Kevin Churko.

Prepare to have your fillings knocked loose as the boys in Five Finger Death Punch pull no punches with the first of two new releases slated for 2013. “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” Immediately amps things up with probably my favorite song off the album titled “Lift Me Up” which features a stellar guest performance by the Metal God himself Rob Halford. The album takes you on a roller coast ride of emotion as singer Ivan Moody seems to be venting his inner most demons on tracks such as “Burn MF” and “Dot Your Eyes”.

Moody’s vocal presentation combined with the thunderous bottom end of bassist Chris Kael and drummer Jeremy Spencer and the searing tandem guitar attack of Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook the album sounds amazing! Though I’m not a big fan of albums that feature different version of the same song FFDP was able to make it work with the addition of guest vocalists Maria Brink, Jamey Jasta and Max Cavalera. Each guest performer seemed to not only give the track a breath of fresh air but also elevate them to a higher performance level.

Solid from start to finish “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Vol. 1” delivers. If the bands 13 original tracks weren’t enough for you the guys in FFDP take things a step further by throwing in a rocking rendition of the LL Cool J classic “Mama Said Knock You Out”. Whether you are a fan of heavy metal or not the latest release from Five Finger Death Punch is a must have.

Track Listing:
1.) Lift Me Up (feat. Rob Halford)
2.) Watch You Bleed
3.) You
4.) Wrong Side of Heaven
5.) Burn MF
6.) I.M.Sin
7.) Anywhere But Here (feat. Maria Brink)
8.) Dot Your Eyes
9.) M.I.N.E. (End This Way)
10.) Mama Said Knock You Out (feat. Tech N9ne)
11.) Dairy of a Deadman
12.) I.M.Sin (feat. Max Cavalera)
13.) Anywhere But Here
14.) Dot Your Eyes (feat. Jamey Jasta)

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CD Review: Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals “Walk Through the Exits”

Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals
“Walk Through the Exits”
HouseCore Records
Producer: Philip Anselmo/Michael Thompson
Tracks: 8

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Pantera/Down/Super Joint Ritual front man Phil Anselmo is back with his first ever solo project “Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals. The group’s debut CD titled “Walk Through the Exits” was just released via HouseCore Records and features 8 tracks produced by Anselmo and Michael Thomson.

Having been a huge Pantera fan since the group’s first album I have always tried to keep up with Phil’s various side projects since the group disbanded in 2003 however that has proved to be somewhat of a full time job. From Super joint Ritual and Down to various other off shoots you never seem to know when the chameleon like front man will appear. Upon hearing that he would be released his first solo album I was quite interested in hearing what he had to offer. After my first run through of the 8 tracks that make up “Walk Through the Exits” I was left extremely confused and a bit disappointed. Every song seemed to lack direction and structure leaving nothing but a chaotic mess of noise. That’s not to say there were several riffs that started off great however those quickly disappeared in to the abyss of clutter. If I had to choose a favorite track off the album I would have to say that “Bedroom Destroyer” would be it. The song still was a bit of a cluster however I felt it had the most solid structure of the 8 tracks and was fairly accessible.

For those interested in something completely different and don’t mind music that is a little more free form then the debut release from Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals may be right up your alley.  But for those looking to find something in the vein of Phil’s previous work this might not be the best choice for you or someone looking for a new favorite group.

Track Listing:
1.) Music Media Is My Whore
2.) Battalion of Zero
3.) Betrayed
4.) Usurper’s Bastard Rant
5.) Walk Through the Exits
6.) Bedroom Destroyer
7.) Bedridden
8.) Irrelevant Walls and Computer Screens

 

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: anselmo, cd, exits, illegals, philip, review, ...

CD Review “The Conjuring: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”

Composer: Joseph Bishara
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Number of Discs: 1
Tracks: 25
Label: La-La Land Records

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I am a huge horror movie buff. It is hands down my favorite genre. When it comes to the music in the horror movies, it really needs to scare the shit out of me in order to be effective. And I have to admit that is not always the case. I was introduced to the work of Joseph Bishara back in 2010 for the score of “Insidious” (also directed by James Wan) and he has quickly become one of my favorite composers. In fact, “Insidious” has one of my all-time favorite horror scores and this one is also not to far behind either. I have to admit, I have yet to see “The Conjuring”, obviously I am highly anticipating it…and now I only want to see it more, thanks to this score. This score is terrifying and guaranteed to make you jump! A must for any horror fan!

What I like most about composer Joseph Bishara is that he really has a knack for creating these solid score which have a very realistic feel yet still extremely far out and creepy at the same time. Some of my favorite tracks are “Witch Perch”, “Maurice” and “Hanging Drop”. They are crazy creepy and definitely will have you turning the lights on at night. The last track on the album is from fellow composer Mark Islam, called “Family Theme”, it is good but to me really doesn’t fit with the scope of the score and feels out of place.  Nonetheless, if you are looking for a great horror score, and I highly recommend listening with a headset, this will send shivers down your spine and have you running out to the theaters to see this film!

Track Listing:
1. The Conjuring
2. Dead Birds
3. Clap Game
4. Witch Perch
5. Maurice
6. Torturing Haunted Planes
7. Taped Occurrences
8. Black Bile
9. She Saw Something
10. Look What She Made Me Do
11. Sleepwalker
12. Wall Searching
13. Hanging Drop
14. Water Corpse Vision
15. You Look Very Pretty
16. Souls Pulled In
17. Witch Comes Through
18. Birds Pulled In
19. Murderous Offering
20. The Soaring Entities
21. Ritual Casting
22. Cellar Tone
23. Annabelle
24. Doll Box
25. Family Theme – Mark Isham

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, conjuring, motion, original, picture, review, ...
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