S/T by Scream Arena
(
Mighty Music / Target Group)
From York, United Kingdom, Scream Arena is a modern hard rock band that manages to avoid sounding either trendy or dated. There's a timeless rock & roll vibe on their self-titled debut album that too few bands seem to be able to capture. Formed in late 2005 by vocalist Andy Paul, Scream Arena went through a number of guitar teams before finalizing the line-up with guitarists, Phil O'Dea and Alex Mullings, bassist Lincoln J. Roth and drummer Michael Maleckyj. The band's debut is loaded with infectious rock anthems that the band's energy and obvious enthusiasm make very hard to resist. The album was recorded and produced with and by renowned Los Angeles based Producer/Artist Paul Sabu (son of legendary actor Sabu), who has worked with David Bowie, Madonna, KISS, Shania Twain and Silent Rage amongst others, Scream Arena is ready to raise the banner a little higher and a little prouder. Every track is a perfect blend of raw energy, slick guitar licks and ROCK solid vocals all blessed by the gods of Rock. From the opening "Born Ready" with the lads giving you fair warning of the throttling your senses are about to experience! The band hold nothing back as they proceed to put the hammer down with "The Price Of Love", a song that will definitely get your rock and roll juices flowing! Then there is the mid tempo groove of "Racing To The End Of Night", other personal favorites, "Heartbreak Hotel", "Another Night In London Town", "Goodnight L.A.", and the album closer, "Queen Of Dreams". There are a ton of great rockin' riffs, catchy melodies, and just plain songs you can rock out and beg to be cranked to maximum volume! If you're a fan of music that rocks, you should check out what Scream Arena has to offer. Now, listen up kids, check out Scream Arena self titled debut, it's a rocker! This is straight up whiskey drinking, hard driven rock and roll. Nobody's crying about how mommy was too hard on them. This is booze, chicks, partying late, and more booze. You cats think you can handle it? GREAT! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
BEATING TIME by Black Oxygen
(Dreamstreet Records)
Kansas City rockers Black Oxygen return with their sophomore release, 'Beating Time', produced by Brett Hestla (Creed, Dark New Day, Tantric). Black Oxygen are, David Lyle on vocals and guitar, brother Nick Lyle on drums and Jordan Myer on bass. As I listened to this album I felt something very comforting and honest about 'Beating Time', From start to finish this album rocks and takes you on a journey. The opening track, "Dirty Girl" comes at you like a punch in the face. If you like energy, you've come to the right place with the band serving up rockers like, "Livin' The Life", "Callin' My Name", "I Got This Feeling" and "All The Lies" all guaranteed to give you a shot of adrenaline. The band also have a melodic side to their musical repertoire with, "Think About It", "Take A Breath", the powerful "Life Is Good, 'Til It Goes Bad and "Girl I Used To Know". All 16 tracks on the album are keepers. Listen to the album maybe three times and you'll have all the songs stuck in your head. This is music with heart and soul and you can feel it when you listen to it. David Lyle's voice has a unique quality to it, unmistakable, soothing, and rough at the same time, it creates an almost hypnotizing effect. While the rhythm section of drummer, Nick Lyle (David's brother) and Jordan Myer provides the band with a rock solid foundation. 'Beating Time' radiates a unique feel of complete relaxation and reflection, while still maintaining enough excitement to keep you enclosed in the flowing sounds of a true rock set-list. Black Oxygen has the ability to put out an album that can be listened to from beginning to end without skipping a song. As a fan of rock music goes, 'Beating Time' by Black Oxygen is immensely satisfying. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
SALVATION by Stonewall Noise Orchestra
(Transubstans Records)
'Salvation' the fourth release from Swedish rockers, Stonewall Noise Orchestra, combines Led Zeppelin-like sounds with the powerful, sludgy riffs of 70's Black Sabbath to come up with something amazing. The band is made up of, Singe on vocals, Snicken on guitar, Mike on guitar, Jonas on bass and Mr.Pillow on drums.The band defines what it means to fire on all cylinders. Singe leads the charge with vocals that are truly top-notch, as he delivers a truly empowering and inspiring performance that engraves itself onto the listener's frontal lobe after only one listen. And he is backed up by more than ample musical propulsion, from Snicken and Mike's industrial-strength guitars to Jonas's steady bass work, and Mr.Pillow's organic-sounding drum fills. The end result is a heavy, meaty hard rock effort from Stonewall Noise Orchestra, a group that can seemingly do absolutely no wrong. As they serve up an demonstrate on tracks like, "Die Die Die", "New Age" and the down and dirty swagger of "Monsoon Song". Other highlights for me, "Good Ol' Black Magic", "Empire" and "Beating Butterflies". Ten songs in all, there is not a spot of filler anywhere on the album. 'Salvation' is an absolutely rocking album with an original and authentic sound that will mandate you to keep playing it for several weeks for about fifty spins before you pulled it out. If you like bands with the full package, then this is the one to check out. Tap into the groove, run with the devil and turn onto the Stonewall Noise Orchestra. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
