CD Review: Good Riddance “Peace in Our Time”

Good Riddance
“Peace in Our Time”
Fat Wreck Chords
Produced by: Bill Stevenson
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Peace in Our Time” is the 8th studio release from the hardcore/punk band Good Riddance. This is the bands first release since reforming in 2012 and it features 14 brand new tracks produced by Bill Stevenson and is being released via Fat Wreck Chords.

Fans of edgy, pop tined punk rock look no further as Good Riddance are back with their first new album in 9 years. Titled “Peace in Our Time” the album is the first studio work the band has done together since reforming. Though fans may not have enjoyed the group’s time apart the latest offering from the Santa Cruz, CA natives is fresh and catchy while staying true to the bands original sound. Songs like “Contrition” and “Teachable Moments” feature thunderous bass and drum breakdowns which pave the way for vocalist Russ Rankin’s straight forward vocal approach while tracks like “Take It To Heart”, “Dry Season” and “Our Better Nature” blur the lines of the hardcore/punk genres with graceful ease.

From start to finish “Peace in Our Time” held my attention and made me want to get up and move. The album exudes an energy that is infectious and fun with a sound that harkens back to the mid 90’s punk glory days while still feeling fresh and new. Those looking for a punk rock album with a little bit more edge without going too far look no further than the latest from Good Riddance.

Track Listing:
1.) Disputatio
2.) Contrition
3.) Take It To Heart
4.) Half Measures
5.) Grace and Virtue
6.) No Greater Fight
7.) Dry Season
8.) Teachable Moments
9.) Washed Away
10.) Our Better Natures
11.) Shiloh
12.) Running On Fumes
13.) Year Zero
14.) Glory Glory

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, good, peace, review, riddance, time, ...

CD Review: Coal Chamber “Rivals”

Coal Chamber
“Rivals”
Napalm Records
Producer: Mark Lewis
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The newly reformed Coal Chamber is back with their first new full length album since 2003’s “Dark Days”. The new album simply titled “Rivals” features the lineup of Dez Fafara, Miguel Rascon, Mike Cox and Nadja Peulen doing what they do best by laying do simplistic, groove oriented metal that permeates down to your inner core.

To some “Rivals” at first listen might sound like a throwback to the bands early 2000 heyday however if you dig a little deeper you will experience a more seasoned Coal Chamber. As to be expected the groups ten plus years apart certainly shows on the new album as each of the 13 tracks exudes a level of maturity that seemed to be missing from the groups previous efforts. The albums opening track “I.O.U. Nothing” instantly sets the stage with its sheer aggression and power while tracks like “Bad Blood Between Us” and “Over My Head” focus on a straight forward groove which almost instantly causes you to bob your head along to the drum beat while tracks like “Orion” and “Dumpster Dive” feature eerie, droning textures over which act like segues between the albums various pieces.

Long time Coal Chambers fans who have been wishing for the release of new material prayers have been answered as “Rivals” will certainly meet their expectations. If you are just now interested in checking out the band then I recommend going back to their earlier albums prior to checking out this latest one as you I feel you need have to have a prior appreciation of the group to fully accept “Rivals”.

Track Listing:
1.) I.OU. Nothing
2.) Bad Blood Between Us
3.) Light in the Shadows
4.) Suffer in Silence
5.) The Bridges You Burn
6.) Orion
7.) Another Nail in the Coffin
8.) Rivals
9.) Wait
10.) Dumpster Dive
11.) Over My Head
12.) Fade Away (Karma Never Forgets)
13.) Empty Handed

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, chamber, coal, review, rivals

CD Review: Anti-Flag “American Spring”

Anti-Flag
“American Spring”
Spinefarm Records
Producer: Kenny Carkeet, Jim Kaufman, Anti Flag
Tracks: 14
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Anti-Flag are back with a brand new album that is a testament to their politically fueled angst. “American Spring” is an empowering, energetic antidote to the crippling cynicism that infects even the most dedicated of rabble-rousers. Co-produced by AWOLNATION’s Kenny Carkeet, Jim Kaufman and the band, Anti-Flag’s tenth studio album is both a shot across the bow of the political discourse and creatively challenging.

