A Neon Light in the Metal Darkness
Neon's Metal Madness
Music Reviews
ASKA---ABSOLUTE POWER
“Absolute Power” is the fifth album to be released by ASKA and it did not come without its obstacles, sacrifices, and basically your if-anything-can-go-wrong scenario it would rear its ugly head. Front man and founder, George Call, had some medical problems, namely a throat cancer scare and had to undergo a surgical procedure to eliminate the problem. That was only the beginning; he also had to deal with the possibility that his singing voice and career would be gone. Nothing was 100% a guarantee. But Call, a true solider in every sense of the word, was not about to let something like that keep him or the band down. There were also personnel changes that threatened production on the album but the guys keep on with the ultimate goal in site: to bring another album to the fans.
The album starts off with a powerful song Long Ships which tells a story of the Vikings, their lives, their battles, and their struggles all while being at sea. The vocals by George Call are strong and gutsy and with guitarist Daryl Norton by his side the riffs are electrifying and riveting. Her Ghosts Remains is a hauntingly beautiful song and is probably the one that everyone is most familiar with because it was introduced by the band on their myspace page about a year or so ago. So to actually hear it put together on this album with the other songs makes it all the more worth the wait. Message from God is one of those songs that is just amazing from beginning to end. First of all when’s the last time you heard a song fade in? What a great way to introduce the song! The story of the song is very thought provoking and whatever you believe there is always a small voice inside of you speaking to you. The special effect that is used on the chorus is just awesome! What I’m trying to tell you but you just won’t hear me/What I’m trying to make it clear but you just won’t see/We can sit here if it takes forever/But you’ll always have my message from God! Great lyrics! Great song! And last but not least Freedom and for anyone that is a patriot, served in the military or just loves their country this will be a song for you! Freedom is never free it is always paid for by the blood of others.
Check out and purchase “Absolute Power” you will be glad that you did! If you like “Absolute Power” you will definitely like their third and fourth albums as well, "Nine Tongues" and “Avenger” ,which is a concept album, and has a great deal of powerful songs that are well written, well produced, and are great to hear performed live!
ZEBRA...THE DVD
This DVD is just what the doctor
ordered for a long time Zebra fan and a fairly new fan like myself. It takes you
through the beginning of Zebra all the way to their peak! They weave in two
performances one from New Jersey and one from New Orleans during Mardi Gras 30
years from their start. Special features you get to see Felix's garage and some
cool memorabilia like the Zebra striped sleeveless T and other great items!
Great DVD! The sound quality is what it is on the live performances. The band
didn't go studioize it and I am thankful. My only modification would be where I
could watch the live performances as stand alone performances without the
interviews interrupting.
ZEBRA - FROM A FAN NOW IN DALLAS, TEXAS THANKS FOR THE DVD I CAN SEE YOU MORE
NOW THAN BEFORE!!! - Neon Blonde
PS. Randy we all know your roots are at the Jimmy Page alter. ;)
ps2. Randy I don't know if you remember me or not but I had the opportunity to
meet you at Rock 4 Xmas 2003 at Division One in Arlington, Texas and then I got
to see you guys perform at The Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas. Great memories I
will have forever...thank you!
Please visit the Zebra official web site at: www.thedoor.com
REVENGEANCE...FALLING INTO SILENCE
ALONE--Starts off with a gentle rain effect that kind of catches you off guard for what is coming next...and that's Taylor Dennis' crunchin' guitar. I love the lyrics for this song because at one time or another we've all had nightmares that we've had to deal with. I've known this band since the beginning and all it's gonna take is more experience and growth. The talent in this band is phenomenal! Taylor Dennis is still young and his voice is still developing, as are all the members and with the help and support of the local scene and those involved these guys are just going to get better and better.
REVENGEANCE--This is one of my favs off this album! I've always liked the songs that tell a story and this song tells a tale of swords, warriors, blood, flame, and mortality. I love AJ's fist pumping pounding on the skins (for the opening) and then comes Taylor with his awesome guitar. But...Taylor breaks in with a Steve Grimmett scream that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! I would love to hear a little bit more of harmonization on this song and as I said before the more experience these guys get it will happen.
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT--This another one of my favs on this album and it starts off with not only a Judas Priest sound to it but the story as well. It is just really well written and executed and the only fault with the song is I wished it was a little bit longer!
All in all this is a really good album and I'm excited to see and hear more from these guys. I would love to see someone just really take these guys under their wing and give them that little bit extra. But definitely catch this band live when you can you will be entertained, exhilarated, and pumped up!
SPITTIN JONAH...I was so excited when Louder Than Hell was available on cd. I had already heard these songs live and now I could listen to them anytime I wanted. Then I heard about the new cd Sphere of Resistance and I knew what to expect...quality music, songs, and musicianship and that's exactly what I got! With Billy Blax on vocals you can expect deep rich melodies and awesome range on songs like Tormented and Envy and Hate. Matt Eaton brings songs like Fight To Be and Street Preacher to life with shredding tones and ear-splitting solos. Mike Rich on drums and James Young on bass complete this ensemble and will bring you much head bangin pleasure!
RELAYPSE...This five-piece band from Italy is outstanding! They are young but they can rock! This is a review of three of the songs off of their self-titled demo "Relaypse". Check 'em out!
TRY--Starts off with a very crunchy guitar riff. Lots of vocal changes in this song and in my opinion I detect some Pantera influence.
NOT KING--Great opening riff! Heavy song with cool bass licks. I imagine that when these guys play live they rock Italy to the foundation!
GO AWAY--This song will really surprise you! Very mellow beginning then it breaks into sizzling guitars and throat-ripping vocals. I love the guitars and this song is very well produced. Relaypse has a winner here!
WithinAnotheR...This was such a refreshing album (4-track demo) to listen to! These guys are from New York. I guess you could say a Queensryche feel to the music. So listen to the music, peruse their web site, and enjoy a great album!
TRACK LISTING:
CONFLICT WITH REASON--Very good song to start an album. Gives you a good feel for the rest of the CD. I like what I hear. Queensryche influence perhaps?
WRITTEN IN WATER--Very technically done and very sound. Everything just seemed to flow and was tight with this song! I'm impressed.
RESOLUTION--Fast paced song with lots of changes, great vocals, harmony, and my fav...lots of guitars!
DWELLING--Love the intro. Grinding guitars mixed with sensual vocals make a good ending for the album. I WANT MORE!
RIVETHEAD...This is a review of their 7-song demo. These guys are local in my area, Dallas. I can't wait to check out these guys! If you like Type O Negative, Disturbed, Drowning Pool, etc. be sure to check these guys out. They have the potential to make it.
TRACK LISTING:
SILENCED--This song has a great TYPE O NEGATIVE sound on the opening riff. Vocalist has a 'Disturbed' quality. Love this song!
RIVETHEAD--Very catchy song. The vocalist, Steve, from the other side of the Atlantic in England gives this group an edgy rawness and it works!
BREATHE--This was my least favorite song but it goes well with the album and it still rocks.
THE END--Love the total make up of this song. In my opinion some Drowning Pool influence here.
PULLING ME DOWN--Great umph...in your face and you have to bang your head on this one!
REGRET--My favorite song! Can't wait to see these guys perform this song live!
FADE--Last but not least a very kick ass song to end the album with. Awesome music and vocal changes.
UNCHECKED AGGRESSION..."The Massacre Begins". If you like Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, etc. you'll love to head bang with this band. They are from the Dallas, Texas area and this is a review of their 3-song demo that's on their web site.
TRACK LISTING:
HELLBENT--Reminiscent of old school Metallica, from the beginning. Pissed off and in your face metal. You'll get plenty of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums!
