Queensryche featuring Geoff Tate – ‘Frequency Unknown’ album review.

 

 

Queensryche featuring Geoff Tate – ‘Frequency Unknown’ album review.

Released on: Deadline Records. Release date: Available now

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, here’s the first of two new releases by the band’s - Yes, I did say band's ...! - Queensryche and this is the lineup that features original singer Geoff Tate and none of the other members of the most recent lineup that still included Geoff Tate and recorded the 2011 album ‘Dedicated to Chaos,’ before last year’s band split.

Those other members have moved on and will have their new album featuring singer Todd Le Torre (Crimson Glory) released in June …

 

 

So what of this new album 'Frequency Unknown' featuring Geoff Tate, is it just another Geoff Tate solo affair following on from his solo release last year, ‘Kings and Thieves’ or has he tried to capture the Queensryche vibe at all?

 

Well, a couple of points are very clear and first off is that if he couldn’t have all of the last Queensryche lineup onboard, Geoff Tate would put together a very respectable lineup, to record an album under the title Queensryche.

He went back to grab a player from his pre-Queensryche days from the band Myth, in Kelly Gray who in fact was the guy who had replaced original guitarist, Chris DeGarmo who quit in 1997. – Kelly was let go from the band in 2002.

 

Also from his Myth days, Tate has brought in keyboardist Randy Gane who had also played keys on the Queensryche’s ‘American Soldier’ album and toured with the band prior to that.

 

 

Geoff Tate also decided to pull in a bunch of guest players for this new album cue guitarists, Brad Gillis (Night Ranger, Ozzy Osbourne.), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), KK Downing (Judas Priest), Ty Tabor (Kings X), Chris Poland (Megadeth) who all played guitar solos throughout the album and rhythm guitarist Craig Locicero (Forbidden) plays throughout and much travelled bassist Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Whitesnake, Dio) plays on three songs here.

Robert Sarzo (Hurricane), Rudy's brother also plays a solo on one song.

 

The also much in demand drummer Simon Wright (UFO, Dio, AC/DC) also plays on two of the album tracks as well as has been touring already with this version of the band, until recently where Brian Tichy (S.U.N., Whitesnake, Foreigner, Billy Idol, Gilby Clarke) has stepped in while Simon rejoins his band mates in Dio Disciples on tour in South America.

Another pro drummer involved is metal man Paul Bostaph (Slayer, Testament, Forbidden) who plays on four of the albums ten original new songs.

Other players involved here who I know little about really are Chris Cannella (Guitars), Evan Bautista (Drums) and the album’s producer Jason Slater who also plays bass and keyboards through the album and who actually produced three of the last four Queensryche releases before this one. So I guess I did know that about the guy!

That’s a lot of info on the people involved in this project and probably for many rock fans, perhaps you couldn’t care less about who played on this, as it’s not all of the guys from Queensryche’s past!
So, shall we get on with the music?

 

 

It is quite heavy in places, certainly comes across as angry from Tate too, just listen to his lyrics throughout and certainly I would guess that opening song ‘Cold’ is most likely directed at his former band mates who moved on with Todd La Torre.
Would I call it as progressive as many fans would like? I think it is in places.
I think this opening song is edgy, plenty of power chords yet it has a catchy melodic feel to it, plenty of keys splattered throughout.

 

‘Dare’ next is also full of attitude and I will say it almost nods at rock/rap here and there, which I know Tate has come close to before. Some weird chord patterns right after the mid-section and into the bridge.
Doesn’t work for me really, it’s OK.

 

 

Some of the phrasing on next track ‘Give It To You’ again tends to nod to borderline rock/rap and when I hear the line, ‘How’d you like me so far,’ I can’t help but be reminded of the song by The Heavy, ‘How’d You Like Me Now?’ Not a good feeling …
That said, Robert Sarzo plays some absolutely killer guitar here, love the solo, really is a winner!

 

 

‘Slave’ is very almost punky / grunge like and I really can’t put it any other way, it just is. Not too keen on this at all.

 

 

You know, there’s often been times when I listen to Geoff Tate’s voice and many times think he’s very similar in sound to Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, on ‘In The Hands of God,’ is just one such time, but that’s not to say the track sounds like Iron Maiden by any means.
It’s a kind of prog like track with its highs and lows for me throughout, it’s OK but I do have add, I really enjoy Ty Tabor’s guitar work on here, it’s actually very much in a similar vein to Neal Schon (Journey), very nicely done indeed.

 

‘Running Backwards’ starts with a creepy sound, not quite sure what it is, maybe messing with the guitar bridge before getting into heavy edged groove and then easing off a bit through the verses with Geoff Tate giving it a borderline rock/rap meets prog like vocal here and then it gets into a manic solo from guest player KK Downing.

It’s OK, but isn’t really growing on me even after a number of plays.

 

 

Next is ‘Life Without You’ which seems to have a little more commercial feel to it and there’s an interesting dark’ish, edgy solo from Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis, before getting back to the song and then Brad wraps up the song with a solo that sounds like something Zakk Wylde might do. Crazy!
   

‘Everything’ up next captures a kind of light and dark heaviness with some very melodic touches to it as well and once more, some very nice guitar work from Ty Tabor.

 

You know I’ve read all the stories about how badly mixed this album was and yes it may have been before, but I understand the version I have was redone and for all intents and purposes I think it sounds a very good mix, yes really, not bad at all.

 I also think there’s nothing wrong with Geoff Tate voice from his performance throughout, so to the doubters out there, I think you have it wrong …

 

I personally think the direction Geoff's looking for though is perhaps uncertain, but that's just my take, I'm sure live he's still belting out the classics just fine.

 

I do agree that his attitude issues which were very clear on the TV broadcast of last year’s Rocklahoma show, was bad and subsequent activities on the South American dates that followed that, which ultimately led to the split, were just simply wrong.
Really friction had been brewing for some time, so really the split was on the cards ..., but let's get back to the album here!

 

 

 

‘Fallen’ is up next and this features one of my favourite guitarists Dave Meniketti on the guitar solo.
The generally vibe on here captures a pretty atmospheric sound, with a lot of layers to it, good mix of sound, good emotional vocal performance and indeed the solo from Meniketti slots in well with a great band performance.

 

 

Last of the new material here is ‘The Weight of the World.’It’s a big epic like number that builds from it’s quiet, gentle intro into some big crunching power chords into rocking groove and then eases back off again …, think also of how Whitesnake’s ‘Still of the Night’ goes back and forth – Ed’s note: For the record, this sounds nothing like ‘Still of the Night!’ – and Chris Poland’s guitar solo is fantastic!

 

 

So, the new material done, what’s my take on that?
Is it back to classic Queensryche? I don’t think so.
Are there elements of it, yes, here and there, but overall I like the majority of the album, I think it’s a good rock album, but still there are two or three songs that even after a number of plays, didn’t do it for me.

 

 

On the remakes of ‘I Don’t Believe In Love,’ ‘Empire,’ ‘Jet City Woman’ and ‘Silent Lucidity,’ Geoff Tate has called on the services of Argentinian multi-instrumentalist, Martin Irigoyen who I knew absolutely nothing of before I saw his name here.

Basically Geoff sings and Martin does all the rest, well at least drums, guitars, bass …, but it doesn’t mention in the album’s sleeve notes, who is playing any keys …? Hmmm …

Randy Gane gets credit for the orchestration on ‘Silent Lucidity,’ Miranda and Emily Tate credit for backing vocals on the same track.
Nina Noir covers backing vocals on ‘Jet City Woman.’

 

Overall, good to hear these again, but I don’t hear any dramatic edge one way or the other with the four re-recordings.

Certainly a pretty respectable release with some very good performances.

 

 

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5

 

 

 Official website:

http://www.queensryche.com/

 

 

 

Links to purchase the album:

http://www.amazon.com/Frequency-Unknown-Queensryche/dp/B00BKBCGDW

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/frequency-unknown/id619342946

 

 

 

 



Axel Rudi Pell (ARP) – ‘Live on Fire’ album review

 

 

 

Axel Rudi Pell (ARP) – ‘Live on Fire’ album reviewReleased through: SPV/Steamhammer. Release date: Available now

 

 

 

 

 

 

The man that clearly, not enough people know of, but he deserves to be heard!

Axel Rudi Pell decided to go solo after the split of German rockers Steeler around 1988 / 89.
His solo band released their first album way back in 1989 and in total to date he has released fifteen – Yes, really! Where have you been people?! – A.R.P. studio releases, not to mention a few live albums along the way.

 

Clearly his popularity has its strongest foothold in his native Germany and perhaps here’s a little known fact that is why I am amazed that he has not had more success …

Across those fifteen studio releases, he has had some amazing singers in his band, something that even I was guilty of not knowing!

 

Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Journey, Talisman, Soul SirkUS) sung on four of them, Charlie Huhn (Ted Nugent, Gary Moore, Foghat) sung on the first one, Rob Rock (Impellitteri, M.A.R.S., Avantasia, Warrior) sung on one and the excellent Johnny Gioeli (Hardline, Crush 40) has sung on the past eight studio releases and also features here.

Other band members have generally come and gone, with the exception of bassist Volker Krawczak who has been present on every A.R.P. release, also current drummer Mike Terrana has featured on the past seven releases and keyboard whizz, Ferdy Doernberg on the past eight studio albums.

 

Axel Rudi Pell's sound – IMHO – kind of fluctuates, taking in influences such as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, The Scorpions, Dio / Black Sabbath featuring Ronnie James Dio, M.S.G. and at times, there’s without doubt some (Jimi) Hendrix appeal in there.
Heck, it’s even similar to some of Europe’s early material too, but then Axel has been doing this for a while, so hardly surprising that listeners will pick up on other similarities too.
Mr. Pell, I will add though, does like to go off on some lengthy diversions on some tracks, but the wonderful thing about his playing, is that he is clearly a lover of hearing keys alongside guitar on a pretty even balance, sometimes a rare thing, but it does help you understand why the Blackmore / Malmsteen comparisons.

