CD Review - Satyricon-"Satyricon" (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

Satyricon-"Satyricon" (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

The self titled ,eighth album from Norwegian black metal pioneers Satyricon is a bit of a departure from the evolved sound of Norwegian black metal. Satyricon has always been at the forefront of the evolution of the black metal movement. In the beginning, mainstays Satyr and drummer extraordinaire Frost were more of a traditional black metal band with the atmospheric sounds, lightning fast guitars and blast beats.  Satyr has always had a unique vocal styling for black metal, staying away from the high shrieks and screams, for a more raw throat full of gravel type of approach. The band even incorporated industrial elements for their fourth studio offering "Rebel Extravaganza". The next series of three releases, "Volcano", "Now Diabolical", and "The Age of Nero", changed the genre again, this time introducing more of a "rock" sounding black metal. This set them apart from what any other band was doing at the time.

On "Satyricon", however, Satyr and Frost have done it again. This time encompassing more harmonies and melodies within each structure, honing their sound to perfection, while going back to add the atmospheric elements that traditional black metal seems to live by. The bands sound is more refined and polished, as complex drum patterns and arrangements,even by Frost's standards are pulled off with ease. The guitar tone and sound still has that "rock" feel to it, with the raw edge that has seen Satyricon continuously push the envelope. I like to refer to it as dirty black metal that leads to a majestic build up, that doesn't let up on the listener. This is a different listen for sure, killing any pre conceived  notions about what Satyricon would dish up this time around. The album demands a lot from the listener, to pick up on the subtle , yet complex layers going on here.The album starts off at a bit of a slower,precise pace, making the listener feel like they are in some dark ,cold,woods.Then you get to the track "Walker Upon the Wind", and the listener is greeted with a punk rock , black metal Venom/Bathory type feel. Satyricon has also never been one of those black metal bands that go with what seems sometimes like an unlistenable production and mix, as if that makes the record more evil to the listener.

Overall, I give "Satyricon" a 10 out of 10, as the bands sound continues to evolve into perfection on any musical spectrum. Tracks like "Nekrohaven", "Ageless Northern Spirit", and "Walker Upon the Wind" will give long time fans of the band something to look forward to. Satyr's vocals have gotten better over time, as he also plays the guitars,keyboards,and bass. Frost continues to be head and shoulders above other drummers in the genre. Both Satyr and Frost are at the top of their game,and firing on all cylinders. Do yourself a favor and let this epic release from the premiere black metal band of  today soak in, as you find yourself wanting more and more of it.

Tracklist:

1- Voice of Shadows

2- Tro og Kraft

3- Our World it Rumbles Tonight

4- Nocturnal Flare

5- Phoenix

6- Walker Upon the Wind

7- Nekrohaven

8- Ageless Northern Spirit

9- The Infinity of Time and Space

10- Natt

CD Review - Exhumed-"Necrocracy" ( 2013 Relapse Records)

Exhumed-"Necrocracy" ( 2013 Relapse Records)

"Necrocracy", the sixth full length effort from San Jose gore maniacs Exhumed is a precise,deliberate, more mature record for these time tested death veterans. Throughout the years Exhumed has been all death,gore,grind, and speed. Not that that is a bad thing, and I am a long time fan. I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Necrocracy", and I was not disappointed. Exhumed, often compared to such death legends as Carcass and Entombed, have changed things up from their already successful formula to bring what may be the best death metal release of the year.

"Coins Upon the Eyes" starts things off and sets the tone for the record which  old school, raw precision honed aggression that will pummel the listener into submission. The songs have a steady, heavy groove, that ties everything together. Matt Harvey has taken his guitar playing to the next level on "Necrocracy", as he shreds in a violent controlled fury. From fast, to slowed down tempos Matt brings it. The harmonies are old school and remind me of what the mighty Death did throughout their storied career. The solos that Bud Burke brings are razor sharp, blistering, and very technical. The drums and the bass on this record are perfect. They stand out and tie it all together, without being in front drowning out the guitars or vocals.

