CD REVIEW: FRAGILE by Elements Of Frictions

FRAGILE by Elements Of Frictions

(Lion's Pride Music)

'Fragile', is the debut release by the Melodic rock project called Elements Of Frictions. This is a compilation of premium melodic rock drivennsongs performed by artists whose names may ring a bell for anyone who’s into the AOR genre but whom we haven’t heard from since quite a while. Like, Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge UK/Skintrade)  Paul Laine (Danger Danger), Stefan Berggren (Snakes In Paradise), Stephan Kammerer (Frontline) and  Tommy La Verdi (21 Guns/LRS), to give you an idea of how much firepower Elements Of Frictions is boasting. Naturally, any recording that can boast such an array of vocal talent is one that melodic rock fans need to check out. Fortunately the songwriting and musicianship is every bit as impressive as the vocal performances. On the whole, 'Fragile' is not too heavy, not too soft, and draws from both the classic and modern melodic rock styles. A total of fourteen songs total each one rock solid. Highlights include;  Marcello/Vestry kicking things off with “When You Grow Up, a fine slice of melodic rock much in the late ‘80s style, highlighted by slick guitar work and high-pitched melodic vocals. The talented and powerful voice of Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge UK/Skintrade) is put on display with “Little One”, complimented by blistering guitars. One of my favorite singers, Mats Leven (ex. Yngwie Malmsteen, Treat & Swedish Erotica) handles vocals on "Only My Heart". "Another Me" featuring Paul Laine (Danger Danger) and the rocking "Somebody Up There feat. Tommy La Verdi (ex. 21 Guns & LRS).  The bottom line is that 'Fragile' by Elements Of Frictions is simply a complete package from vocals to musicianship. It has everything that melodic rock fans want. It's packed with great songs, great melodies and great performances from some of the best singers in the melodic rock music genre. This is a recording will easily slide into your electronic device of choice, and no doubt will stay there for weeks. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: CONDITION HUMAN by Queensryche

CONDITION HUMAN by Queensryche

(Century Media)

'Condition Human', the highly anticipated new release from Queensryche is out and it's amazing! The band's previous outing delivered the kind of music that made them icons of progressive metal in the late 80's and 90's but left us wanting more. The new album is powered with heavily layered, vocally sublime pieces of work with some stellar dual guitar work, grooving bass lines and intricate drumming. From the opening  "Arrow Of Time" to the final track "Condition Hüman" , this album for lack of a better word rocks. The textures, the light and shade,the subtlety and most importantly the quality that has been lacking from the bands recent releases is present here. The tracks themselves sound modern and fresh, but they are immediately identifiable as Queensryche songs. My personnel favourites are, "Guardian", "Toxic Remedy", "Bulletproof", and "All There Was". That is not to say the other songs are inferior, far from it. This really is a quality album that flows exceptionally well. The band sound reenergised, with drummer Scott Rockenfield worthy in particular of a special mention. His drumming on this is exceptional. Todd La Torre sounds better than ever, there are a few times where his similarity to Geoff Tate is uncanny but for the most part he asserts his own vibe very well. This album has so many little touches and flourishes that every song feels so epic and you can tell the band took their time to craft each song to perfection. While this new release may not compare to the band's classic works such as, 'Rage For Order', 'Operation: Mindcrime' or 'Empire'. However its welcome return to form and a great starting point for this latest chapter of the band. All the power, passion and progressive power from Queensryche is back in all its glory. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HOT STREAK by The Winery Dogs

HOT STREAK by The Winery Dogs
(Loud & Proud Records)

The Winery Dogs are back with their highly anticipated new release, 'Hot Streak'. This is the trio's sophomore release and there is certainly no slump here. In fact this one builds on the strengths of the band's first album. The songwriting is as crisp and tight as the musicianship of each and every member of this band. The new album shows that the trio's initial burst of collective chemistry they showed on their debut was no fluke. From the adrenaline rush that the trio exhibited on the first two tracks, "Oblivion" and "Captain Love", that power through to the uplifting vibe of "The Bridge" to the introspective acoustic charm of "Fire". The band pulls off every song without a hitch.  All musicians excel on this album and have grown into an extremely tight unit. Mike Portnoy is brilliant on the drums as usual. Richie Kotzen is a musical genius. Just stellar vocals and  guitar playing throughout. As for Billy Sheehan, his bass playing is simply mind blowing. 'Hot Streak' is a very strong well executed, produced and structured album that tops the debut in almost every area.  There's nothing trendy, hipsterish, or pretentious on here, just three insanely talented virtuosos that love making mind blowing music. They have so much fun making great music that you can't help have a good time too. The Winery Dogs are definitely on a hot streak and more power to them. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ON TO SOMETHING, EP by The White Dominos

ON TO SOMETHING, EP by The White Dominos
(Independent Release)

