CD REVIEW: THE MORBID TANGO by Cosmosquad

THE MORBID TANGO by Cosmosquad
(Marmaduke Records)

L.A. based power trio known as Cosmo Squad are back with their latest and most powerful release, 'The Morbid Tango'. Jeff Kollman(Bombastic Meatbats, Glenn Hughes, Mogg/Way) on guitar, Shane Gaalaas (B'z, Diesel Machine, MSG) on drums, and Kevin Chown (Tarja, Bombastic Meatbats, Paul Gilbert) on bass. Incredible talent that continue to discover new territory. If there are three more accomplished musicians alive than these guys, I'd sure like to know who they are. Chops up the wazoo; musical sophistication to make a Julliard or Berklee professor blush. Every song on 'The Morbid Tango'is killer and has its own personality. Whether rock, fusion, or melodic , these tunes are well thought out with arrangements to die for. Personal favorites, "Morbid Tango", "Cyclops", "Anatomy Of A Beatdown", "The Crosses" and "Beyond Death's Door". You can get lost in these songs and shouldn't focus too long on one instrument because the sum is better than its parts. The songwriting is bolder and more aggressive than their previous releases and the interplay between musicians is so tight and flawless it will leave your jaw on the floor. If you don't know who The Cosmosquad are, you probably won't like this record, but if you know Jeff Kollman, Shane Gallas and Kevin Chown (go google it now) you know you should check this record out.'The Morbid Tango' is a auditory mind blowing experience that takes instrumental recordings to a whole new listening experience it will stimulate your senses in ways unimaginable.
  - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: GRACE STREET by Big Wreck

GRACE STREET by Big Wreck
(Zoe Records)

One of Canada's finest rock exports Big Wreck are back with their highly anticipated new release, 'Grace Street' the band's fifth studio recording. Ian Thornley on vocals/guitar along with Brian Doherty on guitars, Dave McMillan on bass and Chuck Keeping on drums. On their latest offering the band serve up a diverse organic classic rock vibe.  "It Comes As No Surprise" opens the album powered by Ian Thornley's vocal delivery followed by the catchy lead off single, "One Good Piece Of Me'. From there on the listening experience just gets better with tracks like,"Tomorrow Down", the Rolling Stone vibe of, "You Don't Even Know" and the Zepplish "Digging In" and the seven minute instrumental gem, "Skybunk Marché”. Overall, what we have here is music that grabs you instantly by the ears and keeps you entertained with short, sharp bursts of energy.  It draws from all aspects of Ian Thornley's creative work. Any of these songs could have been found on his previous albums without sounding too different, and yet at the same time Big Wreck has managed to move the bar up a few notches. 'Grace Street' buzzes with energy, bristles with power and blows you away in the sheer quality and diversity of music flowing into your ears. Whatever mood you are in, this album will lift it. 
  - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

This weeks playlist @ The Dedicated Rocker Society 1/23/2017 to 1/27/2017

This weeks playlist @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
1/23/2017 to 1/27/2017