UNDER MY SKIN by Tempt
(Rocklahoma Records)
'Under My Skin' the four song EP from the New York base rockers the Tempt is a great preview of what the band will be dishing out when they release their full length album. The Ep was produced by the legendary Michael Wagner. The Tempt are a rock band that rock out old-school with a swagger. They are, Zach Allen (vocals), Harrison Marcello (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Zak Gross (bass, vocals), and Jimmi Kane (drums). The guitar hooks are amazing, and the melodies lodge themselves in your head instantly. The EP features the lead off single “Under My Skin” as well as "Use It Or Lose It” an up-tempo rocker, “The Fight” a powerful fist pumping anthem and “Time Won’t Heal” a smash power ballad. The Tempt are , simply put, a powerhouse rock band. Power chords, great guitar riffs and power drumming all mixed into great melody and progressions. Rarely to I like every song on CD, especially this being just Ep, but these guys nailed it. If you are a fan of driving guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and thumping double-bass drums, then you'll dig 'Under My Skin'. Great guitar playing and riffs, plenty of hooks and strong songwriting and strong vocals. Everything blends nicely and I've enjoyed listening to 'Under My Skin' several times over and it gets better with every new listen. I would recommend the Tempt to anyone that likes solid rock anthems and who just wants to plain, ROCK OUT! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
LIVE THE DREAM by Ethan Brosh
(Rocker Records)
Guitarist, Ethan Brosh returns with his latest release, 'Live The Dream'. The album was mixed by the legendary Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth), who Brosh coaxed out of retirement, and mastered by Bob Ludwig (Def Leppard, Bon Jovi) picks up where his 2009's 'Out of Oblivion' left off. Uniquely melodic, with well-crafted harmonies and adventurous compositions, Ethan Brosh's has an undeniable 80's shred vibe, yet his playing unique enough not to feel dated. 'Live The Dream' is not your average guitar instrumental record, there is a lot of depth to these compositions. Great writing and great playing, even an appearance by Dave Ellefson of Megadeth on "Suspicious Exchange" and "Rude Awakening". Ethan Brosh is a fantastic player, a guy who knows when to burn and when NOT to burn, he has a lot of nuance to his style. He also has a lot of range, from shreddy 80's style to almost a Holdsworth vibe to laid back and clean, the guy can cover a lot of bases. As he exhibits on tracks like, "Forbidden Pleasure", "Space Invaders", "Clean Slate", "Up The Stairway" and the semi- acoustic frenzy of , "When Picks Fly". Musically and wonderful to hear. I think Ethan Brosh should be mentioned right along side guys like, Vai, Satriani, Becker, Friedman, etc. 'Live The Dream' lets Ethan Brosh show off his complex talents and abilities like few axe men can. There's a little something for almost everyone in here including slow stuff, fast stuff, solos, fresh melodies, shredding heavy enough to incite headbanging - definitely something fans of most genres can enjoy. Must have for guitar aficionados. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
S/T by TURBOCHILD
(Enough Said Music)
Hailing from Aarhus in Denmark comes TurboChild (formerly known as Six Barrel Syndicate), Richard on vocals , Buster on lead guitar and backing vocals, Bue on rhythm guitar ans backing vocals, Jakob on bass and backing vessels on the skins, Adam. TurboChild is a highly charged band that serves up a Molotov cocktail of non-stop, in your face rock and roll made up of songs with great hooks and explosive live energy! The band's self titled Ep is packed with 4 sticks of rock and roll dynamite in the form of, the ballsy "Heavy Thunder", the kick in the gut rocker, "Kings And Queen", and the attitude driven movers,"White Lies" and "It Ain't Over Yet". Each song begs to be cranked to the max! One listens to a band TurboChild because they are looking for some high octane rock and roll about drinking, women, rocking and maybe drinking and rocking with women. Turbo Child deliver good time rock n' roll that takes the AC/DC/Motley Crue/Aerosmith into the modern era. They are a great band that makes you want to get your rocks off! TurboChild is a MUST for anybody that loves rock and roll. This EP is a sign of greater things to come! It's a blast from start to finish. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
