CD REVIEW: SWAMP REBEL MACHINE by Scattered Hamlet

SWAMP REBEL MACHINE by Scattered Hamlet
(Buck Moon Productions)

Scattered Hamlet are back with their sophomore release, 'Swamp Rebel Machine'. They've come through with 11 songs of riff loaded swampy, intense rumble-rock they've coined "Honky Tonk metal". Picking up where they left off with the debut, 'Skeleton Dixie'. The band is comprised of, Adam Joad - Vocals, Harmonica, Guitar; Jake Delling Le Bas - Drums; Richard Erwin - Bass, Vocals; Adam Newell - Lead Guitar, Vocals. Dishing out a high octane powered sound that is packed with one hellacious attitude. The mixture of hard rock, metal, and southern fried country rock hits you in the face like a sledgehammer.  Right off the bat, "Battle Hymn", sets things off like a stick of dynamite. From there your senses are hit from all angles with rockers like, "Whip-Poor-Will", " "Stonewall Jackson", the down and dirty title track, "Outlaw Breed" and the Molly Hatchet vibe of, "Rimfire". This album is 100 % proof of supercharged rock and one that begs to be played at maximum volume.  If you're a fan of bands like Down, Kyuss, Nashville Pussy, Sixty Watt Shaman, Corrosion of Conformity, and just good ol' hard rock in general, then you'll appreciate what Scattered Hamlet bring to the table. Overall, 'Swamp Rebel Machine' is packed with  a strong set of songs. A damn, damn strong set of songs. If you like Scattered Hamlet already this album is a must-have, it's a fresh and vital sounding blast of the band doing what they do best with enough of a twist not to sound like they're repeating themselves. If you are new to the band, it would be a great place to start.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: THE DEVIL RIDES OUT by Herman Frank

THE DEVIL RIDES OUT by Herman Frank
(AFM Records)

Veteran guitarist, Herman Frank (Accept, Victory, Moon' Doc) returns with latest effort, ' The Devil Rides Out', picking up where he left off with, ' Right In The Guts'. Vocalist Rick Altzi (Masterplan) continues to be part of the line-up, complemented by Rage drummer André Hilgers and Jaded Heart bassist Michael Müller. This latest outing is packed with meaty sound that just powers through the entire album, some really catchy riffs, great guitar and drum work, topped with some edgy vocals. I have to say Rick Altzi's vocals sound great, there is a certain edge to his vocal delivery this time out. As a whole, the band sounds tight and like they really mean business. The music is explosive and bombastic on a grand scale, and in combination with the production, it jumps out of the speakers. "Running Back" is a cracking opener and then the great songs keep coming, difficult to single out the best but certainly, the title track, "No Tears In Heaven", the lead off single, "Balhog Zone", "Stone Cold" and "Dead Or Alive" do it for me. Rifferamma abounds as loaded teutonic hard rock anthems follow one after the other. This is hard rock at its essence that is guaranteed to piss off the cool kids and adult with serious pretentions. Crunchy riffs, impressive solos and memorable vocal patterns are what this album is all about, and it delivers the goods to keep the listener engaged and leave them satisfied at the album's conclusion. Overall, 'The Devil Rides Out' is a stunner of an album. There are so many memorable moments and catchy riffs on here that it almost doesn’t hit you right away just how very well-written and impressive it is.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: CONTAGIOUS by Overland

CONTAGIOUS by Overland 
(Escape Music)

One of the best voices in rock music, Steve Overland returns with his latest endeavor, 'Contagious' and if you like an album that is packed with great melodic rock songs, this album is certainly that. Like his previous solo efforts, 'Diamond Dealer' and 'Epic', this new album is everything any fan of melodic rock could ever want. Backing Steve up are, Tommy Denander (guitar, keyboards), Tony Franklin (bass) and Lars Chriss (drums). I've been a fan of Steve Overland since the 80's when he fronted Wildlife and of course his classic work with FM and the other numerous projects he's been involved in. For me, it doesn't matter who Steve Overland works with, everything he does is superb. 'Contagious' is proof of that. Highlighted with tracks like, "Doctor My ", "Edge Of The Universe", "Wildest Dreams", "Pocket Full Of Dreams" and "Shame On You", the songs are well crafted, well balanced and well produced. Steve Overland's is one point sounding soulful and powerful as ever, and it would be remiss not to mention, Tommy Denander's outstanding guitar work and the tight groove served up by Tony Franklin and Lars Chriss. The overall chemistry of the musicians fit the songs like a glove. If you like melodic rock music with catchy hooks, sing along choruses and love singing along an open highway in the Summer with the roof down, this album is just what the doctor ordered. Steve Overland with 'Contagious' has put out a another great album that is executed with power and finesse from beginning to end. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

