Sweet & Lynch - Only To Rise (2015)

In the light of holy and unholy alliance, Michael Sweet has team up with George Lynch for a fascinated all star 80's hair rock band. Michael Sweet rightly comes up from the Stryper, instantly remembered as prominent hair rock and Christian band of the 80's, and George Lynch, the bad boys from Dokken and later his very own Lynch Mob. So then the yellow strip has found its yellow strip (refered to George's beloved guitar design motif) counter part. To make it more exciting, the two yellows are joined by two ex-albino's. Bassist Brian Tichy is summoned, he was all around player most famous when served under White Snake of David Coverdale. Then James Lomenzo who grown up with the White Lion. Such an all star musicians that at a glance too good to be exist.

The music itself in their first record, Only To Rise, is  most based on Michael Sweet influence but heavilized by George Lynch signature guitar riffs. Well the album title already sounds "Stryper-esque" indeed. The first song "The Wish" is also one of song that video clipped. Pretty much simple '80s hair rock with Michael Sweet voices easily can make it very close to any Stryper song. Much classic is the 2nd track "Like A Dying Rose", which we got Lynch begin to infiltrate into the song's feel with his guitar licks. Another exciting song is "Time Will Tell", still very much under Michael's influence but at least something more 'generic' hair band, in a good way. "Rescue Me" is showcasing drum's parts a bit in the intro. A mellow ballad song in "Me Without You" with interesting guitar playing on thick chorus effect. George Lynch enjoys his moment in "Divine" where he outburst some more intrick guitar riffs. Something also excellent in the follow up song "September". The album ended with even more heavy songs culminated in the last "Only To Rise".

Although it started up as a variant of Stryper album, but it is then evolved with more diverse style, gladly when George Lynch begin to show his teeth. The overall album tension is nicely arranged where it is really climaxing on the last part of the album. Both bassist and drummer didn't just sit there and they contributed in many good moments, supporting the main casts. In this collaborations we kind to see both musicians able to break up from their routines and enjoy what the other guys gives in. George is a beast when support by veteran song writing such as Michael Sweet. This album brings back many glory of '80s hair metal, one of excellence collaborations between stars.

Favorite song: Like A Dying Rose, Time Will Tell, Divine
Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Sweet & Lynch - Only To Rise (2015)

1. The Wish
2. Like A Dying Rose
3. Love Stays
4. Time Will Tell
5. Rescue Me
6. Me Without You
7. Recover
8. Divine
9. September
10. Strength In Numbers
11. Hero-Zero
12. Only To Rise

Line-Up:
Michael Sweet – Vocals, Guitar (Stryper)
George Lynch – Guitar (ex-Dokken, Lynch Mob)
James Lomenzo – Bass (ex-White Lion, ex-Megadeth)
Brian Tichy – Drums (ex-White Snake, Foreigner, Ozzy Osbourne )

Winger - Better Days Comin' (2014)

When the torch of hair metal extinguished in the '90s, some of the bands become only famous after math. I believe Winger is one of the example. Their albums was hunted by hair metal fans and widely considered as 'underated' in their active era. One of the reason is most of Winger members were doing successful later. Notable is Reb Beach who soon become shredder symbol, later join Dokken and Whitesnake. Rod Morgenstein is drum guru, a eternal member of progressive grup Dixie Dregs. Then of course Kip Winger become solo artist and producer. The reunion of Winger already produced two albums previously. This year is their third reunion album, their sixth overall, titled as Better Day's Comin'.

The three talented guys were also supported by John Roth. Better Days Comin' is half part in hair metal legacy but the other parts is a more modern progressive stuffs. The songs Midnight Driver of a Love Machine, Queen Babylon, Rat Race are great fast tempo songs with guitar riffs driven, best to fill the cup of '80s metal tributes. We got the transitional song in Better Days Comin' , is a lighter rock which lots of vocal harmony. Tin Soldier defined Winger new direction. This song also their pick for a video music. It feel more progressive with complex structures, uncompromising drumming variations and Kip Winger singing style also feel darker. The other good adaptation of their glam metal root with modern sound is in a song So Long China. The song slow down the tempo a bit, just try to fall into AOR style with its longer choruses. On the last track, enjoyed the sweet ballad in Out Of This World.

This is enjoyable album with balance stuffs between old school hair metal and modern sounds. Reb Beach is kind of less in getting shredding parts, Rod Morgenstein got lot of drum chops on the other hand. Kip Winger is now sing in modern style, not much screaming as in the '80s hair vocalist. Nonetheless, this album gives the maturity Winger needed for. It's still bring back to good old days.

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

Winger - Better Days Comin' (2014)
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01. Midnight Driver of a Love Machine
02. Queen Babylon
03. Rat Race
04. Better Days Comin'
05. Tin Soldier
06. Ever Wonder
07. So Long China
08. Storm In Me
09. Be Who You Are, Now
10. Another Beautiful Day (Deluxe Edition Bonus Track)
11. Out Of This World

Kip Winger – bass guitar, vocals
Reb Beach - guitars
Rod Morgenstein - drums
John Roth - guitars

Gus G. - I Am the Fire (2014)

The rise of Greek power metaller, Firewind, has give the world two new metal heroes. They are Bob Katsionis (keyboards) and Gus G. Both are skillful musicians, now world class respected. Bob released his solo album in 2012, but only in March 2014 that Gus G finally catch up with a release his long waited solo album. Gus G's solo album titled as I Am the Fire, he is well backed by world class musicians and singers. As Gus G was previously active in Ozzy Osbourne team, the styles of heavy metal and hard rock in this solo album is not surprising, a bit step further away from his main band of Firewind, which is a power metal band.

Let's see the two most interesting tracks by observing the guess list. Vengeance is back by Megadeth's David Ellefson. This is instrumental track for sure, the riffs are heavy, fast double pedal drum and of course Gus' shred + David's bass attack was more than cool enough. The second instrumental is fall to "Billy Sheehan's track". Terrified is yet another ultra fast shreds with a title that reminds us to Scarified by Racer X. Both instrumental tracks is enough to made guitars fans demand an exclusive instrumental guitar album from Gus!

On the vocalized songs, they are all excellence. Mat Levén is acting as host singer, he tackled four tracks. From the opener My Will Be Done, a straight forward modern rock tunes, then Blame It On Me, a happier glam metal one. On the later are Eyes Wide Open, this is kind of late '80s hair metal scenes feel. The last from Mat is End Of The Line, acoustic ballad in the style of wild wild west. Mat Levén was once Firewind singer also.

I Am The Fire is a collaboration with Devour The Day / Blake Allison. The riffs quickly brings us to modern nu-metal feels, this concurred with the style of singing, the song's structures, and utilizing of choruses, which is in the spirit of alternative metal. Long Way Down on the other hand is the only female guess track with Alexia Rodiguez. Alexia is from the band Eyes Set To Kill. The song can be categorizing as a heavier version Evanescenes style. Jacob Bunton from Lynam / Adler fame contributed in Just Can't Let Go. This is yet again in alternative / US modern metal feel. Michael Starr from Steel Panther trusted with Redemption, a track that focused on wild glam metal form, fit the image of Steel Panther. Veteran singer Jeff Scott Soto is in the spiritful AOR track of Summer Days. Finally there at least an European feel in Dreamkeeper, where Evergrey singer Tom S. Englund delivered it epic-ly!

What a great packed of quality materials in one album. Of all tracks not only Gus G able to fit the styles of his song to the respected guess, he also seem like outdone the guess' each band. For example in Tom Englund's track, we can feel Evergrey's music in it. There are enough punches on each song, added more  replay value to the album. Interestingly, Gus G decided to not gives any clue about his music from Firewind. A good choices, meaning his creativity in the area of power metal will still dedicated to the main band. I Am the Fire is a great album with fresh ideas stretching  from modern metal to oldies glam metal. A must have.