S/T by Porn Queen
(Porn Queen Music)
The self titled debut release from Luxembourg based rockers Porn Queen is a serious shot of high energy rock and roll adrenaline that once you press play hits you straight between the eyes and rocks you full throttle! Porn Queen is powered by, Lucas Ferraz on lead vocals & guitar, Fred Barreto on lead uitar & backing vocals, Dan Fastro on bass and Yves Deville on drums. This band has such a great feel to them. Their tight chemistry as a band comes alive through their music. Lucas Ferraz' s vocal' s have that whiskey soaked swagger to them. While Fred Barreto's guitar work packs one hell of a punch! The rhythm section of Fastro and Deville is tight like white on rice. Their songs are full of energy that have that Buckcherry attitude with that Guns 'N' Roses sleaze. All the tracks deliver the goods. Highlights are, "Devil's Way", "Leave That Bitch", "Dirty", and the super charged rocker, "Feel Like Dancing". The band downshift on the laid back, "Our Story" before reving it up once again with, "Welcome To Your Nightmare" and from there the band drop the hammer and rock you full throttle with "Killer Machine", "Anger" and closing the album out with the gut check rocker, "Pickpocket". If you enjoy bands like Buckcherry, Guns 'N' Roses or even AC/DC you should love this album. It's sleazy and it's catchy and you'll be banging your head throughout. The bottom line is, Porn Queen is band that cocked, locked and ready to rock the world! This is an incredible debut that is loaded with rock and roll swagger overload! Turn your stereo up loud, put on this album and let the good times roll! I believe Porn Queen will be capturing people's attention after this release. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
FORGETTING WHAT WAS by Sakara
(Pavement Music)
Springfield, Massachusetts' Sakara come onto the rock music scene blending linfluences from heavy rock/metal to atmospheric and jazz like flavors. Dan O'Brien - Vocals Cody Bryden - Guitars, Joe Rogers - Bass and Mike Bilodeau - Drums. 'Forgetting What Was' the band's debut is a recording with lots of different musical elements. It offers up quite a bit of musical variations that needs to be digested over a period of time. While there are undoubtedly influences of many different kinds of music genres in Sakara's sound, I vigorously differ with any one who takes the position that the band is ripping off any band. One things is certain though, this band rocks and as a unit they are tight as a drum. All ten tracks that make up this recording are all solid. My personal favorites, "Jonah", "Headlines", "Standing My Ground", "The Hunger", the title track and "Heaven Maybe". Sakara's songs all surround the listener with a feeling of urgency, seriousness and release. Sakara seems to have perfected their own world they have created. Sakara with 'Forgetting What Was' have found that perfect edge of patterned riffs and emotional chords, slamming hard and balancing the tide without going to far into the grasp of extreme repitition of a groove. They ride that line so well, where some other band sometimes slides over that edge. Sakara have a very unique sound one that will certainly go over well with the rock and roll masses. If this is your first time reading about Sakara, and your curiosity has been teased, give 'Forgetting What Was' a listen and you won't be disappointed. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
MAGICAL DIRT by Radio Moscow
(Alive Records)
Radio Moscow from Ames, Iowa are back with their latest release, 'Magical Dirt'. Parker Griggs -Guitar/Vocals/Drums, Anthony Meier - Bass and Paul Marrone - Drums. This powerhouse rock trio have one foot planted firmly in the classic rock sound of the 60's and 70's and the other foot in the future. Their influences are obvious; Hendrix, Cream, Ten Years After and Led Zeppelin. What sets Radio Moscow apart from most other retro bands is the sheer power and intensity of the musicianship. They take the genre to a whole new level. Right from the get go with the opening, "So Alone" the stage of the pure rock fury that awaits in the form of, "Rancho Tehama Airport", "Death Of A Queen" , the laid back bluesy swagger of, "Sweet Lil Thing", "Gypsy Fast Woman" and "Before It Burns", Radio Moscow will put your speakers to the test. It's evident that Parker Griggs is a major talent. An inventive, effective guitarist covering lots of styles though firmly rooted in 60's and 70's psychedelia. His soloing is, for lack of a better word, perfect. He adds the perfect amount of skill that makes you understand not only is this guy technically good, but he's got that gift to craft notes in such a way that only comes from being a born musician. The chemistry of the band's rhythm section bassist Anthony Meier and drummer Paul Marrone are like hand glove. Few and far between do you find a band like this. While their music is transformational, mindblowing and experimental the lyrics stay firmly on ground level. There are a few production touches - stereo pans, phase effects and feedback - but the bulk of the album is straightforward, take-no-prisoners hard rock! One can only imagine while listening to 'Magical Dirt' that Radio Moscow could go back in time to tread the stage of Winterland on a bill with Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, King Crimson, Ten Years After or Humble Pie. If you like smoking blues riffs, if you like 70's classic rock and if you think awesome guitar solos rule, you will love this album.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
GLENN HUGHES Talks About His New Band CALIFORNIA BREED
Interview by The Dedicated Rocker Society
When it comes to rock and roll bloodlines, one would be hard pressed to find an active artist with a more impressive resume than bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, who currently fronts the British/American rock band, California Breed. Having spent his subsequent years working with the biggest legends in music, as a solo star, and guesting with everyone from Black Sabbath to Earth, Wind & Fire – up to his most recent collaboration in Black Country Communion, which included Jason Bonham. When Black Country Communion disbanded Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham had a strong desire to keep playing together. They’re only challenge was finding a new guitarist worthy of their musicality.
Easier said than done for these stars who between them have worked with some of the greatest guitarists in history – including Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Gary Moore (R.I.P.) and Joe Bonamassa, to name just a few. Then fate took a hand in things when Glenn’s friend Julian Lennon introduced him to the astounding talents of a New York City guitarist named Andrew Watt.
We wanted to get the lowdown on how California Breed came about. What better way to do so than to go right to the source. In this case, Glenn Hughes. We spoke with "The Voice Of Rock" himself, Glenn Hughes about his new band featuring, Jason Bonham on drums and guitarist Andrew Watt better known as CALFORNIA BREED. Here's what Glenn kindly shared with us...
The album sounds amazing! Are you pleased with how the album turned out?
GH: "Very pleased! I want to make the music that is in my soul and with Jason and Andrew, I'm back playing rock music with real rock musicians. Jason is great, just like his Father. Let me be perfectly clear, Jason Bonham can now hang his hat next to his Father. I knew Jason's Father, he was one of my best friends. I told Jimmy (Page) that Jason's playing on the album is amazing and its the best he's ever sounded. Also, when I heard the vocals, it sounded to me although I don't want to be twenty-two, my vocals sounded very young and energized. I didn't want to sound like a teenager, but I just felt really energized by this. I want to promote this album, I want to promote all these songs. This is the kind of album that doesn't have any filler. Every song to me is vitally important."
How does California Breed differ from past projects you've been involved with?
GH: "First off, I love Black Country Communion. That band disbanded in 2012. BCC was the last band I was in before starting this one. Every project or band I've been in for me is different. In the case of California Breed, I did not want to have a Jon Lord or Derek Sherinian thing. I wanted California Breed to be different. For anyone who knows Glenn Hughes, I never repeat myself."
As far as finding the right guitarist to complete the band. You and Jason could have called upon a number of seasoned players. Instead You chose a relatively unknown, Andrew Watt from New York city.
GH: "We could gave gone another route. We could have gone with a famous guy, but I said to Jason, 'it would have affect us with a 10 percent chance of touring versus a 90 percent. Both Jason and I have worked with a number of great guitar players. We did not want a guitar player that sounded like Blackmore , Iommi or Bonamassa, who are all amazing players. We decided to get someone new and who was really talented. We really got lucky with Andrew."
What was is it about Andrew that won you and Jason over?
GH: "Not only is Andrew a great guitar player, he is a great songwriter as well. So we made sure we found someone, ten weeks after BCC broke up, it was my friend Julian Lennon who introduced me to Andrew at the Grammy's last year. Literally, the first day me and Andrew got together we wrote two songs. One was ‘Chemical Rain’ and the other was ‘Solo’, both of which are now on the finished album. I was so moved by the music, I said, ‘We’ve got to record this!’ That’s when I called Jason...Cut to autumn 2013. Recording with Dave Cobb at the producer’s own studio in Nashville, added all the finishing touches."
How would you describe Andrew's plaything style?
GH: "When you think of all the great guitar players that came out of the 80's like Van Halen with his hammer on technique or Yngwie's fast playing style, they were left handed players. Andrew is a right handed guitar player. He may have been born in the 90's but he plays like he's from the 60's. His guitar playing is more along the lines of a Angus or Malcom Young and Keith Richards."
Awesome, when it came to writing songs for California Breed, what was you're writing process like?
GH: "When I'm writing music for my solo or like BCC, I write in my own studio. When I'm writing something, I know when it going to be good. I knew that when I wrote the songs in BCC. When I started to write for California Breed, in a week I wrote, "Sweet Tea", "Breathe", "Days To Come" and "The Grey", those songs I wrote in a week, they came rushing to me. That's when I brought Dave Cobb in. Before I went to Nashville, I would play the stuff to Dave over the phone."
Speaking of Dave Cobb, you mentioned that you had him add all the finishing touches to the album. How did you find out about him and what made you choose him to produce the album?
GH: "A friend of my is a fashion designer, Jon Barbados. About three years ago, I was hosting a party for him and at the party were a bunch of celebrities and news people. I saw these young guys in the corner, I walked over to them because they looked like they were in a band. It was either Jay or Scott came to me with a CD and said to me, "We're in a band called Rival Sons." They knew I had a radio.show at The BBC in the UK and asked me, "Would you mind playing our song, "Pressure And Time" or your show?"
Were you aware of who the Rival Sons were?
GH: "I had never heard of them. I told them, "If you guys are Rock, I'm going to play it for you." So, I played the song and said, 'These guys are bloody good, who produced these guys?!" So, I found out it was Dave Cobb who produced them, so I Googled him and found out that he worked with Shooter Jennings and James Johnson. Keith Urban told me about him, all good stuff. So I called him up and told him that I was working on new project with Jason. Being a huge Zeppelin fan, Dave said he would love to be part of it."
So, what was it like working with Dave Cobb?
GH: "I really love Dave Cobb and I love Nashville. I knew recording this album live with Dave would be staggering. I've always wanted to go back to tape. The last album I did tape on was, Hughes/Thrall in '82. We got Cobb on board six months before we went to Nashville. So, I knew how Dave worked by the time we got to Nashville. I did not know he was going to record me live. When I was doing the album with him, I knew we were recording the vocals, but I did not know what I was recording was going to make the album. Jason and Andrew recorded the album and I over dubbed the bass. When I over dubbed the bass I said to Cobb, 'Now I'm going to sing." He said, "No you ain't, you already sung the album." We didn't have any playbacks. It was totally the reverse of what I’m used to, but I went into that aggressive rock soulfulness and everything down to the whispers, it was all done live!"
Sounds like you had a blast working with him..
GH: "I enjoyed myself so much, just going for it. People have always told me that I was first and second take singer. If it takes more than that then it becomes a job. I don't want it to be like a job, I want it to be like an art form. Me and Jason didn't want to sound like anyone else, we already sound like ourselves, but we felt we needed some fresh energy and Dave absolutely brought it.”
Looking forward, or should we say, can't wait to play Live with California Breed? Summer Festivals this Summer in Europe and America?
GH: "It's definitely going to be a busy Summer. I'll be in South America next month. Jason is got some things he will be doing. Then at the end of this month were playing the Whisky A Go-Go. We are going to be doing a Europe and America tour. I believe we're going to start mid-September head on just going for it.
Glenn we can thank you enough for talking with us. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
GH: "I really put my art first. I really, really put my art first. I know if I do that and it's genuine and honest, it's frank and its real, then I know that everything else will be taken care of."
Amen to that! There you have it folks! California Breed's debut showcases the talents of these amazing artists, and the combination of these three talents makes for one hell of a memorable listening experience! That’s the thing about breeds. They go all the way back, in order to bring forth something new. Be the first to hitch your horse to the California Breed wagon. They’re heading straight for the bright coloured sun.
