CD REVIEWS for FEBRUARY 2014

RUNNING WITH THE DOGS by The Treatment
(Deluxe Edition)
(Spinefarm Records)

UK rockers, The Treatment are back with their highly anticipated sophomore release, 'Running With The Dogs'.  This time around the band look to break through to a wider audience and give their music the recognition it truly deserves. Matt Jones on vocals, Jake Pattinson on guitar, Tagore Grey on guitar, Swoggle on bass and Dhani Mansworth on drums. 'Running With The Dogs' is the perfect party rock album. It's loaded with the right amount of wailing guitar, tight harmonies, and hooks that will stick in your head for days.  Big anthemic songs, sing along choruses, great production . Hitting play is like lighting a stick of dynamite with a short fuse. Blasting out of the blocks with "I Bleed Rock N Roll" and following it up with, "Drop Like A Stone" its obvious the band are pulling no punches as they are dead set on making sure you get your rocks off! Which the lads certainly do with, "Get The Party On", and the title track, "Running With The Dogs", "The Outlaw", "The Emergency" and "She's Too Much". Every track on the album has it's own groove to it and really fits nice with the overall vibe of the album. Matt Jones's vocals are rock solid, the dual axe attack courtesy of Jake Pattinson and Tagore Grey make for one lethal combination. The rhythm section of Swoggle on bass and Dhani Mansworth on drums is tight and gives the band a solid foundation.  The deluxe edition features a second CD with six tracks in the form of,  "The Seeker", "She Does It Right", a awesome cover of the Badfinger classic, "No Matter What", "In My Chair" and acoustic versions of , "Running With The Dogs" and "I Bleed Rock & Roll". All in all, if you like hard rock music with great vocals, killer bottom end, and groove that is what  The Treatment is all about. No sophomore slump here. 'Running With The Dogs' is in your face and upfront. One things for certain, this album will put your speakers to the test! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine


THE CRACKS by 3 Years Hollow
(Imagen Records)

'Cracks', the debut release by 3 Years Hollow is a really great record. Produced by none other than Sevendust guitarist /songwriter Clint Lowery.  It's quite unique in the sound and has a modern sound that will remind some of Sevendust in parts but you would not really say it's like Sevendust at all. Strong vocals and great playing by all members, Jose Urquiza (vocals), Tony Reeves (guitar), Neil Kuhlman (guitar), Dex Digga (bass), and Chris Cushman (drums). I was instantly blown away as soon as I pressed play. The opening "The Devil’s Slave" sounds incredible. The build-up is phenomenal, and once it kicks in, your ready to go. A great way to kick off a album. The whole album is really full of great songs. If I had to pick my favorites or standouts, I'd go with: "Chemical Ride", "For Life (Featuring Clint Lowery)", "Hungry", "Take The World"; but there really is not a bad track to be found. Its just that good. From the deep and thoughtful lyrics you feel what they feel and can't help but sing along. The Bottom line, a very strong debut outing. If your a fan of good hard rock, 'Cracks' by 3 Years Hollow might be in your CD player for awhile. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

FIRESTORM by EZ Livin'
(Sony Music)

The German-American Hard Rock group EZ LIVIN‘ are back with a vengeance with their latest release, 'Firestorm'. Guitarist, Hans Ziller (Bonfire) returns with David Reece ( Accept/Bangalore Choir) along with Harry Reischmann (Bonfire) on drums, Ronnie Parks (Tango Down and Seven Witches) on bass guitar, Paul Morris (Rainbow) on keyboards, piano & organ. Also featuring, . Chris Lyne (Mother Road and ex Soul Doctor) appears as guest on guitars. 'Firestorm', is hard-hitting but highly melodic recording. David Reece's vocals just sound incredible here and Hans Ziller's guitar work is just as impressive. The first thing that jumped out to me was, this album is really well produced and has some powerfully written songs. They strike the right balance between heaviness and melody. The band really know how to put together strong songs. There are a couple of mid tempo songs, but for the most part, this is a hard rocking album with a lot of hard rock punch. My stand out tracks would be "That's How He Rocks", "White Lightning", "Let's Fly Away", a cover of the Uriah Heep classic, "Easy Living" and "The Damage Is Done". This is melodic hard rock at it's best, and a highly crafted album which is very complete - no fillers here. To sum things up for you, if you liked the band's debut  'After The Fire' you will most surely enjoy this record as well. 'Firestorm' is an extension of the aforementioned record. Overall excellent stuff. The band has never sounded better. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine



PRECIOUS METAL by House Of Lords
(Frontier Records)

Veteran rockers, House Of Lords return with their ninth album, 'Precious Metal'. The new album was recorded and produced by the band's frontman/singer, James Christian. 'Precious Metal', is exactly the kind of album we've come to expect from House of Lords in recent years. They're not going back to the Giuffria-era sound, and they're not reinventing the wheel. James Christian along with Jimi Bell (guitar), Chris McCarvill (bass) and BJ Zampa (drums), have figured out a sound that works, and when the result is such a solid platter of melodic rock as this, it's hard to argue with it. Highlights include the huge groove of opener "Battle", the groove laden,"I'm Breaking Free", the majestic power of, "Epic" and the arena rock sound of "Swimmin' With The Sharks", "Enemy Mine" and "Action" with some really big backing vocals. The massive power ballad "You Might Just Save My Life", closes the album. It's a great mix overall, and when you have a singer as expressive and unique as James Christian it's no wonder the songs all come together this well. BJ Zampa's drumming is great along with bassist, Chris McCarvill give the band a rock solid foundation. Jimi Bell's guitar work is simply awesome . The production on this album is absolutely huge. These guys know what they are doing and they are an example to other bands of what is expected in this day and age. If you've been on board for the last 2-3 House of Lords releases, 'Precious Metal' will not disappoint. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine


ONE LIVE - IN STOCKHOLM by W.E.T.
(Frontier Records)

Recorded live at Debaser Club in Stockholm, W.E.T., Robert Säll (the “W” from Work of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse) and Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman), put on, what must have been a memorable evening for those that were there. The show was celebrated the release of the band's second album, 'Rise Up'. That special moment was captured here on this two disc set with DVD, 'One Live - In Stockholm'. The first thing that unavoidably hits the listener is the album's faultless production; Not only are the instruments captured in great clarity but also the production offers huge drum sound. Disc 1: An 11 song set featuring a great of W.E.T. tracks, "Walk Away", "Learn To Live Again", "Invincible", "I'll Be There" "Love Heals" and "Rise Up". Also, "Bleed & Scream" with Erik Martensson from Eclipse on vocals and "I'll Be Waiting" Jeff Scott Soto's contribution from Talisman. Disc 2 features nine live tracks; "If I Fall", "Shot", "Comes Down Like Rain", "What You Want", "Brothers In Arms", "Mysterious", "One Love". Robert Säll from Work Of Art takes center stage with "The Great Fall", where the band was joined on stage by Säll bandmate in Work Of Art lead singer, Lars Säfsund. The band offer two bonus studio tracks, "Poison (Numbing The Pain) and "Bigger Than Both Of Us", taken from the “Rise Up” sessions. The DVD included with the set is footage of the show provided for fans who weren't able to attend the show in person. It also features two bonus video clips of, "Love Heals" and "Learn to Live Again". I would say that 'One Live - In Stockholm' strongest characteristic is that it is perfectly recorded, mixed & mastered and for that clearly separates itself from the cold or even thin, at times, sound of the studio. 'One Live - In Stockholm' is a must-have. W.E.T. is an amazing melodic rock band, and this LIVE/DVD release is every bit as impressive as the band's albums. I can't recommend it highly enough. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine


THIS IS HOW WE PARTY by The Nuclears
(Independent Release)

Have a lust for intense loud rock? Have a taste for rebellion and chaos? Have a taste for things that represent the gut of rock n' roll? Look no further than 'This Is How We Party' the new release from NYC rockers, The Nuclears. Brian Dudolevitch on guitar, vocals, Mick Dudolevitch on guitar, vocals, Bobby Atoms Sproles on bass, Sean  Spada on keys, vocals and Kevin Blatchford on drums. Also featured are Briana, Cherrye, and Danny Ray the band's secret weapons. The album is a powder keg of rock and roll TNT loaded with in your face punk rock influenced vocals, guitar riffs that will get your rocks off, and a rhythm section that is tighter than white on rice. The band's sound pulls upon a wealth of great influences. From The MC5 and Thin Lizzy to T.Rex. It is all here and all kept interesting because you have no idea what is coming next. All of this means that it is an album can be enjoyed in its entirety whatever mood you are in. From the moment, "This Is How We Party" fires out of your speakers The Nuclears are dead set on making sure you are thoroughly ROCKED! The energy and passion is undeniable, and it is infectious. It will be hard not to start playing air guitar to tracks like, "Shelf Life" and "I Can't Quite Say". It will be hard not to start singing along to the hooks for songs like, "Glitter and Grime" and "Baby You Know I Love You (But You Gotta Stop Bringing Me Down) feat. Briana Layon. All the songs are great, no filler, and that is saying alot in today's music world. The Nuclears don't follow commercial trends, don't follow the latest rock fashions or looks, and don't write simple, uninspiring rock music. The Nuclears stay true to their classic rock influences. No nonsense, bare bones rock and roll the way it should be. 'This Is How We Party' by The Nuclears is the antidote for music that sucks and must be cranked up at maximum volume! What else would a rocker want?! End of story. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

STRIPPED TO THE BONE by Eat The Gun
(Steamhammer Records)

What separates the German based power rock trio, Eat The Gun from most traditional hard rock bands is that beyond the classic riffs and production they 'spray' every note of rock-star attitude. The band's latest release, 'Stripped To The Bone' is an album of energy driven rock. It's pure rock power. This is the kind of album that as you are listening to it you can't wait to hear it again. You will turn this CD on LOUD, grab a guitar, a tennis racket, or even a broom handle, and rock out in your bedroom like a madman. "At The End Of The Day" gets things rocking with a great start and continues rock you with, the lead off single, "Loner", "Wake Me Up" and "Addicted". By the time, "Apocalyptic Blues explodes out of your speakers your senses have been fully throttled! The rest of the album is pure rock and roll adrenaline. The band's raw energy comes mainly from Hendrik Wippermann on lead vocals and guitars, he is a vital part of the overall sound. His vocals carry the very essence of attitude fueled hard rock a style that proves consistent regardless of the mood or tempo of each track. His guitar playing is made up of hard rock riffs while the majority of solos are well thought and very interesting for the listener. The rhythm section of bass player Peter Bergmüller and drummer Gereon Homann fully recreate classic rock rhythm patterns, serving as the foundation for the band's classic rock sound. Plus, the production, for that matter, is really thick being ideally balanced between high, mid and low range. Eat The Gun bring a combination of energy and swagger that few other ROCK bands anywhere can match. This band brings it, no b.s, and lots of great guitar riffs and fist pumping choruses. Check em out, if you haven't already, and find out what straight up rock n roll should sound like. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

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