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/

Album Review- Blood Ceremony: Lord Of Misrule

“Lord of Misrule” is the fourth album by Cult Rock band Blood Ceremony and was released on March 25^th, 2016. Blood Ceremony have been a group that has been off and on my radar since their debut album in 2008. They took Ozzy era Sabbath, flutes and cult imagery and created a band that was quite original in my book. My mind was blown the first time I heard “Into The Coven” and I've followed all of their records since. I was really excited when I got my hands on the new one that I had to cover it. But is it a worthy record?

Track Listing

1.Devil's Widow-Right away I really live the vintage production here similar to Brimstone Covens new album. The riffs are heavy and catchy as normal and Alia O'Briens flute playing is extremely immaculate as well. Here voice really sores over this song as well with a little of grit on the back end as well. This is an extremely well written first track with a lot of soloing from every one it almost reminds me of Deep Purples Burn in that it really shows almost a super group feel between all the members. I really like that they threw in a slow acoustic segment in this otherwise heavy cult rocker.

2.Loreley- This song has a really good atmosphere between the thumping pop sounding organ it almost sounds like Heart meets Black Sabbath and I really dig it, it's something different. It isn't really a rock song it has more of a dark 60's pop tone to it.

3.The Rogue's Lot- This song is one of my favorites on the album in terms of how catchy it is. It has that really heavy riffing that really picks up with that jazzy feel similar to the first Sabbath record. The last chorus really just punches you in the dug with how catchy it is.

4.Lord of Misrule-Another extremely catchy song with some haunting riffing and vocal harmonies opening. I really have to point out how awesome the imagery portrayed in these songs is as well. Another of my favorites. The flute solo is epic as well it flows so well.

5.Half Moon Street- Easily my favorite song on the album because of how it mixed bluesy riffing with a folk like attitude. I really love Sean Kennedy's riffing here it is dirty but melodic and his quick fuzzy solos are just barely visible in the mix to add just another layer to a very well written mid paced 70s rock song.

6.The Weird of Finistere- This is probably the most atmospheric song on the album as it really captures this dark unsettling feeling. The lyrical imagery is really interesting as well. There is a very classical music element that I take from here also. A very dark and beautiful well written song.

7.Flower Phantom- This song is similar to “Loreley” in its 60's pop feel. It almost feels like Jefferson Airplane took a dark turn or had a bad trip. It is a really catchy and haunting tune.

8.Old Fires- I get a really big UFO vibe from this song with the Schenker-esque riffing and The heavy organ in the background. O'Briens voice really pushes this song harder as well. It's a pretty good rocker and has that catchy as hell chorus as well.

9.Things Present, Things Past- The last track on the album. It is a more acoustic driven song and I think it is a very good one to take the album out on. It holds a lot of emotion within the playing as well as the really smooth yet gritty production. I love the flute playing as well it adds another layer of originality that most bands don't have. Superb group and the ending where it slowly starts reversing gives a really creepy vibe that I dig a lot.

Overall, I give this record a superb 9 out of 10. This is easily my favorite record in Blood Ceremonies discography as well. It combines a lot of different musical elements but still has a prime focus and doesn't become disjointed at any point. This is 70's Cult Rock at its finest.

Album Review- Diamond Head: Diamond Head

“Diamond Head” is the self titled seventh studio record by New Wave of British Heavy Metal legends Diamond Head and was released on March 11^th, 2016. Since pretty much day one I have been a pretty big Diamond Head fan. “Lightning to The Nations” and “Borrowed Time” I always had on constant rotation and Brian Tatler is a god in my book. He is a riff making machine and seeing how this band has been through so many line up changes, luckily he has been through the whole run pulling out mostly consistent material throughout the past thirty turbulent years. Now that they are back after seven years and with a brand new lead singer, lets see if the Head have anything left to prove.

Track Listing

1.Bones- Opening with a cool rolling riff with a catchy drum beat, this song starts really strong and oh when the vocals come in, they come in with a bang. Their new singer Rasmus Anderson has a very Sean Harris feel but his range is really great and he brings his own style to the table as well. The whole band is on fire and this song just sounds like old school Diamond Head but with a fresh take to it and its catchy as hell.

