My CD Reviews!

[Deathstroke]

Just a quick note for the music board denizens. I've started my new gig with Rock Is Life.com.

If you keep an eye out on my signature from now on, you'll see updates on the latest CD reviews I write.

The first two have been added.

Hope you enjoy them.

So Buried Alien doesn't freak, this is a one time only post just to make people aware.

I'll add the previous reviews as they get replaced in the signature to this first post.

2005 Reviews

Robert Plant - Mighty Rearranger (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/mightyrearranger.htm)
Circle II Circle - The Middle Of Nowhere (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/middleofnowhere.htm)
Harem Scarem - Overload (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/overload.htm)
Shadow Gallery - Room V (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/room5.htm)
Royal Hunt - Paper Blood (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/paperblood.htm)
Bruce Dickinson - Tyranny Of Souls (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/tyrannyofsouls.htm)
Dream Theater - Octavarium (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/octavarium.htm)
Slik Helvetika - Slik Helvetika (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/slikhelvitika.htm)
Dog Faced Gods - Stoned Council (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/stonedcouncil.htm)
Evergrey- A Night To Remember (DVD) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/anighttorememberdvd.htm)
Pain Of Salvation - BE (DVD) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/painofsalvation.htm)
Robin Beck - Do You Miss Me (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/doyoumissme.htm)
Overkill - ReliXIV (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/relixiv.htm)
Steve Walsh - Shadowman (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/shadowman.htm)
Tremolo - Love Is the Greatest Revenge (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/loveisthegreatest.htm)
Sarah Blasko - The Overture and the Underscore (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/overtureunderscore.htm)
Al Kooper - Black Coffee (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/blackcoffee.htm)
The Michael Schenker Group - Live in Tokyo 1997 DVD (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/msgdvd.htm)
Antigone Rising - From The Ground Up (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/antigonerising.htm)
David Pack - The Secret Of Movin' On (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/secretofmovinon.htm)
Eliza Gilkyson - Paradise Hotel (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/paradisehotel.htm)
Beautiful Creatures - Deuce (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/deuce.htm)
Beth Hart - Live at Paradiso DVD (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/bethhartdvd.htm)
Azrael's Bane - Wings of Innocence (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/wingsofinnocence.htm)
Smile Empty Soul - Anxiety (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/anxiety.htm)
Life of Agony - Broken Valley (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/brokenvalley.htm)
Terra Nova - Escape (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/escape.htm)
Les Paul & Friends - American Made World Played (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/americanmade.htm)
Mojo Gurus - Shakin' In The Barn (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/shakinthebarn.htm)
King's X - Ogre Tones (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/ogretones.htm)
Jaded Heart - Helluva Time (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/helluvatime.htm)
Five.Bolt.Main - Venting (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/venting.htm)
Steve Howe - Spectrum (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/spectrum.htm)
Alien - Dark Eyes (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/darkeyes.htm)
Stream Of Passion - Embrace The Storm (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/embracethestorm.htm)
The Ike Reilly Assassination - Junkie Faithful (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/junkiefaithful.htm)
Eugene Edwards - My Favorite Revolution (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/myfavoriterevolution.htm)
Orange Sky - Upstairs (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/upstairs.htm)
Index Case - Index Case (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/indexcase.htm)
Shenoah - Bleeding In The Red (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/bleedingthered.htm)
The Mob - The Mob (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/themob.htm)
Trigger Point - A Silent Protest (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/silentprotest.htm)
Jaugernaut (a. d.) - Contra-Mantra (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/contramantra.htm)
Neil Diamond - 12 Songs (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/12songs.htm)
Jack Foster III with Trent Gardner and Robert Berry - Raptorgnosis (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/raptorgnosis.htm)
Felony - First Works (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/firstworks.htm)
Shane Hines and The Trance - Zoe (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/zoe.htm)
Warren Zevon - Mutineer (FLASHBACK REVIEW) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/flashbackreviews/mutineer.htm)
Liz Phair - Somebody's Miracle (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/somebodysmiracle.htm)
Bad Habit - [hear-say] (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/hearsay.htm)
Iommi w/Glenn Hughes - Fused (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/fused.htm)
Soul Doctor - For A Fistful of Dollars (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/forafistfulofdollars.htm)
Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/somehearts.htm)
Steve Lukather & Friends - SantaMental (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/santamental.htm)
Mick Harvey - One Man's Treasure (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviews/onemanstreasure.htm)

2006 Reviews

Iron Maiden - Death On The Road (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/deathontheroad.htm)
Journey - Live in Houston 1981: Escape Tour (DVD/CD) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/journeydvd.htm)
Fates Warning - Live In Athens DVD (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/fateswarningdvd.htm)
Deep Purple - Rapture of the Deep (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/raptureofthedeep.htm)
Bob Catley - Spirit Of Man (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/spiritofman.htm)
Ambition - Ambition (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/ambition.htm)
Ten - The Essential Collection 1995 - 2005 (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/tentheessentials.htm)
Judas Priest - Rising In The East (DVD) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/judaspriestdvd.htm)
Tuff Jeff Salen - The Endless Road (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/endlessroad.htm)
Slave To The System - Slave To The System (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/slavetothesystem.htm)
Kabang - Degeneration (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/degeneration.htm)
The Exit - Home For An Island (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/homeforanisland.htm)
Cavalier King - The Sun Revolutions (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/thesunrevolutions.htm)
Phil Vincent - Unknown Origin (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/unknownorigin.htm)
Whitesnake - The Definitive Collection (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/whitesnakedefinitve.htm)
Jim Peterik - Above The Storm (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/abovethestorm.htm)
ISM - Monkey Underneath (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/monkeyunderneath.htm)
Warren Zevon - Reconsider Me: The Love Songs (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/reconsiderme.htm)
Architects - Revenge (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/revenge.htm)
Dark Illusion - Beyond The Shadows (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/beyondtheshadows.htm)
Glenn Tipton - Baptizm Of Fire (Remastered) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/baptizmoffire.htm)
Melissa Etheridge - Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/etheridgegreatest.htm)
Oval Opus - Oval Opus (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/ovalopus.htm)
Queensryche - Operation:mindcrime II (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/operationmindcrime2.htm)
Survivor - Reach (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/reach.htm)
Tipton, Entwistle & Powell - Edge Of The World (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/edgeoftheworld.htm)
Movies With Heroes - Nothing Here Is Perfect (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/nothinghereisperfect.htm)
Violent Divine - Violent Divine (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/violentdivine.htm)
The Telegenic - AsphaltGasolineChromeFleshBloodnBone (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/asphaltgasoline.htm)
Europe - Live From The Dark (DVD) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/europedvd.htm)
Disturbed - Ten Thousand Fists (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/tenthousandfists.htm)
House Of Lords - World Upside Down (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/worldupsidedown.htm)
American Heartbreak - American Heartbreak (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/americanheartbreak.htm)
Blackmore's Night - The Village Lanterne (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/villagelanterne.htm)
The New Cars - It's Alive! (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/itsalive.htm)
Michael Kiske - Instant Clarity (Reissue) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/instantclarity.htm)
Gillan - Live Edinburgh 1980 (DVD) (http://www.rock-is-life.com/2006reviews/gillandvd.htm)Benedictum - Uncreation (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/uncreation.htm)
Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/takingthelongway.htm)

Continued In Post #3

[Will]

And if this isnt hijacking the thread, (apologies if it is), you can check out reviews I have written at www.metalmonk.co.uk :)

[Deathstroke]

2006 REVIEWS CONTINUED

Doro - Warrior Soul (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/warriorsoul.htm)
Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/shovelheadedkillmachine.htm)
Cheap Trick - Rockford (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/rockford.htm)
Susan Cagle - The Subway Recordings (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/subwayrecordings.htm)
Some Girls - Crushing Love (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/crushinglove.htm)
Eidolon - The Parallel Otherworld (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/parallelotherworld.htm)
Desperado - Ace (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/ace.htm)
George Thorogood & The Destroyers - The Hard Stuff (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/hardstuff.htm)
Various Artists - Forever Neil Diamond (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/foreverneildiamond.htm)
John Gorka - Writing In The Margins (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/writinginthemargins.htm)
Carmine Appice Project - Ultimate Guitar Zeus (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/ultimateguitarzeus.htm)
Ian Gillan - Gillan's Inn (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/gillansinn.htm)
Red Lotus - De Pinche Nada (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/depinchenada.htm)
Pride Of Lions - Live In Belgium CD/DVD (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/prideoflionsdvd.htm)
Rainbow Live In Munich 1977 (DVD) (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/rainbowdvd.htm)
Iron Maiden - A Matter of Life and Death (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/amatteroflifeanddeath.htm)
The Summer Obsession - This Is Where You Belong (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/thisiswhereyoubelong.htm)
Billy Talent - II (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/II.htm)
GMT - Bitter and Twisted (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/bitterandtwisted.htm)
Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/americanv.htm)
Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/wintercarols.htm)
Jon Oliva's Pain - Maniacal Renderings (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/maniacalrenderings.htm)
Circle II Circle - Burden Of Truth (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/burdenoftruth.htm)
Rory Gallagher - Live At Montreux (http://www.rockislife.com/2006reviews/liveatmontreux.htm)

[Will]

Why of course I did! :)

[Hiromi]

Can I wear a T-Shirt saying "I read Deathstroke's CD reviews before he sold out and started playing stadiums" now?

:>

[Deathstroke]

Can I wear a T-Shirt saying "I read Deathstroke's CD reviews before he sold out and started playing stadiums" now?

:>

That'll be $19.99 for typing my copyrighted phrase.

[Patient Boy]

Hey... you're not using your secret identity anymore.

[Deathstroke]

Hey... you're not using your secret identity anymore.

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[Hiromi]

That'll be $19.99 for typing my copyrighted phrase.

*sob*

It used to be all about the music man!!

[Deathstroke]

By the way, I'll not only be posting the links to the CDs I review for the website, I'll also be posting reviews of albums that don't fit the parameters of the site.

Depending on how tonight goes for me, I may be doing one tonight.

[Deathstroke]

Coming up later tonight will be two brand new reviews!

[Deathstroke]

New Reviews are now active in my signature.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Deathstroke doin Reviews! Hype It man. Plug em because thats all we have. Pluggin stuff. If there was a law against that I'd be gone from CBR most likely:


You can read my complete Legends of Green Lantern arc at The Never Ending Forum right now as we speak. Plus Countdown to Infinate Crisis: Pariah ! Yep.....gotta plug somethin. ;)

[Deathstroke]

Well, I'm hoping to draw people to my reviews and the site. I don't want to hear from the Mods so I'm not being obnoxious about it.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Well, I'm hoping to draw people to my reviews and the site. I don't want to hear from the Mods so I'm not being obnoxious about it.


Ahhh I'm sure Buried would have said something If ya were. Most do give warnings and all. But It has to do with music and I'm sure he'll be cool with It. Good luck with the reviews.

[Deathstroke]

A new Review for Royal Hunt's "Paper Blood" is now active in my signature!

[Deathstroke]

My signature has now been updated with the latest CD Review!

[Deathstroke]

The latest review I've written is now online in my signature.

It's for the new Dream Theater CD "Octavarium"

[Deathstroke]

I've got two new CD reviews going active in my signature.

[Deathstroke]

I've got a couple new reviews in my signature. They are for two concert DVDs.

[Hiromi]

I may need to check out Evergrey

[Deathstroke]

I may need to check out Evergrey

The concert disc, as I said, was superb.

[Deathstroke]

The latest CD review I've done is now linked in my signature.

[Deathstroke]

I got some feedback on the Robin Beck CD Review I did.

It came from her husband, House of Lords singer James Christian.

Kind of cool!

[Deathstroke]

I got an email a couple days ago from Pain of Salvation's Daniel Gildenlow. He wasn't pleased I gave a negative review of the group's DVD "BE."