Standing 8 by Choking Ghost
Sick Little Twisted Mind by Danger Danger
Love Walked In by Thunder
Backseat Friday Night by Split Nixon
I Need Love by Whitford/St. Holmes
You Don't Need To Be Old To Be Wise by Judas Priest
Stormy Monday (Live) by The Allman Bros
Highway Home by Tax The Heat
Ridin' The Storm Out by REP Speedwagon
Blood Red Laughter by Magnum
Don't Promise Her The Moon by Medicine Wheel
Love To Love by UFO
What Cost War? by Munetaka Higuchi's Dream Castle
Give My Love A Try by Gary Hughes
Back In Business Again by The Four Horsemen
Happily Ever After by The Poodles
Take Me Now by Shakra
Enemy In Me by H.E.A.T.
Angel Of Death by Thin Lizzy
Just Like An Arrow by Magnum
The Big Machine by The Wyldz
Rise by Hair Of The Dog
TV Killed Me by Magna-Fi
Wild At Heart by Dare
Our Love by Krokus
Steal Your Fire by Gun
The Last Time by Ragdoll
Chronicled Deceit by Glyder
Only Love Knows Why by Tony Mills
So Cold by Lionhsheart
Losing You by Seventhsign
Crazy by Jared James Nichols
Echoes/Fierce Heart by Fierce Heart
No Justice by Harem Scarem
Fool Fool by Axel Rudi Pell
Misery Loves Company by Westworld
Ball And Chain by Thunder
Shades Of Grey by Hardcore Superstar
Sonic Shake by Silver Ginger 5
Big Attraction by My Dynamite
What Are You Waiting For by Eden's Curse
Hedgeking by Gypsy Hawk
Kingmaker by Pretty Maids
Harmless by Black Swamp Water
Angels Cry by Beauvoir Free
Old Train by Monster Truck
Hero by Raveneye
Stranger To This Life by Revolution Saints
Rise To Power by Shotgun Revolution
Immaculate Deception by Black Sabbath
All Or Nothing by FM
Genocide by Judas Priest
Fire In Your Eyes by Sweet Mary Jane
Can't Stop The Fire by Praying Mantis
Long Time by Carousel
Matter In Hand by Palace
War Is Coming by Prime Creation

Tony and Bill @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: PRIME CREATION by Prime Creation

PRIME CREATION by Prime Creation
(Rambo Music)

Forged from the remains of the metal band, Morifade, rises the Swedish metallic juggernaut known as Prime Creation. The band's self titled debut is a melodic metal riff intense power ride that is guaranteed to summon your inner head banger spirit. The band is comprised of,  Esa Englund on vocals, Robin Arnell on lead guitar, Mathias Kamijo on rhythm guitar, Henrik Weimedal on bass and Kim Arnell on drums. I have to say, even if you're not a fan of traditional heavy metal in the vein of Nevermore or recent Evergrey, this album is still well worth checking out. Excellent guitars, melodramatic vocals that fit the music perfectly, crystal clear production. Every song is catchy, but the best tracks here are, the power driven, "War Is Coming", "Born In Fear", "27" and "Scream". The overall chemistry of the band is tight. Esa Englund's vocals are on point. While, the six string tandem of Robin Arnell and Mathias Kamijo whose guitar work here is outstanding. Keeping things grounded are bassist Henrik Weimedal and drummer, Kim Arnell. The riffs are simple yet effective, the moshing effects are pretty impossible to resist. I have to say when I was asked by the band if I would like review their album, I was a bit hesitant, but after listening to them, I'm glad I took them up on their offer.  Prime Creation an amazing band whose debut is an extremely well-rounded recording and deserves a place in any metal fan's collection.  - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: WINTER IN PARADISE by Sweet Mary Jane

WINTER IN PARADISE by Sweet Mary Jane
(AOR Heaven)

Swedish melodic rockers, Sweet Mary Jane make a powerful impression with their debut release produced by Lars Chriss of Lions Share, 'Winter In Paradise'. The band is comprised of, Tomas Berggren (vocals), Per Olof Asberg (guitar), Tomas Nasslin (keyboards, guitar), Alexander Olsson (bass) and Andreas Sparby (drums). The band formed in the summer of 2012 in Sundsvall, Sweden, by Tomas Nässlin (ex, Roulette), Per Olof Åsberg (ex-Airborn) and young talents Alexander Olsson (ex-Anacondah) and Andreas Sparby (ex-L.A.C.K.).  Initial thoughts as far as sound think melodic rock in the vein of, Strangeways with hints of Survivor .  It is a wonderfully crafted album of solid songs, guitar ( not too heavy) clear vocals and a solid production. There are several melodic gems offered up including the lead off single, "Fire In Your Eyes", "No Retreat, No Surrender", the catchy "Madeleine", "Angel Of Mine" and "Keep The Fire Burning". The fact is every track is fantastic, there are no weak ones here. A impressive debut outing indeed. Overall, Sweet Mary Jane have delivered an album brimming with melodic gems that really demands everyone sit up and take notice and once again proudly raises the flag of the melodic rock world.
 - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

This weeks playlist @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

This weeks playlist @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
1/16/2017 to 1/20/2017

Reach by Tyketto
Mama by Snake Head Ritual
White Sister by Toto
Black Hole Star by Kee Marcello
9th Of November by Victory
Riot (Live) by Blue Murder
Fighting The Mountains by Oliver Weer
Tomorrow's Dream by Sideburn
The Last Rock And Roll Star by Paul Gilbert & Freddie Nelson
You Keep Me Waiting by The Storm
World On Fire by Black Swamp Water
Dirty Little Secret by Mother Road
Fire With Fire by Tower City
Naughty Naughty (Live) by Danger Danger
Love Never Dies by MSG
Thirsty by The New Roses
Love Games (Live) by Pretty Maids
Better Ask Yourself by Vagabond
Thunder From The North by Blindstone
Come Undone by 20DarkSeven
Don't Keep Me Waiting by Heaven And Earth
Missing You by HSAS
Spit It Out by Odd Man Out
Bang Goes The Bell by Babylon A.D.
Where You Gonna Run by Firefly
Cryin' Shame by Cold Sweat
Hard Times by Garbo Talks
One Love by W.E.T.
Love Had Taken It's Toll by Saraya
Firedance by Gotthard
Midnight Angel by Big Bad Wolf
Amnesia by Tora Tora
Wild Wild Woman by Dynamite
Love Without A Net by Under Suspicion
No One's Slave by Franklin Zoo
Shine Your Light On Me by Bad Habit
Mean Machine by Faith Healer
Great White Buffalo by Goldsboro
Moving In For The Kill by Rhett Forrester
Welcome To Fat City by Crobot
Magic Maker by Riot
Fuel The War Machine by MotoJesus
Even I Don't Know by The Golden Gods
Blue Monday by King Karma
Freight Train by Snake Eyes Seven
To Outrun The Light by John Wesley
Delivering The Goods by Judas Priest
Angel In Black by Bangalore Choir
Superman by Mama Kin
Magic Hat by Roadstar
State Of Grace by Journey
Walk In The Shadow by Queensryche
Face Of An Angel by Pink Cream 69
White Sister by Swedish Erotica
Lick And A Promise by Aerosmith
Mean Streets by Van Halen
Knocking At Your Back Door by Deep Purple
That's Just The Way That It Is by Uriah Heep
The Lizard by Saigon Kick
Out For Blood by Icon
Made For Love by XYZ
No Stranger To Love by Black Sabbath with Tony Iommi
I'm A Fighter by Van Zant
What Is Love (Without You) by Von Groove

Tony and Bill @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SILVER by Gotthard

SILVER by Gotthard
(G Records)

'Swiss rock legends Gotthard are back with their highly anticipated new release, 'Silver'. Nic Maeder (vocals), Leo Leoni (guitar), Freddy Scherer (keyboards), Marc Lynn (bass), Hena Habegger (drums). The new album was recorded at the Yellow House Studio in Lugano. This third release with vocalist, Nic Maeder was produced by Charlie Bauerfeind (Helloween, Blind Guardian) and Leo Leoni. For me, Gotthard encompasses everything that is great about melodic hard rock. On this latest effort the band prove my point. Serving up a great variety dishing out rockers like, "Silver River", "Electrified", "Everything Inside", "Tequila Symphony No. 5" and "My Oh My". Along with a few mid tempo movers in the form of, "Stay With Me" and "Reason For This". What would a Gotthard album be with a power ballad? The band does not disappoint offering up, "Not Fooling Anyone" and "Why". As usual, the vocals, musicianship and production are flawless and the flow of the album is superb, songs seem to fit seamlessly. Listening to the album its obvious that Nic Maeder has comfortably taken the reigns as the band's frontman as he delivers with a solid vocal performance. I thought his vocals on 'Bang!', were strong this time around though his vocals are on point. Overall, 'Silver' is a superb slab of melodic hard rock and it's great to see a band that's been around as long as Gotthard still cranking out quality music. 
 - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: TURBO 30 (Remastered 30Th Anniversary Edition) by Judas Priest

TURBO 30 (Remastered 30Th Anniversary Edition) by Judas Priest
(Sony Music)

'Thirty years after it was unleashed, 'Turbo', the tenth release from Heavy Metal icons, Judas Priest, gets remastered and reissued in two formats.  A three CD package with the album fully remastered as well as the two CD live concert recorded in Kansas City during the band’s Fuel For Life World Tour. While some may may not taken to this album, I loved it. The album incorporated glam and hair metal influences, synthesizers, big reverb production. Granted it may have been an attempt to attract a broader music fan base beyond the realm of the die hard Judas Priest fan, but still an all around rock solid recording. From the sing along "Rock You All Around The World", to the adrenaline charge of "Locked in and "Hands Off", to the dark sinister swagger of "Out in the Cold", to the riff intense arena anthem "Reckless". To hear these songs remastered just enhances the listening experience at the same time bringing back great memories. Judas Priest have never been afraid to experiment with their sound, and 'Turbo' was a successful result of that. Disc two and three captures The Priest live in all their metallic glory live in Kansas City on their Fuel For Life world tour. Both discs are loaded with the band's hits. Disc two set list: Out In the Cold, Locked In, Heading Out To The Highway, Metal Gods, Breaking The Law, Love Bites, Some Heads Are Gonna Roll,The Sentinel, Private Property, Desert Plains and  Rock You All Around The World. Disc three set list: The Hellion/Electric Eye, Turbo Lover, Freewheel Burning, Victim Of Changes, The Green Manalishi (With The Two -Pronged Crown) ,Living After Midnight, You've Got Another Thing Coming and Hell Bent For Leather.  Overall, this 30th anniversary edition for 'Turbo' is a superb three disc set and a must for Judas Priest fans. 
 - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: FIREBIRD by Maverick

FIREBIRD by Maverick
(Independent Release)

'Firebird', the powerhouse debut from Australian rockers, Maverick is rock music as it should be with swagger and attitude. Seriously, when you press play you cannot resist it's incredible draw. The band is comprised of, Craig Jovanovic on vocals/guitar Mark De Vattimo on guitar/vocals, Simon Hallett on bass/vocals and Nick Dudman on drums/vocals. The band's main strength is taking their blues infused classic rock sound and making it vibrant rather than just regurgitating tired old formulas.  This four-piece are an impressive, tight outfit and there is very little flab on this lean, mean album which packs a one hell of a punch. Serving up rattlesnake rockers like, "Free", "Break Me", "Black Voodoo", "Great Northern Highway" and "Silent Scream" while also dishing out a couple of laid back bluesier numbers like, "Obsession" and "Tonight We Die". This is a album  for music fans who know and appreciate phenomenal blue infused classic rock. The bottom line,  'Firebird' by Maverick is a tour de force of musicianship and songwriting influenced by the classic rock greats and adding their own greatness. An absolutely brilliant debut outing. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: VENDETTA by Niterain

VENDETTA by Niterain
(Live Music)

Norwegian rockers, Niterain are back with their sophomore release, 'Vendetta', following up on the heels on their powerful debut, 'Crossfire'. Sebastian Tvedtnæs – vocals, Adrian Persen – guitar, Frank Karlsen – bass and Morten Garberg – drums. While their debut had killer songs for the most part this new album is a whole different beast.  The songs are heavy, and in-your-face, yet also highly melodic, and filled with killer solos. Singer Sebastian Tvedtnæs has a very distinct set of pipes that make him unique and set him apart from all the generic wannabe rock singers. Adrian Persen ccomes up with terrific, catchy riffs and solos. It's hard to choose any standouts, because really the whole album rocks, top to bottom. Right from the beginning the album starts out with a bang with, "Lost And Wasted", then proceeds to rock your socks off with rockets like, "Come Out", "Rock N' Roll", "One More Time", " #1 Bad Boy" and "Electric". This album represents the very essence of the band, with everything hittin’ harder and rockin’ bigger, no half measures, no punches pulled. The bottom line here is, you put this album on and you won't hit pause. 'Vendetta' by Niterain is just pure balls to wall rock. Proving that rock isn't dead and its far from it. Get a beer and crank this mother up full and rock! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society