CD REVIEW: LAST DAY RISING (Ep) by Last Day Rising

LAST DAY RISING (Ep) 
by Last Day Rising
(Independent Release)

Last Day Rising have managed to blend and mold several influences well on this debut five song Ep. The band is comprised of Mike Pascua  on vocals, Darwin DeVitis (Cutthroat/Carbon 9) on guitar, Ralph Govea on bass and Anthony Monge on drums. The combination of solid songwriting and vocals that enables the listener to really understand what is being said, the Los Angeles based rockers have put out a recording that really hits home. All of the five songs are great, rich and full in texture - simple and aggressive at times, or sometimes slow and thoughtful. "Ready To Roll", a mid tempo mover kicks things off in rocking fashion. The melodic charmer "One Step Closer" is packed with emotion, easily pulling you in and letting you forget yourself. "Leave It All Behind" and "Don't Stop Now" are catchy rockers that are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. "Say Goodbye", closes things out to an amazing debut outing. I miss the days where I could hear music like this on the mainstream radio. Last Day Rising is one band I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: ALIVE by Lazy Bonez

ALIVE by Lazy Bonez
(E·X·R METAL Records)

Finland's Lazy Bonez returns with their latest project, 'Alive'.  This band is a mash up of several Finnish bands . The main band is comprised of Tommi Salmela (vocals), Mikko Niiranen (guitar), Markku Mähönen (guitar), Jaakko Kauppinen (bass), Janne Tolsa (keyboards) and  Pecu Cinnari (drums). Special guests appearing on the album are, Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath), Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep), Simon Wright (ex-AC/DC, ex-DIO), Stefan Schwarzmann (Panzer, ex-ACCEPT) and Zachary Hietala (Tarot). Lazy Bonez have taken their sound to a whole new level this second time around. While their debut, 'Vol. I' was a solid effort,  'Alive' displays a more confident sounding recording. Songwriting, musicianship and all around band chemistry is much tighter. Having said that, based on first listen, opener "Evil Mind" is a great rock track.  The title track is solid enough to have crossover appeal and get the band noticed by the mainstream. Other highlights include "Overload", "Racing Heart (featuring Tony Martin), "Last Rites", "Hard Times" and the album closer, "Final Rhyme". In terms of overall vibe, you can look at that lineup and get a pretty good feel for what’s in store on 'Alive'. It’s a hard rock album with hints of pomp and AOR, and has a lot in common with bands like Pretty Maids, Brother Firetribe and Europe. Overall,  a strong album, not quite as instantly catchy as it's predecessor but well worth checking out. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: SCREAM by Lifeline

SCREAM by Lifeline
(Escape Music)

UK based rock outfit Lifeline breakout onto the music scene with their powerful debut release, 'Scream'. The band is comprised of, Nigel Bailey (Three Lions, Bailey) on vocals, bass / Lee Small (Shy, Phenomena) on vocals / Paul Hume (Demon, Lawless) on guitars and backing Vocals / Steve Clarkson on drums Backing Vocals and Andy Bailey on keyboards backing vocals. British hard rock and the melodic rock world are where Lifeline take their musical lead from. There's no question there is a gap in the market for some solid, hard `n' melodic old-school British blues-rock bands. In that regard Lifeline deliver right from the get-go. The band serve up twelve stellar tracks packed with monstrous riffs and soaring melodies that seamlessly combine the vocal styles of Nigel Bailey and Lee Small without ever losing their individuality. Highlights are, "Fear No More", "Jezebel", the title track, "Danger In The Sky" and  "Destination Freedom". There's certainly no fillers which points to a band that has taken time to develop these songs and make sure the album flows well and doesn't overstay it's welcome. For those of you who were brought up on rock music that has melody and really good musicianship then I strongly suggest that you check this album out. 'Scream' by Lifeline is an album just rocks all on all cylinders. It's smooth, catchy, rocking and just has a fantastic energy overall. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: NIGHT GOES ON FOR DAYS by Koritini

NIGHT GOES ON FOR DAYS by Koritini
(Verycords Music/Ear Music)

Aussie based rockers Koritini return with their fourth studio release, 'Night Goes On For Days'. Produced by the band's frontman, Lex Koritini and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa). I have to say, I was really impressed with what the lads served up. This album grabs you by the throat with three high energy numbers to start with, "Horns Up", " Try To Live (A Little Bit)", " Rock ‘N’ Roll Ain’t No Crime" and then takes pace off with the utterly addictive, "Carousel". From there on right through to the rebel rousing finale, "Waking Up The Neighbours" it's a barnstorming series of rock 'n' roll attitude, each of which grabs you hook, line and sinker. Firmly planted deeply in the blues, the cool licks and riffs and grooves of this stunning offering will have you bouncing around the room. Koritini have clearly put a lot of effort into writing and recording this album and I'm pleased to say, as a rock fan, that's great to find a band who cares not only about the quality of the songs, but the sound quality of the too. Koritini are very much a band where the whole is far greater that sum of it's parts. Those "parts" are actually really good musicians who work, write and play as a team, and who have produced yet another really fine album. If you don't find yourself singing along by the second listening, get your hearing checked as you must have gone deaf! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: HUSTLER'S ROW by Gentlemans Pistols

