DYING EMBERS by Shape Of The New Sun
(Lion Pride Music)
'Dying Embers' the amazing debut outing for the Swedish rock outfit Shape Of The New Sun is such a strong and diverse album I am not quite sure where to begin? How about giving you a quick low down on the four amazing musicians that make up this amazing band. Thomas Kihlberg on vocals and guitar gifted with strong vocals that range from soaring high to swooping low tones. In Ivan Persic on guitar the band have a awesome guitarist. Be warned some of Persic's riffs and solos will snarl and spit venom from your speakers, such is the passion with which he plays. While Håkan Holmström on bass and Tomas Persic on drums form a massively powerful rhythm section. The album is laced
with eleven really strong tracks laced with great grooves. Highlights include, "Babylon", the title track, "Ghost From The Past", "Majestic" and "Worth Dying For". The high quality is maintained throughout. ' Although the band my draw their musical influences from the past, it's clear Shape Of The New Sun are an amazing rock band in their own right. Dying Embers' proves itself to be a great debut album. Mixing up fast, mid-paced and a few slower tracks to good effect, showing a very talented band, hopefully, on the rise.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
LOUDER, HARDER, FASTER by Warrant
(Frontier Records)
Warrant are back their latest release, 'Louder, Harder, Faster'. The second album featuring Robert Mason handling vocals. I admit I was skeptical to listen to them after Jani died. I turn away from band whose frontman tries to imitate and the original singer. That being said, I've always been a fan of Robert Mason's work in Lynch Mob and Big Cock. He has such depth and feel in his vocals that differs from Jani bringing a whole new vibe to the band's overall sound. Hell, Brian Johnson did that when he took over for Bon Scott of AC/DC. Rounding out the band are, Joey Allen on lead and rhythm guitar, Erik Turner on rhythm and lead guitar, Jerry Dixon on bass guitar and Steven Sweet on drums. Produced by Foreigner and ex-Dokken bass player Jeff Pilson (Last In Line, Starship, Dio,etc.). The band deliver a fine follow up to 'Rockaholic' and in my opinion, a much stronger and better sounding album. This time boasting more guitars and bigger choruses. Jeff Pilson's production is on point allowing everybody to shine through the mix without making the band sound airbrushed. As is evident as soon as you press play and the adrenaline loaded title track blasts out of your speakers. No let down with the energy as the band rock on with, "Devil Dancer", "Perfect", "Only Broken Heart" before changing pace with "U In My Life" and laid back swagger of, "Music Man". At the end of the day through solid production, well crafted lyrics, exceptionally executed musicianship and infectious band chemistry, what Warrant delivers here can be described in three words: THIS ALBUM ROCKS. This is without doubt one of many albums this year worth not overlooking. There's no filler on this album: every track is a winner. So pop it in and crank it up for an amazing experience.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
II by Inglorious
(Frontier Records)
UK rockers Inglorious return with their sophomore release, 'II'. Powered by Nathan James on vocals, Andreas Eriksson on ead guitars, Wil Taylor on guitars, Colin Parkinson on bass guitar and Phil Beaver on drums. The new album once again produced by the band. Mixed by Kevin Shirley and mastered by Tony Draper. Curious to hear if the band would fall into that "sophomore slump", I have to say I was really impressed as soon as I hit play. The overall musical vibe is more organic and has that recorded live in studio vibe, which I love. The album opens with bluesy rocker, " I Don't Need Your Loving", and it's obvious that this time around the band mean business and hits like a freight train, and is enough to at least plant the seed that this band may in fact be worthy of the hype. Serving up their classic rock infused sound echoing such greats like, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Bad Company, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, but certainly putting their own stamp on it. You can hear the growth of the band on this album. "Taking The Blame", "Tell Me Why", "Read All About It" and "Making Me Pay", beg to played at maximum volume. While the soulful, "Change Is Coming" and "Faraway", showing that even when the band decides to downshift they still deliver power and passion. Nathan James's vocal delivery is on point. This man has no inhibitions as he sings as if he was born doing this. Clearly, he is no solo act, his band mates are easily able to keep pace with him and sound like well oiled machine. Overall, this second outing by Inglorious is solid front to back following the same formula as their self titled debut and taking it to the next level. The Rock and Roll train just arrived in the station. Get on. Hang on. enjoy the ride! Great job Gents!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
UNITED by Harem Scarem
(Frontier Records)
