CD REVIEW: FOR THE JOURNEY by Threshold

FOR THE JOURNEY by Threshold
(Metalville Records)

Seasoned  Progressive Rockers fron the UK, Threshold return with their latest release, ' For The Journey'. Damian Wilson | lead vocals, Karl Groom | guitars, Pete Morten | guitars, Steve Anderson | bass, Richard West | keyboards and Johanne James | drums. 'For The Journey' is filled with everything a fan of this band would want and then some. They may judge it differently, but some will find this less “metal” perhaps compared to 'March of Progress'. It’s not as dense musically on an instrumental level, but the songwriting here is the highlight, and the isolation of instruments and sounds only serves to showcase Damien Wilson’s amazing vocals. In fact, 'For The Journey', in my opinion, may well be his best recorded vocal performance with Threshold. Instead of breaking down these powerful songs, I'll mention the ones that stand out for me: The opening, " Watch Tower On The Moon", a progressive shot of adrenaline that will stimulate your senses to overdrive. The haunting melodic gem, "Unforgiven","Turned to Dust" ,"Autumn Red" and the bonus track, " I Wish I Could". Overall, Threshold have always given their fans something different with each release, and 'For The Journey' is no exception. It's such a shame that the mainstream audience is missing out on such great music from across the pond. Too bad for them on what they're missing out on. If you like Rush, Saga, Dream Theater, Enchant you will love what Threshold bring to the table. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: BOOGIE FROM HELL by Transport League

BOOGIE FROM HELL by Transport League
(Metalville Records)

After releasing several albums, Swedish based rock outfit, Transport League disbanded in 2005, but reformed  in 2009 by the original members. Tony Julien Jelencovich - Vocals, Guitar, Pete Hunyadi - Lead Guitar, Lars Häglund - Bass and Matt Starander - Drums. The band return with their latest, 'Boogie From Hell'. What the Transport League has done here is bring balls back to hard rock/metal, no fillers no bulls*** just smack you in the face badass rock music that makes you want to let loose and go crazy! Think CORROSION OF CONFORMITY meets VOLBEAT on overdrive. 'Boogie From Hell' is a powerhouse recording that has a lot of Bluesy, Southern Rock Drawl and swagger with loads of attitude . It rocks in the beginning, middle, and end.  The record never stops moving. It is relentless, and what's better than that for any fan of any brand of rock music. The album opens with appropriate vigor with "Swing Satanic Swing", it's undoubtedly heavy, fast-paced, catchy and chock full of intricacies. From there, the album snowballs with the supercharged, full-throttle "Blood Inn", coupled with a brilliantly chunky bridge in which each individual member of the band is allowed time to shine. Other standout tracks are, "Demon Apparatus", "Doctor Demon" and my personal favorite the balls to wall juggernaut,"Holy Mother Fucker". It's very clear that the Transport League are on a mission and took the recording of this album personal. 'Boogie From Hell' is a monster release that will your rock your senses in way unimaginable! It's a trip you're likely to take again and again, and it only gets better each time around. Give it a spin and you'll see. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society /All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: ENTROPY OF THE CENTURY by Moetar

ENTROPY OF THE CENTURY by Moetar
(Magna Carta Records)

Progressive rock act Mortar return with their sophomore release, 'Entropy Of The Century'. Being thoroughly amazed with the band's debut, 'These Small Seeds', I was eager to hear what new heights the band would take my senses. Hailing from, East Bay, California,  MoeTar deliver a sounds like no other band. Moorea Dickason - Vocals • Matthew Heulitt - Guitar • Tarik Ragab - Bass • Matt Lebofsky - Keys • Jonathan Herrera - Keyboards and David M Flores - Drums. Musically, the band has so many influences. You can notice early Genesis, Kansas, Frank Zappa, Super Furry Animals, XTC, Queen and  Nina Simone and so many other iconic artists in the structure of the band's musical repertoire. One thing is certain, you know that you have never heard a band like this. Amazing musicianship, brilliant lyrics and unforgettable vocals. The musicianship is tight, even as the band members switch musical dynamics or change time signatures. As the band exhibits on tracks like the lead off single, "Regression To The Mean", "Welcome To The Solar Flares", "Letting Go Of Life" and " Raze The Maze". The musicians don't hog the spotlight. In any given part of any song, you can pick out an instrument and hear how tight this band truly is. Allowing you, the listener, to sit back and enjoy the tapestry that each musician creates. There are twists and turns, but I never felt lost. 'Entropy Of The Century' delivers, well-produced, well-arranged, interesting, and exciting music with impressive consistency. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: COLOSSUS by Lo-Pan

