TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2016

What a year for Heavy Metal and Rock in general. As much new and very talented bands have sprouted up over the year, we have seen some bands that have been gone for years and putting out some of the best albums of their careers. With this list, because I could not narrow it down to ten albums, I had to make this a top twenty because I wanted to mention all these albums. Also, yes some of these I was not able to review this year but they get their chance to shine now. Just too many good albums this year and I will first begin this list with the top 20 sort of "runner up" albums of the year.

20-11


20.Artillery-Penalty by Perception

A terrific thrash album by a band that never quite got their due. This album really shows their true abilities to craft very well done songs.

19.High Spirits-Motivator



A very catchy NWOBHM influenced album with probably some of the most positive messages from metal in recent years. Definitely recommend it because you'll be humming these songs for weeks.

18.Wo Fat- Midnight Cometh



A great stoner metal release with some big riffs and very drawn out songs. Definitely recommend it because it is an absolute jam.

17.Sumerlands- Sumerlands



I always think of Witchfinder General with this album because it has the doom metal aspects but also has hints of early 80s metal like early Ozzy material. A very well written album that i keep coming back to and a heck of a debut.

16. Savage Master- With Whips And Chains



Part of the New Wave of Traditional Metal from the recent years, Savage Master have a minimalist yet catchy approach to their songs. Where the solos and rhythm may be simplified, Stacey Savages raw as hell voice is what really keeps you holding on til the last note.

15.Davie Allan/Joel Grind E.P



Cheating a bit with an EP but these four songs represent the awesome fuzzed out garage surf rock that practically inspired what heavy rock would become. Definitely one that has made constant trips to my record player in the recent months.

14.Testament-Brotherhood Of The Snake



A triumphant return for thew thrash legends with a good amount of catchy songs to it.

13.Hellfire- Metal Masses



The album cover says it all, catchy, raw speed metal from the early 80s and these guys pull it off well with the early Metallica influences shining all throughout. However, the musicianship is very tight and I still await for this sucker to be on vinyl.

12. Airbourne-Breakin Outta Hell


The fourth album from the aussie rockers and bringing more of their no holds barred rock n roll with possibly some of the sharpest production to date. I really love this album and has slowly become my favorite of theirs since I saw them live and wow, easily the best live band I've ever seen.

11.Seven Sisters-S/T



These guys are another traditional Heavy Metal band that came out this year and are one of my favorite new bands to debut this year. This album is epic in all sorts of ways, with amazing hooks, solo's and riff after riff, this album delivers a style of heavy metal that is almost long forgotten.


TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2016

10.Duel-Fears Of The Dead



What a great 70s rock revival album. Just some of the best riffs off any album this year. Basically if you mix a bit of Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and a dash of early KISS, you get this monster of a rock album.

9.Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper- Walking In The Shadows

An amazing return of one of the most epic vocalists out of the NWOBHM-era. Steve Grimmett returns with an all new band and delivers a traditional 80s heavy metal record and I think this one deserves to be called the comeback album because it easily can stand against Grim Reapers past three albums.

8.Blood Ceremony- Lord Of Misrule

An awesome album from the cult rockers with some heavy psychedelic thrown in the mix. I like the different directions some tracks take where it isn't all about being all doom but has more emphasis on the organ. A killer, haunting album from start to finish.

7.Demon Bitch- Hellfriends



Cult 80s US Power Metal done right in 2016. From the muddy bassy production tothe incredible falsettos, this album has some of the best crafted epic speed metal I have heard in a long time.

6.Tygers Of Pan Tang-S/T

A great comeback even if the band is a lot of new musicians. I think this added to Tygers viability because they sound as lively as ever on this album with a lot of great very big hooks as well.

5.Metallica- Hardwired...To Self Destruct



I know some people will get pissy for me putting this album so high on my list but I genuinely really like the album. I like the mix of basically all era's of Metallica and even though the second half gets bogged down a bit by too many slow numbers. the last track really makes up for it with one of the best songs they have written in thirty years.

4.Quartz-Fear No Evil



A band that has comeback at a perfect time and with undoubtedly one of their most solid albums. With a raw production and some awesome arrangements, Quartz are back roaring to life and I hope they have at least one more album in them because they definitely still have the chops and their new singer definitely holds his own as well.

3.Blues Funeral- The Search


One of the most creative releases of the year and for good reason. This album has 70s heavy rock mixed with jazz and slight hints of classical music as well  making for some amazing crafted songs. This band should be more well known especially for releasing such an amazing debut because this is what a creative band should sound like in the public eye to me.

2.Anthrax- For All Kings

Anthrax hit it out of the park again with an extremely focused, solid, well written thrash metal album. Their are some great melodies peppered throughout the album as well and I find it very rare for a lot of these older bands to write records still this good with this amount of musicianship and creativity.

1.Diamond Head- S/T

My number one album of the year by a band that should have been as big as Metallica. Brian Tatler has always been a very skillful guitarist in knowing how to make riffs that are just right and is one of my all time favorites as well. After losing Nick Tart, newcomer singer Rasmus Andersen who I believe is the best singer the band has ever had as well joined the band and created what I think is the true third Diamond Head album and really embodies what the band is about(granted I dig Canterbury but it isn't a Diamond Head album). Seeing them on tour for this album and meeting them really will always be one of my most treasured memories as well.

Well there is my top 20 albums of the year. This year is easily one of my favorites and shows that heavy metal is still alive and well. Here's to making 2017 just as fucking good thank you everyone for the support!

Album Review: Metallica- Hardwired...To Self Destruct

“Hardwired...To Self Destruct” is the tenth studio album by heavy, thrash metal quartet Metallica and is to be released on November 18th,2016. Finally the biggest heavy metal band in the world releases their next album unto the world. And Metallica definitely kept themselves busy as well with doing the Lulu collaboration, a big week long list of special shows to promote their thirty years together and they even made a movie akin to Led Zeppelin's the song remains the same. But finally they have graced us with not only a new album but a double album. However, with so much material does the album crumble under its weight or does it come out on top? Well lets wrap this Metallica-thon up by delving right in.


Track Rundown


1.Hardwired-Right off the bat, Metallica are going straight for the jugular and sound a lot more pissed off than they did on “Death Magnetic”. This song definitely is reminiscent of the early days and starts the album off just right. Very simple but very brash and very heavy with probably one of Kirk Hammetts most simple solo's as well.

2.Atlas, Rise!- This song is easily one of the more complex tunes on the album and is one of my favorites as well with “Death Magnetic” as well but the production I feel is a tad more slick here. James' voice also sounds just a lot more solid on this album as well and Kirk's solo in this is really good and really peaks during the melodic moment right before the song comes right around to the verses. The chorus is very Iron Maiden like as well and I dig it. So far the album is shaping up to be very lively.

3.Now That We're Dead- Whoa 90's Metallica has swept in! And it is the good kind with the big riffs and solid grooves. I love how this song groove's a long and slows the pace down from the past two tracks a bit. It has a bit of radio quality to it but mixes things up especially early in the game. James sings damn good here as well just as solid as he was singing on “Load” as well and the chorus is pretty solid as well.

4.Moth Into Flame- This song returns back to the more straight forward heavy metal moments but with a whole lot more melody to it and I don't think I have seen Metallica utilize melody like they had in this track. The chorus is extremely addicting on my 6th listen I still find myself singing to it. I also love Kirk's solo in this song as well, it is reminiscent of some of his old solo's from back in the day. I als0 have to compliment how much more audible the bass is on this record to, it rumbles a lot more than it did on “Death Magnetic” and I can dig that.

5.Dream No More- This song has a bit of “Sad But True” mixed in with the edge of a track like “King Nothing” and I really like it. The riffs are very simple but solidly done. The best thing about this song is easily James' vocals, it literally is James' voice off of “Load” and for good reason, he gives off a dark vibe to the song especially in the chorus. As simple as the song is it is catchy and is another one of the slower songs that I dig a lot.

6.Halo On Fire- This is sort of the epic song on the album with more of the softer guitars coming out during the verse and then a monumental chorus with James shouting the lines out and making this one of his strongest vocal performances I think ever. I enjoy the loose feeling of this song as well with Kirk kind of doing more simple but groove driven soloing throughout. Another great and emotional song off the album.

7.Confusion-The Diamond Head influence cannot be denied here and not in a  total ripoff way, although I do get major Am I Evil vibes in the beginning. There are some good riffs throughout this track but it falls short just a bit for me around the chorus. It just doesn't have the magic the first two sides had. It isn't a bad song but just falls short a bit.

8.Manunkind- I really like how the music video is a total black metal show, almost seems like a tribute to black metal band mayhem. The song is a slab of old school heavy metal with a bit of  seventies rock influence to it as well. It is a good more hard rocking tune again with the “Lead” era in mind with some strong vocals laid over the top as well.

9.Here Comes Revenge- Another one of my favorite songs with a darker vibe to it as well. I love the riffs in this song with the heavy chugging but at a mid tempo adding a bit more of a groove. This song sports another pretty damn catchy chorus as well. Kirk has a dirtier solo on this track that I dig as well.

10.Am I Savage?- Opening with a darker vibe, almost Gothic in tone which I really dig, it's something different. The riffs are again more simple but with some good grooves in the verses but again falls flat a bit during the chorus. It just feels a bit bored in some aspects.

11.Murder One- Metallica finally give their tribute to Lemmy (with a kickass video too). This song has more of a hard rock edge to it and some dirty bluesy sounds too. It definitely is more of a jam tune and a cool little inclusion on the album.

12.Spit Put The Bone- Holy Hell what the hell happened! Metallica literally exploded on this song and haven't done it this good since Master Of Puppets honestly. It is so unrelentless and James' vocals are amazing like holy hell this track alone makes the whole album worth it. It is catchy as hell as well all the way through the chorus. This is heavier than anything on Death Magnetic I honestly can't believe they had it in them to still play THIS fast and tight still but I applaud them for ending the album with a  huge bang and I love Trujillo's bass solo as well, a killer inclusion!


Overall, I give “Hardwired...To Self Destruct” a good 8 out of 10. Honestly it isn't an album that is a complete return to form for Metallica, hell Death Magnetic was more of a return to the style of “...And Justice”. However there are aspects that are done better than that album and the variety from straight forward thrash metal to more of their 90's hard rock sound is what really works here. The album does trudge a bit during the second half but the good songs are really good and then the average songs are there but being a double album, I think we get enough songs that would make a concrete single album with some songs that would have worked more as bonus tracks. Overall, it is a welcomed return once again for the boys at least to me and I also gotta say, spring for the deluxe edition if you want an awesome revamped version of “Lords Of Summer”. So that concludes my Metallica retrospective with all ten studio albums and their Lou reed collaboration. No matter where you stand, you cannot deny that Metallica are as big as they are for a reason, because they still can write good tunes. Long live Metallica!

Album Review-Tygers of Pan Tang: Tygers Of Pan Tang

Tygers of Pan Tang released their self titled twelfth album on October 28^th, 2016. Known as one of the many groups that should have hit super stardom within the NWOBHM, Tygers of Pan Tang have finally carved out another new album since 2012. I myself have been a Tygers fan through the years but unfortunately physical copies of their music is very hard to come by especially in the US. But either way I have always dug their style regarded as “melodic hard rock”. Now with only original member Robb Weir, can Tygers still carve out a good album or is the magic that they once held so high fizzed out?

Track Rundown

1.Only The Brave- Right away this album opens superbly strong with easily one the catchiest songs in years. It has that very old school galloping metal feel to with with a lot of solid rhythm playing too. I also have to say that the production on this album is very slick as well and for the better. You can tell a lot of care went into making this album. Vocalist Jacobo Meille handles himself very well and delivers one of Pan Tang's strongest chorus' in years.

2.Dust- This song has a lot of that bluesy hard rock feel to it but still retaining a lot of catchiness as well. It almost sounds like a brand new hard rock band as well with how many fresh musicians are associated with the band now, it can either make a band sound stale or in this case gives them new life and I think it helps introduce them to a new generation. The chorus is very melodic but kicks a lot of ass as well. This song also has one of my favorite solo's on the album as well.

3.Glad Rags- This tune definitely has that 80's mainstream heavy metal feel to it especially in the chorus but it is still just as enjoyable. It is again pretty damn catchy and holds a lot of charisma behind it as well. Good drinking tune I'd say!

4.Never Give In- A heavier faster tune that hearkens back to tunes like “Wild Cat” and is a welcomed return honestly because they keep it really tight and still put out a lot of power. Definitely a kick ass heavy metal tune that needs to be part of their live set.

5.The Reason Why- definitely one of the more “ballad” like songs on the album but I think it's done well because it keeps things as a consistent pace it actually goes by quicker than I thought it would. It is again really catchy especially in the chorus and again sounds like a newer band, like you would never guess these guys came out of the NWOBHM but it's them and it is done very well.

6.Do It Again- This is another more melodic up beat hard rock song that definitely h]goes back to their early days. It is one of my favorite songs on the albums just for how straightforward and ballsy it sounds. The overall sound of this song just defines what the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was all about. Just about being kick ass and having huge hooks.

7.More hard rock goodness with more of a mid tempo to it. I really dig the rhythm to this song especially during the verses. The chorus gets a bit repetitive but the verses make up for it for me anyway. Not a bad tune.

8.Praying For A Miracle- Another more ballad type song opening with some nice acoustic riffs. I really like the emotion this song conveys and definitely has some radio friendly qualities to it. It has a very strong chorus as well and defines their whole “melodic hard rock” style. A solidly written melodic rock song with some very nice hooks peppered throughout.

9.Blood Red Sky- Another pretty solid hard rock tune with some nice galloping riffs throughout every verse. I really like the chorus on this song as well it is simple but works very well. Another one of those songs you just want to crank up high. I really like the quieter parts as well it adds a bit of variety.

10.Angel In Disguise- This is probably the softest song on the album that sounds very similar to the previous song. It is still welcomed I feel because it is done very well and sounds fresh. It serves as a very good prelude to my favorite song on the album.

11.Devil You Know- Opening with some heavy riffing and some of the most infectious riffs on the whole album, I just love how heavy the rhythm is in this song. The chorus is catchy as hell as well. Easily my favorite song on the album for how well it balances heaviness and melodic themes. One hell of a closer that ends with the growl of a tiger.

Overall this album get a strong 7.5 out of 10. I really dug this record it really is fun to listen to. It really is an album that showcases what Tygers of Pan Tang are really about and I think has the band really come full circle in their career. It is full of strong hooks, memorable guitar lines and songs that easily fit with Tygers older discography. Highly suggest picking this album up.  

Album Review: Quartz- Fear No Evil

“Fear No Evil” is the fourth studio album by English Heavy Metal band Quartz and is being released on October 28^th 2016 via High Roller Records. Quartz for the longest time have been one of those bands that I heard about but never experienced enough of. Even though they are considered part of my favorite era of music, The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, like many English metal bands, they actually predate the genre by a few years when they released their self titled debut in 1977. This album was pretty heavy for its time and they actually had some sort of underground success when they released “Stand Up and Fight” in 1980 which many consider to be their most classic album. Next they released the bit more commercial sounding but equally heavy “Against All Odds” in 1983 before unfortunately fading away. Most people know Quartz for being the band Geoff Nicolls of Black Sabbath fame had been in (and also sings on a few songs on this album as well) but they a lot more to them than meets the eye and with Fear No Evil, this is no exception.

Track Rundown

1.Fear No Evil-Opening with some ominous keyboards, the album definitely starts with a strong number with some Sabbathy vibes to it and the keyboards behind the galloping riffs really adds to the atmosphere as well. Their new singer David Garner has a very nice and melodic voice and fits with the band very well. The chorus to this song is extremely catchy as well and if you can find live footage online, I suggest checking it out because this song is prime NWOBHM reborn!

2.Rock Bottom- This song has a very Deep Purple or UFO vibe to with its infectious main riff and Nicholls sounds a bit like Ian Gillan at times as well. Damn good tune with another catchy chorus and a kickass solo as well.

3.The Stalker- This song is a bit more mid paced and has some good riffs to it I could see this one being a good tune to hear live it definitely is more on the bluesy side. I like the more ominous moments it almost sounds like a song Dio could have written. Definitely one of the more atmospheric tracks on the album.

4.Rapture- I love the keyboards all over this album it just screams the eighties to me but adds a whole layer of atmosphere which serves as a nice short prelude to the next song.

5.Zombie Resurrection- This song is definitely more of a fist pounding tune that is pretty catchy as well. There is a modern Sabbath feel as well that I dig. A good heavy mid paced song with some really cool melodic moments as well that really explodes toward the end as well definitely the highlight on the album it really offers a lot of variety and a lot of great heavy riffs.

6.Barren Land- Another short prelude to the next song and actually my favorite short instrumental piece on the album!

7.Walking On Holy Water- This song reminds me of Metallica's “Welcome Home(Sanitarium)” but doesn't come off as a rip off because Quartz really make it their own song. Geoff Nicholls sounds extremely good here too. This is a straight up heavy metal tune with an awesome epic chorus as well.

8.Dangerous Game- This song has more of that classic NWOBHM sound to it and is another one of my favorites on the album as well. The production really gives every component of the band to shine and is really raw yet sharp and is very well balanced. A really straight forward Heavy Metal song with a lot of catchy hooks to it.

9.Born To Rock The Nation- This song would be the best candidate for being a single to the album. It definitely has the straight eighties feel in the lyrics which are very easy to sing along to and I feel this song would work well live. One of the heaviest songs here as well with some nice heavy riff gallops during the verses. Damn good head banging song.

10.Riot In The City- I really like the melodies on this song, it almost boarders on power metal at times. This definitely has a bit more commercial feel to it or at least what used to be considered commercial but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The chorus is fairly strong with some nice backup vocals coming in. A good bit of a pace changer I dig it. One of the best songs on the album.

11.Dead Man's World- This song opens with some nice bass soloing which leads very smoothly into the main riff of the song. This song is another heavy hitter with a lot more of a lower tuned tone to it. Again this song is just pure early eighties Heavy Metal and these guys are still doing it well.

12.Scream At The Devil- This is easily one of the catchiest songs on the album with a good balance in heaviness and a sense of melody as well. The chorus is pretty damn catchy as well and overall I think this song is a good closer to a fairly strong heavy metal album this far into 2016.

Overall, I give this album an 8.1 out of 10. With all of the NWOBHM bands making a comeback this year, I think this album is hitting at the perfect time and Quartz are ripe for being one of the bands to come back. This album is very catchy, very heavy, and will keep you interested all the way to the last note. Like I said in my review of Grim Reapers newest album, It may not be groundbreaking but it is sure to be an album that blows your eardrums off. Now to go grab this sucker on vinyl...

Show Review: Airbourne/The Wild- The Bottom Lounge, Chicago Illinois 9/30/2016

On september 30th, I was lucky enough to Catch Australian hard rock group Airbourne and supporting rock band The Wild at Chicago's Bottom Lounge. Now everyone who knows me knows that I don't go see new bands too often unless I really like them. Airbourne is no exception to that as I have been a fan since "No Guts No Glory". After  missing them coming to Chicago two or three times I definitely was not going to miss them again.

Opening band: The Wild


The Wild are a Canadian hard rock group that take the simular "rock n roll" formula and add a hard rock flair to it. They were pretty good live and had almost a ZZ Top vibe to them as well. They had some fast songs, some slow song but overall were a fun band. The only problem I had was I oin't feel like I could establish them from a lot of bands that use this similar formula. They had a good stage presence too which kept the audience interested. Overall they were pretty good and very fun but nothing that totally blew me out of the water.


Airbourne

And then, like that, Airbourne were up next. With the lines of Marshall and Wizard stacks across the stage, I could tell that this was going to be a loud as hell show. Then, the terminator theme roared over the PA and the stage filled with fog, the anticipation was almost too much. All of a sudden like a loaded gun, everyone comes from stage left blasting into "Ready To Rock" and I was blown away immediately. I expected power but holy hell Airbourne exceeded my expectations and then some. Sitting second row watching them was one of the most awe inspiring things I have ever experienced. Their stage presence is easily the best I have ever experienced with mad frontman Joel O'Keefe
throwing beers to everyone, exploding beer all over first and second row, and even playing guitar through the crowd during "Girls In Black". I have to say that even though I always said Motorhead were the loudest band I have ever seen, Airbourne beat them slightly, almost a week later and my ears are still ringing. Their setlist had no filler and even included some new tracks off their newest release "Breaking Outta Hell" as well. The show was so good that it went so fast too. I literally could go on and on about how good they played, how good they sounded but it wouldn't do them justice, just go see them because it will change your life, and your ears too.

