RENEGADE by Toseland
(Metalville Records)
'Renegade' the full length debut release of Toseland is a powerful first outing filled with great rock tunes played by a tight band and the impressive vocals of James Toseland who also plays all the piano on the album. The album itself is a very strong and energetic record produced by Toby Jepson (Little Angels) who has also produced the likes of The Answer and The Virgin Marys. Backing Toesland up is his band, Zurab Melua (guitar), Dave Hollingsworth (bass), Rabea Massaad (keyboards), Jim Watson (keyboards) and Ben Menal (drums). 'Renegade' has that classic rock vibe with a modern day swagger and should certainly appeal to people who have that craving for the big anthem arena rock of the 80's. The songs are extremely well-written, the musicianship is tight, and James Toesland's vocals are rock solid. Containing 11 tracks. Each song is just as memorable than the one that proceeded it. Highlights include "Life Is Beautiful", "Gotta Be A Better Way", "Crash Landing", "Comin' to Get Ya", "Kingdoms", "Burining The System" and the tour de force title track. Overall, 'Renegade' is solid debut outing for James Toesland that packs loads of energy, attitude and passion. If you like rock music with catchy hooks, singalong choruses and the impression of belting along an empty highway on a Summer's day with the roof down, 'Renegade' delivers the goods big time. You know, music that makes the hair on your arm stand up, and makes you want to rock out and sing along at the top of your lungs? That's 'Renegade', and that's Toseland. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE RADIUM by Virgil &The Accelerators
(Mystic Records)
'The Radium', the powerfully impressive debut release by the power blues rock trio from Birmingham, England, Virgil & The Accelerators is a powder keg of some of the hottest blues rock ever captured on record. Bands or artists labled Blues Rock can sometimes be nothing more than a few blues licks incorporated into hard rock or a blues act turning their amps up to 11. This trio however can rightly be called a Blues Rock outfit. Virgil McMahon - Guitar, Vocals, brother Gabriel McMahon - Drums, Vocals and Jack Alexander Timmis - Lakland Bass, Vocals. The chemistry between this trio is as tight as white on rice and they delivery the goods big time! Virgil McMahon's guitar sound sounds like the audio equivalent of Jack Daniels: warming, sometimes firey and if it's possible for a sound to appear golden then this guitar sound does. Every track on this album will make you feel alive. The album opens with "Working Man", that starts off slow and builds up and finishes in a blaze of glory. Clocking in at a little over six minutes, this song just floored me and it was just the first track! As soon as "Refuse To Believe" came on, I knew I was in for one hell of a listen there on out. One song after another, "Backstabber", "88", "The Storm", "Lowdown and Dirty", to the closing "Silver Giver", my senses were entertained and blown away with some good blues rock numbers that will have me hitting the replay button, time and time again! If you like your blues rock beefy, loud, chock-full of energy, attitude and with a little change of pace here and there, 'The Radium' by Virgil & The Accelerators comes highly recommended. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
INSIDE THE VERTIGO by Soto
(earMUSIC)
Jeff Scott Soto returns with his latest project, SOTO and their debut release, 'Inside The Vertigo', takes Jeff's musical vision to the next level. This recording is hard, aggressive and melodic, laced with excellent guitar riffs, solid drumming and of course Jeff's powerful vocal delivery. Produced by Jeff Scott Soto, 'Inside The Vertigo' features songs co written with his bandmates, Jorge Salan (lead guitar), BJ (keys, guitars), David Z (bass) and Edu Cominato (drums),as well as colleagues. Including guitarists Gus G (Firewind, Ozzy), Jason Bieler (Saigon Kick), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob) and Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger/TSO), all of whom perform on their penned tracks for the album. Others appearing as guests/co writers are Casey Grillo (Kamelot), Connor Engstrom, Tony