KILL ME AGAIN--Love the bass licks in the opening. Very well produced song. Here again Metallica influenced. Would love to see these guys on a Metallica tribute!
SMELL OF BLOOD--Crunchy axe riffs opens up the song. Great musical changes. These guys should and could get air play!
SHIVA...This album is not so much for head bangin' as it is for just plain good old rockin'! SHIVA is from Sweden and they have an awesome combination: Anette Johansson and Mats Edstrom. Here is the review of their 3-song demo. Awesome stuff!
TRACK LISTING:
STAY OUT--Rocks out from the beginning! Anette and Mats just kick ass! Anette has a strong vocal presence and once again we've got a female vocalist that can give ya what you want and more.
DOW JONES INDEX--This song has everything; great opening and awesome chorus. Shiva takes you to the place where you wanna let it all hang out and rock!
ANOTHER MAN'S WIFE--Makes ya want to move! This song talks about a smooth operator lookin' for lust and trouble and sex. If you like Journey, etc. you'll love Shiva!
HETERODOX ROXX...If you like King Diamond, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Dio, and Judas Priest you will like Dark Shadows. Aarion Lee is the founder and song writer. Current bassist is Levi Searls and drummer Jerod Gilmore.
TRACK LISTING:
THE REAPER
SCALLA
WAR
DARK SHADOWS
OASIS
KNIGHTS
FOUR HORSEMEN/ANGEL OF DEATH
THE BATTLE
OPEN YOUR EYES
HONOR
THE REAPER--CRUNCHY GUITAR INTRO. PANTERA INFLUENCE. VERY TECHNICALLY SOUND. FEAR NOT FOR THE REAPER COMETH FOR YOUR SOUL!
SCALLA--I LOVE THE OPENING RIFF FOR THIS SONG. THIS SONG TELLS A GREAT STORY ABOUT A DEMON NAMED SCALLA. HE WANTS A SACRIFICE. GREAT GUITAR SOLO AND STRONG ICED EARTH INFLUENCE.
BEAUTIFUL ACOUSTIC SOLO!
WAR--OPENS KICKIN' ASS WITH AARION LEE HITTIN' THOSE HIGH NOTES. IF YOU LIKE IRON MAIDEN YOU LIKE WAR!
DARK SHADOWS--AWESOME INTRO! IRON MAIDEN TYPE INTRO. LOTS OF GUITAR (YES!)
OASIS--IF YOU LIKE JUDAS PRIEST YOU'LL DIG THIS SONG. DRUMS SOUND EXCELLENT! VOCALS YEAH! I WANT MORE OF THIS! THIS IS MY FAVORITE HETERODOX SONG!
KNIGHTS--VERY COOL SONG! COOL CHANGE UPS. A ROCKER! TELLS A GREAT STORY TOO. QUEENSRYCHE COULD DO IT!
FOUR HORSEMEN NARRATION--THIS IS THE STORY TOLD TO YOU OF THE FOUR HORSEMEN.
ANGEL OF DEATH--THIS IS A TOTALLY KICK ASS, BITCHIN' SONG!
THE BATTLE--THE GUITAR IN THIS SONG SOUNDS SO MUCH LIKE TYPE-O NEGATIVE.
OPEN YOUR EYES--LOVE THE PRIEST FEEL ON THIS SONG. GOOD CHANGE UPS TOO!
HONOR--KICK AXE RIFF ON THIS SONG!
SPITTIN' JONAH..."One of very few exceptional Power Metal bands to come out of Texas...With American radio forcing something that they call 'nu metal' down the throats of the listeners...SPITTIN JONAH have sided with the bands who have determined not to 'sell out' just to get airplay on 'corporate' radio. They are definitely metal...and with Blax's voice, still a bit 'Texas'." says CD Baby
Hard-hittin', head-bangin', guitar-crunchin', heavy metal music! These guys are awesome live too! Here's my review of the songs off LOUDER THAN HELL:
MEMBERS:
BILLY HAGAN BLAX-VOCALS
MATT EATON- 'THE' GUITAR AND BACKING VOCALS
JAMES YOUNG-BASS
MIKE RICH-DRUMS
TRACK LISTING:
FIGHT THE FLESH--GREAT CATCHY TUNE WITH KICK AXE GUITAR SOLO BY MATT EATON.
TOO WEAK--BILLY'S VOCALS ARE AWESOME! LOTS OF MAIDEN INFLUENCE IN THIS SONG.
ENEMY--GUITARS, GUITARS, GUITARS!!
IN DISGUISE--BIG AWESOME CHORUS! IT GETS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD AND YOUR HUMMIN ALL DAY!
JUDGMENT--I LOVE THE WHOLE SOUND OF THIS SONG...DRUMS, VOCALS, GUITAR, BASS, EVERYTHING! YOU CAN'T HELP BUT MOVE YOUR HEAD!
SON OF DUST--STARTS OFF WITH MAIDEN-TYPE OPENING RIFF. VERY MELODIC SOLO. GOOD VOCAL CHANGES. COOL ENDING.
WASHED AWAY--MATT DOES WITH ONE GUITAR WHAT IT TAKES OTHER BANDS TWO OR THREE!!!
REAL DEAL--I LOVE THE LYRICS!
THE VICTORY--IN YOUR FACE VOCALS BY BILLY 'BLAX'!
PROCLAMATION--THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG OFF THIS CD! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. THE VOCALS ARE OUTSTANDING.
LYING--ONE GUITAR!!!
TIME AND AGAIN--GOOD SONG! CATCHY LYRICS.
SET ME FREE--IN MY OPINION THIS SOUNDS VERY QUEENSRYCHE. MELODIC TUNE.
FREEWHEELER...THIS BAND HAILS FROM ENGLAND AND IF YOU LIKE AC/DC, ELO, CCR, AEROSMITH,GUNS N' ROSES, LYNYRD SKYNRD, ETC. YOU'LL LOVE THIS BAND. THEY TAKE YOU BACK TO A TIME WHEN THIS WAS THE MUSIC! IT'S GOOD TIME, HAVIN' FUN MUSIC. THIS IS MUSIC I HEARD IN HIGH SCHOOL. MUSIC THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER SEEN THE DEMISE THAT IT HAS. FREEWHEELER BRINGS IT ALL BACK! THIS IS A REVIEW OF THEIR 3-SONG DEMO CD.
http://www.dreamwater.org/music/freewheeler
MEMBERS:
SEB--VOCALS
SOPHIE--BASS
PETE--GUITAR
RUSS a.k.a. ANIMAL-DRUMS
FREEWHEELER 3-SONG DEMO:
WHISKEY AND THE PILLS--SOMEONE IN THIS BAND LOVES GNR!!! GREAT ROCKIN' TUNE! RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!
THIS IS ROCK'N'ROLL--THIS SONG SPEAKS FOR ITSELF WITH THE MUSIC, THE LYRICS, THE RIFFAGE..IT'S GOT IT ALL!
MAN NOT A WOMAN
DARK SHIFT...THIS BAND WAS FORMED IN 2000 AND HAS EXCELLENT POTENTIAL! KEEP ROCKIN' GUYS!! YOU CAN VISIT THEIR WEB SITE AT:
http://66.197.192.88/DarkShift/
MEMBERS:
LEWIE SNYDER-VOCALS AND RHYTHM GUITAR
JOEL WANASEK-LEAD GUITAR
TOMMY "THE GUNNER" LODWICK-DRUMS
BRETT DUMSTREY-BASS
NOVEMBER 2001 PROMO 'DARK SHIFT'
LOST FOREVER
THE LAST DOOR
NEVERMORE
KEEPER
APRIL 2001 "NEVERMORE" DEMO
NEVERMORE
FIT OF RAGE
FOREVER NIGHT (PART 3)
LOST FOREVER
TENTATIVE TRACK LISTING FOR NEW CD BEING RECORDED IN JUNE:
BY THE WATERS
NEVERMORE
LOST FOREVER
THE LAST DOOR
FIT OF RAGE
KEEPER
BEYOND THE DARK
FOREVER NIGHT (PART 1)
FOREVER NIGHT (PART 2)
FOREVER NIGHT (PART 3)
THE LAST DOOR--VERY MELODIC, SLOW STARTING SONG. VOCALS COULD BE A LITTLE DEEPER, RICHER SOUNDING. THIS WILL COME! GREAT MUSICAL AND LYRICAL CONTENT!
