Album Review: RIOT V- Unleash The Fire

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

Track Rundown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Album Review: ACDC- Rock Or Bust

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

Track Rundown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Album Review- Bloody Hammers: Under Satan's Sun

Under Satan's Sun is the third album released by Gothic/Stoner/Doom metallers Bloody Hammers and was released on June 10th, 2014. These guys i heard about when i was searching through some of the new metal releases of the month June. I was interested because of the vinyl looking cover noting that these guys could be one of those "retro" bands in the wave of the 70s revival bands popping up today Which i love. These guys are a bit of a different breed than alot of bands such as Orchid or Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats though and this album definitely shows it.

Track Rundown

1.The Town That Dreaded Sundown- Beginning with an eerie sound clip, this song begins with a groove that soaks of Sabbath. I really like how all the instruments sound on this track and for how dirty it sounds. Anders Manga's vocals sound really smooth and have that Southern Gothic  undertone that makes it sound even heavier. I really like where the track speeds up as well to a more head banging tempo. The subtle piano in the back adds just another layer to this great song. one of the best openers of the year and i would love to see this in the remake of the film of the same name.

2.Spearfinger- I really like the riff to this song it is very fuzzy and heavy. It seems like a track that would sound great live as well with a stronger than hell chorus. The bass has a really strong presence as well adding a hell of alot more low end. Devallia has a real cool organ effect sound here as well. another great track.

3.Death Does Us Part- This track is a bit quieter but packs a very dark atmosphere and is almost like a ballad but it isn't. It has a bit of that southern rock tinge to it and is a nice change of pace for the album. It also has a more modern rock kind of sound to it as well with alot of the Doom and Stoner aspects kind of drawn back. The chorus is very good and creepy as well It's not the best but it's interesting to say the least.

4.Moon-Eyed People- This track goes back to that heavy style but i would have like the riff to be a bit slower it feels like they are going a bit too fast on this one. I do like it however it still retains that really heavy fuzzed out guitar that sounds like it is played through an Ampeg bass head. It doesn't necessarily have the charm of the first three tracks but is not bad in the least.

5.Second Coming- The sound clip at the beginning i like (even though i don't know where it's from) but the song has a more psychedelic approach with Anders' bass getting a weird effect put on it. The riff is not amazing to me with this being one of the more weak tracks. The vocals are the strongest aspect as well are the drums with the marching band like approach in some segments.

6.Welcome To The Horror Show- The keys really get to shine more here beginning beautifully leading into an all out gothic rock tune that Peter Steele would surely be proud of. I like the crooning vocals and the pre-chorus is actually really catchy. It's a song that reminds of a graveyard at 3 am with fog rolling over the tombstones. A really dark and uncomfortable yet beautiful atmosphere is accomplished by this song and it still remains a standout i like the solo too. However the solo's on this record seem to be dug back too far to be fully appreciated. Stellar song for any Halloween party.

7.Under Satan's Sun- I like that the bass gets to open this song and the guitar comes in with a cool riff and solo then comes back at second verse and through the chorus. I like songs that structured like this it's more enjoyable to listen to. The chorus is another really strong one that would sound great live. Another standout track for me.

8.Dead Man's Shadow On The Wall- A faster track that retains its heaviness= I like alot. This is probably the most metal song on the record and almost has a Godsmack sound in the guitar structures. The vocals are my favorite part of this song and sound just so heavy and evil. Heaviest track easily on the record.

9.The Last Alarm- This track starts almost sounding like a weird demented 60's psychedelic pop song. They did a bit more experimentation on this track which i wouldn't recommend to the casual listener unless you were looking for that total right turn into a demented forest. It's not bad at all but it is a sound that is alot more bizarre when paired with the other songs on this album.

10.Necromancer- The creepiness at the beginning is very real and then a real heavy riff hits you as if satan's house band was jamming right in your face. They really made this closer count with the stoner metal vibes very present and the guitar riffs just oozing out. Indeed this is a good closer and leaves me wanting more of this gothic horror tinged stoner rock or metal whichever you prefer.

Overall, i give this album about a 7.5 to an 8. It really is an enjoyable record and is similar yet very different from their past two releases with more of a gothic and other experimental tones explored here. These guys to me are like America's answer to Ghost B.C yet pull back the more pop elements. The vocals are the best thing about this record and i give Anders' the unofficial nickname as "The Heavy Metal  Svengoolie". Seriously though check this record out and this band as a whole as this a great release to get you in the mood for October.

Album Review-Accept: Blind Rage

Blind Rage is the 14th studio album released in August 2014 by German speed metal band Accept. This is the third album with new vocalist Mark Tornillo. Before the review, lets rewind a bit. back in around 2009 when i was still a bit of a wee lad to Heavy Metal, I already knew who Accept was because i had seen the video for Balls To The Wall. However, when 2010 rolled around all of a sudden there was a new Accept record entitled Blood Of The Nations. I knew they hadn't released anything in years so i was like huh? i must listen to this. Needless to say, the album ruled and a comeback that good after so long is a hard thing to accomplish. New vocalist Tornillo really proved to be worthy of stepping into Udo's shoes. Then they released Stalingrad which was another home run. i finally got to see these guys on that tour and they really blew me away. Now here we are with the third record entitled Blind Rage and we'll really see if they can keep the charm going.

Track Rundown

1.Stampede- Starting out with the echoing guitars like they are on a mountain, the opening has that just epic feel and BOOM! the band come in just full force. I swear every record gets louder as well. Tornilllo sounds just like he did on the last two records which isn't a bad thing at all. It just means he knows where he fits perfectly. the solo is just full on shredding as well. It is a total trademark Accept opener.

2.Dying Breed- Lyrically, this may be my favorite Accept song. It's about the classic metal scene and they drop tons of references (Denim and Leather, Ace Of Spades, Diamonds and Rust) and i love when any band does that. Its not so much as a speed metal tune but really a fist pumping metal tune especially with the strong chorus. A cool track indeed.

3.Dark Side Of My Heart- The riff feels alot like a Priest kind of kind off one of their 80s albums. Actually this sounds like 80s Accept! it's shocking to hear that they kind of revisited the Restless and Wild era kind of sound. The chorus goes a bit quick at times I love the verses though with everything slowly becoming more amplified. This is a really unique song and sticks out as a high point on this record as well.

4.Fall Of The Empire- This one starts with a slower heavy riff with the weird harmonizing vocals in the back and goes into that quiet guitar and quiet vocal structured verse. Its a more tame tune but still pretty powerful. It really has that german stamp on it with the chorus from Wolf and Pete's backround vocals. Its a good track to sit this far into the album.

5.Trail Of Tears- Another more fast track it just screams speed metal. I love the harmonizing guitars in the rhythm sections and sounds like it could have been on either of the last two records. The drums are very powerful throughout this record as well especially in the double bass parts it really gives that heavy feel. The solo is absolutely fantastic here as well. Fantastic track with an epic chorus.

6.Wanna Be Free-With a nice opening acoustic guitar, this song shows the bit more hard rock side of Accept. It has a really strong chorus to it as well. It is definitely more tame than the past few tracks but its still really good and shows a bit more of Accept capabilities.

7.200 Years-  This song sounds alot like Restless and Wild at the beginning and is another throwback feeling track to their 80s heydays. Its just pure classic heavy metal right in your face with chugging guitars and Marks vocals by this point feel like hes been in this bands for years and years. Another good heavy song.

8.BloodBath Mastermind- Opening up with chorus lade guitars, this song dives right back into that speed metal sound that is Accepts trademark. This sounds like another one they could have easily wrote in their sleep. It almost kind of blends with some of the other tracks on this album.

9.From The Ashes We Rise- Almost sounds a bit ACDC like at the beginning here. It quickly goes into that fist pumping mood with the heavy bass and wolfs harmonic guitar licks. It has a be=it more melodic chorus as well.  It's a good effort nonetheless.

10.The Curse- This opens how alot of the tracks seemed to open, with that quiet less distorted guitar but slowly builds up and crashes into a mood eerily like how "Shadow Soldiers" did in the past. Mark has a cleaner sound to his voice on this track which shows hes not always raspy. I like this track quite a bit the riffs are catchy.

11.Final Journey- Ending this album, this track could be the heaviest on the record. It is definitely mosh worthy and shows what Accept are really about. Just pure speed riffs and thrashy drumming it is amazing how a band this far in their career can still play this good and sound this tight. it really is a good closer to an album worthy of Accepts catalog.

Overall,  i give the album and 8 out of 10. Even though Stalingrad felt a bit more fresh to me, there is no denying the excellence shown here. Accept, like Overkill, are one of the highest flying metal bands as they can release solid material over and over again showing that they arent going away for a long time.

Album Review- Judas Priest: Redeemer Of Souls

Redeemer Of Souls is the 17th studio album by British Heavy Metal band Judas Priest and was released on July 8th 2014. Ok.... FINALLY!!!! looking back from last year i am very grateful to have witnessed a Black Sabbath album in my time and now im happy that i get to witness my first Judas Priest album. Granted, Nostradamus came out in 2008 when i was starting freshman year of high school, however, i was not a music freak as i am now. Ever since i heard the title track i knew i had to have more. Now before i get to the actual review of the musical content, i want to go over the packaging. Now i dont normally do this with alot of albums but this one is just unique to me. When i received my deluxe edition in the mail the day it came out, i was shocked to see that the whole album was made holographic which just made me amped to listen to the album. I like the short paragraph that they wrote about the "Redeemer Of Souls" character like they did with albums Screaming For Vengeance and Defenders Of The Faith (which is my favorite Priest album). I could tell that they really captured that classic 80s vibe with this album even with new guitarist Ritchie Faulkner, i was still excited to see what they could bring to the table. However, since it is my most anticipated release for 2014, does it even hold up to their classic albums or even their most recent releases?

Track Rundown

1. Dragonaut- Starting off with what Guitarist Glenn Tipton describes as a " Fucking Clap of Thunder", The track leads into a cool heavy riff with the whole band firing on all cylinders. When Robs vocals come in singing "Welcome to my world of steel/master of my domain" I cant help but head bang my ass off. the pre chorus and chorus are more than worthy of a Priest opener. Ritchie and Glenn really blend with their tones. Ian Hill is really audible on this album as well which i like it adds more bump to it. Near perfect opener and just makes me go crazy for whats up next.

2. Redeemer Of Souls- The first single off the record, and the one that got me pumped for the album. The pure 80s guitar tone is what makes priest i think and this track has plenty of it and Robs epic vocals make the track even more enjoyable. The chorus is really fist pumping and i even hear faint synthesizers in the song which i feel was a bold move. It is a more simple track but i feel it to be really enjoyable.

3.Halls Of Valhalla- Wow just wow. The epic riffs a just ooze out of this one. i absolutely lose my mind at the beginning when Rob screams "VALHALLLLAAAAAA!!!!" and it kicks into a solo. I believe Ritchie solos here and i think its good i cant tell the solos apart because he meshes so well with a band this far into their career. The chorus is really strong as well and anyone that says Rob cant scream anymore. He does it all through this track and the scream before the main solo is just so amazing. This is like the new Sentinel and my favorite track on the album.

4.Sword of Damocles- An equally epic track, this one has more of a prog feel with it and even i think has a tinge of sad wings era Priest to it. I really think this would work as a live track and Scott Travis' drumming really shines here as well. Another home run for me. Robs lyrical content here is nothing short of an epic feel to them. Pure traditional heavy metal here.

5.March Of The Damned- The new Metal Gods. This song is. Like Redeemer Of Souls, a more simple Priest song but nothing short of being Badass. Rob does peel back a bit here but i think it works for this kind of track. It even has the loud marching sounds like Metal Gods did and even though this song is a bit more of a rip off than original, i still find it enjoyable and fits into what Priest was going for with this album.

6.Down In Flames- this track has a bit more of that "pop" flavor from Priest and honestly without changing anything, i would throw this on Defenders along with songs like Rock Hard, Ride Free and JawBreaker. I find the chorus really infectious too this one is definitely one of my favorites.

7.Hell & Back- This song starts with the first acoustic guitars we hear on the album but quickly turns into another 80s sounding Priest track. I think they really captured their British Steel-Turbo era brilliantly on this record. This is a more mid paced song and not one of my favorites but its still pretty good.

8.Cold Blooded- This sounds like a song that could be on Turbo (an album that i actually didn't mind) or even an album like British Steel with the end being heavy but not too heavy. This song has a more ballad tone to it but its a nice change up but keeps it consistent with some nice riffs and a pretty good solo.

9.Metalizer- Now stepping into Painkiller-esque territory, this song is really reminiscent with Metal Meltdown off that album in which rob sings in a robotic way during the chorus. I really like is kind of laid back scream in the mix in the beginning. It s a pretty good track definitely the most thrashiest so far.

10.Crossfire- This track is very unique as it centers around the blues with more groovy riffs than heaavy riffing. Its another one of my favorites and the beginning reminds me of the intro riff to Black Sabbaths I off of Dehumanizer. It even sounds like it has a Hendrix feel to it. Robs vocals are awesome too and its cool to hear him sing to a more bluesy hard rock song ever since Rocka Rolla came out. I feel they were channeling that album more here. Definitely a stand out track.

11.Secrets of the Dead- I like how this one opens with the echoing guitars it really sets the mood. This one harkens a bit back with Halls of Valhalla with more epic riffs on it however its got more chugging going on than a full blast metal song. It reminds me of something off of Ram It Down like a Blood Red Skies kind of song with less synths laid over it. It's still pretty good. there are some interesting guitar synthesizers over the solo which i thing adds another layer of character to this track.


12.Battle Cry- While its still a good song, It sounds like the most traditional priest song you can get which is never a bad thing. I really like, the intro to this song and it fits the mood very perfectly and the fast riffing is really catchy and the chorus is actually quite strong with Robs vocals escalating to a steady wail at the end. This song would work very well live and is just an anthemic tune for hard rock and heavy metal fans.

13.Beginning of the End- This is a very 70s Priest sounding acoustic song at least to me. It really ends the album on a really beautiful yet very depressing note. Rob voice still is just as powerful as ever especially during the chorus. Its also possibly a telling of the future of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. well...lets hope not.

Normally, i would end here, but im going to include the bonus tracks. why? cause i can!

Bonus Tracks

1.SnakeBite- Right away, this track just sounds like pure 80s Judas Priest. I could throw this on Screaming For Vengeance and couldnt tell that it was from an album 30 years later. I would throw this on the original record because its one of my favorite songs in both discs. I even like the backround vocals which reminds me of Devils Child alot. Also, i shouldve mentioned this before but i can hardly tell that KK is missing even though Ritchie has a more somber guitar tone in his solos he still works very well.

2. Tears Of Blood- Another song you could throw on one their old records and it reminds me alot of the Sentinel again but also with a style all its own. Another pure classic sounding Priest track.

3.Creatures-I like the riff here but it is a bit less developed than their other tracks. it sounds more like a jam they were working on. Its not bad but but again its not the greatest.

4.Bring It On- This starts out really fist pumping and with a pretty good riff and sounds like a more radio friendly song off Defenders which i could do with. I feel alot of Defenders Of The Faith on alot of the songs on these to discs which is a very good thing for me at least

5.Never Forget- This song reminds me alot of a more rare Priest song which is Last Rose Of Summer off of Sin After Sin (Check out that review) and its another beautiful song that i really admire to end both discs. The guitars sound really beautiful here too.

Overall, I give this album a 9.5 of a 10. Hands down this record is my top of the year. Alot of people will probably give me shit about giving not alot of "negative" comments here but listen i review things i either really like or dont understand why people like it. This album just shows Priest going over their whole discography and writing songs from each era. sure they didnt rewrite anything in Metal but they dont need to since they have multiple times. Im also happy they didnt just stick to the Painkiller sound there is much more to them. id even put this in my top 5 Priest albums as well. However, i do think hands down this is their best release since Painkiller and i may not get to see them this year (damn venues 21 and up) but i will bask in this fresh slab of classic heavy metal over and over again.

new logo update:

Album Review- Tesla: Simplicity

Simplicity is the 7th studio album by Hard Rock band Telsa released in June of 2014. I remember seeing these guys open for the Scorpions back on their Final Sting tour in Chicago. Before that i didn't know much of them besides Eddie Trunk talking about them occasionally. Well they blew my doors off coming from the mid 80s these guys walk the walk than every other band from that hair scene. these guys shouldve toured with ACDC not Poison with such a great no thrills down to earth sound. This is the first brand new album i have gotten to pick up so lets dive right into it.

Track Rundown

1.MP3- A great hard rocking opener about getting back to basics with music( i agree completely). The intro is pretty great and gets you pumped for the rest of the album. i like how just balls out the riff is here as well its a real jam.

2.Ricochet- it starts out with this great acoustic intro with a solo in front of it as well going into another solid guitar riff. I really like Frank Hannon as a guitar player and is extremely underrated. I like how Jeff sings the chorus too and that line (Like uncle Ted said...Its a Free For All!) gets me going everytime i hear it. another homerun for me.

3.Rise And Fall- Opening with a groovy bass line and Jeffs dirty raspy voice really make this a nice foot tapper. The chorus is pretty good here as well. It s a more a mellow rocker but by no means a bad one.

4.So Divine...- This is the first single i heard of the album and really reminds me of something off of Mechanical Resonance it would fit really well there. Its one of my favorites off the album actually and the build up to the chorus is just amazing and the chorus makes you just want to sing along to it. this definitely makes for a good song to play live.

5.Crossfire- This song has a kind of country feel to it and even the piano gives it kind of a Skynyrd and Black Crows feel to it. This is a good track and an interesting change of pace not one of my favorites but its not bad.

6.Honestly-Starting out with another nice acoustic guitar this song is more of a total ballad and its not terrible but almost every album has to have a ballad like track right?

7.Flip Side!- THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT! I adore the riffs in this song and its got such a dirty groove with the acoustic guitars in it and again Jeffs voice works best with this kind of stuff. The chorus is another one of those extremely catchy ones that get stuck in your head.

8.Other Than Me- This is another softer song but like i said these guys do it very well it s a nice driving song i think. The chorus is just really good as well i cant say anything other than its really freaking good.

9.Break Of Dawn- That freaking riff. They really just went for their inner headbanging selves for this one and its probably the dirtiest song on the album probably my favorite as well. Its really catchy and melodic at parts but also leads just right back into that awesome riff. Definitely a classic.

10.Burnout To Fade- The acoustics are a bit different here they sound more like they have a modern rock
sound to them. It s a nice song and im surprised they went with another softer acoustically driven song but i expect this from the guys who made the five man acoustical jam album.

11.Life Is A River- Another acoustically driven song but i like this more than the previous cause the piano added makes for a better atmosphere. Jeffs voice actually sounds cleaned up here as well which is impressive as well so its a pretty good song to me.

12.Sympathy- The bass in the beginning gets me pumped up for this song  and it really explodes into another dirty rock n roll song and actually is a refreshing track from the previous two.

13.Time Bomb- The guitars are really loud on this track (maybe its my stereo but they are REALLY pronounced here) a pure jack daniels drinking head banging track the bridge is a bit weak but nonetheless this is a great track.

14.'Til That Day- The drums started out softly with another nice yet slightly different sounding acoustic drive. Jeffs voice with an echoish reverb really gives this track a nice atmosphere and ends this great album on a positive note.

Overall, i give this album a solid 8.5 out of 10. Being my first new Tesla album, i was really impressed how these guys could balance out soft with hard rock and it keeps you entranced in the album til the end. its one of their best albums personally and it will be listened to again in my collection.