THIRTEEN by Harem Scarem
(Frontier Records)
It's been six years since Harem Scarem's last studio release. So, was it worth the wait? After one listen, I can tell you this, HELL YEAH, it was worth the wait! Once again Canadian rockers, Harem Scarem have delivered a quality release that is not to be missed. The band return with their latest release, 'Thirteen'. Harem Scarem is one group that you just can't get enough of if you are into the melodic rock scene. Harry Hess: Lead and backup Vocals/Keys, Pete Lesperance: Guitars/Bass/Keys, Creighton Doane: Drums and Darren Smith: Backup Vocals. As usual, Harem Scarem have produced a collection of outstanding songs filled with plenty of memorable hooks and solos. 'Thirteen' is extra special because the songs flow seamlessly making the album a joy to listen to all the way through every time. In addition, there is a great balance of heavy, melodic, ballad, acoustic sounds throughout From opening AOR gem, "Garden Of Eden" to the organic rush of, "Live It" and groove laden movers like, "Early Warning Signs" and "The Midnight Hours", this is classic Harem Scarem. Also what would a Harem Scarem recording be without a power ballad? The band serve up, "Whatever It Takes", a song that will tug at your heart string from the first to it's last note. Harry Hess' vocals are strong, emotive, and melodic, as always. And don't forget to bow down before the Guitar God, Pete Lesperance! [We're not worthy!] He's got more music in his mind and and technique in his fingers than any ten guitarists you could name. While Creighton Doane on drums keeps the band grounded. I can't emphasize enough how amazing the musicianship on this album is. These guys are masters of their craft. Why they haven't become popular in the States is beyond me. Harem Scarem absolutely, positively should be huge. It's a shame that they are not. Nonetheless, if you are a true melodic rock fan, you owe it to yourself to check out this amazing band. This album is as good a place as any to start. 'Thirteen' is phenomenal!- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
LOST IN THE CITY by Crash Midnight
(BronxBridgeEnt/InGrooves)
So, how do you describe a band like Crash Midnight? Classic rock makes them sound like anything but the brash young upstarts they are, and tags like glam rock and hair metal don't fit either. How about this - they're a rock n' roll band that remembers how to have fun. If you're someone who enjoys bands like Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, The Stooges or Guns 'N' Roses you should love , 'Lost In The City', the debut release from Boston based rockers, Crash Midnight. Shaun Soho - lead vocals, Alex Donaldson - lead/rhythm guitars, Bo - bass guitar and Andrew Merkle - drums. The band's debut is rocking and catchy and you'll be banging your head throughout. 'Lost In City' is non-stop, in your face rock and roll. Crash Midnight is that band that tears down the local club with riotous songs about drinking and debauchery! The bass and drums are straight forward, rock steady, and keep a driving rhythm section pounding with force. The guitars are loaded with attitude and swagger and the vocals are awesome with a great sense of melody that fits the band's songs perfectly. Most importantly, the songs rock, and are catchy. Song titles like "151', "Made For The Money", "Welcome To Boston", "Diamond Boulevard" and "Goin' Down The Drain" tell you exactly what to expect from 'Lost In The City', and if those sound good to you, you're in good company. Crash Midnight is an up and coming band that I think will be capturing people's attention after this release. If you like your rock with attitude and lots of energy give these lads a listen. You won't be disappointed. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
FROM DUSK TIL DAWN by Mystery
(Retrospect Records)
The sophomore release from Australia's Mystery comes to us in the form of, 'From Dusk Till Dawn'. These lads from "Down Under" are one of the best new bands in the rock scene . Just like Poison, Motley Crue, L.A. Guns , Bang Tango and the like, Mystery is bringing back that Hollywood "hair metal" sound with a modern vibe and rock and roll swagger. They are not reinventing the formula, but they are definitely breathing new life into genre of party rock anthems. Not only are they serving up hook-heavy rock anthems with insane melodies, their vocal harmonies are just incredible. 'From Dusk Till Dawn' is just a fantastic and fun album from high-octane start to finish. The whole album rocks, especially with party anthems like "Let It Out", "Wild and Free", "Promised Land" and "The One And Only". You will sing along to these songs, and you will sing loud! If you're a fan of the 80's Sunset Strip rock scene, 'From Dusk Till Dawn' is a must-have album. It will also appeal to just about anyone who grew up listening to Motley Crue, Def Leppard, King Kobra, Poison, Bang Tango, White Lion and the rest of the `80s rockers. Despite what mainstream radio would have you believe, rock n' roll is still alive and well if you know where to look. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society /All Access Magazine
ROAR by Twentydarkseven
(Metalapolis Records)
You like hard-hitting rock music? Check. How about go for the throat vocals coming from someone who can actually sing? Check. Fully loaded guitar riffs and killer hooks? Check. From the pounding drums to the supercharged guitar work, Twentydarkseven from Germany is just what the doctor ordered. The band is made up Marcus Jürgens - Vocals (ex-Pump, ex- Brainstorm), Peter Wagner - guitar (ex-Wicked Temptation, Piledriver), Alex Jansen - Bass (ex-Mennen, FOX) and Hans in 't Zandt - Drums (ex-Vengeance, Praying Mantis). The band's debut release, 'Roar' is a balls to wall release that loaded with tons attitude and swagger! From the opening track, "Do You Like The Dark"through a stunning military parade of guitar-crunching tunes, the best of which are, "Heart Of A Lion", "So Damn Insane", "Edge Of A Knife" and "Hard Times Coming", that closes out the album with a bang! 'Roar' just doesn't quit. This is a recording that doesn't have to be played loud to be loud (but don't cheat yourself - play it loud anyway). The bottom line is, 'Roar' is a kick in the teeth hard rock album. It's heavy, yet energetic without being too fast nor too slow. The songs move well , the writing talent is good and the band's chemistry is as tight as a glove. If you love guitar driven, straight ahead in your face hard rock music , look no further Twentydarkseven has what you crave in spades!! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
SUSPENDED AT APHELION
by While Heaven Wept
(Metalville Records)
'Suspended at Aphelion' the latest release from U.S. Prog Metal band, While Heaven Wept. Fusing the styles of Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle and even touches of the legendary King Crimson, The band is a progressive tour de force. Though offering nothing entirely `new' to the genre.. While Heaven Wept have created an album that is powerful, emotive and moving.. I love whenever a band's music is actually `felt' and not just simply `heard'. While Heaven Wept is compromised of, Rain Irving - Vocals (lead), Trevor Schrotz - Drums,,Michelle Loose-Schrotz - Keyboards, Scott Loose - Guitars, Jim Hunter - Bass, Vocals, Tom Phillips - Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals and Jason Lingle - Keyboards. From the moment you press play, your senses are blessed with a strong, and epic full-length full-length recording. The band opens the album with the epic Celtic vibe of, "Introspectus". Up next is, "Icarus And I", a catchy track aided by sublime vocals. There is the Pink Floyd-ish "Heartburst", a sensual track highlighted by Tom Phillips' soulful guitar playing. The band turn things up with tracks like, "The Memory of Bleeding" and "Souls in Permafrost". "Reminiscence of Strangers", features a cameo appearance of guitarist, Victor Arduini, trading licks with Tom Phillips. While Heaven Wept, have always been a real and genuine band, real to the heart, real to experience, real to the highest ideals of music. I truly consider them a musically noble, valiant, and ultimately spiritual ensemble. When one listens to band like this, the only way to truly appreciate it, is to listen to the whole album front to back. 'Suspended At Aphelion' is a dynamic and richly textured experience. It is a recording that intrigues and entertains on many levels. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine
S/T by Noturnall
(Metalville Records)
NOTURNALL! This is the name of the new Brazilian Heavy metal supergroup formed by members of Shaman, Thiago Bianchi (vocals), Fernando Quesada (bass), Leo Mancini (guitar), Junior Carelli (keyboard) plus the renowned drummer Aquiles Priester (Hangar, ex-Angra). Now with a powerhouse line-up like this, expectations for having your mind blown are very high. In this case, these boys from Brazil delivered the goods ten fold with their self titled debut release. Recorded at the Fusão VM&T Studios in São Paulo and at the Shanty Shack Studios in New Jersey. Noturnall serve up a serious dose of Heavy Metal with a progressive modern day vibe, with powerhouse vocals courtesy of Thiago Bianchi singing both in high notes as and low notes as well. Stellar guitar playing loaded with aggressive riffs and melodic solos, and Léo Mancini is truly a "Master Shredder". Fernando Quesada muscular bass playing is out of this world. Aquiles Priester is a beast on the drums. Considered to be one of greatest drummers from Brazil, in my opinion on the planet! Juninho Carelli mastery on keyboards provides the band with great atmosphere. The whole album rocks.Highlight tracks for me, "Nocturnal Humans Side" featuring Russell Allen on vocals. The bone crushing, "Zombies", "No Turn At All”, “Sugar Pill”, and the abrasive “Fake Healer”. Overall an impressive debut outing. I'd recommend Noturnal to any fans of Heavy Metal. If you enjoy bands like Gamma Ray, Helloween, and Freedom Call, then you owe it to yourself to check out this great debut from Noturnall. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
NOTES FROM THE SHADOWS
by Astral Doors
(Metaville Records)
Hailing from Sweden, Astral Doors return with their seventh studio release, 'Notes From The Shadows'. A melodically powerful recording that is solid front to back. The band is comprised of Patrik Johansson on vocals, Joachim Nordlund on guitar, Ulf Lagerstroem on bass, Johan Lindstedt on drums, and Joakim Roberg on organ. The band deliver a quality of song writing that clearly benefits from Dio/Sabbath influences within a more traditional form of the Heavy Metal genre. Those influences are evident right from the start with, “The Last Temptation of Christ”, a really catchy, up-tempo song that opens the album with a bang. Then there is the power metal mover, "Shadowchaser", with it's bluesy overtones. The other tracks offered like, "Disciples Of The Dragonlord", "Die Alone", "Hoodoo Ceremony" and "In The Name Of Rock", are guaranteed to captivate the listener upon first listen. 'Notes From the Shadows' showcases Astral Doors at their best since ,'Astralism'. Stellar vocal hooks and classic, driving guitar riffs combine in fine form to put Astral Doors back on the map. I think that any fan of Dio, Black Sabbath, or any other band that is built around strong lead riffs and a great lead singer will consider 'Notes From The Shadows' a worthy addition to their collection. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine
