For
the past decade, Swedish hard rock band Crazy Lixx have released a steady
stream of quality music. Attempting to bring life to a genre that’s seen better
days, Crazy Lixx has not only succeeded in those goals, but currently sits on
top the throne as one of the most recognizable modern hair metal bands. After a
tumultuous year in 2015, Crazy Lixx has reinvented themselves with a new lineup
and has taken a fresh stab at their trademark 80’s style rock n’ roll. And for
any of those worried that a lineup change compromises their knack for writing
big choruses, catchy guitar riffs, and blazing guitar solos, you can rest
assured – this album is good, real good.
Ruff
Justice kicks off with the dark n’ dirty “Wild Child,” which after
the first listen had me reaching for my guitar in an attempt to transcribe the
song. I’ve always felt that the difference between “good” music and “great”
music is that great music makes you want to get involved. Whether it makes you
dance or makes you air drum, it lights a fire that not only gets you involved
aurally, but involves you physically. The album continues firing on all
cylinders with “XIII,” the lead single. Despite being a fantastically catchy
track in its own right, a fun bit of trivia is knowing that this and 2 other
songs on the album were written for inclusion in Friday the 13th: The Game. And although Ruff Justice has several soundtrack
songs, they don’t break the flow of the album at any point – in fact, the
tracks could easily blend into any of the Crazy Lixx catalog. To prove this
point, stuck smack dab in the middle of the track list is yet another
soundtrack song, “Killer.” Opening with a slow, brooding acoustic guitar, you
can almost picture yourself wandering through the foggy, dense woods, trying to
make your way to safety. Before you know it, the song launches into a full-on
headbanger. Arguably the standout track on the record, “Killer” is one of many
examples of Crazy Lixx straying from their feel-good, party boy roots, to
something a bit more substantial in theme.
Ruff
Justice is proof that even when Crazy Lixx was down, they were far
from out. In every song, I hear the influences of their forefathers. There’s a
little bit of Ratt in “Walk the Wire,” a touch of Bon Jovi in “Live Before I
Die,” long-time vocalist Danny Rexon seems to channel the great Kip Winger at
times (especially in “Hunter of the Heart”), and guitarists Chrisse Olsson and
Jens Lundgren have the chops to take on any of their guitar heroes. However, at
the end of the day, Crazy Lixx has a sound that is uniquely theirs, and it
shines on Ruff Justice. This is their
best album since their major label debut New
Religion, and I would proudly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a little
rock n’ roll.
This
month the metal gods, Judas Priest, returned with a reminder of where the band
was in 1986. Turbo 30 is celebrated on their 30th anniversary with a
3 CD set. The set includes a trifold cardboard fold out case containing the
original album remastered and two live discs recorded in Kansas City on The
Fuel of Life Tour.
I must admit this is not one of favorite JP albums but it
does not lack for classic heavy metal tracks that have become staples of their
live set. I have seen them 3 times now, first during the comeback tour with
Halford back in 2005 promoting Angel of
Retribution, then in 2010 to celebrate the great British Steel album and finally in 2014 to promote their
surprisingly different and excellent Redeemer
of Souls album. So, I got a taste of several different decades in live
setting and have had a good dose of this band over the years and completely
enjoyed it.
The title track is killer, what a grand opening for an
album. Another heavy track followed it titled “Locked In.” “Out in the Cold” was another stand out giving
their rabid fans a taste of the heavy metal priest they came to know and love. “Parental
Guidance” sounded more like a Twisted Sister or Quiet Riot anthem than anything
from their catalog even although there were some good guitar licks.
One thing that may have got lost in translation was the
fact that it was 1986, and this was a band trying to create a sound to fit the
times. The problem with a heavy metal band with the reputation of JP is that they
would only set their audience up for some disappointments with Turbo.With the addition of synthesized guitars (which they would master
brilliantly on the Nostradamus album
many years later) and that techno sound it would water down the mix and take
away some of their normal oomph and power.
This is not to say that this album was not worthy of
special anniversary issue. People listen differently with the passing of time
and we cannot take for granted what a great band of talented musicians this
band had at its disposal. And their lead singer Rob Halford did not look like
the badass that he does now. Ever since his return to the group, with
lightning bolt tattoos on his shaved head and that menacing goatee - well let’s
just say it has been quite a ride. They all look metal that is for sure.
If you have a thing for this kind of release you are in
luck plus you get a ton of prime JP music live which is always a good thing if
you are a fan and have seen them live you will appreciate it even more. They
get an A for effort on this back in 1986 and overall C+ with the addition of
the live cuts. They should have stood their ground and stayed with the
time-tested formula of heavy metal without all the glitter and things around
the fringes. This is great for the collector and completest but for the die hard
metal freaks, it’s a maybe or total pass.
Review
Provided By Write A Music Review Review Track List: Disc One — Turbo: Remastered: 01. Turbo Lover 02. Locked In 03. Private Property 04. Parental Guidance 05. Rock You All Around The World 06. Out In The Cold 07. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days 08. Hot For Love 09. Reckless Disc Two — Live At The Kemper Arena, Kansas City: 01. Out In the Cold 02. Locked In 03. Heading Out To The Highway 04. Metal Gods 05. Breaking The Law 06. Love Bites 07. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll 08. The Sentinel 09. Private Property 10. Desert Plains 11. Rock You All Around The World
Disc Three — Live At The Kemper Arena, Kansas City:12. The Hellion 13. Electric Eye 14. Turbo Lover 15. Freewheel Burning 16. Victim Of Changes 17. The Green Manalishi (With The Two -Pronged Crown) 18. Living After Midnight 19. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming 20. Hell Bent For Leather
Band Members: Rob Halford – lead vocals Glenn Tipton – lead and synthesized guitars K.K. Downing – lead and synthesized guitars Ian Hill – bass Dave Holland – drums
Every
era has its superstars, the acts and bands that shine brighter than the rest of
the pack.They top the charts, play to
sold-out crowds, and amass millions in record sales. They influence the next
generations of musicians and their songs and go on to become a staple of
pop-culture, while sounding as good now as they did decades ago when they were
first released.Then there are the bands
that get lost in the shuffle.They have
plenty of talent, and maybe a hit song or two, but they were never able to make
it to the next level for whatever reason.Bang is one such band.
Formed
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania not long after Woodstock in 1969 by two high
school friends, Frank Glicken (guitar, vocals) and Frank Ferrara (bass, lead vocals),
they were joined by Tony Diorio (drums) after he answered their ad in a
newspaper.One of the earliest American
bands to venture into the heavy metal genre, there were hopes of them being the
American answer to Black Sabbath. They signed to Capitol in the early 70s, and
eventually put out three albums, with the single “Questions” making it into the
top 100.They were never able to
duplicate its success and broke up after the release of their third album.
Bang and Mother/Bow
to the King are re-issues of their first two albums, originally released in
1971 and 1972.They are a joy to listen
to, making it a real shame that they could not manage to keep things together,
because there is a lot of quality music one these two albums.It makes one wonder what they would have
produced during the rest of the 70s if they never broke up.
The
opening of “Lions, Christians” is a great attention grabber with its caustic
and distinct guitar riff.This is an ace
of a hard rock song with some heavy presence.This is a solid example of the early 70s hard rock sound that has such a
close kinship with heavy metal, a nice mesh of the right speed with a heavy
sound.“The Queen” is sure to be a
pleaser as it gives off a very strong Led Zeppelin vibe.“Last Will” takes the tempo down a
notch.The sound is a bit more pop
oriented, with a strong Beatles influence on this one.
“Come
with Me” picks things right back up with another soulful hard rock song. The
guitar parts are a real standout here, being very memorable and unique. One of
the album standouts, “Our Home,” is such a fantastic rocking tune, and should
really be essential listening for hard rock fans. It is one of those songs
where their skill, talent, and promise can be heard.Over forty years later, it still sounds so
fresh.“Future Stock” is slow, heavy,
and ahead of its time. This is one of those songs where their proto-metal sound
can clearly be heard. “Questions” is straight up and kills it with its
seductive bassline, and the drums complement it fantastically. Closing of the
album is the post-apocalyptic sci-fi themed “Redman,” that is almost too catchy
for its own good.
Mother/Bow to the King is their 1972 follow-up
to their self-titled debut. The opener, “Mother,” is pleasant sounding folksy
song, so feel free to clap along. It retains their hard rock flair with the
guitar solo near the end.One listen to “Humble”
and it is easy to see why these guys are categorized as proto-metal with the
heavy hard rock sound of this song.“Keep
On” is a solid rock song memorable for its funky guitar.
