SISTER - Stand Up, Forward, March! (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze

Label - Metal Blade

Track listing:

01 - Destination Dust
02 - Carved in Stone
03 - Lost in Line
04 - Trail of Destruction
05 - Carry On
06 - Unbeliever
07 - Let It Bleed
08 - Liberation Song
09 - Dead Man's Dirt
10 - Endangered Species
11 - Piece of Shame

###### Not My review, all credit to the original author ######

Sister is all about classic sleaze / glam without the dirt. Yeah, they sound incredibly clean and bright, and despite they have a somber, dark image, their songs are darn catchy.

Of course sister has that ol' sleaze punkish attitude in the way that early Motley Crue was, if opener 'Destination Dust' isn’t enough to get you looking for your Spandex pants, then 'Carved In Stone' probably will. Essentially because it boasts a hook so huge that it’s like taking a wrecking ball to a Wendy House.
The feeling that is just hedonistic fun, is rather re-enforced by a line in its lyrics: “you’ll pray for mercy to whatever gets you off” sings Jamie Anderson, and this is the soundtrack to whatever night you feel like letting go.
Some tracks may you remind of Crashdiet or Shotgun Messiah, but it is worth saying that "Stand Up, Forward, March!" isn’t some retro bullshit made by a load of blokes who should know better.
'Lost In Line' for example adds some modern flourishes to its work, “Carry On” is a ballad-ish thing which has more than an echo of Backyard Babies and an updated poppy feeling.

Largely, though, this is about slammers. 'Unbeliever' might do a kind of power metal fists in the air power metal, but it knows where its bread is buttered too, and when they do let things breathe a little like on 'Let It Bleed' it is only so they can make things even more ominous than they were.

I really like Sister when it's about balls out rock 'n roll / hard rock, like “Dead Man’s Dirt” and the positively punky sleaze nihilism of 'Piece Of Shame' which ends things.
Then the fact that Sister keeps just enough diversity of sound in their tracks as it’s not the same exact thing eleven times over but nothing drastically different, it shows that Sister has a real understanding of the sound they were going for, and it ends in pure excellence in this scenario.
Jona Tee of H.E.A.T has done a terrific job focusing Sister to catchiness.

Sister's third album "Stand Up, Forward, March!" rocks.
Some say the first albums the only good albums from a band, others claim third time’s the charm, and others like myself believe that any album can be great. Both the latter and the second prove to be true with this record, and it shows that Sister isn’t by any means a band to put out one decent record and then immediately face plant creatively, but quite the opposite.
“Stand Up, Forward, March!” demonstrate how much of a killer power house Sister is as a whole, and it’s very hard to deny that after hearing this ravenous piece.

Rating: 8/10

Zen Motel - Rip It Off (Part One) (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze

Label - Corporate Records

Track listing:

01 - Note To Self Don't Die (Ryan Adams Cover)

02 - Opinion (Nirvana Cover)

03 - Sister (Therapy? Cover)

04 - My Pal (God Cover)

Following quickly on the heels of their Choking on the Chrome EP's, released earlier this year, Zen Motel present us with part one of their new covers album. Featuring just four tracks, and seeing the band tackle the material of some real heavy weights within the hard rock alternative scene with songs originally by Nirvana, Therapy?, Ryan Adams and God (the band not the big man himself!).
I have to say that I generally find cover albums rather hit and miss, but in the case of Rip It Off, Zen Motel have definitely nailed each and every song to perfection! In all four cases the band remain loyal and true to the original versions of the songs, yet still manage to put their own stamp all over them, and if I am honest I have to say that I prefer these four cover versions to the originals, especially Opinion, Sister and My Pal!

Very highly recommended!

Rating: 10/10

Zen Motel - Choking On The Chrome (Part 2) EP (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk / Sleaze

Label - Corporate Records

Track Listing:

01 - London Is Dead

02 - I Want Your Drugs

03 - Shatterproof

Brit rockers Zen Motel return with the second instalment of their "Choking on the Chrome" series of EP's  (they have decided to release their new album a series of EP's instead of a single album release!) and the follow up to Choking on the Chrome Part 1 that was issued back in April.

There have been a few delays to the release of this Ep, but what the hey sometimes life crops up and fucks the plans of the best of us, but by God was it worth the wait!

Choking on the Chrome Part 2 delivers three instant Zen Motel classics in the form of London Is Dead, I Want Your Drugs and Shatterproof.

London Is Dead opens things up and it could have quite easily been lifted from the track listing of the bands first two albums, 2003's Transform and Escape or 2007's Stations Of The Dead. Opening with a town crier calling "bring out your dead" before launching into a great riff that subsides to a great melodic and atmospheric verse before the riffs kick back in for the bridge and chorus. Great song! I Want Your Drugs is up next, this ones a little bit different, but awesome non the less. Opening with what could be a dance beat and bass line, before exploding into riffs that merge with some kind of New Wave keyboards. Bloody brilliant!

Shatterproof closes the Ep out. This one has a more laid back feel to it, but still rocks like a mother fucker!

With Choking on the Chrome Part 2 Lee and the guys deliver three diverse and brilliant songs that when added to the four tracks that made up Choking on the Chrome Part 1 give us almost an albums worth of new material, and what an album it would have been!

I'm hoping that there is at least one more instalment to this Choking The Chrome adventure!

Rating: 10/10

KNOCK OUT KAINE - Cruel Britannia (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze

Label - Rocksector Records

Track listing:

01 - Cruel Britannia
02 - Love The Way You Hate
03 - Going Down
04 - Copperhead Road

"Cruel Britannia" delivers four tracks; 2 originals, 1 cover version & 1 re-recording.
The cover of 'Copperhead Road' (originally recorded by Steve Earle) has been a Knock Out Kaine live show fan favourite for many years now, so to finally have a studio recording is great especially as the band give their own spin on this bluesy rocker.
Originally released back in 2012 on their debut album House Of Sins, the re-recorded version of 'Going Down' is a very good choice. The original was really good but this version is better still! The band are on fine form and sounds like they had a bloody fantastic time recording it.
Then we have the new 2016 songs.
Track 1 'Cruel Britannia' shows Knock Out Kaine's more serious side. Probably about as political as this band could ever get. Full of satire and cutting social commentary that basically sums up the feeling of the United Kingdom & the current government as it stands. Musically kicks with a vintage hard rock swagger.
'Love The Way You Hate' was originally composed for the band's second album. It never made into the final track list, and I'm glad the band now properly recorded it. It's a catchy melodic rocker with lots of harmony vocals and an infectious riff.


