black sabbath

New Music Monday Avenged Sevenfold Hail To The King

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the latest studio record from Avenged Sevenfold.  “Hail To The King” is their sixth studio record from this band.  We are going to get into the history of this band and then the music.  Let us get into the history.

History

The band was formed in 1999 at Huntington Beach, California.  The founding members of this band are M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance, The Rev, and Matt Wendt.  M. Shadows came up with the band name from the Bible’s story Cain And Adel.  Justin Sane replace Matt Wendt before they record their first record.  Dameon Ash replace Justin Sane around 2001.  Justin was checked into the hospital because of drinking too much cough syrup and try to commit suicide.  The band recorded their first record, which was “Sounding The Seventh Trumpet” in 2001.  Most of the members were around eighteen and still in high school.  Johnny Christ replaced Dameon Ash and release their second record, which was “Walking The Fallen.”  In 2004, the band after touring several times on the Vans Warped Tour signed with Warner Bros. Records.  In 2005, the band released their third studio record and their first under a major label.  The record was called “City Of Evil.”  They played on Ozzfest in 2006 and also won Best New Artist at the MTV Music Awards.  They returned to the Van’s Warped Tour.  “City Of Evil” gave them a few hits on the modern rock charts.  In 2007, the band released their fourth studio record, which was self-titled.  Two years later, their drummer “The Rev” was found dead.  At this time, band members in several interviews thought about disbanding and breaking up.  However, Mike Portnoy, who was with Dream Theater at time and now with Winery Dogs, stepped up to record the drum tracks for “Nightmare,” the band and the music community loved the fact the music sounded like The Rev was playing drums.  “Nightmare” was released in 2010 and it was their fifth record.  Mike was not the replacement of “The Rev” and the band found a new drummer, who was Arin Ilejay.   In 2013, the band release “Hail To The King,” which was the first record with Arin Ilejay on drums.  Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Shepherd Of Fire

There is some sound effects of rain and a bell to start the song.  The guitar comes in with the drums.  This is pretty good beginning to the record and this song.  The bass playing is pretty good.  M Shadows has a nice melody and lyrics.  I have to be honest.  I kept on hearing how this record is supposed to be different from the rest of their records.  To me, it sounds like all their old music.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  Their new drummer has about the same drumming style as their old drummer.  I love how they ended this song with a nice fade out.

Hail To The King

“Hail To The King” is the first single off this record and is the name of the record.  The guitar solo at the beginning is like something off this first few records.  The second guitar comes in but it is a little different.  I love that guitar riff.  The second guitar riff reminds me of something that Metallica would have written.  I do not like the fact that the other guitar player is playing a guitar solo throughout this song.  That is a little too much.  I love the lyrics on this song.  M Shadows has melody like something off Metallica’s Load and Re-Load.  There is a extended guitar solo towards the back half off the song.  I love the back up singing.

Doing Time

I love the music at the beginning of the song.  I am really not a fan of M Shadows singing.  Hello, you are not Axel Rose and please, stop thinking you are.  I love the lyrics.    I love the pace of this song.  There is a pretty good guitar solo in the last-minute of the song.

This Means War

I love the guitar work at the beginning.  I love how the drums and bass are playing at the beginning of the song.  I love the sound effect on the nuclear bomb blowing up.  The music is really good on this song.  M Shadows has pretty good singing and lyrics.  I just feel they are listening to way too much 1980’s and early 1990’s metal.  They are starting to sound like a cheap version of those bands.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  This is a really good song but I just feel this song is way too long.

Requiem

There is worship singing like church singing at the beginning.  The music is pretty solid.  I just feel lead singer’s singing is a little loss in the music.  I just feel they are running apart.  This is just a mess of music and white noise.  It kind of came together just before the guitar solo.  The guitar solo is pretty good in the mid-point of the song.

Crimson Day

There is some nice acoustic guitar work at the beginning of “Crimson Day.”  I love the singing from M Shadows.  I love the heavy guitar playing on the main part of the song.  The acoustic guitar stays in the background.  Mr. Shadows has put some thought behind these lyrics.  This is a pretty solid song and by far the best one so far on this record.  There is some nice guitar solos towards the end of the song.

Heretic

Here is some old school Avenged Sevenfold fade in guitar riffs at the beginning of the song.  I am not a fan of the main part of the song from a music stand point.  Mr. Shadows’ singing is not up to his standards.  I love how they are using the keyboard in the background.  I do not like how they shaped the music around his singing or how he is singing with the music.  It does bend good.  I love how they pushed the keyboard playing to the front in the back half of the song.  There is a well placed and written guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Coming Home

The start of this song reminds me of something from Iron Maiden.  The singing is something off Iron Maiden’s first two records with their original singer.  The main part of the song is like themselves.  The lyrics are good, however, I just feel they do not fit well on this song.  There is a pretty good guitar solo half way through the song.  I love how they build up the ending as it fades out.  I love the double bass action at the end from the drummer.

Planets

I love the build up to the start of this song.  The drumming and bass playing are insane.  The guitar playing I believe are step down to the rest of the record.  The singing is pretty solid with some below average lyrics.    This song has loss me over the half way point of the song.  I love the music but the singing and lyrics are making my mind wander in a bad way.  There is an average guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Acid Rain

I love how they started the song with the music.  Nice touch on the piano.  I love the guitar solo over the top of the music.  This is a pretty solid song to end this record.  M Shadows has some good singing and nice lyrics.  There is a pretty good guitar solo in the first quarter of the song.  I love the sound effects of rain falling at the end of the song.

Original Line Up:

  • M. Shadows – Lead Singer, Acoustic Guitar, and Keyboards
  • Zacky Vengeance – Guitars
  • The Rev – Drums, Back Up Vocals, and Piano
  • Dameon Ash – Bass

Current Line Up: 

  • M. Shadows – Lead Vocals
  • Zacky Vengeance – Guitars And Back Up Vocals
  • Synyster Gates – Guitars and Back Up Vocals
  • Johnny Christ – Bass Guitar and Back Up Vocals
  • Arin Ilejay – Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.avengedsevenfold.com

Twitter:  @TheOfficialA7X

Closing, I am happy for any band that gets back on the iron horse and makes new music after a death of band member or a key member leaving a band.  I give them a ton of credit and I know how hard it might be to do that again without a brother.  However, the member they loss in this band was a key song writer, they wanted to do something different but keep true their sound.  I just feel this band has loss too much and they are living on their past success right now.  I hope they find it soon because I do love their style.  It took me half way through my radio DJ career to really love what this band was doing in the past.  I am not saying this is a bad record because it is not.  It is a solid record but for Avenged Sevenfold this is not up to their standards.  The band came out before this release saying this record will be different from the rest of their music.  I do agree to some point but it still sounds like their old music.  I just feel the loss of their old drummer made them change their sound.  I still recommend checking out his record and let me know what you think of it.  Go get some!  Drink it! Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:   djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Black Country Communion Afterglow

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In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the third record from a super group, who is called Black Country Communion.  The third record is called Afterglow.  We will get into the history and then the music on this blog.  Let us get into the history of this young super group.

History:

Glen Hughes and Joe Bonamassa met at a NAMM Show in 2006 and they jammed at Hughes studio.  In 2009, the two artists did jam after three years since their first jamming session.  The band had Jason Bonham, who is the son of John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, and Derek Sherinian, who was park of Dream Theater.  Bonamassa producer, who is Shirleys, suggested to pick these musicians.  Joe wanted a second guitar player not a keyboardist.  The band named their band called Black Country, however, there was a band out of Maryland that put a lawsuit against the band.  The band later named themselves Black Country Communion.   The band entered the studio to record in their first record in 2010.  In the later part of 2010, the band released their first record which was self titled.  The record was a UK success.  The band did not tour to support their first record.  In that same year, the band started to talk about recording their second record.  Black Country Communion Two was released in June 2011.  The band did a short Europe dates and a seven-day dates in the United States.  The band announced it was going to record a live record.  The band released their live record in later part of 2011.  The band took a little break to work on their other projects.  In 2012, the band return to the studio to start recording their third record, which is AfterGlow.  This is the record that will be reviewed on this blog.  Afterglow was released in the later back of 2012. Glen Hughes did not like the lacking of touring and the support from Bonamassa.  Joe said the band can tour but I had to pick the guitar player.  The band did not like this at all.  Joe finally left the band in March of 2013 he left the band.  Glen said that the rest of the band would recorded in the future in the another name.  Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Big Train

The guitar, bass, and drums start-up the song like a driving force.  I love the touch on the music when Glen comes in singing.  There is a nice driving groove to this song.  I love the back up vocals on this song.  I am not a fan of the lyrics but I love the music on “Big Train.”  There is a nice guitar break halfway through the song that turns into a nice guitar solo.  I love the slow down on the music after the guitar solo.  The band turn to the main riff and chorus to finish up the song.