'On To Something', the five song Ep from Denmark's, The White Dominos, is a sign of greater things to come. These  rebellious rockers have a swagger and  a bravado about them. They merge two highly valuable commodities: riff driven based rock and seriously impressive musicality. The band is comprised of, Jonas Sharpe, Lead Vox & Guitar, Daniel Potts, Guitar & Backing Vox, Magnus Gaardbo on Bass & Backing Vox and Mads Back Hansen on drums. Think of a swirling stew of influences blended together to concoct something palatable, aromatic, and biting. Everything combined creates something completely different. You have your 60's influences like late period Beatles; 70's rockers like The Who, The Rolling Stones. But this band makes it their own and they have a distinct sound without replicating or mimicking other bands. As is evident on tracks like, "Like A Ghost", "Riding On A Storm" and "Only Light". Its really great to hear new bands like The White Dominos writing material as good as this.  And like most stews, although you know the recipe ahead of time, once it hits your tongue, the intoxicating sensation is more powerful than the sum of it parts. You might know the ingredients, but oh, it tastes so good. The White Dominos definitely have a bright future ahead of them. A band definitely on to something very special. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SONIC GLORY by Ozone Mama

SONIC GLORY by Ozone Mama

(Author's Edition)

Hungarian rock band, Ozone Mama are back and sounding better than ever with their sophomore release, 'Sonic Glory'. Following up their 2010 release, 'The Starship Has Landed'. 'Sonic Glory' has this massive bluesy guitar sound that's so powerful you can almost smell old stacks of vinyl records. Ozone Mama is comprised of Márton Székely (vocals), András Gábor (guitar), Gergely Dobos (bass) and Máté Gulyás (drums).The band's soulful blues influences float casually to the forefront. This is classic rock influenced music but with a varied approach. It has the Zeppelin rhythm layer into it laced with a progressive present day feel. This music is meant to be enjoyed through your surround sound, awesome headphones or on a road trip. The bottom end is fantastic throughout the mix, András Gábor's guitar work is stellar and shows much more dimension than I have heard from him before.  Last, but not least are Márton Székely's vocals. He simply reels you in, his style may remind you of other great singers, but his voice sounds like nobody else. The album doesn't have a weak track on it. You can play it straight from beginning to end without wanting to skip anything. Highlights for me are, "Good Times Roll", the rocking, "Backdoor Man", "Hard Times", "Kings And Rulers" and "Ain't No Place Of Mine". There is a freshness and spark to the songs that give them a magical type quality when the music is coming out of your speakers. The quality of the songs and the song writing are fantastic! All in all. 'Sonic Glory' is one of the better albums I have head this year. If you like Led Zeppelin's first two albums or The Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers'. Then this is the music for you. Ozone Mama's 'Sonic Glory' is one that is not to be missed. There is an urgency and fire to the music. I would recommend to all classic rock fans out there. If you aren’t, it’s time to get educated. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

HUMAN PARDIGM (Deluxe Edition) by QUOR

HUMAN PARDIGM (Deluxe Edition) by QUOR 
(QUOR Music)

San Diego based rock trio QUOR are back with a deluxe release that includes their debut Ep, 'We Are Going To Be Awesome' as well as their latest recording, 'Human Paradigm'. Brian Corn – Guitar & Vocals, Doug Smith- Bass & VocalsJohn Michael Cordes- Percussion.  The vocals, guitars, and percussive elements combine effectively to emphasize a contrast between intricate melody and distorted screams of raw energy and emotion. Brian Corn's distinctive vocals, the hard rock stylings over a heavy metal base, and a supremely unhealthy dose of vitriol make this the perfect album to bang your head to. The songs on both 'Human Paradigm' and 'We Are Going To Be Awesome constantly shift, morph and transform themselves, sometimes raging with fury, sometimes settling into relaxed interludes that still boil with a dark menace.
Highlights include: " Silence And The Spark", "Human Paradigm", the song was recorded in one weekend at Swagger Studios in Los Angeles, CA with engineer Dan Whittemore. "Guardian", "The Fragile Break" and the melodic, "Paradise". The deluxe set is just amazing. Complex, driving, and unlike anything else out there. I was captivated with this recording as soon as I popped it in and pressed play and have been coming back to it again and again. 'Human Paradigm' is not for the faint of heart or someone just looking to ease back on the tunes.  It is a deep thought-provoking recording. It is definitely something that needs multiple listens to fully absorb it's gravity but definitely worth the time.  - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: MY UNCONDITIONAL FAITH, Ep by Marenna

MY UNCONDITIONAL FAITH, Ep 
by Marenna
(Lions Pride Music)

'My Unconditional Faith', is the debut release by former Lacross Rock singer, Rodrigo Marenna. The six song Ep, is filled with infectious choruses for the biggest part conveying a positive message. Rodrigo Marenna's vocals are powerful and hit the sweet spot. Shining throughout the recording delivering the goods on,"You Need To Believe", "Like An Angel" and "Keep On Dreaming". Included are a acoustic version of, "You Need To Believe", a bonus track, "Life Goes On" and a Karaoke version of, "Like An Angel". The musicians backing up Marenna are Jonas Godoy - Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards and B.Vocals, Rodrigo Campagnolo -  Lead Guitar, Leandro Moretti - Bass Guitar and Guilherme Mello - Drums. From the impressive cast of musicians, one should expect nothing less than a quality melodic rock/AOR creation and that is exactly what 'My Unconditional Faith' is. I found the recording to be stellar overall, powdered by sterling musicianship, soaring but not overpowering vocals, and an uplifting atmosphere both musically and lyrically.  If you're a fan of melodic hard rock and you will love what Marenna bring to the table. - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society