CD REVIEWS

THE WALK OF SHAME by Tricorn
(Bad Shrink Records)

Portsmouth, England's Tricorn release their juggernaut of a debut in the form of, 'The Walk Of Shame'. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Billy Dyne and drummer Simon Lopez. Rounding out the band are, Constantine Droutsas on guitar and Alex Kidd on bass. What Tricorn seem to be shooting for is a largely "stoner rock" kind of bass-driven and somewhat melodic underpinning largely riff-driven rock. There are enough "air guitar" moments on this album to satisfy any cravings you might have, and the riffs are also catchy enough to maintain ones interest. There's no pretense here; these lads find the groove and rock it out for all it's worth, while occasionally locking on to a killer melodic hook. It's two guitars, bass & drums in a race to the finish. With song titles like "Lady", "Astral Dreams", "Dogs Unleashed" and "Black Devil's Smoke" you know what you're in for. The sound is a balance of aggressive energy and well-placed balls to wall no nonsense hard rock music. You can headbang to it, shake your nether regions, take an emotional roller coaster ride with the sonic ebb and flow, but you can't stay still. Not possible. A declaration that speaks for much of this album's attitude. Obviously the whole retro/stoner scene is getting pretty crowded these days, and not all of these new albums are worth picking up. Tricorn is worth a shot. No frills here, just four guys having one hell of a time playing whiskey fueled licks and insisting on starting a party.  If you're looking for a great new retro metal stoner rock band, look no further. If you love the late ''70s metal and hard psychedelic rock and you want to relive the good ol' days, look no further. If you want an authentic rock sound and riffs that sound fresh and not totally re-hashed, look no further than, 'The Walk Of Shame'. Tricorn rock the way rock music should sound. Keep them coming like this lads and you can't go wrong! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

HAIL THE MONSTERS by For The Imperium
(Republic of Music)

Finnish rock outfit known as For The Imperium are back with their sophomore album, 'Hail The Monsters'. To describe this album in the simplest terms possible, a progressive technical-metal album. It's a very eclectic mix of influences. They can sometimes switch from one to another at the drop of a hat, and some of the songs are filled with so many different parts in different styles that it could almost be viewed as overwhelming. For The Imperium are Hakim Hietikko on vocals, Villie Suorsa on guitar, Jyri Helko on bass and Tuomas Rauhala on drums. The album features ten tracks. Every song is a well thought out and surprising journey that flutters between styles, tempos, time-sigs and vocal styles in a way that somehow flows smoothly. Its difficult to choose highlights because every track is packed with countless memorable riffs, and inventive lyrics. If I had to choose favorites however, they would probably be "Take A Breath, Now You're Going To War", "Northern Rampage (Muscles and Gasoline)", "Sexual Advisory", "Heaven Shall Fall/Hell Will Return" and Sudden Death". Rather than sounding muddled, confused, or cheesy, they somehow manage to pull off this mixture with an absolute flair and perfection. 'Hail The Monsters' is a brilliant spark of creativity. Initially the sheer scale of the diversity and virtuosity may feel pretentious, but upon numerous repeat listens I've definitely come to believe that there isn't anything cynical at work here. It really rewards repeat listening and every spin will uncover a new little gem you never noticed before. If you have any interest in heavy music get this album. if you don't, you may find yourself having to jump aboard the bandwagon instead of starting it. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

VIRTUE & VICE by Robot Lords Of Tokyo
(Independent Release)

