CD REVIEWS

THE WORLD IS TOO SMALL by Dead Cult Dairies
( Warner Music Finland)

How would I describe, 'The World Is Too Small' the debut release by Finnish Pop Rockers, Dead Cult Diaries?  A perfect hybrid of Finnish female pop with HEAVY, metallic, crunchy powerpop made for the arena rock stage. Usually, one dominates the other, or it sounds forced or lopsided. Here, somehow, Dead Cult Dairies makes this combination work like magic, the most natural thing in the world.  Dead Cult Dairies are, Emmy on vocals, Arttu on guitar, J-V on guitar, Ränttilä on bass and Juuso on drums. Emmy is a woman of many dimensions, and the rest of the band has the skill and chops to deliver these songs home with attitude, power and  panache to spare. Twin guitarists Arttu and J-V do great work here, with real originality, chops, and feeling. The rhythm section of bass player
Ränttilä and drummer Juuso are tight. 'The World Is Too Small' finds the band delivering a great variety of songs.  The ultimate catchy "Saints & Sinners" crawls on you so easily, it's like the flu. The sound is almost Garbage meets Birthday Massacre. The lyrics are simple, meaningful and catchy. The also better "One In a Million" has more punch and attitude and screams girl power. The album can be infectious when also listening to "Boys And Toys" and "Crushed" another two songs that deliver great musical pow! A good Finnish remedy to new age pop rock for 2013 and beyond. As much as you have heard musical styles interwoven before, there is something about the way Dead Cult Dairies play that will make you feel like you are listening to completely new music. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

THE BLACK MOODS by The Black Moods
(Black Moods Masterpieces)

The Black Moods' self-titled, loud, sexy, and soulful debut album is a memorable and melodic introduction to the Arizona-based rock trio. The album successfully captures the guts of their deep rock roots. From Led Zeppelin to Tom Petty. The Black Moods are, Joshua Kennedy on vocals and guitars, Ryan Prier on bass and Danny "Chico" Diaz on drums. A young group with promise, I tell you if these guys can keep it together they will go very far. These guys know what rock and roll is supposed to sound like! From the pounding rock beat of "Can't Sleep At Night" to the groove laden movers like, "Serve You Right" and the tribal vibe of "Give It To Me", that will get you grooving in no time flat. Then there is, " Hey You", this mover has hit written all over it. Ten rock solid tracks total, not a filler among them. As a band the chemistry between Joshua Kennedy , Ryan Prier and Chico Diaz are tight as a glove. The Black Moods bring a much needed soul filled energy to the rock music scene that's been missing for some time. We need more bands like The Black Moods, especially in this pop filled wasteland. Hail Hail Rock n Roll! - Highly Recommended
The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine


CANNIBAL NATION by Mob Rules
(AFM RECORDS)

Power Metal rockers Mob Rules return with their latest offering, 'Cannibal Nation' , the band's 7th release and just like their previous outings the band has put together a rock solid album. Nothing overly bombastic about it, just refined power metal played very well. Delivering a great blend of melodic metal, combining Iron Maiden-like melodies with Queensryche and Gamma Ray flair. The song writing is well thought out lyrically and the songs have an ebb and flow to them that just seems like second nature for them. Take the first two songs that open the album, "Close My Eyes" and "Lost" they just move along at groove laden pace and make their statement without going over the top and hitting you like a freight train. "The Telebox Fool" is the first aggressive track that blazes along, superb guitar playing and shredding lead guitar work. The same can be said about, "The Sirens". The album closing Sunrise" are extremely addictive songs. In fact, the whole album is addictive. A mixture that will amaze fans from power metal to Classic Rock. Overall, 'Cannibal Nation' is consistent and the flow is superb. There is enough charm and chivalry to this recording to satisfy not just power metal fans, but fans of any genre of music. Great riffs, great melodies, catchy choruses and great hooks. It has it all. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser@The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

RESURRECT ME by Pamela Moore
(Ratpak Records)

Pamela Moore best known for her role as Sister Mary on the multi-platinum selling masterpiece, ‘Operation Mindcrime’ by Queensryche unleashes her latest album, ‘Resurrect Me’.  I have to say, I was quite surprised, no more like blown away actually, once I pressed play. This album just consumed me from the first listen. Showcasing Pamela’s three and a half octave range and melodic vocal arrangements combined with the awesome metal riffs. ‘Resurrect Me’ starts off with the heavy mid-tempo rhythm of “Acquiescent”, talk about having your undivided attention. “Melt Into You” and “Paranoia” are the next two tracks both exhibiting just how powerful Pamela’ s vocal prowess really are. The title track is simply epic. The song builds in intensity until midway through the song when the mind blowing guitars turn it up and Pamela’ s vocals go in for the kill. She has definitely taken notes in her time being around the Queensryche guys and carried it forward with some nice modern touches. Guest appearances from Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear and guitar wizard Jeff Loomis of Sanctuary and Nevermore fame just add to the sound. The albums closes out with, “Wide Awake (Phoenix Rising)”. I had high hopes for this album. Usually when I set such high standards , I get disappointed. Not this time. Pamela Moore with, ‘Resurrect Me’ has delivered an amazingly powerful recording. It connects with you at an emotional level, leaving you hungry to experience it again. Deep, complicated lyrics blended with driving rock are perfectly balanced giving a unique sound that simply must be heard.- Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

THE KEY by Dave Rude Band
(Rat Pak Records)