Overall I give "Necrocracy" a 9 out of 10. As I have said before, it seems like a more mature, well rounded effort from Exhumed. It is not all blood and guts this time around, at least if you dig a little deeper. The state of worldly affairs, as told by Exhumed.  The production is about as good as you can get for an album of this extreme magnitude.It definitely has the raw feel, with modern production values. With each listen, I hear something different, and I like it more. 

Tracklist:

1- Coins Upon the Eyes

2- The Shape of Deaths to Come

3- Necrocracy

4- Dysmorphic

5- Sickened

6- (So Passes) The Glory of Death

7- Ravening

8- Carrion Call

9- The Rotting

CD Review - Doyle- "Abominator" ( 2013 Monsterman Records)

Doyle- "Abominator" ( 2013 Monsterman Records)

Legendary former Misfits axeman Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein returns with his new album "Abominator". For years Doyle haunted the stage for horror punk icons the Misfits. Doyle has returned to the unfinished "Horror Business", that the Misfits started many years ago. "Abominator" is without a doubt the natural progression from previous Misfits albums "American Psycho", and "Famous Monsters". Doyle also brings former Misfits drummer Dr. Chud into the fold. "Abominator" features Alex Story of Cancerslug on vocals, who has a deeper raspier Michale Graves voice, with all of the harmony. Doyle's exit from the Misfits effectively ended the monstrous sound the band had been perfecting since their return in the mid nineties.They were a punk band for sure, but Doyle's massive guitar sound definitely had metal influence as the years went on.

"Abominator" picks up where the fury of "Famous Monsters " left off. The massive, thick,sound of the band gives the impression of a seasoned tenure, not a debut album. Alex Story's vocals are in the vein of Graves era Misfits, but with more raw angst. Story shows his ability to pull off the trademark harmonized singalongs "fiends" would die for. I have never heard Dr.Chud play with such power and precision. Chud's drums absolutely crush on "Abominator", pairing nicely with the fat low end of bassist "Left Hand" Graham. As for Doyle, he has never sounded better to me.Doyle has perfected the thick,chunky,and at times piercing art of playing the guitar. The slow methodical pace,the dread,and horror sound played to perfection.

After listening to "Abominator", you can clearly see the input Doyle had in the evolution of the Misfits sound. Doyle has gone from horror punk icon, to horror metal master, as the elements of thrash, and controlled chaos that many punk and metal bands try to capture is on display for all to bear witness to.Overall I give "Abominator a 9 out of 10, as Doyle has reinvented himself without changing the package entirely. The tracks progress and keep the excitement and anticipation building waiting for the next song. The song themes stay on course to what Doyle was a part in building in the horror punk/metal genre touching on subjects such as murder and necrophilia and cemetaries."Dreamingdeadgirls" reminds me that had Doyle and the Misfits stayed the course , this album would have followed "Famous Monsters". Fans of Doyle and the Misfits will rejoice in "Abominator", while opening it's dead arms for punk rockers and metal heads who missed the Misfits boat to jump right and and feel like they have been a part from the beginning. Ghouls, gals, fiends and zombies will surely want to add "Abominator" to their albums to check out list.

Tracklist:

1- Abominator

2- Learn to Bleed

3- Dreamingdeadgirls

4- Headhunter

5- Valley of Shadows

6- Land of the Dead

7- Cemetarysexxx

8- Love Like Murder

9- Mark of the Beast

10- Bloodstains

11- Hope Hell is Warm

TSOL - 30 Years & Doing What They Want

TSOL Show Review
By RadChad Reynolds

Who says Punk is Dead? Don’t tell that to the hundred plus Teenyboppers, Adults and Old School Punk Heads that came out to last Friday nights Bad Sam Punk Show to see True Legends “TSOL” rip up Weber’s stage in Reseda, Ca.

Skeletal Ambitions from Los Angeles, Ca. Neighborhood Watch from Venice, Ca. And my surprise pick, Shattered Faith from Orange County, Ca. were the opening acts.