[ZombieHavoc]

I may need to check out Evergrey

i had heard a song on comcast's metal station and i liked it and i bought the CD and i didnt really get into it much. i dont know what the hype's about.

[Deathstroke]

I've got new reviews up!

Check out my signature as of 7/18/05!

[Deathstroke]

My latest review has been added to my signature.

[Deathstroke]

I've got a new review in my signature for everyone to check out as of August 1st, 2005.

[Deathstroke]

There's two new reviews in my signature for everyone to check out!

[Deathstroke]

I've got a new review in my signature for those interested to check out!

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews up this week, check out my signature!

[Deathstroke]

My signature has been updated with two new reviews.

Also, I have two new mini reviews on line for 8/29/05 at the website's Reviews In Brief page. (http://www.rock-is-life.com/reviewsinbrief.htm).

The albums in question are Copper's The Fragile Fall and Wycked Synn's The Vision, just scroll down the page a bit to read them.

[Deathstroke]

There's 3 new reviews in my signature as of 9/5/05

[Deathstroke]

I've got a new review in my signature as of 9/12/05.

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews have been added to my signature!

[Deathstroke]

New Review in my signature as of September 26th, 2005.

[DrewTheXenocide]

Not criticizing or anything, but from what I've seen, you like to give out those five outta fives, don't you?

[Hiromi]

Stroke's just been getting the good uns to review. BTW is anyone going to review the Demons and Wizards album?

[Deathstroke]

Not criticizing or anything, but from what I've seen, you like to give out those five outta fives, don't you?

I only give it to albums that deserve it.

The other review I did this week was in the Reviews in Brief section of the site and that was a 1 out of 5.

The one I did for this coming week already wasn't good either.

[Deathstroke]

New review up as of 11 pm on 10/2/05.

[berk]

I just glanced at a few of them. The Al Kooper one looks interesting. Have Brian Cronin and all the other Dylan nuts seen that I wonder?

[Deathstroke]

I just glanced at a few of them. The Al Kooper one looks interesting. Have Brian Cronin and all the other Dylan nuts seen that I wonder?

I've got no idea. While I'm sure there are people looking at the reviews, I don't have any idea who they might be. The feedback I get is rather limited.

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 10/17/05

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews as of 10/23/05!

[Deathstroke]

My review of the Eugene Edwards CD - My Favorite Revolution was linked on the singer's website.

You can see the evidence here. (http://www.johnhoskinson.com/eugene/FavoriteRevolution/reviews/)

It's the one for Rock Is Life.com posted on October 24th, 2005.

That makes the second one I've done that has been directly linked on the artist's reviews page.

[Deathstroke]

Three new reviews in my signature as of 10/31/05!

[Deathstroke]

New Reviews posted on my signature as of 11/8/05!

[Deathstroke]

My review of the Jaugernaut CD Contra-Mantra has been added to the group's website.

You can check it out on their site by clicking this link! (http://www.jaugernaut.com/newReviews.htm)

[DrewTheXenocide]

Huh. Just noticed something. Would that be your real name down there, in your reviews?

Oooh.

[Deathstroke]

Huh. Just noticed something. Would that be your real name down there, in your reviews?

Oooh.

Actually it's one of many of my false names, why?

[Deathstroke]

There's three more reviews in my signature!

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature.

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 11/28/05!

[Deathstroke]

3 New Reviews up in my signature for 12/5/05!

[Hiromi]

Totally agree with the Fused review.

[Deathstroke]

Totally agree with the Fused review.

Glad to know you've read it!

[Deathstroke]

I've got one new review in my signature this week, plus the link to the article co-written by me for the Best of 2005 albums.

[Deathstroke]

New review in my signature as of 12/20/05!

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews have been added to my signature as of 1/2/2006!

[Davideaux]

Two new reviews have been added to my signature as of 1/2/2006!

Kind of a luke warm review for Mick Harvey. I love Nick Cave's stuff and would be willing to check out this CD.

[Deathstroke]

Kind of a luke warm review for Mick Harvey. I love Nick Cave's stuff and would be willing to check out this CD.

It was a lukewarm review because that's basically how I felt about it. I listened to it twice but just couldn't really get into it that much. It's not my preferred type of music. While that normally doesn't matter because through the website I've discovered a ton of new music to listen to, this one just didn't come across overly well to me.

Thanks for reading though!

[Hiromi]

I'll likely pick up the Maiden album later today.

[Deathstroke]

I'll likely pick up the Maiden album later today.


Good to hear!

[Hiromi]

Yeah you hit it pretty well, though in their defense Can I Play with Madness has always come off a bit weak live, this version was about as good as the one they did in Live at Donnington. And I'm happy to finally get a version of Lord of the Flies with Dickinson singing(and it was awesome). As for the new material both Paschendale and Dance of Death sound really good live.

[Deathstroke]

Glad you liked it!

[DonC]

"Can I Play with Madness" is kind of like "Run to the Hills," it's great on the album, but it is really hit or miss live.

"Pashendale" is amazing on Death on the Road, I can't wait to see the DVD.

I like "Wildest Dreams" here. In fact, I think it's better than on Dance of Death. I enjoy the new opening and while Bruce does seem off on parts, those parts are few and far between.

I also love "No More Lies," but then again, I like the song. (Even if it isn't Maiden's most original song.)

In fact, most of the best songs on the CD are new ones. I really wish more Maiden fans would give the new stuff a chance. Should they ever do a full US tour again, I'd love it if they would play more new stuff. I've seen the "classics" half a dozen times, already.

[Deathstroke]

"Can I Play with Madness" is kind of like "Run to the Hills," it's great on the album, but it is really hit or miss live.

"Pashendale" is amazing on Death on the Road, I can't wait to see the DVD.

I like "Wildest Dreams" here. In fact, I think it's better than on Dance of Death. I enjoy the new opening and while Bruce does seem off on parts, those parts are few and far between.

I also love "No More Lies," but then again, I like the song. (Even if it isn't Maiden's most original song.)