So, if you’re a classic / hard rock fan and aficionado of those acts, I have a feeling, you should be checking this guy’s material out!   

  
I really am a newer fan of the guy, having heard the name for a number of years, but never – Foolishly! – having taken the time out myself to check him out until about three years back, having heard material from ‘The Crest’ and then the most recent studio album, ‘Circle of the Oath’ released in 2011 and reviewed on this site.

 

I think Jeff Scott Soto previous involvement is seriously, a little known fact, as whenever press releases for his material come out or any cross reference to his past works, sadly A.R.P. is rarely if ever mentioned and I am going to make it a priority to track copies of those releases down for sure!

 

 This is a really enjoyable live album, that I can play again and again, a great two disc set!

Events start with the intro and opening song from the last A.R.P. release ‘Circle of the Oath’ in the form of ‘The Guillotine Suite / Ghost in the Black’ and ‘Ghost in the Black’ is a great opening song, hard, heavy strong musically and vocally, love it!

Johnny Gioeli's vocals kind of come across a little differently throughout his performance here, at times pushing himself close to Ronnie James Dio, but he’s really not quite there, but simply put it's strong and also he seems to work hard at pleasing the German crowd with much interaction, even confessing later during the set that his grasp of the German language is crap, but at least he tries here and there with a few words.

 

‘Strong as a Rock’ from the ‘King’s and Queens’ album is great next number once more nicely blending the keyboards of Ferdy Doernberg and rocking guitar work of Axel Rudi Pell. During the song, Johnny urges the crowd to join in on the chorus and the participation seems a little restrained here, but it gets better as the performance goes on.

To those not familiar with the guitarist’s style, again I hear a lot of Blackmore influence in his playing on this track, but also where he hits the wah wah, certainly some Hendrix.

It’s all good to me!

Back to the ‘… Oath’ release for ‘Before I Die’ starting with some rabid guitar work and into the up tempo groove of the song and once more it’s a strong chorus. Hard rocking catchy stuff!

 

 

 

Next up is a medley capturing ‘The Masquerade Ball / Casbah / Dreaming Dead / Whole Lotta Love / Dreaming Dead (Reprise)’ that lasts just under eighteen minutes, with ‘The Masquerade Ball’ capturing a sound not unlike say M.S.G. or The Scorpions and no, there’s no Klaus Meine about it at all, so don’t expect it!

‘Casbah’ next has that haunting mystical Rainbow like underlying Hammond sound as the song kicks in, then before too long Johnny gets the crowd involved singing the chorus, it’s getting there!

Elements of ‘Dreaming Dead’ with some beautiful guitar work throughout here too. Almost (Tony) Iommi like at times and Blackmore at others, wonderful and then this merges into a little snippet of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ before finishing ‘Dreaming Dead’ with a touch of Black Sabbath’s ‘Heaven and Hell.’ Nice touch guys!

 

Mike Terrana then gets his solo spot and proves he’s no slouch, introduced by Johnny as ‘The animal, the beast … Mike Terrana!’This lasts for just over four minutes before Ferdi jumps in on keys, initially playing  Offenback’s ‘The Can, Can!’ Funny!

 Johnny Gioeli then talks about, ‘why can’t we do this while having some f**king fun!’
He does like to swear a bit, so if you’re easily offended, maybe you won’t appreciate that?

Next he introduces ‘Mystica’ which is very much in the groove of Rainbow / early Europe’s material too, of course this is all through Axel’s playing styles.

Johnny really has a Ronnie James Dio approach here, without a shadow of a doubt before the band take another diversion through Deep Purple’s ‘Mistreated,’ ironically a song Ritchie Blackmore carried over into his Rainbow band and this takes the song overall to just under the twelve minute mark, with some lengthy guitar interludes.

 

 

Now remember, this is just the CD version of this release, so now we’re onto CD disc two, as the band goes back in time to the ‘Oceans of Time’ release from 1998, for the title track itself.

The CD set captures thirteen tracks in total, including the various tracks that capture some great medleys.
If you track yourself down the DVD, it’s a two DVD set, encompassing a massive twenty four tracks, an interview with Axel, the story of A.R.P. and bonus video clip of the song, ‘Hallelujah’ which I’m guessing is a new track, but the press release and even his website do not elude to this ..?

 

Anyway on with the details of CD two and before they get into the track Johnny talks to the crowd a little and this is where when he’s explaining that this band has been going on almost fourteen years together, he says, ‘Don‘t let me have to say that in German! My Deutsch is Scheiße!‘ Which raises some laughter from the crowd ... Going on to add‚ ‘Fourteen years and I can say, Hallo! Sorry!‘

Anyway, on with the music ...

‘Oceans of Time’ is a generally easy going rock ballad, that picks up some towards the end, with Johnny Gioeli giving the song plenty of emotion with his vocal performance.

 

 

The title track of the latest studio release next, ‘Circle of the Oath,’ which is quite the monster track at just over nine minutes long.

From the slow building start Johnny gives an almost Robert Plant like vocal, but then the song does have a kind of Zeppelin feel to it, with Axel playing some deep stuff here and even some mystical strings added by Ferdy to good effect.

 

 

Back to the ‘Black Moon Pyramid’ album for ‘Fool Fool’ next which has a kind of Rainbow like feel to it and Johnny with his almost Ronnie James Dio style vocal. Good one!

 

 

We get a keyboard solo from Ferdy Doernberg next, who toys with the crowd a little before they then play ‘Carousel’ from ‘Oceans of Time,’ which completely rocks out and is hugely catchy, very much to like Europe’s ‘Storm Wind …’ Sorry, but it is, still an immensely enjoyable track, that takes a diversion with Johnny introducing the band, while the band jams some, before coming back on track again to wrap up ‘Carousel.’

‘Tear Down The Walls’ then blends into ‘Nasty Reputation’ to rock out at the end of the CD album version of this release.

 

Two very strong tracks with great hooks, although it’s kind of funny as one of the lines in ‘Nasty Reputation’ sings ‘Rock the Nation,’ so when they go off and the audience claps and cheers to bring them back, it’s interesting that they close with the encore ‘Rock the Nation.’

I do like this album, there’s indeed very much talent in this band, many great songs and if you’ve never checked out Axel Rudi Pell and you’re one of those rock fans that often picks up9albums to see how much material they like by a band, then get this ...

 

It really is a great collection of the bands past history blended with sprinkling of newer tracks.

‘Live On Fire’ rocks and now I want to track down the DVD!

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

 

 

Official weblinks:

http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de/index1.html

 

 

Purchase links:

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Fire-Axel-Rudi-Pell/dp/B00B0D915G/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_3

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-on-fire/id632028707

 

 

 

Saxon – ‘Sacrifice’ album review

 

  

Saxon – ‘Sacrifice’ album review
Released through: UDR / EMI. Release date: Available now.

 

 

 

 

Saxon are a band that readers of this site, for the past year or so have probably realised have indeed regained my support, with reviews in the past two years of CD’s, DVD and a gig review here in Detroit, during their ‘A Call To Arms’ tour.

 

I think I’ve already said plenty about the bands background in my previous coverage, so for the sake of regulars here, I won’t bore you again, for newer visitors just use the search function here and type in Saxon and you should find plenty to get you up to speed!

I will back track just a little though, to add that I thought ‘A Call to Arms,’ was an absolute breath of fresh air to me and the documentary ‘Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie’ great stuff indeed.

 

Biff Byford (Vocals) and Paul Quinn (Guitars) have been with the band from the start and current drummer Nigel Glocker (Drums) joined the band originally in '81 and although he has dropped in and out of the band here and there, he is the longest serving drummer to date with the band.
For his latest stint with the band he's been back onboard since around 2005.
Then there's the multi-talented Nibbs Carter (Bass, Keyboards) who's been with the band since '88 and 'newest' member Doug Scarratt (Guitars) who's been around since 1996.
They are a serious force to be reckoned with these days and have really got back into a great stride once more!    

 

Now we get ‘Sacrifice’ with a warning to all-comers ears that this is a little darker at times and certainly a heavier affair, no question about it.
That said I have no doubt that those fans of the era of Saxon that covered their heavier, less commercially edged stuff will love this!

 

 

Ed’s note: This copy of ‘Sacrifice’ is actually the second one I received, as the original promo for whatever reason came to me as a white labeled promo, but sadly it was just a blank disc, so I had to wait for the album to become officially available, before getting this copy. This one is fine by the way, but apologies for the review getting here a later than originally planned.

 

Intro track ‘Procession’ basically for me just delays getting into the album proper, but you know, it kind of brings back memories to me to how expectant I was of UFO when they released ‘No Place To Run’ the first post Michael Schenker era release.
It kind of makes me feel like just saying, ‘get on with it already!’

Sure enough it then launches into title track ‘Sacrifice’ and it’s a ‘get in there lads’ kind of approach, dirty metallic riffs double bass drums pounding and musically almost Metallica meets (Iron) Maiden.

 

For the most part I’m OK with the heavier switch back for the band, although I’m really not into the demonic echo on Biff’s vocals in the backing vocal ‘Sacrifice’ in the chorus.
A little too dark, in that sense and kind of kills it a little for me.

‘Made in Belfast’ starts with a little mandolin at the beginning before the bass and kick drum ease in and then some seriously crunching, dirty heavy riffs, before the song itself kicks in.
The mandolin returns here and there and you kind of perhaps wonder, ‘what’s the point,’ with so much heaviness elsewhere in the song.
It has its moments for me, but it just seems a little bit of an odd structure.

 

 

I’m very much reminded of earlier Saxon following the intro sound of a formula one car zooming by and then the opening riff of ‘Warriors of the Road,’ but here vocally Biff seems to push his voice a little harder it seems through the verses, perhaps a little more than he should and then the chorus actually seems very Maiden like.
There’s some interesting timing changes throughout and I do like the song overall, it is heavy, but good!

 

Next track ‘Guardians of the Tomb’ from its title right down to its structure is almost like the band paying tribute to Iron Maiden, seriously and forgive me but doesn’t the chorus come across just like the previous track? They are very similar choruses indeed.
Sounds good, don’t get me wrong, but … Well, when you hear this, you’ll know what I mean I’m sure!

 

 

‘Stand Up and Fight’ just really grabs me from its opening riff through the chugging verse into the very catchy chorus.
It’s a familiar Saxon song structure if heavier crunching, chugging chords throughout. Great guitar solo, really love it!

 

 

For next track ‘Walking the Steel’ the band almost to some extent, resurrect the elements of ‘Denim and Leather’ for the basic groove. Classic Saxon fans should most certainly relate to this one. It’s a solid, steady stomper generally with a wonderfully eased back bridge around the song’s midpoint, with some nice solo guitar work. Works for me!
 

‘Night of the Wolf’ starts with a frenzied guitar assault before easing back a little for the verses and then crunching guitars once more for the chorus, then the bridge bring in acoustic guitars for a nice interlude before building back into its main groove, where it’s seriously heavy. It’s an epic like track, with its light and dark touches throughout.

 

The very dark ‘Wheels of Terror’ has a kind of Metallica vibe to it and pretty much maintains this throughout.

 

 

I’ve read in other reviews criticisms of the final track – on this standard version of the album. – about the very basic nature of the song title and lyrics for ‘Standing in a Queue’ and yes, OK it is simplistic in that sense, but it’s no doubt Biff and the guys association with their fans.
Think ‘And the Bands Played On,’ ‘Denim and Leather,’ ‘Back In ’79,’ etc for common threads here.
Yes, it’s basic in that context, but it worked before and otherwise it’s a good solid Saxon rocker to close the album.

 

This review covers the basic standard album that has a surprisingly short running time of just over thirty nine minutes and while you may track down the iTunes version with the bonus track, ‘Luck of the Draw’ that only adds another three minutes or so.
There is a deluxe two CD version out there with five bonus tracks on the second disc, an orchestrated version of ‘Crusader’ done in similar fashion to what the band did on the magnificent ‘A Call To Arms’ release and its title track. Also on the bonus disc are different re-recorded versions of ‘Just Let Me Rock,’ ‘Requiem,’ ‘Frozen Rainbow’ and ‘Forever Free’ too.
I have heard those tracks and they are very well done.

As a bonus disc, I think it’s great!

 

 

 

It’s funny, nay sad that Saxon seem to be reducing the length of their new album material each time a little more over the past three releases and I’m not including the bonus stuff, that you’d have to pay more for if you wanted those versions, but just look at the pattern: 2008’s ‘Into The Labyrinth’ was just under fifty five minutes, ‘A Call To Arms’ clocked in at just over forty three minutes – Again ignoring pricier bonus version. -  and now ‘Sacrifice’ at under forty minutes.

 

Perhaps it’s a theory of quality over quantity being used, as that was pretty much what Steve Lukather (Toto) had told me about his last solo release ‘Transition’ being so short and also that most people’s focus tends to drop a little if something becomes a little longer, drawn out some songs may possibly be considered mediocre. Perish the thought!

 

I personally think it’s a shame, but maybe there’s more to it, relating perhaps more to so much ‘stealing’ of new music from artists, where certain ‘individuals’ rip artists off, depriving them of potential royalties by file sharing again and again and I know firsthand, that this tends to put artists off recording complete new albums these days. Many artists have told me that why should they bother taking countless hours in writing new material, going through the painful hour after hour recording and doing retake after retake, because they want it perfect, only for thieves to steal it, sometimes before it’s officially released.
Sometimes even before review promo copies are available to reviewers like myself, it’s just wrong!

So I got off track there folks sorry, so to sum it up …

 

 

Saxon’s ‘Sacrifice’ is once again a good release, to me personally and it is just me when I say that I don’t think it’s as strong as ‘Call To Arms’ it’s like it’s lacking something, but to Saxon fans, it’s metal and that’s all that matters, right ….?!

 

 

Rating: 3.75 out of 5


Website:
http://www.saxon747.com/

Links to purchase 'Sacrifice':
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sacrifice/id593627083?ls=1
http://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice/dp/B00B4YAQ5A/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1

 

  

Krokus – ‘Dirty Dynamite’ album review

 

 

Krokus – ‘Dirty Dynamite’ album review

Released on: The End Records. Release date: Available now.

 

 

 

 

Although Krokus were started originally around the mid-70’s they really didn’t make any significant impact until Marc Storace came onboard prior to the release of their fourth album, ‘Metal Rendez-vous’ album in 1980, which spawned hits such as ‘Bedside Radio,’ ‘Tokyo Nights’ and ‘Heatstrokes.’

