LORDS OF THE DEAD, Ep by Dharma Kings
(Independent Release)
The modern radio era is dominated by bands that fancy themselves latter-day Sex Pistols but sound more like bad Green Day knockoffs. Into this musical climate, Texas based, Dharma Kings inject a potent breath of fresh air with its five
song seEp, 'Lords Of The Dead'. The band have provided support for Flock of Seagulls, Faster Pussycat, Asleep at the Wheel, Bullet Boys, L.A. Guns, One Eyed Doll, Hellion, Broken Teeth, Wes Cage, Soak and Eddie Trunk. The band's music has also received massive attention overseas resulting with an upcoming European tour in 2017. The band is comprised of, David Komie - vocals, Richard Jessee - guitar, Tom Coyne - bass and Olivier Porrini - drums. At face value, the band's five song Ep , is a pretty rich hard rock album. Only traces of the alternative/grunge sound hover around its edges. Mainly the production style and some of the riffs. But in most respects, this is very much a hard rock recording. Intellectually, Dharma Kings step well beyond most rock bands with innovative musical intricacies and astute lyrics. David Komie's vocal prowess and delivery are on display on songs like, "America" "Carl Sagan" and " Tied To A Chair", where he whispers and roars. Richard Jessee is a very unique guitarist, not playing conventional solos, However, Dharma Kings are more about band interplay than individual playing: Olivier Porrini 's exact and meticulous drumming; Tom Coyne's gritty, growling bass; Richard Jessee guitar sounds are powerful and go for the throat. I have to say, it was incredibly difficult for me to crack Dharma Kings' music. However, once I did, I never looked back. If you're a music fan with an open mind and enjoy innovation and musical depth as much as I do, give Dharma Kings a listen. Listen closely to the words and think about it...interesting stuff. Recommend for anyone looking for a great listening experience. Very aggressive yet awesome.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
LAST TIGER by Change Of Heart
(Escape Music)
UK melodic rockers Change Of Heart return with their highly anticipated new release, ' Last Tiger'. Alan Clark (vocals, guitar), Nick Catterick (guitar, vocals), Paul Hume (guitar, backing vocals),Jeff Hopkins (bass, vocals), John Sykes (keyboards, vocals) and Sam Ogden (drums). Change Of Heart have produced yet another excellent album. After quite a few spins I'm having trouble picking my favourite songs. Each and every song is worthy of the favorite tag. "All killer-no filler" as the sayings goes. From the lead off track, "Rise To The Challenge", the band sets the table for the memorable listening experience that awaits highlighted by melodic gems like, "Wayward Son", "Holy Days", the title track and "Only Tomorrow". The whole thing is just a magical combination of great songwriting, awesome playing, and incredible production quality. It really blew me away. The bottom line here is, 'Last Tiger' has everything a melodic rock fan could want. Groove laden melodic rock songs with hooks and great choruses that will make you want to sing along as loud as you can. The whole band sound amazing! If you like AOR and good melodic rock in general, you will really appreciate this fine release. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
PROMISE by Jace Pawlak
(Kivel Records)
Every now and again, a melodic rock album comes along that transcends the temporary nature of the genre, and has a lasting impact on the listener. Jace Pawlak's latest release, 'Promise' is one such recording. Known mostly in the melodic rock underground as a songwriter for other artists, has created a real masterpiece with this new release. Front to back this is just a very enjoyable album, The album starts with, "Tonight Is Everything" an extremely catchy track that draws you in with irresistible melodic charm. Things pick up with, "Before You Run" and the mid tempo, "Every Now And Then". Three songs in an this recording has just blown me away. This recording truly loaded with some of the AOR flavored songs that I've heard this year. Other highlights include, "Too Late", "Waiting", "Can't Find My Heart" and the album closing, "Nothing But Rain". Pawlak's latest offering is by and large extremely well produced, arranged and in very good taste. It is one of the most melodic and energetic recordings created by an artist who is out of this world talented. Makes me wonder why Jace Pawlak hasn't received the recognition that he truly deserves. If you haven't heard of Jace Pawlak yet, you're really missing out. 'Promise' is a definite must own for anyone who's a big melodic rock fan or anyone who loves and appreciates really good music. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
NOTHING HAPPENS OVERNIGHT by Rebel Machine
(Independent Release)
'It's such a rare treat in this day and age where soulless pop reigns supreme to discover a brand new band that play rock music as its meant to be played. Let me describe it to you this way. Hooks, a musical idea or riffs that catches the ear of the listener. Some bands have 'em, most don't. Brazilian rockers known as Rebel Machine have 'em in spades. This band serve up hooks so tasty everyone bites. Marcelo Pereira (vocal), Murilo Bittencourt (guitars), Marcel Bittencourt (bass) and Chantós Mariani (drums) . This quartet brings it, I kid you not. Their debut release, 'Nothing Happens Overnight" is a fully loaded full metal jacket of unbridled attitude powered rock music that begs to crank to the max once you hit play! All ten tracks offered are rockers, no filler. Highlights are, "Don't Tell Me I'm Wrong", the down and dirty, "Waiting For You", the lead single, "It Doesn't Matter To Me","Goodbye Honey" and the album closing ball busting, "Life Is Fucking Good". You could easily take this along with Skid Row's 'Slave To The Grind", 'Night Songs' by Cinderella or 'Mechanical Resonance' by Tesla and you would have the best rock albums of that time period. This band is that good. The bottom line is that Rebel Machine have delivered a album loaded with solid songs that will rock your foundation guaranteed. This band is proof positive that hard rock music is definitely not dead and is still being made and still a hell of a lot of fun to rock out to. If you have been looking for a new band that plays classic hard rock, Rebel Machine will be your new favorite rock band. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE DAY THE EARTH STOPPED TURNING by Carsten Lizard Schulz Syndicate
