CD Review: Fozzy “Sin and Bones”

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

CD Review: Close to Home “Momentum”

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

CD Review “JT Hodges: JT Hodges”

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

CD Review “The Dark Knight Rises: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”

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

CD Review: Emilie Autumn “Fight Like a Girl”

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

Eve to Adam Signed CD “Banquet For a Starving Dog” & T-Shirt Giveaway [ENDED]

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

To celebrate the extension of Eve to Adam’s support run with rock legends Creed Media Mikes has once again teamed up with Total Assualt PR to giving away 1 Eve to Adam t-shirt and 1 signed copy of the bands latest album “Banquet For a Starving Dog”. If you would like to enter to win one of these great prizes leave us a comment below or send us an email telling us what concert you are most looking forward to seeing this summer? The giveaway will be open until Friday, July 27th at Noon Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends Media Mikes will randomly select one of the winners and notify them via email.

“Banquet of a Starving Dog” is the debut from the NY hard rock band Eve to Adam. The band prides themselves on being a live act and has shared the stage with bands such as Daughtry, Motley Crue and 3 Doors Down. You can catch them all summer long as the opening act for Creed. Also be sure to check out Media Mikes exclusive interview with Eve to Adams lead vocalist/guitarist Taki Sassaris.

CD Review: Attika 7 “Blood of My Enemies”

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

CD Review “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” Soundtrack

Composer: Henry Jackman
Label: Sony Classical
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Tracks: 22
Running Time: 41 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you watch the trailer to “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter“, you find yourself with a nerdy smiling peaking out the whole time.  That is what I also found myself doing while listening to this score.  From the moment it starts it is super intense, scary and really thrilling.  Henry Jackman did a really amazing job on this score, easily one of my favorites from the entire year.  His score work is not the most notable featuring the likes of “X-Men: First Class” and “Puss in Boots” but it really packs a punch and delivers.  Honestly each track gets better and better as it progresses.

I am big fan of film scores, always have been.  I feel that the score is really the heart and soul of a film.  Especially for a film like this, if the score isn’t right the film will pay for it.  Jackson did just such an amazing job right from the opening track, which starts slow and gets haunting very quickly, all the way to the last track.  “Vampires”  is also a very interesting track, it really drags you in and doesn’t let go.  “The Horse Stampede” is also such a powerful track, I had to listen to it twice back-to-back. I am a huge fan of Hans Zimmer, who is also a mentor for Jackman,  you can hear his work come through here a little but that is not a bad thing at all.  Learning from the best is what I call that!

I think that this score will not only resonate to horror fans but also action fans as well.  The score also captures the film’s period in some tracks put also puts a modern twist on it with some kick-ass guitar riffs and powerful percussion. The only downside to the album is that it is a little short just coming in over 40 minutes but there still is a lot packed in during that time.  If you enjoyed this stylish horror/action film then you are going to love this album and it really brings the film to life and delivers a very entertaining and thrilling experience. I will definitely be keeping this score on loop for a few weeks easy.

Track Listing:
1. Childhood Tragedy
2. Vampires
3. What Do You Hate?
4. Power Comes from Truth
5. You Are Full of Surprises
6. Mary Todd
7. The Horse Stampede
8. Henry Sturgess
9. Adam
10. Rescue Mission
11. Inauguration
12. All Slave to Something
13. Emancipation
14. Haunted by the Past
15. Battle at Gettysburg
16. Forging Silver
17. 80 Miles
18. The Burning Bridge
19. Not the Only Railroad
20. The Gettysburg Address
21. Late to the Theater