DOORS TO NO WHERE by The Haunting

DOORS TO NO WHERE by The Haunting
(Independent Release)

Doors To No Where' is a impressive debut outing for the California based rock trio, The Haunting.  The trio is comprised of, Marc Lewis on guitars and vocals, Sean Sanford on bass and vocals and Pete Testoff on drums.  The trio dish out a mix of stoner style grooves and traditional rocking riffs with an old school rock vibe with plenty of variation. All nine tracks on this recording display their own unique heavy guitar riffs, flowing drums and solid vocals. Whether in the sinister rocking vibe of "Devil's Backbone,' the riff laden rocker, "Burn" or the swagger filled intensity of 'Wires'. If you like heavy things, there will be something here that gives your senses immense pleasure, no matter how narrow your tastes. If you have the slightest interest the hard rock music genre, you really need to check out, 'Doors To No Where' by The Haunting.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ROTH BROCK PROJECT by Roth Brock Project

ROTH BROCK PROJECT by Roth Brock Project 
(Frontier Music)

Guitarist John Roth (Winger, Starship, Giant) and vocalist Terry Brock (Strangeways, Giant, Leroux) along with Scott Trammell on drums join forces to bring you the highly anticipated debut outing of the, Roth Brock Project. This debut is powerful, loaded with enough melodic hard rock firepower to rock your senses numb for days. The opening tracks, "Young Gun", "What's It To Ya", "Young Again" and "If That's What It Takes", kick off the album in impressive and powerful style - great driving summer tunes with Terry Brock's powerful vocals lifting the songs to another level along Joe Roth's amazing guitar work. "Distant Voices", "Fighter" and the album closing rockers, "Reason To Believe", are also amazing tracks.  The overall vibe to the album is influenced by the best of guitar powered melodic hard rock music. Everything about the Roth Brock Project is top class, their songwriting is up there with the best in the business. Their songs sounds fresh and are loaded with punch and attitude. If high energy feel good rock is your thing, then your so gonna love what John Roth and Terry Brock have created on this recording.  A very impressive debut outing indeed. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SABBATH HIGHWAY by The Watchers

SABBATH HIGHWAY by The Watchers
(Ripple Music)

The five song monster debut Ep, 'Sabbath Highway' by San Francisco Bay rockers, The Watchers is a recording that lays down its intense intentions on your senses as soon as you press play. The recording sounds big and meaty, with an immense drum sound yet at the same time sounds like an old undiscovered vinyl gem from back in the 70's. The Watchers are powered by vocalist Tim Narducci and bassist Cornbread (SpiralArms, White Witch Canyon), Orchid drummer Carter Kennedy and guitarist Jeremy Von Eppic (BlackGates, The Venting Machine). Talk about making a statement! It's "Riff City" from start to finish with, "Sabbath Highway", "Requiem" that segues into riff powered "Call The Priest", "Today" and "Just A Needle", every song is so damn good, each one locked and loaded with supercharged guitar riffs and go for throat vocals. The bass rumbles with the sound of the breaks of an 18-wheeler, and the drums pound away with talented power.  The understanding of each other's instruments and capabilities seems perfect, the balance and energy they fuse rivals, and maybe even betters, anything any of the members have done before. The Watchers have created a recording that's just a sheer blast to listen to. The sound is phenomenal, the riffs and the hooks just seep into your bones. Expect no mercy! You won't be able to get these songs out of your head for months. This band is straight-up BAD-ASS! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HITNRUN by HitNRun

HITNRUN by HitNRun
(Lion's Pride Music)