Tesla guitarist, Dave Rude returns with the follow-up to his self titled debut outing with, ‘The Key’. Showcasing his amazing guitar skills as well as rock solid vocals. Along with bassist Marco Guzman, drummer Josh Schmidt. ‘The Key’ serves up a straight-forward dose of hard-rockin’ songs that will have you rocking out in no time flat! The album itself is an adrenaline rush of pure rock and roll and it’s clear from the get go that Dave Rude and his band have one intention and that’s to thoroughly rock your socks off! ‘ The Key’, is an album loaded with great riffs such as the opening title track “The Key” with its supercharged driven riff that has Dave Rude using his full vocal range to drive the song on. Then there is, “Yours To Hold” a firecracker of a song that simply balls to wall! “On My Own Again”, features Dave’s Tesla bandmate, Troy Luckketta on drums. Speaking of drums. There’s some great drumming and bass playing from Josh Scmidt and Marco Guzmanon on the songs “Iron Grip” and the killer take on the Pete Gabriel classic, “Sledgehammer”. The full throttle rocker, “Charlie Mansion” finishes off the album.  From start to finish this album has real teeth. A great collection of well written and performed songs here but it’s the overall sound that impressed me. Energizing and driving, the Dave Rude Band’s, ‘The Key’ is essential to any fan of rock music. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

THE FIRST RECORD by Tracii Guns' League Of Gentlemen
(Shrapnel Records)

Whether it's with L..A. Guns, his solo records or any of the number one off bands that Tracii Guns has been involved with. The end result is always the same, it's DAMN GOOD. His latest endeavor, Tracii Gun' s League Of Gentlemen is no different.  Tracii Guns has assembled a group of rock solid musicians that have great chemistry. The band's debut, 'The First Record' is proof of that. Leaning towards a more late 60's-ish British American blues rock sound. Tracii Guns and his League Of Gentlemen are here to make sure the 60's generation is well represented in the 21st Century. The "League" is made up of, Scott Foster Harris brings a very soulful southern flavor while mixing Blues, Country and Classic Rock elements into his vocal styling. Craig '"Patches" McCloskey comes from Philly plays bass and Doni Gray from Los Angeles on drums. John Bird also from Los Angeles CA is a the musician that every band wishes they had. A multi-instrument playing musician who knows the ins and outs of music. Now, let's talk about the album. "Everything Everything" kicks things off on rocking fashion followed by "The Witch" a number that could have easily been taken off any album by Eric Burden and The Animals. Then theres  "Painted Lady," a charmer of a number that will tug at your heart strings. While "Long Way To Heaven" has that Delta Blues meets Yardbirds vibe to it.  While "Saginsaw Blues" features some incredible guitar work by Tracii Guns. The band offer up two covers, "One" a great rendition of The Three Dog Night classic. The other is,  "Without You", written by the late Pete Ham of Badfinger. Overall, Tracii Guns League Of Gentlemen's 'The First Record' is a very strong, totally captivating slab of old school rock n' roll that is unlikely to disappoint too many fans of the classic rock sound. If you still play your Led Zeppelin, Cream, The Animals and The Who albums on a regular basis, Tracii Guns' League Of Gentlemen is about to become your new favorite band. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

HAIL TO THE RIVER GODS by Triggerman
(Triggerlad Records)

The Irish juggernaut known as Triggerman have unleashed their third album in the form of, 'Hail To The River Gods'. The music on this album is an unabated testimonial to the band's earthshaking ability to rock and give a whole new meaning to the word, "Riff". Triggerman is a ferocious beast made up of, Bap (vocals, guitar), Niall (guitar), Rory (drums), Dixie (Bass). Aggressive vocals courtesy of Bap are set with the churning waves of his and Niall's hulking riffs, with harmonic subtlety and some stunningly melodic parts without pretense. The rhythm section of Dixie and Rory are just down right scary good. All coming together for one hell of a riff orgy! As is evident once you hit play and the ballsy shuffle of the sledgehammer, "Rage Of The Goddess" blasts out your speakers and will clear any sinus problems you have, no joke! The assault continues with, "Rise Of The Woodsmen", the title track, and "Thon Strange Brew" . 'Hail To The River Gods" is an incredible excursion into a world of dense riffage, odd-time signatures and time changes, unconventional song structures and rich rhythmic textures. If you enjoy high quality hard rock music that hits you like a sledgehammer served up by high level quality  musicianship and that just flat out rocks, Triggerman is the band for you. Overall, powerhouse of an album by a powerhouse band destined for bigger things to come! I look forward to hearing what the lads come up with next. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

SHOOT THE CROW by Hangfire
(Hangfire Music)

'Shoot The Crow' the debut release from Southern Welsh rockers Hangfire is pure hard rock mixed with massive slabs of blues groove with monstrous power and melody. Hangfire is made up of, Max Rhead on vocals, Lizzy Evans on guitar, Bob Goo on bass and Matt Blakout on drums. The band's blusey sound and soulful vibe is a refreshing alternative for those who may be tired of the recent trend of "metal-core" and are looking for some good 'ol hard rock with a ballsy edge. The riffs are kept simple but there are some blazing solos to be found here courtesy of Lizzy Evans strong guitar work. The blues rock influenced vocals of Max Rhead and the tight rhythm section of Goo and Blakout keep the groove going at a steady pace and will keep you coming back for more. Standout tracks include "For Crying Out Loud", the groove laden moving title track,  "Faith In Me", and "Drop The Bomb" among others, but there's not a weak track to be found here. All in all, if you're a fan of hard rock/metal with a southern/blusey vibe, then you should definitely give Hangfire a shot. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine