Metal/Doom Metal Review: Lucifer I

Genre: Heavy Metal/Doom Metal

Release Date: June 16, 2015

Label: Rise Above Records

Website

Sometimes there is nothing like listening to a band whose sound harkens back to an earlier era, and Lucifer is just that band. Formed in June of 2014, this four-piece draws its inspiration from such music pioneers as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. The band consists of Johanna Sadonis (vocals), Gaz Jennings (guitar), Dino Gollnick (bass), and Andrew Prestridge (drums).  They sure do gel for such a short time together and the results are very good.

Lucifer, I is their debut album and it is a strong presentation. With eight songs that run just under three quarters of an hour, Lucifer, I is a carefully crafted work of art that uses all of its time in a purposeful manner. It is clear that their creative and musical juices were flowing when they embarked on this project.

The sound of Lucifer, I is nothing short of heavy and energetic, with more than its hints of darkness. There is an ominous atmosphere that pervades the album, the type that sends one fleeing inside and latching up the door as something evil rolls into town. The brilliant opener, “Abracadabra,” dazzles with its deep, rich sound and its dark atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the album. At the forefront, though, are the amazing vocals that just steal the show. They are haunting and powerful, and are the perfect fit for Lucifer’s dark and heavy sound. 

With some deep and crushing riffs, “Purple Pyramid” has a nice heavy rock sound that harkens back to a 70s hard rock sound. The music rolls along very evenly and the guitar gives a stand out performance by stealing the show at the end. Next up is the slick “Izrael” to take the sound in a different, slightly softer direction. The music is more melodic and has a hypnotic quality to it. The vocal performance is as fantastic as ever. It is smooth, effortless, and enticing. The guitar is striking and on point as well. It is easy to understand why this was chosen as the album’s first single. As one might expect from its name, 

“Sabbath” is heavy, dark, and saturated with gothic atmosphere.

Getting off to a slow and foreboding start, “White Mountain” does not stay so languid long before the drums and guitar ramp it up for a kicking and animated sound. “Morning Star” is probably the most memorable and thrilling song on the album. The sound is as heavy and dark as can be. The vocals are stellar, full of passion and anguish, but the guitar is the main attraction here. They are prominent from the beginning and absolutely unleash in the second part of the song. The doom and gloom of “Total Eclipse” make it a nice candidate for Hell’s soundtrack, if it had one.  “A Grave for Each One of Us” is a strong closer. The guitar has a nice groove to it, the vocals are alluring and crisp, and the sound is crushing and heavy. 

Lucifer’s Lucifer, I is a triumphant debut album, making Lucifer a band to keep an eye on, as they grow in the years to come. They have produced a very economical album without a wasteful song, and they exude a confidence and a cohesion of a band that has been together longer than a year. If you are into doom metal or the heavy metal sound of the seventies, then you will want to check this album out. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Abracadabra, Izrael, Morning Star

Tracks: 
1.Abracadabra
2.Purple Pyramid
3.Izrael
4.Sabbath
5.White Mountain
6.Morning Star
7.Total Eclipse
8.A Grave for Each One of Us

 

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

August 3, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Metal Review: OH-Synemotion (Limited Edition 2 LP Set)

Genre: Metal

Release Date: 24 April 2015

Label: Olitunes

Website

Olivia Hadjiioannou is the multi-instrumentalist OH. This lady knows how to rock and shred on the six string and it does not stop there. She composes all of her work and plays bass, drums and keyboards and sings. 

Synemotion is her second release. Sleeping World was her first release two years ago; I remember how it got my attention immediately. My expectations were sky high for the new release. I know I should not place expectations upon an artist but when you respect the artist and love what you heard the first time you ever listened it’s hard not to look forward to something new and exciting.

OH was kind enough to send me the limited edition 2 LP set. There were 300 copies produced and only a few are left if you are interested in being one of the select people in the world to own this collectable slice of metal. I was expecting progressive metal but what I got was flat out metal tracks. While diverse and a showcase for the talent of this artist it simply did not sound progressive as I know it. It is however progressive in other ways such as what drove the artist to create the music in the first place, relating it all to the human condition and the choices we have. The artwork is eye catching to be sure and the LP set is beautifully packaged. Music is whatever you want it to be so listen and make your choice and or categorization. 

According to the artist the album Synemotion is a journey through the complex emotional states we experience when we are overwhelmed by concerns and fears. I like the premise on which this music was created and that means a lot to this listener.

OH composes, performs, records and mixes all her tracks and does it all very well. Most of the tracks include very heavy fat power chords with sharper more pin point riffs sandwiched in between. Anyone that is into guitar virtuoso types of music will love this release. Some of the tracks I found exhilarating and others interesting but in the end an appreciation for the overall talent this artist brings to the table. You can count on some amazing six string runs throughout this listen.

The first two tracks are at a lightning fast pace and I really enjoyed them then after that things get a little more complicated. Depending on your taste you will find something to enjoy if you are into guitar based music without vocals. I liked the way “Runaway” and “Rumpus” kicks things off on Side A but by the time I got to side C it was starting to sound like organized confusion if you will (like life can be sometimes). I know that sounds negative but it is not that way. I am merely interpreting what I am hearing and trust me it’s all good. This approach and the way the compositions come together are very purposeful and it all makes a musical statement that matches the title of each track. When I gave Side D a spin “Beckoning” provided more of the variety that I heard previously and some hard and fast then slower more delicate moments that showed how diverse this artist can be. As a point of interest for musicians, her guitar was tuned at A=444Hz (C=528Hz) for  “Synemotion,” “Runaway,” “Rumpus,” “Deception” and “World of Warcraft.”

The title track “Synemotion” finalizes the album with OH’s voice narrating all of the words listed on the inside sleeve of the album. It is prolific and it can be a life changing message if you truly digest it and own it. I found it interesting that it ended the album rather than open it up. It makes you pay more attention to the music then decide what it all means at the end for you the listener.

There are a lot of things to appreciate with OH and I will look forward to future projects. This is one more step to the next level for an artist that will continue to get more attention with each subsequent release. She has my utmost respect for such a huge accomplishment. I know it was labor of love and it shows. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Runaway, Beckoning, Synemotion

Tracks:
Side A:
1.Run Away
2.Rumpus
3.Subterfuge

Side B:
4.Elegy
5.Deception

Side C:
6.Reception
7.World of Warcraft

Side D:
8.Beckoning
9.Synemotion
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

July 31, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music

Symphonic/Power Metal Review: Kamelot-Haven

Genre: Symphonic/Power Metal

Release Date: May 4, 2015

Label: Napalm Records

Website

Dark, heavy, powerful, and emotional are just some of the words that can be used to describe the music of Kamelot.  They are power metal with plenty of symphonic and progressive elements fused into their sound.  Formed in the early 90s, Kamelot has almost twenty-five years as band under their belts.  Their current line-up consists of Tommy Karevik (vocals), Thomas Youngblood (guitars), Sean Tibbetts (bass), Oliver Palotai (keyboards), and Casey Grillo (drums).  Alissa White-Gluz (vocals), Troy Donockley (tin whistle), and Charlotte Wessels (vocals) are also featured on their latest release, Haven.

According to Youngblood, Haven “Has an undertone of a world gone insane. There is a grey cloud that is forming over our world. We are here to find the silver lining with an album that is both dark and melancholy yet uplifting and giving the listener a Haven in a world gone mad.” Haven is their eleventh album and we find them in stellar form on it. This album is all you need to let your dark dreams come to light. 

The opening of “Fallen Star” is pure beauty that is touched with a quiet lyrical sadness.  This quiet does not last long before a brutal and crushing sound take overs.  It is a fantastic display of talent and musicianship.  “Insomnia” is the type of song that grabs your attention right away with its catchy and melodic sound.  It will not take more than a listen or two for the chorus to get stuck in your head.  A real gem of the album, the opening of “Citizen Zero” create a dark and haunting atmosphere.  The following heavy and aggressive sound helps to further enrich the song with a gothic presence.  There is a lot of power and emotion that exudes from this song that makes it really standout.   

“Veil of Elysium” comes out hot with a catchy and melodic power metal sound that soars.  Featuring Charlotte Wessels of Delain and Troy Donockley of Nightwish, “Under Grey Skies” is a departure from the heavy sound of the album so far, but do not let that put you off from this song, because it is full of beauty and emotion. It is just a fantastic song all round, but the soft and lovely vocals of Charlotte Wessels are a true prize. In a similar vein as “Veil of Elysium,” “My Therapy” is a catchy and melodic song that still manages to pack a hard hit with a dark edge. The short interlude “Ecclesia” leads into “End of Innocence,” another rich and dark song with a heavy and melodic sound that is done so well on this album.

“Beautiful Apocalypse” is a heavy and metallic song that is soften by its melodic chorus.  A sweet guitar solo in the second half shakes things up.  Featuring Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy, “Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)” is one of the heavier songs on album with a brutal and crushing sound.  It is fast and unrelenting with a touch of menace.  “Here’s to the Fall” is perfectly fine ballad, but does not leave much of a lasting impression on me and is my least favorite song. Now, “Revolution” is the type of song that leaves an impression.  It is easily the heaviest song on the album that is almost overwhelming with its crushing power.  Alissa White-Gluz returns to provide some killer growls.  “Haven” is a pretty serene outro.

Kamelot’s Haven is a brilliant piece of work.  It is the type of captivating music that once it gets its hooks into you, it does not let go.  Not that you would want it to, of course.  It is a phenomenal ride from start to finish and a great way to spend an hour.  If you are looking for something that is dark, heavy, and melancholic, then Kamelot’s Haven is what you need.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Fallen Star, Citizen Zero, Beautiful Apocalypse, Liar Lair (Wasteland Monarchy)

Tracks: 
01.Fallen Star
02.Insomnia
03.Citizen Zero
04.Veil of Elysium
05.Under Grey Skies
06.My Therapy
07.Ecclesia
08.End of Innocence
09.Beautiful Apocalypse
10.Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)
11.Here’s to the Fall
12.Revolution
13.Haven

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

May 11, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Heavy Metal Review: Judas Priest-Defenders of the Faith 30th Anniversary Deluxe

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Defenders of the Faith is a Judas Priest classic metal album that is celebrating 30 years since its initial release. The 30^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition offers the original album remastered with two additional discs of live material. All the live recordings are from a show at The Long Beach Arena on May 5, 1984. The set comes in a cardboard fold out case with a slip cover the goes over the top of the demon on the cover. A booklet with some accounts of the band is included with several pictures of the time period. It is a quality package that music fans and collectors will appreciate.

The live material shows a band at height of their powers and in full command of their live set with the ability to energize a crowd, not to mention the Metal God had a full head of hair. The sound quality is excellent. I have heard some of these live tracks on previous reissues however this is the entire show all packaged together for this special release.

After going through their entire catalog over the years and having the opportunity review their box set three years ago, and then seeing how this album stood up against the rest I felt it was a good album but not great. Well I think after hearing it once again coupled with the two live discs I have a different viewpoint (of course that is ever changing and evolving with each passing year).

Defenders of the Faith does stand up there as one of their best and certainly they have several great albums that have been released in their long illustrious career, Screaming for Vengeance, British Steel and Nostradamus come to mind quickly. Having had the pleasure of seeing them three times now on a stage I can attest to their appeal to metal fans worldwide. I saw them on the British Steel 30^th Anniversary Tour and it was amazing. I don’t know if it’s in the cards to do the same thing with the Defenders of the Faith album but it would fun.

Of the ten tracks presented on the album most hold up well to this day. “Jawbreaker” still holds you spellbound with electricity and power while “The Sentinel” (albeit with some melodic guitar lines to kick it off) has always been a favorite and of course the tribute to the blood lusting vampire “Love Bites,” still can grab your attention and bring visions of horror and evil. “Heavy Duty” is just that, heavy metal at its very best. It has the perfect title and the term “heavy” is easily assimilated and envisioned through the music.

This is a strong album but not a 5 star affair as some of the aforementioned releases, however it is still very strong and given further recognition with this special anniversary edition that includes an excellent portrayal of the band in the 80’s. It is classic Judas Priest, what more can one say, it is without a doubt a must have for fans of heavy metal and a testament to their undying popularity and relevance in the metal community. The front cover should be adorned with the sticker “Gotta Have It!”

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Jawbreaker, Love Bites, The Sentinel

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

April 7, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Metal Review: Jørn Lande and Trond Holter-Dracula Swing of Death

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Label: Frontiers Records

Website

Jørn Lande is one of hard rock’s most prolific artists. With over thirty albums with varying projects, his voice and range are among the most versatile in the industry. His newest album, Dracula Swing of Death is a journey into the dark and light that haunts men’s souls and the legend behind the conflicted individual we knew as Dracula. Both in stories and in history Dracula was a figure both feared and loved for his fierce determination and vicious cruelty. Join Jørn Lande on vocals, Trond Holter on guitar, Thomas Bekkevold on bass and Christian Svendsen on drums as Jorn brings you Dracula Swing of Death.