In fact, most of the best songs on the CD are new ones. I really wish more Maiden fans would give the new stuff a chance. Should they ever do a full US tour again, I'd love it if they would play more new stuff. I've seen the "classics" half a dozen times, already.

I give every album a chance. I usually end up loving them, and I've been a big fan of Brave New World and Dance of Death.

I'll be adding two new reviews to the signature later tonight by the way.

[DonC]

I give every album a chance. I usually end up loving them, and I've been a big fan of Brave New World and Dance of Death.


I wasn't singling you out or anything, reading your review of Death on the Road shows you give the new stuff a chance. I was talking more about the fans Bruce Dickinson was complaining about, the ones who only want to hear the old stuff. I would honestly love it if they dropped songs like "2 Minutes to Midnight" and "The Trooper" for newer stuff.

[Deathstroke]

I wasn't singling you out or anything, reading your review of Death on the Road shows you give the new stuff a chance. I was talking more about the fans Bruce Dickinson was complaining about, the ones who only want to hear the old stuff. I would honestly love it if they dropped songs like "2 Minutes to Midnight" and "The Trooper" for newer stuff.

No worries, I know you weren't singling me out.

However, the two songs you suggest, I would rather see in the set list.

Dropping Can I Play With Madness? is a move I would prefer if they can't do it any better than DOTR.

Oh, and over on Bruce Dickinson's forum, someone informed me that the show was recorded on a night when Bruce was in the midst of vocal problems anyway. He had been sick or something.

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews are now available in my signature.

[Hiromi]

Need to pick up the Deep purple un.

[Deathstroke]

Need to pick up the Deep purple un.


Yes you do!

[Hiromi]

Found something interesting, the recent Maiden live album took place in Dortmon I think, here's another concert they did in Dortmon, only difference is that it happened 23 years ago on the Piece of Mind Tour.

http://youtube.com/w/Iron-Maiden---Iron-Maiden-83%27?v=ZsBen5BCsbA&search=Iron%20maiden

compare and contrast? Bruce has a lot more power in his upper vocal range than he did back then, funny how his voice only gets better as he gets older.

[Deathstroke]

It's a rare thing when a singer can maintain or get better on his vocals as they get older.

Ronnie James Dio is superb as well like that.

[Deathstroke]

New Review in my signature as of today 1/23/06!

[Deathstroke]

New review now in my signature!

[Deathstroke]

Two New Reviews are in my signature as of 2/6/06!

[Hiromi]

Silly DS should put the links in his sig before announcing them =p

[Deathstroke]

Silly DS should put the links in his sig before announcing them =p

They are in the signature. They went in right after I posted the message.

[Deathstroke]

New Review in my signature as of 2/16/06

[Deathstroke]

New Review as of 11:09pm on February 19th, 2006.

[Deathstroke]

Brand new CD review in my signature as of 2/26/06

[Deathstroke]

Got some feedback from my most recent review on the Phil Vincent CD. He emailed me and thanked me for the good review.

[Deathstroke]

More reasons to love my gig writing CD reviews!

Today I got two new solo releases from Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton and the brand new album from ex-Survivor keyboardist Jim Peterik.

[Deathstroke]

A new review has been added to my signature.

I also wrote up a review for our Reviews In Brief section of the site. It was for the Y&T remastered edition of Black Tiger. I didn't really care much for it and gave it 2 out of 5.

[Deathstroke]

I've got two new reviews in my signature as of 3/14/04!

[Deathstroke]

2 New Reviews this week!

[Deathstroke]

A brand new review is in my signature for the week of 3/27/06.

[Deathstroke]

Three new reviews in my signature as of 4/3/06!

[Deathstroke]

New review in my signature as of 4/17/06!

[Deathstroke]

Two more reviews in my signature as of early AM 4/24/06!

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 2pm on May 1st, 2006.

[Deathstroke]

New review in my signature as of 11:37 PM on May 7th, 2006.

[Deathstroke]

My latest review is now linked in my signature as of 5/15/06!

[Deathstroke]

My newest review has been online for a few days but I hadn't gotten around to posting the link in my signature until today!

[Deathstroke]

I've added another review to my signature as of 5/29/06.

And there's plenty more reviews coming. I just got a whole bunch of new material from the site owner, and I'll be in new music for a while now.

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 6/5/06!

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 6/12/06

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews up as of 6/18/06.

[Deathstroke]

After a two week delay, I've got 6 new reviews up as of 7/9/06. The four featured reviews are in my signature.

The other two brief reviews for albums by Millionaire and Apollo Up! can be found HERE! (http://www.rockislife.com/reviewsinbrief.htm)

[Deathstroke]

3 new reviews in my signature as of 7/24/06.

[Deathstroke]

The link to my review of the new John Gorka CD is now in my signature as of 7/31/2006.

[Deathstroke]

There's a new review in my signature as of 8/14/06.

[Deathstroke]

I've got two new reviews in my signature as of 8/28/06

[Deathstroke]

There's a brand new review in my signature as of 9/11/06.

[DonC]

Do you know of a site that has samples for that Pride of Lions disc? I was a huge Survivor fan back in the day and am curious what Lions sounds like.

[Deathstroke]

Do you know of a site that has samples for that Pride of Lions disc? I was a huge Survivor fan back in the day and am curious what Lions sounds like.


DonC,

http://www.aprideoflions.com/music.htm has REAL Media samples of the first album AND a real Media video for Sound Of Home.

Samples of the live album -

"Sound Of Home" (http://www.frontiers.it/portals/0/multimedia/polive_03.mp3)
"The Courage To Love Somebody" (http://www.frontiers.it/portals/0/multimedia/polive_08.mp3)

You know Survivor released a new album this year right?

[Deathstroke]

New review in my signature as of 9/18/06.

[Deathstroke]

My review of the new Iron Maiden is new in my signature as of 9/24/06.

[Hiromi]

I agree, Bruce's softer voice is just as enjoyable to listen to as his air raid yell.

[Deathstroke]

I agree, Bruce's softer voice is just as enjoyable to listen to as his air raid yell.

The man has got the pipes either way, that's for sure!

