Concert Review: The Rockstar Mayhem Festival 2015

Ahhh it’s that time of the year again! The Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival has rolled into Tinley Park yet again for its 8^th year in a row. However, this year it is a bit different. The side stages have shrunk from two stages plus the main stage to only on side stage and the main stage. This was the year everyone was thinking was going to be the end of Mayhem due to how much it has shrunk. But being there was a whole other story…

Beginning of the day unfortunately I didn’t arrive until around 4 o clock and missed really the only two bands I was interested in at the Victory Records stage. Luckily I met up with a friend who was there for the whole day and said that Code Orange put on an excellent set which I wasn’t surprised about and Sister Sin who are a killer and I mean freaking killer classic sounding heavy metal act really nailed it as well. Thy Art Is Murder was the first band I saw take on the side stage and they really had the audience going as did Whitechapel after them. I and my girlfriend navigated through the crowd just to see what was going on around the place (which I remind you it was hotter than hell that day as well). The tents were very scarce since the last Mayhem show I went to which was when Rob Zombie and Five Finger Death Punch headlined. But anyway, after getting a bunch of free stuff (A Mayhem tradition) and buying some awesome King Diamond merch, it was time to head down to the main stage.

MAIN STAGE

The Devil Wears Prada

Once we got to our seats which was the closest I have ever been to the stage at this venue, We saw our opening act for this year. Now anyone that knows me even remotely knows I am not huge into screaming or metalcore or much of that nature. I do, however, appreciate that these guys gave it their all. Now this is a band that seems more of a club band that get really up close and personal with the crowd which is why I feel they would be better suited on the Victory Records stage. The sound was also just. THE. WORST. It was just way to bass driven all I could hear and feel way too much was drums and bass with the occasional scream, but oh well the lower on the bill the less the sound guy has to care right?

HellYeah

The first band on the main stage that I was kind of stoked to see. It was cool to see Vinnie Paul of Pantera playing drums even though it was to some songs I only partially knew. I think these guys gave a good performance even though their guitarist Tom Maxwell had a broken leg and had to sit through the performance. The band was full of energy as well and they really ripped through a good chunk of the Blood For Blood record and a few older tunes. Good old Texas style metal but the only complaint again was the shitty sound, which worried me, I was really hoping the last two acts would have sound down to a point…

King Diamond

As Hellyeahs set was torn down, the most epic set next to Iron Maidens stage was revealed. A giant two story piece with a cathedral backdrop and inverted crosses and a large glowing red pentagram. This only meant one thing, King Diamond was ready to give a show I won’t soon forget. To me, it was on par to seeing a band like Maiden or Metallica or any legendary metal group. It was also possibly the only time King Diamond would ever perform without the makeup in Chicago. IT was a real treat and his voice is still in as good as shape as it is on his classic records. Hos band was in fine form as well and he spared no expense in theatrics either. The setlist was damn near perfect as well as King ripped into the opener “The Candle” and a few cuts off of his late 80s and early 90s records. Then, he pulled two Mercyful Fate classics that I have waited to hear live since day one. He ended his set with three from Abigail and really left an impression on everyone in the crowd. His performance is something that I will remember for years it was that freaking good. Hail to the king baby.

Slayer

Now onto our headliners, SLAYYEERRRRR!!!!!!! As if I haven’t heard it enough, it’s still fun to scream. I was still excited to see Slayer for a second time as I knew they would pull some interesting moves. As the white curtain was draped over the stage, the images of pentagrams and inverted crosses began to roam around and then, cue curtain drop. Slayer ripped into new track Repentless which I might add is freaking insane live, it has a really catchy chorus. Slayer had a large video screen this time around and it displayed some rather gruesome images such as Ed Gein crime photos as well as concentration camps for Angel Of Death. I also liked that they used some badass pyro for this show as well even having the fire shape have inverted crosses in them. Come to think of it I don’t think I have seen more inverted crosses or pentagrams than I have at this show. But anyways, the boys took out some less played tunes from their post 2000 albums which I thought varied up the setlist for once instead of relying on the same tunes over and over. I was a tad shocked they removed seasons of the abyss but I know they wanted to cram some new ones in. Implode I felt sounded great live but when the stillness comes I felt wasn’t a huge crowd pleaser. But all in all they put on a show only slayer can do with more imagery and pyro than before.

