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/

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.