[Deathstroke]

My signature has been updated with two new reviews!

[Deathstroke]

I've got two new reviews up as of 10/30/06. Check my signature.

[Deathstroke]

There's a new review in my signature as of 11/05/06.

[Deathstroke]

There's two new reviews in my signature as of 11/12/06.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

You gonna do a review of Chinese Democracy if it comes out this year , Deathstroke ? (you can hear a finished 1 minute clip of Better for the Harley Davidson commercial ...so maybe its comin closer to reality)

[Deathstroke]

You gonna do a review of Chinese Democracy if it comes out this year , Deathstroke ? (you can hear a finished 1 minute clip of Better for the Harley Davidson commercial ...so maybe its comin closer to reality)

It'll depend on if we get the album sent to us. I have no intention of buying it. However, I think the site owner will save that for himself, which I have no problem with.

[Deathstroke]

Don't forget to check out my new review and my Top 10 CDs of 2006 in my signature!

[DonC]

Sadly, I've only listened to two of the CDs on your list. I want Jon Oliva's Pain's CD, but I can't find the damn thing. I'd probably also get Doro's CD if I could find it.

Time to head to a CD store, I think.

[Deathstroke]

Sadly, I've only listened to two of the CDs on your list. I want Jon Oliva's Pain's CD, but I can't find the damn thing. I'd probably also get Doro's CD if I could find it.

Time to head to a CD store, I think.


I know Jon Oliva's CD is out in the US, I'm not sure about Doro's album though.

[Deathstroke]

Sugarland - Enjoy The Ride (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/enjoytheride.htm)
Richie Zito - Avalon: The Richie Zito Project (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/avalon.htm)
Slamer - Nowhere Land (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/nowhereland.htm)
The Vicious Martinis - The Vicious Martinis (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/viciousmartinis.htm)
Metal Church - A Light In The Dark (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/lightinthedark.htm)
Robert Plant - Nine Lives (Box Set CD Sampler) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/ninelives.htm)
Steve Perry - Street Talk (Reissue) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/streettalk.htm)
Maria McKee - Live Acoustic Tour 2006 (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/liveacoustic.htm)
Lunatica - The Edge Of Infinity (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/theedgeofinfinity.htm)
Journey - Escape (Reissue) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/escape.htm)
Journey - Frontiers (Reissue) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/frontiers.htm)
Dokken - The Definitive Rock Collection (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/definitivedokken.htm)
Warren Zevon - Excitable Boy (Reissue) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/excitableboy.htm)
Woodale - Finish What You Start (EP) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/finishwhatyoustart.htm)
Warren Zevon - Stand In The Fire (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/standinthefire.htm)
House Of Lords - Live In The U.K. (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/holliveintheuk.htm)
Pride Of Lions - The Roaring Of Dreams (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/theroaringofdreams.htm)
Warren Zevon - The Envoy (Reissue) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/theenvoy.htm)
Eliza Gilkyson - Your Town Tonight (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/yourtowntonight.htm)
Steve Perry - For The Love Of Strange Medicine (Reissue) (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/fortheloveof.htm)
Chris Caffery - Pins and Needles (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/pinsandneedles.htm)
Black Sabbath - The Dio Years (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/thedioyears.htm)
Threshold - Dead Reckoning (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/deadreckoning.htm)
Kelly Keagy - I'm Alive (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/imalive.htm)
Robben Ford - Truth (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/truth.htm)
Kate Voegele - Don't Look Away (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/dontlookaway.htm)
Frederiksen-Denander - Baptism By Fire (http://www.rockislife.com/2007reviews/baptismbyfire.htm)

[Deathstroke]

New Reviews are up as of 2/12/07, check my signature!

[DonC]

I've been meaning to tell you, I finally got a copy of that Jon Oliva's Pain CD. That is some good stuff there. Great hard rocking songs with some cool ballads (even if I'm an athiest).

[Deathstroke]

I've been meaning to tell you, I finally got a copy of that Jon Oliva's Pain CD. That is some good stuff there. Great hard rocking songs with some cool ballads (even if I'm an athiest).

Did you think it was better, even, or worse than what my review said.

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 2/26/07.

[Deathstroke]

1 new review in my signature as of 4/2/07.

[Deathstroke]

5 new reviews in my signature as of 4/15/07!

[Deathstroke]

I've got a couple new reviews in my signature as of 5/1/07.

[Deathstroke]

Here's my latest review. It's just a mini one so I'm copying and pasting.

TEN
The Twilight Chronicles
Frontiers Records 2006
"I wanted to be able to rave over this album, but I found that it simply didn’t appeal to me all that much. I enjoyed “The Chronicles”, “Hallowed Ground”, and “Oblivion” immensely. The tracks are up-tempo and these are the songs where vocalist Gary Hughes shines the brightest. The guitar leads and solos from Chris Francis and John Halliwell are outstanding throughout most of the album. The problem I had with the album is that the rest of the vocal performance from Hughes struck me as remarkably bland. There wasn’t a whole lot of vocal modulation in his delivery and it made of lot of the vocals just blend together for me. The three songs I mentioned above are great, but this CD ends up sounding rather repetitive after a while."

-- Jay Roberts

2 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

New Reviews in my signature as of 6/5/06!

[Deathstroke]

New Reviews in my signature as of 7/31/07.

[Deathstroke]

One new link in my signature as of 8/17/07.

Here's a brief review of another album.

CROSSFADE
Falling Away
Columbia Records 2006

"The follow up to the band’s self-titled 2004 debut release continues the band’s trail of gritty vocals and aggressive guitar work. Vocalist/guitarist Ed Sloan has some really down and dirty guitar riffs on display throughout the disc. The opener “Washing The World Away” features some gruff guitar lines. Bassist/vocalist Mitch James and drummer James Branham combine with Sloan to form a heck of a rock trio.

The album features 10 edgy rockers that move from a midtempo groove to all out driving rhythms. “Already Gone”, “Drown You Out” and “Breathing Slowly” are superb examples of the latter while “Invincible” and “Someday” typify the former. The 11th track and album closer is the only real misstep in song selection. “Never Coming Home” is the lamb coming after the lion (the other 10 tracks). While the band’s lyrics can be a bit depressing at times, I really think the band has something going for it and look forward to seeing them continue their winning ways on their next album."

[Deathstroke]

There's a new review in my signature as of 9/10/07.

[Deathstroke]

I've got a couple new Reviews in Brief for anyone interested!

ENEMY REMAINS
S/T
SELF-RELEASED –2007
http://www.enemyremains.com

THE VERDICT

The band founded by ex-Fates Warning drummer Steve Zimmerman in 2005 combine a mix of their progressive metal roots and the traditional power metal sound of yesterday and today to form one amazing sound on their self-titled and self-released 3 song EP.
I loved the alternating gritty and soaring style of vocalist Brian Betterton. On “Live For Today” the main verses had the grit, while the chorus had the soaring style. The tempo variations within “Holdin’ On” are noteworthy and ear catching. The riffs and overall musicianship on “Fallen” were superb.
This was a great introduction to the band. The 3 songs are superb and I can only hope that it will be sooner rather than later before I hear a full-length album with some heavy label support. Yes, the disc was THAT great!

RATING

4 ½ of out 5


RICHIE KOTZEN
Into The Black
FRONTIERS RECORDS – 2006
http://www.richiekotzen.com

THE VERDICT

The ex-Poison guitarist continues to explore the musical landscape far and away from that glam metal period with the deeply blues influenced rock and roll found on Into The Black.
Kotzen’s got a nice gritty edge to his singing voice and his musical ability should be without question as he wrote, arranged, produced and performed the album by himself.
“Misunderstood” has a hot burning groove to it, while the last track “My Angel” closes the CD in a much slower fashion. The song still manages to have a sweet riff towards the end of the track though. The harder rock edged tracks “You Can’t Save Me” and “Sacred Ground” both have a flaming hot delivery.
I consider the Poison album Native Tongue the best release the band ever did. I think it comes as no surprise that it’s the only CD on which Kotzen played with the band. He’s got a great musical vision and he continues to unveil and refine it with every successive release. Into The Black is one beautifully wonderful step on that continuing musical evolution.


RATING

4 ½ out of 5

[Deathstroke]

Two new reviews in my signature as of 10/3/07!

[Deathstroke]

SONATA ARCTICA
Unia
Nuclear Blast Records 2007

"The musical pace is definitely on the high energy fast paced side, but “The Harvest” and “Fly With The Black Swan” are the only songs that resonate with any signs of life. Otherwise the album comes off as some very bloodless, cold and antiseptic prog metal."

-- Jay Roberts

2 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

STARZ
Greatest Hits Live
MVD Entertainment Group 2007

"The live collection of the 70’s rockers greatest hits seems to capture the band in fine form. The CD is compiled from at least 3 different performances and while I found the sound to be adequate to mediocre, the quality of their material does seem to shine through.

While I wouldn’t put the band in my own personal Top 10 of 1970’s rockers, they are pretty good. I think it is a shame I wasn’t musically aware in the 70’s because I probably would have liked the band. They’ve got a lively and energetic sound tied to that particular era and it does keep the ears engaged, even during the first half of the disc where the quality of the recording isn’t even as good as some bootlegs I’ve listened to over the years.

The audio quality is the biggest problem I had with the entire disc. I think if you are going to reissue this type of album, you really need to make the sound more presentable than what a typical bootlegger could accomplish.

You want to check out tracks like “Detroit Girls”, “Any Way That You Want It”, and “Cherry Baby” in particular, but surprisingly at least to me, each song is pretty good.
If you like the 70’s rock era, you probably know of the band. You’ll definitely like this release. If you, like me, weren’t really into music when you were less than 10 years old, Greatest Hits Live provides a look back to a time when hard rock was in the infancy stage of what the genre has become today.
"
-- Jay Roberts

2 1/2 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

MY 2008 CD REVIEWS

Overkill - Immortalis (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/imortalis.htm)
Squealer A.D. - Confrontation Street (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/confrontationstreet.htm)
Nightwish - Dark Passion Play (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/darkpassionplay.htm)
Winger - IV (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/4.htm)
Richie Kotzen - Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/returnofthemother.htm)
Robert Plant / Alison Krauss - Raising Sand (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/raisingsand.htm)
Queensryche - Take Cover (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/takecover.htm)
Warren Zevon - Preludes (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/preludes.htm)
Metallica - Death Magnetic (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/deathmagnetic.htm)
Sugarland - Love On The Inside (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/loveontheinside.htm)
Marc Cohn - Join The Parade (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/jointheparade.htm)
Melissa Etheridge - The Awakening (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/theawakening.htm)
American Angel - Vanity (http://www.rockislife.com/2008reviews/vanity.htm)


My review of the June 20th, 2008 Iron Maiden concert in Mansfield, MA is available via this link (http://www.rockislife.com/soundoff/ironmaiden2008.htm)

[DonC]

You summed up my feelings about that perfectly.

[Deathstroke]

You summed up my feelings about that perfectly.

We're thinking alike? That can't be good for the world.

[Deathstroke]

GODHEAD
The Shadow Line
Cement Shoes Records 2006

"Godhead’s most recent disc finds the band in peak form. The lead track “Trapped In Your Lies” is a real attention grabber. It’s a classy and classic rocker for the future to come. You’ll also want to check out “Once Before”. The song is another fantastic example of what makes Godhead so good. The band has a superb handle on how to approach their songwriting and it shows throughout the album because other than “Another Day” which I didn’t think much of, the musicianship and lyrical content is top-notch. They can rock with the best and then bring out the more moderate tempo for tracks like “Your End Of Days”.
Godhead is a fantastic live act and The Shadow Line CD lives up to the standard set by their performances."