Thanks Glenn for sharing! - The Dedicated Rocker Society
For more info on CALIFORNIA BREED:
http://www.californiabreed.com/
INTO THE OPEN by 21 Octayne
(AFM Records)
'Into The Open' the stunning debut outing for 21 Octayne makes a strong and lasting impression. The band features Hagen Grohe (The Joe Perry Project), Marco Wriedt (Axxis) , Andrew “The Bullet” Lauer (Paul Gilbert) and Alex Landenburg (Rhapsody) . After gaining extensive experience in the music business including recording albums and touring worldwide, the time felt right for them to form a new band that embraced their individual styles. Naturally one would expect that 21 Octayne sound like a mixture of the three bands mentioned above. Well there is a certain amount of truth but fact is that this project has a sound of its own. From heavy rockers and catchy classic Rock to mid tempo movers 21 Octayne is a true representation of musical diversity. They define the future of contemporary rock. Every song has something different, its not just the same old rock songs over and over again. From the opening number, "She's Killing Me", the band come armed and ready to make sure you listening experience is one to remember. The diversity I mentioned comes into play on tracks like, "Dear Friends", starting off slow then exploding into an all out rocker. "Turn The World", the title track, "Me Myself And I", and "Leave My Head", are other stellar examples of just how good this band truly is. 'Into The Open' is my first introduction to 21 Octayne, but it definitely won't be my last! These guys put out an awesome debut album that is diverse, loaded with great songs and full of hooks and catchy choruses. Every once in a long while a release comes along that smacks you upside the head and this album is it! A album that just gets better with each new listen. Great band, that I'm sure we'll be hearing from for years to come. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
GALVANIZED SOULS
by Galvanized Souls
(Rockerrazzi Records)
Southern California rockers, Galvanized Souls is a quartet of California teenagers, who are focused with their eye of the prize determined to take shake things up big time with enthusiasm and dedication to take their musical abilities to whole new level well beyond their years. Though endlessly compared to the vocal stylings of Alice In Chains meets Nirvana with a dash of Foo Fighters, Galvanized Souls stands firmly on its own and gets kudos for their originality, intensity, and sincerity. Formed in December of 2012, band members Chris (guitar/vocals),Zakk (guitar/lead vocals), Matthew (bass/vocals) , and Kevin (drums). The band's self titled five song EP has already merited numerous listens from me. Present on this recording is a sonic cohesiveness and musical delivery that works quite well. The band describes their sound as “Modern Grunge”. The musicianship is solid throughout, with catchy guitar riffing and hard, nimble drumming. From the moment, "Shut You Down" comes on the band have your undivided attention. The remaining tracks, "Behind Green Eyes", "Normalicy", "Fall of Icarus" and " Kingdom Of No One" are all solid , featuring grinding guitars and big choruses along strong vocal harmonies that will remain embedded in my head for hours. This album is powerfully emotional in its content, and compassionate in its presentation. The scary thing about this band is they are young, hungry and have tons of potential. The proof is in their music. This Ep is just the tip of the iceberg! The future definitely looks bright for Galvanized Souls. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
RISE UP by Saliva
( 10 Spot Records)
One of the big questions I had before listening to the latest release 'Rise Up' from Saliva the band's eight studio release was, would the addition of new singer Bobby Amaru be the right choice to replace original singer Josey Scott would left the band two years ago? My question was answered as soon as I pressed play and the title track exploded out of speakers! Wow! Amaru is a perfect fit! The chemistry He has with l longtime members Wayne Swinny (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Novotny (bass, backing vocals), and Paul Crosby (drums), and has given Saliva a shot of rock and roll testosterone that pushes the band's sound onto a whole new level while still retaining the group's trademark elements. One of the noticeable changes I noticed right off the bat was the aggressiveness of the band musical delivery. On previous outings there maybe one or two ballads on 'Rise Up', the boys go full board for the jugular! There are a couple mid tempo movers, but the on this release the boys flex their rock and roll muscle big time!As is evident on tracks like the turbo charged, "She Can Sure Hide Crazy", the down and dirty swagger of "No One But Me", "Redneck Freakshow", a track which I'm sure be rocking arenas and stadiums this Summer. The same goes for, "Army" and "In It To Win It". All twelve tracks that make up the album are certified 100% rockers! If you are a fan of the band you are sure to get your rocks off with, 'Rise Up', produced Bobby Huff (Papa Roach, 3 Doors Down, Tim Finn) it's an album that loaded great songs with big hooks, tons of attitude and swagger! What more more could any true dedicated rocker want?! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
THE RIGHTEOUS & THE BUTTERFLY by Mushroomhead
(Megaforce Records)