If I were going to imagine a rock opera based on the myth and legend of Dracula, I could think of no better voice to go with the hard rock version than Jorn and his band. The gripping vocals and intense musical imagery brings the listener deep into the sometimes misunderstood world of Dracula. If you follow the legend, Dracula was a warrior for Christ until the one person he loved the most was taken from him in an act of betrayal so foul he sold his soul to the devil. His goal? Make every son and daughter of God pay for his misery. Add that to music and you have Dracula Swing of Death. 

The album opens up with the historic “Hands of Your God” where the scene is set. Brazen guitar work and raw vocals give voice to the despair and frustration Dracula experiences as his love is taken from him and a new chapter of his undead life is born. Bitter, blood dripping, no holds barred revenge is on the menu and no man, woman or child is exempt from his sights. The sound set is brought to life with the airy crashing of waves and thunder. The clang of bells and an old fashioned guitar sequence lull the listener into the story and all the rage held within. Scrabbling for his existence, Dracula consumes humanity. It is a judgment day filled with Hellfire.

The second piece on the album is one of the more widely known songs. “Walking on Water” sees Dracula embracing his new role as the purveyor of death and immortality. Darkness has taken him. There is no soul left and nothing save for the rage consuming him from within. Wearing the devil’s mark, he promises damnation for all. The grinding vocals give a shiver down the spine as the true face of evil begins to emerge, purely shameless in his glory and grandeur. 

As the album progresses, a story is told, ending finally with “Under the Gun.” Doomed by his temptation Dracula despairs of his endless path as he is joined by a female vocalist. Love and blood join as a shadowy romance eternal in darkness push the couple on their jagged path through guitar riffs and a beat that will haunt your dreams.

This album was like watching a movie. All the great elements of the perfect show are all right here. Impassioned characters fighting against their fates, love, darkness and some kick ass music to fall into. If this album were a drink, it would be a salted caramel mocha. Salty and sweet at the same time, with a hidden punch that livens the blood. Jørn Lande and Trond Holter have outdone themselves with this production and any horror lover is going to want to have this in their collection. Dracula fan that I am, I fell in love with the cinematic nature of the vocals and the strong instrumentation behind it. There is a swing in this album to be sure, just watch the turns on the dance floor…you might slip in a pool of blood.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Walking on Water, Hands of Your God, Under the Gun  

Tracks:
01. Hands of Your God
02. Walking on Water
03. Swing of Death
04. Masquerade Ball
05. Save Me
06. River of Tears
07. Queen of the Dead
08. Into the Dark
09. True Love Through Blood (Instrumental)
10. Under the Gun
 

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

January 19, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Metal Review: A Sound of Thunder-The Lesser Key of Solomon

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Label: Mad Neptune Records

Website

Nothing speaks to an artist’s greatness like consistency, making one masterpiece after another.  With that in mind, I would say that A Sound of Thunder have enter the realms of greatness.  The quality of their music has been so high over the past few years that it is easy to see.  They first came to my attention with 2012’s Out of the Darkness, and grew in my esteem with 2013’s Queen of Hell and Time’s Arrow, an album that I called “a masterpiece.” Their latest release, The Lesser Keys of Solomon, is another one.

Based out of the Washington D.C. area, the band is comprised of Nina Osegueda (vocals), Justin Schwartz (guitar), Chris Haren (drums), and Jesse Keen (bass).  They have been together in their current line-up for over four years now and things could not be better from a musical standpoint, creating some of the finest heavy metal music around.  The Lesser Keys of Solomon is a rich and wonderful ride that is nothing but excellence.  

The short opener, “Nexus of Realities,” is a real tone setter, giving a glimpse of the dark and heavy moments that are to come. Headstrong and powerful, “Udoroth” has a presence unlike any new song that I have heard in a long time. With a tale to rival the myths and legends of old, it is one domineering metal song that will have you hitting the repeat button over and over. “Fortuneteller” keeps the ball rolling with its sick opening riff and crashing drums that is finally completed by the arrival of Nina’s amazing voice, bringing a seemingly mystical aspect to the song.

Changing the album’s pace is “The Boy Who Could Fly.”  It is slow, sad song that really plucks at the heartstrings thanks to the pain and emotion conveyed through Nina’s vocals.  Do not let the description as a “slow” song fool you, because this song is pure metal – just listen to the instrumental part in the second half of the song.  “Elijah” is an epic song that will take you on a wild and frightening journey.  It shows Nina at her absolute best, taking on the role of multiple characters that really show off her range and skill.  It is one dark tale that would make the Grimm Brothers proud. “Master of Pain” is pure classic heavy metal.  Heavy guitar riffs, crushing drums, and a powerful voice that soars above everything rules the day on this one.

“Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb” is another dark and heavy song which weaves a tale of horror and suspense, and would be right at home in a Hammer film.  The fantastic guitar solo and brisk drumming are the toppings on the cake.  “Black Secrets” carries a brooding heaviness and more fantastic rhythms, making it right at home with the rest of the album.   The ominous “One Empty Grave” and chilling “House of Bones” bring the album to an end.  “House of Bones” is one chilling, supernatural song, bringing all the elements that have made The Lesser Keys of Solomon so amazing together for one explosive conclusion. 

A Sound of Thunder has done it again with The Lesser Keys of Solomon.  They have made another phenomenal album to add to their already stellar track record.  They are my favorite new metal that has emerged over the last few years.  The Lesser Keys of Solomon is easily one of the top metal releases of the year.  If you are not paying attention to this band, then now is a great time to start. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Udoroth, Elijah, Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb

Tracks: 
01.Nexus of Realities
02.Udoroth
03.Fortuneteller
04.The Boy Who Could Fly
05.Elijah
06.Master of Pain
07.Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb
08.Black Secrets
09.One Empty Grave
10.House of Bones

Brian McKinnon

September 24, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Metal Review: The Oath-Self Titled

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Label: Rise Above Limited

Website

If you like a change of pace and relish a trip to the dark side once in a while, The Oath should be right up your alley. Made up of two women who love to push against the constraints of society and thumb their noses at convention, The Oath hooked me from the first moment I cranked on the speakers. The band calls Berlin their home, but is well versed at traveling across Europe enthralling new fans wherever they go. The members are: Johanna Sadonis (vocals), Linnéa Olsson (guitar), live performances by Andrew Prestidge (drums) and Leo Smee (bass). Past members include Vincent Wager (drums) and Simon Bouteloup (bass).

Linnéa and Johanna know their way around the metal scene. Both Berliners at heart, they have found their love for the city they call home has influenced their work. Linnéa was once a member of the underground band Sonic Ritual and Johanna founded the Kill ‘Em All club, Berlin’s go to location for the best metal music around. The two met once and it was dark magic destined for greatness. They formed The Oath in 2012. A blend of 70’s and 80’s style metal, it brings to mind bands like Dio that I grew up listening to. Raw and full of teeth.

“Night Child” roars to life with some wicked riffs. The growling guitar and percussive elements ease into Johanna’s vocals. Darkness abounds with a tale of love, lust and desire as night descends and wildness awakens. The everyday world falls away as the guitar wails.

“Leaving Together” begins in a tentative plucky fashion that is both thought provoking and stirring. The whisper of percussion drifts by like a vapor. Deliberate riffs purr and flex their muscles, perfectly controlled. This piece is slower, but the richness is delightful. Inner demons stir within. Temptation tugs at your heart strings and gouges at your self-restraint. This song is a nod at a friend who ended his own life and the temptation to walk the same path. The human soul is tainted by troubled desire. The old gods know you for what you are and come to claim you. There is no rush…they have all the time in the world. They know it too, and as the song reaches the final quarter, it is a dark celebration of death’s victory over the living. There is no choice. He comes to claim us all. Sometimes it is the waiting that is the hardest of all…

“Silver and Dust” ramps up with pleasant riffs and guitar sequences as it grumbles along and trips into a fantasy worthy of movies like Van Helsing or Underworld. Silver and dust are often used in wars with vampires and are the symbols of the divinity used throughout the piece. The music is stirring and could be the soundtrack to any modern day vampire movie. It makes me think of Sigil Fire, the novella I wrote under my pen name that will be released next month. Death. Fire. Fallen angels and a war between Heaven and Hell. This song is going on my playlist. It seriously rocks.

The Oath has a fine album here. Their debut, it resonates with dark influences like Danzig, Faith and the Muse, Dio, Sabbath, The Runaways, Celtic Frost and classic NWOBHM. This album will appeal if you are a fan of the darker side of things. Images of hanging out in cemeteries, running into the arms of temptation and a witches night out made me love it at first listen. After that I couldn’t stop. This album is a keeper. I write to it when I need a dose of darkness to go along with my cookies. It’s like milk. You don’t just take one sip. You suck it down and go back for more.