[Deathstroke]

Here's some brief reviews I've done lately:

MARC COHN
The Very Best of Marc Cohn
Rhino Records 2006
"While he may not be as prolific as his fans might hope for, this collection showcases exactly why he is considered such a gifted songwriter." - Thumbs Up

THOMPSON ROBINSON WILLIAMSON
Rivers of Paradise
Frontiers Records 2007
"The debut album from TRW features a superbly pedigreed trio of musicians that have recorded and played with notables such as Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Steve Winwood and many more. The musicianship is without question. The members are big fans of classic rock and roll and the reverence they hold shines through.

The track “Gonna Be Some Changes” features some superb guitar work, “One Good Woman” holds up just fine under any critical scrutiny, and the song "Indiscretion” is a truly incredible recording. Sadly, for me at least, I found the rest of the material to be strictly adequate.

There was a bit of a flat feeling to tracks like “Only A Letter” and “Love Comes Calling.”I think that there is undoubtedly more to be heard from TRW, but right now, this just didn’t click for me fully." 2 1/2 out of 5


TRISHA YEARWOOD
Greatest Hits
MCA Nashville 2007
"The newest collection of one of country music’s brightest stars runs the gamut of her albums from first to last. All the big hits like “She’s In Love With The Boy”, “Wrong Side Of Memphis”, and “XXX’s And OOO’s (An American Girl}” are included in the 17 track set.

I was disappointed to see that they stuck to strictly the radio hits instead of including a couple of the more popular album cuts, but then again this is a hits collection and that normally implies radio success only. The two new cuts on the album “Just A Cup Of Coffee” and “Nothin’ To Lose” are both good songs. I wouldn’t necessarily included them among a best songs Yearwood has recorded, but they are good.

She has long been considered by this reviewer to be the premiere interpreter of other writer’s songs and I always lean towards her decision to record a song. This album, all in all, is a decent if relatively unspectacular package to encapsulate her career to date." 4 1/2 out of 5

CHANA ROTHMAN
We Can Rise
Oy!Hoo Records 2007
"The debut album from the folk slash singer-songwriter Chana Rothman finds the listener swept up in her quite obvious talent for melody. The lyrical content of the songs ranges from love to religion to social concerns. I’m not always a big fan of preachy type lyrics but when done right you can still hear an interesting viewpoint and be entertained musically. For the most part Rothman does the latter instead of the former.

I didn’t care for the plodding “One Stone” or the simply lacking “Draw A Circle” but I found myself really liking the rest of the album’s tracks. The song “Summer” is an outstanding combination of lyrics and music while “The Wind” has a slower paced delivery that echoes after the song ends. The very pointed “Walk A Mile” is probably the best example of the issue-oriented lyrics shining alongside with solid musicianship. In other words, a really good debut disc from a voice I’m sure we’ll hear more of in the future." 3 1/2 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

New Review in my signature as of 4/4/08!

[Deathstroke]

My latest review is of the latest Nightwish album.

Check out my signature.

[Deathstroke]

A new review is linked in my signature AND here's a new minireview:

GINA GERSHON
In Seach of Cleo
Takes the Biscuit 2007

"The actress turned singer-songwriter finds her debut disc filled with an array of alternative rock/pop songs and a few torch or cabaret type numbers as well.
The lead track is pure torch song. It’s a decent little way to open the disc. “Midnight Girl” is another good song, but the best track on this album has to be the bluesy stomp of “Marie”.

Sadly, while I’m sure there is an audience out there for this type of material, I am definitely not among that crowd. I found the rest of the songs rather ponderous and thunderously painful to listen to for review purposes.

I guess for me, I need a little more rock to go with the pop. Gershon is a good actress but I just can’t see her doing music full time if this album represents the best of the written material she has. She’s got a good voice, but you can’t make it on a good voice if there’s nothing to sing about."

1 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

New Review in my signature as of 6/6/08.

[Deathstroke]

A new CD review and a concert review are now posted in my signature as of 7/21/08.

[DonC]

It sucks that there were sound problems at the Maiden concert you went to.

[CoreyB]

Glad to hear you liked Robert Plant & Alison Krauss' Raising Sand. I've heard a song or two from it and was really impressed with the results of such an unlikely pairing. I'd like to get it eventually.

[Deathstroke]

Glad to hear you liked Robert Plant & Alison Krauss' Raising Sand. I've heard a song or two from it and was really impressed with the results of such an unlikely pairing. I'd like to get it eventually.

It's well worth the price. Fantastic album and I hope they do a second album together.

[Deathstroke]

New Review in my signature as of 8/24/08!

[Dr. Flem]

Ooooh, I was listening to the Robert Plant & Alison Krauss album today. It's so good! $5 at a friend's film fund-raiser.

[Deathstroke]

PAGAN'S MIND
God's Equation
SPV Records 2008

"The progressive and power metal mix put forth by Pagan’s Mind was previously unheard by me, but I was quite taken with their approach after listening to this disc. The two instrumentals on the album were decent. “The Conception” opens the album and “Farewell” conveys a finely constructed example of mood as the album preps to close out. The vocal work from Nils K. Rue is superb overall. I did think the pronounced delivery on “Hallo Spaceboy” seemed a bit forced. Otherwise, the guy is a vocal powerhouse.

As for the rest of the songs on the disc, you really can’t find much to fault with the material. “United Alliance” is a simply great tune that shines a light on each member of the band. I really got into the pounding rhythms of “Atomic Firelight” which ended up as my own favorite track. “Alien Kamikaze” and “Evolution Exceed” also burn and shred with their aggressive tempos. If you want to know how the band sounds when they slow down their aural assault, “Painted Skies” is the track you are looking for. The closing track “Osiris’ Triumphant Return” is a galloping burst of energy.

The band has over the course of their five albums carved out a place in the progressive metal pantheon with their tight songwriting and vibrant performances…I’m just sorry that I haven’t been onboard until now."

4 1/2 out of 5


and there's a new review linked in my signature as of 9/11/08.

[ibwib]

Is this a thread for CD reviews, or a thread for your CD reviews? I've got a few I'd like to post, but I'd hate to tread on toes.

[Deathstroke]

Is this a thread for CD reviews, or a thread for your CD reviews? I've got a few I'd like to post, but I'd hate to tread on toes.