“Idealist
Realist” brings the heavy proto-metal sound of “Humble” back.The cover of The Guess Who’s “No Sugar
Tonight/New Mother Nature” clashes with the rest of the songs and sounds so out
of place on this album.“Feel the Hurt” is
an emotional lighter rocker.It is not
as heavy as “Humble” or “Idealist Realist,” but it has plenty of passion behind
it.Following it up is “Tomorrow,” an
up-beat rocker.“Bow to the King” starts
off slow and mellow and has an almost dreamlike quality to it.It is a successful divergence from their
usual hard rock and metal sound that veers into progressive rock
territory.It is a serene closer to an
interesting sophomore album.
These
Bang re-issues are a true blast from the past.Bang is one hidden gem of a band that deserves to be rediscovered.Bang and
Mother/Bow to the King are two highly
creative and skillful albums that you cannot go wrong with. If you are in any way a fan of hard rock,
heavy metal, or of music from the 70s in general, then these Bang albums should
definitely be in your collection.
4.5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Lions, Christians, Our Home, Questions, Mother, Humble, Bow to the King Tracks: Bang 01. Lions, Christians 02. The Queen 03. Last Will 04. Come with Me 05. Our Home 06. Future Stock 07. Questions 08. Redman
Mother/Bow to the Earth09. Mother 10. Humble 11. Keep On 12. Idealist Realist 13. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature 14. Feel the Hurt 15. Tomorrow 16. Bow to the King
Release Date: September 25, 2015 Label: Mad Neptune Records Website
Like a train made of adamantine and traveling faster than the speed of sound, A Sound of Thunder seems to be one metal band that cannot slow down or be stopped. I became aware of them in 2012 with Out of the Darkness and was continually impressed with 2013’s Queen of Hell and Time’s Arrow and 2014’s The Lesser Key of Solomon. The latter two are masterpieces as far as I am concerned, and it looks like we have another one in Tales from the Deadside.
Hailing from the Washington D.C. area, the band is comprised of Nina Osegueda (vocals), Justin Schwartz (guitar), Chris Haren (drums), and Jesse Keen (bass).
Tales from the Deadside is their fifth album that is also a concept album based on the comic book character Shadowman. It is a dark and bizarre journey that is not just worth the time, but it also represents A Sound of Thunder’s most ambitious and best effort to date. It is one more masterpiece in an already impressive collection.
Tales from the Deadside gets off to a fantastic start with “Children of the Dark.” It is one atmospheric and haunting song that is the first stop on this dark and exhilarating ride. The vocals are in nothing less than top form and the guitars absolutely sizzle. It is one of those songs that once you hear it, then you just cannot wait for the next song because you know that it is going to be good. And “Sandria (Carry On)” proves this to be correct as it is a great song that gets better and better as it goes on. It starts of slow and enticing, before kicking it up a couple of notches. Nina’s voice on this one is chilling. There are some hair-raising moments that are sure to keep bringing you back for more.
Next up is “Can’t Go Back,” which beings with some sweet rhythmic drumming that pull the listener in. It is all very heavy and melodic, as Nina’s vocals soar above it all for another stellar performance. “Deadside” is an all-around great song from start to finish, with its sultry bassline running throughout this hard rocking tune. The dark and brooding first half is followed by an even more incredible second half, like two halves of a gothic dream. It is a testament to the strength of this album that it just missed out on being a key track. That is because “Tower of Souls” is there to take its slot. It is pure intensity for the very beginning, like an adrenaline shot to the heart. It is the type of song that could raise the dead.
“Losing Control (The Unquiet Shadow)” features more of the crushing metal sound that gives this album its heaviness. The most energetic and pulsating song on the album, “Punk Mambo,” is an uncompromising rocker that really gets the blood pumping and the head banging. Showing off some musical versatility is the emotional “Alyssa (Life in Shadows).” “Tremble” and “End Times” bring it on home with a loud and an entrancing ending, and fantastic performances that leave it all on the floor.
A Sound of Thunder’s Tales from the Deadside is a fun and an incredible album. They have been able to surpass their previous effort once again. It seems that they are amassing a discography full of masterpieces. Tales from the Deadside is no exception and is as good as any place to start from if you are new to their music. After this album, I cannot wait to hear from them again to see what they can come up with next.
5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: Children of the Dark, Tower of Souls, End Times Tracks: 01. Children of the Dark 02. Sandria (Carry On) 03. Can’t Go Back 04. Deadside 05. Tower of Souls 06. Losing Control (The Unquiet Shadow) 07. Punk Mambo 08. Alyssa (Life in Shadows) 09. Tremble 10. End Times Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff
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
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.
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.
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
Defenders of the Faith is a Judas Priest classic metal album that is celebrating 30 years since its initial release. The 30th 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 30th 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
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
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