LOST FOREVER--GREAT, STRONG BEGINNING! DEFINITELY A HEAD BANGER'S DELIGHT. MAYBE SOME HARMONIES ADDED TO THE VOCALS. GREAT GUITAR SOLO!
KEEPER--AWESOME SUBTLE BASS RIFFAGE! VERY FAST TEMPO SONG.
DEATHEAD WAS STARTED IN 2001 IN DALLAS BY CHRIS JESTER. HE RELOCATED TO THE STATE OF UTAH AND THIS IS THEIR STORY...
JUNE DEMO
ARCHITECT OF ARMAGEDDON
WAKE ME
DRAGON HEAD
MEMBERS:
CHRIS JESTER--VOCALS/LEAD GUITAR
KELLY JESTER--GUITAR
JOHN HUBERT--BASS GUITAR
THESE GUYS HAVE HAD SOME TREMENDOUS UPS AND DOWNS AND HAVE STILL KEPT ROCKIN' AWAY. KEEP CHECKING BACK TO MY SITE OR DEATHEAD'S SITE FOR THEIR NEW CD. THEIR WEB SITE IS:
DORO IS AN AWESOME WOMAN, WRITER, AND MUSICIAN. YOU CAN CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE AT:
WARLOCK (DORO)
TRIUMPH AND AGONY (1987)
TRACK LISTING:
ALL WE ARE
THREE MINUTE WARNING
I RULE THE RUINS
KISS OF DEATH
MAKE TIME FOR LOVE
EAST MEETS WEST
TOUCH OF EVIL
METAL TANGO
COLD, COLD WORLD
FUR IMMER
ALL WE ARE---THIS IS JUST AN OUTSTANDING METAL ANTHEM! YOU CAN NOT HELP SINGING ALONG TO THIS ONE. RIGHT UP THERE WITH QUIET RIOT-CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE AND TWISTED SISTER-WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT!! I LOVE THIS SONG!
I RULE THE RUINS---I THINK IT'S A SHAME THAT WOMEN IN HEAVY METAL DIDN'T DO AS WELL AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. IT IS AND WAS A VERY MALE DOMINATED PROFESSION. DORO AND WARLOCK KICK ASS ON THIS SONG!
DORO (CALLING THE WILD)--2000
TRACK LISTING:
KISS ME LIKE A COBRA
DEDICATION (I GIVE MY BLOOD)
BURN IT UP
GIVE ME A REASON
WHO YOU LOVE
SCARRED
ICH WILL ALLES
WHITE WEDDING
I WANNA LIVE
LOVE ME FOREVER
FUEL
CONSTANT DANGER
BLACK ROSE
NOW OR NEVER
DANKE
KISS ME LIKE A COBRA---JUST A GREAT GIRL SEDUCES BOY ROCKIN' SONG!! THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE DORO!
WHITE WEDDING (BILLY IDOL COVER TUNE)---I LOVE THE FLARE, CRUNCHINESS, SEXINESS, AND JUST IN-YOUR-FACE EDGE THAT DORO PUTS ON THIS SONG. I LIKED IT THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT BY BILLY IDOL IN THE EIGHTIES BUT THIS PUTS A WHOLE NEW SPIN ON IT AND IT'S LIKE DISCOVERING IT ALL OVER AGAIN!
LOVE ME FOREVER---THIS SONG IS AWESOME! DORO DOES DUET WITH LEMMY OF MOTORHEAD. SHE HAS HAD GREAT PEOPLE IN HER CORNER SUCH AS LEMMY OF MOTORHEAD AND GENE SIMMONS OF KISS. THIS IS A GREAT LOVE BALLAD.
DORO (TRUE AT HEART)--1991
TRACK LISTING:
COOL LOVE
YOU GONNA BREAK MY HEART
EVEN ANGELS CRY
THE FORTUNETELLER
LIVE IT
FALL FOR ME AGAIN
HEARTSHAPED TATTOO
WITH THE WAVE OF YOUR HAND
HEAR ME
I'LL MAKE IT ON MY OWN
GETTIN' NOWHERE WITHOUT YOU
I KNOW YOU BY HEART
EVEN ANGELS CRY---THIS IS JUST AN AWESOME LOVE BALLAD. DORO IS SO CAPABLE OF PULLING OFF EVERY TYPE OF SONG OUT THERE. HARD AND HEAVY ROCKERS, GREAT ROCK AND ROLL ANTHEMS, AND HEART-FELT LOVE BALLADS.
HEART-SHAPED TATTOO---DORO CAN DEFINITELY LEAVE A PERMANENT MARK ON YOUR HEART! GOOD ROCKIN' SONG. PLEASE GET A HOLD OF ANY OF DORO'S OR WARLOCK'S CD'S. THEY ARE VERY WORTH LISTENING TO AND YOU WILL FIND IT HARD NOT TO BE A DORO FAN!
I KNOW YOU BY HEART---THE ULTIMATE BOY-DOESN'T-FEEL-THE-SAME-AS-THE-GIRL-DOES SONG. SHE GIVES HIM EVERYTHING AND HE HAS NO CLUE. IT'S REALLY NO BIG DEAL TO HIM BUT IT'S EVERYTHING TO HER. COME ON...YOU KNOW WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT!
BUSHHOUNDS
WAS FOUNDED BACK IN 1995 IN FLORIDA. I DID AN INTERVIEW WITH THE
VOCALISTS, CARLOS DEANZA. HE'S AN AWESOME GUY AND THIS IS A GREAT
BAND. IT'S SOUTHERN FRIED ROCK (i.e.-Lynyrd Skynyrd).
A
true hard working American Rock n Roll Band! The Bushhounds have toured
the nation opening for many national artists such as
LYNYRD SKYNYRD, ZZ.TOP, 38 SPECIAL, MOLLY HATCHET, MARSHALL TUCKER, SOUTHERN
ROCK ALLSTARS, MOTLEY CRUE, FIREHOUSE, RATT, GREAT WHITE, SEBASTIAN BACH, ROXX
GANG, CHEAP TRICK, NAZARETH, STEPPENWOLF, DR.HOOK, PAT TRAVERS, BLACK CROWES,
TESLA, STAIND, LINKIN PARK, DISTURBED, TANTRIC, ENUFF Z NUFF, and many more.
CHECK OUT THE REST OF WHAT BUSHHOUNDS IS ALL ABOUT AT THEIR WEB SITE:
MEMBERS:
CARLOS-VOCALS
DEANO-BASS
TIM-GUITAR
WAYNE-DRUMS
MIKI-GUITAR
TRACK LISTING FOR 'LIVE TO ROCK':
XCEPT ME
RATTLESNAKE JOHNNY
DAYS GONE BY
SEASON'S CHANGE
TAKE ME HOME
ANGEL
BACK IN YOUR HEART
I LOVE YOU
JUKEBOX BABY
GOT NO HOME
FLY SO HIGH
MISS ME
WALK AWAY
NEW SONGS THAT HAVE JUST BEEN RELEASED ON MP3.COM
WHISKEY WELL
SORRY
I'M GONE
SEASONS CHANGE---THIS SONG HAS A POISON FEEL TO IT. KIND OF A "SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN" AND "EVERY ROSE HAS IT'S THORN" TYPE SONG. BUSHHOUNDS ADD THEIR OWN FLAVOR AND BRAND OF ROCK AND ROLL.
FLY SO HIGH---A SONG THAT TALKS ABOUT 'FOLLOWING THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD'!
WHISKEY WELL---I LOVED THIS SONG THE VERY FIRST TIME THAT I HEARD IT! THESE GUYS ARE AWESOME. OH AND BY THE WAY, THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE COMING TO TEXAS MAYBE IN NOVEMBER!!
ANGER MGT...THIS BAND, formed in 1998, IS FROM LOS ANGELES, CA and relocated to Denver, CO. CHECK OUT THEIR SITE AT:
Track Listing: (2000)
LIES
FEAR OR FATE
FOREIGN TONGUE
BAND MEMBERS:
NEDD JOVANOVIC-VOCALS
BRAD JONES-BASS
JACKIE GREEN-GUITARS
DUYANE HOWARD-PERCUSSION
LIES--VERY HEAVY, IN-YOUR-FACE DARK LYRICS. VOCALIST HAS A LEMMY (MOTORHEAD) QUALITY. GOOD SONG!
FEAR OR FATE--STARTS OFF WITH KICK ASS BASS LICKS AND KICK AXE GUITAR! CHORUS IS A HEAVY HITTER!
FOREIGN TONGUE--STARTS WITH CRUNCHY, HEAVY GUITAR. THIS BAND IS ON THE HEAVY, DARK SIDE. THE LYRICS GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO REALLY THINK ABOUT.
ENERTIA...THIS BAND IS FROM ALBANY, NEW YORK AND THEY ARE AWESOME! THEY FORMED IN 1996. I DID AN INTERVIEW WITH THEIR BASS PLAYER, JOE PACIOLLA. CHECK IT OUT ON THE INTERVIEW PAGE. I AM REVIEWING THEIR FOUR CD'S. YOU CAN GO TO THEIR WEB SITE AT www.enertia.cc TO ORDER THEIR CD'S OR ANY OF THEIR MERCHANDISE. THEY HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL COMPILATIONS: FOUNDATIONS FORUM-1996, NM SHOWCASE-1996, POWERMAD FESTIVAL-1997, PHILLIPS/ROCK HARD MAGAZINE-1999, METAL INVADER MAGAZINE-1999, TRANSCENDING THE MUNDANE MAGAZINE-2000, BRAVE WORDS MAGAZINE-2000, AND THREE TRIBUTE ALBUMS: AWAKEN THE DEMON: DIO-1999, SOUTHERN DEATH: PANTERA-2000, AND FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROT: AC/DC-2000
ENERTIA(SELF-TITLED)
TRACK LISTING:
DEAR GOD
LEAVE ME IN PEACE
CHILD NOW LOST
INVISIBLE
COWBOYS FROM HELL
MEMBERS:
SCOTT FEATHERSTONE-VOCALS
JOE PACIOLLA-BASS/BACKING VOCALS
ROMAN SINGLETON-LEAD AND RHYTHM GUITARS
JEFF DALEY-DRUMS AND PERCUSSION
DAVE STAFFORD-LEAD AND RHYTHM GUITARS/BACKING VOCALS
LEAVE ME IN PEACE--GREAT GUITARS! VERY MELODIC SONG. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE KICK ASS GUITARS. THIS SONG ROCKS. ROLL YOUR WINDOWS DOWN AND TURN IT UP! SCOTT, YOU GUYS KICK IT!
COWBOYS FROM HELL (PANTERA COVER TUNE)--I LOVE THE WAY ENERTIA DOES THIS COVER TUNE! IT'S AWESOME TO SEE AND HEAR GREAT BANDS DO COVERS. DEFINITELY LET YOUR HAIR DOWN AND BANG YOUR HEAD!
LAW OF THREE (1996)
TRACK LISTING:
THE MIRROR
CHILD NOW LOST
I KNOW YOUR DEMONS
SAME OLD STORY
IF I WERE YOU
THE MIRROR--AWESOME SONG! MY FAVORITE ENERTIA SONG OFF THIS ALBUM. AWESOME LYRICS AND MUSICAL CHANGES. SCOTT GIVES AN AWESOME VOCAL PERFORMANCE. THE ENDING CHANGE-UP KICKS ASS WITH A CRUNCHY GUITAR SOLO.
CHILD NOW LOST--GREAT BASS INTRO BY MY BUD, JOE! THE LYRICS TELL A SAD STORY OF CHILD ABUSE AND HOW IT CAN STAY WITH YOU THROUGH TIME.
FLASHPOINT (1999)
TRACK LISTING:
VICTIM OF THOUGHT
LEAVE ME IN PEACE
GLITCH
CRAWLING
REAL
D.O.M.
VOICES
WITHOUT END
WHAT HURTS ME...
RIGHT TO DIE
VOICES--HEAVY GUITAR RIFF! THESE GUYS JUST ROCK! THEY HAVE A REAL CHEMISTRY, AWESOME TALENT, AND DEEP LYRICS.
WITHOUT END--BAD ASS ROCKER, YA'LL! RAISE YOUR FIST AND BANG YOUR HEAD. AWESOME CHANG-UP THROUGHOUT THE SONG. GUITAR SOLO KICKS AXE!
MOMENTUM (1997)
TRACK LISTING:
RIPPED OUT
DEAR GOD
AND SO YOU FALL
SIX WEEKS
WEIGHT OF THE WORLD
YOU KNOW
SEVER THE WICKED
WALLS
RIPPED OUT--STARTS OFF ROCKIN' HARD! I LOVE THIS SONG. THE THING I LOVE ABOUT ENERTIA IS THEIR TIME CHANGES. THEY ARE IN THE HEAVY METAL/POWER METAL CATEGORY BUT YOU NEVER GET THE SAME SONG/MUSIC/LYRICS. IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AND FRESH WITH EACH NEW SONG.
AND SO YOU FALL--GREAT DRUM AND BASS COMBO FOR THE BEGINNING. SCOTT PUTS A 110% INTO HIS SINGING AS DO THE REST OF THE BAND. YOU WILL NEVER GET LESS THAN THEIR ABSOLUTE BEST!
TYR- THIS BAND IS FROM THE DFW AREA IN TEXAS. THEIR CD "ILLUSION" WAS DONE IN 2002. YOU CAN FIND OUT HOW TO ORDER THEIR CD AT THE TYR WEB SITE: www.tyrrocks.com
ILLUSION (2002)
TRACK LISTING:
PLAY THE GAME
BURN
ILLUSION
FAR AWAY
SCARY MAN
NAKED WORLD
WHAT DO YOU DO
LIFE
MEMBERS:
RUSSELL D. CONTRERAS-LEAD AND ACOUSTIC GUITAR
JAMES GARZA-VOCALS
WAYNE STOKLEY-DRUMS
RICK FULTON-KEYBOARDS
GLENN MALICKI-BASS
PLAY THE GAME--THIS SONG IS MY FAVORITE OFF ILLUSION! IT'S ABOUT THE GAMES WE PLAY AND THE GAMES THAT OTHERS PLAY. CAN YOU PLAY THE GAME? DEFINITELY A MUST BUY FOR YOUR CD COLLECTION!
ILLUSION--AWESOME SONG! VERY TRUE LYRICS, TOO. REMEMBER WHAT YOU SEE ISN'T WHAT YOU ALWAYS GET.
NAKED WORLD--GREAT SONG! I LOVE TO BE IN MY JEEP, WITH THE TOP DOWN, AND POP THE TYR CD IN AND JAM! ARE YOU READY FOR THE JOURNEY?
TORNADO ALLEY--
THIS CD HAS VARIED MUSICAL INFLUENCES. THIS BAND IS FROM TEXAS AND YOU CAN ORDER THEIR CD FROM THE WEB SITE AT www.angelfire.com/myband/tornadoalley.
TRACK LISTING:
AMNESIA
GRIND ME DOWN
HIS IRON HAND
SAVE MY SANITY
YOU
WATCHERS
ANY OTHER WAY
I'M ALIVE
EVERYTHING TO ME
MEMBERS:
KEVIN TERRY-VOCALS
KIRK YOUNG-BASS/KEYBOARDS
DAVE GILLEY-DRUMS
DAVID DILLARD-GUITARS
WE ARE THE USA TRIBUTE--THIS IS AN AWESOME TRIBUTE DONE WITH THE MUSIC OF SKID ROW'S YOUTH GONE WILD.
AMNESIA--THIS IS A GOOD ROCKIN' SONG WITH LOT'S OF MUSICAL CHANGES.
WATCHERS--HAS A GEDDY LEE/RUSH FEEL TO IT! YOU'LL LIKE THIS SONG! LOTS OF GUITAR AND GOOD USE OF WIND CHIMES.
ANY OTHER WAY--VERY CSN/GUESS WHO. THIS CD HAS IT ALL! THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
ASKA--THIS BAND WAS STARTED ABOUT 12 OR 13 YEARS AGO BY TWO CHILDHOOD FRIENDS(GEORGE AND DARREN). THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED AND HOW THEY WANTED TO GET THERE. THROUGH A SERIES OF PHENOMENAL THINGS THAT HAPPENED ASKA WAS ASKED TO GO OVERSEAS AND HELP IN KEEPING THE MORAL OF OUR MEN AND WOMAN IN THE ARMED FORCES UP! EVERYONE ROSE TO THIS CHALLENGE AND IT HELPED PAVE THE WAY FOR ONE OF THE MOST ASS-KICKIN' HEAVY METAL BANDS, EVER! CHECK OUT THEIR WEB SITE FOR CD'S, MERCHANDISE, TOUR DATES, ETC. www.askaband.com
Review by CDBaby says:
"Amazing fourth Album of one of the most “real” Metal acts from the USA.
A must for any metal enthusiast. Like the glory days of Iron Maiden & Judas Priest. True metal, state-of-the-art production."
AVENGER(1999)--
MEMBERS:
GEORGE CALL-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS/LEAD VOCALS
KEITH KNIGHT-BASS/BACK UP VOCALS
DARREN KNAPP-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS/BACK UP VOCALS
JASON SWEATT-DRUMS/BACK UP VOCALS
TRACK LISTING:
CROWN OF THORNS
LEATHER
ESCAPE:VICTORIOUS
ANGELS OF WAR
PRELUDE TO DARKNESS
ETERNAL NIGHT
IMPERIAL ROME
AGAINST THE GODS
LETHAL INJECTION
VALKYRIES
WARRIOR'S RETURN
This is an awesome, powerful, melodic cd! With each song you get something different. If you have never had the "ASKA" experience you need to!
CROWN OF THORNS- This commander is on a holy crusade! The king needs a champion...He has found that champion in ASKA! This song has great guitar riffs, bass, drums, vocals, and harmonies. Guitar solo is awesome! This song is one of my many favs!
LEATHER- Maiden influence is obvious in this song. Keith Knight is killer on the bass. This song has an awesome opening bass riff. And it feels good! There is a story behind this song. You need to read the story of AVENGER...and submit!
ANGELS OF WAR- "yes there is something you can do..." We all know about the hateful crime that was committed against the United States on September 11, 2001. Osama Bin Laden, you better watch your back, because we are the angels of war!
ETERNAL NIGHT- This song is just pure and simple a good song to jam to. It's got great guitar and awesome lyrics. George Call is awesome on the vocals. FYI: It's great to hear it live!!!
AGAINST THE GODS- "Call our warrior-drones to arms..." This is just an awesome song.
VALKYRIES- I just straight out love this song! Get AVENGER for the story of Magnus and Thorsen.
NINE TONGUES(1997)...
MEMBERS:
GEORGE CALL-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS/LEAD VOCALS
KEITH KNIGHT-BASS/BACK UP VOCALS
DARREN KNAPP-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS/BACK UP VOCALS
DAMON CALL-DRUMS/BACK UP VOCALS
TRACK LISTING:
THE STALKER
LEPROSY
THE QUESTION
LITTLE SISTER
BLOOD OF THE WOLF
KILLASHANDRA
CAPTAIN CRUNCH
LIQUID COURAGE
NIGHTMARE
THE DREAM
"The NINE TONGUES CD displays even more numbers that will bring back memories of the popular days of commercial metal"...says METAL MANIACS MAGAZINE
STALKER-Shredding guitars, my favorite! powerful drums by Damon Call. The ending guitar riffs are a head banger's dream!
KILLASHANDRA-She is trapped and sending out an s.o.s. It's picked up by a guy, though he's never seen her, falls in love with her. This is my favorite song on this album! NOTE: Thanks George for all those times I requested this song and you guys played it!
IMMORTAL(1994)...
MEMBERS:
GEORGE CALL-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS/LEAD VOCALS
KEITH KNIGHT-BASS/BACK UP VOCALS
DARREN KNAPP-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITARS/BACK UP VOCALS
DAMON CALL-DRUMS/BACK UP VOCALS
TRACK LISTING:
IMMORTAL
VIGILANTE
FEEL ME, TOUCH ME
JANE'S GOING AWAY
YOU SUCK
BEFORE YOU CAME
HOW LONG '94
DREAM IN COLOR
DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT LOVE
MAJOR MISTAKE
AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED
CAN'T BREAK FREE
This CD is full of shredding guitars, out-of-this-world vocals!
IMMORTAL--THIS SONG TOTALLY ROCKS! SOUNDS GREAT LIVE, TOO! IT'S A SHAME THIS CD DOESN'T GET RE-RELEASED!
VIGILANTE--GREAT GUITAR RIFFAGE. THE WHOLE SONG WORKS! I BELIEVE KEITH KNIGHT(BASS PLAYER) SINGS THE LYRICS ON THIS SONG!
YOU SUCK--JUST ONE OF THOSE GOOD, HAVING-A-FUN-TIME TYPE SONGS! THEY USUALLY PLAY THIS ONE CLOSE TO THE END OF A SHOW.
ASKA(19??)...
MEMBERS:
GEORGE CALL-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITAR/LEAD VOCALS
KEITH KNIGHT-BASS/BACK UP VOCALS
DARREN KNAPP-LEAD & RHYTHM GUITAR/BACK UP VOCALS
DAMON CALL-DRUMS/BACK UP VOCALS
TRACK LISTING:
COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME
DELTA FORCE
DON'T WALK AWAY
DESTRUCTION
FOOLED AGAIN
TAKE ACTION
ZONLAN
HE SHE YOU AND I
IF I COULD CHANGE THINGS
VICES
T.A.H.
NUMBER FIVE
This is their first cd. Self-titled, this cd gives you the opportunity to really let 'your hair' down and rock!
DELTA FORCE--EVERY TIME I HEAR THIS SONG IT REMINDS ME OF CHUCK NORRIS! LOL GOOD ROCKIN' SONG, VOCALS, GUITARS!
HE SHE YOU AND I--THIS IS A SONG THAT YOU CAN ROLL YOUR WINDOWS DONE AND BANG YOUR HEAD!