(Power Prog)
'The Day The Earth Stopped Turning', the powerful double disc debut release from Carsten Lizard Schulz Syndicate is powerhouse package that explodes out your speakers once you press play! Vocalist, Carsten Lizard Schulz (Evidence One, Frozen Rain, Rik Priem's Prime, Dead End Heroes, Domain) delivers a powerful homage to classic hard rock sound ala Whitesnake, Rainbow and Deep Purple. They say you either go big or go home. Well folks Carsten Lizard Schulz has gone big swinging for the fences and hit a grand slam! 'The Day The Earth Stopped Turning' will not be disappointing anyone who loves that vintage classic hard rock sound. The hardest thing will be for the listener to decide what track to rock out to next and just how many times to listen to it. Disc one has eight super charged rockers that include, "The Prize Is Shame", "Black Water Soul", "Dogs", and closes out with Deep Purple-ish vibe of "Man In Flames". Disc two is just as rocking offering up eight tracks as well. Highlights include, "Luck Star", "Song Like Rain", "Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten", "Brand New Fire"and "Postcards From Hell". Overall, the writing, vocals and the musicianship are superior. A must listen. Thank you Carsten Lizard Schulz and all the other musicians involved in this epic musical project. Well done.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
EXPEDITION DELTA II by Srdjan Brankovic
(Perris Records)
Expedition Delta is the project featuring guitarist, Srdjan Brankovic, founding member of AlogiA (The biggest seller of ProgMetal in Serbia). This project that perfectly blends melodic rock with progressive overtones making for one memorable listening experience and the project sophomore effort simply titled '2' , is certainly that. Srdjan Brankovic has created an album of solid songs while utilizing to the fullest the individual talents that he's put together. The majority of the songs are sung by Nikila Mijic and Andjela Isic. As far as musicians, he's a put together a brilliant group of very talented musicians, Bobby Koelble (guitar), Santiago Dobles (guitar), Nicola Di Gia (guitar), Ip Maesstro (bass), Marko Milojevic (drums), Vladimir Djedovic (keyboards)Mladen Gosic (keyboards) and Nevena Zivkovic (keyboards). Usually when you have a lineup of musicians of this magnitude, it is really difficult to create any sort of continuity or a cohesive chemistry. But, it's only a problem if the songs aren't good. When the songs are good, nobody cares whether or not they fit together and these songs are good. This recording has a great diversity of moods, both vocal and instrumental, which really spices things up. "Spectacular" and "Break The Rules" are high energy melodic rockers that have a great song along choruses. "Fly With Me" is a melodic progressive gem that has that Dream Theater meets Saga vibe to it. Other highlights include, "Without You", the instrumental, "The One Who Lives A Dream", "Don't Believe" and the album closing, "Connected", a instrumental piece that is incredibly moving. Really, all of the tracks stand out on here. Some melodic, some with progressive overtones. If your up for something adventurous that challenges your expectations, listen to this amazing recording. A brilliant album created by true musical savant. If you know any music fans who are tired of commercial music, point them in Srdjan Brankovic's direction. Chances are, they won't be disappointed. And neither will you. Very impressive indeed. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
TEN TON MOJO by Ten Ton Mojo
(Indpendent Release)
New York City based rockers, Ten Ton Mojo deliver a hard rocking sound that goes from go to whoa in no time flat!
Comprised of, Ernie Papp on vocals, Scott Lano on guitar, Gabe Mera on guitar, Chris Laubis on bass and Paul Kane on drums. The band's self titled debut packs a wallop from beginning to end. Their self titled debut is a balls to the wall rocker of a album, full of great hooks, melodies and a monster wall of guitars. The sound is raw and the riffs grab you, give you a good shaking and don't let go, and nor would you want them to! Each song is powerfully loaded with one serious hellacious attitude. Early highlights for me include "Gotta Get That Love", "One And Only", "Pinball Girl" and the bump and grind of "Ain't That Right", but you could pick this album up at any point and find a killer track. Production-wise, it's nice and straightforward; you get drums, bass, guitars and vocals - and lots of 'em. Great mix, very direct and sounds like something that could be really great live. Overall, if you like getting your rocks off to in your face hard rock, then you'll definitely get off big time with what Ten Ton Mojo bring to the table. Tight musicianship, strong vocals. These boys are the total package.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
