TOMMY PARIS BAND by Tommy Paris Band
(Independent Release)
The self titled debut release from Tommy Paris (Former lead Vocalist/Guitarist for platinum rock band Britny Fox) kills from start to finish. I'm sure the majority of hard rock fans know Tommy Paris from his days with Britny Fox. One of the last bands to make it big during the melodic rock craze of the late 80s'/early 90s. They were also, for me, one of the best bands from the genre. On this debut outing Tommy Paris does not try to be trendy or radio friendly here, what he does do is serve up ten songs that are pure badass ROCK N ROLL done to perfection. Album standouts are the adrenaline infused, "Universe", "Ready 2 Bleed", "Down Down","You Lose" and the Beatles-listic vibe of the album closer, "Waiting Here4U". An enormously talented and versatile musician, singer, and songwriter,. Tommy Paris definitely delivers the goods with this album on all fronts and this album proves that. A solid hard rock album with attitude done right and is what any rock fan would expect and that is 100% unapologetic and ass-kickin' hard rock that begs cranked to maximum volume so you can feel the music. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE WORLD OUTSIDE by PARIS
(Melodic Rock Records)
The World Outside', the new release from the French based duo Paris gives the Melodic Rock fans exactly what they're looking for, with songs that stick in the ears from the second they come on. It's a album that shows musicians with tight chemistry presenting a sound that is truly infectious. Paris is comprised of, Frédéric Dechavanne on lead Vocals, Keyboards and Sébastien Montet on guitars and Keyboards. Along with Steve Newman from Newman on a additional guitar, David Bartlett on bass and Rob McEwen on drums. While melodies run rampant throughout this is a guitar driven album. Thanks to the amazing guitar pyrotechnics of Sébastien Montet whose fluid soloing and driving rhythms are on point and highlight every track. The songs combine elements of smooth and memorable vocal melodies, great guitar solos and killer production. Highlights include the opening track "End Of My World", " (featuring Alessandro Del Vecchio from Hardline on backing vocals), "When You Find Love" (featuring Robert Säll of Work Of Art on guitar), "Looking For Love", "This Broken Heart" the hook laden chorus of "Tears In Your Heart". All in all, 'The World Outside' is a solid melodic rock album that would fit nicely into any musical catalog. Hopefully the duo will continue to put out more albums. It's truly refreshing to hear music from a band that wants the listener to be able to press play and enjoy their listening experience. If you are even remotely a fan of melodic rock, this album is for you. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
BLACK SMOKE RISING, Ep by Greta Van Fleet
(Lava Records)
Michigan based rock band, Greta Van Fleet, are a living, breathing example of everything that is great about Rock and Roll. The Led Zeppelin influence is obvious, but dig deep and you'll hear The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Animals. The band is comprised of, Joshua Kiszka on lead vocals, Jacob Kiszka on lead guitar, Samuel Kiszka on bass guitar and Daniel Wagner on drums. Extremely intelligent songwriting, heavy deep blues influences. That's what you can expect to hear and experience once you listen to the band's four song Ep, 'Black Smoke Rising'. "Highway Tune", "Safari Song", "Flower Power" and "Black Smoke Rising". There are echoes of the mighty Zep in their playing, yes, but they're not imitating anyone. The alchemical reaction of what these four individuals have created is something new, yet familiar. There's an energy there that I experienced that was similar to being a kid and hearing Zep and Hendrix, and all the great bands for the first time. I think any Classic Rock fan will appreciate what this band bring to the table. If you're looking for powerful and soulful songs that rock, performed by a band that deliver the goods, fronted by a soulful and powerful singer with a stunning range and amazing pitch then Greta Van Fleet is your band. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
AMBER GALACTIC by The Night Flight Orchestra
(Nuclear Blast Records)
Swedish based rockers, The Night Flight Orchestra are back with album number three, 'Amber Galactic'. Just when I thought this band couldn't get any better, they unleash easily one of the best albums to come out this year. The melodies, the lyrics, the arrangements, the production, and the attention to detail are all spot on. 'Amber Galactic', is one of those albums where the band gets everything right. Comprising of Björn Strid on vocals, David Andersson on guitars, Sharlee D' Angelo on bass, Richard Larsson on keyboards, Jonas Källsbäck on drums and Sebastian Forslund on guitars, percussion. NFO take their classic rock infused sound to a whole new level. Those new to NFO, they are a complex, appealing band with hints of bands that came before them. Think Alan Parson Project with hints of Soundtrack Of Our Lives and Imperial Electric as well as a number of prog rock bands, Barrett era/early post-Barrett era Pink Floyd, none of this really can convey the sound of this incredibly talented band. They rock and also write some of the best guitar riffs and melodies around them. As is evident as soon as the charge of the opening track, "Midnight Flyer" kicks in and you're immediately transported to another place with a barrage of electrifying ecstasy with "Star Of Rio", "Gemini", "Sad State Of Affairs" and ELO-ish vibe of "Jennie", from there its pure rock and roll bliss. What NFO have managed to take all the best elements from their past 2 albums and found the perfect balance of everything I love about this amazing band. A band that deserves to be recognized and it's too bad rock radio today is so lame that they don't play their music. If they could find a way to tour the US opening for some more well known band, I think many people would take notice immediately. A band like, The Night Flight Orchestra just don't get the opportunities here that they used to which is a shame because people can't like what they don't hear or don't know about. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
LIVE & LOUDER by The Dead Daisies
(Steamhammer Records)
The sheer gusto with which The Dead Daisies deliver live is captured perfectly on their highly anticipated live album, 'Live & Louder'. Mixed by Anthony Focx (Aerosmith, Bad Company, Metallica, Santana) at Focx Hole Studios and mastered by Howie Weinberg. Recorded live at the end of an unbelievable 2016 UK & European Tour. Capturing live performances off the band's three studio releases, so like Kiss, Frampton before them this live recording was definitely in order and what a live recording is! The band sound amazing! John Corabi's vocals sound better than ever. The rock solid rhythm section of bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Brian Tichy are like hand in glove. While the dual guitar attack of Doug Aldrich and David Lowy pack one hell of a punch! Opening with a triple assault of, "Long Way To Go", "Mexico" and "Make Some Noise" your ears are assaulted by some thundering rock loaded with electrifying guitar, courtesy of Doug Aldrich and David Lowy. Other highlights included, a rocking take on the CCR's (Clearance Clearwater Revival) "Fortunate Son", from the band's debut, "Lock N' Loaded", "Something I Said" from their 'Revolucion' album. "With You And I" from 'Make Some Noise'. The band close things out in rocking fashion with three covers, "Helter Skelter" (The Beatles), "American Band" (Grand Funk Railroad) and "Midnight Moses" (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band). 'Live & Louder' definitely captures The Dead Daisies in their element and at their best!
All in all a superb live album, that the captures the vibe of live recordings of the 70's. The only way to appreciate this monster of a live album is to play it LOUD and get out your air guitar because you will need it.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE FUTURE AIN'T WHAT IT USE TO BE by The Biters
(Earache Records)
Atlanta, Georgia based rockers, The Biters are back with their latest release, 'The Future Ain't What It Used To Be', picking up where they let off with their previous outing, 'Electric Blood', the band once again serve up a album that is fully loaded with songs that have infectious and shout-along choruses. Being a fan of the band since their 'Last Of A Dying Breed' Ep, there was no doubt I would not enjoy listening to what the band came up this time around. Influences raging from the Glam Rock '70's to the golden era of classic rock resulting in high octane rock n roll that delivers on every level. Powered by, Tuk on vocals and guitar, Matt on guitar and vocals, Philip on bass and vocals and Joey on drums. Think Marc Bolan meets Cheap Trick. The Biters are a band that stands apart from the crowd and steadfastly refuse to chase the latest trends and fads. The proof is in the pudding. Highlights include. "Let It Roll", the Sweet vibe of "Stone Cold Love", "Don't Turn This Good Heart Bad", "Hollywood" and "Chasing The Feeling". There is true presence and power in the tracks, with every sonic detail present. If you miss rocking out to hook laden songs served up by a band that deliver the Rock N' Roll goods check out The Biters, there just what the doctor ordered.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
LIFE ON DEATH ROAD by Jorn
(Frontier Records)
One of rock music's premier voices, Jorn returns with his ninth album, 'Life On Death Road' and boy does he come out swinging for the fences! Jorn sings his heart out (as he always does) and the rest of band play the hell out of their instruments. Speaking of the band. Backing Jorn up are, on bass Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner, Kiske/Somerville), on keyboards and production is Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints), Francesco Iovino (Primal Fear) ion drums and Alex Beyrodt (Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle) handles guitar. The sheer intensity provided by these musicians is out of this world and compliments Jorn's powerful vocal delivery. 'Life On Death Road' combines the strongest elements of what Jorn fans have come to love and expect from him with powerful vocals combined with riff powered crushing songs. Highlights for me would be, the powerhouse title track that kicks the album off, "Hammered To The Cross (The Business)", "Dreamwalker", "Fire To The Sun", "The Slippery Slope (Hangman's Rope)" and "Man Of The 80's". Alex Beyrodt's guitar solos and harmonizing are intricate and creative and easy to follow, and have a purpose, rather than being put there just for a chance to show off. In fact, nothing about this album is about showing off. The dynamic duo of Matt Sinner and Alessandro Del Vecchio have perfected the art of producing/recording classic hard rock songs because this album is packed with songs that have plenty of punch, crunch and shred. Overall, 'Life On The Road' is what it is; a potent well-crafted hard rock album. It's an excellent example of music played at a very high level.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE FERRYMEN by The Ferrymen
(Frontier Records)
The Ferryman is the new power metal trio featuring guitarist Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall) and vocalist Ronnie Romero (Lords Of Black, Rainbow) and drummer Mike Terrana (Rage, Axel Rudi Pell). The musical vibe served up by the trio is a cocktail of power progressive metal and hard rock where Ronnie Romero' s powerful vocals are well-matched by Magnus Karlsson and Mike Terrana amazing musicianship. Awesome vocals, powerful songs, great solos and complete songs that don't get boring by long solos, or change in the rhythm just for the sake of longer duration and filling in the song. Striking a perfect balance between power metal heaviness and melodic rock accessibility. It's heavy enough, but the melodies are so infectious that you'll either end end up playing air guitar or singing along (or both!) with every song. There are more than enough memorable songs on this album. If I had to choose my favorites, I'd go with "End Of The Road," "Fool You All", "Cry Wolf" and "The Story Ends". Safe to say, if your cup of tea is progressive power metal, this album definitely deliver the goods. A very impressive debut outing indeed that should appeal to just about anyone who is a fan of power metal genre. If you follow bands like Last Tribe, Helloween, Vanden Plas, Masterplan and the like, you'll want to check it out, what The Ferrymen bring to the table.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
TATTOO BURN-REDUX by Micki Free
(Mysterium Blues Records)
Guitarist Micki Free(Shalamar/Crown Of Thorns) re-introduces a redux version his 2012 release, 'Tattoo Burn'. Why it didn't get the deserved recognition back then is a mystery to me? The album features a stunning line up of musicians. Micki Free on guitars and backing vocals. Howard Hewett on lead vocal duet and background vocals on "God Is On The Phone". Cindy Blackman-Santana and David Hawk Lopez on drums. Bill Wyman, Jack Dailey, Kenny Gradney, David Santos on bass. Mark Muggy Doo Leach & Brother Paul Brown Fender on the Hammond. Randy Singer on harmonica. On backing vocals, Shea, Wendy Moten and Trish Bowden. 'Tattoo Burn', is not an album that relies on an individual it is a collective of searing, imaginative individuals whose collaboration produces a sound that is modern, as it curls and shapes around the melodies, licks and lyrics whilst being deeply rooted in the tradition of electric blues. I love the way the album builds in excitement song by song, at the end of each track excited in anticipation of the next. As the listener will experience on tracks like, the soulful swagger of the title track, "Six Feet Down In The Blues", highlighted by some tasty Hammond work. "Co-Co-Gin", "There's a Hole In The Heart Of The Blues" and "Angels In The Room". The track, for me, that begs repeated play is, "Hey Baby (The New Rising Sun)", Micki's guitar work on this track just floored me. His guitar vibe on this album is something to behold, it touches you in a way that makes the hair on the back of you neck stand up and pulls you into the music. A truly superb release by one amazing musical talent. I could not recommend 'Tattoo Burn-Redux' by Micki Free strongly enough.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SUICIDE IDOLS by Suicide Bombers
(Suicide Records)
Norwegian rockers, Suicide Bombers are back with their latest release, 'Suicide Idols'. Chris Damien Doll on vocals, rhythm guitar, Lazy Leather on lead guitar, backing vocals), C Slim on bass, backing vocals and Lyle Starr on drums. The band's latest outing is extremely solid from beginning to end; there is absolutely no filler material on this album. While some songs are obviously better than others, there is not what I would consider a weak track to be found. Some are based on a very hard-rockin', infectuous guitar hook. Others revolve around a big sing-along chorus. The rest fall somewhere in between with a combination of the two. From the opening track until the last, Chris Damien Doll vocal's are like always, right on track and leading the way. Some of the direction and guitar work on this release is a little different than the past releases. The rhythm guitars are undeniably metallic while the solos have become far more sophisticated-towards melodic shred and is oh so, so good! I think it is a safe bet that you'll find yourself singing "Ready For Tonight", "Next World War", "Keep An Eye On You" or "Generation Kill" long after the disc has stopped. A well developed album by one of the leading bands of the Sleaze/Glam hard rock genre. It's everything that the Suicide Bombers are all about, but taken even further. A hard rocking band that is a force to be reckoned with. If you're a fan of the Sleeze/Glam hard rock genre then, 'Suicide Idols' by Suicide Bombers is certainly what the doctor ordered.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