Robot Lords Of Tokyo return with their latest behemoth in the form of, 'Virtue & Vice'. Fair warning this album is not for the faint of heart. The "RIFF" symphony that awaits you will knock your senses off the chart. Masochist of the hard and heavy will climax like Old Faithful! I kid you not. Robot Lords Of Tokyo are, Rick Ritzler on drums and Paul Jones on lead vocals. This duo recruited a "Special Forces" of guitar mercenaries to help bring this beast to life. Chris Poland (Megadeth) on "Hell Will Have To Wait", Tracy G. (Dio) on two tracks, "Great Escape" and "Broken". Then you have Wayne Findlay (Slavior) on "Voice Inside". Ten tracks in all. All like Titan missiles that explode on impact! Robot Lords Of Tokyo have that heavy down-tuned guitar sound, along with excellent sound production quality. The album moves along at a nice pace. Nothing too slow, nor too fast. I get a good sense of energy from this band, in which a lot of newer bands do NOT give me. Robot Lords Of Tokyo have a great vocalist. Paul Jones can really sing. He has a good rasp to his voice, but not overdone. He also sports a nice set of lungs. I hate categorizing bands, but this band can fall under grunge with a hint of doom. Sort of an up-beat doom album with powerful, no-nonsense vocals. The band is REALLY tight, and is a band for the more serious music fan, who doesn't need a gimmick to lure them in. Robot Lords Of Tokyo is NOT gimmicky, nor do they need to be. They are a straight forward, in your face, hard rockin' band. Fans of Kyuss, Earthride, Goatsnake should enjoy this.  These boys only play three ways, LOUD, PROUD and HEAVY! Don't say I didn't warn you. Great band, Love 'em. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

ELIMINATE YA LIVE! [CD + DVD] by Big Sugar
(Koch International)

The music contained on 'Eliminate Ya! Live!' by Big Sugar is a 2-Disc CD/DVD set that includes a Live DVD filmed during their sold out show at the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I've been a longtime fan of Big Sugar and the musical experience that awaits you with this Live set will move you in way unimaginable. The ability of Gordie Johnson and the band to lay out their very soul on these songs and the way that they continue to amaze and excite on every song is mind blowing. The DVD has a total of 26 smoking tracks that include, "Diggin' A Hole", "Nicotina", "Better Get Used To It (I Want You/Shes So Heavy)", "Ride Like Hell", "Turn The Lights On/Acted Badly" and "Spirit of Radio/ I Want You Now". CD features songs from the live DVD and the new bonus track "Eliminate Ya!" Whether it is visually or by hearing Big Sugar, it's all good any way you slice it. The end result is the same, you are going to LOVE IT! If what you want is astonishing musicians improvising and creating jams that make you smile and wonder at the talent that can come from a group of talented individuals, then this set is a must have. The soulfulness and the love of each musician here for the music is what makes this unique. The way the players are able to blend their own sound into the songs this is what makes, 'Eliminate Ya! Live!' very special. When you listen to a recording live or studio and as soon as you are done, you sit there in the quiet and you can`t believe what you heard, and so you listen again, and the feeling is still the same, then you know you`ve heard greatness.
'Eliminate Ya! Live' is an amazing collection of songs from a great concert, as I feel are the majority of Big Sugar shows are. Thank you, Gordie Johnson and the band for an amazing and unforgettable musical experience! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

MAERA by The Heavy Eyes
(Kozmik Artifactz)

The latest release from Memphis, Tennessee's The Heavy Eyes comes to us in the form of, 'Maera'. A powerful, ass-kickin' hard guitar rock album with an authentic early 70's influenced, bluesy, crunchy, psychedelic rock vibe. Trippy, burning guitar leads, a pounding, chugging rhythm section and whiskey soaked vocals combine for a killer rock `n' roll experience. The Heavy Eyes are, Tripp Shumake on vocals & guitar, Wally Anderson on bass and Eric Garcia on drums. This power rock trio wear their influences on their sleeves. from Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Leaf Hound, Lord Fowl, Free, Grand Funk Railroad, Graveyard, James Gang and U.F.O. These boys are tight and bring a refreshing retro rock sound that delivers one serious kick in the A-S-S! The album opens with, "Levantado" and from there on out its an all out assault of in your face straight up rock! "One Hand On The Buffalo", "Maggie" and "These Men Are Wolves". The songs have a darkness to them that is somewhat psychedelic or occult-ish, but always interesting. Too many metal/hard rock bands approach songwriting as a matter of cutting-and-pasting riffs together in Pro Tools. The Heavy Eyes' music feels organic, as if the songs were created for one epic jam sessions. All I can say is, more of this, please! I'm on my second listen as I write this, and I know that it's going to be listened to at least once or twice a day for the next couple of weeks. To me, that's the sign of a great album and 'Maera' by The Heavy Eyes is a damn great album. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine