CD REVIEW: 2113 by Carousel

2113 by Carousel
(Tee Pee Records)

Pittsburgh based rockers Carousel return with the follow up to their monster debut, 'Jeweler's Daughter'  with their second album, '2113'. Dave Wheeler on vocals and guitar, Chris Tritschler on guitars, Jim Wilson on bass and Jake Leger on drums. The band's sophomore effort delivers their trademark formula of classic influenced stoner rock. It isn't often an album makes you wish you could hop a time machine back to the 70's. But such is the case with '2113'. The album is filled to the brim with the sort of big riffs and memorable choruses that make this band so damn good. All nine tracks served up are guaranteed to rock your socks off.  Tracks like `Trouble', `Buried Alive in Your Arms,' `Jim’s Song' and a killer cover of the Joe Walsh classic, "Turn To Stone", are among some of albums highlights. Killer stoner rock grooves that will have your head involuntarily bobbing. The bottom line here is, ' 2113' is a heavy slab of guitar rock that should please anyone who's into bands like, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead and Corrosion of Conformity. It flat-out rocks, and that's really all that matters. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: THE TRANSCENDENCE by Honeymoon Disease

THE TRANSCENDENCE 
by Honeymoon Disease
(Napalm Records)

Swedish based retro rockers, Honeymoon Disease deliver the rock and roll goods with their debut release, 'The Transcendence'.  The band is comprised of, Jenna Disease - Vocals & Guitar, Acid Disease - Guitar, Anders Bergstedt on bass (note: Nicklas Hellqvist has replaced Anders Bergstedt and will be touring with the band in November) B. Disease - Drums. One of the most noticeable things about this recording is the live-in-the-studio sound. Giving a spontaneous feel to the album. In a word, this album is infectious. Honeymoon Disease have a unique groove-centered sound that's difficult to categorize but impossible to get out of your head. If I were to compare them, 
I would say they are comparable to classic rock bands like DEEP PURPLE, THIN LIZZY or RAINBOW. You can pretty much pick any of the songs on this album at random and find an absolutely killer single-worthy rocker. “Higher”, “Stargazer”, “Imperial Mind”, “Gotta Move”, “Break Up”, “Bellevue Groove” and "Brand New Ending” are particularly convincing. Too many rock bands nowadays approach songwriting as a matter of cutting-and-pasting riffs together in Pro Tools; Honeymoon Disease's music feels organic, as if the songs were honed from some epic jam session. The end result is a damn good album with plenty of style and attitude. Fans of old school hard rock will really like this album.... a lot. More of this, please! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: QUARTER LIFE COME UP, Ep by Southern Gentleman

QUARTER LIFE COME UP, Ep 
by Southern Gentleman 
(Southern Gentlemen Music)

From beginning to end, 'Quarter Life Come Up' the debut seven song Ep by Southern Gentleman, the three piece rock band hailing from South Florida is chock full of some of the best rock music you will ever hear. The sound quality is very upfront, and will rock the finest of speakers. All tracks have a sense of gravity and taste. Excellent hooks and catchy choruses will get these songs inside your head, guaranteed. There is a good mix of harder, heavier tracks, "Born This Way", "Get It On",  and "You & I" with melodic gems like, "If You Just Believe", and "Love At First Sight". The diversity in the cuts keep the mind hungry to hear that next track. Great vocals & lyrics and a fresh, expressive but tight performance. The music and beats are great and the lyrics are extremely heartfelt and original. There is meaning behind the music. There are few rock bands these days that can put out an album that is truly worth listening to through and through and that one will not tire of. This is one of them! 'Quarter Life Come Up' by Southern Gentleman comes highly recommended to any rock music fan and a refreshing new band that has a great future ahead of them. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: LAST DAY RISING (Ep) by Last Day Rising

LAST DAY RISING (Ep) 
by Last Day Rising
(Independent Release)

Last Day Rising have managed to blend and mold several influences well on this debut five song Ep. The band is comprised of Mike Pascua  on vocals, Darwin DeVitis (Cutthroat/Carbon 9) on guitar, Ralph Govea on bass and Anthony Monge on drums. The combination of solid songwriting and vocals that enables the listener to really understand what is being said, the Los Angeles based rockers have put out a recording that really hits home. All of the five songs are great, rich and full in texture - simple and aggressive at times, or sometimes slow and thoughtful. "Ready To Roll", a mid tempo mover kicks things off in rocking fashion. The melodic charmer "One Step Closer" is packed with emotion, easily pulling you in and letting you forget yourself. "Leave It All Behind" and "Don't Stop Now" are catchy rockers that are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. "Say Goodbye", closes things out to an amazing debut outing. I miss the days where I could hear music like this on the mainstream radio. Last Day Rising is one band I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ALIVE by Lazy Bonez

ALIVE by Lazy Bonez
(E·X·R METAL Records)

Finland's Lazy Bonez returns with their latest project, 'Alive'.  This band is a mash up of several Finnish bands . The main band is comprised of Tommi Salmela (vocals), Mikko Niiranen (guitar), Markku Mähönen (guitar), Jaakko Kauppinen (bass), Janne Tolsa (keyboards) and  Pecu Cinnari (drums). Special guests appearing on the album are, Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath), Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep), Simon Wright (ex-AC/DC, ex-DIO), Stefan Schwarzmann (Panzer, ex-ACCEPT) and Zachary Hietala (Tarot). Lazy Bonez have taken their sound to a whole new level this second time around. While their debut, 'Vol. I' was a solid effort,  'Alive' displays a more confident sounding recording. Songwriting, musicianship and all around band chemistry is much tighter. Having said that, based on first listen, opener "Evil Mind" is a great rock track.  The title track is solid enough to have crossover appeal and get the band noticed by the mainstream. Other highlights include "Overload", "Racing Heart (featuring Tony Martin), "Last Rites", "Hard Times" and the album closer, "Final Rhyme". In terms of overall vibe, you can look at that lineup and get a pretty good feel for what’s in store on 'Alive'. It’s a hard rock album with hints of pomp and AOR, and has a lot in common with bands like Pretty Maids, Brother Firetribe and Europe. Overall,  a strong album, not quite as instantly catchy as it's predecessor but well worth checking out. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SCREAM by Lifeline

SCREAM by Lifeline
(Escape Music)

UK based rock outfit Lifeline breakout onto the music scene with their powerful debut release, 'Scream'. The band is comprised of, Nigel Bailey (Three Lions, Bailey) on vocals, bass / Lee Small (Shy, Phenomena) on vocals / Paul Hume (Demon, Lawless) on guitars and backing Vocals / Steve Clarkson on drums Backing Vocals and Andy Bailey on keyboards backing vocals. British hard rock and the melodic rock world are where Lifeline take their musical lead from. There's no question there is a gap in the market for some solid, hard `n' melodic old-school British blues-rock bands. In that regard Lifeline deliver right from the get-go. The band serve up twelve stellar tracks packed with monstrous riffs and soaring melodies that seamlessly combine the vocal styles of Nigel Bailey and Lee Small without ever losing their individuality. Highlights are, "Fear No More", "Jezebel", the title track, "Danger In The Sky" and  "Destination Freedom". There's certainly no fillers which points to a band that has taken time to develop these songs and make sure the album flows well and doesn't overstay it's welcome. For those of you who were brought up on rock music that has melody and really good musicianship then I strongly suggest that you check this album out. 'Scream' by Lifeline is an album just rocks all on all cylinders. It's smooth, catchy, rocking and just has a fantastic energy overall. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: NIGHT GOES ON FOR DAYS by Koritini

NIGHT GOES ON FOR DAYS by Koritini
(Verycords Music/Ear Music)

Aussie based rockers Koritini return with their fourth studio release, 'Night Goes On For Days'. Produced by the band's frontman, Lex Koritini and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa). I have to say, I was really impressed with what the lads served up. This album grabs you by the throat with three high energy numbers to start with, "Horns Up", " Try To Live (A Little Bit)", " Rock ‘N’ Roll Ain’t No Crime" and then takes pace off with the utterly addictive, "Carousel". From there on right through to the rebel rousing finale, "Waking Up The Neighbours" it's a barnstorming series of rock 'n' roll attitude, each of which grabs you hook, line and sinker. Firmly planted deeply in the blues, the cool licks and riffs and grooves of this stunning offering will have you bouncing around the room. Koritini have clearly put a lot of effort into writing and recording this album and I'm pleased to say, as a rock fan, that's great to find a band who cares not only about the quality of the songs, but the sound quality of the too. Koritini are very much a band where the whole is far greater that sum of it's parts. Those "parts" are actually really good musicians who work, write and play as a team, and who have produced yet another really fine album. If you don't find yourself singing along by the second listening, get your hearing checked as you must have gone deaf! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HUSTLER'S ROW by Gentlemans Pistols

HUSTLER'S ROW by Gentlemans Pistols
(Nuclear Blast)

UK rockers, Gentlemans Pistols return with their latest release, 'Hustler's Row'. In a word, this album is infectious. these lads have a unique groove-centered sound that's difficult to categorize but impossible to get out of your head. The new album is fully loaded with that classic British rock sound.  Deep Purple, Sir Lord Baltimore and Thin Lizzy influences, but beyond the recognizable style of the aforementioned rock royalty Gentlemans Pistols bring their own swagger. to the table. The album opens with the lead off single, "The Searcher" a balls out rocker that has AC/DC vibe to it. James Atkinson's vocals are spot on and the chemistry he has with Bill Steer (Firebird/Carcass) is like white on rice. The band serve up the bluesy rocker next with. "Devil’s Advocate On Call", a Free meets Bad Company rocker that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. From there on its not stop rocking with tracks, "Time Wasters", "Private Rendezvous", "Stress And Confusion" and "Dazzle Drizzler". Gentlemans Pistols serves up a lean, filler-free album with 'Hustler's Row'. This album is confirmation of their prowess and a signal that there's more to them than analog worship and thick grooves. If you think that traditional 60's/70's rock has blown its wad then you haven't heard Gentlemans Pistols. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: 2.0 by 21OCTAYNE

2.0 by 21OCTAYNE
(AFM Records)

German based rockers 21OCTAYNE are back with their sophomore release, '2.0',  proving that the magic they created on their debut, 'Into The Open', was no fluke. No sophomore slump thats for sure. The new album has everything that rock fans want: catchy choruses, giant melody, and butt-kicking guitar riffs. The band is comprised of, Hagen Grohe on vocals, Marco Wriedt on Guitar and Alex Landenburg on Drums. This trio finds the best of both worlds by blending hard rock and AOR. The band has that ‘80s feel, but they methodically weave a modern sound that never makes you think you’re hearing anything post-grunge era. Hagen Grohe turns in a rock solid vocal performance. Marco Wriedt is killer on guitars, serving up some blistering solos. Alex Landenburg drumming provides the band with it's solid foundation. Well, the proof is in the songs, and you can pretty much pick any of the songs on this album at random and find an absolutely killer single-worthy melodic hard rocker. After my initial listen to the album I am really digging all the tracks especially "Devil In Disguise", "Take Me Back ", " When You Go" , " Take Me Away , and the epic, "Tale Of A Broken Child ". I'm sure this one is going to get some serious replay time for me for months to come. '2.0' is a high quality melodic rock album that is recommended to all fans of this style of music. Does 21OCTAYNE try to reinvent the wheel here? Absolutely not. But there is something to be said for excellent production, tight performances, great songwriting and vocals. If you like music that favors musicianship and songwriting over pretty face, no-talent singers, take a run at 21OCTAYNE! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society TOP FIVE ROCK CDs

The Dedicated Rocker Society
TOP FIVE ROCK CDs 
for the week ending 10/9/2015

HOT STREAK by The Winery Dogs
The new album shows that the trio's initial burst of collective chemistry they showed on their debut was no fluke. From the adrenaline rush that are exhibited on the first two tracks, "Oblivion" and "Captain Love", that power through to the uplifting vibe of "The Bridge" to the introspective acoustic charm of "Fire". The band pulls off every song without a hitch.

DYING TO LIVE by Joel Hoekstra's 13 
As soon as you press play and the opening track, "Say Goodbye To The Sun", fires out of your speakers this recording hits your senses holding nothing back. From there on with tracks like, "Anymore", ""Until I Left You", "Long For the Days" and "Changes". 'Dying To Live' provides hard hitting, riff driven, hook laden songs and is a premium blend of melodic hard rock that makes for one memorable listening experience.