COLOSSUS by Lo-Pan
(Small Stone Records) 

Columbus, Ohio's , Stone rockers Lo-Pan are back with their fourth and strongest release to date, 'Colossus'. Jeff Martin(vocals), Brian Fristoe( guitar), Skot Thompson (bass) and J.Bartz (drums). Holy mother of GOD this album R-O-C-K-S!!  If you like thick, deliberate, catchy riffs, a singer that actually "sings" (instead of grumbling), and an unmistakable Sabbath meets a heavier version of Soundgarden vibe, this is the album you've been looking for. The quartet go for the throat right from the start with "Regulus" and from there they unleash rock 'n' roll fury with, "Land Of The Blind",  "Black Top Revelation", "Marathon Man" and the powerhouse title track. Ten tracks in total, all promise to blow out speakers of all kinds! Thunderous low ends and pummeling drums continue to beat your ears into submission. And battling it out front and center is the eternal dual between killer riffs and go for the throat vocals. Lo-Pan'smusic feels organic, as if the songs were honed from epic jam sessions. More of this, please! Bottom line: I'm on my second listen as I write this, and I know that it's going to be listened to at least once a day for the next couple of weeks. To me, that's the sign of a great album. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: SPIRIT KNIFE by Jeremy Irons & The Ratgang Malibus

SPIRIT KNIFE 
by Jeremy Irons & The Ratgang Malibus
(Small Stone Records)

Imagine, if you will, Jeff Buckley jamming with Hawkwind and you'll have a fair gist of the fantastic voyage that awaits your senses of what Jeremy Irons & The Ratgang Malibus the Stoner Rock band from Stockholm, Sweden are all about. Karl Apelmo: Vocals/Guitars, Micke Pettersson: Guitars Viktor Källgren: Bass and Henke Persson: Drums. The band's sophomore release, 'Spirit Knife' contains 8 cuts, and has a very heavy psychedelic and addictive drone sound. Of the 8 tracks I particularly enjoyed the opening epic, "Fog By The Steep", "Wind Seized" and "Sworn Collision" (probably my favorite track on the album), and "Point Growth". The album has a lot of stylistic diversity and brings to mind more than a couple of genres. While it is tempting to draw comparisons to other bands both contemporary and past I think Jeremy Irons & The Ratgang Malibus does a great service to music in general by allowing disparate elements to integrate into a seamless and cohesive whole. It may take a little time for the album to sink in and grow on you, but once it does it quickly becomes addictive. Jeremy Irons & The Ratgang Malibus are a big-time stoner rock band with class and balls that references the glory of the past and blasts an unabashed rocket into the future. A bluesy head-banger’s dream haze. 'Spirit Knife' will put your under the spell. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: LIVE IN GRAZ 1975 by Deep Purple

LIVE IN GRAZ 1975 by Deep Purple
(Eagle Records)

On April 3, 1975 the Mk III line-up of DEEP PURPLE — guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, frontman David Coverdale, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, keyboard player Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice — performed at the Liebenauer ice rink, located on the outskirts of mountain-cradled Graz, Austria's second largest city after Vienna. The local press called the event, "Das Rockereignis des Jahres (The Rock Event Of The Year). Kicking off with a blazing performance of "Burn" 'Graz 1975' is a powerhouse eight-track ride, firing on all pistons. Featuring, "Stormbringer", "Gypsy", "Lady Double Dealer" and a smoking version of "Mistreated". No other recording captures these songs as well as this one. Ritchie Blackmore plays with controlled brutality. The vocal interplay between David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes has never sounded so good. And, of course, stalwarts Jon Lord and Ian Paice give it a good kicking — and then some! From beginning to end, "Graz 1975" showcases DEEP PURPLE Mk III at the absolute top — and also, ironically, at the end — of their game. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

The Dedicated Rocker Society CD RECOMMENDATIONS: October 2014

The Dedicated Rocker Society 
TOP 10 CD  RECOMMENDATIONS:
For The Month Of October 2014

CARNAVAL DE VENUS 
by Twenty Two Hundred

(Tonequake Records)

Fans of pure in your face, no holds bar raw passioned filled rock and roll will dig what Twenty Two Hundred have to offer. The band's Carnaval De Vénus' is guaranteed to rock your socks off! Turn it up loud and get lost in their sound!  Who says rock is dead?