Well the title says "My CD Reviews".... I started this thread to have a single thread to post my reviews instead of separate threads.

[Deathstroke]

INNERPARTYSYSTEM
The Download EP
Stolen Transmission 2007

"An interesting mix of straightforward rock songs ruined by an overabundance of “studio magic” dooms this EP in my eyes."

RATING: THUMBS DOWN


DOMAIN
Stardawn
Limb Music Productions 2006

"The album features superb symphonic metal with attacking musical interludes and well crafted story ideas with the songs"

RATING: THUMBS UP


HARTMANN
Home
Frontiers Records 2006

"I found myself really enjoying this album when I didn’t have any built in preconceptions of the artist from listening to past material. I liked the songs that featured the grittier rocking guitar sound more than the slicker produced material, but overall, there were only a few minor things that didn’t satisfy the musical hunger.

The songs of note included the very catchy pop sounding “Coming Home To You” as well as “The Sun’s Still Rising” and “Somewhere Someday”.

I don’t know what went wrong with “My Everything Is You” but even for a ballad it sounded excessively wimpy. The album did go out with kind of a whimper with “Crying” and “Lay All Your Love On Me”, two songs that did absolutely nothing for this reviewer’s ears.

I’m definitely interested in listening to more from Hartmann, especially if the material leans more towards a grittier sound as in 5 of the songs featured on the Home disc."

RATING: 4 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

And the point of your post is?

[Deathstroke]

I just got 24 new albums, 17 of which have to be reviewed.

So besides the five albums I have listened to but not written up yet, you can look forward to future reviews of:

Jimi Jamison
Crown of Thorns
Thunder
Ramos-Hugo
Honeymoon Suite
Metal Church
Exodus
Kiske
Eclipse
From The Inside
Godhead
Starbreaker
Joe Lynn Turner
Brother Firetribe
Avantasia
Benedictum
The Poodles

[Ottmeister X]

No Tesla album up for review?

[Deathstroke]

No Tesla album up for review?

I don't have a copy of it. I'll have to get it and honestly, with money the way it is, it is going to be a while.

I'd like to of course, but circumstances warrant doing the stuff I get for free before dropping cash on other stuff.

[Deathstroke]

No Tesla album up for review?

I didn't write this one but the review that was put up yesterday on the site is:


TESLA
Forever More
Tesla Electric Company 2008

"Tesla was one of those bands like Queensryche and Def Leppard that got lumped into the 'hair metal' crowd, when in actuality they weren't even close. How does acoustic bluesey guitars, experimental sounds, and thought-provoking songs even compare with the hair metal image? Yes, Tesla was a minor player in the music industry, finally finding a hit from someone else's material. Anyone that has followed the group knows they offered so much more than signs.

Forever More delivers a less bombastic Jeff Keith vocal. Clearly time has not been kind. He still maintains his gritty-ness, but just can't bring the range. That minor issue aside, the group delivers some dark material ("Forever More"), some anthemic material ("So What"), some high-octane energy ("All of Me"), inspirational material ("The First Time"), ballads ("Just in Case"), and some heart-felt tear-jerker's ("Pvt. Ledbetter)."

Tesla have hit their stride in 2008, and if this was a different era, the group would have a number one album on their hands.

4 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

SONIC X
Thirteen
Chavis Records 2008

" The 2nd album from Sonic X comes off as a solid if relatively standard collection of tracks that range from the basic hard rock format to the more metallic sounding material like “Disgrace”. That song features a killer guitar solo. The ballad “Breathe” avoids the path to sappy by adding just the right touch of crunch. The other two tracks that stood out best to me were “Carried Away” and the rocker “My Condition”.

I haven’t been able to put my finger on exactly who Adam Troy reminds me of as a vocalist, but there is a familiarity to his voice for some reason. I was a little disappointed when doing some research online for this disc to find rather important things missing from my review copy. The first thing is that the title of the disc appears nowhere on it. Also, the track listing online says there is supposed to be 16 tracks to the CD. Sadly, the disc I have has only 13. The phrase “the devil is in the details” is perhaps something that needs to be reinforced to whoever is responsible for that particular aspect.

In all, while I’m not going to run off and become a fanatical worshipper of the band, I did enjoy a majority of the band’s songs on Thirteen and will be interested in hearing more as time goes by."

3 out of 5

[Deathstroke]

A couple of new brief reviews:

ACTION
S/T
Frontiers Records 2007

"When I first listened to the CD I thought the first five tracks were awful. In going back to listen again to the album, I found my opinion changed. I still think the first five songs are weaker than the last 6 tracks but the lead track “Without Your Love” is actually quite a decent rocker. The 80’s rock vibe is present throughout the disc and I loved the guitar work on “Don’t Leave Me Lonely”.

The material consists of mostly up tempo rocker tracks and for me the songs “Loveless” and “Cinderella” are the standout cuts. If you grew up in the 1980’s, when you hear this album, I think you will find yourself transported back to that musical era and find that Action is definitely where it’s at!"

3 1/2 out of 5


GARY HUGHES
Veritas
Frontiers Records 2007

"I find it fascinating that an album showcasing the vocal prowess of Gary Hughes would also shine an equal light on rather outstanding guitar work. There are at least 6 songs that feature guitar riffs that simply shred. The title track features a strong musical intro with a high octane tempo. The smooth and dare I say velvety tones of Gary Hughes are in full bloom here and throughout the songs on the disc.

Veritas features a couple of power ballads and “Wide Awake In Dreamland” is pretty good at that. I loved the track “The Emerald Sea”; it’s probably the best song on the album. Other standouts included “Strange” and “All I Want Is You”. My main problem with the disc is “Synchronicity”. It has a 90 second opening that is among the most irritating things that I’ve ever heard in my life.

Worse yet is that it repeats in the background throughout the entire song. I darn near wanted to rip the CD out of my player and break it after listening to the 8 plus minute cut. You get a great melodic rock album featuring one of the best voices of the genre. You won’t be disappointed overall and you’ll find yourself with a touch of musical greatness."

3 out of 5