Mushroomhead, the influential industrial metal band from Cleveland, OH, unleash their eighth studio album 'The Righteous & The Butterfly'. All the players are present and accounted for, J Mann: Vocals, Jeffrey Nothing : Vocals, Waylon : Vocals, Shmotz : Keyboards Skinny : Drums, Stitch : Samples & Drums, Church : Guitar, Dr. F : Bass and Roberto Diablo : Drums. The Righteous & The Butterfly' was recorded in Cleveland, the band self produced the record with longtime co-producer Bill Korecky. The album is fully loaded with 14 tracks guaranteed to get you one hellava adrenaline rush. This is one of those records you need to keep in your car, play over and over in your headphones and just hear it as a whole thing. Mushroomhead still have their same trademark mix of metal, ambiance, and that something extra that cannot be named. The creativity, intensity, and allure of Mushroomhead's music is still here. Every song is uniquely structured with the familiar synth's that we all remember from earlier days. The percussion from Skinny and Roberto Diablo add a thunderous dynamic to songs like, "Our Apologies", "Devils Be Damned", "Qwerty", "Portraits of the Poor" and "Worlds Collide". The vocal work is impeccable. Jeffery Nothing has taken his original pitch and soared above, reaching stronger highs and lows, emphasizing every lyric. Waylon offers attitude and swagger on several songs, but still keeps that raging tone we first heard on previous outings. The songs on 'The Righteous & The Butterfly' are big, the riffs are all satisfying and there are lead guitar breaks going off left, right and center. The combination of this direction and the existing styles of vocals, keyboards and electronics result in a brilliant and utterly enjoyable record. Overall; for a fan of the band, 'The Righteous & The Butterfly' is an absolute must-have. A powerhouse of a recording that can just stay on replay!! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
AWEN by Sanford Music Factory
(Shiroten Records)
Hailing from Spain, Sanford Music Factory, Fernán Varela (vocals), Xurxo (guitar), Beny (bass) and Miguel Anxo (drums). The band's sophomore release, 'Awen' is very varied recording that infuses classic rock, folk, a bit of progressive rock and stoner. Sanford Music Factory doesn't succumb and conform to all the bland trends found so prominently in today's music. This is a band who doesn't get any media support but have a huge underground following. SMF posses an extremely tight-knit sound that mixes melody with modern day rock music at free will. Fernán Varela's vocals are solid. Xurxo's guitar work comes in spurts in all the right places, and meanwhile, drummer Miguel Anxo and bassist Beny provide that band with a rock solid foundation.'Awen' is a bit of a concept type album in certain aspects. This is one of those rare albums that you just push play on, because every song is great. No two songs are even remotely the same. The stellar guitar work and progressive groove vibe to songs like "Nowhere", "There And Then", "Show Me The Rain" and three part epic journey of, "The Keys Of Horizon" all hearken back to the heyday of a band like Led Zeppelin with a healthy dose of modern day bands like Pearl Jam or Queens Of The Stone Age, not that these guys sound like those bands by a longshot; it's just that SMF have an aura to their sound reminiscent to those bands. What they've done is turn those similarities into something fresh and innovative. Overall, 'Awen' is an amazing listen that anyone who wants a good time listening to rock music should definitely check out. - Highly Recommended
Tony @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
BETTER DAYS COMIN' by Winger
(Frontier Records)
The build up to the release of 'Better Days Comin' from rock vets, Winger, was set with high expectations. So, did Kip and the gang pull through?! They sure did! Kip Winger (ex-Alice Cooper), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs, Steve Morse) and John Roth (Starship, Giant) shine with an intense display of incredible instrumental and vocal prowess. 'Better Days Comin'', the band's sixth album is a diverse, textured and mature album that still relishes its accessible metal sound and hair rock roots. That said, this album is very heavy, and anyone who thinks Winger can't bring down the house have got another thing coming. Kip Winger is known for his superb compositions and with this recording there is no exception, he and Reb have really out did themselves. Musically, just when you think you know where it is going to go there are little unexpected twists and turns that keep your ears at a constant state of alertness. Highlights include the hard hitting turbo charged "Midnight Driver Of A Love Machine", the down and dirty riffs and keyboard textures of "Queen Babylon", the groove laden progressive sound of "Tin Soldiers", the signature Winger rock groove of "Storm In Me", and the powerful closing track "Out Of This World", building towards a climatic pitch before Reb unleashes a huge guitar solo. The deluxe edition comes with the essential bonus track "Another Beautiful Day" and a making of the album short film along with film clips for "Rat Race" and "Better Days Comin'". This one will be on heavy repeat on the Ipod for a good long time. Shuffle it up with the first three albums for a fun cross referendum on who and exactly what Winger is. Thanks for the memories boys and for making new ones for us. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
GOING FULL THROTTLE! STRAIGHT, NO CHASER! Australia's MASSIVE
Interview by The Dedicated Rocker Society
MASSIVE, Brad Marr on vocals and guitars, Ben Laguda on backing vocals, lead guitar, Aidan McGarrigle on backing vocals and bass and Jarrod Medwin on backing vocals and drums, are a new heavy rock band from Australia! Assembled from parts lying around Melbourne in 2012, Massive are a volatile macho-rock engine fuelled on adrenaline, lager and a determination to party hard. Known to travel thousands of miles across the baking desert between gigs, these riot-starting, fist swinging road dogs mean business.