This Is Your Time

I love the dark theme guitars at the beginning of the song.  I love the melody that Glen wrote for his vocals.  I love the lyrics on this song.  I love the pace of this song.  This song has elements of Bad Company and Deep Purple in it.  I love the guitar solo towards the back half of the song.  The bass line and drums are simple but are perfect the song.

Midnight Sun

I love the guitar riff at the beginning of the song.  I love the music on the main part of the song.  There is a nice pace on this song.  Glen’s singing is strong with some great lyrics.  He sounds better than ever.  I have always loved his singing since Deep Purple.  There is a pretty good guitar solo that does not need all the reverb on his guitar solo.  It is pretty good but I just feel like this song could live without a guitar solo.  There is some nice drumming towards the end of the song.

Confessor

I love the heavy music at the beginning.  This is classic hard rock driving song.  There is some really good singing and I read the lyrics before listening to this song.  I have to say I love how they wrote for “Confessor.”    Jason is killing it on the drums on this song.  There is a nice guitar and organ solo towards the end of the song.  It seems forced but it smooths out towards the middle of the solo.  I love the ending of the song.

Cry Freedom

I love the classic hard rock guitar sound and riff.  There is some nice music on this song.  The singing is strong on this song.  The singing is pretty Blues like on “Cry Freedom.”  I love how they are using the back up vocals.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  The singing on this song reminds me a little bit of the Deep Purple Mark III and IV era.  There is nice guitar break at the mid-point of the song.  The guitar work kind of has a little Robert Kriger, who is the guitar player from The Doors, feel to it.

Afterglow

The title track for this record is “Afterglow.”  There is some nice music at the beginning of the song.  I love the acoustic guitar playing and the singing is pretty strong.  There are parts that sounds like later Led Zeppelin.  The drumming and bass playing has that feeling too.   There is some pretty good music on this song.  The lyrics are pretty average but the music is what saves this song.  I love the build up to the ending of the song.

Dandelion

There is some nice driving music at the beginning of this song.  I love the drumming and bass playing on this song.  The singing is pretty good with some great lyrics.  I love the music on this song.  There is a well placed guitar solo towards the end of the song.  I thought the ending was a little weak.

The Circle

I am not sure on how I feel about the beginning of this song.  I am not sure on how I feel on the singing and the lyrics.  I love the keyboard playing in the background.  The music did get a little bit better during the chorus part of “The Circle.”  I am really not liking this song.  I hate to say it but I really do not like this song.  I can see someone liking this song and it could be you.

Common Man

I love the music at the beginning of this song.  There is a killer guitar riff on this song.  I love the movement on the bass.  There is some pretty good singing and good lyrics.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  The band switches off and on in the solo part.  I love the organ playing right after the guitar, bass, and drum solo.  The back half of the song there is some nice playing from the bass, drums, and organ players.  There is some nice playing over the top from the guitar player.

The Giver

There is some nice slow pace music on “The Giver.”  There is some nice singing and some pretty good lyrics.  I love the pick up going into the chorus part of the song.  I am really not liking the guitar riff during the main part of the song.  I am not a fan of the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  It does not fit in the song.  I love the music and the singing for the ending of the song.

Crawl

I love the music on this song.  This song has some powerful music on it.  There is some great singing and lyrics.  I love the keyboard touch on this song.  This song is full with no holes in it.  There is a nice guitar break towards the middle part with a nice keyboard solo right after it.  I love the trade-off solos between the keyboard and guitar players.

