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HOT NEW REVIEWS
Black
Velvet Suicide 'Welcome to the swamp' (Independent/Czech Import)
Out
of the Czech Republic comes the band Black Velvet Suicide, whom deliver a very
nice professional sounding debut album titled Welcome to the swamp. The band is
formed around David Kapin - lead vocal, guitar, Marek Grubhoffer - guitar,
vocal, Petr Voves - drums and Tomáš Kratochvíl - bass guitar. Musically
speaking they are heading into typical American Modern Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal
with that dark edge and huge guitar riffs, reminding of bands like Alter
Bridge, Disturbed, Creed, Shinedown, Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica and such,
although some Southern Rock/Blues influences can also be heard. They are doing it
so well that I was actually thinking they are an American band, because also
the band's singer has not got an Eastern European accent, as David has a real good
English/American kinda way of singing. 8 songs are included in total and most
of them go in a similar somewhat midtempo direction. That might be the only
complaint I guess, because some more variation in the material, such as an
uptempo song and perhaps a ballad here and there would be a nice welcome.
Nevertheless, songs like Faithbreaker, War cry and the Southern Rock flavored
Those lands where the crows fly show this band's potential in becoming a band
to watch out for in the future. Check them out for yourself at: http://bandzone.cz/bvs
The
Detroit/Michigan, USA based band Lavamoth sent me their 7 tracks counting same
titled debut album, which musically grabs to raw 70s punchy garage/classic rock
meets a bit of psychedelica/stoner-rock. Actually they have a sound that
combines elements of Hawkwind (instrumental) and New York Dolls (vocals), so
they are a bit different than most other bands in the rockgenre at the moment. The
vocals are very raw, almost punk ish (like New York Dolls/The Stones/The
Stooges), but instrumental they are digging deeply into the classic 70s of
almost hammond/guitar dual acts like Lucifer's Friend, Deep Purple and Uriah
Heep. You can hear all this very clearly on the lengthy opener Candy hog, which
will please any fan of the 1970s stompin' hard/heavy rock. Black Sabbath and
Cream are of course also good comparisons, as we can also hear a good portion
of Stoner Rock/Doom (such as during Moving on) and even Jimi Hendrix ish
psychedelica groovy hardrock of the late 1960s Power Rock movement (Feeling
kinda stoned). The power trio band (Kevin Edwards~ Guitar/Vocals/Moog Synth, Mick
Stone~ Drums and Wayne Crouton-Bass) really delivers a high quality release
here and while the album continues playing, it is clear that Lavamoth is
definitely a band to check out if you want an authentic 1970s kinda classic
rock vibe that captures a lot of elements from the various rock styles. Check
out more on Lavamoth at: https://www.facebook.com/lavamoth/
Horsefly Rocket
'Horsefly Rocket' (Bug Valley Records/Germany Import)
Nice
little story on this band called Horsefly Rocket, which was more or less formed
in Mannheim, Germany 7 years ago by guitarist Michael Fassl and drummer Oliver
Cors, who were lucky enough to meet American singer Kevin Holloway just before
this talented 20-year old US military was about to return home. He decided to
stay in Germany and work with these musicians and form a band. However in 2013
he decided to leave for a music study in the USA and so the band had to look
for a replacement. Luckily in 2015 Kevin returned and from then on the band was
keen to work on an album. The result can now be heard on their same titled
debut CD. 10 songs are included and musically we are listening to very high
quality (mostly uptempo) modern melodic heavy rock, which features awesome
guitarwork and stunning vocals by Kevin. He has got a strong voice and
thankfully the songs included here and very well constructed and showing a lot
of soul and melodies to remember. Although it took them a long time, the final
result is something to be proud of. Of course their brand of rock sounds
familiar and their influences of Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters and the Black
Crowes can be heard very clearly, but they make it their own and very important
in this case, they are doing it all on a very high level. All sounds good here,
with as highlights opener Never again (bit The Cult ish), the catchy Love
asylum, the groovy hardrocker Devil's playground and the big surprise Big
binge, closing track, which is a cool uptempo 80s Hair Metal ish tune.
Recommended band to check out fore sure. More info at: http://horsefly-rocket.de
Seventh
Son are from Japan and I believe I reviewed one of their demos 16 years ago.
Meanwhile I lost touch with them, but they now return with a nice new record
titled Arc of infinity. 10 songs are included in total and most of them are
uptempo melodic power metal ish with an American 80s approach a la Fates
Warning, Queensryche and Leatherwolf, yet also sometimes akin to European Power
Metal of Sonata Arctica, Edguy and such. The opener In your heart didn't click
with me personally, but from Behind their smile (a pretty catchy fast melodic
tune) onwards, it gets quite good with more nice tunes during the rest of the
album, such as Camelia (a great semi-ballad) and Eternal spiral (a midtempo
piece), both very much in the style of classic 80s Queensryche. Perhaps not
original at all and clearly following the standards of the US Power/Prog Metal
book, Seventh Son are doing it quite well. Vocally one has to get used to the
typical Japanese way of singing (Loudness, Bow Wow, Saber Tiger, Anthem...),
their 80s US Melodic Metal style will definitely appeal to the fans of this
genre!
Scarlet
Rebels 'Show your colours' (Rock Of Angels Records)
Out
of Wales comes the band Scarlet Rebels and they are making their debut with
Show your colours. They got help from Tim Hamill (Lemmy, Girlschool, George
Michael), who produced the album and I must say that this is a very strong
Melodic Hardrock effort. It might not be that original, nevertheless the result
is a damn fine classic hardrock album that will definitely appeal to fans of
Gotthard, Victory, Shakra and such. The band has a strong lead singer (Wayne
Doyle) and catchy tunes like the midtempo Part of me and the superb uptempo
melodic rocker Heal (like a Tyketto meets White Lion) are giving this band an
extra boast that beats the countless similar bands in the genre. 12 tracks are
included and besides the mentioned highlights, I also need to add here the
songs Blinded by the pain (semi melodic rockballad), the midtempo Shattered
dreams (a la Jaded Heart) and the uptempo melodic rocker Can I open my eyes.
Not many fillers here, just ballsy classic melodic hard rock the way it should
sound like! More info at: www.scarletrebels.com
I
remember a Midnight Sun in the mid 1990s, but that was a Melodic Heavy Rockband
from Sweden and this concerns a British band playing progressive rock. Although
the 6 included songs are quite lengthy, this band is clearly focusing on strong
melodies and not endless instrumental complex parts. A song like Clouds is a
very strong Pallas ish melodic progressive rocker, with some brilliant hooks
and a very catchy chorus. Most of the songs follow the same path and
instrumental it all sounds just perfect. Vocally one has to get used to the
somewhat Alan Reed ish meets the Lost Weekend singer kinda vocalwork, which is
not the band's strongest point. Thankfully, it does work most of the time for
sure, even for a progband like Midnight Sun. The band's line-up consists of Huw
Lloyd-Jones - vocals, Ian Hodson - keyboards, backing vocals, Andy Gelband - guitars,
Ben Swanwick - guitars, Sean Spear - bass and Chris Habicht - drums. Although
the song Clouds is one of the highlights, also featured in a single edit
version at the end of the CD, I also have to mention the wonderful Early
warning, a nice melodic progrocker like Everon meets Pallas. Concluded, a nice
record by Midnight Sun to check out for all the proggies out there! More at: https://midnightsun7.bandcamp.com/releases
Beyond
Imagination 'Beyond Imagination' (Independent/Sweden Import)
Sensational!!!!!!
The Swedish band Beyond Imagination sent me their latest CD, which starts with
the superb catchy late 80s/early 90s driven uptempo AOR rocker Traces of
laughter. This song sounds so fresh and good, really putting a big smile on my
face and bringing back memories of long ago when acts like Say, Promotion, Time
Gallery, Dakota and countless more entered my life. Smooth perfect lead- and
harmony vocals, a catchy hook, a memorbale chorus, so yes, it features
everything to become one of the finest AOR tunes of 2019! Back to the band's
history, they were formed in 2012 and actually are more a Westcoast ish AOR
band in the pure 1980s style of David Foster, Toto, Le Roux, Chicago (80s), Tim
Feehan, Dakota, Airplay and Jay Graydon. They even managed to get the legendary
Jay Graydon on board here to play some guitar! How about that! The band goes
deeply into that classic smooth westcoast sound of the 1980s, as if Chicago
recorded a new ballad with David Foster (Inside your eyes) and the midtempo I
can't find enough reasons is dangerously close to Toto. Perhaps not original,
these guys are doing it at an incredible high level, not heard since 1989 or
something! 11 tracks are included in total and thanks to the strong production,
it has that big 80s sound we all love so much. I have no clue where they have
been hiding, because as a band they sound really picture perfect and especially
singer Viktor Johansson has got an incredible AOR/Westcoast voice. Not a single
weak song can be found here! Driving along the coast is another song that
should be mentioned, because this is superb midtempo AOR/Westcoast-Rock in the
style of the very first Venice crossed with a bit of Alias (Freddy Curci) and it
contains an amazing chorus. The most AOR based tune is definitely the fantastic
uptempo rocker I want to be loved, which is like the classic 80s AOR sound all
over the place! The band balances overall between pure Westcoast and a few
times pure AOR, like Toto meets Dakota. However, they also show their diversity
when they come up with the calm jazzy Love of my youth, a beautiful very
laid-back song. From start to finish, this CD offers incredible high quality
music and I think by now the fans of mentioned acts will be thrilled to check
out this sensational band a.s.a.p. You will not be disappointed, trust me!
Please go to https://www.beyondimagination.se/
for more info.
Gin Lady ' Tall sun
crooked moon' (Kozmik Artifactz/Bilocation Records/Sweden Import)
With
a beautiful 1970s frontcover, the new album of the Swedish band Gin Lady
already impresses when unpacking the package in which it arrived in the
mailbox. The band used to be known as Black Bonzo, under which they released 3
albums during the 2000s, of which we reviewed 2 in the past. Since 2012 they
are called Gin Lady and Tall sun crooked moon is their 4th album so far. It
starts with a very catchy 70s ish classic rock/melodic rock tune titled
Everyone is love, a lovely song with a strong melodic memorable chorus. Later
on the album are a few more of such uptempo tracks like The visit, Undertow and
Always gold. In between the 10 included tracks, we can also hear a few calmer
songs that are besides the 70s somewhat softer classic rock approach also offering
traces of Westcoast, Americana and melodic Folk-rock, reminding a lot of
Calexico actually, but then with a sorta Tom Petty twist. We can also hear
sometimes hear similarites to The Byrds, Jackson Browne, etc. and so we have definitely
another great Swedish band here! Gin Lady is easily recommended to people who
appreciate 'real' music like the aforementioned acts. More info at: https://ginlady.bandcamp.com/
Gospelbeach
'Let it burn' (Alive/Natural Sound Records/USA Import)
There
are so many bands out there nowadays, it is really hard to keep up, as much as
we would like to to of course, but we'll give it a try each and every day.
Everytime when hearing something brandnew and fresh that does sound good to the
ears, we are satisfied and Gospelbeach from California is one of them. This
band is actually an all-star band formed around singer-guitarist Brent
Rademaker (Beachwood Sparks, the Tyde, Further), former Beachwood Sparks
drummer Tom Sanford, guitarist Neal Casal (Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, the
Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Furthur), guitarist Jason Soda (Everest, Watson
Twins) and bassist Kip Boardman (Watson Twins). The included music is 1970s ish
folk/retro/Americana/Roots rock with strong melodies and here and there with an
Indie Rock approach, while vocally it reveals Indie/New Wave influences. The
band is influenced by The Byrds, The Grateful Dead, The Band, Buffalo
Springfield, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jackson Browne, Cheap Trick, the
Flying Buritto Bros, the Cars, Free, Joy Division, and basically the band's
sound is a melting pot of these bands, yet they do have an own identity.
Another quality release for sure, with as highlights the more uptempo pieces
like I'm so high and Nothing ever changed. Fans of melodic rootsy rock/classic
70s close-harmony folksy rock, with a slight early REM meets Neil Young touch
(especially in the vocal department), they can easily check out Gospelbeach's
new album Let it burn. More info at: http://www.alive-records.com/artist/gospelbeach/
Handsome
Jack 'Everything's gonna be alright' (Alive/Natural Sound Records/USA Import)
Innuendo
'Eight' (Independent/USA Import)
Innuendo
is a trip down memory lane for me personally, because way back in the mid
1990s, some 25 years ago (!), Innuendo were one of the first US independent
bands to sent me a big press package with all kinds of info and a debut CD. I
still have fond memories of that period and as the years went by, I was able to
keep up with the band's releases most of the time. Eight is likewise their 8th
album so far and I have to say they have released a very strong new effort.
Actually, this might well be their finest album so far! The band's music never
changed and so we once again can enjoy their classic slice of melodic rock that
combines 70s, 80s and early 90s influences. Tesla, Lillian Axe, Nelson, Trixter,
Mara and such come to mind when listening to Innuendo. They are doing things at
a very high level, with a real big compliment to the band's singer, because Pat
Laferty has a superb high pitched voice a la Jess Harnell (Loud & Clear),
Bob Vose (Fortune) and Jeff Fraser (Slyboyz) and also musically it is in that
direction, although a bit more diverse than the late 80s/early 90s melodic
rock/hair metalsound. Highlights on this strong new album are Hard to remember
(a great uptempo melodic heavy rocker), Unglued (a very nice ballad ish tune), Son
of a bitch (another great uptempo piece, with some slight progrock influences
and amazing vocalwork during the chorus), the superb AOR/Melodic Rockanthem
Those days are gone and the AOR ish semi ballad Glimmer (a la 1990s Fortune and
Shy). Concluded, a sensational highly recommended melodic rockalbum with
spot-on vocals and awesome songs. Only available on CDR at the moment I'm
afraid, so not an official CD or VINYL release unfortunately, but please track
them down at: www.brettricheymusic.com
Ulysses 'On
safari' (Black Glove Recordings/UK Import)
By
coincidence I discovered this awesome band, because I had a holiday trip in
Liverpool during the early summer of 2019. At the same a great music festival
was going on down the streets of Liverpool, situated around the Cavern Club
area. One of the bands I saw was the Bath/Bristol based Ulysses, whom gave a
very strong live performance in the Cavern Pub club. They were about to release
their 3rd record On safari back then, so when I was back home I received it
when it was officially released sometime later. The new record rocked a little
less than their live gig and previous records, but it definitely shows a much
more mature band, just waiting for their big break. Ulysses play classic rock
in the typical 1970s style, yet they add a little quirkiness here and there in
a typical British way (like 10CC/The Knack/City Boy/Sad Cafe/Charlie and even
The Darkness), which can best be heard during a song like Doctors and nurses or
Married woman. Definitely hit potential here, also when listening to the 1960s
beatpop/powerpop influenced This useless love. Personally I am more keen on the
somewhat simpler classic rocksongs such as Looking for a Guru, Let's move and
Bad tattoo (heard in Liverpool live for the first time, a fantastic tune that
sounds like an anthem classic for the future!). Queen is also clearly a huge
influence I think when listening to the midtempo Dragons, during which they
show how good they really are (even reminding of Harem Scarem during their mid
90s period here!). I have to say that Ulysses have delivered a very strong new
record, which sounds fresh and original in the typical retro classic rocksound
that is currently quite popular. They have developed themselves for sure,
releasing a superb very diverse album that gives them their own identity and
who knows one of their 'catchy' tunes here will even become a hit! Make sure to
check them out at: www.ulyssestheband.com
and fingers crossed they will come over soon to mainland Europe.
Teenage
Cavegirl 'Candy cigarettes Vinyl release' (Independent/ US Import)
Out
of Austin comes the duo Teenage Cavegirl, a trash garage rockact which just
released their debut LP Candy Cigarettes. They were kind enough to sent me the
10" vinyl version of the album, so that's quite awesome when putting it on
the turntable for a review. The band consists of Andy Ray (guitar) and L.A.