The band's debut release, ‘Full Throttle’ is a balls to the wall all out rocker that is loaded with attitude. Tracks like ‘One By One’ fuses aggressive and anthemic choruses with eye-watering solos whilst the bass-heavy testosterone soaked "Dancefloor" is more mosh pit than ballroom. The swagger and hellacious attitude of the band comes out in tracks like "Big Trend Setter" which is an egotistical explosion of pure Rock’n Roll arrogance. "Now or Never" is a white knuckle joyride with enough G-force to make your head spin and flip the middle-finger-to-the-man numbers like ‘Hollywood’ will whip up any crowd into an anarchic frenzy!
The Rocker and I asked the lads a few questions to enlighten the rock and roll community on what Massive is all about. Here's how the lads broke it down for us.....
Q: How long have you been together as a band? Have there been any band changes since you've guys been together?
"The band started in Jan 2012 with Jarrod Medwin and myself jamming in his farm house attic, we met Ben Laguda in a pub shredding away a month later. Aidan McGarrigle joined on bass in May 2013."
Q: Let's talk a bit about your debut, 'Full Throttle'. How long did it take to record? How many songs did you actually write for the album?
"We spent a few days recording the single "One by One". When it came to the album, we recorded, mixed and mastered in 2 and a half weeks. These were the first 11 songs we wrote. We don't believe in writing 50 songs and picking the best dozen. We wanted to put all our best ideas at the time into the album we were writing."
Q: Who are main songwriters? Or is it a group effort?
"Jarrod Medwin and myself usually start by jamming out ideas but finishing the songs is a group effort."
Q: How does it feel to get signed to Earache Records?
"We couldn't believe it. Earache are the pioneers of some of the most brutal extreme metal in the 80's and the bands they have been releasing the last few years are the sorts of bands we listen to . We are stoked to be part of the team."
Q: Any memorable moments in the making of 'Full Throttle', good or bad, that you'd care to share with us?
"It was all a blur to be honest. We recorded at Lighthill which is located in the middle of no where. It was very scenic and a great place to turn up the amps to 11. When your living in Isolation for 18 days listening to the same 11 tracks on repeat, it begins to warp your mind."
Q: For someone who is reading about Massive for the first time. How would you describe your band?
"Punch in the face rock n roll!"
Q: What separates Massive from the other rock bands out right now? What do you bring to the table that is different?
"We sound like rock n roll for 2014. We have 70's, 80's and even 90's influences but we don't sound like a carbon copy of any other band. It's high energy and its guitar driven but we aren't afraid to throw other influences into the mix to make it sound fresh... And then we turn it up and play it fast to make it Full Throttle."
Q: Who are your musical influences?
"AC/DC, Guns and Roses, Led Zepellin, Thin Lizzy, Aerosmith. You know, the good shit."
Q: Are their any plans on doing any shows in America? You guys have played in L.A. right? How did that go?
"We went to LA when the band was very new. We wanted to experience touring so we jumped on a plane and forced our way onto any show that would allow us. As for coming back, our intention is to tour every last inch of the planet so we will be back!"
Q: As a band what goals have you set for yourselves? What do you guys have to do to reach those goals?
"All we want to do is write killer albums and tour the fuck out of them. We want to better ourselves with each album we write."
Q: Any comments or messages you'd care to pass along?
"Buy our album and we will see you at the pub!"
There you have it, straight with no chasers! Massive have all the goods on becoming a very successful rock band. The band's debut
'Full Throttle' is a must have for any true fan of rock and roll. In a year, when all your friends start asking you if you've ever heard of Massive, be the one person that says "Where have you been?" This band has what it takes to rock the world! Just watch them take over FULL THROTTLE! Cheers Guys! Thanks for sharing! - The Dedicated Rocker Society
For more information on MASSIVE:
http://www.massiveoz.com/