This was easily the best show of the year for me. With all the recent news of ACDC slowly falling apart, it is great to see Airbourne doing that Aussie pub rock the right way and I really hope they only get bigger in the states. Joel, Ryan, Justin and David, your guys' music helped me through some tough as hell times and I am happy I finally got to see you live. Here is to many more years to Rockin and Rollin!

Album Review-Grim Reaper: Walking In The Shadows

"Walking In The Shadows" is the fourth album by Heavy Metal group Grim Reaper and was released on September 23rd, 2016. I for one have always loved Grim Reaper especially since they are a band, if you took the core of what Heavy Metal is, it is these guys. Steve Grimmett has always been a vocalist I have admired because he utilized his voice very well. Now here we are almost thirty years since the release of "Rock You To Hell" with a fresh new lineup and Grimmett still in the front man position. I also will note that because Steve's name is above the title, I still consider this part of the Grim Reaper discography even if it is more of a reformation. But how does this album stack up compared the unholy trilogy? Lets find out.


Track Rundown


1.Wings Of Angels- Opening with the sound of a war plane soaring through the sky, this song goes right into that classic NWOBHM riffing. Right away you can tell that Steve doesn't sing as high as he used to. Some vocalists this is a make or break scenario. I think Grimmett carries enough charisma in his singing where it still fits, he still has a bit of that gruff as well. The production obviously isn't as reverbed as it was back in the day but it has more of a garage-ish feel here which I dig. The chorus is very strong which always has been a strong thing for the Reaper. The solo is pretty good but not mind blowing. I think this is an great opening song and it is great to hear this lost band from the eighties to come to rise again.

2.Walking In Shadows- The first single off the album and I have to say since the first day I heard it, it is just as catchy. Again the chorus carries that heavy melodic feeling which I never tire of. A great song that could be a classic in their discography.

3.Reach Out- This sounds a bit like it could have been on "See You In Hell" but that is what I expect from the band, this is their style of playing and its like AC DC or Motorhead, it it aint broke dont fix it. Another great rocking tune!

4.I'm Coming For You- I like the guitar that almost sounds its going backwards in the beginning it is a cool touch. The verses are pretty catchy and show of Steves more soaring vocals where it just glides so smoothly on top of all the instrumentation. It is another great song that really keeps the album going at a consistent pace.

5.From Hell- We got the Hell song! as we all know Grim Reaper are known for inserting Hell into all their albums themes. Hey who cares though its their thing.This song definitely has more of that old school speed metal feel that is of course always welcome. The new line up I think injects some life as well. I forgot to mention how good the drums sound they really bounce especially with headphones in. This is easily one of the best songs on the album with everyone giving it all they got. Definitely shows that Grim Reaper are alive and well.

6.Call Me In The Morning- Another very fast track that again keeps the pace going throughout the album. The verses are very damn catchy as well and it doesn't let up, its just pure headbanging fun plain and  simple.

7.Rock Will Never Die- This is a straight up fist pumping anthem and would work very well in Grim Reapers live set I believe. The chorus picks up the tempo a bit and really lets Grimmett belt it out and I again praise for how well he utilizes his voice on this album and he still sings very damn well.

8.Temptation-  A little bit of an Overkill feel here with the double bass drumming I dig it! It adds a bit of extra power and gets to excited right from the get go. This is another song I feel that would work very well in their live set hell the whole album would! This is one of the hookiest albums ive easily heard in a long time.

9.Thunder- A bit more of a mid pace on this song. Probably the most mid paced song on the album but it still works very well and has a ballad-ish feel to it which I dig. Not a bad song

10.Now You See Me- Right back into the no nonsense heavy metal this song goes and has one of the best chorus' on the album bar none. I dig this song especially this late into the album, I still am throughout enjoying it for the consistency that they pull off.

11.Blue Murder- Opening with another epic sounding heavy metal riff, this song is very vintage sounding as well, The really quick double bass drums during the bridge his very cool it adds some extra flavor. I really get heavy vibes of "DOA" in this tune which isnt bad just makes me want to pull out my other Reaper albums now!

12.Come Hell Or High Water- A very fitting up beat closer here. Actually it is one of my favorite songs on the album as well especially when Grimmett uses more of that grit when he sings through the chorus lines. The solo is really epic too with the chants behind it, it just adds so much power to the main bulk of the solo as well. Epic closer to a really faithful comeback.


Overall, I give "Walking In The Shadows" a very solid 7.5 out of 10. Obviously in the year 2016, there is so much music out there that nothing is mind blowing to us much anymore. However, with this album, I really enjoyed it because within its simplicity is a comeback from one of the most underrated bands of the eighties. it has the hooks, the musicianship and tons of charm. This is a heavy metal album and Grim Reaper can still do it very very well. It isn't mind blowing but it is a great return from one of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal's best. I salute Grim Reaper and I salute Steve Grimmett especially for keeping the music alive after all these years.

Metallica Retrospective Part 3: Master Of Puppets

As Metallica were riding high on “Ride The Lightning” they were suddenly in a world full of competing thrash metal bands in 1985. During this year, Anthrax released “Spreading the Disease”, Slayer would release “Hell Awaits” easily their most Black Metal sounding album at the time and Megadeth would even release their debut record. Thrash metal indeed was hugely on the rise and the public were heavily taking notice. Metallica decided to trudge on and record their third record entitled “Master of Puppets” which was released March 3^rd, 1986. How did this record standout among the countless Thrash metal acts at the time and how did Metallica expand upon their formula into this album? Lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Battery-Opening similarly to how “Fight Fire With Fire” did, this track ops for a more Spanish guitar opening to it and it really builds to the real draw to this song. The sheer power the band lets off is amazing and the production is actually a bit slicker than the previous two records as well. The bridge in the middle is very well done as well and overall makes this an extremely heavy and catchy opener. Believe it or not this was the first Metallica song I have ever heard and what a way to be introduced to this band.

2.Master Of Puppets-Quite possibly Metallica's most famous song, I mean do I even have to talk about it? We've all heard it and we know why it is a classic. It is a well written Thrash Metal track that has one of the catchiest chorus' in history.

3.The Thing That Should Not Be- This is probably the heaviest song on the album as it stays at a mid pace but the down picking riffs are just skull crushing. I like the clean to distortion segments in every verse as well it adds an interesting element. The solo I really dig to it just sounds so evil to me I love it.

4.Welcome Home(Sanitarium)- Like “Fade To Black” this song has more of a ballad feel to it with a lot of softly driven guitar parts. The chorus is again very catchy and the end of the song turns into full on speed metal. Absolutely classic in every way.

5.Disposable Heroes- My favorite song on the album for the sole reason that it is a marathon to listen to. Seriously, I don't think Metallica wrote faster song than they did on this album. The chorus is one of my favorites by the band as well for the sheer power you get from it. One of their heaviest songs too.

6.Leper Messiah-This song is very mid paced as well but with a speed metal segment more in the middle toward the end. The guitar riffs I always hum when I listen to this song because they are so damn catchy to my ears. This is another example where the mid pace makes the song sound a lot more heavy as well.