2.Shout at the Devil- No not a Motley Crue cover, thank god. This song is a total ripper and a bit more straight forward than the first song. It has that total NWOBHM feel to it and the chorus is really cheesy but it kicks so much ass. The soloing is really killer too this song has everything that Diamond Head is and has always been about. Better than Motley Crue eh?

3.Set My Soul On Fire- This song has a heavier chugging to it and the mid pace actually works fairly well. I love the chants in the background too it adds a darker atmosphere as well. A good jam.

4.See You Rise- The frantic acoustic riffing is interesting and really builds with the driving bass into a really hard driving riff. This almost sounds a bit like Tygers of Pan Tang but hey same movement similar styles so Im not surprised. One of the catchiest songs on the record easily.

5.All The Reasons You Live- This is one of the most well composed songs on the record as well with a very atmospheric opening that sets an impressionable tone and makes me albums think im listening to Amon Amarth. The song is very mid paced almost middle spot of a rock song and a ballad. However, I find it really works well.

6.Wizards Sleeve-This is another old school fast paced tune that is catchy like all the songs before as well. I really like how present the bass guitar is too. Sounds like it could've been on their first record and would've fit very well.

7.Our Time is Now- The dirty bluesy riff is really killer on this track and the bass really gets to shine during the verses which I really dig as well. This tune is a bit more laid back in terms of speed but still has that dark classic heavy metal feel to it.

8.Speed- Obviously this song had to be classic speed metal bordering on 70s hard rock and it still really works. There is some really nice heavy chugging that I catch my self bobbing my head to and the solo is really awesome as well. I hope they throw this one in their live set.

9.Blood On My Hands-This song sort of sounds like Lightning To The Nations but definitely is not. It has a much less straight forward tone to it and is a bit more foreboding. I really like the chorus here as well it works against the ascending note picking verses into straight riffing. Another great song.

10.Diamonds- This song almost has a jazzy feel to it in the beginning but then heads right into old school speed metal riffing. I kind of think this song is a statement with the chorus screaming Diamonds are forever, I hope so indeed boys.

11.Silence-Opening with another atmospheric mood and some nice acoustics, I really like how it really builds up with more of the band slowly coming from the shadows. It almost has a stargazer feel to it and I really like to see how well this song is for a more straightforward band like these guys. This is is an excellent closer to the record because it really has an epic feel to it like most closers do and shows how matured this band really is and how well of song composers they are.

Overall, I give this record a stellar and solid 9 out of 10. Diamond Head are back, and in a big way. Despite the numerous line up changes, Brian Tatler and the boys really pulled together a solid record that takes old styles and makes them fresh. They really do say diamonds are forever and I believe Diamond Head are the definition of that.

Album Review- Jorn: Heavy Rock Radio

“Heavy Rock Radio” Is the third covers album released by Norwegian Heavy Metal act Jorn and was released on June 3^rd, 2016. Before this release I rarely had heard of the band and most notably vocalist Jorn Lande who actually has a pretty impressive track record for the past twenty years or so. Before putting this album on I went through his back catalog a bit and found that he is a pretty good vocalist and very Ronnie James Dio-esque(Well he did release a full tribute album to the man). However, with seeing how many cover albums he has, does he have a really original sound? Or does it just sound like someone trying to make a quick buck. Well I suppose lets find out.

Track Listing

1.I Know There's Something Going On(Frida)- The opening song and a pretty good cover of a rather cheesy eighties song. It is a relatively simple cover but Jorns voice holy hell does it really fit and makes this track metal. Its a fun opener.

2.Running Up That Hill(Kate Bush)-This cover is a really simple pop song as well but adding that heavy metal aspect really makes it even catchy. I feel Jorns voice is too high in the mix though for some reason. This one feels sort of awkward to me I just don't feel like it quite gets to that “fun cover” feeling.

3.Rev One The Red Line(Foreigner)- This is one of my favorite Foreigner songs and I think Jorn does better with this song and I love the heavy keyboard presence in the background. This is a fun cover and pretty faithful to the original.

4.You're The Voice(John Farnham)- This song really got put into overdrive and really works with a heavier sound as well. Jorns voice fits this song perfectly it is a really good cover with an original sound to it I believe.

5.Live To Win(Paul Stanley)- I always found the original pretty comical because it sounded so unbelievably cheesy but I like Jorns version it has a bit of a harder hitting feeling. It also is not as high as Stanley sang it and it gets points for that as well.

6.Don't Stop Believin'(Journey)- I can't really say anything about this one, it's just a song I've heard so much to the point where I cant hear it anymore. If you still can then it's not a bad cover it's just a cover.

7.Killer Queen(Queen)- This cover is interesting, it has a lot going on in the back as well. I think Jorns voice is too low for this song specifically but I do like the verses they sound very modernly pop which is interesting to hear.

8.Hotel California(The Eagles)- Another song I am honestly sick off honestly thanks to nonstop classic rock station rotations. Its a cover that's all I can really say about it.

9.Rainbow In The Dark(Dio)- A bit more familiar territory on this track and I can see where most of Jorns inspiration comes from. I like the alternative opening as well and his voice fits it perfectly even though It's a bit lower. A pretty fun cover.

10.The Final Frontier(Iron Maiden)- A recent Maiden cover which really peaks my interest as well. It is a pretty good cover and his voice almost parallels Bruce's which is almost a bit creepy but cool nevertheless. This cover is probably the closest sounding to the original song than any other track on this album.

11.Stormbringer(Deep Purple)- One of my favorite Hughes/Coverdale tracks and I think they nailed this cover it is a pretty fun faithful and 80s drenched sounding one. Really digging it.

12.Die Young(Black Sabbath)- A cover of my all time favorite Dio sung tune and it really caps off the album in good light I believe. It is still a bit laid back but Jorns voice fits extremely well. Probably one of my favorites on the album.

Overall, I give this album a 6 out of 10. Honestly, it is a covers album so it is nothing really ground breaking. However, this album, even though s bit stale at parts has some really fun renditions of some of our favorite songs and for a casual Heavy Metal listener, I would give this one a fling, you might find some enjoyment out of it.

Album Review- Dr. Dune: Planetary Waves

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Planetary Waves is the debut record from Experimental artist Dr. Dune and was released in 2016. I was notified about this interesting record by the man who made it himself, George Del Rio and I was quite intrigued what I heard from it so I thought Id show you all what this record is all about. 

Track Rundown

1.Introvoid- I really like the guitar/synth intro they parallel together really nicely and bring an awesome sci-fi feel as well. The production is great too it feels really full.

2.Seafoam Green Men-I love the insane run into this song the hard riffing with the spaced out effects in the back really works together well. There is a hint of clean surf guitar in the back as well which only adds to it. Great interesting instrumental.

3.Shores Of Nebula-I love the ominous bass intro on this one that leads into some really clean shiny guitars. It almost sounds pop but it still has the creativity and the musicianship is really well done as well. One of my favorites on the album. It slowly leads into a more metal sound with some insane synth effects all around it. One of the most creative instrumentals I've heard in awhile.

\4.Atomic Tan- There is more of a surf tone on this song with the metal drum beats in the back it works so well. It does eventually have the heavy guitars come back in as well and again I like how well everything flows together.

5.Planetary Waves-This track is a bit similar to the last song but has a more melodic overtone to it. Still a well planned out track.

6.Swept By The Storms-The intro is quite interesting on this song, it has a more droning feel to it with the reverbed guitars really shining here it works against the ominous metal riffing in the backround. Another of my favorites on the album

7.Digital Drowning Victim-There is more of that kind of new wave-ish feel to this song in the beginning but goes into total metal freakout mode and again like i've said before it all flows together very well.

8.Synthetic Sands-This song goes for a more simple riff with shimmering guitars behind it, it drones through alot with the synths really backing up the guitars. This one drones alot too which adds to it's already very spacey feel.

9.Aquatic Ambience- Now even though I knoe this is a cover of the Donkey Kong Country song, it is still a damn good cover it really captures the atmosphere very well and is a good closer to this very interesting experimental record.

Overall, I give this record an 8 out of 10. I really enjoyed this record because it combines alot of music elements that I love and does it very well. Surf, metal, synth and very well crafted musicianship are presented in these nine tracks through in and through out. I applaud you Mr. Del Rio.