Overall, it was a great show. Sure Mayhem has shrunk considerably from three almost four stages to just one but I felt this year they stuck it on home with headlining acts. It is a fun time every year regardless and even though the crowd was maybe a couple hundred people, it still felt huge to me. The clear shining act of this tour also is King Diamond definitely, the strongest set, performance and just overall feel of his show trumps every other act, and let’s hope to see him again real soon. Mayhem Fest 2015 was another great year and let’s hope for a couple more!!

Album Review: Venomous Maximus- FireWalker

“FireWalker” is the sophomore album by Texas doom metal band Venomous Maximus and was released in May of 2015. I first discovered this group while listening to the Doom Cellar one night and really was digging what I was hearing it was heavy and doomy but had some Iron Maiden-like influences which I really found unique and really was excited when the first single was released for this album. However, does this album hold up and are Venomous a band to be reckoned with? Let’s find out.

Track Rundown

1.       Intro- starting with a simple synth beginning is really cool and gives off a John Carpenter feel to me. Not much to say it doesn’t last very long but it is a cool little piece.

2.       White Rose- This track goes straight for the jugular with pounding riffs, heavy drums and a killer vocal performance. I really find the chorus insanely catchy as well. The guitars give off a sound reminiscent of VOL. 4 from Sabbath where it is heavy but not the typical bass heavy, more of a vintage heavy. The chugging guitars remind me again a lot like Iron Maiden which is an interesting taste. Overall this is a real strong opening track.

3.       Through The Black- This is the first song released a bit back for this record and to me is the highlight from the album, the lyrics, the crushing riffs its all there. Interestingly it sounds very Hour Of 13-ish especially in the vocal performance.

4.       Dark Waves- This song has more of that Doom stable sound right from the brooding beginning but picks up a little bit and actually is pretty atmospheric especially at the “I can hear them calling” moments. Another killer song really raw and heavy.

5.       Oct. 14^th- This is a faster song and I can see it being a good live number with all the chanting. What I really like is that even though it is doom it is still very melodic and the vocals are very Mercyful Fate like without the trademark falsettos. One of my favorite tracks on the album.

6.       FireWalker Theme- This is an instrumental track those goes more into ambient psychedelic sounds which is an interesting transition. It almost sounds like what it would be if you were in hell. I also really dig all the subtle synthesizers in the backround.

7.       Angel Heart- Another trademark track for the band. It’s a straight forward Doom tune that does exactly what you want it to do. It also brings up those iron maiden galloping guitar lines as well. Killer track.

8.       The main riff to this song sounds like a Dio song. Not a specific one but just it sounds like a track that Dio could sing over. Another one of my favorite song on the album and I really like the jam at the end where it picks up more it really begs to be played in a live setting.

9.       Fire In The Night- This song has a production along the lines of Sabbaths VOL. 4 again which I like because it retains that vintage heavy sound. I like the verse riffs in this track its just so damn heavy. Another good song for a live setting.

10.   Take on the Grave- In my opinion this track kinda starts slow but it does pick up a bit more toward the middle and more during the solo. Its probably my least favorite track on the record. Its still pretty good but just not a great closer.

Overall, I give this record a 9.3 out of 10. I really enjoyed this record its Like Mercyful Fate was reborn and fused with NWOBHM groups such as Angel Witch and the before mentioned Iron Maiden, however, it remained completely original and if you are a fan of doom metal or just heavy metal then I strongly suggest you check out this record and their debut. I believe they are on tour with High on Fire now (or soon? Correct me if I’m wrong) so go check em out if you can. 

Album Review: Night Demon- Curse Of The Damned

Curse Of The Damned is the debut record by Heavy Metal band Night Demon and was released in early 2015. Night Demon are part of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal which has been going on for years with acts like Cauldron, White Wizzard and others. However, while those bands went more straight forward Judas Priest and Iron Maiden sound-alikes, Night Demon takes most of their influence of the more unknown acts of the New Wave Of British Metal and have the sound down to a science without making it generic and forgettable. I knew the second I heard the first few notes of this record I had to review it as soon as I could.

Track Rundown

1.Screams In The Night- This track sounds straight like a lost Diamond Head demo, but this song is just a perfect opener, its super energetic and very catchy to sing along to as well. The solo is simple and the guitar tone has that vintage British metal warmth of old times. The drums are really loose as I like them to be and the bass OH THE BASS! It is super audible and I love hearing me some bass. Jarvis’ bass tone is one of my favorites I have heard in a while it has a very Steve Harris feel but with a pick which is still a unique trait. His voice is very John Bush mixed with Sean Harris equaling a very broad hit you in the face sound. Excellent fun opener.

2.Curse Of The Damned- Here we have the title track and I love just how heavy the bass opens this song. The main riff hits hard too. I love the chorus it is so damn catchy. The phased out guitar parts I really dig too. The solo is a nice taste without being too much which is what I usually strive for in traditional heavy metal. Another home run track.

3.Satan- I like the main riff during the chorus I always have liked chugging riffs because they are simple but effective. The chorus kinda slows down and after the last two tracks it leaves a bit to be desired. The whole song is all around good just not huge on the chorus.

4.Full Speed Ahead- This song sounds straight off the “Killers” record and hits the perfect sound in the harmonizing guitar parts and the chorus is just a full on crowd singer. The solo is a fast ripper as expected and has almost a vintage Anthax sound to it as well. Killer fun song.

5.The Howling Man- This is the epic long song on this album and it shows with the atmospheric opening and I think the chorus is my favorite on the album it has great guitar and bass lines, vocal melodies and the slow bridge in the middle really adds to this track as well. Best song on the record by far.

6. Heavy Metal Heat- This song is a take on just the idea of a heavy metal show. It’s very much like Metal Thrashing Mad by Anthrax, however, this song still has distinct sound and that again is Jarvis’ very strong vocals. The guitar sounds louder here than the previous tracks for some reason but that might just be my screwed up hearing. Anyway this is another definite highlight out of a slew of many others.

7.Livin’ Dangerous- The riff starts out sounding like Motorheads Over The Top but instantly becomes its own song. This song is my second favorite because the end takes you through tons of pounding riffs that make you think “damn when does it stop?” the solo sounds very motorhead-ish as well which is an A+ in my book.

8.Mastermind- This track is very reminiscent of Doctor Doctor by UFO and its only in the riff structure and the chorus being cheesy, still kicks ass (who said Rock N Roll was supposed to be taken seriously?). I love that dark tempo change in the middle as well just to mix things up a bit. Another fun hitter.

9.Run For Your Life- This song sounds like Turner-era Rainbow to be and Jarvis’ voice even gets close to sounding like his. It’s a pretty good track, very energetic and again the chorus is super catchy as well with the repeat backup vocals. Solo is solid as well as I expect.

10. Killer-The riff sounds like Thin Lizzys Stone Cold Sweat a bit but it sounds killer regardless. The chorus is pretty good not perfect but it passes and I still think this would be a good live track for them to play.

11.Save Me Now- The synthy, hazy opening is pretty cool and different. This song has a bluesy feel to it more than just about all the previous tracks, it’s a bit more somber than the last few but I still like the guitar harmonies during the verses. The chorus has a more radio friendly feel to it like metal bands back in the day would write compared to the balls to the wall songs on the rest of the record. However, this doesn’t take away from the song it just has a more hard rock feel to it which gives a different but good taste. It’s a good closer to record but wait…

BONUS TRACK- Road Racin’ (RIOT cover) - Hot damn! This cover smokes and I am so happy to see a song I loved so much as a kid brought back to the 21^st century. I would love to see people discover RIOT from this song and is a worthy cover.

Overall, I give this record a scorching 9.5 out of 10. Night Demon is a band to be reckoned with and this album is definitely and early contender for my album of the year. It is unfortunate I can’t check them out June 9^th with Raven in Chicago but hopefully on the next run I will. If you have a chance to see them on tour check em out, you won’t be disappointed. Long Live Night Demon! \M/

Album Review: Manilla Road- The Blessed Curse/After The Muse

“The Blessed Curse” is the seventeenth album from legendary Heavy Metallers Manilla Road and was released on February 13^th, 2015. Now real quick I apologize this review is so late, Amazon screwed up my order and shipped it late and I had another album slated to be reviewed but unfortunately I won’t have it in my hands until the earliest May 1^st. But anyway let us get onto this record. First off, Manilla Road was a band that I always heard in conversations, forums etc. but I never gave them a chance. I recently saw that they released this new double record so I thought this would be a good opportunity to delve into a band that has been around awhile the md to late seventies in fact. So we have The Blessed Curse so let’s delve right in.

Track Rundown

1.The Blessed Curse- Starting with the really eerie acoustics I really like the atmosphere really quick and the vocals are epic in say not an over the top power metal way, but a crooning epic way with, again, a very good atmosphere to them. The production when those crushing riffs come in I really dig because it is that raw, 80’s kind of production which I like more than more over produced records. I really think it sounds more live this way. The solo is really hypnotic too and has a power metal-ish feel. I feel like this song sets a really good mood for what this record has in store.

2.Truth In The Ash- This is total old school speed metal and you could totally swear that it was from 1982 and not 2015. This band even being almost 40 years old I am so astonished how they sound like I’m sure they sounded in their prime. At times I feel the vocals get a tad buried behind the riffs but it only happens at small bits that you really can’t notice them that much. The solo rips and doesn’t hold back at all and again sounds like an 80’s speed metal band in their prime.

3.Tones Of Clay- The classical like acoustics are really nice and I do like the variation from fast to slow it keeps things interesting. This song has a more mythic feel to it as well and it is quite interesting as well. This is a ballad that I approve of, because of the fact it is a ballad that is creatively written and not cliché. It really does make this more of a musical adventure as well.

4.The Dead Still Speak- Another more typical Heavy Metal tune, again adding to the variation of this record. I really like the drum patterns in this track and I feel this would work as a great live tune as well. The vocals could have been a bit louder again in the final mix I feel but it doesn’t take away from the song much. It sounds like it is very much an anthem that should have a crowd singing to it. I have to point out the bass is super clicky as well which is a plus when bass is super audible in a song. I love the click from the double bass at the end too it just has that old school charm.

5.Falling- This acoustic riff is really catchy to my ears right off the start and the vocals again, just a whole other layer of feeling. This song is another ballad-ish track but I feel this one is catchier than “Tones Of Clay” The solo is really soulful as well I really dig it. I really like the chorus I feel it would be something that could easily get stuck in my head.  Greatly written track and really picks up at the end.

6.Kings Of Invention- That killer bass kicks off this track which goes back to the heavier side of things. I am starting to sense a pattern with this album which I feel might throw off some of the excitement off of the next few tracks. However, this is another song I feel suited for a live setting. Simply put: Its Heavy freaking Metal, nothing more, nothing less.

7.Reign Of Dreams- Probably the heaviest song on the album actually, and a complete surprise it wasn’t a slower track! I love the chorus to this song and again I could totally see a crowd singing along to this. The solo is really the crown on this track though it sings and cuts so much in the sound I really like it.

8.Luxiferia’s Light- Crushing riffs right off the bat and It kind of sounds Candlemass-ish at least to me. This song is a total track you just headbang to simple enough. The chorus is pretty damn heavy as well. This track is mid paced but is still awesome the drums do a lot of solid fills as well. Great song.

9.Sword Of Hate- The Sabbath feel is strong in this song and I love the palm muted riffing it always adds a heavier feel I think. The solo on this track I think is my favorite just because the guitars sounds heavy enough and asolo against that riff just adds so much flavor to an already delicious track(did that sound weird?). Anyway this is one of my favorite songs on the album.

10.The Muses Kiss- I feel it is good that this album ends on a soft track just because Manilla Road really knows how to write emotional pieces I feel. The vocals are overlaid and I really like it. The guitars really carry this song away and hit home very well I think. I think this proves that even Heavy Metal, with the fist pumping anthems and super aggressive tempos and overall energetic feel, can come in the form of very good written pieces such as this song among others in history and with this album closing on a pretty extended solo, I can see why Manilla Road should be so much more respected in the metal community.

The second disc: After The Muse” I will speak briefly about because it is more or less outtakes and rerecording’s but is still a very solid disc and is worth it with “The Blessed Curse” It is mainly all ballad type songs but they are very nice and I am glad they are on the second disc so I can appreciate them more and they don’t clog the album and drag it for too long.

Overall, I give this album an 8.5 out of 10, I went into this review almost completely blind and I am surprised that this album is as solid as it is from this older band. It really makes me want to go back and discover their discography and if you are a veteran or new Manilla Road fan, I recommend this record for you. It’s got it all.