Dickinson, Leo Mancini, Hugo Mariutti and Gary Schutt. The whole album is so refreshingly varied and so full of energy. I've played it through 3 times and I've liked it a little more each time. With a band as good as this it's worth having solely for the musicianship on display. Once you put the CD on it flows with aggressive energy throughout the entire play. Highlights include, "Final Say", "Break", "End Of Days", "When I'm Older" and "Fall To Pieces".Jorge Salan's guitar playing is just amazing and Jeff Scott Soto shows why he is consider one rock music's best front man in the world today. Jeff Scott Soto fans will love, 'Inside The Vertigo' Not only is it, what I would consider it the his finest work to date, it's probably his best vocal performance since his time with Talisman. If you're a fan of Jeff's other projects, chances are you'll love, 'Inside The Vertigo' as well. A first rate rock album from a guy with a proven track record of releasing first rate rock albums. What more can you ask for? - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
PURE HEAVY by Audrey Horne
( Napalm Records )
Norwegian based rockers Audrey Home are back with their latest release, 'Pure Heavy', a slab of all things that ROCK! This a bonafide rocker from start to finish. If you like good solid rock n roll with an old school vibe; these are your boys. Audrey Horne is powered by Toschie - vocals, Ice Dale - guitar, Thomas Tofthagen - guitar, Espen Lien - bass and Kjetil Greve - drums. The band's previous outing, 'Youngblood', was a great debut album bursting with hints of what's in store from these guys. 'Pure Heavy' picks up where 'Youngblood' leaves off but grabs you with the scruff of your neck & rocks you til you drop. The twin guitars work a treat has a very AC/DC feel with a nod to Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. "Wolf In My Heart" opens their set which let's you have it between the eyes straight away. Up next the lads go for broke unleashing riff laden rockers in the form of, "Holy Roller", the Lizzy vibe of "Out Of City" and down dirty swagger of, "Volcano Girl". This album doesn't have one bad track. If you've never listened to this band before, this is the album to start with. Light it up, put on some headphones, and blow your brains out. Overall; 'Pure Heavy' by Audrey Horne features that powerful, indefinable `classic album' x-factor in spades. Any serious fan of the band will no doubt fall in love with the record and it is a perfect starting point for any potential new fans. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE MAGIC LIGHTIN' BOYS
by The Magic Ligthtin' Boys
( Bottled Lightnin’ Records)
Ohio based Magic Ligthtin' Boys come onto the music scene with a sound that is a smorgasbord of R&B, soul, rock, funk and a touch of gospel. The band is comprised of, Casey Gomez on vocals, Brian Tarter on guitar, Richie Lee on bass and Kurt Lipphardt on drums. The band's self titled debut has a big warm, almost analogue sound, with thumping toms, buzzing guitars, frequent harmonica and a gritty but not harsh vocal style. There are a lot of great, catchy songs on this record. The whole thing flows well from beginning to end and keeps a pretty strict hold on the Blues Rock formula without becoming dull. Highlights including the funked up rocker, "Mindfunk", a track that sounds like it came off a Richie Kotzen record. "Sucker Punch",'“Broken Dream,”“Devil’s Lettuce”and "Gone" all of which are of the highest quality not only within the confines of the record, but in the band's repertoire! Overall, I would highly recommend The Magic Ligthtin' Boys to anyone with an interest in Classic Rock or indeed to most people with an interest in The Blues. If you like slide guitar, harmonica/harp and funky drum grooves then you are in for a good time when you pick up a copy of this album. The vocals purr with a wonderful infectious attitude. The production job is warm and the mix is spacious. Overall, I would highly recommend The Magic Ligthtin' Boys to anyone with an interest in any form of Rock or Blues. If you want a good earthy band playing music with feeling, give them a shot. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
BRAND NEW REVOLUTION by Gus G.
(DISMANIC DISTRIBUTION)
Guitarist Gus G (OzzyOsbourne/Firewind). is back with his sophomore release, 'Brand New Revolution'. Mixed by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Van Halen, etc.). Just like what he did on his debut, 'I Am The Fire', Gus G. unleashes his punishing arsenal of mind blowing guitar work with a rock solid rhythm section in the form of Marty O’ Brien (Lita Ford band) on bass. and Jo Nunez (Firewind) on drums. As for the vocal department Gus once again features collaborations with some awesome singers / songwriters such as the legendary Jeff Scott Soto (who appears on "Gone To Stay" and "Generation G"), Mats Levén (who appears on “Come Hell Or High Water”, “If It Ends Today” & “The Demon Inside”), Jacob Bunton (who appears on “Brand New Revolution”, “Burn”, “We Are One”, “Behind Those Eyes” & “One More Try”) and the awesome Elize Ryd of Amaranthe (who sings on "What Lies Below"). Gus G.'s playing on this recording is absolutely amazing. In fact, to call this six-string fleet-fingered Greek a virtuoso of his instrument would be a big understatement. Sure, Gus G. might indulge in the occasional inclination towards shredding, but when the songs are this full of excellent licks and riffs, all is easily forgiven. Overall, 'Brand New Revolution' is so chockablock full of the great stuff that it likely cannot be all consumed in just one sitting (it takes at least one repeat listen to absorb the whole thing.) If you love great, grooving, fiery melodic hard-rock songs that make you crank your stereo all the way up and drive too fast, this recording is a MUST-have, just be warned: The band is not responsible for any legal ramifications you may suffer for the lead foot you WILL experience if you listen to 'Brand New Revolution' by Gus G. while driving! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40
Week ending 7/17/2015
40. Lick It Up by Kiss
39. Fade by Godsized
38. Life In The Fast Lane by The Eagles
37. Do You Ever Think Of Me by Heaven & Earth
36. Why Can't You Love Me by Twenty Two Hundred
35. The Sky Is The Limit by Evidence One
34. Dirty Little Secret by Mother Road
33. Back On My Trail by Revolution Child
32. Back In Black by AC/DC
31. Roller by April Wine
30. Doctor Doctor by UFO
29. Now I'm Here by Queen
28. No Love To Waste by Simple Lies
27. I Swear On My Life by Palace Of The King
26. The Grand Illusion by Styx
25. The Prisoner by King James
24. Well All Bleed Red by Tribe Of Gypsies
23. Watchtower Of The Moon by Threshold
22. Peace Of Mind by Boston
21. Let's Be Friends by Leogun
20. Let Me Hear You Scream by Ozzy Osbourne
19. Jelly Roll by Blue Murder
18. Ain't Talkin' Bout Love by Van Halen
17. Open Fire by The Darkness
16. Keep On Drivin' by Captain Black Beard
15. California by Beasto Blanco
14. Goldilox by King's X
13. Outshined by Soundgarden
12. Wild Animal by Rival Sons
11. Holy Motherfucker by Transport League
10. Hellraiser by Motohead
9. Strange Kinda Nothing by The Answer
8. Ridin' The Storm Out by Reo Speedwagon
7. Wolf In My Heart by Audrey Horne
6. Long Live Rock And Roll by Rainbow
5. I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home by Grand Funk Railroad
4. Vertigo by Shakra
3. Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith
2. Death By Misadventure by Ted Nugent
1. Turn Up The Music by Sammy Hagar
RIGHT TO RISE by Wilson
(Razor & Tie Records)
Motor City rockers Wilson are back and sounding meaner than ever with their latest release, 'Right To Rise'. Powered by vocalist Chad Nicefield, guitarists Jason Spencer and Kyle Landry, bassist James Lascu and drummer Matt Puhy. The new album is very high energy, fast paced, in your face album that is heavy but manages to showcase a great deal of musicianship. The vocals have a demanding growl to them that demands your full attention, the drum sound is huge and the guitar and bass are balls to the wall and raw all at once. From opening in your face rocker, "Right To Rise", it's like an avalanche of pure rock fury the rest of the way with, "Guilty (You're Already Dead)", "Crave", "All My Friends", "Satisfy Me", the down dirty swagger of, "The Flood" and "Waiting for the World to Cave In". Wilson wear their influences directly on their sleeves! Killer, riff driven hard rock that cannot simply be pidgeon holed into any stupid category, this one has it all. Listening to, 'Right To Rise' one can get lost in the chaotic, rebellious energy, and feel as if you can take on the world. This album represents rebellion of the highest order. If you want pure, intense and unbridled energy to get your adrenaline up everytime, pick up this album. Just remember - PLAY THIS BAD BOY AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SHADOW TRAIN by George Lynch
(Rat Pak Records)
