LORDS OF THE DEAD, Ep by Dharma Kings
(Independent Release)
The modern radio era is dominated by bands that fancy themselves latter-day Sex Pistols but sound more like bad Green Day knockoffs. Into this musical climate, Texas based, Dharma Kings inject a potent breath of fresh air with its five
song seEp, 'Lords Of The Dead'. The band have provided support for Flock of Seagulls, Faster Pussycat, Asleep at the Wheel, Bullet Boys, L.A. Guns, One Eyed Doll, Hellion, Broken Teeth, Wes Cage, Soak and Eddie Trunk. The band's music has also received massive attention overseas resulting with an upcoming European tour in 2017. The band is comprised of, David Komie - vocals, Richard Jessee - guitar, Tom Coyne - bass and Olivier Porrini - drums. At face value, the band's five song Ep , is a pretty rich hard rock album. Only traces of the alternative/grunge sound hover around its edges. Mainly the production style and some of the riffs. But in most respects, this is very much a hard rock recording. Intellectually, Dharma Kings step well beyond most rock bands with innovative musical intricacies and astute lyrics. David Komie's vocal prowess and delivery are on display on songs like, "America" "Carl Sagan" and " Tied To A Chair", where he whispers and roars. Richard Jessee is a very unique guitarist, not playing conventional solos, However, Dharma Kings are more about band interplay than individual playing: Olivier Porrini 's exact and meticulous drumming; Tom Coyne's gritty, growling bass; Richard Jessee guitar sounds are powerful and go for the throat. I have to say, it was incredibly difficult for me to crack Dharma Kings' music. However, once I did, I never looked back. If you're a music fan with an open mind and enjoy innovation and musical depth as much as I do, give Dharma Kings a listen. Listen closely to the words and think about it...interesting stuff. Recommend for anyone looking for a great listening experience. Very aggressive yet awesome.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
LAST TIGER by Change Of Heart
(Escape Music)
UK melodic rockers Change Of Heart return with their highly anticipated new release, ' Last Tiger'. Alan Clark (vocals, guitar), Nick Catterick (guitar, vocals), Paul Hume (guitar, backing vocals),Jeff Hopkins (bass, vocals), John Sykes (keyboards, vocals) and Sam Ogden (drums). Change Of Heart have produced yet another excellent album. After quite a few spins I'm having trouble picking my favourite songs. Each and every song is worthy of the favorite tag. "All killer-no filler" as the sayings goes. From the lead off track, "Rise To The Challenge", the band sets the table for the memorable listening experience that awaits highlighted by melodic gems like, "Wayward Son", "Holy Days", the title track and "Only Tomorrow". The whole thing is just a magical combination of great songwriting, awesome playing, and incredible production quality. It really blew me away. The bottom line here is, 'Last Tiger' has everything a melodic rock fan could want. Groove laden melodic rock songs with hooks and great choruses that will make you want to sing along as loud as you can. The whole band sound amazing! If you like AOR and good melodic rock in general, you will really appreciate this fine release. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
PROMISE by Jace Pawlak
(Kivel Records)
Every now and again, a melodic rock album comes along that transcends the temporary nature of the genre, and has a lasting impact on the listener. Jace Pawlak's latest release, 'Promise' is one such recording. Known mostly in the melodic rock underground as a songwriter for other artists, has created a real masterpiece with this new release. Front to back this is just a very enjoyable album, The album starts with, "Tonight Is Everything" an extremely catchy track that draws you in with irresistible melodic charm. Things pick up with, "Before You Run" and the mid tempo, "Every Now And Then". Three songs in an this recording has just blown me away. This recording truly loaded with some of the AOR flavored songs that I've heard this year. Other highlights include, "Too Late", "Waiting", "Can't Find My Heart" and the album closing, "Nothing But Rain". Pawlak's latest offering is by and large extremely well produced, arranged and in very good taste. It is one of the most melodic and energetic recordings created by an artist who is out of this world talented. Makes me wonder why Jace Pawlak hasn't received the recognition that he truly deserves. If you haven't heard of Jace Pawlak yet, you're really missing out. 'Promise' is a definite must own for anyone who's a big melodic rock fan or anyone who loves and appreciates really good music. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
NOTHING HAPPENS OVERNIGHT by Rebel Machine
(Independent Release)
'It's such a rare treat in this day and age where soulless pop reigns supreme to discover a brand new band that play rock music as its meant to be played. Let me describe it to you this way. Hooks, a musical idea or riffs that catches the ear of the listener. Some bands have 'em, most don't. Brazilian rockers known as Rebel Machine have 'em in spades. This band serve up hooks so tasty everyone bites. Marcelo Pereira (vocal), Murilo Bittencourt (guitars), Marcel Bittencourt (bass) and Chantós Mariani (drums) . This quartet brings it, I kid you not. Their debut release, 'Nothing Happens Overnight" is a fully loaded full metal jacket of unbridled attitude powered rock music that begs to crank to the max once you hit play! All ten tracks offered are rockers, no filler. Highlights are, "Don't Tell Me I'm Wrong", the down and dirty, "Waiting For You", the lead single, "It Doesn't Matter To Me","Goodbye Honey" and the album closing ball busting, "Life Is Fucking Good". You could easily take this along with Skid Row's 'Slave To The Grind", 'Night Songs' by Cinderella or 'Mechanical Resonance' by Tesla and you would have the best rock albums of that time period. This band is that good. The bottom line is that Rebel Machine have delivered a album loaded with solid songs that will rock your foundation guaranteed. This band is proof positive that hard rock music is definitely not dead and is still being made and still a hell of a lot of fun to rock out to. If you have been looking for a new band that plays classic hard rock, Rebel Machine will be your new favorite rock band. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE DAY THE EARTH STOPPED TURNING by Carsten Lizard Schulz Syndicate
(Power Prog)
'The Day The Earth Stopped Turning', the powerful double disc debut release from Carsten Lizard Schulz Syndicate is powerhouse package that explodes out your speakers once you press play! Vocalist, Carsten Lizard Schulz (Evidence One, Frozen Rain, Rik Priem's Prime, Dead End Heroes, Domain) delivers a powerful homage to classic hard rock sound ala Whitesnake, Rainbow and Deep Purple. They say you either go big or go home. Well folks Carsten Lizard Schulz has gone big swinging for the fences and hit a grand slam! 'The Day The Earth Stopped Turning' will not be disappointing anyone who loves that vintage classic hard rock sound. The hardest thing will be for the listener to decide what track to rock out to next and just how many times to listen to it. Disc one has eight super charged rockers that include, "The Prize Is Shame", "Black Water Soul", "Dogs", and closes out with Deep Purple-ish vibe of "Man In Flames". Disc two is just as rocking offering up eight tracks as well. Highlights include, "Luck Star", "Song Like Rain", "Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten", "Brand New Fire"and "Postcards From Hell". Overall, the writing, vocals and the musicianship are superior. A must listen. Thank you Carsten Lizard Schulz and all the other musicians involved in this epic musical project. Well done.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
EXPEDITION DELTA II by Srdjan Brankovic
(Perris Records)
Expedition Delta is the project featuring guitarist, Srdjan Brankovic, founding member of AlogiA (The biggest seller of ProgMetal in Serbia). This project that perfectly blends melodic rock with progressive overtones making for one memorable listening experience and the project sophomore effort simply titled '2' , is certainly that. Srdjan Brankovic has created an album of solid songs while utilizing to the fullest the individual talents that he's put together. The majority of the songs are sung by Nikila Mijic and Andjela Isic. As far as musicians, he's a put together a brilliant group of very talented musicians, Bobby Koelble (guitar), Santiago Dobles (guitar), Nicola Di Gia (guitar), Ip Maesstro (bass), Marko Milojevic (drums), Vladimir Djedovic (keyboards)Mladen Gosic (keyboards) and Nevena Zivkovic (keyboards). Usually when you have a lineup of musicians of this magnitude, it is really difficult to create any sort of continuity or a cohesive chemistry. But, it's only a problem if the songs aren't good. When the songs are good, nobody cares whether or not they fit together and these songs are good. This recording has a great diversity of moods, both vocal and instrumental, which really spices things up. "Spectacular" and "Break The Rules" are high energy melodic rockers that have a great song along choruses. "Fly With Me" is a melodic progressive gem that has that Dream Theater meets Saga vibe to it. Other highlights include, "Without You", the instrumental, "The One Who Lives A Dream", "Don't Believe" and the album closing, "Connected", a instrumental piece that is incredibly moving. Really, all of the tracks stand out on here. Some melodic, some with progressive overtones. If your up for something adventurous that challenges your expectations, listen to this amazing recording. A brilliant album created by true musical savant. If you know any music fans who are tired of commercial music, point them in Srdjan Brankovic's direction. Chances are, they won't be disappointed. And neither will you. Very impressive indeed. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
TEN TON MOJO by Ten Ton Mojo
(Indpendent Release)
New York City based rockers, Ten Ton Mojo deliver a hard rocking sound that goes from go to whoa in no time flat!
