CD REVIEW: DELIVERANCE AT THE CROSSROADS by Blindstone

DELIVERANCE AT THE CROSSROADS by Blindstone 
(Grooveyard Records)

The mighty Danish power blues rock trio Blindstone return with their latest slab of riff intensity, 'Deliverance At The Crossroads', powered by Martin J. Andersen (guitars, vocals), Jesper Bunk (bass) and Sigurd Johnk-Jensen (drums). Ever since their 2003 debut, 'Manifesto', Blindstone have put out great albums and 'Deliverance At The Crossroads' is no exception to the rule. It goes for the throat straight out of the starting blocks and never really lets up. From the opening notes of "World Of Trouble" to the down and dirty swagger of tracks like, "Stick To Your Guns", "One Beautiful Tribe", "Another Day" to the innovative bluesy textures of the title track, and the album closer, "Dove". There's very little this trio can do wrong. Their chemistry is tight as a glove. You can tell these guys truly love what they are doing. Martin J. Andersen is just an unbelievable talent both vocally and as a guitarist. With bassist Jesper Bunk and drummer Sigurd Johnk-Jensen the trio have an unbeatable combination. If your musical taste fancy the likes of Frank Marino, Robin Trower or Eric Gales, Blindstone is guaranteed to satisfy. If this is your first time reading about this power trio, I recommend checking out the band's catalog and finally discover what some of us have known for years - that this band rocks and are in a league of their own. In today's flood of over produced music, 'Deliverance At The Crossroads' is pure blues rock perfection with the intricity that only these 3 can deliver with many layers of sonic riff intense goodness.  - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: REVOLUTION by Rock Island Orchestra

REVOLUTION by Rock Island Orchestra
(Cherry Red Records)

'Revolution' is the debut 5 song Ep from Rock Island Orchestra, comprised of the incredible lineup of, vocalist/ film composer Tommy Fields, Alcatrazz/New England alumni, keyboardist Jimmy Waldo and bassist Gary Shea. Classically trained guitarist D. Kendall Jones. What a sound! For this just being a five track album it leaves a lasting impression that begs repeated listens taking you, the listener from the surreal to the sublime. an interesting mix between melodic rock melodies, heavy riffs, and progressive rock flourishes. The music is superlative. It is obvious that the band understands the importance of creating good songs and using their stellar musicianship to serve those compositions. 'Revolution', is an album that gets more and more appreciated the more you listen to it. One play through will not do it justice. This is music that needs to be experienced.  'Revolution' by The Rock Island Orchestra is the perfect addition to your listening library. Here's hoping that an encore is soon in the works.  - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: BETTER THAN THE REST by Robert Tepper

BETTER THAN THE REST by Robert Tepper
(AOR Heaven)

New Jersey based singer Robert Tepper is back with his latest release, 'Better Than The Rest'.  This is Tepper's first recording since his 2000 outing, 'New Life Story'. Throughout the history of rock, there has been a small number of great powerhouse voices. I consider, Robert Tepper as one of those voices. Even upon first listen, it is apparent that something almost indefinable has changed since his last record. The music is more melodic and rocking than ever before harkening back to Robert Tepper's heyday in the '80s. The collection of songs on this album will without a doubt please any fan of melodic rock music. Robert Tepper voice soars to all the right heights, and falls to all those wonderful melodic depths that we have come to love. His expression and emotion are still there and are what makes him one of the best in a music world constantly under threat from plastic man made fakes. Perhaps the magic ingredient here is the teaming up with guitarist and co-producer, Pablo Padilla, who is also Tepper’s music supervisor for all of his shows. The chemistry between them is match made in heaven. As is evident on tracks like, "Why Does Over-Have To Be So Sad", the groove laden title track, melodic rock gems, "Testimony" and "My Yesterday". The whole album is just so damn good. Fans of the melodic rock should get this album. It is absolutely essential. What more can I say?  Get this album and enjoy one of the voices of rock that hasn't lost a thing over the years! - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: CASINO by Anchor Lane

CASINO by Anchor Lane
(Independent Release)

Scottish based rockers, Anchor Lane step into the rock and roll ring with their rocking debut outing, 'Casino', and come out swinging for the fences with a solid 10 song album of impressive riff's that are loaded with swagger and energy that will have you rocking for days. Produced by Toby Jepson (Little Angels/The Wayward Sons), the band is powered by Connor Gaffney on guitar vocals, Lawrence O' Brien on guitar, Matthew Quigley on bass and Scott Hanlon on drums. Drawing influences from band's like, Royal Blood, Nirvana, Soundgarden and The Foo Fighters. Anchor Lane are a good, ol' fashioned, loud n' rowdy rock and roll band. There songs are big, full, and comfortably arrogant. The vocals are confident and very sing-alongable, the lead guitars are mean and fun at the same time, and the rhythm section are as tight as they come. Theirs is the sound of keeping the rock and roll torch alive through fresh blood translating into tracks like, "Blood & Irony", the adrenaline pumping lead off single, "Fame Shame", "Voodoo", the title track, "Stone Cold Hearted" and "Dead Run". The whole album is a pure adrenaline rush packed with passion, emotion, heart, and true gritty rock 'n' roll. 'Casino' by Anchor Lane is definitely worth checking out. All the best elements of rock and roll are here.  It's just one of those albums that doesn't get tiring after a couple of listens like so many others do today.  If you like rock music that'll make you move and groove then you will dig what Anchor Lane bring to the table.- Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: LAST TEMPTATION by Last Temptation

