VOLANDO by Tracy G Grijalva
(Spooky G Music)
The latest creation from guitarist, Tracy G Grijalva comes to us in the form of the stunning acoustic, 'Volando', which translates into flying and this is what your senses will experience once you listen. The recording also features Ray Luzier on percussions. An absolutely stunning recording from a true musical savant. Grijalva really gets into his own groove here, incorporating not just his Latin heritage but a modern sound that is both artistically tasteful and well mannered as well still being inherently complex and beautiful. 'Volando' is a masterpiece in regards to composition and song selection. From the opening, "Zapatos Bailadores", you can't help but be drawn in and be captured by other tracks like, "Facil Y Suave", "El Conejo" and "Primera Luz". Tracy G Grijalva is a very innovative guitarist. Some of his music requires listening in depth for the average listener. This is a great example of the genius of Tracy G Grijalva; revel in it, be absorbed by it and take it to heart. Prepare to be amazed, delighted, and bewildered by the unique talent known as Tracy G Grijalva on 'Volando'.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
HORIZON by Owl Company
(Independent Release)
'From the first cut to the last cut the Brazilian based rock outfit known as Owl Company weave an musical intensity that bombard your senses. That is what you can expect your senses to be exposed to once you listen to their debut release, 'Horizon'. This album practically leaps out and throws you against the wall with the intro that explodes into "Celebrate And Kneel" with Enrico Minelli's go for the throat vocals, Felipe Ruiz's monster riffs and the rock solid foundation of the air tight rhythm section of bassist Fabio Yamamoto and drummer Thiago Biasoli. Other track highlights are, "Play With Fire", "Riddles", "Black N' Blue" and the album closer, "Underdog". This album has a driving feel that really doesn't let up until the last song. The Owl Company are the type of band that I'd play for friends who never heard them, and they immediately become converts afterwards, wondering to themselves why they hadn't heard of them before. 'Horizon' is a monsters of head banging hard rock album that is packed witb memorable hooks and enough power to cause blackouts in medium size cities. It's balls to the walls, with thunderous riffs, and an overall FU attitude like Rock should be played. The Owl Company deliver the goods on this debut outing. They light the package on fire and kick down your front door to give you a good hard rock ass kicking!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SMOKE ON THIS... by Rex Brown
(eOne Music)
'The debut release from Rex Brown (Pantera/Down/Kill Devil Hill), 'Smoke On This...', should have a warning sticker on it that reads, "Caution: Intense Riffiage Inside!" I knew just by looking at the cover that Rex Brown was going kick my ass! What a powerhouse of a album that goes for the throat from start and doesn't loosen it's chokehold on your senses until the last song. Rex Brown, shows his musical versatility by tracking the lead vocals, rhythm guitars, and bass, working with his primary collaborator and old friend, Lance Harvill, a Nashville-based guitarist and songwriter, on the album’s songs. The drums were tracked by Christopher Williams, himself no stranger to diverse tastes. His talent has been utilized by the likes of the reformed Blackfoot and most recently, Heavy Metal legends Accept. All 11 tracks are supercharged packed with tons of swagger and attitude. Highlights include, "Lone Rider", "Crossing Lines", Train Song, "What Comes Around..." and "Best Of Me". Great production , bad ass guitar riffs with an a monster rhythm section. 'Smoke On This...' by Rex Brown is the reason why volume nobs that go past "11" on tower of Marshall stacks were made. Trust me when I say, you can't play this album loud enough! A monster of a debut outing and one the best hard rock album you will experience this year.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
RECTIFIER by The Lad Classic
(Our Audio Kin Records)
'The Toronto based rockers, The Lad Classic is a band with rock grooves to will make you move in way unimaginable. With classic rock influences the band have their own vibe without sounding dated or old-fashioned. The band is comprised of, Paul Stevens on vocals, Ben Healey on guitars and vocals, Tyson Hissler on bass and Josiah Whitney on drums. Every track on the band's latest release, 'Rectifier' is good enough to be a single, there is no filler at all. It really makes you feel good, the energy and passion in each track is a great break from the usual fodder thrown out for the masses. Highlights include, "Hip Shaker", "Are You With Me" "Halfway To Memphis", "Who" and "I've Got Your Sympathy". This is music that makes you stop, listen and appreciate it. Retro and yet avant garde, the past and the future in perfect harmony. The band are so tight its frightening and Paul Stevens' voice really stands out. He's exactly what you want in a rock n roll singer. 'Rectifier' is a premium rock and roll album, served dirty with extra helpings of swagger and soul. It buzzes with energy, bristles with power and blows you away in the sheer quality and diversity of music flowing into your ears. If you are an eclectic lover of rock, blues music and love awesome musicianship, inspiring vocals, evocative lyrics by a band that exudes excitement and passion check out The Lad Classic, they are just what the doctor ordered.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
FACES IN THE SAND PART ONE by Jupiter Falls
(Independent Release)
'Faces In The Sand Pt.', the latest release from the five piece hard rock band from the UK, is explosive, ripe with awesome hooks, fiery riffs & throat-busting vocals. A devastating blend of thoughtful lyrics, rich textures, technical prowess and balls out crunch. It's addictive to the point of requiring a twelve-step program. Just an unreal combination of musicians. Jupiter Falls are James Hart, lead guitarist Deano Silk, rhythm guitarist Zachari Daniels, bass guitarist Dan Clark and Drummer Luke Hatfield. After being impressed with their previous outing, 'Revolution', which was produced by Roy Z., I was curious to hear if this band was just a flash in the pan or the real deal? Ah, they are the real deal folks and they prove that right off the bat. There are great moments here, highlighted by tracks like, "Welcome To My World", "Nothing To Me", "Sickened" "It's Your Problem Now" and epic title track that closes the album. A deep album that requires multiple listens, but the songwriting unveils that each listen uncovers additional layers. There is enough diversity within that the band keep the ideas fresh and it take you on a intense and memorable listening experience.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SHAKE THE CAGE by Freddie Nelson