Comprised of, Ernie Papp on vocals, Scott Lano on guitar, Gabe Mera on guitar, Chris Laubis on bass and Paul Kane on drums. The band's self titled debut packs a wallop from beginning to end. Their self titled debut is a balls to the wall rocker of a album, full of great hooks, melodies and a monster wall of guitars. The sound is raw and the riffs grab you, give you a good shaking and don't let go, and nor would you want them to! Each song is powerfully loaded with one serious hellacious attitude. Early highlights for me include "Gotta Get That Love", "One And Only", "Pinball Girl" and the bump and grind of "Ain't That Right", but you could pick this album up at any point and find a killer track. Production-wise, it's nice and straightforward; you get drums, bass, guitars and vocals - and lots of 'em. Great mix, very direct and sounds like something that could be really great live. Overall, if you like getting your rocks off to in your face hard rock, then you'll definitely get off big time with what Ten Ton Mojo bring to the table. Tight musicianship, strong vocals. These boys are the total package.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
TALES FROM THE SOUTH by Black Mountain Prophet
(Grooveyard Records)
Whiskey soaked rocking tunes that are well written, mixed in a sonic brew of emotion making, 'Tales From The South' the sophomore release from the Kentucky/Tennessee Based blues rock outfit, Black Mountain Prophet, a keeper. Jarrod England on lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar on the right speaker, slide guitar, harmonica and percussions. Bob Watkins (Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies) on guitar, Brian Witty on bass and Chris Hardesty on drums. The new album is drenched in a deep southern fried blues vibe that draws you in without any resistance. It's that type of album one might find in the back stock room of some funky old down south record shop. You'd pick it up, dust it off, put it on the player, drop the needle and hear something you may have heard before. As is evident of the first two tracks, the slide heavy, swamp boogie rocker, "Feel Good Mama", that packs one hell of a bite. Followed up by the freight train rocker, "Lay Down The Bottle", will make you think, wow... i've heard these songs before... but you haven't, but damn, it sounds so familiar. That is the overall vibe I got right off the bat. Other album highlights include the laid back country flavored, "Whiskey Don't Make Me Cry", the down and dirty swagger of "Milk Skin Woman". While "Brandy" has that Allman Bros meets Little Feet flair. "Front Porch Company" is cool as well with its deep south acoustic charm. Black Mountain Prophet really play to your emotions on this effort and after playing the album through you are thinking: wow that blew me away, I need to play this again! The sound fits the songs perfectly. All told, if you like no-nonsense blues based rock with both conviction and diversity, you can't go wrong with 'Tales From The South' a recording that is drenched in a deep blues southern flavored sound. Making for one serious gumbo and a listen that will certainly make you hungry for more! There's nothing missing here, in my opinion. Black Mountain Prophet has got it all: heart, swagger and soul in glorious abundance. I enjoyed ,'Tales From The South' immensely.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
CEREMONIAL THUNDER
by Snake Head Ritual
(Grooveyard Records)
Snake Head Ritual are a Blues based rock band from Perrysburg, Ohio who's Classic Rock meets Blues direction makes them a powerful musical force to be reckoned with. The band's sophomore more release, 'Ceremonial Thunder', is just as good, if not better, than their powerful debut. Everything about the production of this cd is excellent. Heavy riffs and vocals that stick in your head. This new album will put power in your punch...guaranteed! If you're a big fan of Blues based rock with an edge this album will light you up! For those new to the band, I would describe their vibe as a high breed mix of Mountain meets a heavier version of Cactus. The band is comprised of, Kevin Chez-vocals, Bill McCullough-lead and rhythm guitar , Matt Vogel-Rhythm guitar ,Chris Graham- bass guitar and Tim Swartz-drums. The band have really grown and matured as songwriters from their debut album as well as got an absolutely solid production job that adds serious clout to an already impressive album. The songs all rock and have some catchy choruses that allow the band to draw in more of an audience, but the catchiness never enters into the realm of pop-rock that would alienate their longtime fans. Favorites from the album are “Mama”, “These Blues”, "Gone When I Get Home" and "Sweet Molina / She's So Reckless" but the greatest percentage of the album just plain out rocks. If you like ‘70s inspired blues-rock or hard rock in general then you should check Snake Head Ritual out. It seems tough for me to imagine any hard rock fan not liking these guys, and it is definitely possible that they will reach a whole new audience with this monster of an album. For me, the band has really upped their game and is definitely going to make people take notice with this release. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
MOTORGUN by Motorgun
(Grooveyard Records)