7.Orion- The second instrumental that Metallica had done as a whole at this point and is my favorite that they had ever done. I like that Cliff has probably the most standout parts as well especially in the slower bits with him playing these intricate bass lines that really add to the song. He even gets a full on bass solo as well. I feel like this was a fitting way for Cliff Burton to go out on. Even if he decided to leave the band it would have been a perfect swan song to what he is known for today.

8.Damage Inc.- The final song on the album and I dont know why but the opening always made me think of a Vietnam or world war II documentary for some reason. But anyways, This song literally grabs your ears, rips them off and burns them to a crisp. It is heavy and extremely fast and done with such precision as well. This is a perfect song for arguably Metallica's heaviest output at this time to go out on.

Overall, I give the album a solid 9.5 out of 10. I loved this record the day I first heard and it and I still love it now. Even though I prefer the production on “Ride The Lightning” as well as the songs overall, this album is still solidly written and there is a reason it is regarded as a classic as well. Unfortunately this would be the last album featuring Cliff Burton before he would be tragically killed in a bus accident. Later in '86 we would see the introduction of Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Jason Newsted, and their next output entitled “...And Justice For All” in 1988.

Metallica Retrospective Part 2: Ride The Lightning

After the success of their debut album and a successful tour supporting Raven in 1983, Metallica were picked up by a major label and headed right back into the studio to record their sophomore album. On July 27^th,1984, Metallica released “Ride The Lightning”. The album was hugely anticipated for the year and as we can all tell by now that it sold very well if not extremely better than Kill Em All did. But exactly what did Metallica expand on with this record and what made it stand out from the thousands of other records coming out at the time? Well lets throw this album into the cassette player way back when and find out.

Track Rundown

1.Fight Fire With Fire-Opening with some almost classical acoustic guitar I'm sure put off a lot of fans who first heard this in 84 but I think it is perfect because it just fads right into James' fast as fuck riffing. Right away you can hear the improvements especially in the production. The larger presence of reverb makes a lot of these songs a lot bigger than how they would have sounded if they sounded like the songs on Kill Em All as well. The chorus is very catchy and shows a lyrical change in the band to more serious subjects like war and apocalypse like so many other Thrash bands would use as their template. The solo I always catch my self listening to James and I think this song is a prime example at how rock solid of a rhythm player Hetfield really is and Lars' drumming skills have greatly improved with him using more double bass pedal more frequently. A perfect opener that absolutely grips you and doesn't let go.

2.Ride The Lightning- The title track is nothing short of a classic with more of a chugging sound then full on thrashing. Kirk's solo here is actually one of my favorites because of how well it builds from being more melodic to being a full on attack. The lyrics are catchy as hell and the vocals have a higher presence and feel a lot more mature than the last album as well. Again a great song that is a big highlight on the album.

3.For Whom The Bell Tolls-This is probably the most simple and memorable song on the album for how catchy it is. It also has probably one of the most recognizable bass lines in the beginning as well. I also think these are some of the best lyrics James has written with them being dark and catchy at the same time. This is the most mid paced song on the album but because of that it has a heavier feel with how hard everyone plays their instruments. Definitely the most recognizable song on the record.

4.Fade To Black-This is the ballad on the album and no it isn't a cheesy Poison ballad, it deals with depression and has some really killer arrangements to it. This song I actually hold a lot to me because I listened to it a lot in a dark period in my life to get me through. The end really ramps up and goes into another memorable solo by Hammett. This I think is the second most recognizable song on the record.

5.Trapped Under Ice- This song goes back to the thrashier formula the first two songs used and holds just as much originality as the first two songs and just doesn't let up at all. How James spits the lyrics it just is so damn catchy and the chorus is a favorite of mine as well. The solo is very well done as well. Another near perfect thrash metal song.

6.Escape-This song has more of a standard Heavy Metal song from the 80's and the melodies during the chorus are very interesting and I think it is a good change of pace and is definitely a very original song. The riffs are top notch as well especially at the end with the air raid sirens in the distance it just sounds so heavy.

7.Creeping Death- Easily the best written Metallica song ever. Period. The reason is because it is a thrash song yes but it is one of the most epic thrash numbers ever recorded. The verses are just absolutely sang with great precision and the lyrics are very well written as well. It also has an amazing chorus that is just so fucking epic you can't help but at least nod your head to it. The melodies in the soloing sprinkled throughout adds some variety as well and the bridge with the chugging heavy riffs while the backing vocals are screaming “Die Die Die!” is just so heavy at least for 1984 standards, there was not a lot of American bands playing this good with this much intensity and having chemistry like these four had at the time. The highlight of the album bar none.

8.Call of Ktulu- The first real instrumental Metallica recorded and it is a monolith of a closer for the album. It is very atmospheric and stays at a mid tempo most of the time and I think the thing I like the most about it is the bass. What the hell is Cliff doing in the backround? It is so crazy and wah wah'd out and frantic I think he is the busiest one in this track. It is a very well written finale and paces itself very well and without overstaying it's welcome.

Overall, I give Ride The Lightning a 9.9 out of 10. This is easily the closest you could get to having a perfect album(I just don't believe in a perfect album), and especially for their sophomore release, it is amazing to see how they have improved in a years time. Between the production values and the band expanding upon their playing capabilities, this album improves on everyone that kind of irked me about the first record and increased everything I enjoyed to eleven. However, I wished at points certain instruments were a bit louder like Cliffs bass in parts of Call of Ktulu but these are just slightly nit picks and I believe when we look at “Master of Puppets” next I believe those problems are fixed. This is easily my favorite of their first three and is a classic, a blueprint for a lot of bands to follow and next time we'll see how they continued their creative high with “Master of Puppets”.

Metallica Retrospective Part 1: Kill Em All

On November 18^th, 2016, Metallica who are undoubtedly the biggest and probably most well known Heavy Metal act ever are releasing their tenth studio album entitled “Hardwired to Self Destruct”. It has been almost a full decade since Metallica released the extremely popular Death Magnetic and being that this is a long time coming, I am going to look at each of the studio albums that made Metallica who they are today. Today I am starting all the way back at the beginning when Metallica released their debut album all the way back on July 25^th, 1983 entitled “Kill Em All”. This album surely set off a bomb and was a hint of what was to come from these guys.

Track Listing

1.Hit The Lights- I have not listened to this song in forever and it really is a welcome return. The beginning sounds a lot like Weapons “Set The Stage Alight” but since Metallica were huge fans of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal I could see the influence here. The song is classic early speed metal in America where literally no one was doing this. Kirk really shines in this song as he really rips on the solo. One of their best openers ever.

2.Four Horsemen- Metallica follow up one of the most ferocious openers they had ever written with one of the catchiest and probably most complex songs on the album. Originally known as “The Mechanix” which Megadeth later recorded on their debut album, this song has such a catchy and heavy rhythm going for it with a quieter bridge in the middle which definitely changes up the tempo and adds some flavor to a classic metal tune. I have always enjoyed James' vocals and how he just screams out a lot of the lyrics as well. Just classic.

3.Motorbreath- This song has more of that NWOBHM influence both in how it is structured and three lyrics as well. It has that punk edge to it as well which I dig. I always wished the bass peddle was a bit louder in a lot of these songs as well but it was an independent label recording. Kirk has some great quick solos here as well which I enjoy. It is a short but thrashy and catchy as hell tune.

4.Jump In The Fire- The main riff in this song just screams classic heavy metal. It isn't quite as much as a Speed Metal song as most of the others but it has that catchy element and at the time. A lot of American bands were searching for the commercial sound that would make them big. Metallica I don't think gave a shit and wanted to play music like their heroes. This song is another fine slab from a fine debut. It isn't their best to me but it still has that raw edge from a young and very hungry sounding heavy metal band.

5.Anesthesia(Pulling Death)- A distorted, wah wahed out solo from Cliff Burton is all this track is and it definitely surprised the hell out of me in junior high. I always thought how the hell could you make a bass sound like that?! He really nails it down to and the jam between him and Lars at the end makes it even better. Just an absolute awesome little jam in the middle of the album that leads into one of Metallica's fastest songs.

6.Whiplash- This song comes right out of the gates and it isn't fucking around. The beginning builds so well with the pounding drums and open e chords and just explodes. It is essentially Metallica's “We're here to fuck shit up song” and It is catchy as hell. If someone asked me to explain early thrash metal, I would just tell them tom listen to this song. The solo, the chorus just everything really gets you going with this song.

7.Phantom Lord- The is my second favorite Metallica song so I am kind of biased on it. It is a relatively simple speed metal song with a catchy quick chorus to it. I just really think the chemistry between all four members is just so electric and that is why I enjoy it so much. Kirks solo really ramps up and culminates at the end of an almost acoustic but quick bridge it just gets me so ramped up every time I here it because it seems to only get louder. A heavy, catchy and fast number that is to me the biggest highlight.

8.No Remorse- This song is paced a bit more like jump in the fire as it almost has a diamond head like feel to the riffs which to most of us, is obvious. It has some interesting riffs in it and still retains that catchy feel to it ( a word I am going to use a shit ton throughout these reviews). The end turns into a full thrash metal assault and ends on a really heavy mark.

9.Seek And Destroy- Definitely the only song off this album that ever receives airplay on the local station and I can see why. It is definitely a more mid paced song but probably the catchiest on the album with awesome hooks all the way through the chorus. The middle of the song goes more for the harder and faster tempo and leads back into the main bulk into the song. James' voice especially on this song is just so classic sounding I don't know why but it just works so damn well.

10.Metal Militia- Metallica fire off on all cylinders with this song. It is a thrash staple and ends the album on a heavy as fuck note with the sounds war blasting through the speakers as the band jam their asses off ti they fade away.

Overall, the very first outing from Metallica is a really high note and for some groups coming out this hi9gh on top can almost be career crippling. I give the album a solid and I mean very solid 8 out of 10 only because Metallica prove on later albums that they can play even better but that is for another time. Next we are looking at Metallica's 1984 sophomore effort entitled “Ride The Lightning”

Album review- Blues Funeral: The Search

“The Search” is the debut album by hard rock band Blues Funeral and was released on July 30^th 2016. Blues Funeral first came onto my radar back in 2014 because I was drawn into their name honestly, I thought it was a cool name but unfortunately I didnt have much material I could hear from them until this album so they always remained a band I wondered about. Finally we have a debut record from these guys and I have seen a lot of positivity aimed at it so today we are looking at it in full depth to see how good this album really is.

Track Listing

1.Autumn Dream- Opening with some quiet psychedelic riffing this song, goes into a really heavy early seventies atmospheric tone with the heavier riffing and definitely feels faithful to that time period and retains a lot of catchy feelings and I love the organ in the quieter segments as well. It really is an amazingly written song that manages to be heavy, catchy and the vocals are very haunting and almost have a folk feel to them as well which I dig. The solo also has a lot of feel in it as well. Amazingly written track and definitely one of the major highlights on the album.

2.Harbinger- This song has a bit more of a Sabbath Bloody Sabbath vibe to it without obviously being a ripoff, the production just reminds me of that album. This sing has a lot of really haunting progressions especially through the chorus and still retains some of that Psychedelic structure from the late sixties as well. The solo almost has a more New Wave of British Heavy Metal feel to it which I really like especially in the more harmonic moments. One of the more straight forward songs on the album but very well written nonetheless.

3.Planet Void- The beginning riff to this song is very interesting and has a progressive feel to it which I dig, this band definitely takes a lot of elements from not only the heavier rock bands of the seventies but also the more progressive ones as well. This is a song that is on the faster side and definitely feels more like early eighties hard rock with Blue Oyster Cult like vocals leaning more on the doomier side and have some interesting harmonies during the chorus which really adds to the interesting structure of the song. Definitely one of my favorites on the album and the solo almost feels like I am listening to Testament which just shows how all over the place these guys are and it is in all the right ways.

4.Paragon of Virtue- This song has some really heavy organ playing with it and feels like doomed out Deep Purple which is pretty good. I really like the pacing of this song and the atmosphere they really convey as well. This song is a bit more laid back than the last one with its pace but it isn't necessarily a bad thing it definitely adds to the variety that there already is so much of on this album.

5.The Search- The title track is probably considered the epic song on the album because the composition is really well done and thought out with almost some classical elements in the beginning build up with it progressively getting heavier and lower which comes out to being really effective. It almost goes into a jazzy kind of jam that I really dig. I think this is the most interesting song on the album because of how many interesting turns it takes and the musicianship is impeccable here. It really is something you don't hear much of today and that makes this album very unique. Plus there is a bad ass organ solo as well and I always support that.

6.Palmdale- This is easily the heaviest song on the album. They channel that more Sabbathy vibe here probably more than any other song but that is mainly in how it is played. The riffs are really raw and heavy and I think this is a great way to end the album. Every instrument and the vocals are just firing on all cylinders. One think I give them huge credit for is that even being on the heavier side, this song still retains that catch that you have with the five before it and wraps everything up very nicely.

Overall, I give this album a solid 8.5 out of 10. Seriously what a debut album, I mean it really doesn't disappoint. Besides wishing it was a tad longer with maybe an extra track or two, I really have no complaints. These guys don't take the cliches most doom bands or throwback hard rock bands do over and over. They take the ideas and mold around them. They take virtuosity elements from the eighties, the heavy rawness and progressive writings from the seventies and the really psychedelic offerings of the sixties and mold it all into a really good heavy rock album. Pick this one up if you can, it definitely is worth it, now to wait for a vinyl release...

Album Review- Delain: Moonbathers

“Moonbathers” is the fifth studio album by Symphonic Metal group Delain and was released on August 26^th, 2016. Delain to me have been a band that I would hear a bit about and then not hear anything for awhile. They almost seem to just pop up randomly on my radar from time to time. I dig their style and always thought they had serious playing chops. However is their newest record something they expand upon within their sound or is it the same thing just rehashed again. Let us find out!