THE ESSENTIAL RICHIE KOTZEN 
by Richie Kotzen
(Loud & Proud Records)
Richie Kotzen is REAL talent...REAL musicianship....THE REAL DEAL. 'The Essential Richie Kotzen' set belongs in the collection of anyone who values what REAL talent is all about in music. Thank you Richie! 

THE  LAST GREAT HOPE by Electric Mary
(Independent Release)
'The Last Great Hope' is REAL Rock'n'Roll like it's meant to be. Raw, Energetic, Soulful, Imaginative, Boundary-pushing. Its laced with creativity, blistering vocals and skillful musicianship. Yes there are hints of Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Animals, The Black Keys but Electric Mary's sound is all their own. 

THIS IS WHO WE ARE by Riot Horse
(Metalville Records)
Riot Horse is not a band merely copying their influences,  but a band making music whilst wearing their influences on their sleeve. Front to back, 'This Is Who We Are' by Riot Horse is a solid ball of rock and this band deserve your full attention. 

S/T by Red Zone Rider
(Magna Carta Records)
Solid songwriting, excellent instrumentation and vocals powered by inventive and locked-in drumming will put Red Zone Rider on  the radar of lovers of hard rock, classic rock and blues rock. Red Zone Rider will take listeners on a musical journey spanning, at least, four decades. 

PGP 2 by Pinnick Gales Pridgen 
(Magna Carta Records)
With this second album, Pinnick, Gales and Pridgen fulfill their potential and deliver another powerhouse slab of driving blues rock music, proving to be more than just a cash in on nostalgia, but a strong musical force to be reckoned with and  genuinely appreciated. Absolutely brilliant! 

FALLOUT, DUST AND GUNS by October Rage
(Independent Release)
If you like hard rock with great vocals, killer bottom end, and groove that's what October Rage is all about. 'Fallout, Dust And Guns' is killer album and comes highly recommended.

S/T by Black State Highway
(Cherry Red Records)
The alchemic reaction of Black State Highway creates on their debut is something totally new, yet comfortingly familiar. If you're looking for powerful songs that rock, performed by musicians who can actually play, fronted by a charismatic singer with stunning range with loads of attitude and soul- this is your band.

S/T by Grinder Blues
(Megaforce Records)
There have been some great new blues/rock releases that have come out this year, and I know of at least 3 or 4 others that I highly recommend as a must buy for 2014, but if you don't get your hands on this debut release from Grinder Blues, I promise you will regret it! 

SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL by Crobot
(Wind Up Records)
Tap into the groove, run with the devil, turn on to the Crobot experience! 'Something Supernatural' is just that SUPERNATURAL! This album can't play loud enough!  Crobot have a sound that rock needs, and I hope they continue to wow us through the years. 

CD REVIEW: S/T by Federal Charm

S/T by Federal Charm
(Independent Release)

Stunning debut release by Federal Charm from Manchester, England. Nick Bowden - Vocals, Guitars, Paul Bowe - Guitars, L.D. Morawski - Bass and Danny Rigg - Drums. These guys mine a somewhat retro take on modern hard rock with Led Zeppelin being an obvious influence. The classic rock influences are pretty obvious, but most of the time it doesn't sound like they're trying to copy one particular band. Their debut outing is one of the best I've heard in a very long time!!! Outstanding musicians, to rock solid vocals and without the stellar writing & composing, they could be lost. Not one bad song on this album, though I do have a few favorites. "I'm Not Gonna Beg"will wake you up and shock every nerve. "Somebody Help Me" will blow you away, tug at your heart, you don't want that song to end! "Tell Your Friends", is a all out blues rocker that is best played at maximum volume! The guitar playing is masterful.The band is just damn good. If they get any better it could hurt. What a powerful debut outing. Federal Charm bring back great vintage rock and roll sounds, good songwriting. The bottom line,  This is a great album and a great band! If you love music, You owe it to yourself to listen to this amazing band! You will not regret it. Get into these guys now before they make it big so you can say "I told you so" to all your friends. Trust me. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: S/T by Grinder Blues