Album Review: The Skull-For Which Those Are Asleep

For Those Which Are Asleep is the debut record for Doom Metal outfit The Skull and was released in 2015. The Skull mainly revolve around former Trouble members and performs large amounts of vintage Trouble material in their setlists. Finally they have released their debut record which I have been super excited to spin but is it worth the hype? Let’s find out.

Track Rundown

1.      Trapped Inside My Mind-Those Sludgy riffs are just what make classic Doom metal and this track deserves those heavy grooves times ten. Vocalist Eric Wagner has always had a very Ozzy voice but here he makes it more his own and actually gives it a darker overtone. That solo although short really packs a punch as well. Great heavy opener.

2.      The Touch Of Reality- Those sinister single note riffs really bring out that Sabbath worship as well. This album really keeps the classic Doom formula weirdly fresh and really appealing. I love the fuzzy wah in this song I think a little too much it is just so freakin heavy.

3.      Sick Of It All- This song starts out with sort of a Down feel with the heavy drums in the back its just super hazy. It is a bit softer but still retaining the Doom Metal aspect. Pretty decent song here. When it speeds up mid-way through I feel that’s when this song really gets rolling

4.      The Door- starting with some creepy piano and organ in the backround, it really gives this track a gothic kind of overtone. This is one of those tracks you just have to hear with headphones on in the dark. This is probably the most experimental track with pianos added in the back straying from the typical riff heavy Doom Metal.

5.      Send Judas Down- This song is a total hard rocker with the down tuned riffs dominating this track creating some awesome rhythm sections. I really like the kind of off key chorus it just makes it even heavier. The middle part where it softens a bit is really an interesting change of pace and then BOOM back into that killer chorus and probably my favorite solo on the record. Great song.

6.      A New Generation- This song is very Sabbathy and feels a lot like something off of their latest “13” record. It still sounds fresh however and I give a lot of artists kudos for taking an existing sound and making it their own. Pretty decent groovy track.

7.      Till The Sun Turns Black- This is a lot like “Hole In The Sky” especially in the main riff which really sticks out to me. I like the eerie verses as well. Its another riff heavy track with a killer solo. Simple formula but again it works.

8.      For Those Which Are Asleep- The title track begins with some psychedelic-esque acoustic guitars and it really builds with the hazy vocal lines and I eat songs like this up. It’s eerie, it’s heavy it is awesome.

9.      Sometime Yesterday Mourning- This song just defines heavy fuzzy guitar riffing. These riffs are some of my favorite that I have heard in awhile. I am not huge on the chorus it sounds a bit out of place but oh well not every song is perfect.

10.  The Last Judgment- This song weirdly reminds me of Metallica’s “Sad But True” but that was of course when the verse begin, it goes into that signature sound Trouble was known for. This is a good ending track because it doesn’t go on for too long and doesn’t try anything new. It is a rocking tune only these guys could go out with.

Overall, I give this record a 7 out of 10, it really is a throwback to vintage Trouble and I respect that. It sticks to the sound that was forged by the old guard of Doom while still staying fresh and new. Give 9it a try it’s a pretty good record to keep your Doom thirst quenched.

Album Review: RIOT V- Unleash The Fire

Unleash The Fire is the first album under the moniker “Riot V” formerly known as the legendary RIOT and was released in 2014. Not to be confused with Glam metallers Quiet Riot, RIOT formed around 1976 and released their first album “Rock City” in 1977. They released classic albums such as “Fire Down Under” and the power metal juggernaut “Thundersteel”. Now let me just say THIS BAND SHOULD HAVE BEEN HUGE. Founder Mark Reale is one of my biggest influences on guitar especially from those early albums. Unfortunately this incarnation is the first to not feature one original member (Mark passed in 2012) and is more of a tribute to his music. However, this record was a surprise to me as it was to many other first listeners.

Track Rundown

1.      Ride Hard Live Free- This album really kicks off with a bang. The epic guitar harmonies are just straight in your face and with fast Maiden-like solo harmonies really hit hard. First time Riot singer Todd Michael Hall really belts it out like a proper power metal vocalist and not playing it extremely over the top. The chorus oh god it’s just perfect for a huge audience to sing along to. Surely a classic Riot track.