Track Listing

1. Hand of Gold- opening with some very melodic riffing, this album comes right of the gates with a very nice booming production in the instrumental department. The only thing that slightly irks me is that the vocals seem to be a tad buried to me. I do appreciate Charlotte's vocals they really compliment the music very well. The chorus is pretty catchy but seems to be missing a push to it, maybe its just my ears but hey we all have opinions. The song is pretty straight forward in terms of Symphonic Metal with some cool death growls that a first time listener would totally not expect on first listen. Pretty good opener.
2. The Glory and The Scum- I really like the keyboard in this song it really adds to the epic atmosphere they are trying to achieve. It gets a lot more heavy at the end with some awesome solo trading that I appreciate but again there seems to be something lacking in the chemistry to me just a bit.
3. SuckerPunch- This song begins like almost like an 80's pop number which I like. It really blends different sounds together and the lyrics have a very 80s feel to them as well. This is a very good number that blends both brute heaviness with good musicianship.
4. The Hurricane- This song starts familiarly like the last one but is a lot more mellow and has a brash ballad-like structure to it that changes up the pace a bit and bringing more emotion to the album as well. Probably my favorite song on this release because they balance their core sound with more emotion and it is done very well.
5. Chrysalis- The Last Breath- I love the beginning to this track because well I am a sucker for soft piano compositions and the foreboding violins in the back really at to it as well. For some reason I like when Delain do more soft numbers because I feel like all the members shine with their crafting and it really breaks up how the album started to me and actually makes for some interesting listening.
6. Fire With Fire- This song returns to the heavier sound and I think is the best upbeat track on the album as well. It has really catchy riffing and the vocals really follow the rhythm very well. It is probably the most straightforward song on the album as well. This one definitely would work extremely well live for these guys.
7. Pendulum- This track contains probably the most death metal-like influences with heavy down tuned riffing and growling vocals in a lot of parts that contrast with the very beautifully sang verses. The song feels sort of stagnant for me as it doesn't feel like it really goes anywhere but it isn't a bad song by any means.
8. Danse Macabre- I really like the synth in the song with the almost Accept feeling in the riffs I get at times. It is another number that blends heavy melody with heavy riffing and this one does it fairly well creating some interesting sounds with the piano being out front during the chorus riffs as well.
9. Scandal- There's some cool synths in here and has that heavy 80s techno sound blended in it as well which I dig. This is another one of my favorites for how catchy the melody is within its structure. Easily one of the best on the album as well.
10. Turn The Lights Out- The opening is really well thought out and composed and almost feels like the score to a film which shows off the crisp flowing production. This song however, in the end, seems very similar to “Danse Macabre” and almost blends with it and that can be slightly a problem to me. It feels like parts of the songs are recycled between the two and that doesn't always spell good but there are still things to like here as it has some really awesome vocal harmonies with an orchestra toward the middle that I really appreciate.
11. The Monarch- Again, I love the beautiful echoing piano with the strings as well it creates such an amazing atmosphere, This song has a lot more focus around the orchestra and is probably the shortest and perhaps most beautiful song on the album and is a nice way to wrap up all eleven tracks.

Overall I give the album I'd say, a 6.5 out of 10. If you dig Symphonic metal you will probably enjoy this album, it reaches the core sound that most expect from that genre. The only problem for me is that a lot of it follows a similar formula that ultimately leaves me wanting more. I want to see what else they could do but especially in the guitar department, it sticks to the same riffing style almost all the way through it seems to me. I understand a lot of the bands I listen to are predictable, they follow a lot of the same formulas and everything I essentially just rapped this album about. However, that is what I expect from those artists and with most groups from this genre I expect elements that are going to surprise me and really make the lasting power of said album. With “MoonBathers” I feel like they had some interesting things and some interesting songs sprinkled throughout, but unfortunately that doesn't make up a whole album for me. I wish Delain all the success, they definitely put the work in I guess it just wasn't for me. You can pick up “Moonbathers” on August 26^th at NapalmRecords.com

Retrospective Review- Eric Moore and The Godz: Last Rites

“Last Rites” is the newest record from Ohio based southern/hard rock group Eric Moore and The Godz and was released in 2015. I haven't ever heard of these guys for a long time until around a month ago I was approached by their manager who sent me a copy of this record. I was intrigued because I could tell they had been around a long time and the cover of the new record screamed the 70s to me so I was immediately interested. However, is this a record that could've made my top ten of last year or does it bite the dust? lets find out.

Track Rundown

1.Whitleine-This track has that real southern hard rock grit to it. With that simple thumping riff and those gritty as hell vocals. I really enjoy the raw production as well it reminds me of Blackfoot a lot and I really find the chorus really catchy as well. Pretty good opener on the album.

2.Lonely Tonight- This song has some really catchy verses and an easy to hum riff to it as well. It almost has a comedic tone to it as well but I dig it. Another pretty fun dirty southern rock tune.

3.Burning Bridges(2014 recording)- There is definitely more of a ballad feel in this song and a lot of a Lynyrd Skynyrd feel with the back up vocals especially. I really like it, it screams the 70s and it is a really fun song to listen to.

4.Wastin'(2014 recording)- This tracks production is a little more polished and it has a bit more heaviness to it. The guitar definitely has a heavier tone to it as well. There is a lot of repeating within the lyrics but its a fun rock tune that I still found pretty catchy.

5.Caveman Luv- Damn did they crank up the heavy metal dial on this one. The drums are a hell of a ton more bombastic and the riffing is more in key to NWOBHM bands. The lyrics are very Ted Nugent-like and I love them for it it is so cheesy and catchy at the same time.

6.Goin' Down Rock'n- This song has the same very heavy metal production like that last but I find this song the heaviest on the record. It is really catchy and very bass heavy as well. Easily my favorite on the album its a headbanging fun time.

7.Kick Out The Jams-No not an MC5 cover, its actually a pretty good original rock tune. It again brings back some o the southern rock flavor to it as well. A fun southern bluesy drenched hard rock song.

8.Gotta Keep A Runnin'(2014 recording)- This is perhaps The Godz most famous song for the long speech in the middle and led to their trademark “The Godz are rock and roll machines” line. It reminds me a lot of Ted Nugents Wango Tango but the original recording I believe predates that song. I really like it it is a fun driving tune.

9.Island(instrumental)- This is where the album takes a turn with mostly outtakes and demos and this one I really like. There is a final version on the album at the end but with the extremely raw production, it has a more haunting feel to it here I feel. It does repeat a bit but it's a really good track to listen to when you are alone it has a lot of emotion to it.

10.Whiteline(1980 demo)- This version sounds almost exactly like the final version but the drums are just a bit louder. I still enjoy the final version more its more balanced.

11.Lonely Tonight(1980 version)- This is essentially just a repeat of the main riff a bunch of times it really isn't as fleshed out as the final version.

12.Burning Bridges(1980 alternate Demo)- This is a much more raw version that the final cut and doesn't have all the clean cut back up vocals it sounds hell of a lot more raw I almost prefer this version a bit more.

13.Wastin'(work tape 2014)- This version is almost the same as the final cut but with no lyrics. Again I prefer the final version unless I'm really wanting to listen to the instrumentals.