HUSTLER'S ROW by Gentlemans Pistols
(Nuclear Blast)

UK rockers, Gentlemans Pistols return with their latest release, 'Hustler's Row'. In a word, this album is infectious. these lads have a unique groove-centered sound that's difficult to categorize but impossible to get out of your head. The new album is fully loaded with that classic British rock sound.  Deep Purple, Sir Lord Baltimore and Thin Lizzy influences, but beyond the recognizable style of the aforementioned rock royalty Gentlemans Pistols bring their own swagger. to the table. The album opens with the lead off single, "The Searcher" a balls out rocker that has AC/DC vibe to it. James Atkinson's vocals are spot on and the chemistry he has with Bill Steer (Firebird/Carcass) is like white on rice. The band serve up the bluesy rocker next with. "Devil’s Advocate On Call", a Free meets Bad Company rocker that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. From there on its not stop rocking with tracks, "Time Wasters", "Private Rendezvous", "Stress And Confusion" and "Dazzle Drizzler". Gentlemans Pistols serves up a lean, filler-free album with 'Hustler's Row'. This album is confirmation of their prowess and a signal that there's more to them than analog worship and thick grooves. If you think that traditional 60's/70's rock has blown its wad then you haven't heard Gentlemans Pistols. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

CD REVIEW: 2.0 by 21OCTAYNE

2.0 by 21OCTAYNE
(AFM Records)

German based rockers 21OCTAYNE are back with their sophomore release, '2.0',  proving that the magic they created on their debut, 'Into The Open', was no fluke. No sophomore slump thats for sure. The new album has everything that rock fans want: catchy choruses, giant melody, and butt-kicking guitar riffs. The band is comprised of, Hagen Grohe on vocals, Marco Wriedt on Guitar and Alex Landenburg on Drums. This trio finds the best of both worlds by blending hard rock and AOR. The band has that ‘80s feel, but they methodically weave a modern sound that never makes you think you’re hearing anything post-grunge era. Hagen Grohe turns in a rock solid vocal performance. Marco Wriedt is killer on guitars, serving up some blistering solos. Alex Landenburg drumming provides the band with it's solid foundation. Well, the proof is in the songs, and you can pretty much pick any of the songs on this album at random and find an absolutely killer single-worthy melodic hard rocker. After my initial listen to the album I am really digging all the tracks especially "Devil In Disguise", "Take Me Back ", " When You Go" , " Take Me Away , and the epic, "Tale Of A Broken Child ". I'm sure this one is going to get some serious replay time for me for months to come. '2.0' is a high quality melodic rock album that is recommended to all fans of this style of music. Does 21OCTAYNE try to reinvent the wheel here? Absolutely not. But there is something to be said for excellent production, tight performances, great songwriting and vocals. If you like music that favors musicianship and songwriting over pretty face, no-talent singers, take a run at 21OCTAYNE! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

The Dedicated Rocker Society TOP FIVE ROCK CDs

The Dedicated Rocker Society
TOP FIVE ROCK CDs 
for the week ending 10/9/2015

HOT STREAK by The Winery Dogs
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 are 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.

DYING TO LIVE by Joel Hoekstra's 13 
As soon as you press play and the opening track, "Say Goodbye To The Sun", fires out of your speakers this recording hits your senses holding nothing back. From there on with tracks like, "Anymore", ""Until I Left You", "Long For the Days" and "Changes". 'Dying To Live' provides hard hitting, riff driven, hook laden songs and is a premium blend of melodic hard rock that makes for one memorable listening experience.

SONIC GLORY by Ozone Mama
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.

THIS DEVICE (Ep) by The Tracy G. Group
The Tracy G. Group's latest creation the six song Ep, 'This Device' strikes a perfect balance of style, power and imagination taking  risks and challenges in ways most other players can't even approach. There are some incredible moments here and it's an intensely personal album full of anguish and anger and ultimately hope. For this being only a six song Ep, it sure packs one hellava punch!

ACROSS THE DIVIDE by Federal Charm
If you like heavy, funky, rockin' grooves and soulful singing you'll really dig it. In my opinion this is the sound of a band finding their true sound.  Federal Charm are one of the few things still right in rock music in this day and age, and it's never  more evident than on this album. Very highly recommended.