CD REVIEW: THE BOOK OF SOULS by Iron Maiden

THE BOOK OF SOULS by Iron Maiden

(Parlophone Records)

Metal icons, Iron Maiden are back with their highly anticipated new studio release, 'The Book Of Souls'. Recorded in Paris with  producer Kevin “Caveman” Shirley. This is the band's first double album studio release. The the band decided to delay its release so that vocalist Bruce Dickinson, would have time to recuperate sufficiently to join in the preparations for the album’s release. The new album has something for every Maiden fan! The gents sound amazing! Bruce Dickinson's voice sound better than ever. His phrasing and styling recalls his work on first few Iron Maiden releases yet rises in wise maturity of a well seasoned musician. Steve Harris' bass lines are galloping where they should be, twinning with the guitars where that adds power and innovative throughout.  Nicko McBrain's drumming continues to fuse rock and jazz that is extremely complex. The triple axe attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gears deliver the goods in spades. The album clocks in a little over  90 minutes, a bit lengthy, but well worth it. Highlights for me would be, "Speed Of Light","The Red and The Black", " Tears Of A Clown", "Man Of Sorrows and the epic, "Empire Of The Clouds". Overall, 'Book Of Souls' is a solid release.  When so many other bands are barely putting out Heavy Metal recordings any more, Iron Maiden have put out a juggernaut of an album that I for one will be playing and enjoying for quite awhile. UP THE IRONS!- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: TOO MANY GODS by Cats In Space

TOO MANY GODS by Cats In Space
(Harmony Factory/Cargo Records)

'Too Many Gods' the debut release by Cats In Space  is just catchy-as-hell, the perfect combination of power pop and rock, with plently of guitars and gorgeous melodies.  Cats In Space is comprised of, Paul Manzi on lead vocals, Great Hart on guitars/vocals, Dean Howard on guitars, Jeff Brown on bass/vocals, Steevi Bacon on drums and Andy Stewart on piano/synthesizers. What these gents have created is a album that is just infectious. Right from the start with "Arrival", you are immediately transported back to a 70's AM radio headtrip as it segues into a E.L.O. meets New England vibe of, "Too Many Gods". The next two tracks, "Stop" and "Last Man Standing" are two power gems that give off a Queen vibe. From there on with, "Mr. Heartache", "Schoolyard Fantasy", "Only In Vegas" and my personal favorite, "Man On The Moon", it's pure power pop infused rock at it's finest. The influences are many, and instantly the vocal harmonies bring Queen meets 10CC to mind. That description would be selling Cats In Space short, because the pure pop craft rivals the best and brightest in that category. Queen, 10CC , and in parts Jellyfish rush to mind. What stands out for me is how they own these influences. I think really anyone would like this, but it's especially a must for anyone who likes power pop/rock music. The production is vintage, fat analog richness. The drum kit sounds absolutely massive and the entire mix is peppered brilliantly  with nearly every instrument you can think of. Your ear is always picking up some new element with every listen. 'Too Many Gods' is that rare album that music lovers (particularly today) always hope to find.  It's a near perfect example of what is as hard to dig for as truffles in music today. This album front to back is a artfully crafted power pop/rock album in the vein of albums that began those sorts of descriptions.- Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 Week ending 9/11/2015

The Dedicated Rocker Society Top 40 

Week ending 9/11/2015

WHAT WE ARE JAMMING TO THIS WEEK @The DRS
Week ending 9/11/2015

40. Whiskey by Outlaws & Moonshine
39.  Gone To Stay by Gus G.
38. Deal With The Devil by Palace Of The King
37.  Lady Jade by The Night Flight Orchestra
36.  Just Like That by Dregen
35.  Rosalie by Thin Lizzy
34.  Space Station #5 by Montrose
33.  All Right Now by Taddy Porter
32.  Live Another Day by Spiralarms
31.  Broken Heroes by Saxon
30.  Three Pretenders by Kansas
29.  Slow Up, Get Down by The Burning Crows
28.  Mysterious Way by Kill Devil Hill 
27.   She's Evil But She's Mine by Lynch Mob
26.   Can't Keep Control by 42 Decibel
25.   Death Or Glory by Iron Maiden
24.  Perfect Life by Four Star Revival
23.  Out Of The City by Audrey Horne
22.  Electric Man by Rival Sons
21.  Pretender by King James
20.  Electric Halo by Kyng
19.  Goodbye by Skintrade
18.  Nickels & Dimes by Cooper-Shea
17.  That's Just The Way That It Is by Uriah Heep
16.  Baptized In The Rio Grande by Sons Of Texas
15.  God Blessed Video by Alcatrazz
14.  She's On Fire by The Jokers
13.  Out In The Cold by Judas Priest
12.  Pale Blue Eyes by Kadavar
11.  The Wall Of Sound by Small Jackets
10.  Glory Ride by Black Sabbath
9.   All My People by Devil City Angels
8.  Blood Of Enemies by Eclipse
7.   All That Remains by Voodoo Hill
6.  Backstabber by Virgil & The Accelerators
5.  Psychosane by The Adrenaline Mob
4.  Love To Love by UFO
3.  Tug Of War by Enchant
2.  Firedance by Gotthard
1.  Long Live Rock 'N' Roll by Rainbow