(Malagnum Clou Music)
The highly anticipated debut release by Pittsburgh based guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Freddie Nelson comes to us in the form of, 'Shake The Cage'. All of the writing and producing was done by Nelson as well as handling all vocals and playing all the instruments, with the exception of Thomas Lang on drums. My God, this is a great debut album! Talk about making a lasting impression. It's like discovering a long-lost Queen or Cheap Trick album. Powered by eleven tracks laced by Freddie's four octave vocal range and energetic guitar playing. This album rocks and rolls with a grandiose arena-rock vibe. The songs are refreshingly structured and predictable in a way that is wholeheartedly gratifying. Right off the bat we get attitude with, "Turn You On", a tongue and cheek rocker that opens the album and draws you in and doesn't let go setting the table for the rock and roll extravaganza that await your senses. "Hey Doll", "Light", "Never Fight Alone", "Keep Running" along with "The Show" and the acoustic based, "Monster In My Room" until the album closing, "For Those Who Die". If this album doesn't grab you right away (which it very well might ) give it some time, and I guarantee you'll be rocking and rolling in no time. 'Shake The Cage' is a unapologetically rock and roll album and a hell of a lot of fun. If you have no trouble walking away from this album, let me know, and I'll try to find some help for you. It's just brilliant. Simple as that.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE MISSION by Styx
(UME music)
Rock icons, Styx are back with their latest the conceptual, 'The Mission', 14 years after their last studio outing. I have to say it was refreshing to see the band revisiting their progressive classic rock roots. It reminded me of a combination of 'Grand Illusion' meets 'Pieces Of Eight'. Vocal harmonies, synthesizers laced with guitar riffs flowing perfectly. As soon as I pressed play the music sucked my senses in and didn't let go until the last song. Opening with the progressive laced "Overture" that transitions perfectly into the rocking, "Gone Gone Gone", highlighted by power guitar riffs and trademark Styx harmonies. Up next, "Hundred Million Miles From Home", a catchy tune that has cool rock groove then a shift in gears with "Trouble At The Big Show", featuring James Young on vocals and laying down some tasty guitar licks followed by one of my personal favorites off the album, the Pink Floyd-ish, "Locomotive". From there the album stimulated my senses nicely with ,"Radio Silence", "The Greater Good" , "Time May Bend", and "The Red Storm" and completing the album's journey with "Mission To Mars". Overall, 'The Mission' is a triumphant return to form for Styx and I love it! If there were any doubts if Styx could still deliver the goods, this album puts any doubts to rest for good. Welcome back gents!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
CALIFORNIA by Riverdogs
(Frontier Records)
Six years after their last studio album, 'World Gone Mad', Riverdogs are back with their fifth release, “California”. Musically it takes its lead from classic, Riverdogs delivering that blues based rock sound that first put them on the map. Rob Lamothe on vocals and guitar, Vivian Campbell on guitars and vocals, Nick Brophy on bass and vocals and Marc Danzeisen on drums and vocals. Where many bands falter, Riverdogs shines. This latest outing is every bit as good as their debut, with great rockers like "American Dream", "The Revolution Starts Tonight" , "Searching For A Signal", "You're Too Rock N Roll" and "I Don't Know Anything". There is no denying the amazing talent which exists within this group as these gentlemen know exactly how to deeply touch someone through the art of music. The combination of Rob Lamothe soulful vocals with incredible musicianship and top-notch arranging and what do you have? An amazing musical experience with each listen. Hopefully, 'California' will finally see the guys getting the recognition they deserve as one of the best rock bands put together. Overall, this album is fresh sounding, the band sound like they enjoyed themselves as they play the songs. Its good to hear the band still sounding hungry, simultaneously echoing their past yet with something new to say. I really can't recommend this album enough.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
GOTHICA by Ten
(Frontier Records)
When it comes to melodic hard rock, UK's TEN are legends in my book. Primarily because of the musical genius of the band's leader, Gary Hughes. The latest chapter of this melodic juggernaut comes to us in the form of, 'Gothica'. Along side Gary Hughes, the band is comprised of the triple guitar attack of, Dann Rosingana, Steve Grocott,John Halliwell. Steve McKenna on bass, Darrel Treece-Birch on keyboards and Max Yates on drums with additional backing vocals by Karen Fell. Based from the title and the amazing cover art by Stan W. Decker, I had a feeling that this album would have a much darker vibe, musically. Where does one draw inspiration from a dark theme? This is where the musical brilliance of Gary Hughes comes into play. His vision of embracing as it always does, covers history, romance and erotic horror, through his masterful way with words, vividly comes alive. Once, "The Grail" explodes out your speakers, your senses are transported to the world of the supernatural. A world of, elaborate spells, evoking embers that spark the imagination. Once again, big production, big sound and some real epic tracks such as "Jekyll And Hyde", "The Wild King Of Winter", "Welcome To The Freak Show", the powerful, "Paragon", "La Luna Dra-Cu-La" and "Into Darkness". Overall, TEN have produced another great piece of epic music. One of the most under rated bands in the UK and the rest of the world, despite producing great melodic rock albums over the years.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