TSOL came out to a packed house and played all their classics and even took requests that the crowd shouted out.  At one point in the show

, TSOL started playing the wrong song and Jack Grisham came on and said “ We have been doing this for 30 years now and we deserve to do what we want!”  Which just fueled the Punk Rockers to MOSH even more.

The acronym stands for “True Sounds Of Liberty.“ All of the original band members are back except for drummer Todd Barnes - Rip.  Jack Grisham is on vocals, Ron Emery on guitar, Mike Roche on bass, Tiny Bubz on drums and Greg Ruehn on keyboards , who from my understanding has jammed with greats like Bob Dylan.

I was very impressed with TSOL playing , being this was my second show in my whole entire existences -I know , I know. “There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you’ll be free if you truly wish to believe. “ Who knew there was a whole different world out there  beside Rock & Metal.

For TSOL to still be doing this for over 30 plus years with the lost of band members due to illness, break ups and the most common one, drug use , has my respect and admiration.

Photo By RadChad

 Jack Grisham captures the essence of what a true punk rock front man is supposed to be about; Insane, frightening , funny, but to me very exciting to watch. He draws you onto the stage, only to spit you  right back out into the pit like a devilish little boy.

I would also like to Thank Krista Lara of Bad Sam Presents and Weber’s place for putting on a great show.

Rock On The Range - Crews Stadium May 17-19

One of the nations largest festivals will be swinging through the middle of the state of Ohio in Columbus May 17,18,19 Some of the biggest names in rock and metal will be attached to this show. Artists such as Soundgarden, Korn, Halestorm, Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, Buckcherry, just to name a few.

Be part of the greatness and one of most memorable events to happen this year in Ohio. Tickets on sale now for ROTR. Get them here.

www.RockOnTheRange.com
www.facebook.com/rockontherange
www.twitter.com/rockontherange

Faster Pussycat Invades Ripper Owens TAP HOUSE

Faster Pussycat performs to sold out Tap House
by Michael Strong AKA Jedi Rockstar

Akron, OH. For the sold out crowd at Ripper Owens' Tap House, the decision to go to Sunday night mass or to see Faster Pussycat was an easy one. The real sleeze kings of the Sunset Strip did not disappoint. The intro led fans to believe that the boys would lean heavily on their more industrial era, but once the band kicked into "Jack the Bastard" it was apparent that this was going to be a set of the vintage FP style. Sleezy, sexy and raunchy from the get, Taime, Danny, Xtrinain, Chad and Ace lit up the stage.
 
Playing a career spanning set, they hit just about every song a true fan came out to hear, including #1 With a Bullet, Cathouse, Poison Ivy, Babylon, Don't Change That Song,and Shut Up and F@#k! . The band was tight, with Taime sounding strong as ever, and the background vocals were pretty impressive. Highlights included Danny taking over lead vocal duties on a cover of a SuperSuckers song, replacing the second half of Bathroom Wall. A goose-bump inducing version of House of Pain, with an almost note for note solo by Ace, got the crowd in total sing along mode.

Covering a Zodiac Mindwarp song, Prime Mover was a nice treat, as well. After Babylon, the Band stuck around and partied with the crowd, a fitting end to a rock and roll party.

Opening the evening, from New Jersey, Cascandence won over a crowd that was clearly not there for them. This three-piece displays a knack for catchy songwriting and tight harmony. Playing a short set, they really brought the house down while the sun was still up. I have to say, Break Out is my personal favorite song of theirs, remembering it from their last show. Also, Let's Get Ready, The First Time and the whole set, actually was well worth coming early for.

So go and revisit the Faster Pussycat catalog, it holds up. And make sure you give a listen to Cascadence. These young bucks bring it.

Van Halen 1st Show of the World Tour 2012 review

Van Halen Louisville, KY Show Review
by: Michael Strong, Jedi Rockstar...

Cleveland, OH - What can I say? We drive 6 hours for the opening night of the VAN FUCKING HALEN world tour and I'm supposed to be objective? Whatever!!!

 I'd like to say that the whole set was one hit after another staring with "You Really Got Me" all the way to the encore of "Jump"with some deep cuts thrown in such as "Romeo Delight","Mean Streets", "Outta Love Again" and "Women in Love". The only lull seemed to be the crowd's ambivalence towards "Tattoo", which I thought sounded fantastic as did the other new tracks, "ChinaTown", "The Trouble With Never" and "She's the Woman" which meshed perfectly with all the classics. I can go on forever with the highlights, but I'll just say I lost my shit when Eddie hit the opening notes of "Unchained". Yes Van Halen played "Panama", "Hot For Teacher", "Dance the Night Away", "Pretty Woman", and every song you hear on the radio from the Diamond Dave era, but of course we wanted more. David was charismatic and his voice was strong. DLR even charmed when he forgot the lyrics to a verse of "I'll Wait" by having the crowd "follow me to the chorus". Wolfie seems to be right at home on stage with the big boys. Displaying alot of chemistry with his father and David Lee Roth. Although, he is no Michael Anthony, The Kid can play and sing. Eddie's playing is concise and frenetic all at once, he is right back at the top of his game. And the maestro, Alex could not have kicked any more ass if he had a third leg.

 One or two negitives, which could be because it was first night. During Alex's drum solo the track was so loud you could barely hear his masterwork. And I think they should have done a longer encore, maybe another classic, a new song, then "Jump" instead of just "Jump".

 It was so amazing, I didn't even mind DLR's headset!

Steel Panther - Cleveland HOB 12/28/2011

Steel Panther - Cleveland HOB 12/28/2011
by: Michael Strong (Frontrow Sessions Editor & Jedi Rockstar)

So hair metal has been dead for a long time now. someone should have mentioned this to Steel Panther's sold out show at the House of Blues in Cleveland.

From the opening notes of "Supersonic Sex Machine" to the ringing coda of "Death To All But Metal" the band crushed.  Many people think of Steel Panther as a joke band, but these cats really can play and sing. Better, actually then most of the bands they pay homage to in a loving parody.

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CD Review Electric Sister : The Lost Art of Rock & Roll

CD Review
Electric Sister : The Lost Art of Rock & Roll


Oakland's hard rockin metal act Electric Sister has unleashed a masterpiece that will no doubt leaving you in awe upon listening to this newest release.  The Lost Art of Rock & Roll clocks in with straight up madness from beginning to end. The unrelentless power behind this latest effort has given the band an opportunity to perform at Sweden Rock Festival in 2012. We should know soon on if they get the nod for the travel across the pond.

Such tracks on the Lost Art of Rock & Roll with a lot of strength would have to be the opening track "New Mother Earth". This song really sets the stage for the entire release.  "I Want It All" give you the listener what you have been asking for and that is a catchy hooked tune that will definitely stay stuck in your head for days to come.  Kinda has a Kiss kinda vibe to the guitar work in this one. "The Leper" starts off with a strong riff and the vocals continue the flow. A great rockin tune. One of my favorite tracks off this one would have to be "Monster Girl," packed with a strong riff and great lyrics, this is a must listen to track. "Goddess" plugs in to your ears ready to demolish your senses.  A nice riff and catchy verse and chorus. This track is probably good live. "Rock is Religion" clocks in and sounds off the anthem of this release.  Great lyrics in this track.  Extremely catchy song. I definitely winner in my book. "City of Night" is a nice feeling hard rockin track. Sorta sends me back a few decades. Thought I was listening to some really old Def Leppard or Ted Nugent but with a better vocalist.

Overview: Electric Sister's : The Lost Art of Rock & Roll is a great find for anyone who is digging a new sound but with an old feel to it.  Vocals are the strong part of this release.  There was nothing slacking in this release and is indeed a strong one.  I would highly recommend you get your hands on this one as fast as you can. This band will be big one day so get on board the Electric Sister Train Today!

Electric Sister - FB