PREMONITION
I DISCOVERED THESE GUYS ON MP3 LAST YEAR. THE BAND PREMONITION WAS STARTED IN 1997 IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. THEY ARE WORTH LISTENING TO. WE, THE FANS, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING THE HEAVY METAL MESSAGE OUT THERE. WITH BANDS LIKE PREMONITION IT'S EASY! DON'T LET THE CORPORATE POWERS-THAT-BE TELL YOU WHAT TO LISTEN TO!
HE IS RISING(1997)
TRACK LISTING:
WICKED ONE
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
T.V. KILLS
HE IS RISING
BERNARD GHETTS
SHE DECOMPENSATES
MR. HEROIN
ROMAN PRINCE
KING OF SPAIN
WHAT IS WRONG
THE BOY WITH THE NOTHING FACE
BONUS TRACK: DALLAS 1 PM (SAXON COVER TUNE)
MR. HEROIN---IRON MAIDEN MEETS KING DIAMOND!!! GREAT LYRICS, GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS, AND TATTOO FRANK IS AWESOME ON VOCALS!
THE BOY WITH THE NOTHING FACE--STARTS OFF WITH A GREAT MAIDEN-LIKE RIFF. DON'T JUDGE A PERSON BY THEIR OUTSIDE!
DALLAS 1 PM(SAXON COVER TUNE)--AWESOME COVER TUNE!! PREMONITION DOES IT UP IN TRUE HEAVY METAL STYLE!
FAME HAS A PRICE (1998)
MEMBERS:
TATTOO FRANK-VOCALS
PAM LEWIS-BASS
'DETH' DOUG MIRLY-DRUMS
JOHN DELVECCHIO-LEAD GUITAR
ADAM-LEAD GUITAR
TRACK LISTING:
OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL HELL
UNEVEN ODDS
PRINCESS OF DARKNESS (MY BRIDE OF PAIN)
WHEN CHARLOTTE CRIES
FAME HAS A PRICE
SLEEP DEPRIVATION
THIS ONE'S FOR YOU
FROM A CRAYON TO A PISTOL
AHH! FUCK!!
C.O.T.S.
PRINCESS OF DARKNESS (MY BRIDE OF PAIN)--VERY DARK INTRO. VOCALIST DOES SOME KICK ASS MUSICAL CHANGE UPS! COOL SONG!
WHEN CHARLOTTE CRIES--GREAT GUITAR INTRODUCTION. SAD SONG AND I'M SURE WE'VE ALL RELATED TO THIS SONG AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER.
WE ARE METAL (1999)
TRACK LISTING:
THE LAST MILLENNIUM
THE CHOSEN ONE
THE BITCH
ELIZABETH
THE LOVE THAT NEVER COMES
ANGRY LITTLE MEN
WE ARE METAL
HANG 'EM HIGH
S.M.F.
FUCK 'EM FIRST
BONUS TRACK: I DON'T KNOW (OZZY OSBOURNE/RANDY RHOADES/DAISLEY)
THE LOVE THAT NEVER COMES--LOTS OF MAIDEN INFLUENCE IN THE INTRO TO THIS SONG. A REALLY SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL SONG. HER ONLY CRIME IS WAITING ON THE LOVE THAT NEVER COMES.
WE ARE METAL--MY FAVORITE OFF THIS ALBUM!!! IT IS A TRUE HEAVY METAL ANTHEM! RAISE A FIST TO THOSE WHO WOULD TRY TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU CAN LISTEN TO!
I DON'T KNOW (COVER TUNE)--PREMONITION DOES A GREAT JOB RE-CREATING THIS SONG WITH THEIR OWN 'UMPH'!! IF YOU'RE AN OZZY FAN OR A PREMONITION FAN OR BOTH YOU'LL LOVE THIS SONG!
DAILY SUICIDE LIVE (2000) THE FIRST SEVEN TRACKS OF THIS CD WERE RECORDED LIVE AT THE CULTURE ROOM IN FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
TRACK LISTING:
THE CHOSEN ONE
THE BITCH
PRINCESS OF DARKNESS
ELIZABETH
WE ARE METAL
S.M.F.
I DON'T KNOW
DAILY SUICIDE
THOUGHTS THAT LIE TOO DEEP FOR TEARS
COVER TUNES:
TORMENTOR-WASP
TRICK OR TREAT-FASTWAY
DENIM AND LEATHER-SAXON
MEMBERS:
TATTOO FRANK-VOCALS
GORILLA-BASS/VOCALS
ADAM-GUITAR
'DETH' DOUG-DRUMS
THOUGHTS THAT LIE TOO DEEP FOR TEARS--STARTS OFF WITH A JUDAS PRIEST FEEL TO IT. THEN IT KICKS IN TO A THRASHING HEAD BANGIN' BEAT!
TORMENTOR (WASP)--MAKE THE HAIR ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK STAND UP AND SHOUT!!!
TRICK OR TREAT (FASTWAY)--ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SONG! GO TF!!!!
DENIM AND LEATHER (SAXON)--THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SAXON SONGS. I LOVE THE WAY PREMONITION DOES IT UP.
2-CD SET WITH 2 BONUS TRACKS---WE ARE METAL/HE IS RISING (2001):
TRACK LISTING:
WE ARE METAL
THE LAST MILLENNIUM
THE CHOSEN ONE
THE BITCH
ELIZABETH
THE LOVE THAT NEVER COMES
ANGRY LITTLE MAN
WE ARE METAL
HANG 'EM HIGH
S.M.F.
FUCK 'EM FIRST
BONUS TRACK:
I DON'T KNOW--OZZY/RANDY RHOADES
TRACK LISTING:
HE IS RISING:
WICKED ONE
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
T.V. KILLS
HE IS RISING
BERNARD GHETTS
SHE DECOMPENSATES
MR. HEROIN
ROMAN PRINCE
KING OF SPAIN
WHAT IS WRONG
THE BOY WITH THE NOTHING FACE
BONUS TRACK:
DALLAS 1 PM
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN--
ROMAN PRINCE--
KING OF SPAIN--
PROZAC AND RAZORBLADES (2001):
TRACK LISTING:
PROZAC AND RAZORBLADES
TURN IT TO BLACK
PSYCHO STALKER
DIDN'T GET TO SAY GOODBYE
NOTHING CHANGES
KILLING FOR HER SAVIOR
HEADLINES
THE POWER OF METAL
TURN IT TO BLACK--
DIDN'T GET TO SAY GOODBYE--
THE POWER OF METAL--
WIND WRAITH
THIS BAND IS FAIRLY NEW, FORMED LAST YEAR (2001) AND THEY ARE FROM NEW YORK. THERE IS A LOT OF MAIDEN INFLUENCE IN THIS BAND. THE VOCALS AND GUITARS ARE AWESOME! TAKE THE TIME TO LISTEN TO THIS BAND. MY FAVORITE SONG, SO FAR, IS "ANCIENT TALES". CHECK OUT THEIR WEB SITE AT www.windwraith.com
THE FORTUNE TELLER'S GAZE(2001)
MEMBERS:
PAT BLAIR-RHYTHM GUITARS/BACKING VOCALS
BRIAN FINGERHUT-LEAD GUITARS
DIANA DELLASALA-RHYTHM GUITARS
GEORGE NIESUCHOUSKI-DRUMS/BACKING VOCALS
STEVE RONSEN-LEAD VOCALS/KEYBOARDS/BACKING VOCALS/LEAD GUITAR ON--HIGH HOPES: THE AMITYVILLE MURDERS, WATCHING OVER ME, TEMPTED BY DEATH, WIND WRAITH, AND MILLENNIUM HORROR.
JOE ANTONELLI-BASS GUITAR
GUEST MUSICIANS:
TOMMY BOLLANDER-LEAD SOLO ON FORTUNE TELLERS GAZE/TEMPTED BY DEATH
COLLEEN CANNON-LEAD/BACKING VOCALS ON ANCIENT TALES
TRACK LISTING:
WAR IN THE SUN
FORTUNE TELLER'S GAZE
HIGH HOPES: THE AMITYVILLE MURDERS
SHAMELESS DESIRES
WATCHING OVER ME
TEMPTED BY DEATH
WIND WRAITH
MILLENNIUM HORROR
TOGETHER ALONE
ANCIENT TALES
FORTUNE TELLER'S GAZE---IN MY OPINION THIS SONG HAS SOME STRONG RUSH INFLUENCE. GREAT SONG WITH GREAT LYRICS.
WATCHING OVER ME---VERY TOUCHING SONG ABOUT LOOSING SOMEONE YOU LOVE AND TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE REASON(s) THAT THEY WERE TAKEN FROM YOU AND TRYING TO MOVE ON BUT ALSO KEEPING THEIR MEMORY ALIVE.
WIND WRAITH---TITLE TRACK OF THIS ALBUM STARTS OFF WITH AN AWESOME 'WIND' EFFECT AND A NARRATOR TELLING THE STORY OF THE WIND WRAITHS. STRONG MAIDEN INFLUENCE. COOL STORY LINE!
ANCIENT TALES---MY FAVORITE SONG OFF THIS ALBUM. HAS A VERY MEDIEVAL FEEL TO IT. GREAT BACKING VOCALS BY COLLEEN CANNON GIVE IT THAT ADDED 'KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS' FEEL!
LION'S SHARE--THESE GUYS AR FROM SWEDEN. THE THING I LIKE ABOUT LS IS THAT THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THEIR MUSIC. THEY HAVE AWESOME VOCALS, GUITARS THAT CAN SHRED, AND MUSIC AND LYRICS THAT MAKE YOU WANNA ROCK! CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE AT www.lionsshare.org FOR ALL THEIR MERCHANDISE, CD'S, TOUR DATES, BAND NEWS, ETC.
ENTRANCE (2001)--
MEMBERS:
LARS CHRISS-GUITAR
PONTUS EGBERG-BASS
JOHAN KOLEBERG-DRUMS
TONY NIVA-VOCALS
TRACK LISTING:
ENTRANCE
SHOTGUN MESSIAH
WAITING
THROUGH THE CLOUDS
LOST
MYSTERY
BELIEVE
WAR MACHINE
ON AND ON
LOSING MY HEAD
FREE YOUR MIND
ENTRANCE/SHOTGUN MESSIAH(2001)--VERY QUEENSRYCHE SOUNDING MUSICALLY AND LYRICALLY. HEAVY ON THE GUITARS AND AWESOME VOCALS.
WAITING--VERY AWESOME SONG. YNGWIE MALMSTEEM'S KEYBOARD PLAYER PLAYED KEYBOARDS ON THE ENTIRE "ENTRANCE" ALBUM.
THROUGH THE CLOUDS--GREAT BALLAD. BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND I LOVE THE LYRICS.
BELIEVE--ROCKIN' SOUND AND IS DONE IN TRUE LION'S SHARE STYLE.
PERSPECTIVE(2000)/2-CD SET FEATURING "LION'S SHARE" AND "TWO" PLUS BONUS TRACK--
SINS OF A FATHER--STARTS OFF WITH A LITTLE POP SOUND THEN ENTER THE SHREDDING GUITARS BY LARS. I LOVE THE HARMONIES!
POWER FROM THE NORTH(2000)--LION'S SHARE "READY TO BELIEVE"
FALL FROM GRACE (1999/2000)--
UNHOLY RITES
THE EDGE OF SANITY
FALL FROM GRACE
DROWNING
REMEMBRANCE
THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE
A HOLE OF BLACK
A TOUCH OF EVIL
LION'S SHARE(JAPAN ONLY BONUS)
UNHOLY RITES--HEAVY HITTIN' ROCKER WITH A GOOD MESSAGE.
THE EDGE OF SANITY--AWESOME GUITARS!
FLASH IN THE NIGHT(radio edit)/DON'T COME EASY/SHADOWS(1997)--THREE SONG CD SINGLE WITH PICTURE SLEEVE.
TWO(1997)--
BAPTISM OF FIRE
WORLD GONE WRONG
DON'T COME EASY
WILD AT HEART
FLASH IN THE NIGHT
LORD OF THE PAIN
SHADOWS
TRANSIENT
BAPTISM OF FIRE--THIS SONG WILL TAKE YOU ON A PILGRIMAGE. LOTS OF VOCAL AND MUSICAL CHANGES THAT WORK WELL IN THIS SONG.
SHADOWS--CAUGHT IN HER OWN DREAM ALL SHE HAS IS HER PAST AND IT'S REALLY HER NIGHTMARE.
LION'S SHARE(1997)--RE*MASTERED WITH NEW ARTWORK (8 SONGS)--
SINS OF A FATHER
ARABIA
SCARECROW
PLAY BY THE RULES
JUDGEMENT DAY
NOTHING'S FREE(95 PRINTING ONLY)
HAUNTED
TAKING ON THE WORLD(95 PRINTING ONLY)
SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS
A TRIBUTE TO JUDAS PRIEST (1996)/LION'S SHARE "TOUCH OF EVIL"
LION'S SHARE (1995)--FIRST FULL LENGTH CD (10 SONGS)
THREE SONG PROMO ONLY CD (1995)--
SINS OF A FATHER
SCARECROW
JUST IN TIME TO BE LATE
7" VINYL SINGLE (1988)--
GHOST TOWN QUEEN
I'M ON A ROLL
VIDEOS--
UNHOLY RITES-2000
REMEMBERANCE-1999
SHADOWS-1997
SINS OF A FATHER-1995
ALTARIA--SLEEPING VISIONS(2000)...
This band originates from Finland and they've only been around since 2000. The bass player and the drummer, both in a previous band called blindside, started ALTARIA. The demo/promo CD, which is a 3-track, is just a sample of what this band is capable of.
KINGDOM OF THE NIGHT--Traditional heavy metal with a guitar solo that rocks!
INNOCENT--This song has it all! Guitar, harmony, and vocals. Check it out.
FIRE AND ICE--Starts off with a catchy little guitar riff. The bass licks come through just enough that it makes a good compliment with the drums. Then comes the guitar solo!
FALCONER WAS FOUNDED IN 1999 BY STEFAN WEINERHALL. HE CREATED A BAND THAT WAS BY FAR THE MOST ORIGINAL AND CREATIVE MUSICALLY AND LYRICALLY. CHECK OUT THEIR WEB SITE AND SUPPORT A REALLY GREAT BAND. www.falconer-metal.com
MEMBERS:
MATHIAS BLAD-VOCALS/KEYBOARD
STEFAN WEINERHALL-ELECTRIC STRINGS/TAMBOURINE
KARSTEN LARSSON-SKINS/CYMBALS
GUEST MUSICIANS:
SABINE DANIELS-FLUTE
ELIAS HOLMLID-PIANO/ORGAN
SAMI YOUSRI-VIOLIN
ANDY LA ROCQUE-LEAD GUITAR ON TRACK 9
JOHAN WIKSTROM-BACK UP VOCALS ON TRACK 7
TRACK LISTING:
DECADENCE OF DIGNITY
ENTER THE GLADE
LAMENT OF A MINSTREL
FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY
WE SOLD OUR HOMESTEADS
THE CLARION CALL
PORTALS OF LIGHT
STAND IN VENERATION
BUSTED TO THE FLOOR
CHAPTERS FROM A VALE FORLORN(2002)...THIS IS AN AWESOME BAND WHICH I WAS INTRODUCED TO BY A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE. THEIR OTHER CD, "FALCONER", IS A GREAT CD, HARD, FAST, AND IN-YOUR-FACE. IF YOU ALREADY LIKE FALCONER, YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD, IF YOU'VE NEVER LISTENED TO THEM BEFORE, THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO GET INTRODUCED TO THE BAND. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO A PROMO COPY, AND THIS IS MY REVIEW.
