9/27/2016

SACD Rock/Metal Review: Blue Oyster Cult-Secret Treaties

Release Date: September 9, 2016
Label: Audio Fidelity

I am big Blue Oyster Cult fan and have been since the 70s. Secret Treaties was my introduction to the band. I remember buying the LP and noticed that the cover was unusual. As it turned out the music was unlike anything I had heard before and I thought it was just as different as the cover. That was my first impression as a teenager exploring new music. As time passed I enjoyed the album more with each listen and it became and still is my all-time favorite BOC album. I cannot marginalize the importance of Agents of Fortune which comes in as a close second. That is the album that made them superstars worldwide. This is the album that laid down the foundation to build on their legacy.

Secret Treaties is and will remain a heavy metal classic. Every track is crystal clear and given new life in Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity SACD Hybrid Multichannel version. What I noticed right out of the gate was a significant boost in the prominence of the bass. Even though that happens the rest of the instruments do not take a back seat. With sound like this it is up to the listener and what they prefer to focus on, one instrument or everything happening at once. The normal process for me is to single out one significant change right away then like a quarterback with peripheral vision I flip a switch to surround sound listening. To completely enjoy the entire experience of this format I would highly recommend taking in everything that is happening. You can easily become immersed with all the sounds.

I know this album very well and that also helped in my recognition of any changes in sound and clarity. The mix is superb on this version of Secret Treaties. Every track is killer on the recording but there is one that became their epic classic along the lines of “Don’t Fear The Reaper.” “Astronomy” takes the band to new levels and it is a fantastic curtain closer. The track uses all the talents of every band member taking their sound and production to amazing heights that would lead them to recognition beyond their dreams. It starts off gentle enough then just builds and builds to an exciting climax. This is BOC’s finest hour and that one track is the icing on the cake that leaves you wanting to hit play over and over again.

“Dominance and Submission” and “Harvester of Eyes” are two other favorites of mine that are served well in the conversion of this classic recording.

This is a cannot miss bullseye to a rocker’s heart and soul. Secret Treaties was great music before it became an SACD but now more things are brought to light to give it that much more significance and value as one of the greatest rock/metal albums ever recorded.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Astronomy, Dominance and Submission, Harvester of Eyes

Tracks: 
1. Career of Evil
2. Subhuman
3. Dominance and Submission
4. ME 262
5. Cagey Cretins
6. Harvester of Eyes
7. Flaming Telepaths
8. Astronomy

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 27, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

SACD Rock/Metal Review: Blue Oyster Cult-Secret Treaties

Release Date: September 9, 2016
Label: Audio Fidelity

I am big Blue Oyster Cult fan and have been since the 70s. Secret Treaties was my introduction to the band. I remember buying the LP and noticed that the cover was unusual. As it turned out the music was unlike anything I had heard before and I thought it was just as different as the cover. That was my first impression as a teenager exploring new music. As time passed I enjoyed the album more with each listen and it became and still is my all-time favorite BOC album. I cannot marginalize the importance of Agents of Fortune which comes in as a close second. That is the album that made them superstars worldwide. This is the album that laid down the foundation to build on their legacy.

Secret Treaties is and will remain a heavy metal classic. Every track is crystal clear and given new life in Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity SACD Hybrid Multichannel version. What I noticed right out of the gate was a significant boost in the prominence of the bass. Even though that happens the rest of the instruments do not take a back seat. With sound like this it is up to the listener and what they prefer to focus on, one instrument or everything happening at once. The normal process for me is to single out one significant change right away then like a quarterback with peripheral vision I flip a switch to surround sound listening. To completely enjoy the entire experience of this format I would highly recommend taking in everything that is happening. You can easily become immersed with all the sounds.

I know this album very well and that also helped in my recognition of any changes in sound and clarity. The mix is superb on this version of Secret Treaties. Every track is killer on the recording but there is one that became their epic classic along the lines of “Don’t Fear The Reaper.” “Astronomy” takes the band to new levels and it is a fantastic curtain closer. The track uses all the talents of every band member taking their sound and production to amazing heights that would lead them to recognition beyond their dreams. It starts off gentle enough then just builds and builds to an exciting climax. This is BOC’s finest hour and that one track is the icing on the cake that leaves you wanting to hit play over and over again.

“Dominance and Submission” and “Harvester of Eyes” are two other favorites of mine that are served well in the conversion of this classic recording.

This is a cannot miss bullseye to a rocker’s heart and soul. Secret Treaties was great music before it became an SACD but now more things are brought to light to give it that much more significance and value as one of the greatest rock/metal albums ever recorded.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Astronomy, Dominance and Submission, Harvester of Eyes

Tracks: 
1. Career of Evil
2. Subhuman
3. Dominance and Submission
4. ME 262
5. Cagey Cretins
6. Harvester of Eyes
7. Flaming Telepaths
8. Astronomy

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 27, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

9/26/2016

Hard Rock Supergroup HOLLYWOOD MONSTERS Unleashes A Brand New Album!


Los Angeles, CA - The hard rock supergroup featuring French vocalist and guitar phenom Steph Honde, who anchored the band of original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Dianno, and drum icon Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath and Dio returns with a brand new album of killer tracks! Capture The Sun ups the ante of the band's highly acclaimed 2014 debut album offering even more killer riffs and outstanding songwriting as well as a superb cover of David Bowie’s “Sweet Thing/Candidate” from the glamtastic Diamond Dogs album. As always, this Hollywood Monsters joint features a TON of outstanding special guest performances including the likes of bassist Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogert, Appice), another Dio alum Tracy G, Whitesnake’s Neil Murray, Danko Jones, and many others!

Watch a video teaser of the album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlB8KWKh_zo&feature=youtu.be

Track List:
1. Mysteries Of Life
2. Evilution
3. Always Crashing The Same Car
4. It's A Lie
5. Waiting
6. Don't Let It Happen
7. Another Day In Grey Part II
8. Everything Is Going To Be Alright
9. Dreams
10. King For A Day
11. Capture The Sun
12. Sweet Thing / Candidate / Sweet Thing (Reprise)
BONUS TRACK
13. Fool For Your Loving

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/HollywoodMonstersSunCD
Buy the digital version: http://flyt.it/HollywoodMonstersSunDig

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Instrumental Meditation Review: Hennie Bekker-Beyond Dreams-Pathways to Deep Relaxation

Release Date: July 22, 2016
Label: Abbeywood Records
Hennie Bekker has a new release titled Beyond Dreams. As explained in the most clear and concise fashion on his website…it combines rhythmic entrainment with melodies that listeners can enjoy while preparing for sleep, meditating, or practicing yoga or general self-exploration. The album contains six tracks comprising sixty minutes of continuous music that is designed to help the listener achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Here is a definition of entrainment: Entrainment in the biomusicological sense refers to the synchronization of organisms (only humans as a whole, with some particular instances of a particular animal) to an external perceived rhythm, such as human music and dance such as foot tapping..

This is not a typical review that I would present. More importantly the music itself is the main tool to reach a level of consciousness that simply cannot be attained in normal daily circumstances. I think to single out any one particular track would not make sense in this case. The six tracks offered, seamlessly flow into another in effect taking six tracks and making it one. I took in this experience a little at a time then all at once. The influences can be significant dependent on your approach. 

Just taking in a track or two is relaxing however if you are looking for sustained focus the best way to enjoy this CD is to get into a comfortable quiet area and put the headphones on and some blinders and then take it all in. I found it to be a beautiful and relaxing experience having the aid of the music to remove me from the stresses and thoughts that were going on inside and around me (in a peripheral sense). The high point of stress and worry in my life found this experience to be timed just perfectly to use the tools before me.


Brainwave Entrainment is the main objective of this music. We need to change the frequencies we are hearing to reset our thought patterns hence changing your overall attitude. It does work and I think what Hennie Bekker has presented here is a gift of music and an opportunity for healing and renewal. There is a lot of music I hear that serves this purpose but the difference here is the scientific aspect and the thought and care that went into how exactly this music will affect you.

This is definitely Beyond Dreams, it is reality, a reality that can change with a little help from Mr. Bekker. Even if you end up falling asleep while meditating there is a positive effect on your body, mind and spirit. The subliminal touches take over once you reach that plane of existence. Any way you look at it this is music that is helpful if you want to take the time to hear it and let your consciousness absorb it and process it.

Beyond Dreams is music that is multipurpose. If you just want to hear some good relaxing music it will serve the purpose, if you are looking for more, the options are there at your disposal.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Self Connect
2. Floating to Forever
3. Letting Go
4. The Calm
5. Quiescence
6. Beyond Dreams

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 26, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

9/25/2016

Featured Stream: Angie and the Deserters-You


"You" is the second focus track on our site for the dynamic band Angie and the Deserters. It is also the title of the band's new EP. 

This time out the track has more of slower pace and pop flavor. It is a love song with all the emotions that pull on your heartstrings.

Angie and the band know how to get the message across with the right words, vocals and music. The three main ingredients of a great track are here, the triangle of success is complete with "You."

 Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 





More About Angie and the Deserters:

http://www.angieandthedeserters.com


Born in Upstate NY in a small town called Potsdam in what many refer to as the North Country, singer-songwriter Angie Bruyere spent her childhood running through the backwoods and roaming the train tracks, living the simple life that inspires imaginations of which lyrics and melodies are made. Settling in Southern California at a young age, Bruyere began a modeling career that took her on a journey around the world...experiences that can be felt throughout many of her songs.  Pen and paper always in hand, she began writing poetry and playing her guitar, lending itself naturally to combining her two passions into what has become a body of musical work that she continues grow daily...READ MORE...