2.      Metal Warrior- This song brings back that old school power metal approach mainly what Iron Maiden built up on in the 80s. I find the verses extremely infectious and the chorus just has that “Warrior” feel to it. There is a part in the song where it breaks with just the chugging guitar and Hall lets out this killer wail. Another winner for sure.

3.      Fall From The Sky- There is a really thrashy feel here with the one string quick strumming. Mike Flyntz and Nick Lee are really precise players especially on tracks like this. This one isn’t as epic or memorable as the last two but it’s still pretty good.

4.      Bring The Hammer Down- The Dio-Sabbath feel is very present in this track especially in the vocals. The speed is toned down a lot but it makes it heavier. The chorus is pretty heavy and catchy too.

5.      Unleash The Fire- The title track is a real head banger and I really admire the drumming here as well. The verses are pretty damn catchy as is the chorus. The rhythm here is just so tight its very impressive. Another killer tune.

6.      Land Of The Rising Sun- One of my favorite songs on this album, it has the awesome riffs, the catchy verses, the insanely good chorus and killer solo. This song is what classic Heavy Metal is all about. Its more of a mid tempo track but it works better than with more of a speed approach. Near perfect song.

7.      Kill To Survive- This song almost sounds like it was recorded by a different band altogether and I think it’s the one odd ball on the album. It took me a few listens to REALLY get where this song was headed. It has a heavier tone than the rest but I just don’t think it was structured so well.

8.      Return Of The Outlaw- My favorite song on the record and possibly one of my favorite Riot tracks. This song takes that sound from “Fire Down Under” into the modern day and boy do they crush it. The chorus is probably my chorus of the year if I had to make that a list. The main Riff just sounds like it could have been of “Fire Down Under” or even “Narita”.

9.      Immortal- This song is the direct tribute to Mark Reale and I really like the lyrics they gave to it as well. Its really the only ballad on the album besides the last track and in my opinion would have been a better closer. However, it’s a nice little thank you to the bands founder.

 10 .  Take Me Back- This song as a really strong vibe from UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” which isn’t a bad thing it gives it a good groove. I really like the chorus here as well. A nice song and another one of my highlights.

11.   Fight Fight Fight- The fastest song on the album and is reminiscent of “Run For Your Life” off of Thundersteel. It’s another one of those metal tunes you just have to sing to and pump your fist to. Killer power metal song and the solo freakin kills too.

 12.   Until We Meet Again- The church-like chorus at the beginning is really cool and this song is actually pretty soft as well like “Immortal” and even has this Santana-esque feel at least to me. It really does shine more toward the guitar work. It’s a nice subtle little closer to an extremely epic album.

Overall, I give this album an 8.7 out a 10. Wow just wow. This album was written in tribute and easily can stand up to Riot classic albums. Mark Reale would be proud actually beyond proud that these musicians were so gifted to write an album so full of memorable choruses solos and overall songs that fans young and old will love. Thank you Todd, Mike, Nick, Don and Frank for such an amazing record and long live RIOT!

Album Review: ACDC- Rock Or Bust

Rock Or Bust is the fifteenth international release and the sixteenth released in Australia by Hard Rock veterans AC/DC and was released in 2014. To get this out of the way, I FREAKING LOVE ACDC and til the day I die I will. People have always asked me why they have always remained my favorite artist and my answer always is and will be “It’s good simple Rock N Roll”. Now that being said, this year has had me happy as a fan and sad as a fan. On one hand it’s fantastic to see another ACDC record in my hands it just feels great. The bad news is Malcolm Young who is essentially the founding member has dementia unfortunately and has had to retire from the band permanently. Also, drummer Phil Rudd dragged himself down in the past two to three months and we probably won’t see him on what could be ACDC’s swan song tour. Angus and Malcolm’s nephew Stevie Young came back since he filled in for Mal in 1988 on the North American leg of the Blow Up Your Video tour. I thought it wouldn’t gel as well as I thought it just wasn’t the same without Young’s rock solid right hand. However, I knew I was going to give the album a try and I am so glad I did.

