CD REVIEW: AS REAL AS IT GETS by Million Dollar Reload
(Bulletproof 20/20 Publishing)
After Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Mama's Boys and recently, The Answer comes Million Dollar Reload! These lads from Northern Ireland are back their third album, 'As Real As It Gets'. A live recording that captures the explosive power of, in my opinion, one of the best hard rock bands to come onto the rock music scene. You can feel the energy and the joy the band gets from playing live. Recorded at the Diamond Rock Club in N.Ireland. For a live recording, I am really impressed because they manage to make something noticeable in the crowded market of the "no frills metal" revival taking place for the moment. Million Dollar Reload is made up of, Phil Conalane on vocals, B.A.M. on lead guitar and backing vocals, Andy Mack on lead guitar and backing vocals, Lie McMurray on bass and backing vocals and Finn `The Cool`O`Haigan on drums. The band serve up 16 hot rocking tracks from the band's two studio releases, 'Anthems of A Degeneration' and 'A Sinner's Saint'. Featuring, "Superslave", "Livin' In The City", "Tattoos & Dirty Girls", "Goodnight New York" and a killer rendition of the Thin Lizzy classic, "Cowboy Song" that closes the set. For those new to the band. Million Dollar Reload is a mixture of elements of G'n'R, Aerosmith, Rose Tattoo and Buckcherry. One thing that is for sure, the sound is definitely sleazy & dirty. Phil Conalane has vocal chords that are whiskey soaked as Bon Scott. The guitar tandem of B.A.M. and Andy Mack have an airtight chemistry. While rhythm section of McMurray and O'Haigan are made of thunder. There's no flashy intro tapes,no messing around between songs, no fancy gadgets, just straight forward in your face hard rock played at maximum volume. If you like your rock music live, loud and proud, do yourself a huge favor and get your hands on 'As Real As It Gets'. You will not be disappointed. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
CD REVIEW: THIS SAVAGE LAND by The Black Spiders
(Double Cross Records)
The Black Spiders are back with their sophomore more release, 'This Savage Land'. Just like their debut 'Sons Of The North', it doesn't disappoint one bit. If anything it's harder and more uncompromising. One thing is certain, The Black Spiders know how to dish out no-nonsense, kick-ass, rock-n-roll and they never let up. The band is made up of, Pete Spider Spiby (vocals /guitar), Ozzy Owl Lister (guitar) Mark Dark Shark Thomas (guitar) Adam the Fox Irwin (bass) and Tiger Si (drums). The production is clear and captures how the band has improved. Stand out tracks on the first few listens are "Balls", "Young Tongues" and "Teenage Knife Gangs" but there is not a weak track among the bunch. The Black Spiders in my opinion are one of the best new Rock bands to come out in quite some time. What makes these lads so good are their songs are made to blow out your speakers! The guitars that are intense plus drums and bass work is amazing. The vibe of this album is get up and groove. According to the band, their mission was simple get in and blast out ten killer tracks that beat the listener into rock n roll euphoria! Well folks, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
CD REVIEW: THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT by The Mission
(The End Records)
The Mission were definitely one of the greatest - and most ignored - rock bands of the 1990's. Guess what?! Their are back! Sounding better and badder than ever with their highly anticipated release, 'The Brightest Light'. Wayne Hussey, Craig Adams, & Simon Hinkler, original members all, along with drummer Mike Kelly. They are back to bring that classic sound that captivated millions during the late 80's and early 90's and introduce it to music fans in the 21st Century! Now, some may think that the hiatus might have soften the band up a bit. Quite the opposite really. Once you press play and the pulsating groove of, "Black Cat Bone" draws you in hook line and sinker. You realize the lads haven't missed a beat. The pace quickens with, "Everything But The Squeal", with its driving beat and Wayne Hussey' s whiskey soaked vocals. "Sometimes The Brightest Light Comes From The Darkest Place" is classic Mission and will remind many of just how great this band truly is. I always love the diversity this band possessed. On,"The Girl In The Furskin Rug" and "When The Trap Clicks Shut" shows a more melodic side of the band's musical repertoire. 'Brightest Light' is one of those few albums that contain no filler tracks. Far too often do we get albums with intros and endings but honestly as impressive as they may be, they are only filler and frankly I'm sick of them. This album contains twelve tracks of phenomenal work and all worth their weight in gold. There aren't enough good things to say about, 'The Brightest Light' it does everything right and just gets better and better with each listen. This album is an outstanding rock experience and hands down one of the best rock releases in 2013. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
CD REVIEW: FROM ASHES TO FIRE by Saffire
(Inner Wound Recordings)
'From Ashes To Fire', the powerful and stunning debut release from Swedish rockers, Saffire encompasses a wide variety of styles of rock music from hard rock, progressive rock with a touch of melodic flare. Inspired by bands like Rainbow, Dio, Whitesnake and Black Sabbath. Saffire takes those influences and have created a sound all their own. The band is made up, Tobbe Jansson on vocals, Victor Olsson on guitars, Magnus Carlsson on bass, Anton Roos on drums and Dion Zuzic on keyboards. Overall 'From Ashes To Fire' is a solid listen from start to finish. The musicianship is stellar, Tobbe Jansson' s vocals are amazing and the songwriting is near-perfect. "From Ashes To Fire" was mixed by Fredrik Nordström & Henrik Udd at Studio Fredman [At The Gates, In Flames, Hammerfall] and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios [Symphony X, Opeth, Kreator]. Kudos to those gents for doing one hell of a job in capturing and bringing out the band's powerful sound. Their hard work is paid off in full and can be heard as soon as the opening track, "Magnolia" comes on you know you are experiencing something special. The video for the song is great as well. In fact, this song alone is worth checking this band out. Tracks like, "Kingdom Of The Blind", "End Of The World" and "Paralyzed" are simply stunning and more incentive for you to check this amazing band. The whole album is stunning. Saffire is like a super charged, super technical band that performs everything with absolute precision and perfection. Nothing seems forced or robotic. Everything flows perfectly. Listening to 'From Ashes To Fire' will literally excites all of your senses. You hear it, feel it, embrace it, love it, and it continues to reward you. Saffire is a dangerous five piece band with an exciting future ahead of them. If you like Progressive Metal (or even just rock/metal in general), you should own this CD. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
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