CD REVIEWS
CD Reviews
Serj Tankian 'Elect the Dead,' H.I.M. 'Sceamworks: Love in Theory and Practice," and Alan Parsons 'Live in Madrid' CD Reviews
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 March 2010 17:37 Written by Gus Griesinger, Leah Burlington, Thom Jennings Tuesday, 09 March 2010 11:23
Serj Tankian -Elect the Dead
Serj recorded one of his recent solo performances on March 16, 2009 with the backing of the 70-piece Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. With orchestral assistance and direction provided by John Psathas, Serj brings his first solo CD to life with the help of the amazing ensemble and delivers an exceptional performance consisting of 14 tracks. His unique writing style mostly reflects his dedication to various humanitarian causes and that feeling penetrates through the majority of the performances. His vocals shine on tracks such as “Sky is Over,” “Baby,” “Honking Antelope,” and “Falling Stars.” In the middle of “Falling Stars,” Serj delivers a direct message about global warming, obviously another issue he feels strongly about.
The ever changing tempo of the track “Money” shows the diversity of Serj more than any other track on the CD. The CD ends with his hit “Empty Walls,” which is accompanied by an amazing arrangement of strings and piano. Overall, this is truly a one-of-a-kind performance by Serj and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
This package will be released in 3 formats: CD/DVD, CD, and vinyl. Check out our recent interview we did with Serj talking about this amongst other things: http://www.backstageaxxess.com/index.php/interviews/189-serjinterview.
Review by Gus Griesinger
H.I.M. - Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice
I have loved H.I.M. since I first heard them in '01 or '02 when they were first hitting the states and being pushed by Bam Margera, who
really drew attention to the band by having them appear on his show and plastered their 'Heart-o-Gram' symbols everywhere.
Nearly a decade later, this band made up of singer-songwriter, Ville Valo, guitarist, Mikko "Linde" Lindströmare, bassist, Mikko "Migé" Paananen Drummer, Mika "Gas" Karppinen, and keyboardist, and Janne "Burton" Puurtinen are still around, much to my surprise and pleasure. Toting their new album, ‘Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice,’ H.I.M will embark on a tour that will be cruising into Las Vegas on April 24th at the HOB.
The CD starts out with the "In Venere Verita’s,” which is upbeat at first with Linde playing the guitar in his signature style and Ville singing of wounds that aren’t meant to heal. Then it moves smoothly into “Scared To Death” which shows Ville’s vulnerable side, as the lyrics speak of being scared to death to fall in love. That goes straight into the first single chosen from this CD called “Heartkiller,” which is another ode to the pain of love. “Dying Song” is a slower ballad that has highs and lows that soar with grace.
From the striking ballad “Disarm Me (With Your Lonesliness)” to “Love, the Hardest Way” and “Acoustic Funeral (For Love in Limbo)” the lyrical commentary throughout the record seems to focus on three basic human elements we all experience, love, pain and death. “Kathrine Wheel” is very catchy, but again, still very dark. While, “Into the Arms of Rain” starts out like an old song we’ve heard before, very nostalgic. I really love this song, and feel it will be a hit in the right markets with cool and catchy lyrics that are pure poetry.
Whether it’s the cold and dark of the Scandinavian climate of Finland, or just Ville’s tortured soul crying out, H.I.M exudes the essence of darkness and their music moves me like no other. If love is this painful in real life maybe it’s time to be alone! I really like the CD and am glad they are still around and don’t intend to change.
Review by Leah Burlington
Alan Parsons - Live in Madrid
Alan Parsons is perhaps best known for his work in the recording studio on legendary albums like the Beatles 'Abbey Road' and Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon.' In addition to his engineering work, Parsons led a successful progressive rock band called The Alan Parsons Project, which was not a band in the true sense of the word; instead, songs were recorded with the help of various studio musicians under the guidance of Parsons and keyboardist Eric Woolfson.
That is what makes Parson's latest release, 'Live in Madrid,' so intriguing. The CD being released this month was recorded on May 14, 2004, at Plaze Mayor in Madrid. Parsons backing band does a nice job recreating the polished sound of songs made popular by The Alan Parsons Project, like "Games People Play" and "Eye in the Sky." However, where the band really shines is on lesser-known numbers like "Psychobabble" and "Damned if I Do." On both numbers, the guitar work of Godfrey Townsend is nothing short of spectacular.
Parsons' vocals are featured on three of the songs, including "Don't Answer Me." Even though Parsons does not have a strong voice, he sings the songs well. At times, he almost sounds like Dave Davies of the Kinks. P.J. Olsson, John Montagna, and Steve Murphy also share lead vocal duties with Olsson having the strongest voice on numbers like "Damned if I Do" and a new song titled, "More Lost Without You."
Overall, 'Live in Madrid' is a good listen and although the arrangements remain true to the originals, the disc does capture the energy of a live concert and will certainly please longtime fans and casual listeners of Parsons.
Review by Thom Jennings
Brian Howe and Giant CD Reviews
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 March 2010 02:13 Written by Dee Haley Monday, 01 March 2010 23:16
Brian Howe - Circus Bar
Brian Howe, a veteran British singer and songwriter, best known for replacing Paul Rodgers as the lead singer for Bad Company, has recently released a solo album called Circus Bar on Frontiers Records. The new CD is his first release in 13 years. Howe's career was initially bolstered in 1983 when he handled lead vocals for Ted Nugent on his Penetrator album and subsequent tour.
Howe's pop-rock sound shines through on this melodic CD. His vocal quality has not faltered. Howe successfully kept Bad Company's original momentum going and is apparently pressing on to do the same with his new solo effort.
"I'm Back" is the first track on the CD and certainly tells a story. It's a pretty straight and forward rock-n-roll tune. It's anthem-like lyrics are a reminder that Brian is back and ready to rock. Although the Bad Company style lingers throughout this CD, after 10 years with Bad Company, Brian's personal style both contributed to and meshed with that band. Therefore, the similarity should come as no surprise. "Life's Mystery" is a slower song and has a reflective 'life is short' attitude. Lyrically, this track is brilliant. It's inspirational and somehow puts even a positive spin on funerals. That's quite an achievement. "There's This Girl" picks up the tempo a bit and sports a classic rock vibe. It's catchy and makes you want to sing-a-long. A rock ballad called "Surrounded" has a heavier guitar part, while an acoustic beginning to "Flying" is both melodic and angelic with a folkish feel.
Remakes of Bad Company's "How 'Bout That" and "Holy Water" are also on this CD. "How 'Bout That" is pretty true to the original version. "Holy Water" is more orchestrated. The heavier guitar parts in the original were replaced with acoustic guitar. There's also an acoustic piano which replaces most of the previous percussion sounds. Vocally, Brian's performance on this track is stellar. The musical changes seem to really bring out the vocals, which were great in the first place. "Little George Street" is the final track and an interesting little ditty to wrap up this CD, which takes us from Brian's return in "I'm Back" to Brian's beginning on "Little George Street" where he grew up. Little George Street is also referred to on a previous track called "My Town". 'Circus Bar' is a predominantly mid-tempo pop/rock CD with some blues and folk influence. If you like Bad Company, you will surely enjoy this CD. If you're looking for a piece of Uncle Teddy, you won't find much of that here, but it's still a good CD and definitely worth a listen.
Giant - Promise Land
GIANT's come-back album "Promise Land" is set to be released in the United States on March 9, 2010, on Frontiers Records and Backstageaxxess.com was able to give it a listen and let you know what to expect.
Giant is comprised of founding members David Huff (drums) and Mike Brignardello (bass), along with Terry Brock (singer, formerly of Strangeways & Seventh Key) and John Roth (guitar, formerly of Winger). This melodic rock quartet is packed with talent. In Giant's fourth (4th) release, 'Promise Land,' each member brings a bit of himself to the mix.
"Believer (Redux)" is the opening track and it comes on strong with an ethereal intro filled with classic '80's hair band style and the distinctive sound that only comes from the overuse (in this case a good thing) of a tremolo bar. The title track, "Promise Land", has strong crisp vocals and Giant keeps the faith in "Never Surrender". David Huff's Christian-Rock background shines through lyrically on these tracks and the powerful vocals make a statement. The heavy guitar riffs in "Prisoner of Love" and throughout the CD add a hard rock edge. "Our Love" and "Through My Eyes" are rock ballads. "Plenty of Love" is guitar heavy, yet fun and simple. It's a straight forward rocker along with the rebellious "Double Trouble" track. This CD finishes with a bite. "Complicated Man" is a bonus track with a faster, heavier beat. Personally, it's my favorite track. "Save Me" is another straight up rock tune with a bluesy backbone.
This CD has a recognizable sound, but it's not exclusive to Giant. There are many parts to this whole. Nonetheless, it's fun way to breathe new life into eighties rock, especially if you're a fan of the genre.
Rob Zombie 'Hellbilly Deluxe 2' CD Review and Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper together touring news
Last Updated on Sunday, 07 March 2010 22:17 Written by Gus Griesinger Monday, 22 February 2010 12:38
Rob Zombie ‘Hellbilly Deluxe 2’
Dark overtones lead into the opening of “Jesus Frankenstein”. The song has many different paths as it goes from dark to heavy to light to a heavy chorus of “All hail Jesus Frankenstein.” The song is very different from the rest of the tracks on the CD. The typical track you come to know Zombie by is “Sick Bubblegum”. It ‘s the second single and has a smooth beat you can move to. “What" is a tune that brings out the horror movie background in Zombie and has that 60’s vibe of those old TV shows like The Munsters or The Addams Family.
A guitarist who clearly doesn’t get enough respect is John 5. He shows his amazing versatility on “Mars Needs Women” as he dons the acoustic and electric guitar during this track and a slide guitar during “Werewolf, Baby!” Zombie goes into describing how Hollywood is the pit that sucks everyone’s dreams in the tune “Death and Destiny Inside Dream Factory”. Most of the songs have a pre-recorded message at the beginning of the track, which also is becoming a trademark of Zombie’s music. A four-and-a-half minute drum solo by Tommy Clufetos is included in the middle of “The Man Who Laughs”. When is the last time you heard a drum solo in a song on a studio CD? That was unexpected but it worked for this track.
This CD falls into the line of previous Zombie releases, which should make longtime Zombie fans foam at the mouth and want to go out and get it!
WELCOME TO THE GHOUL SHOW: HORROR ROCK
ICONS ROB ZOMBIE AND ALICE COOPER TO SHARE
STAGE FOR THE GRUESOME TWOSOME TOUR
It’s a bill that fans of horror and hard rock could only dream of until now: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper sharing the stage for a night of theatrical rock n’ roll madness. For the first time ever, the “gruesome twosome” will play an exclusive limited run of North American tour dates beginning April 26th at the MTS Center in Winnipeg, MB. Rob Zombie commented, “The dream or the nightmare comes true! Me and The Coop have been talking about touring together for the last 15 years and finally the moment is here. This will be without a doubt a Rock ‘N’ Roll Spooktacular for all the Cool Ghouls.” Alice Cooper added, “I’m looking forward to theses concerts with Rob. It’s sort of like Dracula Vs. Frankenstein. We’re like this generation’s classic monsters. When we’re not onstage frightening audiences, we’ll be backstage trying to scare each other.”
Following the dates with Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and longtime bandmates guitarist John 5, bassist Piggy D and drummer Tommy Clufetos will hit the road for an extensive North American trek to co-headline this year’s Mayhem Festival (visit: www.robzombie.com or www.myspace.com/robzombie
It’s been a busy year for multi-platinum hard rock artist and filmmaker Rob Zombie. Zombie’s brand new album HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 just debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, marking his second Top Ten debut in 6 months. The Zombie-helmed Halloween 2 landed at #3 at the box office in August, 2009 and went on to become one of the biggest horror movies of the year, grossing more than $37 million to date. Zombie will make his television directorial debut with an episode of CBS’ highly-rated show CSI: Miami set to air on Monday, March 1st at 10:00PM, EST.
With more than 15 million albums sold, 7 Grammy nominations, the helming of 5 major motion pictures and dozens of music videos under his belt, Rob Zombie is a force to be reckoned with in today’s entertainment landscape. Zombie’s unique meld of horror and hard rock has influenced his sound as a musician, and more recently his vision as a director and writer.
Alice Cooper, the rock innovator generally credited with pioneering theatrics and bringing stagecraft to the rock idiom, has been a huge influence on successive generations of artists. On tour with Rob Zombie, he will be performing his Theatre of Death production that he will subsequently take it on the road in North America and Europe throughout 2010. He is backed in concert by longtime band members Damon Johnson and Keri Kelli (guitars), bassist Chuck Garric, and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso. Alice is preparing to release a live Theatre of Death DVD, filmed in London late last year, and is currently in pre-production on a new album.
Alice Cooper is the host of Nights with Alice Cooper, produced and distributed by the United Stations Radio Networks. Alice anchors 30 hours per week of original Classic Rock programming. Alice's time slot reaches 1.1 million listeners (12+) each week, and his affiliates have a weekly reach of over 6 million listeners. For more facts, figures, fans, features and fun go to www.nightswithalicecooper.com. or please see below for all tour dates).
ROB ZOMBIE/ALICE COOPER – The Gruesome Twosome Tour
APRIL
26 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
27 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union
28 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
29 Calgary, AB Corral
MAY
1 Vancouver, BC Pacific Coliseum
2 Kennewick, WA Toyota Center
4 Casper, WY Casper Events Center
Joe Satriani 'Live in Paris- I Just Wanna Rock' CD & DVD and Flyleaf 'Memento Mori' CD Reviews
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 23:35 Written by Tracey Lukasik and Jade Baird Tuesday, 16 February 2010 23:11
Joe Satriani 'Live in Paris: I Just Wanna Rock'
Captured live in May 2008 at Paris’ Grand Rex Theatre, this latest release from one of the most awe inspiring guitarists on the planet, Joe Satriani, features a double-disc CD and companion DVD containing over 20 tunes that span his impressive repertoire.
The DVD begins with ‘Satch’ decked out in a simple black t-shirt and leather pants, accessorized with a bright red pair of sneakers that match his similarly colored Ibanez. Completing the red and black ensemble is what I can only refer to as a psychedelic fishing hat of sorts. From that point on, you will sit in utter disbelief as the intricacies of the guitar are explored through flawless note after flawless note. Bassist, Stu Hamm, provides the groove for all the Satriani staples from “Satch Boogie” to “Surfing with the Alien” and everything in between. He also graciously accepts the spotlight to deliver a seriously bad-ass bass solo that leaves the crowd breathless.
The DVD is a journey for the ears as well as the eyes, as the lighting, graphics and special effects provide a stimulating backdrop for the music, and feature some of Joe’s own line drawings in animated fashion. The DVD also contains 40 minutes worth of entertaining behind-the-scenes footage and a laid-back, but extensive interview that takes place at an outdoor café in Germany. Topics of discussion include his close relationship with fans, his involvement with organizations that support music education for students, his gig with Mick Jagger, and of course his influences and inspirations.
If you are not a fan of Satriani, you will be after watching this! It’s impossible to describe his talent in words, so I won’t even try, but I will say this; he is a humble musician who claims he still hasn’t mastered the instrument. He believes that although anyone can be “taught” to compose a song, to satisfy oneself, one must write the truth and not be afraid of the outcome. I guess this explains why Joe can touch an audience even with the absence of words. He speaks more poignantly through his 6-string and fans worldwide continue to be amazed and inspired by his effortless travels up and down the fret board.
It’s a must-have for ‘Satch’ devotees and aspiring guitarists.
Review by Tracey Lukasik
Flyleaf 'Memento Mori'
After their highly successful self-titled debut album, Flyleaf is back for round two with more power, angst, and emotion than ever. With their stand-out guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and Lacey's powerhouse vocals, not to mention the deep meaningful lyrics in each of the songs, they have a perfect formula for an equally successful sophomore album.
Their first single, "Again," speaks of someone who has lost faith in them self, as Lacey tries to comfort them, saying "Wait and know I understand you, be still," and "I love you." Her voice starts out soft, melodic, and soothing, then she amps it up for the chorus', where she belts out notes from her higher range, signifying the importance of the message as the story gets more in depth and it gets more crucial to listen to what she has to say. The guitars and drums behind her imitate the same technique, causing certain points in the song to become dominant, thus making the song more interesting to listen to.
Other favorites of mine from the album are "Set Apart This Dream" and "This Close." Both songs are equally as emotional as the other, and tell a story that is easily relatable to their audience. "Set Apart This Dream" talks of the struggles of life and basically getting caught between this 'dream land' of our hopes and dreams and the harshness of reality. One line in the song describes this theme perfectly; "Close your eyes, pretty girl, ‘cause it's easier when you brace yourself." There's a lot of hope in this song, as what it's really saying is that these two worlds aren't as far apart as you'd think, and that you could reach your goals if you work for it and just believe in yourself.
"This Close" is almost the opposite of that in how it's a lot darker, lyric-wise. It's a song of being lost in yourself and confused by your own identity after going though a bad break-up. The chorus' lyrics express the most dominant message of the song, stating the hopelessness of being so unhinged after such a heart-break occurs. "I don't know who I am anymore. Not once in life have I been real, but I've never felt this close before. I've been looking in your window; I've been dressing in your clothes... I've been walking dead, watching you long enough to know I can't go on." This shows another side of the band, as they talk of much more than just one topic through each track on the album, which keeps this interesting and refreshing with each new song.
Over-all, the new Flyleaf album has more than triumphed over their first one, and is definitely more meaningful and deep, causing a rollercoaster of emotions as you listen. If you're already a fan of this band, but haven't checked out this CD yet, I highly suggest you do so, because it literally blew me away while listening to it, over and over again.
Review by Jade Baird
Speed X 'Flat Black' CD and Ace Frehley 'Behind the Player' DVD reviews
Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 00:52 Written by Gus Griesinger Tuesday, 09 February 2010 21:26
Speed X 'Flat Black'
This project consists of Nick Catanese on lead guitar (Black Label Society), Mike Froedge on drums (formerly of Double Drive), Mike Stone on rhythm guitar (formerly of Queensryche), Joshua Sattler on bass (formerly of Double Drive), and Jason Fowler on lead vocals. The opening song and title track “Speed” starts off with a car revving up and blasts right into the song. It’s a fast and heavy track, just what the song entails and what the band was probably aiming for. “Fly” could be a hit for this band. Both Nick and Mike shine on this song. Jason shows his tremendous vocal range during the track as well. The guys in the band are huge racing fans, hence, the name of the band, title of the CD and the song “Flat Black.” It describes their unbridled enthusiasm for cars. “Pretending” is the song that brings the backbone of the band to the forefront. Both Froedge and Sattler drive this song. This tune also has a rip roaring guitar solo by Catanese. Maybe my favorite song on the CD is “Skeletons.” It has great melody and catchy hooks to go along with it. Froedge sets himself apart on the tack “Criminal.” He simply goes off and it is maybe the heaviest track on the album. They also do a cover of Sly Fox’s “Let’s Go All the Way” to close the CD.
If you’re looking for a spin off of Black Label Society, don’t look here. This band is different from B.L.S. and has created its own niche and identity by the results of this initial release effort!
Ace Frehley 'Behind the Player'
Ace’s first DVD of any type, as a solo artist, depicts his career as a musician with guest commentary from Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver), John 5 (Rob Zombie), George Lynch (Lynch Mob) and Shavo (System of a Down). Ace talks about how he was self taught and never took a lesson and he is unable to read music. Ace tells the story on how one of his first jobs in the music business was being a roadie for the legendary Jimi Hendrix. He talks about how he became one fourth of rock's most notorious band, KISS. Ace also discusses how he fell into his smoke bomb invention, along with some other creations he came up with, such as: a light up guitar used during the song “NY Groove,” shooting rockets out of the headstock, and developing a spinning pinwheel on the end of the headstock. Ace also chats about how he left KISS (twice), his sobriety and how ‘Anomaly,’ his latest solo release, came about. This also included his introduction into the digital world and the use of Pro Tools (a creative digital audio editing system). Lastly during the intro, Ace also gabs about how his love of the Gibson guitar came about and what type of strings and amplifiers he uses.
He gives full lessons on “Cold Gin” and “Shock Me.” He includes the history of the songs and shows what chords to play, along with how he gets the song to sound the way he does. There are split screens to show what frets are being hit, along with what strings he is strumming. There is also a section of jams, where he plays “Cold Gin” with Matt Sorum on drums, Chris Wyse on bass, and John 5 on rhythm guitar. He also does the same version with Scott Coogan on drums and George Lynch on rhythm guitar. The jam version on “Shock Me” has Ace only on guitar, Wyse on bass and Tommy Clufetos. The songs come with video tab as well. The specials feature a commercial for ‘Anomaly,’ a jam of “Pain in the Neck” off of ‘Anomaly,’ and some old solos from his solo band. It also has footage from other IMV artists and a message about the Little Kids Rock organization and how you can help contribute to it.
All in all, it's nice to see Ace contribute to the Interactive Music Video series and it's definitely a must have for any KISS fan and any guitar player who would like an actual description, note for note, on how to play these Ace classics.
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