Harem Scarem return with their anticipated latest release, 'United', serving up 11 songs all powered by that Harem Scarem sound courtesy of Harry Hess (lead vocals, keyboards), Pete Lesperance (guitars, bass, keyboards), long-time drummer Creighton Doane, and backing vocals from original drunmer Darren Smith. So, is the new album as great as 'Mood Swings' or on par with 'Weight Of The World? No, but it is quintissential Harem Scarem. 'United', showcases what a powerful and tight unit this band truly is. Harry Hess, sounds better than ever. Pete Lesperance, what a underrated guitarist, his playing shines holding nothing back delivering unique riffs and solos that bleed virtuosity on every track. Highlights include the massive chorus hook and killer solo of opening title track, "Here Today Gone Tomorrow", "Gravity", the lead off single, "Sinking Ships", the amazing "One Of Life's Mysteries" " that features a huge vocal chorus by Harry Hess. Other favorites include, "Bite The Bullet" and "Heaven And Earth". 'United' is definitely a quality album that is essential for all Harem Scarem fans. It simply has everything that melodic rock fans want: catchy choruses, giant melody, and powerful and amazing guitar riffs. This album will easily slide into your electronic device of choice, and no doubt stay there for weeks.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
BLACK OAK COUNTY by Black Oak County
(Mighty Music)
Denmark has certainly delivered some amazing bands in the world of rock music. Pretty Maids, D.A.D. and Volbeat to name a few. The latest Danish band that have their sights making an impression is Black Oak County, formerly known as Great White Buffalo. Formed on 2012, the band's self titled debut is loaded with ten powerhouse tracks that pack some serious attitude and power. Comprised of, Niels Beier, vocals and guitars, Jack Svendsen, guitar, René Hjelm, bass and Mike Svendsen, drums. They're hard and heavy, and they come by their love of music in a genuine way. While there are echoes of the past in their music their fluid musicality recalls Black Stone Cherry it merely acts as a foundation for their music. Black Oak Count y is a full-throttle hard rock band, with guitars that rage and a shuddering rhythmic attack. Album opener, "Someone Else" kicks things off with a bang, reminding you at once of everything you love about rock music. "Enough On My Plate" and "The Boogeyman" continue in the same vein, with that perfect combination of doomy Corrosion Of Conformity riffs. "Mad Dog", is a just a killer track, hell raising beer drinking anthem that begs to be cranked at maximum volume! The rest of the album is just pure power induced rock music that holds nothing back and pulls no punches. The bottom line here is, Black Oak County's debut is a hard rock album from a band that deserves more attention. It's the kind of real rock album that you can totally sink your teeth into, and it's authentic in a way most bands only wish they could accomplish. A tight band and I'm sure you will be hearing more about them in the future.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
ALL IN TIME by Stone Broken
(Stone Broken Music)
'All In Time' is the powerhouse debut from UK rockers, Stone Broken. Comprised of, Rich Moss on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Davis on lead guitar and vocals, Kieron Conroy on bass and vocals and Robyn Haycock on drums and vocals. The band formed in late 2013 from the fragments of two local bands. Rich, Kieron, Chris & Robyn, have put together a dynamic band that serve up a huge chunky rock sound with huge choruses. Coming across as a hybrid of Nickelback with Black Label Society tendencies. That being said, make no mistake, Stone Broken is it's own beast and bring their own attitude and vibe to the table. 'All In Time' is an impressive rock album full of powerful in your face rockers that have great hooks. You are launched into this wonderful world with the in your face rocking opening track "Not Your Enemy" and from there the album doesn't not let up, delivering one storming song after another in the form of, "Better", "Be There", "Let Me Go" and "Fall Back Down". There is literally not a bad song on this one. The song and sound quality is very good on this album, and all of the songs are just straight up rockers. The combination of pace, power and enjoyment in the studio is rarely captured. Stone Broken have managed to do that to great effect and deliver the goods in spades! Extremely impressive!!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SWALLOW by Burnt Out Wreck
(Cherry Red Records)
If you like your rock and roll served up in the vein of bands like, Rose Tattoo and AC/DC, then you are going to want to check out the rocking debut release, 'Swallow' by Burnt Out Wreck. The band features former Heavy Pettin' drummer Gary Moat on vocals and guitar along with, Adrian Dunn on guitar, backing vocals, Alex Carmichael on bass, backing vocals, Miles Goodmanl on guitar and Paul Gray on drums. As soon as you press play and the first note is hit, its apparent that this is a band that offer no apologies for wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves. 10 seconds into "Burnt Out Wreck" , you're hooked. Strong set of songs loaded with true rock n roll riffs. Not only will the older fans who grew up rocking out to the likes of AC/DC dig it, but the younger generation of rock and rollers will dig it as well. Album highlights include, "Swallow", "She's The One", "Medusa", "She's A Dirty Little Lover" and "Rocking Man. No filler songs, just one good tune after another. 'Swallow' by Burnt Out Wreck is an exercise in play it loud and proud rock'n'roll that isn't looking to change the world by abolishing Free Trade, but simply provide the ultimate soundtrack to one hell of a ROCK N' ROLL party!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