CD Review “The Amazing Spider-Man” Soundtrack

Composer: James Horner
Label: Sony Classical
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Tracks: 20
Running Time: 73 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Spider-Man” the score is very important. The film is a big-budget super-hero action film but it also has a very senitive side to it, especially with this film going back to the beginning. Danny Elfman composed the past scores from “Spider-Man 1 & 2” and they are pretty amazing. But this one comes pretty close for sure and definitely trumps all over the mess that is “Spider-Man 3“. James Horner is one of my favorite composers, I mean the guy scored freaking “Titanic”, one of the best scores ever! He really delivered a score that I totally not expecting and I ended up really enjoying it.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” definitely ranks up their as one of Horner’s best compositions. It is powerful yet original and has this really unique feel. It definitely portrays the super-hero angst and action without coming off as a loud and pushy with over-the-top orchestrations. Some of the tracks really bring the action and but their is also a very soft side to the score, especially with the piano in “Ben’s Death”. “Metamorphosis” was also an incredible track. For powerful yet subtle tracks like “Making a Silk Trap”, I feel it completely captures the essence of the genre.

Fans of super-hero comic book movies will definitely want to give this score a listen, especially if they enjoyed the film. James Horner really captures the film in his score and I think it shows. . This is also one of those scores that gets better and better with each listen, so Danny Elfman get ready to move over. I also want to comment that the score really does not rush itself, it runs well over 70 minutes and that is definitely a major plus for me personally.

Track Listing:
1. Main Title – Young Peter
2. Becoming Spider-Man
3. Playing Basketball
4. Hunting for Information
5. The Briefcase
6. The Spider Room – Rumble in the Subway
7. Secrets
8. The Equation
9. The Ganali Device
10. Ben’s Death
11. Metamorphosis
12. Rooftop Kiss
13. The Bridge
14. Peter’s Suspicions
15. Making a Silk Trap
16. Lizard at School!
17. Saving New York
18. Oscorp Tower
19. “I can’t see you anymore”
20. Promises – Spider-Man End Titles

CD Review: Vampires Everywhere! “Hell Bound and Heartless”

Vampires Everywhere!
“Hell Bound and Heartless”
Hollywood Waste Records
Producer: Cyanide Productions
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Hell Bound and Heartless” is the second first full length release from the gothic infused metal band Vampires Everywhere! The album is being released on Hollywood Waste Records and features 16 tracks that were produced by Cyanide Productions which consists of Mike Sarkisyan and Spineshank guitarist Tommy Decker.

Following on the heels of the bands successful 2011 release “Kiss the Sun Goodbye” “Hell Bound and Heartless” showcases a much darker and more personal side of the band. In your face lyrics tinged with eerie industrial arrangements made this album a really enjoyable listen. After being turned on to this band by a friend a few months back I really couldn’t wait to hear what was in store on the new album. Needless to say I was instantly a fan. Tracks such as “Star of 666” and “Anti-Hate” stuck out as my own personal favorites. I also think fans will definitely enjoy the cool rendition of the controversial Nirvana song “Rape Me”. Cyanide Productions did a great job mixing in some eerie elements which helped take each of the 16 tracks to a whole new level.

2 parts 80’s glam and 2 parts Marilyn Mason that is what you get from Vampires Everywhere! The latest offering from the band builds on their foundation and showcases a really solid progression. I highly recommend picking this album up as you won’t be disappointed. For those wanting to see the band live you can check them out on their upcoming headlining tour as well as on this summer’s Vans Warped Tour.

Track Listing:
1.) I:Hellbound
2.) I Can’t Breath
3.) Beauty Queen
4.) Drug of Choice
5.) II: Inferno
6.) Star of 666
7.) Kiss of Death
8.) Rape Me
9.) Plastic
10.) III: The 7th Grade
11.) Unholy Eyes
12.) Social Suicide
13.) Anti-Hate
14.) Hell on Earth
15.) Amanda’s Song

CD Review: Spineshank “Anger Denial Acceptance”

Spineshank
“Anger Denial Acceptance”
Century Media
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Anger Denial Acceptance” is the latest release from the Grammy nominated metal band Spineshank. The album is being released via Century Media Records and features 13 new tracks. “Anger Denial Acceptance”is the follow up release to the bands 2003 album “Self-Destructive Pattern”.

