01. Rebirth By Fire (03:00) 02. Animal (04:29) 03. Follow You (03:42) 04. Down (05:44) 05. Faithless (03:18) 06. Crow (03:02) 07. Ain't Coming Back (03:19) 08. Get Out (04:32) 09. Like The Sun (02:45) 10. Sinner (03:18) 11. Grain Of Soul (04:40)
Following hotly on the heels of 2014’s acclaimed ‘Sonic Child’, German hard rockers Zodiac return with their forth studio effort ‘Grain Of Soul’. With a sound steeped in the bluesy stoner / grunge arena, Zodiac are bursting with swagger and confidence, on this collection of catchy, well-structured tunes.
From the opening chords of ‘Rebirth By Fire’ the listener is grabbed by a groove laden riff and a hooky chorus which demands their full attention. The tempo picks up a little on 'Animal' which powers along with a Zeppelin-style feel and a sing along chorus, before halfway through turning into something that would sit very comfortably in therapy with Therepy's book of riffs. 'Follow You' follows and adds a slam of Bad Company styled classic rock for good measure.
Vocalist Van Delft truly shines on ‘Down’ with his haunting vocals dominating over a grungey, jangling guitar sound. It's most definitely a stand out moment on the album, along with ‘Faithless’. 'Crow' adds a southern rock element, and sounds not unlike Shinedown in places. ‘Ain't Coming Back’ has an AC/DC groove that has the listener nodding along in approval, with ‘Get Out’ continuing in a similar vein, adding a fist-pumping chorus and an infectious beat. With a brilliantly slick production from Arne Neurand ensuring that the listener doesn't miss a sonic nuance from the beginning to end, there's definitely more than a ‘Grain Of Soul’ to Zodiac’s work.
Whilst 2014's 'Sonic Child' album was a very bluesy influenced affair, 'Grain of Soul' see's the band in a much more rock orientated frame of mind.
01. Stand Up and Shout 3:18 02. Holy Diver 5:54 03. Gypsy 3:40 04. Caught In The Middle 4:17 05. Don't Talk To Strangers 4:54 06. Straight Through The Heart 4:35 07. Invisible 5:26 08. Rainbow In The Dark 4:14 09. Shame On The Night 5:19
Disc 2/6 (Last In Line)
01. We Rock 4:34 02. The Last In Line 5:46 03. Breathless 4:08 04. I Speed At Night 3:22 05. One Night In The City 5:15 06. Evil Eyes 3:38 07. Mystery 3:55 08. Ear Your Heart Out 3:53 09. Egypt (The Chains Are On) 6:58
Disc 3/6 (Sacred Heart)
01. King Of Rock And Roll 3:45 02. Sacred Heart 6:24 03. Another Lie 3:50 04. Rock 'N' Roll Children 4:33 05. Hungry For Heaven 4:09 06. Like The Beat of A Heart 4:17 07. Just Another Day 3:23 08. Fallen Angels 3:52 09. Shoot Shoot 4:17
Disc 4/6 (Dream Evil)
01. Night People 4:06 02. Dream Evil 4:22 03. Sunset Superman 5:46 04. All The Fools Sailed Away 7:11 05. Naked In The Rain 5:10 06. Overlove 3:47 07. I Could Have Been A Dreamer 4:41 08. Faces In The Window 3:51 09. When A Woman Cries 4:34
Disc 5/6 (Lock Up The Wolves)
01. Wild One 4:05 02. Born On The Sun 5:36 03. Hey Angel 4:58 04. Between Two Hearts 6:30 05. Night Music 5:08 06. Lock Up The Wolves 8:32 07. Evil On Queen Street 6:03 08. Walk On Water 3:44 09. Twisted 4:45 10. Why Are They Watching Me 5:02 11. My Eyes 6:38
Disc 6/6 (Strange Highways)
01. Jesus, Mary & The Holy Ghost 4:11 02. Firehead 4:06 03. Strange Highways 6:51 04. Hollywood Black 5:08 05. Evilution 5:35 06. Pain 4:11 07. One Foot In The Grave 4:01 08. Give Her The Gun 5:59 09. Blood From A Stone 4:14 10. Here's To You 3:25 11. Bring Down The Rain 5:40
Warner Bros have released a fantastic 6CD Boxset featuring the re-mastered first 6 albums from heavy metal and hard rock legends. Now there has been already recent re-masters on these essential albums, deluxe editions with extra material, SHM-CD, etc, but believe me, this "A Decade of DIO 1983-1993 Boxset" is the definitive collection when it comes to sound quality. The re-mastering is superb, adding a little more punch but preserving the 'original feel' as it should be on every re-mastering job. Ronnie's voice sounds crystal clear, and if any tinkering has been done to the original mix, then maybe the vocals have been raised ever so slightly, but what the hey these albums sound fantastic, especially the first three, Holy Diver through Sacred Heart.