Better late than never, so the saying goes. Twenty five years after breaking onto the music scene East coast rockers, HitNRun finally unleash their powerhouse self titled debut upon the rock and roll masses. This is a band that opened for national recording acts like, Dirty Looks, Tyketto, and Widowmaker. Comprised of,  Eric Montoya (vocals), Jareth Grealish (guitar), Mark Sutorka (guitar), Dan Whitman (bass) and Beckett Grealish (drums). HitNRun's self titled debut delivers and delivers big! Pulling no punches and is solid from start to finish. The album thunders out of your speakers like a train at full steam rolling with tracks like, "Shot Of Love", "King Of Fools", "Got The Fire", "Take It To The Limit" and "Wild And Crazy Days", songs that have great hooks and attitude. I have to say the songs stand up well even twenty five years after being recorded. There is not a filler anywhere on the album. The guitar work is powerful and really adds to the songs - no gratuitous widdling or aimless solos but good support for spot on vocals and tight riffs. HitNRun served up hard rock music as it should be played. If you're a fan of swagger infused hard rock a la Skid Row, Wildside and Cinderella this is one album that is really worth checking out. You won't be disappointed! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: THE BOOK by Graham Bonnet Band

THE BOOK by Graham Bonnet Band
(Frontier Records)

If time was on his side Graham Bonnet would have been more well known than having to be one of the many singers to have sung at the mic for Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow where his vocals shined on "Since You Been Gone" and "All Night Long". As well as stints and shinning as well, with Alcatrazz and Impelliteri. On his latest offering, the two disc set, 'The Book', Graham Bonnet has, in my opinion, put forth his best work to date. Sounding better than ever.  The band that is backing Graham up here are a group of talented musicians, Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England) on keyboards Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Mark Zonder (Fates Warning /Slavior) on drums and Angelo Vafeiadis on keyboards. The songs on 'The Book' remind me a lot of Graham's work on Alcatrazz's 'Distributing The Peace' and if you like that album, as I do, I can guarantee you'll find pleasure in this effort. It sure seems as Graham put a lot energy into the song writing.  As is evident on tracks like, "Into The Night", "Welcome To My Home", "Rider", the powerful, "Dead Man Walking", the Rainbow-ish vibe of the title track and the energetic mover "California Air".  Graham Bonnet really shines on this recording. As does the band that are dialed in as far as chemistry. I have to mention guitarist, Conrado Pesinato, this guy shreds it up in spectacular fashion on this recording and he doesn't miss a beat! I am blown away by his abilities! As a bonus, for his fans, Graham has included a second disc featuring a 16 tracks of re-recorded classic tracks from Graham's career. That features, "All Night Long", "Lost In Hollywood", "Since You Been Gone", "Assault Attack", "Desert Song", "Island In The Sun" and "God Blessed Video". What can I say? Inspiring would be the way to explain him. Some people when they have a career as long as him start to show their slowing down and the product is not their best, but with Graham Bonnet is like the Ever Ready bunny. He just keeps going and going and is top notch. If you are a fan of Graham's previous solo work as well as with, Rainbow, MSG and Alcatrazz, it's a no brainer, 'The Book', is a must own.
 - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: KINGMAKER by Pretty Maids

KINGMAKER by Pretty Maids
(Frontier Records)

Danish rock legends, Pretty Maids return with their highly anticipated  release, 'Kingmaker', the band's thirteenth studio recording. Ronnie Atkins on vocals, Ken Hammer on guitars, Rene Shades on bass and Allan Tschicaja on drums. The new album was produced by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Primal Fear). Once again the gents from Denmark deliver an album that is nothing short of superb. Serving up a melodic hard rock feast for the ears pushing their artistic boundaries, not so much in an attempt to invent a new sound, but to put together a rocking album that captures the attitude, energy and passion that their fans have come to know and love. After my initial listen to the album I am really digging all the tracks especially, "When God Took A Day Off", the title track, "Humanize Me", "Bull's Eye", "King Of The Right Here And Now", and "Was That What You Wanted". Ken Hammer is still cranking out wicked guitar hooks and Ronnie Atkin's rough and ready vocals sound better than ever. I've been a fan of Pretty Maids since 'Red, Hot & Heavy' and the thing that impresses me about them is their ability to evolve with each album they release, and give the listener something that is genuinely different to the last offering. So many bands churn out album after album using the same tired old formula, but not Pretty Maids. 'Kingmaker' is one of the best melodic hard rock releases you’ll hear this year. One that is sure to get some serious replay time for me for months to come.  - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SOLAS by The Answer