Releasing an album 8 years after your last can sometimes be tricky. Over this time bands change as well as listeners and the music business. Spineshank’s latest release pushes that all aside and shows everyone they can still rock. Each of the 13 tracks featured on “Anger Denial Acceptance” pull no punches. The albums opening track “After the End” sets the stage with its brutal approach while the track “I Am Damage” starts off with a techno drum beat that quickly leads into growling versus and catchy choruses.

Diehard fans of Spineshank will surely be happy with what has been captured on “Anger Denial Acceptance”. However fans that have moved on from the band during their hiatus may find this album lacking and a bit stock.

Track Listing:
1.) After the End
2.) Nothing Left For Me
3.) Anger Denial Acceptance
4.) I Want You to Know
5.) Murder-Suicide
6.) I Am Damage
7.) The Endless Disconnect
8.) Ploratio Morbus
9.) Everything Everyone Everywhere Ends
10.) The Reckoning
11.) God Complex (Anger)
12.) Motive Method Opportunity (Denial)
13.) Exit Wound (Acceptance)

CD Review: Shadows Fall “Fire From the Sky”

Shadows Fall
“Fire From the Sky”
Razor & Tie
Producer: Adam Dutkiewicz
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Fire From the Sky” is the 7th release from Massachusetts metalers Shadows Falls. The album is the follow up to the bands 2009 release titled “Retribution”. “Fire From the Sky” is being released via Razor & Tie and features 10 new tracks that were produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz.

Having followed Shadows Falls since the late 90’s it was great to hear that the band would be putting out a new album as the bands last release was in 2009. It goes without saying that I was quite anxious to dive in to the new material. The songs feature some really great playing and a heightened intensity however I really couldn’t find anything else that really grabbed me. In my opinion the song structures were very similar to those hear on the bands last 3. Producer Adam D. did a great job getting the most out of the songs and the albums intensity proves that. I really felt that a majority of the riffs on this album were a bit stock. There were a few tracks that did rise above the other on the album. “Divide and Conquer” was just a sheer metal track while the album’s title track “Fire From the Sky” had a brutal slugging feel to it which made you want bang your head and pump your fist

Long time Shadows Fall fans expecting something new and fresh with this release may not find what they are looking for. However if you can appreciate the album solely based on intensity and skill then you will surely want to pick up a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.) The Unknown
2.) Divide and Conquer
3.) Weight of the World
4.) Nothing Remains
5.) Fire From the Sky
6.) Save Your Soul
7.) Blind Faith
8.) Lost Within
9.) Walk the Edge
10.) The Wasteland

CD Review: Lions Lions “To Carve Our Names”

Lions Lions
“To Carve Our Names”
Hollywood Waste Records
Producer: Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“To Carve Our Names” is the latest release from the post-hardcore band Lions Lions. The album is being released via Hollywood Waste Records and features 11 tracks that were produced by Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta. Lions Lions consists of Joshua Herzer- Vocals, Brandon Davis- Guitar, Jon Kay- Bass/Vocals and Isaac Vigil- Guitar. Together the band puts forth their own blend of melodic infused hardcore which I felt had a really upbeat feel.

The albums opening track “Milestones” set the stage perfectly for what was to come with the following 10 tracks. Tracks such as “Grounded” with its anthem like choruses and the acoustic filled “Our Colors” were personal stand outs for me as I really couldn’t find a bad song on the album. The album features a straight forward production which is something I like to hear when listing to an album in the genre. I would have liked the album to have ended on a more powerful track as I feel the difference between a good album and a great album is a solid finish that leaves the listener wanting more.

Fans of bands like A Day to Remember and Silverstein will surely want to pick up a copy of “To Carve Our Names”. The band will also be out on tour this summer in support of the album so be sure to be watching for dates in your area.

Track Listing:
1.) Milestones
2.) The Undertow
3.) Stable as Stone
4.) White Flag
5.) The Right Steps
6.) Carry On
7.) Losing Balance
8.) Grounded
9.) Rescue
10.) Letting Go
11.) Our Colors