Track Rundown

1.Rock Or Bust-Upon first listen, I was extremely blown away not just by the song, but especially by the production. The band just sounds bigger than before with the added reverb as if they are jamming in a stadium with no one in it. I really give kudos to producer Brendan O’ Brian for giving this record a better treatment than Black Ice. The song is really heavy as well as Angus has a thicker tone than the last record. Stevie sounds rock solid as well, in fact, he doesn’t miss a beat on the whole record. Rudd’s drums sound as loud as ever as well and he hold the rhythm down very well. Brian Johnson has really blown me away as well as he is singing better than he has in twenty years. The song is a total show stopper and a fantastic opener to the record.

2.Play Ball- Ah the first single to the album and when I first listened to it on a physical copy I just thought wow it sounds even better. The bass has never been more present in any other ACDC record I don’t think and Cliff really gives this song the low end it really needs. The chorus is really catchy and Angus’ solo in it is one of my favorites on the record. A total modern ACDC classic.

3.Rock The Blues Away- This song has a more pop oriented sound to it. I mean like 60’s bluesy pop sort of speak with the verses sounding almost exactly like Anything Goes off of Black Ice. Those who are put off by this, however, will find that it is a more structured update of Anything Goes and the chorus kind of has this repeat echo thing going on I dig. It. This song seriously would put you in a good mood on a rainy day.

4.Miss Adventure-This song has a really cool slick riff to it with the Thunderstruck like “na na na na” backup vocals to it. Stevie’s guitar is really a lot more present here as well and you can really hear how tight of a player he really is. This song could have easily been on 1985’s Fly On The Wall and that’s because it’s just a kickass tune.

5.Dogs Of War-The highlight of this track I think is really the backup vocals in which you can hear Angus growl “ Dogs of war..” and Cliff and Stevie eerily respond “soldiers of fortune!”. When it gets to the main chorus I think it just sounds so raw and the fadeout at the end is interesting as well as it has that “coming from a radio” effect that I have never heard on an ACDC tune. Definitely a heavier and darker track.

6.Got Some Rock N Roll Thunder- The bumpy bass line really catches me on this song as it sounds like it could have come from the Powerage album. Bon’s voice could have easily fit in with this tune as well as it shows the straighter up classic rock n roll sound instead of heavy hard rock. It’s a pretty good tune for the middle of the album and the bass definitely shines through.

7.Hard Times- they wrote another “Meanstreak” type song with the soft bumpy almost funky riffs except where that song had a lot of funk elements this one leans toward total blues and is just a great jam and the chorus could be sung by anyone especially anyone in Chicago, “Hard times sure ain’t been good to me”.

8.Baptism By Fire- What a freaking song I mean really just a kickass tune that’s heavy as it is catchy. It is like Hail Caesar (BallBreaker) and Safe In New York City(Stiff Upper Lip) combined and is probably the fastest song on the record. Phil’s drumming really shines hear as well and whether he is a convicted criminal or not, the man knows how to play simple drums with style. Definitely my favorite song on the album and I think everyone fan needs to hear it at least once.

9.Rock The House- The Zeppelin-isms come out strong on this song I could see Jimmy Page guesting on it as well. The solo rips as well with the Muddy Waters inspired riffs being pounded down by Stevie and Cliff. It is a really straight forward song that really catches you.

10.Sweet Candy- The “Whole Lotta Rosie” track of this record as it deals with a chick aptly named “Candy”. It has some pretty heavy riffs and another really catchy chorus with some nice backup vocals behind it as well. Pretty damn good song.

11.Emission Control- This is probably my least favorite song on the record HOWEVER that does not mean it is bad but it could have been placed in the middle. The riff is pretty dirty as well but for a song that has “Emission” in the title it can be as dirty as it wants. I could tell they just wanted to slow it down and jam for the end of the record and that’s what they did. People complain that it’s not varied but c’mon rock n’ roll doesn’t end on a soft note and this album sure does not. It ends up rocking away like Mal would have wanted.

Overall, I rate this album a 9.7 out of a 10. This is definitely my favorite album since 1995’s Ballbreaker and possibly since 1983’s Flick of the Switch as well. The sound makes everyone song just scream and is one of ACDC’s best produced records. Malcolm surely must be proud of what his brother ultimately accomplished and Stevie will be welcomed with open arms on the tour as well. People tell me all the time that ACDC is overrated and that they are dead. Well, as I listen to Rock Or Bust for about the 50^th time all I can say is “In Rock we trust, its Rock Or Bust”. Long live ACDC!