CD REVIEW: GENERATION NOTHING by Metal Church
(RatPak Records)
Originally formed in San Francisco, California in 1980 before relocating to Aberdeen, Washington the Metal juggernauts known as Metal Church are back with their latest release, 'Generation Nothing'. Combing elements of the band's early roots and bringing their metallic assault into the 21st Century. I have to say this album is one of the most powerful outputs the band has recorded and in my opinion their best to date. The band's current line up is, Ronny Munroe on lead vocals, Kurdt Vanderhoof on guitar, Rick Van Zandt on guitar, Steve Unger on bass and Jeff Plate on drums.'Generation Nothing' gets it right from start to finish. A lethal dose of in your face, balls to the wall Heavy Metal. There's a good variation in tempo across the board, with lots of catchy melodies and hooks and burning guitar solos. Standout tracks after a few listens are, "Bulletproof", the title track, "Noises In The Wall", "Jump The Gun", "Scream" and "Close To The Bone". The quality of the songwriting is excellent and Metal Church do a superb job of mixing ballsy up-tempo tracks of purely driving classic Heavy Metal. The production is perfect and makes the music sound both powerful and clear. It isn't as dynamic as a 70's or 80's production job but it is a fantastic example of what a Heavy Metal album can and should sound like when done right. Overall, if you are a fan of Metal Church and especially their new line-up then this is a must-have record; if you like traditional Heavy Metal then this is really worth exploring. It's solid, it's meaty, it's the perfect mixture of very Hard Rock and straight-up Heavy Metal. This contemporary yet traditional mixture will definitely blow your mind! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
CD REVIEW: MARY JANE by Dead, White & Blue
(Vanity Music Group)
There are two paths you can take in life. You can choose to fall in line and be a follower or you can make your own line and live as you choose, with everyone else landing behind you, while you create your own thing. Want to guess which line Arizona based rock band, Dead, White & Blue have chosen? These bad boys are serving up their own brand of in your face from the gut hard rock and making their own mark. For this band, there is no other way. The band's debut release, 'Mary Jane' is a down-and-dirty rocker of a recording that is loaded with a swagger and fury that pulls no punches and holds nothing back. Dead, White & Blue is, Rusty Workman on vocals and guitar, Harry O'Scary on guitar and vocals, Mykel Sane on bass and vocals and Rich Contadino on drums. The combination of hard and heavy guitar riffs and punk vocals gives this album a life of its own, while still paying homage to the likes of the Misfits, Motley Crue and Hanoi Rocks. From the snarling guitars that power the album opener, "Take" to the fuel injected punk vibe of, "Dragon" there is no doubting how good this band truly is. "California" is a straight up rocker while the mean riffs of, " Suitcase Punk" screams paranoia and takes the your listening experience to a whole new level. Every track on this album is a winner. 'Mary Jane' is the kind of album where you press "Play" and let it ride. Kick-ass, no nonsense, hard rock. In your face. loud and heavy. The way rock should be." If you're looking for something you can bang your head to and get your rocks off with, 'Mary Jane' is just what the doctor ordered. Now, light it up, put on some headphones and let Dead, White & Blue blown your mind. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
CD REVIEW: RED by Mom's Rocket
(Independent Release)
Hailing from Olympia, Washington the four piece rock band known as Mom's Rocket can be described simply as a straight up rock band with an attitude. Tom Roney on vocals, Jason Celestine on guitar, Randy Keller on bass and Jason Weisenhaus on drums. Here's a group of guys who know what they're doing and they deliver the goods big time on their latest release, 'Red'. This album is incredible and has a hard rocking sound made for the 21st century. The formula that Mom's Rocket uses here is simple. Good lyrics plus good music, equals one damn good album. Filled with infectious grooves loaded with strong vocals, slamming guitars, and a solid rhythm section that is as tight as a glove. Mom's Rocket manages to produce twelve songs guaranteed to rock you in way unimaginable. Standout tracks include, "By A Thread", Through My Hands", "The Edge" and "Raining Sorrow". Rhythmically, 'Red' is in 5th gear from beginning to end. Drums, bass and guitar textures are top notch and pound away like a sledge hammer underneath Tom Roney' s vocals and Jason Celestine' s riffs. Mom's Rocket have a great feel to them. This is a band that once you hear their music you just want to get up and move. 'Red' is a fantastic album that we, as a music society need as relief from so much terrible music that is poisoning the air waves today. It is an extremely well-executed album that should please fans of both classic and modern rock. After listening to this album, you get the feeling that something clicked when these guys came together. The band is tight, the songs are well written and well arranged, and the musicianship is absolutely top notch. As far as I'm concerned you can't get any better than that. Mom's Rocket is a huge breath of fresh air in a bland and stale world of rock. Seriously, you should check these guys out. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
CD REVIEW: ON MY WAY TO THE SUN by John Elefante
(Elevate Entertainment)
John Elefante returns with the follow-up to his previous gem of an recording, 'Revolution Of Mind' with 'On My Way To The Sun'. A album that is blessed by John Elefante' s mesmerizing and powerful vocal prowess. The album opens with a nod to John's days fronting Kansas with "This Is How The Story Goes" an 11 minute opus featuring his former Kansas band mates, Rich Williams and David Ragsdale . It's great to hear them let loose again. The next two tracks, "Where Have The Old Days Gone" and "On The Way To The Sun" showcases John's vocal power and range to perfection. "We All Fall Short" is an acoustic guitar driven number highlighted with violin support voice running through the song. "Don't Hide Away" is a groove laden track with a good driving beat with some cool guitar work during the outro. "This Time" is a powerful song that focuses on a young girl's experience as she approaches an abortion. John Elefante closes out the album with the heartfelt, "Confess". I have to say, John Elefante has done it once again. His voice sounds better than ever. The music on, 'On My Way To The Sun' is beautifully produced and the musicians are amazing. The song writing is superb! John Elefante has an extraordinary gift for delivering powerful, inspirational messages with wonderful, catchy melodies and harmonies on this album he proves that ten fold. So, here's the bottom line: if you like John Elefante's solo work, his work with Mastedon, or his work with Kansas, this album is a must! If your a fan of straight up rock music packed with amazing melodies and great guitar, this album is loaded and definitely worth checking out. 'On My Way To The Sun' is refreshing and reassuring; powerful and consistent. It is music as it's meant to be; moving, telling stories that stir up your emotions and take you on a journey you'll be wanting to experience over and over again. A true feast for the ears and soul. Thank you, John. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
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