Well worth checking out!

Rating 8/10

Zen Motel - Choking On The Chrome (Part 1) EP (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk / Sleaze

Label - Corporate Records

Track Listing:

01 - Hell Or Nothing

02 - I'm Not Sorry

03 - Choke

04 - Killing Me

Brit Rockers return with a brand new four track EP in the form of "Choking on the Chrome" (they have decided to release their new album a series of EP's instead of a single album release!)
The EP opens with the barn storming track "Hell Or Nothing", that has been floating around the internet for a little while now, a song that captures the vibe and feel of Stations Of The Dead release of a few years back.
Next up we have "I'm Not Sorry". a more melodic rocker of a track with a driven yet laid back tempo and feel. A great sing along chorus too!
"Choke" is up next. This song has a harder more in your face edge to it than its predecessors. Another great song to add to the slowly growing Zen Motel catalogue!
The EP closes out with "Killing Me". This is the classiest track on the EP. Sacrificing its guitar driven attitude for some real atmospherics. A really great song and a brilliant way to close out the EP.
"Choking On The Chrome (Part One)" is a brilliant release from one of the UK's most underrated and overlooked bands.

Very Highly recommended!!!

Rating - 10/10

The EP is available to purchase (For free!) here!

ON TOP - Topless (2015)

Genre - Hard Rock / Glam / Sleaze

Label - Toil Records

 

Track listing:

 

01 - Lie to Me
02 - Crazy
03 - 282
04 - Got Me Runnin'
05 - No Shame
06 - Cold and Blue
07 - Don't Go
08 - Bad Love
09 - Hot N Wet
10 - Into The Night
11 - Sleepless
12 - Too Much
 

Pennsylvanian three piece ON TOP have decided that the likes of Poison, Faster Pussycat, Skid Row and Motley Crue had so much fun 30 years ago that there’s very little reason that they shouldn’t join in too. "Topless" is their 3rd effort, and if you think '80s influenced glam metal / sleaze was dead in America, then better listen this corker.
Take the opening lines of '282': "Running with the devil / Pedal to the metal / Its all about getting paid / eyes on the gold / body’s been sold / at least you’re getting laid..." so sneers vocalist / bass player Jaron Gullino, over a riff that takes Crue’s Kickstart My Heart as its inspiration and gets sleazier from there. If that doesn’t make it clear that we aren’t dealing with anything too taxing then nothing will.
Those of us that fancy a dip into the hard rock of old will find much to enjoy in the carefree filthy groove of 'Got Me Runnin', while 'Lie To Me' manages not to be ballad and instead keeps the upbeat rockin' spirit needle in the red.
No, there's not ballads here. In fact, ON TOP are pretty heavy at places, mixing some dark Lynch Mob’s style riff stuff into the mix. Just checkout 'No Shame'.
Jaron Gulino’s double duty of vocals and bass is more memorable for the latter, as the raunchy bass line is excellent. He's not bad on the mic either, he owns a natural hard rock voice, clear & sleazy, just a bit linear sometimes.
Brian Davis is quite hot on guitar, replacing Alex Kulick since the bands’ last release. Danny Piselli’s drumming is heavy yet deliberate, and he completes a band that sound tight and ready to unleash havoc.
'Cold and Blue' has some Motley / LA Guns feel, but the melodic chorus and multiple guitar hooks finds a band simply being themselves. Gulino’s vocals are more aggressive here than your normal glam rock vocalist, and this is refreshing to hear.
'Don’t Go' grabs a few tricks from the old Aerosmith bag o' dirty tricks in the way of snorting riffs and bluesy shucks. However, there's a raucous Sunset Strip ready chorus.
Then the six-minute 'Bad Love' refuses to let up the balls out rawk, more polished than the previous and with some hair metal on it and high quality solos from Davis.
On Top is a band straight to the point: party rockers, easy melodies driven by strong riffs and choruses, combined with the thick and clean production make this a very enjoyable trip back to ‘80s US glam / sleaze hard rock.
However, the trio is pretty modern with the set-up sound, and this could bring young listeners to this genre and forget the crappy modern rock ruling American radio right now.
Great Stuff.
Well Worth Checking Out

Rating - 9/10

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR - HCSS (2015)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze

Track listing:

01. Don't Mean Shit

02. Party 'Til I'm Gone

03. The Cemetery

04. Off With Their Heads

05. Fly

06. The Ocean

07. Touch the Sky (feat. Etzia)

08. Growing Old

09. Glue

10. Messed Up for Sure

 

The fine purveyors of Swedish sleaze hard rock HARDCORE SUPERSTAR are back with their tenth studio album "HCSS".
"HCSS" is a self-confessed return to their roots, with the guys having recently claimed: "We wanted to reinvent ourselves, so we had to go back to the summer of '94 when we first started this band and through that get in contact with the feeling and the vibe that inspired us in the first place.
That same philosophy goes for the whole album — how we approached the recordings, artwork, choice of the right guy to mix the album and so on."
If ever you want to hear a song that properly sums up Hardcore Superstar, give the opener "Party Til I’m Gone" a spin. The stirring riff and hefty chorus tied with glam rock elements make this belter a winner on every level.
Then the classy flamingo guitar intro to "The Cemetery", as you would expect, erupts into a cacophony of mayhem with a typically brash stomping vibe. It has everything that a song with the band should have.
If you listen carefully you can hear how the band tried to go back to the sound they had in the beginning even if it still is the 'newer' sound in front, showing the front teeth.
Should we talk about the album best song and you should listen to "Off With Their Heads". It's a bit quieter but still heavy and has the typical features of what makes Hardcore Superstar just one of Sweden’s best bands. This ass-kicker contains every ingredient that makes up the HCSS formula, brassy lyrics, a throwback '80s chorus hinged with Vic Zino’s melodic guitar tones.
That continues on "Fly", a monumental track that unearths magical memories of Motley Crue’s Home Sweet Home. This song probably won’t be played in 50 years time, but it deserves to be revered today.
For a track that opens with some haunting bass tones from Martin Sandvik and then an excellent guitar riff, "The Ocean" becomes a let down. The feeble verses lead into a sadly lacklustre chorus on a song promising a lot more.
"Touch The Sky" meanwhile promises and wholeheartedly delivers, HCSS don’t just specialise in extroverted sleaze rock, they do the dark and moody stuff with the same results.
And just to completely mess with your minds, they dip their wicks in a bit of prog too. Listening to the intro to "Growing Old", you could be forgiven for thinking you were spinning some classic Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The haunting futuristic keyboards add a real touch of class to a song that compels from the start, and to it’s hell raising finish.
"Glue" is a ready wrapped pressie for riff lovers. The powerhouse of a lick dominates this track with slick precision. This song was released to the public last November and may have got lost in the Christmas market scramble. Hands down the best thing on the album and should be re released when this album hits the stores.
"Messed Up For Sure" closes things out with a bang, an audacious little number containing an interesting interlude that unleashes a mind bending finale.
After the very first listen, "HCSS" is synonymous with everything we associate with Hardcore Superstar.
Sandvik and Andreasson remain the power couple where that driving rhythm is concerned. Zino's dirty, sleazy lead guitar licks are as prevalent as ever on this album while Berg's trademark vocals remain undiminished, yet demonstrative of a range we may not have previously been aware of.
I have to say for a band that has been treading the hard rock boards for over two decades now, and delivering quality music, the guys sound as hungry as ever!

Highly recommended

Rating - 9/10

KNOCK OUT KAINE - Rise Of The Electric Jester (2015)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze

Label - Rocksector Records

Track listing:

01 - 16 Grams of Heart Attack

02 - Fire and Smoke

03 - How Would I Know

04 - Diamond Blue

05 - Cascading

06 - Ain't Your Kind

07 - Boxes

08 - Flying Blind

09 - Because You Were There

10 - One More For the Road

Knock Out Kaine come out of the traps snarling with attitude on the full throttle opener "16 Grams Of Heart Attack" This is no holds barred, tumultuous hard rock at it’s best. "Fire And Smoke" bears all the hallmarks of a Skid Row in their pomp. Brash guitars, dangerous vocals with voracious power.
"How Would I Know" shows that this band isn't all about savage mayhem. Everything about this track exudes a real song writing intelligence. The chorus is instantly likeable with it's feel good '80s hook.
On the surface, the guitar work that weaves its way throughout the album is classic KOK, but the discerning listener will pick out the extra melodic layers entwined within the classic hard rocking riffs that are Jimmy Bohemian's home turf.
Balanced against the lead and rhythm guitar from Jimmy, the bass from Lee Byrne adds breadth to the songs without seeming making any effort to be noticed. Countered perfectly by the more intricate yet still powerful percussion backdrop provided by Danny Crash, and we have all the ingredients which make up the recipe for a high class hard rockin' album.
Like any good chef vocalist Dean Foxx takes all the ingredients present, and with the addition of his sometimes relentless, sometimes nimble vocals meshes it all together to create a dish that is arguably greater than the sum of its parts.
The bluesy strut of "Diamond Blue" makes way for a funk licked "Cascading", with Bohemian’s audacious riff giving this tune balls of steel. It’s another vocal hard rock master-class on "Ain't Your Kind". Foxx is clearly a man with an impressive range, so much so you’d be forgiven for thinking he gargles with razor blades, such is the distinct rawness in his voice. And one listen to this jewel of a track and your hooked.
If the complete lunacy and eccentricity of "Boxes" doesn’t afford you a smile or a uncomfortable chuckle, be very worried. This madcap orgy of unconventional hard rock is irresistible start to finish.
The guys regain their sanity with a hefty dollop of acoustics on "Flying Blind", a song that should seduce the airwaves with little difficulty.
"Because You Were There" is an able and solid ballad, with neat and tidy verses followed by a cautiously safe chorus. But in truth, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the previous tracks. Which I suppose is a backhanded compliment due to the quality of the writing on this album.
Final track "One More For The Road" throws out more versatility from a band with many tools in their locker. A slick and arrogant groove that unearths an American vibe closes the album in style.
Take the passion and talent that catapulted Knock Out Kaine into the Rock music scene, give it a few years on the road to mature, add some seriously smooth production skills, and you are left with the polished second album that is "Rise of the Electric Jester".
There is enough classic KOK here to satisfy the existing fans, while adding enough variety to introduce new audiences to their music. All underpinned by the fact that Knock Out Kaine are clearly writing the songs they love and playing the music they want to play, and you have a band to keep a close eye on over the coming years.
If there's any justice left in this fickle music world of ours, 2015 should be a rip roaring year for Knock Out Kaine. This band's music brings more weight to my belief that a second coming of the true Rock domination we enjoyed in the '80s is imminent.
Highly Recommended.

Rating - 9/10

ENUFF Z'NUFF - Covered In Gold (2014)

Genre - Hard Rock / Glam / Sleaze

Label - 

Track listing:

01. Everything Works If You Let It (CHEAP TRICK cover)

02. Stone Cold Crazy (QUEEN cover)

03. She Sells Sanctuary (THE CULT cover)

04. All Apologies (NIRVANA cover)

05. Believe It Or Not (The Greatest American Hero theme)

06. The Jean Genie (DAVID BOWIE cover)

07. Run For Your Life (THE BEATLES cover)

08. When Doves Cry (PRINCE cover)

09. Tears Of A Clown (SMOKEY ROBINSON cover)

10. The Stroke (BILLY SQUIER cover)

11. Yankee Rose (DAVID LEE ROTH cover)

12. Jealous Guy (JOHN LENNON cover)

13. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away (live at 'Howard Stern Show')

14. New Thing (live unplugged in London) (Bonus Track)

### Not My Review. All Credit To The Original Author. ###

Celebrating their 30 years as one of the hardest-working bands in show business, ENUFF Z'NUFF are releasing their new album "Covered In Gold".

As you could imagine, the 13th studio creation from this long-running, peace-hair metal band fronted by Donnie Vie & Chip Znuff, is a a heartfelt salute to the music and artists who have inspired them over the course of their three-decade career.

Produced by Donnie & Chip with a really melodic direction, in "Covered In Gold" the listeners are treated to 13 cover songs, ranging from a loose reading of Nirvana's "All Apologies" to a raging hair metal sendup of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown", with Enuff Z'nuff sounding like 1989!

I also loved their take on David Lee Roth's hit "Yankee Rose" and a rocking version of Queen's classic "Stone Cold Crazy". The band also tackles tunes by The Cult, Billy Squier, The Beatles (of course), and a host of other widely divergent artists, including Prince!

For good measure, the band throws in a live, unplugged version of one of their best-known hits, 1989's "New Thing", recorded in London.

Although not presenting own new material, "Covered In Gold" is a really good ENUFF Z'NUFF record showing that the band is alive & kicking, and in great form.

It's a great showcase of this group's incredibly diverse yet supremely melodic sensibility, with catchy arrangements and fluid playing.

Quite Recommended.

Rating - 8/10

Dirty Skirty - Rebel (2014)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze / Classic Rock

Label -  Self Released

Track listing:

01. Take It or Leave It

02. Devil Dancer

03. Rockin' You 2 Pieces

04. Dr. Dirty

05. Candy Land

06. Always My Girl

07. Girls Got Rhythm

08. Tallahassee

09. My Way Or The Highway

10. Rocking Man

11. You've Got It & I Want It

In 2010, hard rockers DIRTY SKIRTY from Tallahassee, Florida, quietly released independently their debut album and, proud of their accomplishment, decided to put the band to rest. But something happened... suddenly, and thanks to a mouth to mouth recommendation the album sales started to escalate and gave the guys the motivation to continue their dreams.
So, 2014 sees Dirty Skirty releasing their sophomore CD "Rebel", a more than interesting slice of traditional American Hard Rock.
Dirty Skirty wears their influences on their sleeves, digging deep into the well of classic melodic hard rock, channeling everybody from Aerosmith to Guns 'N Roses, from Motley Crue to AC/DC (they do a nice cover of "Girls Got Rhythm").
Throw in a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd meets .38 Special southern moves within the greasy "Tallahassee" and "Candy Land" (that reminds me of Junkyard), and you have a notion of their sound.
And don't forget some of that Eighties sleazy hard rock swagger as it comes with "You've Got It & I Want It", "Rockin' You 2 Pieces", and the dangerously addictive, party rocker, "Devil Driver" in a Twisted Sister vein.
"Someday I'm gonna write me a little bit of record, ain't no one ever gonna hear", Luke Stephens sings during "Tallahassee", and its sadly closer to the truth than any of us want to admit.
Dirty Skirty's "Rebel" may have not much press buzz or promotion, but certainly deserves your attention. It rocks, it's played with flesh & blood, and all songs are appealing in one way or another.
Unfortunately, considering the nature of the American music industry and their penchant for crappy bands, this album will probably fall on deaf ears. So give the modern mainstream the middle finger and buy this album.
Very Recommended.

Rating - 8/10

I Love Rich - Respect The Rich (2014)

Genre - Hard Rock / Glam / Sleaze
Label - Self Released

Track listing:

01 - Respect The Rich (intro)
02 - (You're So Hot) I'm Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On
03 - Wake Up, Let Me Rock You
04 - We're Here To Save Rock And Roll
05 - Fight The Fire
06 - If You Don't Take Your Clothes Off, Tonight's Gonna Suck
07 - (You're So Hot) I'm Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On (Rock En Espanol Version)
08 - (You're So Hot) I'm Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On ( Clean Radio Version)
        (AKA (You're So Hot) I'm Gonna Love You With The Lights On)

Okay, so where do I start? Chicago's I Love Rich have been around for a while now, peddling their brand of party glam rock / sleaze. You only have to check out the titles in the track listing above to get a good idea of what you're in for with this band. Straight up party rock and roll, possibly a little more Spinal Tap than Steel Panther, but what the hey, these guys are loving what they do, and I'd say most of those choosing to listen to this Ep will be loving what they do too!
There is definitely a relaxed feel to the music, real good time music, with a Kiss / Ace Frehley styled vocals, and to be fair the songs are pretty strong. Did this eight track Ep need three versions of the same song? Not really, but that is probably the only real negative here. As I have already said, the songs are pretty strong, Fight The Fire and (You're So Hot) I'm Gonna Fuck You With The Lights On being the two stand outs here.
If you are looking for some good time rock and roll music for a frat party, or hell any party, then you could do a lot worse than I Love Rich!

Rating - 8/10

Falling Red Announce Tour Of The Damned 2014 (leg 1)

Jizzy Pearl (Love Hate) - Crucified EP (2014) Review

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze / Glam / LA Rock
Label - Self Released

Track listing:

01 - Hanging You Out To Dry
02 - Sunny Day
03 - You're Making Me Nervous
04 - I Don't Want To Be Your Baby
05 - Love Is All
06 - Too Late

So this was originally intended to be released as a Love/Hate product, but due to legal reasons Jizzy has opted to release it as a solo release. The reasons for this he explained in a recent Metal Sludge article,

"  Why did I change the Love/Hate record to a Jizzy Pearl record?

Simply put, because dealing with ex-members isn’t worth the hassle. I don’t want to spend thousands fighting over a band that makes hundreds. This isn’t Queensryche, or Great White, we’re not talking about a band that makes $12,000.00 or $20,000.00 a night. You know why the 2 L.A.Guns didn’t sue each other? It wasn’t worth the money to sue each other, period. Now cut that money in half and you get Love/Hate. But there are some people out there who still think Love/Hate is the “Golden Goose,” Some people think that Love/Hate sells T-shirts like Iron Maiden or Motorhead. Some people still think MTV plays videos…unless you’ve gassed up the van and done the tours Bang-Tango style like I have then I guess you don’t really know.
So here’s the deal–I’ll do this last and final tour as Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate or Jizzy Pearl of Love/Hate, whatever fits, the fans will know who is and who isn’t in the band. After that we’ll put the whole thing to bed and I’ll never play with any of these ex-members again. And to prove how lucrative it is touring in a van I invite all the Love/Hate ex-members to form their own Love/Hate’s, why should I have all the fun eating at Waffle House breakfast lunch and dinner, driving for hours every day hung over and getting ripped off by promoters? C’mon get off the couch, put on those old leather pants from the ‘Blackout’ video and come ‘Live the Dream’.
If there can be two Great White’s and two Queensryches why can’t there be four versions of Love/Hate! It’ll be like the four KISS records.
As for me I look forward to a great 2014 with a great new band, great guys, great stages, great production and food that doesn’t come out of a tube.
I love Love/Hate–The fans are great, the music was superb but in the end ex-members just aren’t worth the hassle…
Jizzy Pearl"

The Ep opens with "Hanging You Out To Dry" which has a typical Love/Hate feel to it, maybe the vocals are a little too high in the mix for me, but a solid song that brings back memories of Blackout....and Waysted In America. "Sunny Day" is up next, with a slightly more polished sound, still very much with that Love/Hate feel. "You're Making Me Nervous" follows, and this is one of my favourite tracks on this ep. It really does capture that old Love/Hate magic, a great song that reminds me of the likes of "Don't Fuck With Me" et all. "I Don't Want To Be Your Baby" is the Ep's ballad, or should that be anti ballad? A great song.
"Love Is All" is up next with its exotic eastern intro. this is a real classy track and again one of the strongest songs on offer. I Love it!
The Ep closes with "Too Late", another classy well polished song. A real gem.

But dont just take my word for it, here is what Jizzy has to say about the Ep, track by track!


"Jizzy Pearl on 'CRUCIFIED'


Hanging You Out To Dry - “A song about the infamous Hollywood Sign stunt from the viewpoint of the Crucifee himself. The vibe is simple, I tried to get back to the start, a bunch of young kids banging out loud musical joy in a little room and the singer in the middle, one microphone, testifying to the World.”
Sunny Day - “A love song to my girlfriend, plain and simple. Usually I had to break up with my girlfriends to get a good song out of them but not this time, thankfully. Sunny Day is old School Love/hate psychedelia."
You’re Making Me Nervous - “A fictional account of every man’s idea of a bad date. The lyrics come straight from the horse’s mouth as he watches his Friday night fantasy crash and burn."
I Don’t Want To Be Your Baby - “This is a twist on the traditional Power Ballad where the guy not only doesn’t get the girl, he doesn’t want the girl."
Love Is All - “My Led Zeppelin roots come out on this one, all those Kashmir days and nights huddled around the peace pipe. I got to stretch out a bit and do some cool things musically that you can’t normally do in a 3 minute pop song.”
Too Late - “A song about someone near and dear to me who f**ked up. You can’t go back to high school, you can’t go back to those glory days of youth. You just—can’t—go—back.”

Its a problem about the legal issues, and the original band members not being able to put their differences aside, but here Jizzy delivers an Ep that is truly worthy of the Love/Hate stamp of approval, lets just hope thast the Love/Hate fans, and indeed all rock / sleaze fans give "Cruicifed" the chance it deserves as there are some real gems on offer here


Rating - 9/10  (one point deducted for the mix, would have loved the music higher in the mix on the firth couple of tracks!)


Catch Jizzy Pearl On Tour!



Jizzy Pearl UK Tour 2014

Mar 06: Norwich Waterfront
Mar 07: Belfast Diamond Rock Club
Mar 08: Aberdeen Moorings Bar
Mar 09: York Fibbers
Mar 11: Edinburgh Bannermans
Mar 12: Edinburgh Bannermans
Mar 13: Newcastle Think Tank at Digital
Mar 14: Bradford Gasworks
Mar 15: Sutton Diamond
Mar 16: TBC
Mar 17: London Underworld
Mar 19: Wolverhampton Slade Rooms
Mar 20: Ebbw Vale Institute,
Mar 21: Buckley Tivoli
Mar 22: HRH AOR FESTIVAL
Mar 23: Northampton Attic





 

TIGERTAILZ - Knives (2013)

Genre - Hard Rock / Galm Rock
Label -

Track listing:
01 - Shoe Collector
02 - One Life
03 - Bite The Hand
04 - Spit It Out
05 - Punched In The Gutz

Remembered lovingly for Bezerk, their 1990 chart buster, UK mighty Glam titans TIGERTAILZ unfortunately failed to maintain the momentum and didn’t see out the Millenium in glory. But their hairspray has been on again since 2005 and now the quartet bang with the fresh 5-track EP "Knives".
A real cult band with incessant turmoils throughout their career, a lot of line-up changes, wrong management decisions and even some dramatic moments (R.I.P. Pepsi Tate), 2013 sees Tigertailz returning in great form. In fact, despite presenting only five tracks, "Knives" includes the band's best material since that 1990 influential (for many acts worldwide) album. Original guitarist Jay Pepper is joined by Rob Wylde on bass, Matt Blakout on drums and new singer Jules Millis, from Australian AORsters White Widdow. Millis brings a breathe of melodic bliss to this new Tigertailz, and his tuneful vocals are in grand part responsible for the 'musicality' of this material. Pepper's melting riffs and killer solos never sounded better (he is a truly great axe-slinger), Wylde provides not only pumping bass lines but also skilful songwriting, while Blakout lays down some top notch beats throughout the five tracks but nowhere more spectacularly than on the Wylde-penned "Bite The Hand". This is a killer song with that eruptive dose of metal which has always been a key ingredient for the Tailz heavy duty glam sound and this one ticks all the boxes; dirty riffs and squealing solos, smashing rhythm section and Jules Millis rules the catchy, sing-a-long chorus.
"Shoe Collector" sock's it nicely to the glitterati schlock with an a cappella start and an arena swing, "Spit It Out" has a sick melodic rock punch, crazy riffage and backing vocals galore, while the bruising bastardized grooves of "Punched In The Gutz" echoes the twisted fury of the 'Wazbones' days. The EP includes a ballad, yes, a ballad among these on-fire rockin' numbers, and a good one. "One Life" merge catch melodic rock with acoustic guitar and synths in a reminiscent Skid Row style giving Millis a chance to show how good (and melodious) he is as the tune builds bridges of powerful harmonies between each soul searching verse. "Knives" is a killer 5-track EP from this refreshed Tigertailz, and leaves you hungry for more. Jay Pepper and the guys prove here they can still teach a thing or two to a lot of actual Sleaze Metal 'wonders', showing how to write a good sing-along chorus with a tasty dose of extremely infectious, nasty & sleazy backing vocals. Don't be fooled if 'sleaze' is a bad word in your musical tastes; "Knives" combines the catchiness of the genre without sounding silly, it adds a strong, healthy dose of Melodic Rock to it and a polished hard edge rounding an impressive - sadly too short - set of songs. Think Skid Row circa Slave To The Grind meets Shotgun Messiah's awesome debut and you get the picture. "Knives" sees Tigertailz rise up back into the premier league of glammy melodic hard rock where they belong. We need a full length album right away.

Rating - 9/10

Falling Red - Empire Of The Damned (2013)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze
Label - Pledge Music

Track listing:

01 - Time To Rise
02 - The Devil You Know
03 - We Escaped A Cult
04 - Break Me
05 - Outcast
06 - Disposable
07 - Empire Of The Damned
08 - We Are Reckless
09 - No Sanctuary
10 - Lonely Way To Die
11 - Change For No One


UK rockers, Falling Red, return with their sophmore album and what an album it is! This time around the guys have opted to go down the Pledge Music route in order to record the follow up to their debut, Shake The Faith, and the great Ep, Hasta La Victoria Siempre, giving them complete creative freedom and full control of their destiny so to speak. And the result is not only a damn fine album, but also the best set of songs that the band have been involved in so far! Now I have to be honest here. I enjoyed Shake The Faith, but wasn't totally blown away by it, unlike Hasta La Victoria Siempre, which I thought was amazing, so I awaited Empire Of The Damned with baited breath, and the guys didn't disappoint! Altogether a more coherent album, Empire... has a harder edge and a larger injection of attitude than its predecessors. Opening with the moody and atmospheric Time To Rise, Falling Red set the scene for what is to follow. And that is an onslaught of six awesome tracks, (most destined to be live favourites!) in the form of The Devil You Know, We Escaped A Cult, Break Me, Outcast, Disposable and title track Empire.... We Are Reckless follows, a track that will be familiar to most fans as it was released over the Internet a few months back as a teaser for the album. Reckless proves to be the weakest track so far too,not because its a bad song, just that its not quite as strong as its predecessors, and that's eight songs in! The quiality soon picks back up again with No Sanctuary, which flows nicely into Lonely Way To Die. The album finished with another blast of high octane attitude in the form of Change For No One, a song with some great twists and turns. Emoire of The Damned is cram packed with great songs, performed by a band both at the writting and performing peak! Top that with a great production and Falling Red have managed to deliver a strong candidate for album of the year in the form of Empire Of The Damned!


Very highly reconmended

Rating - 10/10

MICHAEL MONROE - Horns And Halos [Limited Deluxe] (2013)

Genre - Hard Rock / Classic Rock / Sleaze
Label -

Track listing:

01. TNT Diet
02. Ballad of the Lower East Side
03. Eighteen Angels
04. Saturday Night Special
05. Stained Glass Heart
06. Horns And Halos
07. Child of the Revolution
08. Soul Surrender
09. Half the Way
10. Ritual
11. Hands Are Tied
12. Happy Neverafter (bonus track)
13. Don't Block the Sun (bonus track)

Michael Monroe returns with Horns And Halos, the follow up to 2011's  (Ginger Wildheart penned) album of the year, Sensory Overdrive, this time without the mighty Ginger at the song writing helm. Can it love up to its predecessor? Oh Hell Yes it can!!

this album is pure Michael Monroe, combining elements from Hanoi Rocks, Demolition 23 and his previous solo material, mixing them up and adding a good dose of here and now! The result, one hell of an album.

I may not have written the following review but I couldn't agree with what it says any more. (All credit to the original reviewer!)

"Founding member of Hanoi Rocks - the band that essentially started the Hollywood glam rock scene and inspired bands like Guns 'N Roses, Poison and Motley Crue - since many years ago MICHAEL MONROE embarked on an solid solo career, frequently guesting on now-classic albums and performing with many other legends in rock music.

"Horns And Halos" is Michael Monroe's band new release which takes life truly by the horns and delivers a piece of glammy hard rock music that is full on with intensity, charisma and drive.

"TNT Diet" is the first track from 'Horns And Halos', a fast-paced rockin' energetic tune, complete with signature horn honkin' fills and plenty of attitude. It's a good, solid start, showing a more polished approach in sound than on the previous album which I like a lot.

"Ballad Of The East Side" is another triumphant blast of glamorous rock and roll, and the undisputed kings of glunk are at their best singing about something they know first-hand and this happens to be about all things after midnight in the Big Apple as it was and not as it is now. 

"Eighteen Angels" has sleaze written all over it: it's got groove, hard funk and sharp guitars, a lethal combination, followed by "Saturday Night Special", a more up-tempo rocker with a great breakdown beat towards the rip snorting guitar solo. A track wonderfully reminiscent of earlier Monroe works.

Next up we have the hard rocking title track "Horns And Halos" that's brooding on a jagged riff before breaking out with a huge chorus that jabs the listener in the throat and demands you to sing-along. This rough yet polished hard rock cut is one of my favorites.

"Child Of The Revolution" is pure rock 'n roll from the subtle hand claps to the big gang vocal chorus and the wicked melody, to my ears recalling some Hanoi Rocks, Clash and even Blondie.

For album number two this band has only gone and gotten better, trading off one and other more freely as a unit it would seem.

So with eleven songs on offer (or thirteen on this deluxe version) by the time you get to "Soul Surrender" you’re taken on another twist and turn as the band go from all out punk hard rock to a poppy groove driven by a fat bass and a catchy chorus.

"Half The Way" once again reinforces the fact that Monroe & the band have really put the hours in on the writing front by mixing up the instruments with the harmonica and guitars trading well on around, it’s a really strong melody complemented by some superb backing vocals that elevate this tune as it gets stuck in your head.

Easing things back a little, next up is "Ritual" with Michael using his lower range for the verses but the temperature soon rises for the guitar solo and a haunting guitar line cuts through the song as it comes to the boil nicely.

Something else about this line up of the Michael Monroe band is that on ‘Horns And Halos’ there’s no track like the previous track, illustrating there are many strings to their collective bow. And to close the album off we return for some low down and dirty rock in "Hands Are Tied" as the boys get their groove on and take this baby home in triumphant style. 

The bonus tracks really worth this Limited Deluxe edition, as the traditional '80s L.A. hardrocker "Happy Neverafter" is one of the best cuts of the entire disc, and the melodic "Don't Block The Sun" also recalls the Sunset Strip days with its swagger and fun rhythm.

Michael Monroe's "Horns And Halos" is not just the product of a life that has been lived or the fevered imagination of someone with great lyrical writing skills, it is has the hallmarks of a place, the one special location in which as rock music lovers we all dwell and take refuge in, be it a city or a venue. The album draws on that and gives Michael Monroe’s fans a pretty rocking sanctuary in which to share his music again. 

To my ears this CD is truly far superior than the already really good previous effort, and sits among Monroe's best.

"Horns And Halos" possesses a swagger and an air of confidence that's missing from many of today's releases and is the perfect soundtrack to a scorching hot summer's day. So when you get this album make sure you crank the volume up for maximum effect and let the songs flow over you.

Very Recommended."

Very Highly Recommended

Rating - 10/10

White Pigeon - Property Of White Pigeon (2013)

Genre - Hard Rock / Glam / Sleaze / Pop
Label -

Track listing:

01 - Party
02 - Sea Devil
03 - The Hunt
04 - Kentucky Pie
05 - Rock Me
06 - Ladies
07 - Don't Get Too Close (Squash Song)
08 - Get Me Outta Here
09 - Gladiator
10 - White Pigeon


What would you get if you crossed a little Steel Panther, Tenacious D, Whitesnake and The Darkness. Well I would guess that the result would sound pretty much like White Pigeon.
Less punky than Spit Like This, but in a very similar vein none the less. Property of... is their debut album, featuring revisited, re-mixed, and re-mastered tracks of their now rare first EP as well as five brand new tracks, the release seizes the ear from first note to last to provide an energetic brawl of fun and music, its first track Party the perfect title for the feisty and enjoyable encounter. The opener takes no time in feeding the ear hot guitar melodies and primes riffs driven by infectious vocals and warm inviting keys. The vocals from Nugent and the twins ignites hunger to join the revelry whilst the sounds control the feet and directs their responses to the anthemic lures eagerly at play with masterful efficiency. You know from this opening track that these guys have their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks!
The album continues in much the same vein, only occassionally missing the mark on tracks such as Ladies and Get Me Outta Here, but on a whole its a great fun romper stomper of an album from a young British band!

Rating - 8/10

New Generation Superstars - Rock N' Roll Or Die! (2013)

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze
Label -

Track Listing -

01 - Rock n Roll Or Die
02 - Bastards
03 - Can't Live Without Them
04 - Black Heart
05 - Life Of Crime
06 - Hell City
07 - Guess What
08 - My Life
09 - The Price
10 - Rockstar
11 - Solid Gold (L.T.G.T.R)
12 - Waste Of Time

First before I forget let me just say that this album is actually FREE at the moment for you to download. Visit iTunes or Reverbnation. From 1st May 2013, you’ll have to pay for a copy. Visit www.facebook.com/newgenrocks for all the latest news!

Now on with the review.
N.G.S. return with their sophmore album in the form of Rock n Roll Or Die, an album that is jam packed full with attitude, killer riffs, huge hooks, sleaze and did I say attitude.
the album opens with title track Rock n Roll Or Die and Bastards, the perfect one two punch of power and attitude, real statements of intent!
Cant Live Without Them and Black Heart slow the tempo a little before Life Of Crime starts to rev things up a little again then Hell City explodes out of the speakers. Six tracks in and six possible future N.S.G. classics!
Guess What is bound to be a live favourite with its Guess What, Fuck You chorus chant!
The pace slows again for My Life, and The Price rocks away a little with its pitfalls of touring lyrics, before the last three tracks close out the album in style. Solid Gold has enough hooks to keep a fishing tackle shop in business for years!

On a whole this is a great album, with a slighty Backyard Babies influence coming through loud and clear (which is no bad thing!)

A great good old fashioned sleazy rock n roll album that comes highly reconmended!