DECADENCE OF DIGNITY--THIS SONG IS VERY SIMILAR TO MUSIC OFF THE "FALCONER" CD. LOTS OF CRUNCHY GUITAR, DOUBLE-KICK DRUMS, AND THE UNFORGETTABLE VOCALS OF MATHIAS.
ENTER THE GLADE--THIS SONG HAS A LOT OF MUSICAL CHANGES, GREAT HARMONY, STEFAN'S AWESOME TALENT ON THE GUITAR, AND KARSTEN ON DRUMS. I'M ALSO REMINDED OF "QUEST FOR THE CROWN" IN THIS SONG. I LOVE THE ENDING!
LAMENT OF A MINSTRAL--I LOVE THE GUITAR IN THE BEGINNING! GREAT CRUNCHY RIFFS. MATHIAS' UNMISTAKABLE , SMOOTH VOICE IS REALLY APPRECIATED IN THIS SONG. GREAT LYRICS AS WELL.
FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY--IN MY OPINION, THIS SONG HAS VERY STRONG MAIDEN INFLUENCE. HARMONIES WORK REALLY WELL. YOU WILL ALSO LOVE THE GUITAR SOLO. THERE IS ALSO A CELTIC INFLUENCE. A LOT OF MUSIC TODAY IS MISSING GOOD VOCALS/HARMONIES, GUITAR THAT TELLS YOU A STORY, JUST PLAIN OLD FASHIONED HEAD BANGIN' METAL LIKE IRON MAIDEN, SAXON, JUDAS PRIEST! YOU'LL LOVE FALCONER!
WE SOLD OUR HOMESTEAD--THIS SONG HAS AN AWESOME STORY BEHIND IT. LISTEN TO THE STORY, LOVE THE MUSIC, THEN PUT IT ALL TOGETHER FOR AN AWESOME MUSICAL EXPERIENCE!
THE CLARION CALL--I LOVE THIS SONG! IT JUST ROCKS! THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT FACETS TO THIS SONG. KICK AXE GUITAR, VOCALS, AND DRUMS ROCK! I REALLY LOVE STEFAN'S GUITAR SOLO. THIS IS ONE OF MY MANY FAVS OFF THIS PROMO.
PORTALS OF LIGHT--BE READY TO OPEN YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND! MATHIAS REALLY GIVES A DEEPER LOOK INTO WHAT HIS TALENTS ARE! GUITARS AND LYRICS JUST ADD THE ICING ON THIS WONDERFUL PIECE OF MUSIC!
STAND IN VENERATION--IF YOU LIKED 'QUEST FOR THE CROWN' YOU WILL LOVE THIS SONG! GOOD, STRONG MELODY AND LYRICS.
BUSTED TO THE FLOOR--I LOVE THIS SONG! IT HAS A MAJOR DEEP PURPLE INFLUENCE, WHICH I LOVE! GREAT USE OF THE ORGAN! GREAT TEMPO, AND THE GUITAR SOLO WILL KICK YOUR AXE!
ICED EARTH
DARK GENESIS
DISC 4
TRIBUTE TO THE GODS
The core of the set consists of Iced Earth's first three classic studio albums, "Iced Earth", "Night of the Stormrider", and "Burnt Offerings". Each album has not only been remastered, but they have also been expertly remixed by Jim Morris from the original multi-track recordings. Taking advantage of technology and equipment unavailable a decade ago, as well as Jim Morris's skills (which have become an integral part of Iced Earth's current sound), the remixes offer a significant sonic improvement over the originals. New artwork has also been created, which evokes the themes of the original artwork while adopting the style of the band's more recent output. I HAVE BEEN AN ICED EARTH FAN SINCE "DARK SAGA". THEN THE "HORROR SHOW" CONCEPT ALBUM. I WAS THRILLED. THEN I HEARD ABOUT "DARK GENESIS". HERE'S MY REVIEW STARTING WITH THE FOURTH CD AND WORKING MY WAY UP. HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!
MEMBERS:
JON SCHAFFER-RHYTHM, LEAD, AND ACOUSTIC GUITARS/VOCALS
MATTHEW BARLOW-LEAD VOCALS
JAMES MACDONOUGH-BASS GUITAR
RICHARD CHRISTY-DRUMS
LARRY TARNOWSKI-LEAD GUITAR
GUEST MUSICIAN:
JIM MORRIS-GUITAR SOLOS ON "GOD OF THUNDER" AND "DEAD BABIES"/BACK UP VOCALS
TRACK LISTING:
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT-KISS
NUMBER OF THE BEAST-IRON MAIDEN
HIGHWAY TO HELL-AC/DC
BURNIN' FOR YOU-BLUE OYSTER CULT
GOD OF THUNDER-KISS
SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE-JUDAS PRIEST
DEAD BABIES-ALICE COOPER
CITIES ON FLAME-BLUE OYSTER CULT
IT'S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP (IF YOU WANNA ROCK 'N' ROLL)-AC/DC
BLACK SABBATH-BLACK SABBATH
HALLOWED BE THY NAME-IRON MAIDEN
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT (KISS)--VERY WELL DONE! I LOVE HEARING COVERS DONE BY OTHER BANDS! ICED EARTH DOES THIS ONE WELL!
NUMBER OF THE BEAST (IRON MAIDEN)--THE GUITAR SOLO ON THIS IS AWESOME! MATTHEW BARLOW DOES A HELL OF A JOB ON VOCALS! MAIDEN RULES!!!
HIGHWAY TO HELL (AC/DC)--THIS IS AN OLD FAVORITE THAT YOU NEVER TIRE OF HEARING!
BURNIN' FOR YOU (BLUE OYSTER CULT)--A CLASSIC DONE IN AWESOME ICED EARTH FASHION! YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE!
GOD OF THUNDER (KISS)--THIS SONG IS PURE METAL! MATTHEW BARLOW AND JON SCHAFFER ADD THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL. GREAT TRIBUTE TO KISS!
SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE (JUDAS PRIEST)--THIS WAS THE FIRST PRIEST SONG I EVER HEARD. IT'S A HEAVY ROCKER! I LOVE MATTHEW'S SCREAMING VOCALS!
DEAD BABIES (ALICE COOPER)--ALICE COOPER, THE ORIGINAL THEATRICAL GOD OF ROCK-N-ROLL! ICED EARTH DOES A GOOD JOB.
CITIES ON FLAME (BLUE OYSTER CULT)--GREAT RENDITION OF A CLASSIC! WELL DONE. GUITAR, VOCALS, BASS, & DRUMS WORK WELL ON THIS SONG. GREAT GUITAR SOLO BY JON SCHAFFER.
IT'S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP (AC/DC)--"IF YOU WANNA ROCK-N-ROLL!!!" THIS IS AS GOOD A SONG AS IT GETS! ICED EARTH CRUNCHES IT UP!
BLACK SABBATH (BLACK SABBATH)--OZZY YEAH!!! GREAT SONG. MATTHEW BARLOW AND ICED EARTH DO RIGHT BY THIS SONG! VOCALS ARE PERFECT!
HALLOWED BE THY NAME (IRON MAIDEN)--ONE OF MY FAVORITE IRON MAIDEN TUNES! AWESOME WORK ON THIS SONG AND REMEMBER THERE IS ONLY ONE GUITAR! GREAT JOB, JON!
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