Saturday, October 19, 2013

CD Reviews for: BLACK STAR RIDERS / THE SCREAMING EAGLES / HARDCORE SUPERSTAR / FREE FALL

CD REVIEW: ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE by Black Star Riders 
(Nuclear Blast Records)


The highly anticipated debut release from Black Star Riders ,' All Hell Breaks Loose' has finally been unleashed. So, after all the hype, was it worth the wait? I have to admit, I did not expect the album to sound as good as it is but was cautiously optimistic about it. First off, I like the fact that the album was released under different name, releasing the album as Thin Lizzy with only one original member would be so wrong. There is no doubting that the Thin Lizzy influence is present throughout the album, but make no mistake, Black Star Riders is it's own band with it's own sound. At the end of the day who gives a two cents, as long as the songs rock and are good and they are damn good, that's all that matters really. So back to the question, was it worth the wait?! Oh hell yeah, most definitely worth the wait! Black Star Riders definitely let loose on this album.  Black Star Riders is guitarist/singer Ricky Warwick, guitarist Scott Gorham, guitarist Damon Johnson, bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso. The chemistry between these seasoned rock veterans is as tight as a stamp on an envelope and shines all over this album. kicking things off with the title track, a rocking number that sets it off with a bang! The lead off single, "Bound For Glory", is up next. A rock solid mover of a song  that definitely has that Thin Lizzy vibe to it.  The guitar work by Scott Gorham and Damon Johnson conjure up that classic "Lizzy" dual axe attack. As will, "Kingdom Of The Lost" and "Bloodshot". 11 tracks total all are winners.  Start to finish, 'All Hell Breaks Loose' is an impressive debut effort from Black Star Riders.  I'm sure the Late great Phil Paris Lynott is smiling down from the heavens.  This one's a winner folks! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: FROM THE FLAMES by Screaming Eagles 
(Independent Release)


For the first time in a long time, it actually seems like real rock music is coming back in a big way. New bands are emerging from all over the globe that are bucking trends and making music that is fun and that flat out rocks. Northern Ireland's Screaming Eagles are one of the best of this new breed of real rock bands. The band's debut release, 'From The Flames' is loaded with so much energy it will simply blow you away. There are no fillers here , no slow songs to hold your lighter to just balls to wall in your face rock, period.  The album launches off with the fist pumping, "All The Way" to the anthemic "Down The River" and the self-explanatory rock explosions of "Fight The Fire" and 'Rock N Roll Soul'.
The Screaming Eagles are powered by, Chris Fry on vocals, Adrian McAleenan on guitars, Ryan Lilly on bass and on drums, Kyle Cruikshank. Together this quartet  have recorded one hell of an album. If ever an album was made to blow out stereo speakers, it would be this one.  You don't get your hands on an album like this  expecting the next Radiohead album. You get it because it ROCKS and man o' man does it ever!  'From The Flames' is a blistering album of songs, 10 in total,  that never lets up from start to finish. These lads are on a mission to put a smile back on your face and few thousand volts up your holiest of holies. The Screaming Eagles have landed and they are here to stay! Are you ready?! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser@ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: C'MON TAKE ON ME by Hardcore Superstar
(Gain/Sony Music)



Hardcore Superstar are back with their latest release , 'Cmon Take On Me', and what an album it is. Produced by the band and mixed by no less a figure than Randy Staub (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, The Cult), slapping you in the face like a heavy slab of Crüe and Poison. "Cutting The Slack" opens the album a haunting surrealistic piece that draws you in as prepares you for the wickedness that awaits you. The title tracks comes firing out of your speakers reminding you that these boys haven't lost their step. In fact even anything, they've become more sleazier. From there it's Hardcore Superstar doing what they do best. Serving up a dose of rock and roll that is loaded with glam and sleaze for days. With numbers like, "One More Tome" and the catchy "Above The Law" a little diddy flipping the middle finger to authority. Jocke Berg' s vocal are right on track and nasty as ever. Some of the musical direction along with Vic Zino' s guitar work on this release is a little different than what he's done on previous releases, but it still kicks major ass! And Adde Moon's drumming on this release is rock solid. No fillers to be found here. Hardcore Superstar continues on its blaze into rock and roll history. I for one hope, 'C'mon Take On Me' becomes available here in the States, as every fan of Hardcore Superstar must have this one, and everyone else should get to hear it. Cheers Gents for damn good job! -Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser@The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD RECOMMENDATION: POWER & VOLUME by Free Fall
(Nuclear Blast Records)


Swedish rockers Free Fall blast upon the scene with their powerful debut release, 'Power & Volume'. The band is powered by Kim Fransson on vocals,  guitarist Mattias Barjed (Soundtrack Of Our Lives), Jan Martens on bass and drummer Ludwig Dahlberg (The International Noise Conspiracy). They described their sound as, "Freedom Rock". If serving up balls to wall hard rock that is packed with so much energy it would light up a city block? Then yes, I would agree. If playing hard rock that is raw and hits you in the gut so hard, it knock the bejesus out of you? Then, I would agree with the band 100%! Free Fall take the rock music genre to a whole level. Kim Fransson' s vocals are down right powerful. Imagine Bon Scott's attitude and swagger combined with Burke Shelley of Budgie.  That's how good this guy is. Matthias Barjed' s guitar work is stellar from beginning to end. While the rhythm section of Jan Martens and Ludwig Dahlberg provide the band with a rock solid foundation. From the moment you hit play and the title track fires out of your speakers it's obvious Free Fall come to ROCK with mean intentions. As they do with the next three tracks, "Free Fall" , "Midnight Vulture" and "Top Of The World". It's when the band goes in for the kill with, "Attila" and "World Domination", that you realize that this band has a very promising future. Make no mistake Free Fall are one hundred percent hard rock, but are definitely and heavily influenced by the classics. One of the best things I like about this band is how old school they are. I'm a old school classic rocker and it's so great to see a new upcoming band that appreciates the classics. Hands down , 'Power & Volume' Volume' by Free Fall is one of the best debut releases to come out in a very long time. The effort this band put into this powerful recording deserves our respect and willingness to help get the word out.  Definite contender for 'Rock Album Of The Year'. LONG LIVE FREEDOM ROCK! LONG LIVE FREE FALL! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser@The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine














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