CD REVIEW: ROLLING IN TOWN by 42 Decibel

ROLLING IN TOWN by 42 Decibel

(SPV Steamhammer)

Hailing from Argentina, 42 Decibel would be best described as a cross between early AC/DC and the harder edge of Rose Tattoo's  best stuff. The band's sophomore release,  'Rolling In Town', is a solid collection of hard rock tunes that are dripping with raunchy attitude and raw rock'n'roll. The band is comprised of Junior Figueroa (Vocals, Guitar), Nicko Cambiasso (Drums), Billy Bob Riley (Rhythm & Slide Guitar) and Matt Fraga (Bass). For the most part the album is made up of bluesy rock anthems that will have you tapping your toe if not pumping your fist in the air. The songs are great and the whole album rocks. From the opening stick of rock and roll dynamite, "Can't Keep Control", these gents are set on making sure your listening experience is a memorable one. As they proceed to serve up the rock with, "Short Fused", the ballys, "Rude And Fast", "Down The Hatch" and the laid back bluesy swagger of the album closing, "Smooth  Talker". 42 Decibel seriously rocks without taking themselves seriously. Humor is in their veins and they know they aren't breaking any new ground, They are just crushing old ground under their heels, grinding it up, mixing it with Tequila and puring it into a marshall stack. No processed guitars, no guitar acrobatics, just straight up 3 chord songs with amps cranked to 11. Hooky choruses, chunky riffs, and angus inspired solos. If you like no frills, straight ahead, down and dirty rock n' roll, 'Rolling In Town" by 42 Decibel is definitely worth checking out. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW : HURRICANE by The Jokers

HURRICANE by The Jokers

(SPV Steamhammer)

U.K. rockers, The Jokers return with their third release, 'Hurricane'. Grooving away in a fine, retro blues and boogie rock style, The Jokers have banged out an absolutely fantastic slab of rock and roll. Mixing up bands like Aerosmith and AC/DC. A terrific ride of an album that shows, in complete contrast to the depressing wailings of the trendy indie set, just how joyful and exuberent music can and should be, and how tremendous it can make you feel. There is something for everyone here. Highlights for me are "Run 4 Cover", the groove laden title track, the Free meets Bad Company vibe of, "She's On Fire", "Lockdown" and "Everywhere I Go". The Jokers songwriting has improved and there's a touch more variety in their work. This is what I like about this album. The band are showing that they've improved. That they've all developed musically and the songs all have their own character. At this rate of progression their next two albums could be absolutely stunning. Until then, enjoy, 'Hurricane' in all its glory, for this is as good a rock album as 2015 will see. I'm sure of it. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: WATERFALL by Voodoo Hill

WATERFALL by Voodoo Hill

(Frontier Records)

Guitarist Dario Mollo and legendary former Deep Purple singer / bass player Glenn Hughes,  are back with Voodoo Hill's highly anticipated third release, 'Waterfall'. The evolution of the Glenn Hughes and Dario Mollo combo really works. The roaring but melodic guitar links and riffs that accompany and enhance the "Voice Of Rock's" tones. There is a distinct 70's classic rock feel to the album, which is no bad thing in my eyes. I say, if the formula still works don't fix it. That being said,  'Waterfall' kicks off with vintage classic rocker will " All That Remains" a tour de force mover that touches on just about every rock genre you can think of. "The Well" is a gut crunching rock guitar riff that doesn't let up for a single minute. The album flows with non-stop classic riffs and superb musicianship. Stand out tracks include the Zepplinesque "Karma Go", the guitar driven soul mover, "Evil Thing", "Eldorado" and the album closer, "Last Door". Dario Mollo's guitar playing is impeccable throughout, however, the shining star of the album is Glenn Hughes. He sings in leaps and bounds, displays real emotional gusto and makes you believe that rock and roll will live forever.  The bottom line, Voodoo Hill have delivered a very enjoyable slab of driving classic rock music.  A strong musical force to be genuinely appreciated. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HONK MACHINE by Imperial State Electric

HONK MACHINE by Imperial State Electric
(Psychout Records)

Swedish based rockers Imperial State Electric return with their latest release, 'Honk Machine', the band's fourth studio release. The band is powered by  Nicke Andersson: lead vocals, guitars; Tobias Egge: Guitars, vocals:  Tomas Eriksson: drums, vocals and Dolf de Borst: bass, vocals. The overall vibe of the new album has that  The Beatles meets early Alice Cooper, maybe with the rawness of Cheap Trick, even early punk. Imperial State Electric's  sound is bigger, more loud, even more lush. The record launches off with the rocking "Let Me Throw My Life Away" and its pounding drums and driving guitars.  The rocking continues with the next two guitar driven numbers, "Anywhere Loud" and "Guard Down". Other highlights include the Beatlesque vibe of "All Over My Head" and also "Walk On By" powered by its soulful backing vocals. Overall, 'Honk Machine' is a rock solid recording that is a must have for all fans of good rock music.  Serving up a sound that is heavily influenced by the music elements of 70's power pop infused with a hefty dose of classic rock. Imperial State Electric have once again created another impressive album. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society