The riff powered rock trio from Brazil known as Motorgun is a band surely resurrected from the 70's, although they are much louder and much heavier. Comprised of, Bebeto Daroz on vocals and guitar, Edinho on bass and Leo Mello on drums. The trio's powder keg self titled debut will give your senses a power trip ride of epic proportion into the land of the almighty riff. It's heavy as sin! The album contains songs that are extremely listenable because the good mix. Just listen to...well, any song. Almost every song is so damn heavy, with chugging, no doubt downtuned guitars and endless levels of distortion. Highlights include; "Heading For Tomorrow", "Deliverance", "Hellhounds" and "Whiskey, Woman & A Whole Lotta Blues. No two songs sound the same, yet at the same time, the whole album just trucks on by with it's uber-heavy blues based hard rock sound. This is the kind of pure, hard-driving rock you just wanna crank up on your car stereo and take a road-trip. Motorgun rock out with a genuine, talented immersion that will have guitars doing an intense psych/blues crawl all around your pure rock ‘n’ roll soul. The bottom line is, Motorgun's debut is intense as hell....I guarantee you will not be disappointed once you hit play, but rather impressed by the sheer force of this album and it's ability to move you. -
Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
JOURNEY TO THE STARS
by Blindside Blues Band
(Grooveyard Records)
'Journey To The Stars' is yet another mind blowing album by the Blindside Blues Band, featuring some of the best songs the band has written to date. Mike Onesko on vocals and guitar, Martin J. Andersen (Blindstone) on guitar, Steve Evans on bass and Jeff Martin on drums. This powerhouse of an album opens with the smoking title track powered by Onesko's and Andersen's guitar work that immediately draws the listener in. From there on its one smoking track right after another. Highlights include, "Rock N' Roll Is My Life", "Calling My Name", the rattlesnake rocker, "Freight Train", "Fly On High" and "Rolling Down The Highway". All eleven songs offered up are absolutely killer and the band plays each song with a hunger that you don't hear often enough in today's music. The guitar tandem of Onesko and Andersen are a match made in heaven. Both are amazing players. Each bringing their individual six string skill set to the table making for one hell of a listening experience. One thing is for certain they held nothing back in the guitar department. These guy's are monsters! Not to be outshined are the tight rhythm of bassist Steve Evans and drummer, Jeff Martin (X- Badlands/Racer X). The thing about, 'Journey To The Stars' and the Blindside Blues Band in general is that it brings you back to what was truly great about driving blues rock before it got taken over by the hair bands of the 80's. This is rock and roll that is reminiscent of the past but never imitative and not revisionist. Rock on Blindside Blues Band!-
Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SOUTHERN NATIVE by Blackfoot
(Loud & Proud Records)
Back in the 70's based out of Jacksonville Florida, Blackfoot stormed onto the rock music scene with their 1979 classic release, 'Strikes', serving up a brand of rompin', stompin,' rattlesnake rock n' roll that was packed with unbridled passion, attitude and swagger! The band's classic lineup consisted of guitarist and vocalist Rickey Medlocke, guitarist Charlie Hargrett, bassist Greg T. Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires. Well, that was then and this is now. Rickey Medlocke has reformed Blackfoot, with him acting as their producer, with a completely new line-up, lead guitarist and singer Tim Rossi, guitarist and vocalist Rick Krasowski, bassist Brian Carpenter and drummer Matt Anastasi. The players may have changed but the music stays the same. This is Blackfoot for new generations. The newly reformed Blackfoot unleash their powerful debut release, 'Southern Native', this recording is loaded! A fierce display of smoking heavy southern rock that pulls no punches and holds nothing back. The opening song, "Need My Ride," is an earth shaking alarm clock that could make you fall out of bed. The title track is a south of the border, hotter than a pepper, wall of southern rock at it's finest. Another barn stormer, "Call Of A Hero", will without a doubt call out your inner warrior rock and roll spirit and make you play air guitar! While, "Take Me Home" is heart felt and packed with passion. There is a killer take of Neil Young's classic, "Ohio". Ten tracks in all, no filler. These songs are damn good! All throughout this magnificent album, Tim Rossi's fine voice, shines throughout. And the rest of the band are tight as a drum. 'Southern Native' has it all, great vocals and powerful guitars with smoking hot solos which is a rarity nowadays. Blackfoot have definitely gone above and beyond the call of duty with this recording, giving their fans, old and new, a variety of killer classic and contemporary sounding songs. Hands down, without a doubt, one of the best rock albums to come out in 2016.-
Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS
by Shotgun Revolution
(Target Records)
'All This Could Be Yours" the latest release from Danish rockers Shotgun Revolution has a blues rock southern swagger written all over it. Shotgun Revolution is comprised of, Ditlev Ulriksen (vocals), Martin Frank (guitar), Henrik Berger (guitar), Michael V. Carlsen (bass) and Kasper Lund (drums). While it might be a slight difference from their previous releases, The band still delivers a new refreshing look into the world of modern blues based hard rock as well as firmly sticking to their roots. From start to finish the entire album rocks and rolls through to songs to the get up and fight songs there really isn't a weak spot on the album. If I had to take favorites I would say the foot stomping opener, "Don't Stop That Grind", the adrenaline pumping, "Rise To Power" and the bump and grind of "City On Fire". Other favorites include, "God's Damned Property" and the album closer "River Of Dreams". Shotgun Revolution are is a full-throttle modern rock band, with guitars that rock and a groove laden rhythmic attack. The high level of musicianship that they exhibit on this release should be commended. 'All This Could Be Yours' is an album that you can play from one end to the other, perfect for parties with your friends or chugging down the highway with the top down and the volume knob cranked to the max!
Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
BEST OF-VOL.1- THE SINGLES COLLECTION by Dirty Action
(Red Stone Records)
For those who like rock n roll of the more retro tip, if you haven't heard of Dirty Action, they are a band you should check out. They are the perfect musical blend of fury & attitude. DIRTY ACTION was born in early 2014 by the meeting of singer Tommy Karlson and three former members of the legendary French band, Pink Rose - Fabrice Fourgeaud (guitars), Pierre Bremond (bass) and Thierry Gaulme (drums). These boys wear their influences on their sleeve ranging from T-Rex, Slade, Queen to Guns N’ Roses and Thin Lizzy, creating a Rock sound all their own and that will definitely get your rock and roll juices flowing big time. This is no copycat band trying to commercially revisit what once was mainstream rock. This is the real thing and completely genuine. The band's debut release, 'Best of - Vol. 1- The Singles Collection, is loaded with 13 rockers that beg to cranked to "11". One thing is for certain, as soon as you hit play you get that warm feeling that you just might end up jumping around the room playing your air guitar. There are many stand out tracks on this album, notably the rocking, "Welcome To The Electric Circus" then there are the guitar powered movers, "Bad Boys", "Hell Is Without You", "Listen To The Radio" and "Porn Revenge". A solid listen from start to finish. The songs are catchy, addictive and very easy to sing along to, even when you don't even want to! Dirty Action restores my faith that possibly new rock bands could once again emerge to challenge the shallow, mind numbing, and sanitized current crop of mainstream bands who shun excellence in recording and engineering in order to present their bland and compressed sound that they consider to be their ideal sound as a band. A successful debut in every way that matters! Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SACRED GROUND by Dare
(Legend Records)
UK AOR legends Dare return with their latest and highly anticipated, 'Sacred Ground', the band's seventh studio release. Darren Wharton on vocals, Vinny Burns on guitars, Nigel Clutterbuck on bass, Marc Roberts on keyboards and Kevin Whitehead on drums. I was so happy to see Darren and Vinny back together again. The chemistry they shared on the band's first two releases, 'Out Of The Silence' and 'Blood From Stone' is still in tact and tight as ever. So, what kind of magic have Dare come up with this time around? Well, let's just say there are recordings that instantly grab you, while others tend to grow on you. What makes ' Sacred Ground' stand out is that it does both. For me, good songwriting and musical arrangements are always the core of a good album and this album has these qualities ten fold. The initial listen reveals a fantastic sounding album with mesmerizing songs and amazing vocals, but it was on repeated listens where this recording blew me away. An intoxicating blend of smooth rock infused with Celtic influences, mesmerizing melodies and Darren's sultry vocal style combined with Vinny's mesmerizing guitar lines are beautifully represented throughout the album. Drawing you in as soon as the album opener, the spellbinding, "Home" comes on. Other highlights include; the majestic, "I Hear You Pray", the touching "Every Time We Say Goodbye", "Days of Summer", "You Carried Me" and "Along The Heather" are simply out of this world. The songs are delivered with such passion. Overall, in my opinion, 'Sacred Ground’ could well be Dare's finest work to date. Yes, it's that good. From the superb production to the master class songwriting. This album is simply flawless. Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