“American Spring” the latest release from the punk rock band ANTI-FLAG comes out swinging for the fences as it runs the gambit of today’s political climate. No punches are pulled on the albums 14 tracks as the band certainly has a lot to say. “Fabled World” kicks off the album perfectly by setting the stage for the 13 subsequent tracks. Vocalist/ Guitarist Justin Sane rips at the throat of topics such as drone strikes “Sky is Falling” and nihilism “All of the Poison, All of the Pain”. The track “Brandenburg Gate” features a guest appearance by Rancid front man Tim Armstrong who lends his signature snarl to the song bassist/vocalist Chris #2 describes as a mixture of Billy Bragg and The Clash. Another note worthy guest appearance is that of Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello who lends a helping hand on the track “Without End” by laying down a dive bombing, laser like solo in between the rallying sing along choruses.

Even if you don’t follow politics or social activism there is still something for you on “American Spring”. Solid song structure consisting of catchy choruses and thought provoking verses make this an album that gets in your head and stays there. Each time you listen to it you hear something that you may not have heard before which for me is the foundation of any solid album.

Track Listing:
Fabled World
The Great Divide
Brandenburg Gate
Sky is Falling
Walk Away
Song for your Enemy
Set Yourself on Fire
All of the Poison, All of the Pain
Break Something
Without End
Believer
To Hell with Boredom
Low Expectations
The Debate is Over (If You Want It)

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: american, antiflag, cd, review, spring

Book Review “Star Wars: The Original Trilogy – Read-Along Storybook and CD”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Read-Along Storybook and CD
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press

Our Scores: 5 out of 5 stars

I am very excited that Disney has decided to release the original trilogy for “Star Wars” in a kid friendly Read-Along Storybook with a CD included. I have a 3 year old daughter and she loves “Star Wars” already and this is the perfect way to get introduced to the original trilogy in a fun and exciting way.

The books are fully illustrated with images by “Star Wars” artist Brian Rood. The images are crisp and the dialogue (though not original) easy to read. Included with this storybook series is a CD with word-for-word narration, music, and character voices. I find that it really engages my daughter with the beeps to turn the page and exciting sound effects.

“Star Wars: A New Hope”: Experience Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope like never before! Follow along as Luke Skywalker meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, rescues Princess Leia, and faces Darth Vader for the first time.

“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”: The Rebellion faces its darkest hour in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. Follow along as Luke Skywalker trains with Yoda to become a Jedi and defeat the fearsome Darth Vader.

“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” The Rebellion begins a desperate mission to defeat the Empire once and for all in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Follow along as Luke Skywalker and the rest of the rebels take on the Empire’s deadliest weapon yet–a new Death Star.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book, cd, original, readalong, review, star, ...

CD Review: Judas Priest “Defenders of the Faith” 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Judas Priest
“Defenders of the Faith” 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
Columbia/Legacy
Tracks: 31 (3 Discs)

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Judas Priest’s “Defenders of the Faith” album Columbia/Legacy Records has released the “Defenders of the Faith” 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.  The 3 disc release features a combined 31 tracks which lets listeners relive 1984, a year which had the band coming off a long list of successful album releases and continuing on with the Platinum selling “Defenders of the Faith” album. The 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition includes a newly remastered version of the original album, a 2 disc live performance recorded during the subsequent tour, special edition packaging and an 18 page booklet with rare photos from the Defenders tour.

Right of the bat I want to say that if you already have the original version of “Defenders of the Faith” skip this version or go out and track down an original vinyl copy of the album. I found the remastered version of the album to be quite thin with too much emphasis on Rob Halfords vocals. It would have been nice if the newly remastered tracks featured beefed up instrumentation to accompany the metal gods prowess however much of that seemed lost or non-existent. I found the real gem of this release to be the two disc live album which is included as a part of the deluxe edition. Recorded on May 5th, 1984 at the Long Beach Arena the recording captures the band in their element. Not only do you get to hear most of the songs from the Defenders album in a live a setting but you are also treated to classic Priest tracks such as “Electric Eye”, “The Green Manalishi” and of course “Hell Bent for Leather” which includes Halfords signature motorcycle revving. Everything Priest is known for with their live performances is captured on these two discs making it for me the star if the release. Also included is some really cool die-cut packaging and a small booklet with a brief story from the band along with several live photos from the tour.

Though I wasn’t a fan of all the discs from the “Defenders of the Faith” 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition I found the live portion of this release more than made up for it. So if you are looking this album and want something a little extra then the Anniversary edition is the way to go however, if you are just looking for the studio tracks of songs like “Love Bites” and “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll” then make your way to the nearest record store and get yourself an original release of the album.

Track Listing:
Disc 1- Defenders of Faith (Remastered)
1.) Freewheel Burning
2.) Jawbreaker
3.) Rock Hard Ride Free
4.) The Sentinel
5.) Love Bites
6.) Eat Me Alive
7.) Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
8.) Night Comes Down
9.) Heavy Duty
10.) Defenders of Faith

Disc 2- Live at the Long Beach Arena 5/5/84
1.) Love Bites
2.) Jawbreaker
3.) Grinder
4.) Metal Gods
5.) Breaking the Law
6.) Sinners
7.) Desert Plains
8.) Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
9.) The Sentinel
10.) Rock Hard Ride Free

Disc 3- Live at the Long Beach Arena 5/5/84
1.) Night Comes Down
2.) The Hellion
3.) Electric Eye
4.) Heavy Duty
5.) Defenders of the Faith
6.) Freewheel Burning
7.) Victim of Changes
8.) The Green Manalishi
9.) Living After Midnight
10.) Hell Bent For Leather
11.) You’ve Got Another Thing Coming

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: 30th, anniversary, cd, defenders, deluxe, edition, ...

CD Review: Rob Zombie “Spook Show International Live”

Rob Zombie
“Spook Show International Live”
T-Boy Records
Produced by: Rob Zombie
Tracks: 19

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Spook Show International Live” is the latest release from Rob Zombie and his make-up clad crew of homicidal maniacs. The first live release from Zombie in 8 years consists of 19 pounding tracks that contain enough power to wake the dead. Recorded during the “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” tour Rob and his band deliver their signature show right to your living room.

This is the way Rob Zombie should be heard! Yes all the studio versions of the songs contained on “Spook Show International Live” good in their own right but this is how they should really be heard. Each of the 19 tracks are vibrant and clear allowing the listener to experience the power of the band as if they are standing in the front row of a live show. Signature RZ tracks like “Living Dead Girl” and “Never Gonna Stop” blend in perfectly with newer tracks such as “Sick Bubblegum” and “Dead City Radio” while White Zombie classics such as “Thunderkiss ‘65” and “More Human Than Human” round out an already impressive set list along with some other really special numbers. Even the background vocals can be heard clearly through the heavy distortion and bombastic drums and bass adding to the albums appeal.

Whether you have seen Rob Zombie multiple times or never had the chance you need to get this album. Very rarely can the true essence of a live performance be captured and then transferred for personal listening however “Spook Show International Live” goes the extra mile and then some giving listeners something they can listen to time and time a again.

Track Listing:
1.) Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
2.) Superbeast
3.) Living Dead Girl
4.) Dead City Radio
5.) Drum Solo
6.) More Human Than Human
7.) Sick Bubblegum
8.) House of 1000 Corpses
9.) Meet the Creeper
10.) Never Gonna Stop
11.) Blitzkrieg Bop
12.) Thunder Kiss ‘65
13.) Jesus Frankenstein
14.) Were An American Band
15.) Dragula
16.) Demonoid Phenomenon
17.) Pussy Liquor
18.) Demon Speeding
19.) Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, international, live, review, rob, show, ...

CD Review “Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute”

“Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute”
Various Artists
Produced by: Bob Kulick
Label: UDR
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

“Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute” is a collection of 11 classic Rhoads co-written songs. Twenty top contemporary artists including old friends and former band mates make up the roster of performers and include Serj Tankian, George Lynch and Frankie Banali to name just a few. Produced and compiled by Grammy Award winning producer Bob Kulick the album certainly lives up to its title.

Right off the bat fans are greeted with what is undoubtedly Randy’s best know track, “Crazy Train”. Helmed by System of a Down” Front man Serj Tankian and former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello along with Rudy Sarzo and drummer Vinnie Appice the track remains virtually unchanged with the exception of Morello’s signature toggle switch stutter solo which certainly gives a modern day feel to a staple in guitar wizardry. Chuck Billy steps in lending his growling vocals to “Mr. Crowley” while Children of Bodom shredder Alexi Laiho lays down some flawless solo work that could easily be confused for the original.

This is not just another tribute album made up of the most well know songs of Randy’s career as it is much more than that. Songs such as “Back to the Coast” and “Killer Girls” originally performed by Quiet Riot appear on this album as does the song “S.A.T.O.”. A deep cut from Randy’s Ozzy era material. As if the star studded line up was enough these three songs alone will have music fans clamoring for a copy of this album. Grammy Award winning producer Bob Kulick lends his production stamp to this release further solidifying that this release is worth its weight in gold.

If you still need further proof that this is not just another fly by night tribute release then how about the fact that Randy’s own brother Kelle Rhoads appears on two of the albums tracks! Randy is often imitated however never duplicated but if he could be “Immortal Randy Rhoads- The Ultimate Tribute” is the closest yet.

Track Listing:
1.) Crazy Train
2.) Over the Mountain
3.) Mr. Crowley
4.) Believer
5.) Back to the Coast
6.) I Don’t Know
7.) S.A.T.O.
8.) Killer Girls
9.) Goodbye to Romance
10.) Suicide Solution
11.) Flying High Again

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, immortal, randy, review, rhoads, tribute, ...

CD Review: Bumblefoot “Little Brother is Watching”

“Little Brother is Watching”
Bumblefoot
Produced by: Bumblefoot
Label: Bumblefoot Music
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Little Brother is Watching” is the latest solo release from guitarist/producer/songwriter Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal. The 10th solo release in a career dating back to the late 1980’s “Little Brother is Watching” is an eccentric, upbeat collection of modern rock that incorporates haunting melodies, huge choruses and witty lyrics about life in the digital age. Bumblefoot takes you on a musical journey that will light up your senses.

Tracks such as the albums opener “Clots” come roaring through the speakers with Bumblefoot’s signature frantic approach and instantly set the stage for what’s to come. On tracks such as “Little Brother is Watching” Bumblefoot enlists the help of a 100 voices to carry out the haunting background. The various voices which were recording during a special listening session add a unique appeal to the album as you never know when these elements might creep in. Probably my favorite track off the album is the laid back “Don’t Know Who to Pray to Anymore”. The track opens up with a George Harrison esque guitar solo reminiscent of “My Guitar Gently Weeps” before traversing down a more bluesy avenue which ultimately explodes into a full on rock ballad. This song alone makes the album worth giving it a listen. Other notables that I enjoyed were carnival tinged “Cuterebra” and the straight forward chugging power of “Never Again”.

Though the album might lack cohesiveness it makes up for it with its energy as the chaotic styling’s of Bumblefoot and company will certainly be appreciated by long time fans and the uniqueness of the albums 11 tracks could be enough to grab the attention of new listeners.

Track Listing:
1.) Clots
2.) Little Brother is Watching
3.) Argentina
4.) Don’t Know Who to Pray to Anymore
5.) Livin’ the Dream
6.) Cuterebra
7.) Higher
8.) Women Rule the World
9.) Sleepwalking
10.) Eternity
11.) Never Again

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: brother, bumblefoot, cd, review, watching

CD Review: Motor Sister “Ride”

Motor Sister
“Ride”
Metal Blade
Produced by: Jay Ruston
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Ride” is the debut offering from the newly formed rock group Motor Sister. The band which consists of Pearl Aday, Scott Ian, Jim Wilson, John Tempesta and Joey Vera came together after a one off performance by 90’s rock band Mother Superior for guitarist Scott Ian’s birthday party. All parties involved were huge fans of the original band and are now together breathing new life into some of the member’s favorite Mother Superior tracks. Veteran producer Jay Ruston grabbed the reigns acting as the icing on the cake doing what he does best. Coincidently Ruston’s r relationship with Mother Superior goes back to some of the bands earliest recordings which only adds to the story of this unique group.

Though there is no new material contained on “Ride”, the new versions of songs like “Beg Barrow Steal” and “Fork in the Road” blast our your speakers. While more subtle rock tracks like “Head Hang Low” and “Devil” provide an even mix to the albums straight forward rock and roll approach. “Ride” does a great job of showcasing the diversity of Mother Superiors catalog with new enthusiasm that transfers seamlessly to the listener. “Ride” is not just for rock fans as there is certainly something for everyone on this album

Track Listing:
A-Hole
This Song Reminds Me of You
Beg Barrow Steal
Fool Around
Get That Girl
Head Hanging Low
Fork in the Road
Little Motor Sister
Pretty in the Morning
Whore
Doghouse
Devil Wind

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, motor, review, ride, sister

CD Review “Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliot Smith”

“Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliot Smith”
Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield
Ramsuer Records
Produced by:  Seth Avett
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Singer/Songwriters Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield are together for the first on “Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliot Smith”. The twelve song album is a stripped down and straight forward collection of songs from the diverse catalog of singer/songwriter Elliot Smith. Though this is the duo’s first release together the combination of Avett and Mayfield is almost flawless as the two complement each other quite well. The recordings have a very natural and warm feel which makes this an album you can put on after a long day and just escape into the music.

Tracks like “Between the Bars” and “Twilight” have a captivating almost lingering effect which draws the listener back to them time and time again while songs like “Somebody that I Used to Know” which features a more upbeat arrangement and the indie rock feel of “Roman Candle” breaks things up nicely giving the album a nice balance before being closed out with a somber duet of Smith’s “Memory Lane”. Whether you are a casual fan or dedicated diehard of the artists featured on this album I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great musical experience

Track Listing:
Between the Bars
Baby Britain
Fond Farewell
Somebody That I used to Know
Let’s Get Lost
Twilight
Ballad of Big Nothing
Angel in the Snow
Pitseleh
Angeles
Roman Candle
Memory Lane

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: avett, cd, elliot, jessica, lea, mayfield, ...

CD Review: John 5 “Careful with That Axe”

John 5
“Careful with That Axe”
60 Cycle Hum Records
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Careful with That Axe” is the latest solo release from guitarist John 5. The 9th solo release from the former Marilyn Manson guitarist and current Rob Zombie guitarist the 10 track instrumental album covers immense musical ground as 5 and his cohorts are unleashed on your ears like bees exploding out of a freshly broken hive.

Tracks like the albums opener “We Need to Talk about John” feature Zombie like overdubs which gives the album a familiar feel right off the bat while the guitar virtuoso meticulous shreds in the back ground making you well aware of what you are in for with the following 9 tracks. The album quickly gives way to a diverse make up of material like the rockabilly tinged “Six Hundred and Sixty Six Pickers in Hell” and the in your face “Flight of the Vulcan Kelly” before traversing to the flamenco like styling’s of “El Cucuy” and the hauntingly down tuned “Portrait of Sidney Sloan”. Combine all that with two signature Jerry Reed songs “Jerry’s Breakdown” and “Jiffy Jam” which showcase John 5’s impressive picking skills and you have a very unique listen.

You don’t have to be a guitarist to enjoy the over the top instrumentation, eerie overdubs and/or crunching heavy metal rhythms as John 5’s “Careful with That Axe” speaks to everyone. The only downfall I could find worth noting with this release was that there were only 10 tracks as John 5 and company left me wanting more.

Track Listing:
1.) We Need to Have a Talk about John
2.) This is My Rifle
3.) Flight of the Vulcan Kelly
4.) Jerry’s Breakdown
5.) Six hundred and Sixty Six Pickers in Hell
6.) Portrait of Sidney Sloan
7.) Jiffy Jam
8.) Villisca
9.) El Cucuy
10.) The Dream Slayer

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: 5, axe, careful, cd, john, review, ...

CD Review: Engel “Raven Kings”

Engel
“Raven Kings”
Gain/Sony
Produced by: Niclas Engelin & Marcus Sunesson
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Raven Kings” is the 4th full length release from the Swedish melodic death metal band Engel. The brain child of In Flames guitarist Niclas Engelin Engel burst onto the world stage in 2007 with their acclaimed debut “Absolute Design” and has strived for progression with each of its subsequent releases. “Raven Kings” is certainly no different and could easily the bands most progressive work yet. The album is being released via Gain/Sony Records and features 11 tracks produced by Engelin and co-guitarist Marcus Sunesson.

Fans of death metal looking for something a little more adventurous will want to take notice of the newest release from Engel. “Raven Kings” seamlessly blends aggression filled rhythm and vocal passages with beautifully orchestrated choruses that keep the listener on their toes. Tracks like “Your Shadow Haunts You” which starts out with tribal like drums and in your face screams instantly gives way to something much more as singer Mikael Sehlin belts out the songs opening line “Break free from all these chains” showcasing his range with almost an operatic type approach.

Don’t let my mention of operatic type lyrics sway your decision any as the band instantly goes back to its death metal roots with tracks like “Denial”, “When the Earth Burns” and the pulverizing “Broken Pieces”. Though I found a few of the tracks to be a bit over produced for my liking the album was a fresh listen that I think will appeal to fans of the genre.

Track Listing:
1.) Salvation
2.) Your Shadow Haunts You
3.) Denial
4.) Fading Light
5.) My Dark Path
6.) I Am The Answer
7.) When the Earth Burns
8.) End of Days
9.) Sanctuary
10.) Broken Pieces
11.) Hollow Soul

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, engel, kings, raven, review

CD Review: Black Veil Brides “Black Veil Brides”

Black Veil Brides
“Black Veil Brides”
Producer: Bob Rock
Lava/Universal
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Black Veil Brides” is the latest release from the rock band of the same name. The album is the follow up release to the group’s 2013 concept album “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones”. The album is being released by Lava/Universal and features 11 brand new tracks produced by legendary producer Bob Rock that blur the lines between rock, metal and punk.

After being a bit put off by BVB’s 2013 concept album I wasn’t too sure what to expect with the latest offering from the band. Thankfully the group has appeared to have returned to its roots as “Black Veil Brides” is a straight forward rock/metal album speckled with nods to the bands early influences. Producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue) showcases why he has been and still is the guy to go to if you want to capture that late eighties/pre-grunge era rock sound as each track has the perfect balance of flash and balls. Combine that with lead vocalist Andy Biersack’s gritty operatic style and you have the makings of what could be considered the bands most powerful release to date. Tracks like the albums take no prisoners opener “Heart of Fire” and the in your face “World of Sacrifice” shred through your speakers while more laid back tracks like “Goodbye Agony” and the ballad like approach of “Walk Away” will appeal to listeners on a whole new level.

Though at times I did find the album to be a bit over produced it wasn’t enough to pull my attention completely away what the band was trying to accomplish. Black Veil Brides may have been the band who first burst on to the scene sporting an over the top, make up stained look reminiscent of the 1980’s glam era however all of that is now gone and the band appears to be all business and their latest “Black Veil Brides” certainly helps prove that.

Track Listing:
1.) Heart of Fire
2.) Faithless
3.) Devil in the Mirror
4.) Goodbye Agony
5.) World of Sacrifice
6.) Last Rites
7.) Stolen Omen
8.) Walk Away
9.) Drag Me to the Grave
10.) The Shattered God
11.) Crown of Thorns

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: black, brides, cd, review, veil

CD Review: Finch “Back to Oblivion”

Finch
“Back to Oblivion”
Razor and Tie
Producer: Brian Virtue
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Post-Hardcore band Finch is back with their first new full-length release in 9 years. Titled “Back to Oblivian” the album is being released via Razor and Tie records and features 12 brand new original tracks produced by Brian Virtue (Deftones, Janes Addiction). Though it lacks the charm and catchiness of the bands earlier releases “Back to Oblivion” still has something unique for the bands long time fans.

The album has somewhat of an eerie vibe as it traverses through various high and lows starting with the album’s title track “Back to Oblivion”. The tracks seem to serve multiple purposes as it not only shares the name of the album but it also acts as the bands statement to its listeners that they are in fact back. However, don’t expect a reboot of the bands successful 2002 “What It Is to Burn” album as “Back to Oblivion” has a much more progressive and experimental feel. A perfect example of this is the tracks “Murder Me” which features a multi-layered landscape which slowly gives away to a more alt-rock style. While the track “Play Dead” combines similar layered elements but with more anthemic chorus passages which instantly throw you back to the bands more familiar 2000’s era recordings.

Other tracks worth noting were the chaotic “The Great Divide” which blasts through you speakers with reckless abandonment as does the punk tinged “Us vs. Them” and “Two Guns to the Temple”. Though the album left me a little underwhelmed it’s great to see and hear the band back to full capacity. My biggest hope is that this release has kick started the bands creative process and that this release is the first in a long line of new releases from the band.

Track Listing:
1.) Back to Oblivion
2.) Anywhere But Here
3.) Further From the Few
4.) Murder Me
5.) Picasso Trigger
6.) Play Dead
7.) Two Guns To the Temple
8.) The Great Divide
9.) Us vs. Them
10.) Tarot
11.) Inferium
12.) New Wave

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, finch, oblivion, review

CD Review: CJ Ramone “Last Chance to Dance”

CJ Ramone
“Last Chance to Dance”
Fat Wreck Chords
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Last Chance to Dance” is the latest solo effort by former Ramones bassist CJ Ramone. The album is the follow up release to Ramones 2012 album “Reconquistain” and his first release via Fat Wreck Chords. The album consists of 12 brand new tracks by Ramone and company that will surely unchain your inner pinhead.

Both catchy and to the point “Last Chance to Dance” is done and over in just under 30 minutes but don’t let the albums brief run time fool you. Each of its 12 tracks pack enough punch to keep you coming back for more as CJ continues to carry the flag of his former band. Fun, upbeat rhythms combined with tongue and cheek lyrics make this a must listen not just for Ramones fans but for fans of music in general. Songs like “Understand Me” and “One More Chance” will induce instant head bobbing while tracks like ‘Til The End” and “You Owe Me” tug at your emotions with their tales of love and loss.

Though CJ’s time in the Ramones is often overlooked by casual fans, true Ramones fans know just how impactful his joining the group was. CJ brought the group a breath of fresh air not only with his energy during live shows but also with his vocals and song writing abilities. These same abilities are present on “Last Chance to Dance” and are certainly responsible for the albums shine and appeal. 1,2,3,4, Get this album!

Track Listing:
1.) Understand Me
2.) Won’t Stop Swinging
3.) One More Chance
4.) Carry Me Away
5.) ‘Til The End
6.) Long Way to Go
7.) Mr. Kalashnikov
8.) Pitstop
9.) Grunt
10.) You Own Me
11.) Last Chance to Dance
12.) Cluster Fuck

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, chance, cj, dance, ramone, review, ...
« sdf
Previous
Page 7 of 26
Next
Next Page »