14.Island- This is the final cut and I think a great way to end the album, It still has a very raw production but is a bit more muffled than the other was. I dig it, and it includes vocals which add to it as well.

Overall, I give the album a 7.5 out of 10. It isn't classic by any means but what it is is a fun southern hard rock record that almost serves as a retrospective for this band. I really enjoy a lot of the material even though I feel the demos should have been bonus tracks instead but hey they are still interesting to hear. I think that if you are wanting to get into Eric Moore and The Godz, start with this one because I guarantee you are into for a really fun rockin time.  

Show Review- RIOT V: Live at Reggies Rock Club 07/08/2016

Rarely do you ever get to see a group that even with no original members, that they are still undeniably one of the best heavy metal groups on the scene today. RIOT is exactly one of those bands. And finally on Friday July 8th, I got to witness the fury that is this band live on stage at Reggie's Rock Club in downtown Chicago.

I showed up about a half hour early so I decided to check out a bit of what Reggies had to offer, including a very nice restaurant and a killer record store where I had to spend a bit of cash. After accidentally bumping into the band walking down the stairs (total Spinal Tap moment for me) I decided to enter the venue and watch the opening of the whole show.


Crusader- These guys hail from Chicago and really kicked ass for an opener. Usually opening bands kind of fall flat at most shows I've been to any way but these guys really had a good style. They were very old school speed metal with a bit of a NWOBHM flavor as well. I even got a bit of a Manowar feel as well which was pretty cool. For an opening act I really dug them.


Scars of Armageddon- I've known about these guys for a long time, since I did write ups for MHX Radio. However, I saw exactly how strong their following was Friday night. Holy shit these guys tore it up! They have extreme precision and are very catchy. They almost have a Helloween mixed with Dream Theater sound to me and I really dug it so I purchased their album. Definitely one of the best Chicago metal bands on the circuit.

Judas Rising- I felt a bit strange that  cover band was opening this show as I don't usually see them play with anyone else other than well other cover bands. Needless to say these guys rocked and had a very fun attitude toward how they were playing. They didn't try and look  EXACTLY like Priest well except the singer so it brought a flavor that these guys were having fun with it. It was a really fun set that featured some great cuts and they even featured Frank Gilchriest from Riot to play "Hell Bent For Leather".


Riot- Even though they now go by the name RIOT V because of the untimely passing of Mark Reale(rest in peace), I still prefer to call them Riot because it still feels a hundred percent genuine to me. When they opened with "Flight of The Warrior" they sounded like I would expect them too back in 88'. Todd Michael Hall just wow..,his voice is super unique because at his core he has a very over the top epic range but he is able to handle Rhett Forresters material as well(had to hold up the copy of Restless Breed I had on me when they played Hard Loving Man) as Guy Speranza era material as well. I only wish I could have heard a tune off of Born In America but it was still filled with cuts Riot have been known for as well as some more rare heard songs as well. I also want to point out that Nick Lee's fill in Lance Barnewold did a very stand up job and his soloing was very on point especially his solo in Fire Down Under which was a very big highlight. Of course Mike Flyntz and Donnie Van Stavern who are essentially the high profile members in the band at this point were very on point and just killed it.

Overall, it was definitely a highlight show of the year. I knew Riot would pull it off as I have been essentially obsessed with them since High School and I have always held them in regard to bands like Iron Maiden hell even AC DC who are my favorite of all time as most of you know. However, having such killer opening bands that kept the night from essentially having no dull moments really made it a show to never forget. Thank you to all the bands that played and thank you Riot for continuing Marks legacy and creating new music. Shine On!

Photo Credited to Riot

Album Review- Yngwie Malmsteen: World on Fire

“World On Fire” is the 20^th studio album by virtuoso guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen and was released on June 1^st, 2016. Now I am not huge on guitarists like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and even Malmsteen with the extreme and pristine technical aspects they showcase. I am a simpler man I like virtuosity but not when it is shoved down my throat. I respect it but again it isn't hugely my thing. However this record oh this record....

Right from the start with the title track it sounds really boring and lets be honest, Yngwie really doesn't have much to say as he did the last 19 times around. He has a really fast riff that repeats I think too much and the whole production just doesn't as crisp as I would have ti sound it almost sounds way too laid back. The song “Lost In The Machine” really would sound so much heavier if the production was so much better but even the heavier songs suffer from a lackluster production that leaves a lot more to be desired. I do like Top Down Foot Down but it also has this laid back feeling that doesn't let the song fully breathe. If Yngwie released this song as a single I honestly would be okay with that.

Honestly, I give this record a 3 out of 10. I really don't have much to say about this album because it is just a run of the mill guitar virtuoso album but with awful production and songs that repeat themselves way too much. I don't suggest this album to any listeners new or old. Stick with Yngwie's tried and trued records because honestly this record was a huge letdown.

E.P Review- Cairiss: Fall

“Fall”is a three song E.P by United Kingdom based Post/Black Metal group Cairiss and was released in June of 2016. I have to be honest up front and say that my knowledge on Black Metal doesn't go much further than Mercyful Fate, Venom, Bathory or say Celtic Frost. However, I have appreciated a lot more of the Black Metal bands that I've heard that actually put real skill and thought into making their music. Cairiss is one of those bands.

Track Listing

1.For The Lives He Stole- This song begins with this soft yet ominous acoustic guitar that sounds like it is being played in a cathedral and I really like the atmosphere that is building and has an almost classical element to it it as well. It of course comes right in with distorted guitars that sound huge and I mean huge. Their singer Freya Brown has an incredible voice that flips from beautiful to beautifully sinister on a fucking dime. I admire the band to write such an incredible piece of music especially for an EP. It has almost a power metal aspect to it in parts as well. I am truly blown away right off the start.

2.Disgraced- The opening almost feels like it has some Spanish guitar influence to it I really dig it and I really enjoy the guitar harmonies as well it really sets a good tone. The thing is, most black metal bands don't have that beautiful aspect to them like these guys do. They usually just go to the heaviest most blasphemous stuff aiming to just rip your head off but Cairiss manages to give an epic performance that even with the guttural vocals, it still has a beautiful sound and I find that amazing that they are able to balance those aspects so well. The song does run a bit too long in some parts but there is enough variety to keep you entertained throughout the almost ten minute ride.

3.Fall- This song has a sad feel to it in the beginning to me I almost picture a funeral with it but also someone walking through a tranquil forest it is really hard to explain. Again I truly admire the production here for what it is going for. It stay quiet for most of the time but toward the end it just hits you over the head with this epic riffing with Browns voice just soaring above it is really good and quite a somber end to this rather enjoyable EP.

Overall, I give this EP probably a solid 3 out of 5. I honestly was expecting a lot more of the extreme Mayhem style black metal I constantly see almost everywhere. However, these guys really pull a classical element that we see in most power metal bands today and they really put together three really good songs that keeps this at almost a perfect length. I am quite curious to see what else Cairiss has in store because with songwriters this talented, there are a lot of ideas they still could culminate. You can check out their EP “Fall” out at https://cairiss.bandcamp.com/