SONIC GLORY by Ozone Mama
The album doesn't have a weak track on it. You can play it straight from beginning to end without wanting to skip anything. Highlights for me are, "Good Times Roll", the rocking, "Backdoor Man", "Hard Times", "Kings And Rulers" and "Ain't No Place Of Mine". There is a freshness and spark to the songs that give them a magical type quality when the music is coming out of your speakers.

THIS DEVICE (Ep) by The Tracy G. Group
The Tracy G. Group's latest creation the six song Ep, 'This Device' strikes a perfect balance of style, power and imagination taking  risks and challenges in ways most other players can't even approach. There are some incredible moments here and it's an intensely personal album full of anguish and anger and ultimately hope. For this being only a six song Ep, it sure packs one hellava punch!

ACROSS THE DIVIDE by Federal Charm
If you like heavy, funky, rockin' grooves and soulful singing you'll really dig it. In my opinion this is the sound of a band finding their true sound.  Federal Charm are one of the few things still right in rock music in this day and age, and it's never  more evident than on this album. Very highly recommended.

CD REVIEW: HIGHER TRUTH by Chris Cornell

HIGHER TRUTH by Chris Cornell
(UMe Music)

Chris Cornell returns with his latest release, 'Higher Truth'. Produced by Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Neil Young). 'Higher Truth' truly delivers the goods as soon as you press play. A powerful set of songs, great writing, great playing, but the center piece of the album without a doubt is the voice. Chris Cornell's sense of melody and voice truly shine here. The songs on the album allow the listener to fully experience and appreciate Cornell's heartfelt vocals with little distraction which of course means that those who are hoping to rock out will have to make do with "Our Time In The Universe" which is as close to rocking out as you will get here. Highlights for me are, the album's lead off single, "Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart", the mesmerizing, "Dead Wishes", "Before We Disappear", the Beatles-lystic vibe of, "Through The Window" and the arresting charm of "Murder of Blue Skies". Wordsmithing aplenty, and memorable hooks along with Chris Cornell's vocal prowess would place an insomniac into a full and restful slumber in a drop of a dime. Intimate and at times edgy, 'Higher Truth' is a recording that will grow on you so fast that before you know it, you're under it's spell and you don't even care if the spell gets ever broken. You could listen to this album on repeat and it will always make you stop and brush the hairs on your neck back down.  If you like any of Chris Cornell's previous bands or solo work then your going to love what he's created with 'Higher Truth'. Absolutely beautiful and very powerful. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 Week ending 10/ 3 /2015

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 

Week ending 10/ 3 /2015

WHAT WE ARE JAMMING TO @

The Dedicated Rocker Society

40. Leave This Town by Thin Lizzy
39. Open My Eyes by Rival Sons
38. Blue Monday, Blue Day by Foreigner
37. Dust And Glass by Motorhead
36. Already Gone by Romeo's Daughter
35. Fly Away by Jaded Heart
34. Hangar 18 by Megadeth
33. One Love by W.E.T.
32. Daisy Chain by Pop Evil
31. Love Hurts by Nazareth
30. Now I'm Here by  Queen
29. School Of Hard Knocks by Black N' Blue
28. Low Road by Palace Of The King
27. Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya by New England
26. Cirice by Ghost
25. Is It Just Me? by The Darkness
24. Sweet Bullet by Powerhog
23. Captain Love by Winery Dogs
22. Medicine Man by Shadowman
21. Dog Eat Dog by AC/DC
20. Silver City by The Jokers
19. True Will by Band Of Spice
18. A Farewell To King's by Rush
17. Star Born by Spiritual Beggars
16. Condition Human by Queensryche
15. Wake Me Up by Eclipse
14. Edison's Medicine by Tesla
13. Shot Of Love by King's X
12. Sanctuary by Lynch Mob
11. Tiger By The Tail by Ozone
10. Break Your Chains by Talisman
9. Waterfall by Voodoo Hill
8. Mr. Heartache by Cats In Space
7. Until I Left You by by Joel Hoekstra's 13 
6. The Red and The Black by Iron Maiden
5. Ride Like The Wind by Jorn
4. The Last Runaway by W.A.S.P.
3. I Don't Wanna Wait All Night by House Of Lords
2. Obey The Snake by House Of Broken Promises
1. Down The Hatch by 42 Decibel