Rating 9/10

Hardcore Superstar - C'Mon Take On Me

Genre - Hard Rock / Sleaze
Label - Nuclear Blast

Track listing:

01. Cutting The Slack

02. C'mon Take On Me
03. One More Minute
04. Above The Law
05. Are You Gonna Cry Now
06. Stranger Of Mine
07. Won't Take The Blame pt. 1
08. Won't Take The Blame pt. 2 (Sect Meeting)
09. Dead Man's Shoes
10. Because Of You
11. Too Much Business
12. Long Time No See



Swedish hard rock / sleazsters return with their nineth album in the form of C'mon Take On Me.With a style defined by the press as 'Street Metal' and tagged as 'Swedish sleaze rock' Hardcore Superstar made a name of themselves in Europe. Yet even after eight previous albums, Hardcore Superstar are band that are still groing and developing, with these sleazsters somewhat loosing their sleaze and adopting a more polished eighties hard rock vibe.
With a musical orientation that slightly started to change with the previous CD, this brand new work from the band covers many spectres of more classic Hard Rock from both sides of the Atlantic ocean.
Assisted and helped by the intuitive production and mix by Randy Staub (Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Metallica's Black Album) Hardcore Superstar now sounds polished and commercial than never before.
Some may argue they had lost the 'attakk' attitude, that certain rawness in the music that made Hardcore Superstar so special,but to me, it's a big step in a the right direction for the band, as the sleaze sub-genre has been turned a bit repetitive in general, and this new more 'classic' hard, melodic hard rock approach fits them like a glove, yet the band have not, thankfully, become another band turning out hard rock by numbers tracks.
"Cutting the Slack" isn't your usual way to start a Hard Rock album. This instrumental looks like an intro but its length (over 2 min.) turns it as a standalone track. No guitars, no crashing drums; it's like a lullaby, mysterious, almost creepy sounds. Really interesting.
Title track"C'mon Take On Me" then explodes in your speakers like a chinese fireworks party... great effect. This short, impactful catchy roused number will rock your socks off!
The killer, commercial "One More Minute" is awesome. Structurally is a bluesy melodic hard rocker but wrapped by a ecstatic production. I hear some Aerosmith in the foundation, just think '87 Tesla but with a modern, glossy, processed production and some massive backing vocals.
Next, "Above The Law" is another winner. It's an infectious little song that will lift your ass off the couch in no time. Catchy as hell, it has all the fire and effervescence that Wig Wam seems had lost. Just listen those punctuating guitars ala '83 Def Leppard.
"Are You Gonna Cry Now?" is a quite modern uptempo rocker with some nineties Motly Crue yet more atmospheric.
Hardcore Superstar then surprises with the moody, Americanized acoustic driven "Stranger of Mine". Quite simply one of the best songs that I have heard in years!
"Won't Take the Blame Pt. 1" and its "Pt. 2" coda delivers American post-sleazy stylized hard rock, think the adult Guns 'N Roses of Use Your Illusion, yet with even more polished production.
The uptempo "Dead Man's Shoes" is just a fun and contagious rocker in the Reckless Love vein (love the vintage solo), while on "Because of You" is the only track where some sleaze/street hard emerges a little, and among the rest of the songs this sounds like a nice variation than an example of the band's primal style.
I'd said variation? Another hint that this album is inspired by classic acts follows. Put yourself in the slightly surreal situation that AC/DC wake up one morning and realize 'damn guys, it's 2013, let's write a modern song but with our signature'. The song would probably sound like "Too Much Business". Close to the Australians 'Who Made Who' more polished years, this track is a true energy boost.
Final number "Long Time No See" is a monster mid-tempo semi-ballad akin '80s Def Leppard, with a fantastic refrain and a very classic chorus. I love this stuff.
"C'mon Take On Me" is a great album, from a band treading new ground and forging a new path for themselves in an ever changing musical universe.There is not a single weak track on this album. It's catchy, it's melodic, it's modern and classy inspired at the same time.
Highly Recommended.


Rating 10/10

Hardcore Superstar are -
Joakim "Jocke" Berg (Lead and Backing Vocals)
Martin Sandvick (Bass, Backing Vocals)
Magnus "Adde" Andreasson (Drums, Backing Vocals)
Vic Zino (Guitars, Backing Vocals)

Lovebite - Lock 'N' Load (2012)

Genre - Hard Rock / Glam / Sleaze / Metal
Label - Independant

Track listing -

01 - No Turning Back
02 - Sin City
03 - Breakin' The Rules
04 - Love/Hate
05 - Hey Baby
06 - Gonna Love You Anyway
07 - Lock 'N' Load
08 - Queen Of Hearts
09 - Can't Fight Your Love
10 - Striptease
11 - Mr. Lonely
12 - Too Much Is Never Enough

Where do I start?
Lovebite, (love the name by the way!), are a Birmingham (Midlands, UK) band that claim they are destined to be one of the hottest glam-metal bands to arrive on the UK scene, and to be fair I have to disagree. I feel that that particular statement sells the band short, as there is so much to these guys than being just a glam band. Sure, Lovebite's music is '80s Melodic Hard Rock influenced, not only in style / songwriting, but also in the way that they pull it off sonically. The guitars are loud and we have gang vocals all over, all wrapped with an intense and dynamic rhythm section, complete with cowbell and all.Yes there you can hear the influence of the genre legends such as Motley Crue, Skid Row or L.A Guns all over the place, but the songs are also more melodic and polished with infleneces such as Firehouse and Danger Danger clearly there to be heard.
A perfect example being Breakin' The Rules, a song that could quite easily be coming right off of Firehouse's debut in the way its composed and arranged.
With vocalist Johnny Sparks coming across as a blend of a young Vince Neil and Mike Tramp and the riffs coming loud and fast this album really does take me back, yet despite the clear 80's influence on the bands sound, the production brings that same said sound band upto date, leaving us with a great contempory sounding album.
For a band that have only been together for a relativly short time these guys show a helluva lot of promise.

Great debut, very highly reconmended!

Rating - 10/10
Website - http://lovebiteofficial.com