LAST TEMPTATION by Last Temptation
(Ear Music)

Last Temptation's debut album and is highly recommended for fans of '80s heavy metal, but make no mistake, this band is also firmly rooted in the here and now of hard rock. The brainchild behind the project is guitarist Peter Scheithauer (Killing Machine, Belladonna, Temple Of Brutality) and singer Butcho Vukovic (Watcha, Showtime) who teamed up with talented friends Steve Unger (Metal Church) and STET Howland (WASP, Lita Ford). The album also boast amazing guest list: Don Airey (Deep Purple, Rainbow) on Keyboards, Vinny Appice (Did, Heaven and Hell) on drums, Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore) on bass, James Lomenzo (BLS, Snakepite) on bass as well as Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake, Quiet Riot). The production is rock solid and the songs are hard hitting and pull no punches. As is evident on riff intense tracks like, "I Win I Lose", "Blow A Fuse", "How I Am", "Nobody Is Free" and "Hell Is Walking In My Shoes". One thing is for certain if you like riffs Last Temptation deliver the goods in spades. It’s a good sign when a recording makes you break out your air guitar while doing housework or singing in the shower, and yes, I’ve done both a lot ever since I've listened to this recording.  As someone said once “There are more riffs and hooks on this album than on a strip of velcro”. Just put on your headphones, crank it up to 11, and be transported to a time and place that is both today, yet also long ago. Highly recommended. - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY by Michael Bormann's Jaded Hard

FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY by Michael Bormann's Jaded Hard
(RMB Records)

Is there anything better than listening to a new release, putting into your player and it just gets better every time you listen to it? Veteran singer Michael Bormann and his new project Jaded Hard outstanding debut outing, 'Feels Like Yesterday', is one such release. Along with Michael Bormann on vocals and guitar we have, Thommy Dahlem on guitar and vocals, Christoph 'Baumi' Baumeister on bass and vocals, Chris 'Hexe' Ivo on keyboards and vocals,  Michael 'Maikel' Müller on drums. Together the band  combine a melodic rock sound with a modern day rock feel. What Jaded Hard has done here is given us a how-to-guide on how to deliver a perfect melodic rock record. From the AOR flavorings of, "Feel Like I’m Living", to the hard rocking melodies of, "Mr. Mysterious" and "Good Times" to the old school vibes of, "I'm A Son Of Gun", there is not one single filler track here. Not even close. The sound is infectious, and once engrained in your head – hard to remove. Michael Bormann's vocals are on point and sound better than ever. This is the type of album that just flat out sounds goooooood and is a very enjoyable listen front to back. Young listeners as well as classic rock era listeners will enjoy this.  Melodic rock music has been around for years but these guys put the edge to it that makes them so distinct. Jaded Hard has managed to deliver one of the strongest melodic rock debuts in recent memory and any fan of this genre needs to have this one in their collection. - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: UNDER THE SUN by Blacktop Mojo

UNDER THE SUN by Blacktop Mojo
(Sand Hills Records)

Texas based rockers Blacktop Mojo are back and more badass than ever with their latest release, 'Under The Sun'. Matt James on vocals, Ryan Kiefer on guitar, Chuck Wepfer on guitar, Matt Curtis on bass and Nathan Gillis on drums.T here is something about a band that can still make Rock music that you can rock out to.  From start to finish the entire album rocks and rolls through. There really isn't a weak spot on the album. This is the kind of album that could sit on the shelf comfortably with Soundgarden or Blackstone Cherry or Black Label Society. Not that they sound like these other bands. Blacktop Mojo has a vibe all their own. As unleashed on strong tracks like "Lay It On Me", "Set It Free", "All Mine Now", " Come Get Your Coat" and the title track. What sets Blacktop Mojo apart from other bands is that their songs are incredibly atmospheric and packed with attitude. Overall, 'Under The Sun' by Blacktop Mojo is a powerhouse release that is aggressive and has swagger for days. It's driving, intense and unrelenting.  Remind me again, Who said Rock music is dead? The next time someone tells you rock is dead, crank up some Blacktop Mojo for them and call them back in a week. - Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society