5/5 Stars

Tracks: 
1.All Must Die
2.Silk Road
3.Night Child
4.Leaving Together
5.Black Rainbow
6.Silver and Dust
7.Death Delight
8.In Dream
9.Psalm 7

Key Tracks: Night Child, Leaving Together, Silver and Dust

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

June 2, 2014

Review Provided By Write a Music Review

Metal Review: Ronnie James Dio/Various Artists-This Is Your Life

Release Date: April 1, 2014

Label: Rhino

Website

If there ever were to be a Mount Rushmore of the best lead vocalists of heavy metal, there is a more than a strong case to put Ronnie James Dio on it. His tragic death from cancer at the age of 67 put an end to one of the heavy metal’s longest and most memorable careers. With Dio providing his famous voice for such bands as Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and, of course, his very own band, Dio his legacy remains intact. He also popularized the sign of the horns hand gesture that is so heavily associated with metal music. He has gone too soon, but his music lives on and the metal world pays tribute to his work. 

This is Your Lifeis a 14 track tribute album produced by his wife Wendy, and featuring some of Dio’s greatest hits. Such iconic songs as “Rainbow in the Dark,” “Holy Driver,” and “The Last in Line” are covered by some of the metal world’s main players and biggest names. Anthrax, Metallica, Motörhead, Biff Byford of Saxon, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Corey Taylor of Slipnot, and many more all cover a song or make an appearance.  

Opening up this tribute album is “Neon Knights” by Anthrax and they freaking nail it. This is a cover song done right and it is probably the best song on the album. It comes out with a jolt of energy that electrifies the room with everything sounding just right. This is what it sounds like when everything is spent and all of one’s heart and effort it put into something. Dare I say that this one is flawless? Next up is Tenacious D’s cover of “The Last in Line,” which is a good effort but it does not touch the original.  I generally enjoy Tenacious D, but Jack Black is no substitute for Dio. Adrenaline Mob’s cover of “The Mob Rules” is almost as good as the opener. They are tearing it up on this one. 

“Rainbow in the Dark” will probably be a love it or hate it type of cover for most fans. I do not think Corey Taylor is on the same level as Dio, but I think he does do a good job of giving this classic song a go. Halestorm’s “Straight Through the Heart” will the type of song that grows on you with each listen. Motörhead really shred on “Starstruck” backed by the vocal styling of Saxon’s Biff Byford.

Scorpions’ version of “The Temple of the King” is another highlight of the album. It is a song that is softer than the rest, with a soothing atmosphere that hits all the right spots much like “Catch the Rainbow.” Doro provides a haunting rendition of “Egypt (The Chains Are On).” Her vocal performance is the kind that leaves an impression, which is made even more memorable by the menacing music as they together to make a fantastic song. Killswitch Engage’s cover of “Holy Driver” is my least favorite song on the album, and I say that as a fan of the band. All the changes do not do anything for me and do not think that the screaming fits well. 

Oni Logan, Jimmy Bain, Rowan Robertson, and Brian Tichy deliver the goods on “I” with great performances all around and sound like they are enjoying themselves. “Man on the Silver Mountain” is a lackluster cover with Halford sounding like he is phoning it in. There is a good guitar solo, but I find it hard to get into this song. Metallica help to the end on a high point in the penultimate song “Ronnie Rising Medley,” a mashup of “A Light in the Black,” “Tarot Woman,” “Stargazer,” and “Kill the King” that is a lot of fun to listen to, as it is just a great show of skillful musicianship. Dio’s “This is Your Life” is the perfect way to end the album, with the master himself showing how it is done with a haunting piano backdrop. It is a poignant choice that will probably make some eyes water. 

When all is said and done, This Is Your Life is a very solid tribute album that does Dio’s legacy justice. Though I do think that a few songs will be divisive and not knock hardcore fans out of the park, most of the covers are done well and the effort that went into making them can be heard. But, hey, Ronnie James Dio is a tough act to follow, after all. I think that This Is Your Life makes for a nice addition to any metal fan’s collection. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Neon Knight, The Mob Rules, The Temple of the King, Egypt (The Chains Are On)

Tracks:
01. Neon Knights
02. The Last in Line
03. The Mob Rules
04. Rainbow in the Dark
05. Straight Through the Heart
06. Starstruck
07. The Temple of the King
08. Egypt (The Chains Are On)
09. Holy Driver
10. Catch the Rainbow
11. I
12. Man on the Silver Mountain
13. Ronnie Rising Medley
14. This is Your Life

Brian McKinnon

May 16, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review