this set is well worth getting a hold of, if just to simply up-grade the sound quality of the original releases. The only negative is that there are no bonus tracks, I mean it would have been nice for Time To Burn or Hide In The Rainbow to have been added to the collection, and maybe some unreleased out-takes, but what the hey.
'Failure' is the first single to be lifted from the highly anticipated forthcoming new album by Devin Townsend Project, 'Transcendence'. " Devin Townsend Project began where Ziltoid the Omniscient left off, with Devin Townsend at the helm. The project was a planned four-album series, where instead of assembling one static band, like in The Devin Townsend Band, or performing the entirety of the music himself, as in Ziltoid the Omniscient, the Devin Townsend Project would feature a completely different line-up of musicians for each release." 'Failure' is a five and half minute musical odyssey, with a driving rhythm section that just pushes the song along and some awesome atmospheric vocals. If this one song is anything to go by then we are in for a real treat come September when the 'Transcendence'. album finally arrives!
01 - Unchain The Night
02 - Polymorphic Tragedy
03 - Welcome To The Real World
04 - Falling Sky
05 - Gabrielle
06 - All Of My Love
07 - Trial By Fire
08 - Long Way To Go
09 - Destiny
10 - Masquerade
11 - You Don't Know
One of the hardest working musicians from the melodic hard rock UK scene, VinceO'REGAN releases his third solo album "Polymorphic Tragedy". Again the guitarist has called some talented colleagues to contribute to the record published by Z Records. Vince O'Regan is an experienced British guitarist, who was recently part of Legion - now disbanded but with a 'final album' to be released soon - and Coda (with Paul Sabu), but also he was also the co-founder of 90s cult melodic rock group Pulse and has been previously involved in bands such as Kooga (another cult AOR outift) and acclaimed Irish rockers No Sweat.Vince's big break came in the year 2000 when he was inducted into Magnum vocalist Bob Catley's band for the co-headlining tour with Ten.
Once again with the help of the great Eric Ragno contributing with keyboards and arrangements, this new O'Regan album features a raft of highly respected Melodic Hard Rock singers and friends. On the rhythm section there's Coda's band mates, the always reliable EJ Curse (bass) and Andy Pierce (drums). But what makes this really interesting - apart from the good songs - are the lead vocalists, including Nick Workman (Vega), the always underrated and terrific Keith St. John (George Lynch, Burning Rain), Paul Sabu, long time friend Phil Vincent, and Danny Veras (Veras). "Polymorphic Tragedy" blends together the style of O'Regan's two previous solo albums: the first one was pretty edgy melodic hard rock, the second album being much more in the AOR vein.
We have here the groovy 'Unchain The Night', 'Welcome To The Real World', the bouncy 'Trial By Fire', 'Masquerade', all strong melodic hard rockers. Title track 'Polymorphic Tragedy' is the heaviest track on the record (and one of the best) bordering hard rock. But all this is balanced by the cool AOR numbers such as the really good 'Falling Sky' (very nice harmonies and clean guitars), the pumping 'Long Way To Go', the ultra-catchy and my favourite 'Destiny' with plenty of keyboards, and the fine ballad 'Gabrielle' with its 'American' feel. "Polymorphic Tragedy" is the most complete, varied, and I'd say, best O'Regan album to date. You have seriously well written & arranged songs here, very well played and performed by stupendous vocalists.
01 - Long Way To Go
02 - We All Fall Down
03 - Song And A Prayer
04 - Mainline
05 - Make Some Noise
06 - Fortunate Son
07 - Last Time I Saw The Sun
08 - Mine All Mine
09 - How Does It Feel
10 - Freedom
11 - All The Same
12 - Join Together
Super-group THE DEAD DAISIES are back with a brand spanking new album titled "Make Some Noise", and boy does this album rock!
The band’s third album "Make Some Noise" reflects revolving door policy with regards to its members well as we have Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner), David Lowy (Mink), John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, Union, The Scream) and Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) all on board alongside the most recent addition of a guitar wizard Doug Aldrich, who is best known for his work with Whitesnake and Dio. To put it simply, this band bloody Rocks.
This album has everything, from all out rockers with a modern edge such as opening track, 'Long Way To Go' to 'Mainline' which adds a bit of rough bluesy flavour to the band’s sound with its unbelievable intensity and a generous dose of Doug Aldrich’s impeccable licks. 'We All Fall Down' is a thick, modern riff and feisty hook, a deliberate homage to the contemporary era rather than a throwback to the past. 'Song And A Prayer' is certainly more radio-friendly than its predecessor, its choruses somewhat Aerosmith-esque. The we have the title track, 'Make Some Noise' with its simple, but powerful drum beat and group chant of the album’s title track brings to mind the picture of a sea of fists pumping up in the air and fans chanting together with their idols. It’s the same primal power of Rock music that was captured and immortalized in dozens if not hundreds of songs prior to this one, such as Queen’s classic We Will Rock You. It’s thus no wonder such seasoned musicians as The Dead Daisies understand how seductive it remains, in spite of its simplicity. Also their approach to Creedence Clearwater’s Revival'Fortunate Son' remains rather unsophisticated, their take on it being no drastic alteration in comparison to the original. 'Last Time I Saw the Sun', is a hit of a track that Cinderella should have written plus with a shot of Mötley Crüe – shaken, stirred, and distilled to hear over and over again.
No prisoners are taken with 'Mine All Mine', 'How Does It Feel', 'Freedom', all of them gritty, groovy pieces exceptional for their intensity. With the feistiness of 'All The Same' approaching, you can’t help but wonder if modern-day Aerosmith is still able to deliver such treats in the recording studio.
With a certain laid-back, live vibe to it, the final track 'Join Together' is a fine younger brother to 'Make Some Noise' and another staple in the band’s future set lists.
The band are as tight as fuck, the songs are brilliantly written and executed to perfection, but then again you wouldn't really expect anything else when you consider the pool of talent on display here! One thing to note, I don't thing I've heard John Corabi sound this good since his days in The Scream and Motley Crue!
"Lesbian Bed Death was founded in the United Kingdom by guitarist Mr Peach as a side project designed to pay tribute to all of the Gothic Punk, Glam, Sleaze bands he grew up with. He was soon joined by Johnny Hell (Vox/Guitar/Keys/Programming) and in 2004, the duo recorded their first song 'Goth Girls Are Easy'. It was put on the internet for free download, and the band started to build a following. The Duo soon became a trio with the addition of Magic Andy on Bass. A few demos were recorded and Lesbian Bed Death performed a string of live shows, with the rest of the band being made up of various musician friends. The live band varied, depending on who was available to play at the time. Unfortunately things didn't work out with Johnny Hell, mainly due to other commitments and the distance between band members. Lesbian Bed Death brought on board Luci4 as the new lead singer. The only recording from Lesbian Bed Death with Johnny Hell on vocals that received an official release was 'Goth Girls Are Easy' which was featured on the compilation album 'Kill Your Management Volume 6'. Lesbian Bed Death recorded its debut album 'I Use My Powers For Evil' at the Lizard Lounge Studios in Stoke-on-Trent. It was produced by Alex Jockel, and saw the Lesbian Bed Death recorded its debut album 'I Use My Powers For Evil' at the Lizard Lounge Studios in Stoke-on-Trent. It was produced by Alex Jockel, and saw the LBD trio being joined by members of the 'then live band' including lead guitarist Chuckmaster C, and numerous musician friends from the local scene. It was released on Halloween 2006. The debut album was followed by three music videos and gigs all over the UK, including some underground festivals. The band also played shows in The Netherlands. The band built up a cult following and have sold albums all over the world. People searching Youtube for 'Lesbian' and 'Goth Girls' certainly didn't hurt. Lesbian Bed Death began working on a new album in the Summer of 2009. On the first day of recording, Magic Andy quit the band. The remaining members recorded almost the entire album over the next few months hoping that he would reconsider and rejoin the band. Eventually, Chuckmaster C had to record the bass parts. Unlike the debut, the second album was recorded by just four people: Luci4, Mr Peach, Chuckmaster C and long-standing drummer Danny Stigmata. Soon after the recording of the album, the band recruited bassist Will Power to complete the line-up. Lesbian Bed Death was now becoming a band as opposed to a 'project'.
In a long standing tradition of utter chaos, Lesbian Bed Death announced the departure of lead singer Luci4 only weeks before the Halloween 2010 release of the album.
The band announced Kittie Racchea as their new singer, and went on to record a further two albums, 'Rise Of The Living Dead' (2012) and 'The Devil's Bounty Hunters' (2013)"
Ok so history lesson over, now I have a confession to make. I lost touch with Lesbian Bad Death shortly after they released their debut album, and until recently I had absolutely no idea that they were still going, yet alone that they had released a further three albums, so I had a little catching up to do before getting my ear lobes around their new, and fifth studio album, 'Evil Never Dies'.
The album opens with the stunning title track and lead single, 'Evil Never Dies' before steam rolling into another slab of infections gothic glam in 'Claws'. The momentum continues until they slow things down with the moody and grinding 'Satan In The Swamp' where new vocalist Sienna Venom's intricate vocals get the chance to shine. The tempo picks back up with the great little rocker, 'She Sell's Hand Grenades'. 'Church of V' is a great atmospheric tribute to the cult sci fi classic show V, whilst 'Son of a Thousand Maniacs' is a rocking tribute to the Nightmare on Elm Street series. 'Survive the Night' pays homage to the classic slasher movies of yester year, with its epic atmospheres! 'Drag Me To Hell' is a rocking track, probably the most up-tempo song on offer here, and a great tribute to horror movies most famous bad guys! 'The Final Curtain' fittingly closes out the album, a slow atmospheric almost lullaby. with Sienna Venom providing a lovely haunting vocal.
01. Bloodletting on the Kiss
02. Lights Come Alive
03. The Reaper Comes
04. Messalina
05. Infinite Gaze to the Sun
06. Stoke the Fire
07. Ether
08. Shadow Out of Time
09. Astral Traveler
10. Catastrophe
Despite 'Lovely Sort of Death' being the fourth studio album to be released by US doomster's Bloody Hammers, this is the first time that I had heard of them. Bloody Hammers are a hard rock band founded in 2012 in Charlotte, NC, United States. Commonly viewed as an example of occult rock, the group has equally incorporated elements of traditional doom metal, stoner rock and psychedelic rock. Bloody Hammers their released a self-titled album in 2012, which was followed by "Spiritual Relics" in 2013, both on Soulseller Records. In 2014 the band signed to Napalm Records and released their third album, "Under Satan's Sun".With a sound that brings to mind a more polished Type O Negative or Mortiis, Bloody Hammers offer something a little different to general mix of rock n roll that's is so widely available today.
Opening with the rather mellow and chilled out 'Bloodletting on the Kiss', the guys set out their stall from the outset. Dark eerie soundscapes and haunting melodies will ensue for the next forty six minutes or so. 'Lights Come Alive' continues this theme, even though the chorus does add a little more energy to proceedings, we still have a well disciplined song that is allowed to grow naturally. imagine if you will an 80's new wave band playing Black Sabbath, that's something close to what Bloody Hammers deliver, and they do it rather well too. 'The Reaper Comes' has Bloody Kisses era Type O Negative written all over it, whilst 'Messalina' is more of a straight up rocker. 'Infinite Gaze to the Sun', 'Stoke the Fire' and 'Astral Traveler' offer up the albums most up-tempo moments whilst 'Ether' see's the guys really grind out a great little doom track.
In 'Lovely Sort of Death'Bloody Hammers have delivered a really solid slice of doom rock that fans of Type O Negative, Danzig, Mortiis and Paradise Lost really should be checking out!