S/T by Grinder Blues
(Megaforce Records)

Firmly blues based...but make no mistake, Grinder Blues is Blues rock of the first order. Powered by dUg Pinnick of King's X on bass and vocals, Jabo Bihlman on guitar and vocals and Scot Little Bihlman on drums. The band's self titled debut release is powerfully raw, blistering, earthy with attitude and if you love the Blues with an edge, then  Grinder Blues is just what the doctor ordered!  The trio bring a freshness, a vibrancy, and a real sense of urgency to blues rock genre.  The raw emotion that filters through the music that this trio generate is enough to channel into anyone's soul, and make them nod in appreciation. From the opening, "Don't Go Home" the trio have your undivided attention and from there your senses are bombarded with a hybrid form of blues that hits them from angles!  The album front to back is solid, no filler here. There's the down dirty swagger of ,"Wild One", the heavy blues groove of, "Burn The Bridge". The title track is just down right NASTY!  dUg Pinnick vocal's sounds more passionate, vibrant, and alive than ever. The chemistry between the brothers Bihlman is like white on rice. There have been some great new blues/rock releases that have come out this year, and I know of at least 3 or 4 others that I highly recommend as a must buy for 2014, but if you don't get your hands on this debut release from Grinder Blues, I promise you will regret it! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: S/T by Black State Highway

S/T by Black State Highway
(Cherry Red Records)

Despite forming in Brighton, Black State Highway is powered by a handful of nationalities: Latvian singer Liva Steinberga, Scottish Bassist Gordon Duncan, English (with a touch of Deutch) guitarist Olie Trethewey, Ginger Drummer Harry Bland and Swedish Guitarist Yonnis Crampton. Black State Highway is a breath of fresh air in the rock world. Straight up Rock with Led Zep and Black Crows influences. The sound is like a fusion of rock classics spanning 50 years and is flawless with a fresh feel to it. Not a weak track to be found. Each song is delivered with attitude and swagger that comes from the gut and goes for the throat!  There is so much talent in this band that it's mind blowing. Singer Liva Steinberga  has one of the strongest and affecting voices I've ever heard. As she puts on display on tracks like, "Ain't Got No" and "Broken". Guitarists, Olie Trethewey and  Yonnis Crampton are monsters! Their tight chemistry can be heard throughout, especially on, "Free" and "Common Man". Drummer Harry Bland reminds me of Bill Ward, John Bonham and Michael Shrieve all rolled into one. Bassist Gordon Duncan is simultaneously heavy and melodic. And they play as a unit - amazingly! The alchemic reaction of Black State Highway creates on their debut is something totally new, yet comfortingly familiar. If you're looking for powerful songs that rock, performed by musicians who can actually play, fronted by a charismatic singer with stunning range with loads of attitude and soul- this is your band.- Highly Recommended
Tony @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: FALLOUT, DUST AND GUNS by October Rage

FALLOUT, DUST AND GUNS 
by October Rage
(Independent Release)

There’s something almost intangible about a band with strong chemistry. Australian based rockers, October Rage is great excellent example of that. Nick Roberts - Vocals, guitar,  William Roberts - bass, John Mcmullen - guitars, Keys and Kai Chambers - drums. The band's latest release, 'Fallout, Dust And Guns is powerhouse of recording that is guaranteed to rock your senses! From start to finish this album just keeps rocking. From opening charge of "Valkyrie" that explodes out your speakers with its pulsating groove and Nick Robert's swagger filled vocals. "Signal Fire" starts off with slow with a haunting piano intro then builds up to a strong melodic mover. The band turn up the heat with the groove laden rocker, "End Of Days". On the last two tracks the band show that their musical repertoire is not just about kicking out hard hitting rock songs, "Heart Of Stone", is a melodic number that is gem of a song. While, the majestic rocker "White Walkers", is powerful. Every track has it's own groove to it and really fits nice with the collection of songs on the album. When the guitarists vibe off each other just right, the bassist is lock in step with the drummer, the music almost transcends the musicians. And when the vocalist is feeding off the power of the other players, the end result is one hell of a recording. If you like hard rock with great vocals, killer bottom end, and groove that's what October Rage is all about. 'Fallout, Dust And Guns' is killer album and comes highly recommended. - Highly Recommended 
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine