Jorn - Dukebox Review

Following hot on the heals of this years "Spirit Black" album from Jorn, come's "Duke Box", a 16-track best-of from powerhouse Norwegian hard rock vocalist Jorn Lande (Masterplan, Millenium, Ark, The Snakes).
This CDl contain's "many highlights" from Jorn's previous solo albums and "will be an interesting item for all die-hard fans and 'newcomers' as well," according to a press release. And the press release hits th nail right on the head there, "Duke Box" is the perfect introduction to the past material from Jorn, whose voice to me comes across as the perfect mix of "David Coverdale" (Whitesnake, Deep Purple), "Ronnie James Dio" (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell) and Tony Martin (Black Sabbath, Cage, Giuntini Project, Empire and solo). The music on offer here is classic rock/metal, performed to perfection, Iommi and Blackmore would be ever so proud!

The 16 tracks on offer here really do showcase Jorns diversity and range as both a singer and a song writer, there really is something here for everyone.

I highly reconmend this release, together with Jorns Spirit Black album (released back in June) as great introductions to a huge musical talent!

rating 10/10

Black Robot - Black Robot Review.

What happens when three three former members of Buckcherry reunite? They transform into a new powerhouse rock band in the form of Black Robot!Black Robot are influenced by classic hard rock legends like AC/DC and Aeromsith, while creating something new with their own distinctive sound.The band are driven by the vocals of Detroit native Huck Johns. If you haven’t heard Johns sing before, you are in for a treat. Producer Dave Cobb really pushes Johns to new heights on this cd and brings out some of Hucks best performances! But Black Robot are'nt all about the vocals, the rest of band featuring Yogi Lonich on guitars, Jonathan Brightman on bass and Devon Glenn on drums play their asses off on this CD. I am pleasantly surprised on how different this material is from their past musicwith Buckcherry.You have the stadium anthem “Baddass”, and the cover of J.J. Cale’s “Cocaine” which are sure to pull you in upon first listen.“Momma Don’t Cry” has an awesome Jimi Hendrix like vibe to it, whilst “I’m In Love” slows down the pace with an a very cool ballad. This song could be a huge hit for the band if they get the right breaks and some god darn airplay! “Money” is an infectious upbeat tune, “In My Car” has a good, classic 70’s rock vibe to it reminding me of early Areosmith, and “Love On A .45″ sees Johns channeling his inner Zeppelin on this catchy tune!

This is a great album with Black Robot proving once again the Rock is far from dead!!

Check it out!!!!!!!!!

rating 10/10

The Wildhearts - The Only One single review

This year see's the mighty Wildhearts (probably Britains greatest rock band of the past 20 years), return with a new album "CHUTZPAH!" (released August 31st) and The Only One is the first single released from it. The Only One is a single track download available exclusively through itunes and Amazon, its a great modern rock ballad, with very little of the Wildhearts classic sound showing through. Bassist Scott Sorry handles lead vocals here and he does a cracking job on the track he wrote, and as i said the song is a cracking modern rock track, proving that a band thats been around 20+ years can move with the times, but here in may lie the problem for the die hard fans. Very little of the Wildhearts classic sound is left on display here, the guitars have been down tuned, Gingers vocals are not here, but still its a great song that I could imagine going down a storm in rock clubs all over the world. Personally id love to have heard Ginger on vocals, but saying that Scott does a great job here so who knows.The song is a grower, so if your not instantly grabbed by it just give iot a chance.

rating 9/10

LR Rockets - Renee Loves Losers (Single) Review

London’s LR Rockets play new wave-inspired electro-indie in a style that’s seems to be pretty popular right now.I can see the a-side track ‘Renee Loves Losers’ going down well on a hundred indie rock dancefloors as the band seem to have a knack for up-tempo catchy tunes.B-side ‘OK Let’s Talk’ jumps out less immediately but it’s got a similarly frantic vocal delivery and a neat refrain in the chorus.

If you like new wave inspired electro pop rock ala Platic Toys you really should check these guys out.

rating 7/10

Infinite Tone - Imposi-bull review

With their debut release of "Impossi-bull," rock band Infinite Tone has compiled a collection of powerhouse rock songs. Very reminiscent of '80's metal, Infinite Tone centers their sound around big guitars and melodic vocals. The lyrics are well-written and are sung with confident and crisp vocals. The keyboards also play a huge part in this group's sound. Take note of the Hammond organ sound on the solo of "Burn!" or the chord stabs on the title track "Impossi-bull" for example.Like all good metal bands from back in the day theres plenty of tempo changes on offer here, and even a couple of slow ballads thrown in for good measure. A gresat album from a promising band, not really offering anything that hasn't been done before, but offering it as a great well done package, and i dont see anything wrong with that!Fan's of Guns N' Roses or AC/DC shouldl thoroughly enjoy listening to the edgy hard rock tunes on the Infinite Tones' album "Impossi-bull."

Sit back turn up loud and enjoy!

rating 8/10

Uzi - Madhouse review

Eonian Records here release another retrospective collection of songs by another one of the bands that fell by the wayside back in the early 90's.
UZI formed in late 1986 out of the ashes of KIDD. They started out as Dillinger, but soon changed to UZI. Uzi were influenced by the metal rock wave ridden by bands like AC/DC and Motley Crue, bursts from the gates with full force, pedal to metal, hook laden and groove driven hard rock on Madhouse. Title track, Rocker, and the rippin' Do What I Do throw caution to the wind with swaggering riffs and blistering tempos within a huge arena sound. Later, the explosive Raise Hell and the nasty, sarcastic Wreckerd Man blow the roof off.
Most of the songs from the 1980's reflect the hard rock sounds that were in style back then. I hear Ratt, Skid Row and even Guns and Roses as influences. The production quality is consistent throughout even if the styles very slightly. They opt mainly for a mid-tempo approach, but handle a ballad good enough as well. Some of their later tracks are slightly heavier and much like someone like Skid Row on "Slave to the grind" they were attemting to keep up with the trend of heavier music becoming slightly more in fashion at the time. Really they still sound good on these songs even if it may not be their first choice in musical directions.
This album is thoroughly enjoyable mainly because UZI really knew how to pull off and sell that great hook within each of their songs.

A highly reconmended album foe anyone wanting a musical blast from the past, or just someone wanting to check out what might have been.

rating 8/10