 

It was with this lineup that inroads were made towards the bands varying levels of success.

 

 

Honing ‘their’ own take on a sound that made AC/DC such a household name, not to mention a vocalist with a sound very akin to Bon Scott (RIP), they really did start to win over fans around the world.

 

 

The follow up album ‘Hardware’ (1981) further established the abilities of Storace, founder Chris von Rohr (Bass/Vocals), guitarists Tommy Kiefer (RIP) and Fernando von Arb and drummer Freddy Steady to co-write themselves into charts everywhere!

 

Mark Kohler replaced Kiefer for next album ‘One Vice at a Time’ (1982) which included the hit’s ‘Long Stick Goes Boom’ and the band’s take on ‘American Woman,’ originally by The Guess Who.

 

 

The album ‘Headhunter’ (1983) next, included guest appearances from Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Jimi Jamison (Survivor) and became the band’s first gold certified album in the US and has since become platinum, helped significantly no doubt by the success of single ‘Screaming in the Night’ and plenty of MTV and radio play.

 

Steve Pace replaced drummer Freddy Steady, who’d been with the band since 1977.

 

 

 

‘The Blitz’ (1984) seemed to gain the band possibly their greatest North American success with a hit single in ‘Midnite Maniac’ as well as the band’s cover of The Sweet’s ‘Ballroom Blitz’ picking up plenty of airplay too.

 

 

Lineup changes continued as well, for subsequent releases ‘Change of Address,’ ‘Heart Attack,’ ‘Stampede,’ ‘To Rock or Not To Be,’ ‘Round 13,’ ‘Rock The Block’ and ‘Hellraiser.’

 

In 2010 the reunited ‘classic’ lineup of Krokus released ‘Hoodoo,’ which sadly had no impact in the US, but still achieved reasonable success in Europe including #1 in their native Switzerland.

 

 

 

So now we get ‘Dirty Dynamite,’ which although it is not the classic lineup, it's close with all but Tommy Kiefer involved, as he sadly passed away in 1986. 
Mandy Meyer (Asia) once again returns to the band on this album, he had originally stepped into Krokus on the bands 'Hardware' tour, when Kiefer quit the band around that time.
He had first officially recorded with the band on their 2006 'Hellraiser' release.
Meyer was out again though in 2008 when the original lineup of the band joined forces once more and as previously mentioned they released 'Hoodoo' in 2010, sans Meyer ...
So ....

 

'Dirty Dynamite' is a very good album indeed, with perhaps one ‘strange’ track included, but I can understand why they’ve done it …, I suppose.

 

The album – I’m sorry, but … - has an awful cover picture of a bulldog, with shades on and a cigarette hanging out the side of its mouth, sitting in what appears to be a shady back street alley. That said, don’t let that put you off getting this album, as it’s a very strong release indeed.
My thoughts on the cover folks, that's all ....

 

 

 

  Opener ‘Hallelujah Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is a great rocking opener and truly sounds like classic Bon Scott era AC/DC, I mean seriously Marc Storace’s voice sounds more like Bon than it ever has before!

It does however open with a dog growl, then it kicks in with a great groove and a very strong chorus line. Killer opener! Nice return to form!

 

 

 

‘Go Baby Go’ follows in similar style to many an AC/DC track, even a nod to Status Quo possibly too, with a sub underlying almost ‘Caroline’ style riff towards the end of the guitar solo, but nonetheless totally enjoyable stuff indeed!

This one is the chosen media favourite track here in the States right now.

 

 

 

‘Rattlesnake Rumble’ is kind of ZZ Top meets Status Quo and it’s a fun bluesy jam. Nothing too fancy, which is perfect.

Down and dirty rockin’ 12 bar blues with a simple yet strong chorus, same as with ‘Go Baby Go.’ It just works so well!

 

 

 

It’s the very ‘Girls Got Rhythm’ like sound that is ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ next. Jamming guitar solo!

 

Seriously folks, if you have missed Bon Scott, you will love this, Brian Johnson much as I love what he brought to AC/DC can’t come close to what Marc Storace does on perhaps the best album AC/DC didn’t make!

That is with perhaps the exception of the next track, but then you call it folks …

 

 

 

Krokus have decided to cover The Beatles ‘Help’ next and they’ve done it in a ballad style, which actually comes across like Nazareth’s version of ‘Love Hurts.’
It’s OK for me, guess I just prefer their rockin' style.

 

I don’t know though, did they really need to put a cover song on here?
I just feel that perhaps they got so knocked in the past by folks in some certain rock elements for doing that just a little too much on previous releases, I kind wondered why they would do it again?
I understand that they chose to do so, since all the vocals were recorded at the Abbey Road studio, where the Beatles recorded so many classics.

 

Here are the facts though, I mean how much attention will this release get, with it being released on a small label and with how much promo behind it that as well, I really don’t know, which is a real shame since this really is a strong release from Krokus.