SOLAS by The Answer
(Napalm Records)

UK based rockers, The Answer have certainly evolved since their debut release, 'Rise'. Each release taking their sound to a whole new level. On their latest release, 'Solas', there are definitely different elements coming together here with something that has soul and a good old blues rock infusion. The Answer are comprised of, just in case you are new to the band, Cormac Neeson - vocals, Paul Mahon - guitar, Michael Waters - bass and James Heatley - drums. Yes, their sound is retro, but they always somehow manage to sound fresh and exciting. Their previous recordings certainly had plenty of that late sixties early seventies psychedelic rock sound in their with touches of Zeppelin, The Who, Free etc. On this album the soulful rock sound is still very much there, but the Zeppelin references aren't quite as obvious, which is good thing, they really do sound far more themselves. Highlights include, the title tracks, "Battle Cry", "In This Light", "Left Me Standing" and "Demon Driven Man".  'Solas' carries a slightly wider musical palette than its predecessors, but the songs are well done. The band sounds really tight and on point while Cormac Neeson shows off his vocals prowess throughout showing off the true beauty of his singing. I have to admit it took a few listens for me to get into this album and let it sink in, its pleasures were not as immediately obvious as on the previous albums, but after a few listens it won me over. 'Solas', is an immersive listening experience. In these days of so much bland pop bands it's pleasure to hear guys such as The Answer still willing to make music with real soul. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: LONG WAY TO THE LIGHT by Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker

LONG WAY TO THE LIGHT by Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker
(High Roller Records)

It is an absolute travesty that Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker are not even a blip on the modern American rock and roll radar and is a testament to where rock in the states has completely ignored and traded its roots in blues and r&b for that "who can sound harder while rapping with drop-D tuning" boring bullcrap. Which brings me to Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker latest release, 'Long Way To The Light'. A straight on rock and roll album with shades of 70's classic rock and with a modern rock edge. For me, this reminds me of a little bit Thin Lizzy meets The Hellacopters and a pinch of rock and roll attitude thrown in for good measure and voila, you have a really tight rock and roll album. After a couple of plays, I was totally in the groove, the immediate standouts being, "Send Her My Love", "Traveling Through the Dark", "Break Away from This Broken Heart","The Hollow in a Rising Tone" and "No I Don't". Robert Pehrsson's vocal delivery and amazing guitar work, plus the band's tight chemistry and powerful delivery, never allow you to forget that you're listening to Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker.  All in all, 'Long Way To The Light' is an action packed collection of righteously charged rock and roll numbers from a truly an amazing band. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: GRIT by Psycho Kiss

GRIT by Psycho Kiss
(Independent Release)

There is a massive shortage of quality female fronted hard rock. While groups like Nightwish are abundant, true hard hitting rock is much harder to find. Which makes the latest release by UK based rockers, Psycho Kiss called,  'Grit' a breathe of fresh air.  The band is comprised of, Helen Ceri Clarke on vocals, Paul O Brien on lead guitar,  Tom Williams on bass,  Pete Rose rhythm guitar and  Pennfold on drums. The band's writing comes across as  genuine. They present the familiar themes of sex, love, rocking out and rebellion in their own style without making them sound cliche'. Helen Ceri Clarke's vocals are powerful and versatile as she can go. From melodic to belting out all out rockers with the best of them and the band is tight with all the songs mixed to emphasize that each musician knows how to play their weapon of choice. The songs are all effectively structured and the lyrics are well written rockers that deliver the goods. There is a great range of intensities on this album. The band's passion for the music clearly comes across in all eleven tracks and the album is stronger for it.  From the ballsy titled track" that sets the table for rockers like, "Scream Queens", "Sociopathic Superstar", "Even Better If", "Devil Inside" and "Bloodmoon". I kid you not, this album is fully loaded and guaranteed to rock your senses. The bottom line here is simple.  A rock solid and well produced album of hard rock music the way it was meant to be. In an age of over-produced, synthetic junk, "Grit" is an album with great songs that have bite. Psycho Kiss is a rock band who knows the meaning of how to rock and can back it up.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT by Imperial State Electric

ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT by Imperial State Electric 
(Psychout Recordings)

Swedish based rockers Imperial State Electric are back with their latest release, ' All Through The Night'.  Nicke Andersson, on vocals, guitar, Dolf de Borst on backing vocals, bass Tobias Eggenon backing vocals, guitar and Tomas Eriksson on drums, percussion. For those who like their rock n roll on a more retro tip and haven't heard of Imperial State Electric they are a band you should definitely check out. As soon as you put press play you get that warm feeling that you just might end up jumping around the room playing your air guitar. I have to say, the guitars have been brought a bit more to the front of the mix this time around and especially on the tracks like, "Empire Of Fire" and "Bad Timing". That being said, there are many stand out tracks on this album, notably the catchy title track, "Remove Your Doubt", a track that could have been taken off any Hellacopters' album. "Over And Over Again", the adrenaline filled rock and rolling, "Get Off The Boo Boo Train" and "Would You Lie". In general this is a very varied album and thus every song is memorable. If you liked the band's previous outing like, 'Reptile Brain Music' and "Honk Machine', you should not delay in checking out, ' All Through The Night'.  Big guitars, great production, and songs that stick to your brain  It's that good. No matter which album of this band you get, you will not be disappointed. Great place to start your collection as well. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: MATTER OF FAITH by Soul Seller

MATTER OF FAITH by Soul Seller
(Tanzan Music)

Soul Seller return after a five year hiatus with their sophomore release, 'Matter Of Faith' featuring twelve tracks and a brand new line up. Eric Concas (vocals)
Dave Zublena (guitar, backing vocals),  Simone Morandotti (keyboards), Cris Audsio (guitar, backing vocals)Mike Zublena (bass) and Italo Graziana (drums, backing vocals). The new album was produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints). Eric Concas's vocals are quite forceful and effective and really caught my attention. His vocals are my favorite aspect of this album. The album's musicianship, songwriting, and production are solid and spirited. I like the keyboard playing, the guitar play between Dave Zublena and Cris Audsio is cool and energetic. The opening track "Neverending" is just a killer, totally commercial melodic hard rock tune. The chorus line seemed like it came out from the glory 80's and the solo is right on point.  From there it's a steady dose of melodic rock at it's finest with, "Given To Live", "Tide Is Down", "Get Stronger" and the epic, "Echoes From A Distant Future". Soul Seller with this album have managed to come up with an album full of substance that is definitely not you average AOR release while effectively demonstrating all the characteristics of the genre. 'Matter Of Faith' is  a cohesive album that gives off exciting energy. It sounds pretty fresh and definitely worth a listen.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: PROMISED LAND by Smokey Fingers

PROMISED LAND by Smokey Fingers
(Tanzan Music)

Italian based Southern rockers Smokey Fingers return and are firing on all cylinders with their latest release, 'Promised Land'. Comprised of, Gianluca “Luke” Paterniti: lead & backing vocals, Diego “Blef” Dragoni: electric & acoustic guitars, banjo Fabrizio Costa: bass and Daniele Vacchini: drums & percussions. For me, Southern rock has always threaded on the boundary with country, which gives most of it the swing that defines it. We hear a healthy dose of blues and (usually) anthems of boozing, womanizing and basically kicking somebody's ass. What sets Smokey Fingers apart from the rest is their classic rock sound. The guitars are up front with smoking licks, wicked slide combined with a solid vocalist make for one memorable listen. The opening song, "Black Madame," is an earth shaking alarm clock that could make you fall out of bed. Other album highlights include, the powerful, "Rattlesnake Trail", "Damage Is Done", "Floorwashing Machine Man" and "Turn It Up," is a south of the border hot pepper of number. Really, not a bad song among the bunch. 'Promised Land' is a slab of high energy smoking southern rock anyway you slice it. So if you like the heavier moments from bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers and Molly Hatchet then give Smokey Fingers a shot. Absolutely essential for Southern rock fans or anyone who has never heard the band. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society