Metal Harem class : ********** nine stars out of ten

Gus G. - I Am the Fire (2014)
Buy it Here - Amazon

01. My Will Be Done (Feat. Mats Levén)
02. Blame It On Me (Feat. Mats Levén)
03. I Am The Fire (Feat. Devour The Day)
04. Vengeance (Feat. David Ellefson)
05. Long Way Down (Feat. Alexia Rodriguez)
06. Just Can't Let Go (Feat. Jacob Bunton)
07. Terrified (Feat. Billy Sheehan)
08. Eyes Wide Open (Feat. Mats Levén)
09. Redemption (Feat. Michael Starr)
10. Summer Days (Feat. Jeff Scott Soto)
11. Dreamkeeper (Feat. Tom S. Englund)
12. End Of The Line (Feat. Mats Levén)

Gus G - guitars, bass, keyboards
drummers - Jeff Friedl (A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER, DEVO), Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY)
bass - Marty O'Brien

Stryper - No More Hell To Pay (2013)

To say the yellow and black jackets is back, is really starts to be a cliche lately. Stryper is having a lot of reborn and/or second coming currently. And surprise.., this is their new original studio album. After Stryper's album Murder By Pride in 2009, they take advantage of some old tunes and covers in The Covering and Second Coming, so No More Hell to Pay is finally their latest original works. Those who live well in the 1980s will understand, Stryper is part of the glam metal euphoria around that time. Strange, because when all other bands sing about lovely chick and/or wizards, Stryper was singing about, ehem, the Christ and the eternal Devil-threatening-human theme. The fact that all metal fans, believers or no, united to listen to Stryper summed up the final fact, Stryper's music is too good. So, with this boast of past glory, let's pay another attention Michael Sweet bros and friends.

No More Hell To Pay is an album full of exciting guitar riffs. It starts with Revelation, which is mid tempo anthem feel rock tune. Then No More Hell To Pay itself is the real riff with harmonious guitar duet between Oz and Michael. If you are using headphone this stereo featured can be feel in full effect. With this two songs, it is correct to say this album is just the right continuation from Murder By Pride, songs mostly stay the same. Moving to faster tempo is in Saved By Love. Heavier and represent more the '80s feel of Stryper, with Michael Sweet unleashed some of his best singing in the last couple of album. Jesus Is Just Alright is exactly what the title suggested, it's an alright heavy metal song with gospel-style singing combined. This song will make a right gospel choir if you taken off the guitar and drum parts, so it's quite a success hybrid. Other interesting tunes such as Legacy is another heavy tunes, sounds pretty much modern, meaning Stryper also responded to the latest trend in music. Marching Into Battle, sounds the opposite, very '80s , Queen's We Will Rock You drumming feel. Te Amo is another interesting melodic riffs, minor feel and potential favorite to power metal listener. Water Into Wine is a good theme for metal song, nice riffs and straight forward rock drumming. Sympathy is the last exciting riffs with also very good song writing and choruses, it's nice to see good song still there in the last part of the album.

Surprisingly no piano or guitar ballad as in any other previous albums, the slowest being The One. No More Hell To Pay comes as heavier, colorful guitar riffs orientated heavy metal album. Michael Sweet stated this album can be released in their height of '80s glory, which is not over statement. Surely the band still got their potential. If not that the music trend is changing by now, this album can be another highlight in the '80s glam metal scenes. Guitar solos are tasty with lots of  '80s tapping licks. The choice to include 'Hell' in their album title is indicating the band try to remind us to their past To Hell With The Devil, and I think it's highly reasonable for this album stand for it.

Metal Harem Class: ********** nine stars out of ten

Stryper - No More Hell To Pay (2013)
Buy it HERE - AMAZON

1. Revelation
2. No More Hell To Pay
3. Saved By Love
4. Jesus Is Just Alright
5. The One
6. Legacy
7. Marching Into Battle
8. Te Amo
9. Sticks & Stones
10. Water Into Wine
11. Sympathy
12. Renewed

Michael Sweet - Vocals, Guitars
Robert Sweet - Drums
Tim Gaines - Bass
Oz Fox - Lead Guitars

Styper No More Hell to Pay album reivew

Bret Michaels - Jammin' With Friends 2013

And it's good to see Bret Michaels jamming with his friends again. Poison and Bret Michaels were my best memories from the glam metal in late '80. Shame we won't get that classic atmosphere again. So, when an old song, sung again and recorded with a touchy title "Jammin' With Friends", now that will be hardly to refuse. More information on this record can be read in Wikipedia's article. Majority of them are Poison's classic hits, such as Nothin' But A Good Time, Talk Dirty to Me, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, and Unskinny Bop. These song proves that Poison indeed crafted for us a classic tunes, that easily rendered into different feel and styles. Bret Michaels voices are the pacifying force on this hordes of musicians. As soon as we listen his vocals it will bring back the memories. Bret Michaels did not done many 'bad boy' screaming anymore, Talk Dirty to Me is the further he go. Instead this album resembling the later Poison era, the Native Tongue era.

The list of musician involved show how good Bret Michael's circle of friends. From Phil Collen (Def Leppard) , Ace Frehley to Frank Hannon, Joe Perry and old buddy C.C.DeVille. The record also sampling Bret Michaels later works, such as in Go That Far and Party Rock Band, all sounds in updated hard rock post the grunge era. For a classic piano ballad we can listen to Fallen. Then we have the best track saved for last, Something to Believe In in acoustic guitar mode is one tune we will sing along for the sake of '80 memories. Come and join Bret Michael's friend in jamming session.

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

Bret Michaels - Jammin' With Friends 2013
Buy It Here - Amazon

01. Nothin' but a Good Time (feat. Michaels Anthony, Lil Jon & Ace Frehley)
02. Sweet Home Alabama (feat. Rickey Medlocke, Gary Rossington, Bobby Capps & Peter Keys)
03. Talk Dirty to Me (feat. Mark McGrath & Scot Coogan)
04. Get Your Rock On (feat. Phil Collen & Sal Costa)
05. Unskinny Bop (feat. The Shields Brothers!, Bobby Capps, Frank Hannon & Robert Mason)
06. The App Song (feat. Brian Nutter, Jimmy Buffett & Bobby Capps)
07. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (feat. Loretta Lynn, Bobby Capps, Joe Perry & Hugh McDonald)
08. Raine (feat. Edwin McCain - from album Freedom of Sound)
09. Driven (feat. Leslie West, Jeffrey Steele & Eric Brittingham)
10. Nothing to Lose (feat. Miley Cyrus - from album Custom Built)
11. What I Got (feat. Jaret Reddick)
12. Go That Far (feat. Jason Miller)
13. Fallen (feat. Jimmy McGorman)
14. Party Rock Band (feat. C.C. DeVille & Randy Castillo - from album A Letter From Death Row)
15. You Know You Want It (feat. Peter Keys)
16. Margaritaville (feat. Jimmy Buffett - Live in Detroit)
17. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (feat. Mark Wills, Chris Cagle & Brad Arnold - Freedom of Sounds)
18. Something to Believe In - solo version from album Freedom of Sounds
19. Nothin' but a Good Time (feat. Ace Frehley, Michael Anthony & The Shields Brothers!)
20. Get Your Ride On (feat. Phil Collen & Sal Costa)

Bret Michaels Jammin' With Friends album review

Skid Row - United World Rebellion Chapter One (2013, EP)

Skid Row is another great band from the past, that sadly didn't managed to hold their full 'classic' line up today. The changes is obvious, ex frontman Sebastian Bach is not around anymore. The new gun, Johnny Solinger is what Skid Row come with now. This seems to be the first FAQ that prevent Skid Row being 'independence' from the ghost of S.B. Overall this EP gone very well. Three of Skid Row 'classic' members, give the legacy of Skid Row's glam metal signature the same as what we used to in Slave to The Grind.

Kings of Demolition is very Slave-era type, the bass slap, the beats is quickly bring memory to this group. Now that Johnny did a great justice to sung this out and it's pretty approved on his vocal quality. Let's Go comes with rather too generic riff, but then the song developed into pretty catchy glam metal song. The dual guitar solos featuring The Snake and Scotti Hill are enjoyable in this song. Remind us again how both are considered best duo in glam metal back in late '80s. This Is Killing Me is a ballad song, trivially Johnny Solinger is a country singer as well, so Johnny takes no difficult tackling the required mellow and sentimental voices required in this song. Get Up is something like modern hard rock feel, maybe the least interesting tracks in this EP. Stitches however close the album with better bang, and the Skid Row signature riffs are back there again.

Overall, this is a safe and sound releases. Perhaps the boys try to catch up Sebastian Bach's solo album last year, and this year's ABachalypse Now, live album from Bach featuring song Slave to the Grind itself! If only Skid Row able to deleted the image of Sebastian Bach from the band, then they will forward. In this EP, this issue seems little to bring on, since Johnny already done his best and nothing to complain, really. An enjoyable EP that bring back Skid Row pretty much.

Metal Harem class: ******* seven stars out of ten

Skid Row - United World Rebellion - Chapter One (2013, EP)
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1. Kings of Demolition 04:10
2. Let's Go 02:55
3. This Is Killing Me 04:55
4. Get Up 04:56
5. Stitches 03:42

Rachel Bolan Bass, Vocals
Dave "The Snake" Sabo Guitars
Scotti Hill Guitars
Johnny Solinger Vocals
Rob Hammersmith Drums

 Skid Row United World Rebellion EP review

Stryper Second Coming 2013

If there is better ideas to do for the old guys in yellow and black stripes, re-record their hit songs is one of them. No kidding and no waiting time, this is it, the Second Coming. It is a re-recording of best of the best hits from Stryper in their earliest three studio albums. Stryper founder Robert Sweet explain that they were inexperienced when did the recording back there in '84 and the recording although capture the spirit was not fully technically well recorded. Considering Stryper was once part of mainstream glam metal scene back there, this idea is easily approved. I don't remember owned Stryper first album, The Yellow and Black Attack (1984) and Soldier Under Command (1985). I rely my memory of Michael Sweet voices in Only To Hell With The Devil and several live recording from them. Second Coming not only fix all the technical flaws in the original recording, but also give Stryper new way to control their own stuff legally. Good news for faithful fans, the idea not included re-arranged but simply superior recording of all hits chronologically order from earliest to the latest, that is included two original new tracks in the end.

Not much to comments on each tracks because this is simple a note per notes re-take on each respective songs. Loud N Clear started the familiar killer riff that helped defined the glam metal of the '80s. In Soldier Under Command, Robert Sweet add in several new hi hat and drum variation in the intro just to distinguished it from the original. After 30 years of singing, Michael Sweet sounds no major changes on his voices. Only in the most familiar tunes, To Hell With The Devil, where Michael voices audibly sounds older than the original. The solos are more powerful with the second round of solos come with more aggressiveness although they are notes per notes similar. In The Way, new drum character give more power in this version. The only significant re arrange is in Sing Along Song, this time it is full guitar riff replaced the original keyboard intro. As for More Than A Man I really can't decided which one is better, as the original also contained vintage and rawness guitar tones, as well as the singing originality.

The two original songs, Bleeding From Inside Out and Blackened are easy to fit into the last part as they sounds exactly where Stryper were in the late '80s. Both are hardly a filler or bonus track in this album. Second Coming is a compilation of Christian metal in their peak. All killer riffs and classic tunes. Lead guitarist Oz Fox changes several guitar tones in this version. His fellowship with Michael Sweet is still good the same as thirty years ago. Drummer Robert Sweet of course use all new drum set that sounds richer. Bassist Tim Gaines executed all his ever bass line with one of two new grooves, as in Loud N' Clear.  Stryper are part of glam metal history and if you miss and missed Stryper back there, Second Coming give you the exact original songs with superior recording quality.

Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Stryper - Second Coming 2013
buy it here at Amazon

01. Loud N' Clear
02. Loving You
03. Soldiers Under Command
04. Makes Me Wanna Sing
05. First Love
06. The Rock That Makes Me Roll
07. Reach Out
08. Surrender
09. To Hell With The Devil
10. Calling On You
11. Free
12. The Way
13. Sing Along Song
14. More Than A Man
15. Bleeding From Inside Out
16. Blackened

Band:
Michael Sweet - vocals and guitar
Oz Fox - guitar and vocals
Tim Gaines - bass and vocals
Robert Sweet - drums

Christian Metal Stryper Second Coming album review

KISS - Monster 2012

Whatever KISS doing in this age is a grace. Imagine that we still able to listen to their ideas, same as thirty or forty years ago. Not many bands can stay in same shape as what KISS doing. And in exactly same facial gestures.... For this week, here comes the 20th studio album of the legendary KISS, Monster. The album still has the same Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Together with Eric Singer and guitarist in charge, Tommy Thayer, KISS is in full spirit to entertain the survivor of rock n' roll with their music.

Thick in blues and rock n' roll riff, Monster started with Hell or Hallelujah. A rather Rainbow's Lost in Hollywood riff intro? Just kidding. It's just a reference to give an idea that the '80s party is on. The singing here, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons is the main things to enjoy. Wall Of Sound and Freak delivered that hard rock spirit with both singers take turns to make this a KISS legacy. Back To The Stone Age is tight rock n' roll groove with back to '70s feel. There is also Eat Your Heart Out that its chorus intro and its elaborate riff are just design for KISS to explore on the big arena. Similar to the provoking All For The Love Of Rock & Roll, that bring back memory by it verses and choruses, best to enjoy with buddies in your late 40s.  My favorite track. Take Me Down Below in its killer groove bring us to the last parts of the album.

And there you go, the continuation of king of rock n' roll. Monster is just plain simple KISS album and actually sounds very familiar most of times. Of course because there lay the forty years experiences of making music. Last word on this album is mature and bold. With support of veteran axeman Tommy Thayer, replacing the legend Ace Frehley , the guitar sounds are root in '70s rock n' roll riff. Never too late to get into KISS if you ever a young fans of rock.

Metalharem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

KISS - Monster 2012
buy it here at Amazon

01. Hell Or Hallelujah
02. Wall Of Sound
03. Freak
04. Back To The Stone Age
05. Shout Mercy
06. Long Way Down
07. Eat Your Heart Out
08. The Devil Is Me
09. Outta This World
10. All For The Love Of Rock & Roll
11. Take Me Down Below
12. Last Chance
13. Right Here Right Now

Paul Stanley – rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Gene Simmons – bass guitar, lead vocals
Tommy Thayer – lead guitar, vocals
Eric Singer – drums, percussion, vocals

the 2012 KISS artworks

Crucified Barbara - The Midnight Chase 2012

The ladies are getting better and better in doing rock n' roll by their own. One of them is Crucified Barbara, the all girls hard rock/metal band hailed from Sweden. They were a quartet, already giving the world three studio albums since 2005. Their latest album The Midnight Chase release in 2012 and pushing hard on the boundary between hard rock and heavy metal.

Almost all songs are build up on a catchy, crispy, crunchy and raw guitar riff then followed up with raw  vocals by Mia Coldheart, their frontwoman and guitarist. Just a couple seconds of the first track The Crucifier, we fell the raw energy in hard rock erupted almost spontaneously. Shut Your Mouth is remind us to the glam metal of the early 90s with its thick leading riff and beat. For something different we have Rules And Bones, with its dictating bass line and drumming introduction. The girls also good at aiming commercial tricks, hyper-commercial as mentioned by many actually. For this, listen to song Rock Me Like The Devil that just released as video clip recently. The rest of album are Kid From the Upperclass and The Midnight Chase, all good ones. The ballad is only on Count Me In, where they do a pop rock type of song.

Good album that bring out many fresh idea on a simple hard rock / '90s metal platform. They are obviously talented musicians. Perhaps not too fireworks guitar solos in there but all the simple fill in solos are perfectly done the job. Must say the present of female voices is giving that sexy aspect and able to bring fresh dimension to the songs. Mia Coldheart is sound like Lita Ford in a slightly metal form. The production also nice with all the bass and drumming bring out clean. Only the cover album can be done better, I think. This is a good album that are easy listening, commercial, enough fiery to head bang with the music.
Metalharem class: ******** eight stars out of ten



Crucified Barbara - The Midnight Chase 2012
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01.The Crucifier
02. Shut Your Mouth
03. Into The Fire
04. Rules And Bones
05. Everything We Need
06. If I Hide
07. Rock Me Like The Devil
08. Kid From The Upperclass
09. The Midnight Chase
10. Count Me In
11. Rise And Shine

Mia Coldheart - vocals, guitar
Klara Force - guitars
Ida Evileye - bass
Nicky Wicked - drums

Ugly Kid Joe - Stairway to Hell (EP) 2012

One of the ugly kids of glam metal has back to recorded a new music. Ugly Kid Joe we all know is responsible for the fantastic one shoot album America's Least Wanted back in 1991. The album is so phenomenon that become the only glam metal band to stand head to head against grunge invasion. The kids then produced two more albums but the story had changes little bit as none were memorable now. This month the old Joe try to recapture their spirit and release a humble EP called Stairway to Hell.

About 20 minutes of music, the band recorded six songs to marked their brave resurrection. The first song is Devil's Paradise. Sure we are not in close contact to America's Least Wanted song writing quality, since this is mostly glam rock with large utilization of wah wah and modern rock singing. You Make Me Sick maybe the closest now to that yesteryear ugly Joe singing. The voice of singer Whitfield Crane is memorable here. No One Survives remind us to the Cats in the Cradle and Busy Bee ballad-rock variation. I'm Alright is more or less filler here. Love Ain't True is a mix with alternative rock and present of Fishbone singers raise the interesting point of this song. Finally the EP close with acoustic country rock song Another Beer.

Ugly Kid Joe is still continue its journey to delivered "answer" to their debut album, since this is more or less a warm up EP for the band. This album is a mature version and for those still like the teenage / ugly Joe, this may need careful consideration.

Ugly Kid Joe - Stairway to Hell 2012
buy it here

1. "Devil's Paradise" (3:37)
2. "You Make Me Sick" (3:42)
3. "No One Survives" (4:02)
4. "I'm Alright" (3:21)
5. "Love Ain't True!" (featuring Angelo Moore and Dirty Walt of Fishbone) (3:28)
6. "Another Beer" (3:33)

    Whitfield Crane – lead vocals
    Klaus Eichstadt – guitars
    Cordell Crockett – bass
    Dave Fortman – guitar
    Shannon Larkin – drums

Trixter - New Audio Machine 2012

Wow... is this our missing love, Trixter? Is this the music we sacrificed to made a room for grunge? What did we eat back then? This is my first impression hearing back to this Trixter newest 2012 album. Back in the nineties, there were many acts of glam metal, from the super millionairess GN'R or Bon Jovi to the second layered Winger, Warrant, Firehouse and.... Trixter. Yes, how could we forget this band hailed from New Jersey. The road of glam metal wasn't very clear to them twenty years ago and after producing some really nice vibe with album Hear! (1990), Trixter called it quit in the mid of nineties, one of our best regard victims of alternative rock and grunge. And my last memory with Trixter was their contribution on OST album If Looks Could Kill.

So, when the news from Frontier Records and their social network confirm a 2012 album, I was mouthwatering to get what will they offer. On this reunion and emotional release, New Audio Machine we got nothing except the "WOW". Wow, because they simply continue what they left behind back then. The first track "Drag Me Down" is a simply blown away Southern Bluesy Hard Rock tune. There are simply followed by track like Get On It, Love Machine and Dirty Love, all songs that typically what we used to heard twenty years ago. This album are best in showing how good the crunchy guitar still sounds. Not to mentioned the superb on the game singer, Peter Loran. He sound simply classic here, just listen to track Physical Attraction.

There hard to pick which song stand out because they all on good quality. Best spot on AOR, Melodic rock or glam metal whatever to call it, my recommendations is Machine because of its classic intro, and the last track (European Bonus) Find A Memory which heavy and the last sign of them showing respond to 21st century AOR scene. Out of this, almost zero percent evidence that they need to compromise the music to this time. Outstanding melodic album, best glam metal we got yet again from veteran band this year.

Metal Harem class: ******** 8 stars out of 10

Trixter - New Audio Machine (2012)
buy it here

01. Drag Me Down
02. Get On It
03. Dirty Love
04. Machine
05. Live For The Day
06. Ride
07. Physical Attraction
08. Tattoos & Misery
09. The Coolest Thing
10. Save Your Soul
11. Walk With A Stranger
12. Find A Memory (European Bonus)

Peter Loran– lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Steve Brown– lead guitar, harmonica, backing vocals

P. J. Farley– bass guitar, backing vocals

Mark "Gus" Scott– drums, percussion, backing vocals 

Album graphic design