KINGDOM OF ROCK by Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall

KINGDOM OF ROCK 
by Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall 

(Frontiers Music srl)

'Kingdom Of Rock', the latest release from guitarist, Magnus Karlsson, is aptly titled. The vocal fire power that is on this album alone is worth your undivided attention. This time around Magnus Karlsson has enlisted a group rock music's most powerful and talented voices.  TONY HARNELL (Skid Row, TNT, Starbreaker), RICK ALTZI (Masterplan, At Vance), DAVID READMAN (Pink Cream 69, Voodoo Circle), JORN LANDE, JAKOB SAMUEL (The Poodles), JOE LYNN TURNER (Rainbow, Malmsteen, Deep Purple), TONY MARTIN (Black Sabbath), HARRY HESS (Harem Scarem) and REBECCA DE LA MOTTE. Providing the backbeat is drummer Jaime Salazar. Besides playing guitar,  Magnus Karlsson also handles, bass, keyboards and vocals. All eleven tracks presented are perfectly match the vocals of the various singers, and he always seems to bring the best out of them. Jorn Lande kicks the album of with the title track. A strong powerful piece that is strong and taken over the top with the combination of Jorn Lande's vocals and Magnus Karlsson's brilliant guitar work. Jakob Samuel of The Poodles lends his vocal talents on, "Out Of The Dark", another powerful track that hits the sweet spot. All the tracks are stellar. Other highlights include; " When The Sky Falls" featuring Tony Martin , "Angel Of The Night" featuring David Readman and "Never Look Away" with Tony Harnell. Magnus Karlsson's guitar playing is simply phenomenal. What he's created and delivers with, 'Kingdom Of Rock', is proof of that. The songs are powerful and hook laden, the choruses are huge and anthemic. The bottom line is, if you are familiar with Magnus Karlsson's work, this recording is essential.  'Kingdom Of Rock' is hands down a must-have release, and one of the strongest melodic progressive metal offerings of 2015.  - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: FRAGILE by Elements Of Frictions

FRAGILE by Elements Of Frictions

(Lion's Pride Music)

'Fragile', is the debut release by the Melodic rock project called Elements Of Frictions. This is a compilation of premium melodic rock drivennsongs performed by artists whose names may ring a bell for anyone who’s into the AOR genre but whom we haven’t heard from since quite a while. Like, Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge UK/Skintrade)  Paul Laine (Danger Danger), Stefan Berggren (Snakes In Paradise), Stephan Kammerer (Frontline) and  Tommy La Verdi (21 Guns/LRS), to give you an idea of how much firepower Elements Of Frictions is boasting. Naturally, any recording that can boast such an array of vocal talent is one that melodic rock fans need to check out. Fortunately the songwriting and musicianship is every bit as impressive as the vocal performances. On the whole, 'Fragile' is not too heavy, not too soft, and draws from both the classic and modern melodic rock styles. A total of fourteen songs total each one rock solid. Highlights include;  Marcello/Vestry kicking things off with “When You Grow Up, a fine slice of melodic rock much in the late ‘80s style, highlighted by slick guitar work and high-pitched melodic vocals. The talented and powerful voice of Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge UK/Skintrade) is put on display with “Little One”, complimented by blistering guitars. One of my favorite singers, Mats Leven (ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, Treat & Swedish Erotica) handles vocals on "Only My Heart". "Another Me" featuring Paul Laine (Danger Danger) and the rocking "Somebody Up There feat. Tommy La Verdi (ex. 21 Guns & LRS).  The bottom line is that 'Fragile' by Elements Of Frictions is simply a complete package from vocals to musicianship. It has everything that melodic rock fans want. It's packed with great songs, great melodies and great performances from some of the best singers in the melodic rock music genre. This is a recording will easily slide into your electronic device of choice, and no doubt will stay there for weeks. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society