Album Review: Megadeth- Dystopia

“Dystopia” is the fifteenth studio album by American Thrash Metal band Megadeth and was released January 22^nd, 2016. Now this band was one of my all-time favorites back during my High School days especially getting to see them twice on their Th1rt3en Tour. “So Far So Good So What?” still remains one of my all-time favorite musically written records as well today. I was fortunate to review “Super Collider” when it came out and I really liked the record for the different and more heavy metal styles it was trying I really did. Now when this record was released, a lot of people were skeptical as the last album really divided fans but as soon as the first few tracks were revealed with new comers Chris Adler from  Lamb Of God and Kiko Lureiro of Brazilian band Angra, people shut up and listened. These songs really brought back the Thrash element the band is really known for. However does the record hold up as a whole? Or is it just filler and no killer. Well….

Track Rundown

1.       The Threat Is Real- Opening with a very speedy intro, I really like the more slick production here with the Egyptian sounding soloing go9ing on as well, The band sounds very tight and Daves vocals, although worn , they still feel appropriate. I like the very frantic pacing in the chorus as well it makes it catchier.  This songs has 80s Megadeth written all over and sounds like a song that might have been on one of their releases in the late 2000’s. Soloing is very good as you would expect from Megadeth. Very good opening tune.

2.       Dystopia- I like the intro to this song and how heavily melodic it sounds, almost sounds like a power metal band. This sounds like a Megadeth tune from one of their bigger 90’s albums which isn’t bad it isn’t a song that is pure Thrash it is a more straightforward Heavy Metal song. I really like it more so because of the heavy melodies running through it.

3.       Fatal Illusion- The first song off the record released, and I really like the intro to it, but I feel this would have been a better opening song with how lengthy the opening on it is. Juniors bass playing gets a spotlight immediately after and it’s so awesome to hear it reminds me a lot of his 80s bass work. I love how fast this song gets in the middle it sounds like a cross between the pure assaults of So far and the technicality of Rust In Peace with the production of Countdown and Youthanasia. Definitely one of their heaviest songs in a few years.

4.       Death From Within- This song opens with some heavy riffing and some good grooves as well. This song is a pure headbanging delight. Reminds me of 90s Anthrax for some reason, but still pretty good.

5.       Bullet To The Brain- Beginning with a marching snare drum and dark acoustic guitars, this song has a bit of a different taste to it especially with the vocals. Daves vocals are a bit more buried in verses and almost drone a little bit. This song is a bit more mid paced and slows the record down a bit but it has a lot of good musicianship within it which I appreciate.

6.       Post American World- This opening almost sounds like a Slayer song but immediately sounds like a heavy Megadeth tune, which even though it is a lot more mid paced, the soloing and riffing still sound really on point. I also love Chris’ super heavy drum roles, it really adds.

7.       Poisonous Shadows- Opening with more acoustic guitar, This song is another more progressive  midpaced piece that really showcases Kikos amazing solo abilities. This song is insanely heavy probably one of the heaviest Megadeth songs mainly through the drums which is my favorite thing about this whole record. Very good written track.

8.       Look Who’s Talking- This song is another of those songs with a lot of interesting time key changes in it. Its an okay track I like it but it isn’t the best.

9.       Conquer Or Die- My favorite opening on the album it has just such a good atmosphere to it. This song overall is a pretty good heavy offering with some of my favorite soloing on the record. This is a really good instrumental into the next song.

10.   Lying In State- This song is a faster track with a lot of virtuosity tossed throughout it. Another one of my favorites on the album. Very Catchy.

11.   The Emperor- There is some good riffing in this song but the lyrics sound kind of cheesy at points but it is pretty good. Not slot to say about this one. I like it.

12.   Last Dying Wish- This song sounds a lot like Rust In Peace to me with Dave singing like a dictator above the music. Good song I really like the riffs and solo breaks in it as well.

13.   Foreign Policy- As keeping in tradition with the last record, this one also concludes with a Cover and this time it’s a cover of one of legendary punk band FEARS’s songs. It is a pretty good cover but fairs a lot better as a punk song than a metal song. Sounds a lot like old Megadeth in it though which is pretty cool.