'Shadow Train', the highly anticipated and eagerly awaited new project from George Lynch finally sees the light of day. This double CD set also features songs in George's forthcoming movie 'Shadow Nation' , the powerful documentary that explores the trials and tribulations that face Native American Indians in our world today. Backing George up are vocalist Gregg Analla ( Seventh Sign/Tribe Of Gypsies), bassist Gabe Rosales (Jennifer Lopez/Christina Millian), keyboardist Donnie Dickman and drummer Jimmy D'Anda (Bullet Boys/Lynch Mob). 'Shadow Train' is a diverse album that has it all, from powerful vocal songs to meaningful rock, blues & hard rock based music. Disc 1 opens with the groove laden, "Vulture", a psychedelic trip for the senses powered by Gregg Annalla's hypnotic vocal delivery. The potent vocals of Annalla and the superb guitar work of George Lynch form a killer combination on this track. The next two tracks "Currency Of Lies" and "Power And Resistance", are heavy and energetic and go for the throat. From there on the band take the record into new territory and give it a bit more gritty aggression with, "I Am Weapon", "Ghost", "White Clay" and "Fight No More". The resulting blend demonstrates a uniqueness and chemistry that just plain works. The songs on disc 2 are just as strong with tracks like, "Believe", "Fallen", "Glitter", "Under A Crooked Sky" and "World On Fire". George Lynch's melodic intensity is in no finer form, the ultimate blend of groove and aggressiveness. 'Shadow Train' is unique, fresh, and powerful. It's a great collection of well written and performed songs here but it's the overall vibe that really does it for me. There are so many moments of absolute magic on this recording. The more I listen to this powerful set the more I appreciate it. This album is definitely not only for die-hard riff-junkies and thrill seekers; it's accessible and will be enjoyed by a plethora of people. Definitely George Lynch's best work to date. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
ROAD FEVER by Thundermother
( Despotz Records )
Swedish rockers Thundermother return with their highly anticipated follow-up to their barnstorming debut, 'Rock 'N' Roll Disaster' with 'Road Fever'. Invigorated and eager to capitalize on the success of their debut album, the band's new material is riff heavy and proudly anchored in the foundations of traditional hard rock with hooks and catchy choruses to pull you in. Delivering cheap thrills with no questions asked, 'Road Fever' is an celebration of youthful verve and rebellion. Clare Cunningham on vocals, Filippa Nässil on lead guitar, Giorgia Carteri on rhythm guitar, Linda Ström on bass and Tilda Stenqvist on drums. These femme fatales swing for the fences right from the get go with songs like , the lead off single, "It's Just A Tease", "Deal With The Devil", "Roadkill" and "Thunder Machine", the song titles alone tell booze-drenched and sometimes sordid tales of hard rocking, hard drinking and generally having nothing left to lose. The album has so many great riffs that it's hard to stop listening once you have popped it in your player. I wasn't sure if I liked it as much as, 'Rock 'N' Roll Disaster' at first listen, but after a few spins it is definitely every bit as good as their debut, and every bit as badass! There is a massive shortage of quality female hard rock acts. While operatic metal groups like Nightwish are abundant--true hard hitting rock is much harder to find. Which makes Thundermother a godsend. 'Road Fever' is a balls out rocker and an insane amount of fun. It's system blaring, top down on a warm night kind of music. It's down and dirty Rock 'N' Roll served up by a band that knows the meaning of the words and can back it up with their instruments and vocals! Thank god there are bands that still come along like Thundermother that keeps the rock and roll spirit alive. These ladies just seem to have the passsion, emotion, and the drive that fuels great rock 'n' roll bands. LONG LIVE THUNDERMOTHER! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
REVOLUCION by The Dead Daisies
(Spitfire Music)
The Dead Daisies are back with their highly anticipated sophomore release, 'Revolucion'. The new album also features the new line-up of newly appointed vocalist John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, Union, The Scream), along with Guns'n'Roses guitarist Richard Fortus and keyboard player Dizzy Reed, bassist Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent) and drummer Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne). Everything about 'Revolucion' is great; musically, lyrically, the vibe of it is incredible. I don't care who was in what band, this is simply addictive! Each song is a hit, hook laden and well written. Hats off to John Corabi for his vocal delivery it soars all over the album. The album opens with the down and dirty swagger of, "Mexico" and is followed up with a solid take on Willie Dixon's, "Evil". From there it's non stop rocking with, "Looking for the One", "Empty Heart" and mid tempo soul mover, "Make The Best Of It". Other highlights are, "My Time", and a rocking cover of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s “Midnight Moses”. I have to say, just like their debut, 'Revolucion', get better and better the more you listento it. Don't get me wrong, it was great on the first spin, but the more you listen, the more depth you realize is there. The album has more layers and intricacies to explore than most bands these days. What we have here with The Dead Daisies are a band of brothers pumping out powerful rock songs served up with that devious sense of mischief which has always lived at the heart of rock and roll. For fans of unadulterated, unhyphenated rock with catchy hooks and thick riffs. 'Revolucion' is a superb sophomore effort and just goes to show you don't have to conform to any latest trends to produce a stunning 'no frills' rock album that you will play again and again. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE KENNY OLSON CARTEL
by The Kenny Olson Cartel
(Foxy Music/Firebird Rising)
Born and raised in Detroit, for guitarist Kenny Olson it was all about driving around in muscle cars rocking to The Stooges, Bob Seger and Black Sabbath. After making a name for himself in the Motor City, he founded Kid Rock's Twisted Brown Trucker Band, was a staple on the Experience Hendrix Tours, has many platinum records under his belt, and has worked with greats from Metallica to Sheryl Crow. With a resume like that I was eager to hear what Kenny Olson would bring to the table with this debut release. Wow, was I blown away! There is not a bad song on the entire album, and the guitar work, song structures, and vocals are solid throughout. Every cut is meaty, funky and tasty, absolutely nothing but grade A through and through. Drawing from diverse and formidable roots, Kenny Olson delivers emotional and fiery guitar work on this debut release. Featuring contributions from Billy Cox, Jon Nicholson, Todd Harrell and Shannon Boone Hurcomb, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Peter Keys, Tantric veteran Hugo Ferriera, Sonia Dada's Paris Delane, Detroit/Nashville singer-songwriter Brandon Calhoon, Candlebox’s Adam Kury, Emanuel Cole and Detroiter John “Wolf” Abel — among others. What really makes this record so special is the diversity of each music song. It takes you on a journey through peaks and valleys, from fast rock to sweet R&B and everything in between. As is evident on tracks like the riff driven , "Loaded", and "Up All Night", to the bluesy textures of "Rebel With A Cause" should have you bouncing off the walls. While tracks like, "Can't Feel" and the acoustic charm of, "Phoenix Will Rise" are so tasty they hurt. Kenny Olson saves the best for last with, "Psychedelic Lap Dance", a instrumental rattlesnake that packs one hellava punch. Listening to The Kenny Olson Cartel is like a full contact sport. Your every sense is assaulted by the clear cool notes that will draw you in and take hold of your soul and the powerful guitar work that resonates throughout your mind bringing both excitement and peace. There's nothing trendy, hipsterish, or pretentious here, just insanely talented musicians that love music. If you are a fan of quality rock with strong musicianship and haven't checked out The Kenny Olson Cartel you owe it to yourself to do so. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
NO RULES, NO LAWS, NO REGRETS by Gasoline Outlaws
(Independent Release)
Irish rockers, Gasoline Outlaws burst out onto the scene with their gut busting debut release, 'No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets'. Formed last year in Belfast, Northern Ireland, these steely-eyed purveyors of balls-out rock are on a mission to put a smile back on your face and few thousand rockers and rollers around the world. The band is comprised of, Matt Fitzsimons on vocals, Adam Parkin on guitar, Chris Fitzsimons on bass and Adam Callaghan on drums. ' This album is guitar driven rocker of an recording that will definitely put your finest speakers to the test. From a powerful opening rocker, "Nothing On Me", you know what to expect from this album and that is what you get, hard rockin music that kicks you in the teeth and it does that very well. The entire album is brimming with energy and attitude. The guitars on each track are powerful and keep the music pushing you to the edge. Other highlights include; "Lie", "The Shrouded Wolves", ball to wall movers, "Outlaw", "Ready To Fly" and "Heart & Soul". The Gasoline Outlaws may be of the classic rock cloth, but its their unapologetic affection for balls out rock makes it infectious. These lads are bringing back dirty, hard hitting rock. You can hear the words. ATTITUDE and ROCK N ROLL FURY! Nothing fancy about it. The Gasoline Outlaws mean business and they are willing to do anything to make sure you get your rocks off. If you like hard rock and are disappointed at a lot of what is out there today, this album will be a delightful return to the quality you expect to hear. I can't wait to hear what these guys come up with next!! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