(vocals, drums) and musically the 10 short fast tunes on the album are
basically going for the classic late 70s/early 80s trash quirky punky powerpop/garage
rocksound that was loved and praised so much by the late Kim Fowley. It's raw,
loud and fast, but also quite original actually, basically perfect for a small
club gig and I'll bet this act would do well in the Cavern Club or the
legendary CBGB. They remind me a bit of a cross between The B-52’s, Rachel
Sweet, Blondie and a Japanese all-female Punkband, with the energy and rawness
of The White Stripes. On the other hand, they have done something quite
challenging, because there's a lot of off-tune vocals and distorted guitars, so
there's your 60s meets 90s approach. Tarantino might definitely be interested I
guess for his movies, because it breathes the same kinda energy and vibe, All
10 songs are winners for fans of underground sounding Garage/Punkrock! Have a
listen for yourself at: https://teenagecavegirl.bandcamp.com
Phil
Vincent and co. return with a new album, this time it's the 5th album of Forest
Field, in which the main musician is Peter Cox from The Netherlands. Phil sings
as always the vocals and no change in his way of singing, so insiders know what
to expect from this melodic rockalbum. The keyboards are upfront and making it
sound modern, while the songs itself are a mixture of midtempo and uptempo
tunes, with as highlights Change the world (midtempo), Eyewitness (uptempo),
Autumn sky (uptempo) and the instrumental Circles. Fans of Phil Vincent's music
will definitely like this new one as well! Check out all info on the band at: www.Forestfield.nl
25 Yard
Screamer 'Natural satellite' (White Knight/Nineteen 73/UK Import)
Out
of Wales comes 25 Yard Screamer, a band formed in 2002 and they have already
released 6 CDs in the past, which is quite remarkable, because I have not heard
of them before, while I am quite a follower of progressive rock music. Anyway,
it's never too late to discover talented bands and so I am glad that their 7th
CD Natural satellite landed on my desk. The included music is pure melodic
progressive rock, with a focus on clean strong lead vocals and melodies (like
Enchant) and mostly a slower relaxing vibe. 7 lenghty songs are included and it
was not a punishment at all to listen to their new album, because 25 Yard
Screamer are doing things at an incredible high level. Marillion and the
aforementioned Enchant are very good comparisons, especially during opener The
storyteller. The band even adds the progmetal guitar riffs and influences
during following track Devastate, but overall speaking this is pure melodic
calmer progressive rock with a sorta darker 1990s approach, with as highlights
the mentioned opener The storyteller, A space where someone should be, Never in
the detail and the sensational 14 minutes counting closing track Coda Jeremiah
(which would make Pink Floyd jealous for not writing it!). They are a 3-piece
band, consisting of Matt Clarke (Bass Guitar), Nick James – Vocals / Acoustic
& Electric Guitars / Keyboards and Donal Owen – Drums. Instrumental it all
sounds as perfect as the progrock fan wants it to be, while the lead vocals of
singer Nick James are very impressive, especially during the calmer parts.
Definitely an album the progfans need to check out, quality stuff from start to
finish! More info at: https://25yardscreamer.bandcamp.com/
Sperazzatura
is the 2nd album from the British band Kentish Spires. Once again they head
into the classic Canterbury sound, although this new album is a little bit
different. One of the album's highlights, Never tell on you, this is lovely
melodic calmer progrock with strong female vocals and reminding me of Mostly
Autumn. The opener Overture is clearly a great mixture of 70s jazz and prog, so
basically pure fusion-rock and more songs are in this style, which is done
quite well instrumentally. However, during the parts where singer Lucie Vox
starts to go up high, we can hear some clear limitations in her voice. I would
suggest to keep the 'vocal' songs calmer and more relaxed like Never tell on
you on a future record and stretch out further during the instrumental songs,
then really go for the big 70s Canterbury fusion jazz/prog sound. Nonetheless,
another fine album of this band, which you can check out at: https://thekentishspires.bandcamp.com/
Frank
Turner 'No man's land' (Polydor/Universal Music/UK Import)
Out
of Hampshire, UK comes singer/songwriter Frank Turner, who has been active
since 2001 and he has already released 7 studio-albums. No man's land is his
8th album, but it seems this might become his big break, as the press is raving
a lot about this talented musician, who is combining folk, punk and melodic
poprock in a catchy acoustic setting. Sometimes it sounds a bit like a stripped
The Gaslight Anthem meets Elvis Costello, but Frank definitely has an own
style, which is thanks to his strong clean vocalwork. It sounds very British,
but crystal clear and telling us all kinds of stories. This can best be heard
during Sister Rosetta, a very catchy uptempo melodic pop/rock tune that could
easily become a massive hitsingle! Sometimes it takes a bit longer before
someone gets the attention from the masses, but Frank might hit the jackpot
here with No man's land, because the CD is loaded with all kinds of memorable
tunes that offer some of the best singer/songwriter of the past few years. It's
melodic and catchy, but still has a sorta folksy punky approach, while due to
the poppy arrangements very accessible to every listener out there! I believed
you, William Blake is an example of an incredible singer/songwriter folksy
sing-a-long tune, while Nica shows the diversity of Frank, because here we have
step outside the comfort zone, even offering an old jazzy 1920s vibe (although
The Beatles' Penny lane meets Sgt. Pepper's also comes to mind here). And so it
goes on and on, constantly changing and surprising, but never doing something
wrong. Without a doubt, a must-have CD and probably a contender for the yearly
album lists! More at: https://frank-turner.com/
Heavy
Feather 'Debris & Rubble' (The Sign Records/Sweden Import)
Sweden
is one of the absolute best countries to look for quality music and it has been
this way for decades now. It never seems to stop, because now we have yet
another sensational band from Gothenburg, Sweden. They are called Heavy Feather
and are clearly influenced by the classic hard rock sounds of Free, Lynyrd
Skynyrd, Cream, Jefferson Airplane and such. What they are doing here on their
debut album Debris & Rubble might not be something new or original, it is
done at an incredible high level and sounding fresh as ever. This is retro
classic vintage rock at its very best, with many highlights on their rocking
debut album. Where did we go, Dreams, Hey there Mama and Please don't leave are
just a few examples of the band's excellent brand of classic rock. The band is
formed around the fantastic female singer Lisa Lystam, who makes the band also
remind us of classic 1970s Heart. There's also some bluesy rock material
included that gives it a sorta Beth Hart meets Joanne Shaw Taylor kinda touch.
Without a doubt, a band to keep our eyes wide open for in the near future!
Meanwhile do not miss their wonderful first record and fingers crossed a full
European tour will follow soon! More info at: https://heavyfeatherofficial.bandcamp.com/
Various
Artists 'Heavy Psych Sounds Records Volume 4' (Heavy Psych Sounds Records/Italy
Import)
Heavy
Psych Sounds Records is a high quality record label from Italy that is focused
on classic rock mainly, but to be a bit more precise, they are specialized in
Heavy Psych, Stoner, Retro Rock, Vintage Rock, Proto Punk, Sludge, Acid Rock,
Doom, Space Rock, 70 Rock, Garage Psych, Fuzz Blues, Proto Metal and Occult
Rock. Kinda like High Roller Records, but then only focused on new acts playing
this late 60s/70s sound. I was not
familiar with the label before, but recently got in touch with them and now I
am able to review a few of their releases. The first CD heavy Psych Sounds
Records Volume 4 is an excellent compilation album of obscure new bands in the
mentioned genres. It's actually already their 4th volume of the series, which
consists of 16 sensational songs of bands that are signed on this interesting
label. BRANT BJORK and CRYPT TRIP are from the USA, both presenting us with
classic 1970s hardrock/retro-rock that feels a bit like a mix between Blue
Oyster Cult, Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top and such, yet with here and there influences
from Southern Rock (Crypt Trip) and late 60s Psych Rock (Brant Bjork). DEAD
WITCHES takes us into a complete different direction, because this is extremely
heavy fuzz Stoner Doom Metal like a heavy Black Sabbath meets Coven. The
Italian/British band combines strong clean melodic female vocals (Soozi
Chameleone) with bizzare heavy doom guitarwork and they are doing it very well
on their 9 minutes counting slow song Fear the priest. 3 tracks have passed and
all of them definitely make a huge impression of what to come further on this
superb compilation disc. DZJENGHIS KHAN is up next, yet another nice band that
is more leaning towards late 1960s heavy dark bluesrock with garage fuzz psych
ish vocals, like a mix between MC5 and Cream. Very refreshing is the band DUEL
from Texas, USA, classic 1970s proto metal/classic hardrock at it's best
featuring blistering guitar solo's (Thin Lizzy style), sounding up-to-date
thanks to a wonderful production. More on them in a seperate review of all
their albums so far. Then we dive into the deep underground with the dark
sounding psychedelic garage fuzz rock of the American band ECSTATIC VISION,
whom sound like it is 1969, with also Krautrock influences and basically
capturing everything that made this period in the music history sounding like a
long acid trip. Slightly different, but also focusing on Garage Acid Psych sounds
of the late 1960s is FUZZ POPULI, yet a bit more accessible than the previous
song of ECSTATIC VISION. Then we get to hear a band that is dangerously close
to the classic NWOBHM sound of the late 1970s/early 1980s, namely the American
band Glitter GLITTER WIZZARD. Their song Spell so evil is clearly influenced by
1970s Judas Priest, crossed with early Black Sabbath, but overall they are sounding
like a true great typical NWOBHM band (remember Angel WItch, Gaskin, Witchfynde,
Bleak House, Witchfinder General, Dealer, etc. etc.). HIGH REEPER from America
is bringing Eternal leviathan, a slow pure early Sabbath ish Doom Metal tune. LITTLE
VILLAIN's What on earth is faster Proto Metal again, with once again that
NWOBHM kinda sound. NEBULA's lead singer sounds like a cross between Alice
Cooper and Ratt, while the song is a nice 70s uptempo hardrock tune in the
style of Granmax. NICK OLIVERI (bassplayer of Kyuss) has a sorta punky raw
hardrocking 70s sound on his song 976 Whore that sounds like an outta control
mix between MC5, The Dictators, Alice Cooper, The Tubes, New York Dolls, Iggy
Pop and Good Rats. OREYEON is from Italy and they play classic 70s Black
Sabbath ish Doom, with melodic vocalwork and overall a very proffesional sound
on their epic 9 minutes counting tune Ode to oblivion. The Italian THE PILGRIM
calms things down nicely with the semi-acoustic tingled Peace of mind that also
has a nice electric guitarsolo. The Danish band THE SONIC DAWN is focusing on
the calmer side of 1970s rock, with a psychedelic folk pop/rock approach that
sounds quite good actually, like classic The Byrds. Closing band is the doom
sounding YAWNING MAN from the USA, whom happen to be one of the oldest bands on
the CD, formed all the way back in the late 80s and still sounding like a great
classic 70s ish band. Hopefully we will be able soon to review albums of the
mentioned bands, to get a good picture of each individual band on this
fascinating label from Italy, Heavy Psych Sounds Records. Meanwhile, check out
more info at: https://www.heavypsychsounds.com/
Duel
'Valley of shadows' (Heavy Psych Sounds Records/Italy Import)
DUEL
are from Austin, Texas and they feature two ex-members of the Nuclear Blast
Records signed band Scorpion Child. With DUEL, they seem to go into a more
Doom/70s Proto-Metal Black Sabbath direction, which could already be heard on
their great previous albums Fears of the dead (2016) and Witchbanger (2017),
but DUEL also has the classic 70s hardrock guitar riffs, guitarsolo's and some
killer choruses (like on their first couple of records during songs like Devil,
Heart of the sun and This old crow). The band's 2019 release is called Valley of
shadows, and their label Heavy Psych Sounds Records was kind enough to sent me
all their albums, so I could hear their development. It is clear that the new
album Valley of shadows is their strongest effort so far, which can be heard
right from the start with the rather catchy midtempo Doom Fuzz tune Black magic
summer (a la Baroness). Following track is the uptempo classic 70s hardrocking
Red moon forming, which has similarities to Thin Lizzy and Spidergawd, but also
some NWOBHM can be heard in this song. What is clear that the band really has a
potential open sound that should appeal to a wide range of rock and metalfans,
because the band has actually some catchy choruses to offer as well as diversity
in their songs. A song like Drifting alone is slightly groovier than the first
2 songs, like a mix between early Black Sabbath and even Cream/Led Zeppelin, so
a touch of heavy bluesrock. The vocalwork has a bit of Metallica influences,
while musically they are taking the best of 1970s rock, doom and hardrock,
which DUEL is doing perfectly on their 8 tracks here. The uptempo Broken mirror
and especially Tyrant on the throne are the closes thing to a mixture of Black
Sabbath and Thin Lizzy! If you're into classic 70s hardrock and Black Sabbath
ish Doom, then make sure to check out DUEL at: https://duel3.bandcamp.com
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Hey Zeus 'Hey
Zeus' (Argonauta Records/USA Import)
Now
here we have a sensational classic 1970s retro hardrock/melodic heavy rock/metal
sounding band from Somerville (Boston area), USA debuting with a very strong
first album. 9 tracks are included, starting with the uptempo These eyes, which
is actually a rather catchy tune with killer chorus. What makes this band
definitely stand-out is their incredible high level musicianship and a vocalist
(and guitarist) Pete Knipfing who belts and screams out his lungs just
perfectly for this kind of music, being a real hardrock/metalhead who can also
play killer riffs. It is a good development we have seen in the USA the past
few years, because classic hardrock/metal is coming back straight from the
underground, with new bands playing original material, which has been quite
rare the past 3 decades. Thanks to bands like Baroness, Trivium, Alter Bridge
and such, there is a new wave and Hey Zeus is definitely one of them. This band
could easily be picked up by the majors someday soon if they're lucky, because
they present us quite senational melodic heavy rock/metal on this new album
that sounds retro and classic 70s/early 80s, but also with a modern up-to-date
sound. There's a tiny bit of late 1980s Sleaze/Party Metal to be heard in a
song like X Marks the rock that even makes me think of a band like Nasty Idols
or Crash Diet, but overall we can hear 70s inspired retro classic
hardrock/metal like on the afforementioned tracks as well as the lovely Gilded.
All of the included tracks are winners, so make sure not to miss this band at: https://heyzeusrock.bandcamp.com/releases
Blackbird
Sons 'Rock'n'roll ain't dead' (Independent/Finland Import)
5
songs are on the new EP CD of the Finnish band BLACKBIRD SONS. Formed in 2016,
they quickly started recording, with the debut EP Back in the game released a
year later. Now they are back with Rock'n'roll ain't dead, which is clearly a
pure classic hardrock and roll kinda record, filled with 5 catchy tunes that
are inspired by bands like AC/DC, ZZ TOP, MOTLEY CRUE... The album was mastered
by the famous Mika Jussila at the legendary Finnvox Studios, where hundreds of
Finnish Hardrock and Metal have been mastered the past decades. The
production/sound is perfect and the songs are quite catchy and strong. Fans of
especially the late 80s Sleaze/Glamrocksound of MOTLEY CRUE, CRASH DIET, HANOI
ROCKS, D.A.D., NASTY IDOLS, BRITNY FOX, DEF LEPPARD and such, they will love
BLACKBIRD SONS for sure. Check them out a.s.a.p. at: https://blackbirdsons.fi
Jon
Blakeley and Jeff Larson 'Yesterday's dream' (NCompass Music/Hemifran)
Right
from the start you can tell if a record is going to keep you entertained or not
for the remaining 40-50 minutes of an album. In this case, it starts very well
due to strong lead vocals, a great production and a wonderful first song on the
new CD of American singer/songwriters Jon Blakeley and Jeff Larson. The song in
this case is Renaissance man, which is a great midtempo AOR/Westcoast ish
Pop/Rock tune with crystal clear vocalwork. And the rest of the CD is heading a
sorta similar direction, with a variation in tempo, divided into slower and
more uptempo pieces. The music fits nicely in the classic Venice, King Of
Hearts, Tommy Funderburk, Poco, Young Gun Silver Fox, Steely Dan direction,
with a focus on clean vocals and melodies and a laid-back
semi-acoustic/electric guitar background. This kind of westcoast music will
bring joy and laughter to lots of people I think, so if only a radio station
will pick up a song (like the catchy summerfriendly uptempo A coastal moon), it
could easily become a massive hit. Both Jon and Jeff have already released many
records in the past, so they are not new to the scene, but with Yesterday's dream
they both might have delivered one of their strongest efforts so far. Make sure
not to miss it at: www.jefflarson-music.com
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