Overall, I give this album a 7 out of 10. This is Megadeth really back to business, it really offers a lot to the fans who were hoping for the next step after Endgame which I feel this record is the next logical step, however I don’t think this album would’ve come to life without the past few experiments which I still admire I might add. This album is still really heavy and despite some gray moments, really captures the tight heaviness of the new line up. I feel Megadeth are in a good place right now and im sure their fans think so too.

Album Review: Electric Revolution-Character Is power

“Character is Power” is the debut album from Wisconsin Blues Rock group Electric Revolution and was released in December of 2015. I have a bit of history with these guys since I reviewed their e.p way back when and ever since I was eagerly waiting a full length album to see what these guys could dish out. Well here they are with a new vocalist and ten brand new tracks. Lets see if this album really hit the mark or if it sings the blues.

Track rundown

1.Here We Go- This song totally reminds me of Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow and it is a fine rocker to open the album. I really love the distorted harmonica playing as well it adds more grit to the song. The band sounds really tide as well yet they have such a laid back feeling that is great. Dave Lawsons vocals are totally killer and he really carries himself very well. Amazing riptide of an opener.

2.Save Me- This album has like a slower groovy frantic feeling to it and the slide guitar is so infectious I love it. The chorus is pretty heavy sounding like its 1975 all over again and I love it. This song really is a straight shooter and plays no games it just straight grooves.

3.Killing Me- I like the old school horror film intro to this one I love intros like that, but the song is so freaking tasty. I love the heavy sounding bass and my buddy Billy Pulera is one hell of a rhythmic drummer he keeps it so solid and especially on tracks like this you can really feel it. The main riff is one of my favorites on the record. Lawson’s vocals really hit me hard especially in the chorus he really belts it out. My favorite on the record by far.

4.Tragedy- This song has more of a straight melodic sound to it with a bluesy edge to it and I believe a touch of keyboards in the back ground. This isn’t a bad song but its a lot different from the rest of the album until it really starts to hit a bit over two minutes in. The solo is really really good as well. Pretty good song very different turn but hey that ain’t a bad thing.

5.Forgiveness-Hell yeah, some soulful blues, this is another one of my favorites on the album it is just really gritty but so beautiful at the same time. It really is a great tune it just has so much feeling and literally everyone is giving it their all just a killer melodic tune.

6.What The Fuss- The frantic beat of this tune I think is pretty interesting it gives it kind of a jazzy feeling. It really is a raw upbeat tune with some interesting rhythm elements as well. This one is a bit more laid back with Save Me in vain. Pretty good tune to drink to while your kicking back giving it a spin.

7.Character Is Power- This song easily has the tightest and most infectious rhythm especially on bass damn its just such a good song. It has a lot of jazz elements to it as well and even a saxophones solo as well. This is one I always find myself air drumming to when im listening its just so infectious. Definitely a song that has character and packs some power.

8.You Are Here- I really like the melodic almost psychedelic sounding vocals at the beginning. This one sounds a lot like Schenker era UFO which isn’t bad its amazing. It is a rocking tune with some more melodic spots especially in the bridge to the chorus. It a really straight forward tune that I could see played on any classic rock radio in a trans am going down the road.

9.Can You Feel It- Beginning with another really jazzy beat, this song is another more rhythmic rocker than straight balls out rocking. Its still pretty good and insanely tight as well. It reminds me a lot of Save Me with a lot more not changes in the chorus but it still has a lot of power to it. Pretty good tune.

10.In The End- This song was actually released as a standalone a while ago but was included on the album and rightfully so, it is an amazing song and one worth ending this album. The main riff is so bluesy and heavy it really is such a bar tune that gets people tapping their foot. I love the bridge to the chorus the chords Joesy Wails strike are just so powerful and infectious. A killer tune to end the album.

Overall, I give this album an 8.5 out of 10. It really was worth the wait for this sucker and im so happy that I finally have my hands on it. If you love 70s groovy rock, you definitely should check this album out because these guys freakin rock. 

A Tribute to Lemmy

I’ve been writing reviews for almost three years and in that time I have seen quite a few musicians that I have admired pass on. However, this particular man has inspired me more than most musicians I have ever studied or come across. He taught me to be true to myself no matter what and don’t do anything if your heart isn’t in it. He also is my number one inspiration to pick up bass playing as well. The man I am talking about is Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister and this is my tribute to one of the last true rock n rollers we had.

               

I first heard Motorhead around when I was five or six actually it was quite funny because it was from a scene from “The Spongebob Movie” where a rendition of the bands song “You’d better run” was playing in the backround. I was so compelled by how heavy that song was I tracked down the movie soundtrack and had that song on repeat for weeks (by the way, fuck Avril Levine and all that shit on that cd). I eventually bought “Ace Of Spades” and “Overkill” around when I turned 13 and Overkill was the album that turned me into a young rabid Motorhead fan. Just every song was excellence and it was rude and loud and at the time it really rivaled my obsession with ACDC for awhile. In 2011, I finally got to see Motorhead on “The World Is Yours Tour”. I was front row with a past friend that whole show and it was easily the loudest show I had ever seen. I could’nt hear all week after and my teachers actually grew concerned if I was for real going deaf but all I replied with was “if im deaf I don’t care, it was worth it.”. I still can’t hear that great! But it was still worth it. I got to see the band on the Gigantour bill at Aragon Ballroom as well and they easily beat out Megadeth that night. They have been easily one of the most “Real” bands that I have ever seen live. Lemmy is such a force on stage even when he is just standing playing and feeling the bass, it is just the most badass thing you’ll ever see. It always made me think that you should always go balls out and be yourself and fuck anyone who doesn’t believe in you. It is realy sad to see him gone, I am actually tearing up a bit while writing this. But I know that is not what Lemmy wants, so instead I am going to put in “Orgasmatron and turn that fucker as high as itll go til the speakers blow, and you should too, Long live Motorhead, long live Lemmy! Don’t forget em, they are Motorhead and they play rock n roll!!! \m/!!!!

TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2015

What a year for heavy metal! So many albums were released this year and putting just 10 on this list was the hardest thing but here it is my list of the ten best album of 2015!

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2015

1.Spillage- Spillage

-And my number one pick is the debut record from Heavy Metal group Spillage from Chicago, Illinois. This record kicked my ass around the world and back when I first heard it. Its raw yet nice production is very pleasant on the ears and Tony Spillmans ability to write these insanely catchy riffs and Chris Martins superb heavy drumming is just what made it my number one album of the year!

2.Night Demon- Curse OF The Damned

-The debut record from these NWOBHM worshipers out of California and damn I was hooked on this record after the first song. These guys just know how to craft amazing sounding “true heavy metal” tunes it’s a great record from a new band to remind us how great 1980-83 was. Also, the production is something I’ll brag about all day.

3.Venomous Maximus-FireWalker

-The second release from these guys and easily their best. It combines melodies from bands like Maiden and the Heaviness of Sabbath for a record that is a force to be reckoned with.

4.Electric Revolution-Character Is power

-This band from Kenosha I have dug for a while and I recently just got to hear their first full length all the way through and wow it exceeded all my expectations. Check em out their 70’s inspired groovy rock is all anyone could ask for.

5.Chris Holmes-Shitting Bricks

-one of my favorite guitarists of all time is back with a dirty as hell, gritty rock n roll release that may not break new bounds but it is damn fun and very spinal tap at points. Either way I love it and so should any old school wasp fan.

6.Pentagram-Curious Volume

-The legendary doom group is back with a new album well newish as it features a lot of older written songs but it is still a great, heavy throwback to the 70s and Bobby Liebling still has a voice that is as heavy and haunting as ever.

7.W.A.S.P-Golgotha

-WASP impressed me with this one. It still has a lot of catchiness to it and reminds me a lot of Headless Children which isn’t a bad thing.

8.Uncle Acid: Night Creeper

-The fourth release from the Psych/Doom quartet and it is still as haunting and heavy as ever. Truly one of the best bands in the rising retro doom genre

9. Motorhead: Bad Magic

-This album another straight great release from the loudest band in the land. Even through their troubles they still manage to crank out great tunes and still show that just because you age doesn’t mean you need to slow down.

10. Iron Maiden: Book Of Souls

-This album really made my list for the fact that Iron Maiden still know what they were doing, even if I wasn’t totally sold on it. There are some great songs on this album and plus its freakin Iron Maiden.

Album Review-Ghost: Meliora

Meliora is the third album by Swedish gothic rock/metal band Ghost and was released on August 21^st, 2015. My history with Ghost goes way back to when their first album hit. I like many others was taken away by how much it sounded like a mercyful fate album with a mellower singer. They also really capitalized on their live stage show and still do as well. Their second album dropped soon after and it had a lot more 60s pop elements that kind of alienated me a bit but the album still had some great songs. Aster their covers e.p I kind of got away from the Ghost craze as they kind of went to a more gothic overtone that I didn’t find enjoyable as much. However when this album dropped I figured I have to give it a try and maybe I’ll be a fan once more.

Track Rundown

1.Spirit- Opening with this very gothic cathedral sound with a sci fi overtone, Ghost open with a very melodic rock sounding feel. Honestly this opener feels really boring it doesn’t feel like it has a lot of power behind it especially when the last two albums had such powerful openers. The vocals feel like they are trying to be too eerie at times where they feel too buried in the mix. An okay opener, but skippable to me.

2.From the Pinnacle to the Pit- I like the bass that opens this song and the eerie guitar melodies as well. The only problem I have is Papa Emeritus’ vocals just don’t really do it for me and I think it is because I have grown tired of the eerie vocal style. The chorus is pretty good but again feels like it lacks some kind of real punch to it. An improvement over the first song yes but lets see what else there is on this album.

3.Cirice- I like the acoustic approach in this track more with the piano behind it in the beginning. I feel this song has more of the appeal that the first album had with more powerful riffing to it as well. But the vocals just annoy me Its just how they are sung.  It just doesn’t feel like it fits to me it feels like it’s trying to be two things at once but it doesn’t work in my opinion. A good track in the Instrumental department.

4.Spoksonat- I like this short piece its actually my favorite thing on the album for how ominous it feels and how melodic it is.

5.He Is- I like this intro it is very catchy and atmospheric and the vocals are very well done here as well. They feel more strong than I feel they did before. This song is great because it fits Ghost’s style the most on this album I feel it is just beautifully done.

6.Mummy Dust- This song immediately turns back into heavy territory and I like the bend in the main riff it feels really strong catchy to me. The vocals try a whispering feel to them and It works great as well. This is the best heavy track on the album in my opinion.

7.Majesty- At the beginning of this song I thought I was listening to Deep Purple with such a strong organ presence it’s pretty kickass sounding. It’s a pretty ok rock song I just can’t really tell where it is going at points like in the chorus it doesn’t quite feel like it got there.

8.Devil Church- A very church choir piece that is very short and I like it but it feels like a filler more than a full track.

9.Absolution- I like the Sabbath-ish riff here and again it reminds me of their earlier material without trying to add more to it. It isn’t very memorable but it is a pretty okay song it’s got some good beats and is pretty catchy during the verses.

10.Deus In Absentia- This is a very pop proggish sounding rock song with a lot of overlapping melody’s and different sounds. It doesn’t have a lot of guitar presents and the keys take more of an up-front approach to it. It’s an okay closer it does some neat things but doesn’t do much for me.

Overall, I give this album a 5.5 out of 10. Really I am torn on this record because I like maybe half of it. I just don’t feel like it is really a “heavy metal” album like everyone keeps classifying it as. It is more of a dark gothic prog rock album with some hints of metal influences. It has some very cool things going for it but I feel like the band I really got into in the beginning is something quite different and it doesn’t do it for me. If you are a fan, then don’t listen to me and keep being a fan they aren’t popular for nothing.

Album review-W.A.S.P: Golgotha

Golgotha is the fifteenth studio record by American Heavy Metal band W.A.S.P and was released on October 2^nd, 2015. Now to be clear I am a huge WASP fan (see my review of Chris Holmes new album) and Blackie is one of those front-men that I admire a lot for their writing and stage presence. Now all drama aside, before buying this album the newest WASP record I owned was Helldorado (Which is a guilty pleasure of mine) so I am very out of date with how the last few records have progressed but I do know how Blackie has become more religiously conscious and I am always afraid that it can sometimes overshadow the music. However, with no experience except maybe a few past songs, will I enjoy this record as much as say Inside the Electric Circus? Lets find out!

Track Rundown

1.Scream- This song starts out with a very melodic riff and then Blackie comes in and I really have to say his voice has lost nothing in the last 30 years. I really think his voice is the highlight on the whole album actually and I like Doug’s little guitar fills all over this song too. The chorus is very reminiscent of “Crazy” from the previous album but I think this track is better represented and has more power to it. The solo is pretty good and full of life as well but it is kind of missing a heaviness that used to be my favorite point of WASP and while I still like a lot of the riffs it feels a bit buried in the mix and has some issues like I had with Book Of Souls. But overall, I think this is a great opening song its super powerful and shows that there is still something left in this band

2.Last Runaway- This song would definitely be a radio song it is just that melodic. It isn’t necessarily heavy in the guitar or even vocals but more in the drums I mean the kick drum really pops with the very clicky bass provided by Mike Duda who is a killer bass player. It still has a very killer chorus kind of like Wild Child but not as heavy. Still a great song and shows me personally a very melodic side I don’t think I have ever felt like I have heard from the band.

3.Shotgun- I really like the finger picking in the beginning it reminds me a lot of 95 Nasty which is one of my favorite WASP songs of all time and I think this is my favorite tune on the album. It has that total rock n roll feel that albums like Inside The Electric Circus focused so hard on. I love Blackies voice on this track too It is just still so damn catchy. The best song yet by far.

4.Miss You- This is a 100% unapologetic ballad, no way around it. It is in a way very cardboard and predictable yet still pretty powerful. It is an odd kind of stop in the album because it is the least powerful song here but it isn’t horrible it just doesn’t fit with a lot of the songs on this album.

5.Fallen Under- As it starts very slow and atmospheric, I really do like the synths that accommodate the backround and it feels very full as it builds with Blackie preaching to “save me” and it is pretty strong and I love the mid-paced chorus it is just so damn powerful. The whole song has a very building feel to it and always pays off to a total fist pumping chorus. The solo at the end is pretty decent as well.

6.Slaves Of The New World Order- This song is very melodic as it begins once again and then it goes into full heavy metal glory and it honestly could be one of the most well written songs that have from this band since Crimson Idol. It has very good musicianship and Blackies lyrics are very very well written as well. It is a song that begs for a live crowd as well. This song also has my favorite solo as well.  The only thing is I would’ve that this would have been the ideal song to end the album on but hey it’s on here so I can be damn happy about that.

7.Eyes Of My Maker- This song has a structure similar to Fallen Under as it is very mid paced and it has a pretty good chorus but is probably my least favorite song because it sounds a bit too much like one of my favorites on the album and follows one of I think the best written WASP songs to date. Blackie still has some excellent lyrics here however.

8.Hero Of The World- This song starts with song very beautiful acoustics with the echoing drums in the back and really builds to the actual meat in the song but revisits the acoustics once again and then into a pretty decent solo. It’s a pretty good song it has some good atmosphere.

9.Golgotha- And finally we have the title track, and I must say it is pretty epic to say the least. I love the build with Blackie really belting it out. Some people think that Blackie Lawless singing how he needs Jesus isn’t metal but It works great and makes for a very catchy song I think would be a great song for a live audience. Even though is very mid paced for a closer, I feel it gets the atmosphere and catch so good that is worth the trip. A great closer to a pretty good album.

Overall, I give this album a solid 8 out of 10. Even though some of my favorite members and biggest influences are no longer with the band, Blackie manages to write some great very powerful songs that show how WASP are no LA glam band but are and always have been a straight Heavy Metal band. Even though the production had sort of the same problem as Iron Maidens Book Of Souls and the solos didn’t shock me as much, the songs still drag me in because they are fresh to me and not super drawn out which is why this is a pretty good listen for any WASP fan. Long live W.A.S.P \m/

Album Review-Spillage:Spillage

Spillage is the self-titled debut record from Chicago based Hard Rock/Heavy Metal group Spillage and was released on June 30^th, 2015. Now I have heard of this band for about two years but never really focused a lot on them for the reason that I didn’t have a lot of material to work with besides some live videos which showed me they are a very cool live act. However, I wanted to see what a full length from these guys would sound like and if it really would a defying record that I could listening to until it was too worn out. Well I finally have a copy in my hands so let’s turn this baby up and see what is in store for us.

Track Rundown

1.The Darkness- The opening track starts with this ominous organ opening that I really like because it feels like just such a build up to what is to come and not to mention there is some cool Deep Purple vibes as well. Right away there are some crushing riffs and I really admire the guitar tones exhibited here as well they really have a unique NWOBHM-ish sound to them. I really like the vocals as well because they feel doomish in parts and then go for this Halford like soaring style which I love. I love the cut before the solo as well it feels unexpected and makes it exciting as well. Fantastic fucking opening track.

2.Live In Fear- This track has more of that bluesier edge in its riffing yet is still heavy and groovy. The solo is one of my favorites on the album as well. Just a really catchy tune and another must listen on this record.

3.The Road- Chris Martine’s drum fill in the beginning I have to just say is really awesome he has a lot of solid grooves in his playing. The main riff to this song is very vintage Priest sounding but is still full of originality. Tony Spillman in particular really rips up the solo in this tune and its just one of those solo’s that totally sticks with me til no end. Everything in this song and even the slow exit of this song is just great. Definitely my favorite song on the album.

4.Call It Freedom-The groovy bass intro is really cool and the chugging guitars really build up to the main riff that has a thrashy feel to it but it isn’t thrashy at all and still retains that bluesy groove. The chorus is pretty catchy as well in this tune it is different I can’t really explain it but it sounds good and I like it haha. Another killer tune!

5.In Hell- This song has more of that straight Stoner Rock feel to it and the vocals are a bit lower than they were the past songs with a bit more of grit in them. It is heavy as hell and is another tune on the album that I can really get behind. There is a bit of double bass here as well which I don’t recall hearing before which still sounds incredibly heavy. I also love the keys in this tune as well it creates a cool evil atmosphere.

6.Insomnia- The opening has a Sabbath-ish feel to it(more of the Dio era than anything). The riffing has these cool melodic breaks in it that im a total sucker for. It has a really catchy chorus as well and is a cool tune all around. I also like when it picks up as well it really adds to the tune and I didn’t see it coming when I first gave it a listen.

7.Devil Woman- This song has been covered by a couple notable artists including the legendary Riot from New York City. However this version is my favorite because this band plays it in not a super heavy way but it has kind of a more pop kind of sound with it especially with the organ taking over more than the guitars in the verses. I feel that Spillage has captured this song perfectly.

8.Land Of Opportunity- The opening always reminds me of U2 for some reason im not sure but this tune is another awesome rocker. Tony really knows how to write catchy tunes as this is another killer one and I love love the verses but the chorus with the (I can feel it!) thrown in it really is awesome.

9.We Are- This tune is a bit more mid paced and has  catchy nasty riff that carries it with the organ clicking in and out, it is really cool. A pretty god foot tapping tune to end the album with and I can’t complain at all.

Overall, I give this album a 9.7 out of 10. I was really blown away how much I was going to love this record. To me, this is a modern hard rock/heavy metal masterpiece because it blends some really cool sounds together and is easily my record of the year, no denying it. Seriously though, pick this record up, support this band cause I sure as hell will. Horns up for Spillage! \m/