In this Unknown Music Thursday blog, we are going to get into solo record from former lead singer of Pantera. I am talking about Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals and their record Walk Through Exits Only. We will get into the history of the band and then the music. Let us get into the history.
History:
Phil Anselmo joined Pantera in 1987. The rest is history for this great 1990’s power house. Pantera had several hits in mainstream and several in metal world. Towards the middle of 1990’s with Pantera, Phil joined a super group called Down in 1991. It was a side project but later become his main band. Down had a few hits in the metal world. In 2003, Pantera broke up and that led to the shooting and death of one of the founding members of Pantera, who was Dimebag Darrell in 2004. There has been rumors after rumors of reuniting of Pantera. It might never happen. Down was his main band until Superjoint Ritual was formed early 1990’s but did not release their records until early 2000’s. In 2011, Phil decided to work on a solo record and it was later released in 2013. Let us get into the music.
Song List:
Music Media Is My Whore
It has a nice heavy and fast pace guitar. Nice drumming with well written bass playing. I love the pace. It reminds me of a faster heavier Pantera. I love the lyrics and singing. I love the guitar solo towards the middle of the song. The singing and some of the music reminds more as his days in the band called Down. This is a great opening track.
Battalion Of Zero
The music from the second track is just as fast and heavy as the opening track. I love the pace and the singing. I love the touch of the effects on this vocals. I love the drumming and bass playing. The guitar playing sounds the same as the first track. Phil has written some nice lyrics on “Battalion Of Zero.” The ending is pretty interesting. It has a nice creepy piano playing. I like it.
Betrayed
“Betrayed” is slower than the first two songs. I love the pace. This song sounds different from the first two songs. I love the guitar playing. Phil singing great with some great lyrics. There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song. To me, it sounds like the guitar player is playing the same riff over and over again through the song. They could not write another few riffs to break it up.
Usurper Bastard’s Rant
This song is beyond fast. It is a little too fast for my taste. This song sounds like pure white noise. I love Phil’s singing and lyrics. The music is pretty good asides for the speed of the song. The guitar playing is off the charts. I love the short guitar solos. I love the music and singing towards the end of the song.
Walk Through Exits Only
I love the music and singing at the beginning of the title track. The drumming on this song is awesome. This song is short and to the point.
Bedroom Destroyer
Some of Phil’s singing does not really go well with the music. This has to me my favorite song off this record so far. It is hard to understand the singing on this song. I can not comment on the lyrics. There is some nice guitar playing towards the end. I am not liking the effects on the bass guitar at the end.
Bedridden
This is a fast and to the point song. I love the lyrics. The music is better than the rest of the songs. I love how they call on his punk influence. I love the guitar playing towards the of the song. I love the ending of this song.
Irrelevant Walls And Computer Screens
This is the longest song on the record. I love the beginning with the music and the singing. They put some thought into the guitar playing on this song. I love the drumming and bass playing. I love the guitar solo and dueling between the two guitars. Even though there is only one guitar player in this band. I love how Phil has taken some other song titles and threw them into this song’s lyrics. The music on this track gets better and better as the song goes deeper. The ending and the back half of the song is pretty interesting music. It is the same thing over and over but it works.
In closing, I was pretty excited to see that Phil came out with some new music and I love the fact Phil is still out there making music. I was a pretty big fan of Pantera back in the early 1990’s. I love some of the songs off his first solo record. I just feel he could have done better than this record. I can see people enjoying this record. All the music from track to track sounds the same. It is like they took a few riffs and used them in all the songs. The last song was a little different. The guitar player put some thought and wrote some great riffs on it. This is not his finest work but it is not his worse. I love how the record is short and to the point. If you are a Pantera or just a Phil fan, I recommend you checking out this record. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this New Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into a band I wish I had a chance to see them way back in the day. I am talking about the band called Anvil. This is their new record that is called “Hope In Hell.” This record is their fifteenth studio record. This band has went through several line up changes but Lips and Robb are the only original members. Anvil has been known to influence several big names in the Metal, Speed Metal, and Thrash Metal world. They never made it until their movie hit the air a few years back. We are going to get into the history and then the music. Let us get into the history.
History:
Anvil started in Toronto, Canada back in 1973. A few high school friends who are Steve “Lips” Kudlow, who is the lead singer and guitar player, and Robb Reiner, who is the drummer. Marty Hoffman, who is a guitarist and neighbor, was in the band for one show but left shortly after it. In 1978, Dave “Squirrely” Allison, who was the second guitar player and Ian “Dix” Dickson, who was the bassist joined and the band called themselves Lips. The band released their first record which was independent release called “Hard N’ Heavy.” The band was signed to Attic Records and they changed their name to Anvil. David Krebs and Paul O’Neil signed Anvil as their management team. They had Attic Records to release them from their contract because they could get them on a major label. David stop returning phone calls and did not get the band a major label contract. His management team release the band from their contract. In 1987, the band signed with Metal Blade Records by William Howell. Metal Blade Records re-release their first three records and their fourth record, which is called “Strength Of Steel” in the United States. “Strength Of Steel” was the most commercially success in the United States. It reached 191 on the Billboard 200. The band was picked up by Maximum Records and then from 1996 on the band was signed to Hypnotic Records and Massacre Records, which is from Germany. Anvil will say to this day if it was not for Germany for buying their records. There would not an Anvil today. In 2001, the band put out “Plenty Of Power.” They toured and toured and there would be gigs where no one was there to watch them play. In 2006, the band decided to record a record called “This Is Thirteen” with Chris Tsangarides, who is the producer from “Metal On Metal” record. It was released in 2007. The band was filmed in a movie called “Anvil! The Story Of Anvil” This movie put the band back in the public mind. They released a book on the band author by Lips and Robb. They appear on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” which was the first time the band was on TV. They supported AC/DC, which was in the United States, and Saxon, which was in United Kingdom, on their tours. The band went on headline tour of Europe in 2010 and sell out each place they played. In 2011, the band release their fourteen studio record, which is called Juggernaut of Justice. Also in 2011, the band release their second greatest hits record and all their old records under their new record label. Glenn Gyorffy in 2012 quit the band and was replaced by Sal Italiano. In 2013, Anivl put out their fifteen studio record, which is “Hope In Hell.” They are out on tour supporting this record. Let us get into the music.
Track List:
Hope In Hell
The opening and title track of the record is “Hope In Hell.” The beginning has some sound effects and the guitar, bass, and drums jump into the song. The drums and bass has a nice groove and pace to them. I love the guitar playing from Lips. Lips’ singing is pretty solid. I love the lyrics he has written on this song. There is a nice guitar solo from Lips about the half way point of the song. I have always love his guitar playing through all their records. This song has elements from the first few records. I love the ending to the song with the sound effects.
Eat Your Words
I love the fast pace and the drumming is insane on this song. The bass playing is simple but it fits the song and it is perfect. I love the guitar riff on this song. I love the lyrics. It is classic Anvil lyrics. Robb is playing out of his mind on this song. Lips is killing it with the a guitar solo half way through “Eat Your Words.” This is a classic Anvil song. I love the exiting guitar solo at the end of the song.
Through With You
I love the distortion on Lips guitar . I love the drums and bass. “Through WIth You” has a nice driving feeling. Lips wrote some great lyrics and he is singing is pretty average. I love it. I love the melody. I also love the guitar playing during the chorus. This record so far has a nice pace to it. This song is not as fast as the last few songs but it has a nice pace and groove. I love the guitar break half way through the song. It turns into a nice guitar solo. I love the build up guitar solo towards the end that ended the song.
The Fight Is Never Won
I love the guitar, bass, and drum action at the beginning of the song. The drumming is pretty insane on this song. I love Lips’ singing and lyrics. He has a nice melody on this song. The drums are something else on this song. There is awesome guitar solo towards the middle of the song. The bass playing has been pretty solid throughout this record so far. The last few songs has had some nice guitar solos ending the song. This is yet another pretty solid ending.
Pay The Toll
I love the groove and pace so far on this song. The guitar, bass, and drums are awesome. I love the music on “Pay The Toll.” I am not a fan of the lyrics but it is classic Anvil. Lips’ singing is pretty good. There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song. I have to say this guitar solo just seemed a little forced into the song. This is a quick and to the point song. I love some of Anvil’s short songs.
Flying
I love the drumming at the beginning and the guitar and bass enters the song. There is a nice guitar solo before singer starts to sing. I love the lyrics and singing on this song. This song has some meaning for the band that is one thing I love about this band. They put some feelings and emotion behind their lyrics. There is a nice guitar break and guitar solo towards the end of the song. I love the build up to end the song. Nice guitar solo to end the song with the drums and bass going nuts too.
Call Of Duty
I love the music at the beginning of the song. I love the lyrics. I love the pace and rhythm of the music. I will have to look it up. It seems Anvil wrote a song for the Video Game franchise. It just seems like they wrote a song for the video game. It is not the case. There is a killer guitar solo towards the middle to the back half of the song. Anvil wrote some awesome music and lyrics on “Call Of Duty.” The ending on this song is one of the best ending for a song so far on this record.
Badass Rock N Roll
I love the start to this song. It has that old school classic hard rock meets speed metal to metal. I love the drumming on this song. I love how Lips is singing on this song. This song sounds like a song that Kiss of Gene Simmons would have been singing if he wrote it. Hey Kiss, here is your next cover song. There is a nice and well placed guitar solo towards the middle of the song. I really love how the guitar and the rest of the band re-enter the back into the main part of the song. I love the lyrics and the ending to this song.
Time Shows No Mercy
I love the drumming at the beginning with some well place highlighting from the guitar and bass player. I love the short guitar solo before they enter the main part of the song. I love the lyrics and the singing is pretty solid. The music is pretty song. There is an awesome guitar solo towards the middle of the song. The drumming is crazy during the guitar solo. Most drummers would sit in the pocket because they do not want the song sound thin. I will have to say this song does not sound thin. I love the build up to end the song.
Mankind Machine
The song starts with some sound effects. The guitar and drums come in to start the music part. The bass is shortly after that with the singer coming in strong. I love the singing and the lyrics on this song. The music sounds like a bunch of robots or machines. There is a nice guitar break to a solo towards the back half of the song. There is a nice drumming break just after the guitar solo.
Shut The Fuck Up
The last song of the record before the bonus tracks. It starts how as a fast pace to the music. I love the lyrics and the singing. This is a pretty solid record so far. This is classic Anvil. The music is so good on this song. This is a perfect song to finish this great and soon to be classic Anvil record.
Hard Wired
I love the drumming, bass, and guitar playing at the beginning of the song. There is a nice short guitar solo at the beginning just before Lips starts to singing. I love the melody he wrote for his singing. There is some nice lyrics. The guitar solo towards the middle of this song is good but it just feels a little forced into the song. I love the ending to the song.
Fire At Will
The song starts out with some strong music with everyone playing at the same time. Lips singing is pretty solid with some great lyrics. I love singing before the chorus and then in the chorus. I love how they set up the guitar solo and the well placed solo in this song. This guitar solo feels right in the song. This is a perfect ending with the bonus tracks for “Hope In Hell” record. I love how the song ends.
Fuel the fire, Anvil keeps on going and they are still writing some great music and records. Anvil puts out yet another classic record. I know I was not their at the beginning but I wish was to see Anvil at the beginning of their career. I discover them before their movie came out. I heard some of their tunes. I had a hard time finding their records. I overpaid for their first greatest hits because I wanted to play it on my radio show, which is www.stfu.fm. I wanted to support this great band. I had a chance to meet the whole band outside of their Chicago show. I was able to get all their records from www.ebay.com and some release. I have to say this record “Hope In Hell” as lived up to the rest of their records. This record is solid from start to finish. I highly recommend you checking out this record and this band. I would go see the movie if you have not. If you are not a metal fan, I would go see it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this New Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the new music and the EP from Skid Row. The EP is called United World Rebellion Chapter One. We are going to get into history of this once 1980’s Pop Metal and into this great EP music. Let us get into the history.
History
Skid Row was founded by Rachel Bolan, who is the bass player, and Dave “The Snake” Sabo, who is the lead guitar player, in a town of New Jersey in 1986. Rachel and Dave filled out the rest of the band with Scotti Hill, who is the second guitar player, Rob Affuso, who is the drummer, and lead singer Sebastian Bach, who replaced Mark Fallon. Jon Bon Jovi was good friends with Dave Sabo and each promise each other if one made it big to help the other person out. Bon Jovi’s management sought out Skid Row and sign them to a management deal while the band signs a deal with Atlantic Records in 1988. In 1988, the band return the studio to record their first record. Jon Bon Jovi asked Gary Moore, who was part of Irish Blues band called Skid Row, if you would sell the name to American Skid Row for $35,000 US Dollar. Gary Moore agreed to sell the rights to the name but the rest of his former band mates still dispute these events. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora signed Skid Row to a punishing deal which would become an issue when the band became successful. The band toured and opened up with Bon Jovi. Skid Row released their self titled record in 1989. It was success with hit songs like “I Remember You,” “Youth Gone Wild,” and “18 And Life.” The record went five times platinum. The band went back into the studio in 1990 to record their second record which is called “Slave To The Grind.” It was released in 1992 and it went number one in the first week of sale. It produced hits like “Monkey Business,” and “Wasted Time.” The band went on a world tour with mostly Guns N’ Roses. Before the band started working on their third record, they recorded EP called “B-Sides Ourselves” in 1992. The band started recording their third record in 1994 with Bob Rock, who replaced Michael Wagenger at producer. “Subhuman Race” was released in 1995. It produced some hits but it was not as successful as their last two records. Sebastian Bach was fired by the band in late 1996. There was a fight between Bach and Balon about opening up for Kiss. The band never really broke up but they did play under another band name called Ozone Monday with Shawn Mars. Rob Affuso left the band and was replaced with Charlie Mills. The band performed under the name Ozone Monday from 1998 to 1999 around the world. In 1999, the band went back with the name Skid Row and hired new lead singer, who is Johnny Solinger. Charlie Mills left the band and was replaced by former drummer of Saison Kick, who is Phil Varone. The band released their fourth record, which was called “Thickskin” with Phil Varone on drums and Johnny Solinger on vocals. This record was the first record in eight years. Dave Gara came a board to play drums in 2004. “Revolutions per Minute” was their fifth record and it was released in 2006. The band did several tours around the world and on the water as a cruise. In 2010, Dave Gara left the band and was replaced by Rob Hammersmith on drums. In 2011, rumors started to fly that Bach was returning to the band as the lead singer. Dave Sabo put all those rumors to a stop after Bach started it on “That Metal Show.” In 2013, the band signed a record dead with Megaforce Records. They put out this EP, which is called “United World Rebellion Chapter One.” This band has put out five studio records, two EP, one live record, and one greatest hits. Let us get into the music.
Track List:
Kings Of Demolition
I love the heavy guitars and bass in your face at the beginning. Johnny singing is strong and solid. I love the main riff with some nice playing from the rhythm selection of the band. I love the melody from the singer. There is some solid lyrics on this opening track. This is a really good singing with some great music and well written lyrics. There is an awesome guitar solo towards the end of the song. There is a normal Skid Row ending to the song.
Lets Go
Just like the opening track, “Lets Go” starts out the same way but a little bit slower. However, it has a nice pace with some solid lyrics, I love Johnny’s singing better than Bach’s vocals. I believe Bach’s vocals would not fit on the music Skid Row is putting together on their last three records. There is some nice lyrics. There is an awesome and well place guitar solo towards the middle of the song. This song you can hear the punk influence in the band. Another awesome ending to a song.
This Is Killing Me
I love the touch of the acoustic guitar with a slight overdrive guitar over the top with a short guitar solo. Johnny is singing with passion and feeling along with some great lyrics. I love the pace of this song. The drums and bass are calming but perfect for the song. I love the well placed keyboards in the background. They put some nice lays of the music here. In the middle of the song, I can hear a nice dancing bass line in the background. There is a nice guitar break towards the back half of the song that turns into a nice short guitar solo. I kind of feel that one was forced.
Get Up
I love how the guitar starts out with bass and drums being the forces point at the beginning. The drums and bass are forced in the main part of the song. I love the touch of the guitars. I love the singing from Johnny and the lyrics he is signing. I love the pace and the way place back up vocals. I love the change of pace towards the middle of the song. It goes right back to the main riff. I love the guitar solo ending the song.
Stitches
I love the fade in guitar work with some nice drums and killer bassline. This music is pretty sick in a good way. Johnny comes in with a nice punk like singing. This song is in your face but in a nice way. I am not a fan of the lyrics but they will have to grow on me. The music is making this song right now. This is a perfect ending to this EP.
In the end, Skid Row has been a band has been on my radar. They were a band that was at the end of the 1980’s metal scene. I believe to this day they do not get the credit they should for their music. Was their first record like all the bands of their time? Yeah, their records after that shows more than just your normal 1980’s metal bands. Yes, they are part of that era and they cannot block that out of their career. I have to say Skid Row has come a long way from their self titled record. Even with Bach, the band did get heavier and I felt they push themselves away from their peers. This band has re-establish itself in the hard rock and metal world. Skid Row was awesome in the 1980’s and early 1990’s but I feel this is the real Skid Row. Skid Row is back and better than ever. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter. I highly recommend you checking this band out. Let me know what you think of it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this Music Monday blog, we are going to get into the new release from a 2000’s hard rock and metal band, who is Drowning Pool. The record is called “Resilience.” We are going to get into the history of the band and then into the music. Let us get into the history of Drowning Pool.
History
Drowning Pool was founded in 1996 in Dallas, Texas founded by C.J. Pierce, who is the guitar player, and Mike Luce, who is drummer. They met Stevie Benton, who is the bass player, and then Dave Williams, who is the original lead singer. Their first record, which is “Sinner” was released in 2001 and band went into the mainstream when they played Ozzfest. Dave Williams was founded dead in his tour bus. He had some heart problem that he did not know about. In 2003, Drowning Pool replace Dave Williams with Jason Jones. They shift the music style from the dark to more of mainstream sound. They band release their second record called Desensitized in 2004. They band had success with a single called “Step Up” however, the record did not do that well. Jones band left the band in 2005. Ryan McCombs, who is the former ex singer of Soil at the time, replace Jones on vocals in 2005. In 2006, the band recorded a new song for The Saw movie. The band then signed a record contract with Nikki Sixx’s new record label, which is Eleven Seven Music. Drowning Pool released their third record called “Full Circle” in 2007. In 2009, the band released their first live record called “Loudest Common Denominator.” The band started working on their fourth record which would be self-titled. The record was released in 2010. This mark a first in the band’s history that the band had the same lead singer on two records in a roll. The band started working on their fifth record, however, Ryan McCombs left the band to reunite with his former band, who is Soil, in 2011. Drowning Pool replaced McCombs with Jasen Moreno in 2012. That same year, they released their first single, which was called “In Memory Of,” for their up coming record on the ten anniversary of their original lead singer’s death. It was a tribute song for Dave Williams. “Resilience” was released in 2013. This is the record that will be featured on this blog. Let us get into the music.
Track List:
Anytime Anyplace
The opening track is in your face and driving music. There is some nice heavy guitar, drums and bass. I love the singing from the singer. It kind of reminds me of their first lead singer. The drumming is pretty solid. This is a pretty heavy song and reminds me of the music from their first record. Jasen singing is solid and lyrics are very good. This is a great opening song to “Resilence.”
Die For Nothing
I love the beginning for the music. There is some soild guitar, bass, and drumming playing here. I love Jasen’s singing on “Die For Nothing.” He wrote some solid lyrics. This is a pretty solid song and straight in your face. I love the guitar break towards the end of the song.
One Finger and a Fist
I love the start to the song. It is just Jasen singing. I love the pace of this record and song. I love the drumming, bass and guitar playing on this song. This song is clearly going around the singer which was the case on most of their songs on the first record. I love they have gone back to that for their roots. This is Drowning Pool music. Jasen has written some nice lyrics and his singing is pretty solid. There is a quick guitar solo towards the end of the song. This is song is in your face from the start to the finish of the song. I can understand why this was a single off this record.
Digging These Holes
I love the guitar riff at the beginning of the song. I love the drumming and bass playing. The singer is singing is spot on with some great lyrics. I love the guitar and bass playing towards the end of the song that lead into a pretty good guitar solo. This is a pretty solid song. It is in your face but in a nice way. The ending could have been better.
Saturday Night
This is another single off this record. I love the music at the beginning of the song. I love the singing from the lead and back up singers. I love the lyrics on “Saturday Night.” I love the guitar break between the singing. The drummer is playing his ass off on this song. What was that? That was a great guitar riff that should have been explored at the end of the song.
Low Crawl
I love the music at the beginning. The drumming is off the charts with some nice support from the bass player. I love the singing from Jasen with some great lyrics. I love the pace of the guitar playing. There was some great guitar work at the middle part of the song. I love the drop off on the heaviest of the song to a nice calming music just to be built back up to main riff. I love the ending to this song with some music in your face with the singer screaming.
Life Of Misery
I love the guitar playing at the beginning. I love the drumming and bass playing. I am not fan of Jasen’s singing at the beginning of the song. It does not fit but it starts to fit deeper in the song. There is some solid music and great lyrics. I love this song but I did not like the beginning on the singing side. I guess it is one of those songs that needs to grow on me. There is an awesome guitar solo with some awesome hard-hitting drumming at the end of the song. I love how the guitar player echos the singer. The bass player is right in your face. This is a great song. I am glad Drowning Pool is back.
Broken Again
This is classic Drowning Pool guitar riff at the beginning with the effects on it. The drumming and bass playing is solid. During the main riff it drops off but the singing puts it in your face in a nice way. Jasen wrote some nice lyrics on this song. I love the pace of this song. He has a pretty good range on this song. I am glad they let the bass go to front line at the end of the song. I love the well placed back up vocals on this song.
Understand
I love the sound sample that they use with a nice drum intro. The guitar playing is solid. The music drops off into versus. I just do not like all the effects on the singer vocals. They put it off pretty quickly to some nice singing over some heavy music. They wrote some awesome music on “Understand.” Jasen wrote some great lyrics on this song. I am glad they let the bassist run front before it was covered back up by the guitar player. I love the ending.
Bleed With You
I love the nice heavy gutiar riff to a nice acoustic guitar riff. The music is pretty solid on this song. There is some nice music and great lyrics. I love pace and theme of this song. This song, which is “Bleed With You”, should be their next single off this song. I love the meaning of this song. I love the singing towards the end of the song. This band knows they have a great singer and they are using him in all the right ways. This song is a great example.
Skip To The End
I love the guitar and drumming work with the bass echoing at the beginning. I hate all that reverb on the singer’s vocals. The music is OK. It is kind of let down for being the last song. Jasen wrote some great lyrics on this song. I am not a fan of this song. It is kind of disappointing song before the bonus tracks.
In Memory Of
This song is memory of their first lead singer, who was Dave Williams. It is first song they record with Jasen. I have to say they put some thought behind this song. The music is pretty solid. I love the lyrics. I love the guitar work on this song. The semi guitar solo throughout the song. Drowning Pool did a great job on this tribute to their first singer and long time friend and music brother.
Blindfold
I love the Black Sabbathish guitar riff with effect at the beginning. I love the drumming and bass playing on this song. The drumming is off the charts. I love the singing and lyrics. For being a bonus track, “Blindfold” shows the world that this band has some great unreleased songs. I love the ending of this song.
Closing, I am glad this band has went back to their roots. I love the last two records with Ryan McCombs of Soil. Jasen Moreno has taken to band back to their roots and to another level. I also love the record they did Jason Jones and I understand why he was let go from singing. This record from start to finish ids solid from the music, lyrics, and singing. They have a great singer and I hope he is around for a while. I am really looking to seeing this band live. I grew up listening to this band when they had Dave Williams. I love their performance on WWE or WWF Summerslam PPV. I was sad to hear of his death. I thought it was death of the band too. I loved their next record but it was not Drowning Pool. I came back to the band on Ryan’s second record and loved it. I was pretty upset when he left for his crappy band called SOiL. I love this record and I love Jasen’s singing which is better than Ryan. The music is Drowning Pool and they found ways to work with their new singer. This is a solid record and I believe this record is just the start for this great band to return to the mainstream. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this Music Monday Blog, Filter is the feature band and the new record called “The Sun Comes Out Tonight.” Filter is well-known in the 1990’s for their huge hit “Hey Man Nice Shot,” which everyone thought they were talking about Kurt Cobain shooting himself. It is still mystery of what they were singing about. Filter had several hits in the 1990’s and I have been a fan since. Let us get into the history of this band and then the music.
History
Richard Parker, who is one of founding member of Filter, played guitar in a band called Nine Inch Nails. He tour for NIN record “Pretty Hate Machine.” Richard left the band after the tour and began a new project which would be called Filter with Brain Liesegang. Filter signed record company in 1994 with Reprise Records. “Short Bus” was released in 1995 with the big hit “Hey Man Nice Shot.” They had another hit off that record called “Dose.” Filter went back into the studio in 1998 to start working on their second record which would be release in 1999 and it was called “Title Of Record.” They had a three singles which are “Welcome To The Fold,” “The Best Things,” and the huge hit song “Take A Picture.” Filter went into the studio in 2001 to begin work on “The Amalgamut.” It was released in 2002 with hit songs like “Where Do We Go From Here,” and “American Cliche.” Sales of the record were short because of Richard Parker entering Rehab which led to lack of touring and support for the record. Filter took a break from touring and recording. Richard Parker team up with members of Stone Temple Pilots to form the supergroup called Army Of Anyone. Army Of Anyone put out their first record and did not sale very well. Richard disappointed with the success of that Supergroup project which lead to their break up in 2007. Filter finally went into the studio to record their fourth record in 2007 and their first since 2002. The record was called “Anthems for the Damned.” It was a more serious record than the rest that was released in the past. The record was finally released in 2008 and had hits like “Soldiers Of Misfortune” and “What’s Next.” In 2008, Filter started to work on their fifth record called “The Trouble With Angels.” There was no singles off this record, however, this record brought Filter back to their first three records. The fan base holds this as their cult classic. The band enter the studio to record their sixth record which is the one that will be reviewing in this blog and it is called “The Sun Comes Out Tonight.” The band put out their first single called “What Do You Say.” Let us get into the music.
Track List
We Hate It When You Get What You Want
The open track has that classic Filter sound to it. The programming and sampling is awesome. Richard Parker sounds great. The drumming and bass work is right there with the old school sound. Richard has some great lyrics on this song. Filter keeps it going after their last release, which was “The Trouble With Angels.” This is a great opening track.
What Do You Say
The first single off this great record is “What Do You Say.” Just like the opening track, “What Do You Say” starts out like the old Filter sound. I believe this band never really loss its sound. They were experimenting on their fourth record. There is nothing wrong with that and still was a pretty good record. Richard is singing is solid with some awesome lyrics. He has his screaming going on in this song. The music from the guitar, bass, and drums are solid. I love the music breaks in “What Do You Say.” This is a perfect first single off this record. It also has a nice ending.
Surprise
I love the start of this song with the samples and acoustic guitar. Richard’s singing is really good on this song. This song reminds me of “Take A Picture.” He has out did himself on this song. The drums are really good. This song right now is my favorite song off this record so far. I really enjoyed the build up towards the end of the song. “Surprise” has a nice and fitting finish.
Watch The Sun Come Out Tonight
I love the effects on the samples and the vocals. Richard comes in with an awesome guitar riff that turns out to be the main riff. Once again, I tip my hat to him for having some solid lyrics and music. I am loving the drums and bass on this song. It is a perfect back up to the singing and guitar. I love the ending of this song.
It’s Got To Be Right Now
I love the guitar effects on the one guitar. The other guitar is same riff but really solid. I love the singing and the lyrics. This song seems like it could have been part of their 1990’s records. The drums and bass are simple but this is perfect for the song. It is what the song is calling for in its theme and process. This is not the best song but not the worse on this record. The lyrics are to the point and love the build up for the ending.
This Finger’s For You
The drums kind of has a flare from Led Zeppelin but a little bit heavier at the beginning. I love the guitar and programing while Richard sings. There is some pretty solid music and lyrics on this song. The drums and bass are about where they need to be with the process of this song. The music is awesome and this can be turn up without leaving anything behind. The title of the song explains everything. I love the music break with a semi guitar solo. I love the sampling drums at the end of the song.
Self Inflicted
I love Richard screaming at the beginning. It brings me to the old school of Filter. This song seems like “Hey Man Nice Shot.” I love the lyrics. They are straight to the point and have some meaning. I love the verses music and then the pick up for the chorus. Parker has written some great music for this song. I love the pace of this song. It has a nice ending.
First You Break It
I love the acoustic guitar and pace at the beginning of this song. Once again, this song reminds me of “Take A Picture.” For programming metal band, their Ballard or slow songs are really good. They make sense and not what you expect from them. The lyrics and music are solid. This is up there as one of my favorite songs off this record. The drums move this song not the singer or guitar player. The drummer leads us to a nice journey of music. I love the singing towards the end and the build up.
Burn It
I love the programming at the beginning of the song. The guitar in the background is a nice touch. When it comes forward, it is right in your face. The lyrics are pretty solid for the theme of this song. I love Richard’s singing. He is on it like back in the 1990’s. I just wish and hope this band gets some looks from this record. There is a nice pace to music and the drums are really solid off this track. Richard has a nice guitar solo towards the back half of the song.
Take That Knife Out Of My Back
The sampling and programming is slow and nice to the point. The lyrics are simple but perfect. I believe this is the last song they wrote for the record. I love the guitar riff in the song. Richard’s screaming is perfect along with the drums and bass playing. There is a nice pace to the song. This is a pretty solid song towards the end. I believe this should be the second single off this record. It has a nice ending.
It’s My Time
I love the piano action at the beginning of the song. I love the lyrics along with the music. This is thinking music but to me this is thinking about growing up listening to this band. Damn, time has went by pretty fast. Richard has still has it as a song and lyric writer. These songs make me want to get back into music. This is a great song.
It’s Just You
The beginning of this song reminds of something off Owl City record. However, Filter put their twist on it. There is some solid music and lyrics. I am so proud of this band of what they are and what they have become in the world of hard rock and metal. I love the lyrics and it comes straight from the heart. I love the ending and this is a perfect ending to this great record. FILTER is BACK!!! Last record is the same thing.
Here is original Line Up:
Richard Patrick – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Programming, Drums, Producer, Engineer
Brian Liesegang – Programming, Keyboards, Guitars, Drums, Producer, Engineer
In closing, I have not been disappointed with this band’s music since they started. They have not put out a bad record. I am not a huge fan but I will say I have becoming more and more of huge fan. I believe this record has put me to the point I have become a huge fan. I have grown up listening to this band and I was too stuck in the past,which meaning like the 1970’s and 1980’s. I believe their was nothing wrong with that. I still follow this band like Candlebox, Stone Temple Pilots, Cold, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains. There are band I wish would have kept on going but this band I am glad is still going. They put out a solid record and you need to support them. If you are new to this band, please, go back and check out the rest of their music. I highly recommend this music. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this special Music Monday blog, we are going to take a look at a record many of us have been waiting for in years. We are talking about the new music from Black Sabbath. This is the first new studio record from Black Sabbath with Ozzy as the lead singer in about 35 years. I have to say this record has went over really well with everyone in the world. This record went #1 in the first week in 50 countries. Let us get into the history of this great pioneer metal band and then the music.
History
Black Sabbath was founded in 1968 under the name of Earth. As they have learned later on they found there was another band under the same band name of Earth in England. Earth changed their name to Black Sabbath in 1969 from 1963 horror movie Black Sabbath. They wrote their most haunting and evil song after their band name. Black Sabbath was signed to Warner Bros in the states. They release their debut record of Black Sabbath in 1970. The record companies push Sabbath back into the studio in June of 1970 to record their second record. It was supposed to be called “War Pigs.” Warner Bros changed the name to “Paranoid” and lead with the title track as their first single. “Paranoid” was released in early part of 1971 and went to #2 on the music charts. In the early part of 1971, the band enter the studio to record “Master Of Reality.” Following the World Tour of “Master Of Reality,” the band took break from touring and recording. However, in June 1972, the band was back in the studio recording “Vol. 4”, it would be released in later part of 1972. In the summer of 1973, they enter the studio, which was a house outside of Los Angeles, to record “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” The record was released in the later parts of 1973 after a long and beat up time to come up with music and ideas for “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.’ Sabbath went on a World Tour for the year of 1974. In the early part of 1975, the band started working on “Sabotage.” It would be released in July 1975. Also in 1975, the record company put out the band’s first greatest hit, which was called “We Sold Our Souls For Rock And Roll.” In 1976, Black Sabbath added a keyboard player, who was Gerry Woodruffe, to their next record, which was “Technical Ecstasy.” It was released on September 1976. In 1977, Ozzy quits the band just before Sabbath was supposed to be entering the studio. Dave Walker was brought in to replace Ozzy on vocals. They performed live with their new song “Junior’s Eyes.” Ozzy had a change of mind on leaving the band and wanted to rejoin the band in January 1978. Ozzy was welcome back but all the new songs they wrote with Dave Walker had to be tossed because Ozzy could not sing those songs. “Never Say Die!” was released later part of 1978 and it marked the last studio recording for Ozzy in Sabbath for a while. The band return to LA area to start working on new songs but the band was doing too much drugs and drinking way too much. Ozzy had no ideas and did not want to practice. Ozzy was busy getting drunk and doing drugs. Tony fired Ozzy and had Bill Ward his buddy and lead singer he was not the singer of Black Sabbath anymore. The band went through several line up changes in the 1980’s. Ronnie James Dio replace Ozzy on vocals and this was the most success the band had in the 1980’s. They also had Ian Gillin, who was from Deep Purple fame, on “Born Again” record as the lead singer, which to this day it is cult classic. Then the band had Tony Martin and Ray Gillan, who replaced Glenn Hughes. Glenn Hughes was on the record “The Seventh Star.” Glenn to this day still does not remember recording that record with Tony. At this time in Sabbath, Tony was the only original member of the band. This record was supposed to be Tony’s first solo record but the record company said no to the idea. Finally, in 1997 Black Sabbath with all four original reunited for a tour on the Ozzfest. They would play along the side of Ozzy’s solo band. The band did several recordings in Europe for their live record called “Reunion” that was released 1998. It also mark the first time in years that the band recorded new music in a studio with Ozzy. They recorded three songs but only two made the live record. In the spring of 2001, the band went into the studio with Rick Rubin to start working on new record with Ozzy on vocals but Ozzy was called away to finish up his solo record “Down To Earth.” Black Sabbath reunited with the Heaven And Hell line up and toured with Dio. The band later started to work on new songs for the new Black Sabbath. The band released the new record, which was “The Devil You Know,” under the band name of Heaven And Hell. The band toured the world until Dio received some bad new about his health. Ronnie James Dio pasted away on May 2010 from stomach cancer. The Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund is still active to this day and please support. Rest In Peace Dio! In November 2011, Black Sabbath reunites with Ozzy on vocals in the studio with producer Rick Rubin. Bill Ward could not play the drums because of other things going on in his life. There are several different stories out there about this situation. Brad Wilk of Rage Against Machine was called in to play drums on the record. “13” was released last week in the United States. It has mark the first studio record from Black Sabbath in 18 years and the first with Ozzy in 35 years. Let us get into the music!
Track List
End Of The Beginning
The classic dark dooming guitar riff from Tony at the beginning. It is supported by some great drumming and bass playing. This song reminds of something off the early Black Sabbath. This is really creepy. I love how Ozzy is singing over the guitar playing. This song is extremely haunting and awesome. I love the lyrics. This is a great opening track to this great record. I love the pick up towards the middle of the song. I also love the fact that Ozzy has no effects on his vocals. He also sounds really good on his singing. Tony has a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song. I love how they let the drums and bass fill the spaces during the guitar solo. I mean there is a rhythm guitar but it is not over the top like most rhythm guitars with the solo.
God Is Dead?
God Is Dead? is the first single off this record. Just like the opening track, this song is pretty creepy. They have found the fountain of youth on this record so far. I love the guitar work. The drums and bass is pretty solid. They have out did themselves on the music. Once again, Ozzy has no effects on his vocals. He sounds like old school Ozzy. I love the pick up for the chorus and then the music pulls back to the background during the versus while Ozzy’s vocals are pushed forward over the music. The band has written some great lyrics and music. This is a great song for a single. This record seems like it could be forty years old. Tony has a great guitar solo towards the end of the song. I love the time changes on this song.
Loner
I love the start to Loner with the solid guitar, drums, and bass. This song seems like it would have been part of “Master of Reality” or “Vol. 4.” This is classic Ozzy singing and lyrics. I am really loving the fact there is no effects on his vocals. I am really enjoying this guitar solo and I love the effects that are put on the Tony’s guitar. Brad has done an awesome job on the drums. Tony did a pretty good job on the ending guitar solo to finish up the song.
Zeitgeist
Tony has the Planet Cavern acoustic guitar sound going. Bard playing the congas is a very nice touch. This is the only time that Ozzy has effects on his vocals and it is perfect. The bass is just right from one of the best in the business. I love the lyrics on Zeitgeist. Tony has some great guitar work towards the end of the song. It is a nice touch for the song.
Age Of Reason
Brad has some awesome drumming and the bass and guitars are solid. Ozzy is singing is solid and lyrics are really good. I am loving the pace of this song. I love how this song developed with the some keyboard action in the middle of the song. I love the music on this song. There is awesome guitar riffs throughout this song. Tony puts together a pretty good guitar solo in the later parts of this song. It has a perfect ending.
Live Forever
The guitar riff is pretty solid with the drums and bass at the beginning of “Live Forever.” The main riff is classic Black Sabbath. Ozzy has his classic singing with some great lyrics. Once again, it seems like this song could have been off one of their earlier records. This is one of my favorite songs so far off this record. Tony has a solid guitar solo towards the back half of the song.
Damaged Soul
I love the sample or sound effects they use at the beginning of the song. I love how the drums, guitar, and bass comes into the song. The music is pretty solid. Ozzy has some reverb on his vocals but it fits where they are taking this song. Classic Tony’s guitar riff bleeds throughout this song. I love the double vocals from Ozzy. It gives you the crazy feeling that the song is trying to get out. Tony has some pretty awesome guitar breaks and solos throughout this song. The music is awesome on this song. I am loving the ending guitar solo.
Dear Father
“Dear Father” is the final song off the record before we get into the bonus tracks from special edition from www.bestbuy.com. There is classic Black Sabbath music and Ozzy singing and lyrics are solid. I am loving the pace and the feeling on this song. It is a perfect song to finish this comeback record. Brad is killing it on the drums. He is not Bill Ward but if someone told me Bill Ward played on this record, I would have believe them. I love Ozzy’s melody on this song. The rain storm is perfect and echoes the time in the past and the record that put them on the map.
Methademic
I love the start of this song. Tony has a nice acoustic guitar riff. It is a thinking music. It then slams right into your face with the distorted and evil guitar riff. The bass and drums are solid. Ozzy is solid on his vocals and lyrics. This song has a good pace to it. Tony has an awesome guitar solo in the later part of the song. It has a nice ending to the song.
Peace Of Mind
“Peace Of Mind” has an awesome guitar riff. It is deep, dark, and thick. Ozzy has some awesome singing and lyrics also on this song. Brad drum beat is simple but it is to the point. I love how the guitar and drums echo off each other. I love how this song ends. It is perfect.
Pariah
I love the beginning of Pariah. There is an awesome main riff. Bulter is all over that bass along with Tony’s guitar work. Dear lord, this has to be the best song of the bonus tracks and maybe the record itself. This has to be a song they never used back in the day. This is a great song. I love how they moved the guitar down to an acoustic in the later part of the song. It goes back to distorted and Tony has guitar solo that fits this song.
Naivete In Black
“Naivete In Black” is the finally song from the bonus tracks and the record. I love the fast pace of the song. Ozzy has been pretty solid throughout this record. The lyrics are done up really well. I love the movements of the riffs. Tony has a nice guitar break in the middle of the song. I love the ending to this song and the riff going out.
In closing, I am glad Sabbath reunited and put out mind-blowing new record. It seems like they never broke up and all the music between did not happen. Geezer Bulter did a great job on the lyrics and bass playing. Ozzy did a great job helping write the music and the singing. Tonny Iommi was off the charts good on the guitars. Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine was as close as you are going to get on drums to Bill Ward. I was pretty sad to see Bill Ward was not playing drums on this record. I do not understand why but I saw the reports and stories. It is funny to think that Ozzy was picked on by Geezer and Tony in school would end up fronting one of the pioneers of metal music. “13” was a solid record from start to finish that is including all the bonus tracks. I do not know which one is my favorite or favorites. I enjoyed listening to all the songs. I am looking forward and hoping to hear more new music from this line up of Black Sabbath. I highly recommend this record from the old school metal guys or the new to the music of metal. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
Credit Source: (I pick up the history part from wikipedia and some from stories I heard throughout the years. Most came from Talking Metal and Eddie Trunk.)
In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the latest and overdue record from Boston Legends known as Aerosmith. Aerosmith’s last record was Honkin’ On Bobo which was released in 2004. It has been twelve years for original music and that record was Just Push Play in 2001. Aerosmith was founded in 1970 in Boston. Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records in 1971 and in 1973 Aerosmith debut record hit the shelves. Aerosmith is a really successful band in American history. They have sold over 150 million records worldwide and 65.5 million in the United States. Aerosmith was put in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001 and listed in Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Artist Of All Time. Aerosmith has put out 15 studio records, 5 live records, 11 greatest records, 68 singles, and 7 video records. We are going to do the latest from this band and it is 15th record, which is called Music From Another Dimension! Let us get into the music.
LUV XXX
There is a voice in the opening track. It gives you an outer space type of feel and sets theme of this record from Aerosmith. I am loving the drums, bass, and guitar work at the beginning of the song. I am not liking the singing and effects on Tyler’s vocals. I am not a fan of lyrics either. The music is old school Aerosmith but the singing is something you would hear from Moroon 5. The music kind sounds like Love In Elevator and melody. I am love the guitar break from Joe Perry. Joey Kramer still has it on the drums. Great music but just bad lyrics on this song. I hope this not a theme throughout this record.
Oh Yeah
Great drumming at the beginning of Oh Yeah, the guitar has a late 1970’s feel to it. I am not too sure on the lyrics just like the opening track. The music is pretty solid with a nice guitar break and then a little guitar solo from Joe. I am not a fan of singing and lyrics. This record is missing something and it feels like it was rushed even though they took forever to out this record. I did like that ending to Oh Yeah.
Beautiful
What is up with the beginning of this song? Come on stop reliving the rap days of Aerosmtih and Run DMC. Steve you can not rap and same thing with the rest of your band members. This song is really bad. They should have put a rapper on this song. It would have been a little better because the music is pretty solid. I love the guitar solo from Joe. I am glad there was a good solo at least. So far this is the worse song out there and on this record.
Tell Me
I am love the beginning of this song. It has nice singing from Steve and acoustic. Please cut off the reverb on Steve’s vocals. You are not the greatest singer in the world but you do hold your own. I did not like how the drums came into Tell Me. I am kind of liking the lyrics on Tell me. This is a pretty solid song. So far this is beyond the best song on the record. This is what I am looking from this legendary band.
Out Go The Lights
Out Go The Lights has a some solid guitar and drumming that echoes some from their earlier work. Joey has some solid drumming and bass playing from Brad. The lyrics are pretty good too. Steve is singing like he did in the past. Is this record turning period in the right direction after the first three bad songs? Joe has a solid guitar break in the first quarter part of the song. This is a pretty solid song. It has well written in every part of this band. I am loving the back up singing too. There was a great stop and the start-up from the drums. Joey then rides the cow bell into sunset. The back half of the song has some nice trade-off from all the guys in the band while Steve just chills in the background. There is a nice touch on the fade out of the music for the ending.
Legendardy Child
This song sounds like something off Get A Grip or Just Push Play. There is a solid start to the song. I am enjoying the lyrics and guitar work. The drums and bass are right there up to Aerosmith standards. So far, Aerosmith has turn the corner on this record. This is another good song. Joe has a great guitar solo towards the end of the song. I like the ending of Legendary Child.
What Could Have Been Love
This is the first Ballard on this record. I like Steve’s singing and Joey and Joe’s playing on this song. The lyrics are well written. I do enjoy their ballads in the past so this one lives up to those songs. Joey has some great drumming on this song. There is some great melody. I just feel this song does not need back up singing. This is a great song. I love the ending to the song.
Street Jesus
Street Jesus start out with a sample from the street and the guitar comes in. It is an average to below average guitar riff. Steve’s singing is average. I have heard better from this band. The main part of the song is Ok. I really not liking this song. The title is a little cheesey. I like the drum beat and the bass playing on Street Jesus. I could do without the rest of the members on this song. I really do not like what they did at the end of the song. At least Joe has a great guitar break and solo in the middle of the song and it sounds like the two guitar players are trading off solos. I could not finish listening to this song that how bad it was for me.
Can’t Stop Loving You (feature with Carrie Underwood)
Here is another Ballard song on this record. Steve and Carrie are a good fit on this song. Their voices and vocals fit perfectly together. This song has a nice pace to it. I love how they bend together. I am also liking the music. It has a little country touch to it and it is not because Carrie is singing on this song. Please, cut the reverb off Steve’s voice. This is a well written song and it is one of my favorites so far on this record. I love the fade out of the song at the end.
Love Alot
I love the drum action at the beginning. There is some great music but the lyrics are a little weak again. I am enjoying the melody that Tyler has on Love Alot. I just feel there could be better lyrics than the ones that are on this song. I just feel he is singing the same thing over and over. I know there are different words but it echoes too much. I really did not like the ending of the song.
We All Fall Down
The start of We All Fall Down has some singing with piano work which is well written. Steve has a nice melody and is singing great. Here is another slow song and the lyrics are average. They are livable to what I have heard on this record. To be honest, drums and bass are great on the song but Aerosmith could live without them on this song. I am loving the guitar riff on this song but really do not need them. It might make more sense towards the end of the song for the guitar, bass, and drums. I really not a fan of the ending.
Freedom Fighter
Freedom Fighter has a great bass, guitar, and drum working. I am not a fan of the singing and the lyrics. This is pretty bad song. I really love the music on this song but I could do without the lyrics and singing. I do not know where they came up with this song. To me, this is not Aerosmith. Is this a Joe Perry solo song that he brought over to Aerosmith? I know he has done that in the past and had some success with it. This song does fall short but I love the ending of the song.
Closer
I love the effects on the guitar at the beginning and a well written riff. I love the blues singing from Steve. It fits the feeling of the song and the theme. The music is pretty good and nice blues guitar solo between versus. I am also enjoying the lyrics. It has a pretty solid ending to the song.
Something
The beginning sounds like something from a hockey game and video game. I am enjoying the guitar playing. Joe sounds like Gene Simmons after a bender. He did get better as the song went on but please Joe play the guitar and do back up vocals. You are not a lead singer. I do not know how I feel towards this song. It has a pretty good ending.
Another Last Goodbye
I am enjoying the piano and flute playing at the beginning. Steve singing is pretty good also and with some really good lyrics. Steve is singing his heart out on this song. This is a great song to end this bad record. Please, do not get me wrong there are some gems on this record. Damn! Steve really hit it on this song. His singing is the best I have heard from him in a long time. I have to be honest this song could be shorter. The lyrics getting pretty boring as the song goes on with the singing at the very end of the song.
Closing out, I will be really honest on this record. Is there are some good songs and gems on this record? Yes, there is but they are not great song or up to Aerosmith’s standards. I feel they cut them short on many of these songs. I just feel this record is missing something. Is the band getting along and are they talking about their music? I just feel they are not talking to one another. Two summer ago, Aerosmith almost replace Steve Tyler as lead singer. I do not know how much of that put into this release. I just know they have been working on this record for a while. I am glad they are still together. I am glad they are touring and I might have to see them this upcoming summer. I saw them at Tiger Stadium with Kiss and Slavia. It was one of the best shows I saw that year. I believe that is the last time I was in Tiger Stadium. Well to wrap this up, I have to say just because I did not like this record and dogged on it. It does not mean you will not like it. We as music fans have a ton of chances to listen to the record before we buy it. Just what I said there are some good songs. I just feel there are too many filler songs to get this record out to the people. Let me know your thoughts. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the latest record from Kiss. This is their 20th record in their career and it is called Monster. This record is the follow-up record to Sonic Boom. Here is a little history of this legendary band. Kiss was founded in January 1973 in New York City. This band has went through several line up changes but still found some success. They have twenty studio records and ten live records, which they are best known for them. They were one of the first bands in 1970’s to push the live records as a trend. They have about thirteen greatest hits records. Kiss also has five box sets in the market. They had thirteen of their records from live and studio that went Gold in the United States. Kiss has also had thirteen of their records from live and studio that went Platinum in the United States. Kiss is pretty well-known for their live performance. They are also known for their make up and their character that they dress up for their stage act. Kiss was the first band to sell lunch boxes, action figures, etc. Kiss was their marketing machine to drive their fame. Kiss like most great bands are not in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Let us get into the music.
Hell Or Hallelujah
The opening track has a solid guitar work at the beginning of this song. This is a classic Kiss song. This song is a little be slower than the normal Kiss songs. The lyrics are really bad but the music is great. This is their first single from this record. There is a great guitar solo towards the end of the song from Tommy. This song finish pretty strong.
Wall Of Sound
I love the start of this song. There is solid playing from all the members in the band. Paul’s vocal has aged very well. Most lead singers in the later part of their career cannot sing their old songs and some of their newer ones. The lyrics are a little better on this song. This is so far my favorite song from “Monster.” The pace of this song is just right for Kiss. The ending is about average for the song.
Freak
I love the music on “Freak.” This is a great all around song but the lyrics are bad. I could hear this song on their first few records. There is a great guitar solo from Tommy. It has a pretty solid ending.
Back To The Stone Age
There is a nice bass and drum work at the beginning of the song. This is a nice driving music. I love the music. The lyrics once again is really bad. It has a classic Kiss sound. It is kind of sounds like “Love Gun” or “I Love It Loud.” Back To The Stone Age has a solid finish.
Shout Mercy
There is a nice guitar riff with a good backbone from the bass and drums. The lyrics are like classic Kiss lyrics. I love the music. Nice fitting guitar solo is well placed in the song. Shout Mercy has a great finish.
Long Way Down
This song, which is Long Way Down, is the second single released from Monster. It has a solid music with some good lyrics. There is more singing from Paul on this record then Gene. It just seems like it. There is a nice simple guitar solo and it is spot on in this song. There is also a nice ending to the song.
Eat Your Heart Out
There is a different pace of the song with just singing at the beginning of it. There is some great music. I love the guitar work. This song sounds like Poison, who is a band from the glam rock days in 1980’s. There has some thoughts that Poison has stolen music from Kiss. I am not saying that Kiss is stealing music from Poison but it sounds like it. Everything has been done in music. There is only a few notes in music so there will be songs and music that might sound like another song or music. In most cases, it might have one more note or one less that the general music ear might not pick up on it. Anyways, the lyrics on this song are just bad but the song has a great finish.
The Devil Is Me
This song has a nice guitar, bass, and drums. This is a nice in your face Kiss music. The lyrics are bad. There is a nice guitar break towards the middle of the song. The song went from good to boring. This song should be shorter. It is a Kiss ending.
Outta This World
There is a solid start to the song. It also has a nice pace to the song. It is a simple and to the point to the music. I am not a fan of the lyrics and this song is pretty boring. The guitar work and solo is perfect. This song just like some other songs towards the end of this record could be shorter. There is some nice drumming on this song. I could heard this song on one of their first few records.
All For The Love Of Rock And Roll
This song seems like it is too slow for Kiss. However, I am really enjoying the lyrics, I am also loving the theme of the lyrics. I hear a little country music influence in this song. It has a perfect ending and the song reached the point. The length of the song is perfect. It also has a perfect ending.
Take Me Down Below
I am loving the beginning of this song. Gene has the thunder bass kicking in this song. Take Me Down Below has great music. It is a classic Kiss song from the music and lyrics. I love the guitar solo. It kind stays in the low-end but hits the mid notes with some high-end. It is a party song from the music and the lyrics. It has a nice ending.
Last Chance
There is a nice bass line at the beginning of the song. This song has a nice fast pace to it. It reminds me of old Kiss. This is a classic Kiss song from the music and lyrics. There is some good back up vocals. I love the music. This song comes into your house to have breakfast and then just leaves you without food. It is gets to the point. There is a nice guitar solo in the middle of the song. Nice build up for the ending of the song. It is just right for the end of the record. Kiss leaves this record on a high note.
In closing, I am not a huge Kiss fan but I do enjoy listening to their music. I am fan but not part of the Kiss Army. I was stun that they came out with a follow-up to Sonic Boom. I was also stun that they came out with Sonic Boom. Most older bands do not like to put out new music because their fan base do not care about the new music. I believe the only fans that care about the music is the hardcore ones or person that loves new music. I feel that Monster from Kiss was rush to be pull out for a reason to do a tour. The music on this record is classic Kiss and is really solid. They did a great job. I do not know if they took old riffs that they wrote back in the day. The lyrics I feel this band has run out of ideas. There are some gems on this record. I believe around those gems there are too many filler songs. What I mean by that, it is a song that is there to fill up the record to get it out to the market. There is nothing wrong doing that because some of those filler songs might become hits or just underground hit with hardcore fans. There are three songs that I do really love from this record and they are “Wall Of Sound,” Take Me Down Below,” and “Last Chance.” I just feel this record is a let down from Sonic Boom. I really enjoyed listening to Sonic Boom. If you are a hardcore fan of Kiss, check this record out and add it to your collection. If you are a general fan of Kiss or just a hard rock or metal fan, I would see if you can find a place to preview it before buying it. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
In this music blog, we are going to check out one of my favorite underground metal band called Riot. The last record from this great band out of Brooklyn, New York is called Immortal Soul, which is their fourteen studio album. Riot was formed in 1975 by the late great guitarist Mark Reale. They reach their peak a little bit in the early 1980’s but had a long successful career. The band went through so many line up changes but yet had a different sound in each of the eras which makes this band unique. Riot had fourteen studio albums, three live albums, one greatest hits, and one ep album that was only released in Japan. Let us get into the music.
Riot
Mark wrote a nice in your face guitar riff in this song. It is a pretty fast pace song. It has the classic sound from Thundersteel along with great singing. Mark also wrote a nice guitar solo, which he has been known for throughout the years. It is a well written song and great song opening song for this record.
Still Your Man
Still Your Man has a nice guitar and bass riffs throughout the song. There are hard-hitting and in your face drums. The singing is nice and fits the music along with great lyrics. This song finishes nicely. Nice job on this song!
Crawling
Crawling has a nice start to the song and I love how they did it. There is a nice heavy guitars with a great short solo at the beginning of the song. The singer has a nice vocal melody and great lyrics. I love the feeling and the sound of this song. There is a nice simple guitar solo towards the end of the song along with a great finish to it.
Wings Are For Angels
This song has a nice fast pace drums with a simple guitar riff to fill into the song. I believe his singing and voice does not fit with the music. I love the music. They did an excite job on it. The drummer is playing his ass off on this song. There is an awesome guitar solo and it has to be one of the best ones on this record. Wings Are For Angels has a nice ending with drums and guitar.
Fall Before Me
Fall Before Me has nice guitar and drum work along with a nice touch with the acoustic guitar. The music in this song is a great fit for this singer. He wrote some great lyrics. This song sounds like a rock anthems form the late 1970’s. I love it.
Sins Of The Father
Sins of the Father has a nice guitar at the beginning with drums. Tony Moore is singing very nice here with some great lyrics. So far this song is my favorite song on this record. I love the fact with all the line up changes they stayed true to their sound that they have created throughout the years.
Majestica
This is an intro song for the next song. It has great guitar riff that fits in the old 1980’s metal pop sound.
Immoral Soul
Majestica runs into a nice drums with guitar work in Immoral Soul. There is also a great bassline. Tony has written some great lyrics and is singing his ass off in this song. Mark of course wrote a great guitar solo. The band did a great job on the ending of this song.
Insanity
Insanity starts out with the singer and then the guitars enter with the drums and bass. In this song, everything is floating around the singer, which is change of pace from the rest of the songs on this record. This is a great song. This song is showing the finest work from Mark’s guitar work. Nice touch on the fading ending it fits the mood of the song.
Whiskey Man
Whiskey Man has a nice guitar intro. I love the lyrics but some parts of this song his vocals really does not fit with the music. The lyrics are sneak up in your face along with the singing. This is not greatest guitar solo but it fits in the song and music. Most bands get it. Not all songs need guitar solos or drum fills. Sometimes the most simple thing is the right thing.
Believe
Believe starts out with a nice angry guitar intro with the drums and bass. This is a well written song all the way around. Riot did a great job on this song. I love the time changes and the great finish to the song.
Echoes
Echoes has great guitar work from high to low. There is a nice flow with the lead vocals and nice touch on the back up vocals. This is my favorite song on this record along with Sins Of The Father. This song was a the perfect song to finish up a record and a great career. It is so sad because this band should have been bigger then what they were in the world of music.
In closing, I really enjoyed this record and all their records throughout their career. When I discovered this great band, I had to pick up all their records. It is sad to see this be their last record but at least I have this great music to listen to rest of my days on this earth. I love how they stayed true to their 1970’s sound but yet pulled off their slight thrash metal days in the 1980’s. My two favorite songs on this record is Sins Of The Father and Echoes. I wish I would have seen this band play live along with several other bands. I did not get a chance to see them live. Go check this record out and let me know what you think. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/
DJ Weiser 