Danzig - Black Laden Crown (2017)

Genre - Hard Rock / Gothic Rock / Doom Metal

Label - AFM Records

Track listing:

01. Black Laden Crown
02. Eyes Ripping Fire
03. Devil On Hwy 9
04. Last Ride
05. The Witching Hour
06. But A Nightmare
07. Skulls & Daisies
08. Blackness Falls
09. Pull The Sun

Glenn Danzig returns with his latest studio album from his band Danzig in the form of Black Laden Crown. One of the first things to not is that this new album has a sound closer to the bands legendary first four albums than anything they have released in a very long time. The album opens with the creeping yet atmospheric title track. Whilst not the most instant or energetic track, it is definitely a grower, holding more and more fascination for the listener with each listen. Joining Glenn on this new album is former Ministry guitarist Tommy Victor, and this really shows in the quality of the riffs and song writing in general. A new depth if you will, which is most evident on tracks like 'Witching Hour' and 'Eyes Ripping Fire' which are  unlike anything Danzig has done before, and give the album a strong individual identity. The weakest track is oddly the track he chose to release as the lead single. 'Devil On Highway Nine', which although a bloody descent Danzig track by all means, it definitely has the weakest vocal, and weakest mix/production in the entire affair, although it is also one of the albums quickest tempo'd songs!

Black Laden Crown is a very welcome addition to the Danzig catalogue of work, and a big relief after the woeful vocals and quality of 'Skeletons' the recently released covers album.

Rating: 9/10

Voodoo Circle - Broken Heart Syndrome

Genre - Classic Rock / Blues Rock / Hard Rock
Label - AFM Records

Track Listing -
01. No Solution Blues
02. King Of Your Dreams
03. Devil’s Daughter
04. This Could Be Paradise
05. Broken Heart Syndrome
06. When Destiny Calls
07. Blind Man
08. Heal My Pain
09. The Heaven’s Are Burnging
10. Don’t Take My Heart
11. I’m In Heaven
12. Wings Of Fury

By God this is great album!
Opener and title track, No Solution Blues, really sets the standard, quickly followed by the Kashmir esque King Of Dreams, which co incidentally features some guitar work that the master in black, one Richie Blackmore, would be proud of, and it’s a great song to boot!
Devils Daughter has a soulful blues feel to it, a true atmospheric master piece, again a great song!
Vocalist David Readman sounds like he could step into the shoes of any classic rock band’s lead singer, he has a Coverdale / Lande esque voice, yet its distinctive in its own way, never sounding like he's trying to mimic the greats.
All 12 songs her are of the highest quality, and performed to perfection!
If you’re a fan of classic rock with a bluesy edge, ala the likes of Dokken, Rainbow and Whitesnake, then you are sure to love this cd!

Very highly recommended!

Website - Voodoo CircleRating - 10/10