This album really deserves rock fans attention!!!

 

 

‘Better than Sex’ comes next with hints of ‘Sin City’ - How appropriate is that?! - possibly thrown in for good measure and this one is a steady slow grooving rocker, right down to the laid back bridge, that eases back some more then builds back up again and into its original groove. Cool!

 

 

Next up the song title reads as ‘Dog Song’ but it has a chorus that really should be titled ‘All Night Long.’

It’s another very AC/DC like grove again and it works!

 

 

 

‘Yellow Mary,’ hmm, not so sure on that song title guys, but the song has a bit of a Quo touch to be honest.

Chorus is a big vocal as it should be, but perhaps the song itself overall is a little average to everything else here.

 

 

 

‘Bailout Blues’ next I feel sounds possibly like a cross between AC/DC and Free, if you can figure that one out.

Strange call I know, but there’s simply no escaping the bands biggest influence throughout – AC/DC – which I’m sure Chris von Rohr would be the first to admit, but there’s like an underlying groove that’s very like Free were back in the day. 

 

 

It’s all good though and again, when you think Krokus have been out of the mainstream for so long really, this could really be an album to get them back in the public eye again.

 

 

 

With ‘Live Ma Life’ it is a great grooving riff and this is again serious Bon Scott era AC/DC turf, but with some clever Krokus touches.

Some nice guitar work again as well! Well done guys!

 

 

 

The AC/DC meets Quo touch really applies to ‘Hardrocking Man’ and it’s a true rock ‘n’ roll tune, with typical if a little cheesy lyrics and a seriously basic chorus that just simply repeats the song title over and over, but there’s interesting guitar break not unlike The Shadows to add to making it interesting. 

 

 

 

The title track ‘Dirty Dynamite’ is the album closer the way this copy of the album runs and I can’t help thinking that this whole album is perhaps going to appeal to more European fans than US fans, as the Quo touch is there again, even with some honky-tonk piano as well, but I hope I'm wrong. Fun jam!

 

The title track was apparently chosen as the leadoff single in Europe and really I could see why and it may well give them a hit again there, who knows? They deserve it by what they’ve done here I believe and maybe if the right folks here in the States hear this, it will get them some attention here too.

 

 

 

Check it out folks, I really enjoyed it, even if the cover tune I’m not 100% convinced about.

 Welcome back to the limelight – Hopefully – Krokus, you’ve got a good one here!

 

 

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

 

 

 

Official Website:

www.Krokusonline.com

 

 

 

 

Purchase links:

http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Dynamite-Krokus/dp/B00AW8VUDG/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dirty-dynamite/id596603348

 

 

 

 

 



Chambers of Rock Site Update - April 2013

 

 

Chambers of Rock - April 2013 Site Update.

 

 

Hi All,

 

Well folks, it's been a while since you've seen anything here except for the odd album or DVD review and yes, right now I still am not in a situation where I can provide you all those news updates and press releases that I have done in the past.

All I can say is that I still hope to get that all back on track.

 

I do this site for the love of the music and to try and plug a number of acts / artists who I feel have for many years worked so hard in the rock industry and deserve more attention ...

I do what I can, even if it is limited.

 

For all my life outside of playing in and out of rock bands since the age of 15, I have loved rock music and really worked in the world of automotive by day, for the majority of my life.

Working in automotive in the US, compared to the UK is worlds apart, the daily demands are insane, crazy!

I wish I had more time for the site, but I promise you loyal readers this, even if it is limited updates, I will do my utmost to keep this up to date.

 

I have had interview opportunities that sadly I have had to turn them down, why?

Typing up the interviews takes a ridiculous amount of time and no, voice recognition software does not work, nor it seems does the offer from certain friends and family to help type it up ... It ends up coming back to me to finish.

I try to type up reviews in lunch breaks at work that now seem virtually non-existent.  Sad but true.

 

I just felt that since many of you have stuck by me, the least I could do was give you an explanation as to where things were at.

I wish I was in L.A. tonight folks, as I was invited to the Heaven + Earth 'Dig' CD launch party and boy, I bet it will be a great show!

Check out the CD review here:

http://www.chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2013/03/heaven-earth-dig-album-review.html

 

 

Yesterday I even received an exclusive invitation to attend the first media playback of the new Black Sabbath album '13' also happening this afternoon in Hollywood.

 

I guess I live in the wrong city ..., sometimes!

 

I do want to share, stick with me folks, new reviews are coming soon on new releases from Saxon, Krokus and some previously unreleased Jeff Healey material!

 

Some of my PR contacts remain loyal and will still send me certain releases, thank you folks, you know who you are and I appreciate it and I remain loyal to you guys to in supporting those artists YOU are working hard to promote.

Good job guys!

 

Thanks again to everyone that has enjoyed C.O.R. and those of you that continue to check back on what is available here!

Work and a busy family life is tough act to balance, then throwing this site in, tougher still, but I'm not a quitter and I WILL persevere, thank you, rock fans everywhere for your loyal support.

 

Take care and keep on rockin' ... Summer is a comin'!!! :)

 

Al

Editor / Owner - Chambers of Rock

 

 

 

 

 



W.E.T. ‘Rise Up’ album review

 

 

 

 

   

W.E.T. ‘Rise Up’ album review

 

Released on: Frontiers records.  Release date: Available now.

 

 

 

 

 

What a great coup of talent in this project – Hard to call it a true band as such, when each of these guys are main players in their individual ‘main’ bands. – that features Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Yngwie Malmsteen, Soul SirkUS, Journey) on vocals, Robert Säll (Work of Art) keyboards and guitars, Erik Martensson (Eclipse) guitars, bass, keyboards and helps on vocals too.

 Also helping out on here are fellow Eclipse members Magnus Henriksson (guitars) and Robban Bäck (drums).

 

 

 

The name W.E.T. stems from the main players previous – in Soto’s case – or current bands.

The ‘W’ is from Robert Säll’s Work of Art, the ‘E’ from Martensson’s Eclipse and ‘T’ from a previous band of Soto’s in Talisman.

 

This is the unit’s second release, after all the accolades they received from their first release and a pretty nice piece of work it is too!

The biggest problem with no longer receiving physical copies of albums, is you don't know, who's playing what on which track, so whilst I know Jeff is singing throughout, I couldn't give you any clue as to who is playing which guitar solo?!
Sad indeed ...

 

 

 

Opener ‘Walk Away’ is rocking AOR in a similar fashion to say Journey and maybe people will say, ‘Why do you draw comparisons?’ The thing is, when you hear it for yourself, you’ll find it hard not to also!

Great vocals and musically truly gelling as a band of say many more years history would do and pull together, really strong!

 

 

 

 ‘Learn to Live Again’ has elements of that same Journey type sound although I’m really aware of a strong Bon Jovi type vibe to this too - Sorry if that offends?! - from their strong era of writing, NOT the country style they were leaning to with their last album or two.

Again, highly enjoyable and strong in all departments, nicely done!

 

 

 

Title track ‘Rise Up’ is a monster melodic rocker and a very apt title track indeed. I just love it, making this album kick-off with three truly strong and magical tunes!

 

 

 

‘Love Heals’ starts atmospherically before getting into true and classy power ballad territory. Wonderful layering in the song structure, great harmony vocals, simply where needed not overly used.

 

 

 

Next up we get ‘What You Want’ which grows into a monster strong chorus, supported by simple yet powerful catchy power chords and a wonderful bridge, class AOR indeed.

 

 

 

‘The Moment’ comes right out of the starting blocks with no messing and hits the chorus in no time at all, with short snappy verses.

 Great up tempo number, nice solo as well and Jeff Scott Soto is singing better than ever, I swear!

 

 

 There is no bad track here at all, nothing average even and with this line up of talent you’d really expect nothing less.

 

‘Bad Boy,’ is again a very Journey like up tempo number, well-crafted musically, huge vocals throughout, even a nod to Van Halen possibly here and there, just little touches you know. Great track!

 

 

 

‘On The Run,’ seems to start a little darkly perhaps, riff wise but then Jeff’s vocals soon clean that up.

 It seems to have that chug along type vibe through the verses, without chug along guitars. There’s so much going on here musically, a little busy but very nicely done indeed. Nice guitar interaction throughout.

 

 

 

When I saw the title of the next track I wondered if the guys here had taken on the Mr. Mister classic ‘Broken Wings,’ but it’s not. It actually starts sounding not unlike a certain Dare track I recall – 'The Raindance' – I know, I know, shame on me drawing comparisons …

 It soon takes its own direction .., kind of … and is once again another winner, with a great chorus once again. These guys have certainly established a great song writing partnership, of that there is no doubt at all.

 

 

 

Next track ‘Shot’ is without doubt a slightly more edgy riff, if contagious, but it keeps it’s melody with keyboard touches here and that great melodic voice that belongs to the mighty Jeff Scott Soto!

 Very hook laden catchy rocker.

 

 

 

The power ballad returns with ‘Still Believe In Us,’ and it has some simple piano touches which are very effective here and there, that then get replaced by strings further in and it’s a really wonderful track.

 

 

 

The album closes with the rocking ‘Still Unbroken’ a little Bon Jovi like for hooks, but then hits the midpoint, which really takes a nice twist with beautiful guitar solo work and then comes back in to finish strong.

 

 

 Yes, this is yet another new album that is very pleasing on the ears from the first time you play it. Very strong indeed, plenty of melody, loads more hooks and yet still rocks out with a passion!

 

Thank you W.E.T. for a fine piece of work indeed!

 

 

 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Official Weblinks - FYI: There is no official W.E.T. site:
http://jeffscottsoto.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JeffScottSoto
https://www.facebook.com/robert.sall.5
https://www.facebook.com/erik.martensson.18
www.Frontiers.it