Current Line Up:

  • Glenn Hughes – Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar, And Acoustic Guitar
  • Joe Bonamassa – Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, And Co-Lead Vocals
  • Jason Bonham – Drums, Percussion, and Backing Vocals
  • Derek Sherinian – Keyboards

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bccommunion.com

Twitter:  @bccommunion

In closing, I was so sad to hear that this band has broken up.  I was a little late picking up this record.  I feel bad for it.  I have to say this record lives up to their last two records.  There is some great music and lyrics on this awesome record. There is a few songs towards the end of the record that I could do without on the record.  This is one of the best super groups put together in the last few years.  I am glad Glenn clean up his act and is drug free.  He is a great bass player and singer.  I love all his work and I cannot wait to see what he will be doing next.  I highly recommend this record and their first two records.  Please, hope this band gets back together and tour with some more new music.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Unknown Music Thursday Blog La Chinga La Chinga

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In this Unknown Music Thursday Blog, we are going to get into a band from Vancouver, Canada.  La Chinga released their debut self-titled record.  The sound of the band is a throw back to the 1970’s classic hard rock.  They mixed some blues, folk, and rock.  They have elements from the pioneers of that era like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and MC5 to name a few bands.  There is not much information on this new band.  Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Early Grave

“Early Grave” starts out with a driving classic hard rock guitar riff.  I love the singing.  It reminds me of Deep Purple like Mark III to IV area with David Coverdale fronting the band with Glen Hughs.  La Chinga has brought the 1970’s back through their music and lyrics.  There is some nice lyrics and music.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle part of the song.  I love the drumming and bass work on this song.  There is a strong backbone in this music and band.  This is a great opening track.

Snake Eyes

The second song pretty much has the same start and sound like the opening track.  I love the grove of this song and the feeling from the singing.  Drummer is pound the hell out of his kit and gives a nice strong sound to the song.  I love the lyrics and the music so far on this song.  There is some nice guitar work towards the middle of the song that turns into a nice guitar solo.  I love the build up to the end of the song.

The Wheel

I love the grove of the start of this song.  There is some nice bass work on the song at the beginning.  I love the pace and in the packet of this song.  “The Wheel” sounds like something that early Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, or Deep Purple would have written.  The singer fits what this band is doing.  His voice is perfect for this music and the lyrics that he has written for it.

Catty!

I love the drumming at the beginning.  It sound very Led Zeppelin sounding.  The guitar sounds like a bright Black Sabbath sounding.  There is some nice lyrics on this song.  The drummer is so far making this record along with his partner in crime the bassist.  I will say the rhythm selection of this band makes this band a solid one.  This makes the guitar player and singer sound better without even trying and their job easier.  There is a nice solid guitar solo towards the middle.

Loose My Mind

“Loose My Mind” has some nice trip out music at the beginning.  The guitar playing is off the charts along with some solid drumming and bass playing.  I love the lyrics but I do not like the singing on this song at the beginning of the song.  In the later part of the song, it kind of gets a little better.  I love the ending of this song.

Boogie Children

The beginning of this song sounds like a 1970’s porn music.  I am sorry.  I can not really take this song that serious.  There is some solid bass playing and drumming in the background.  It has a nice build up.  After the 1970’s porn music, there is some great music.  I love the bass playing on this song.  I am not really a fan of the lyrics.

Country Mile

I love the beginning of “Country Mile.”  It has a southern rock music sound to it.  I really love the singer singing and the lyrics.  I love the pace and grove to the song.  There is a nice well placed guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  I love the pick up on the song after the guitar solo.  It just feel right to the theme of the song and goes right back to the main the riff.  Nice touch!

La Chinga

The name of the band the title of this record has a nice pace to it.  I love the bass and drum playing on this song.  This is a straight ahead in your face song.  I love the guitar solo towards the middle of this song.  I just feel like it should be a little faster but it is still a pretty good solo.  It is one of his longest one on this record so far.  I love the ending with the music and the lead singer screaming.

Freedom

“Freedom” has a nice pace to it.  I love the lyrics and the guitar work on this song.  I just feel like the drumming is a little too strong and hard for this song.  There is a nice driving pace to this song.  La Chinga did a great job on the music.  This is one of their best songs off this record.  I love the ending to the song.

Universe

I love the guitar work at the beginning of the song.  The drums and bass echo a nice guitar riff for the main part of the song.  This band has found the fountain of all the driving songs.  There is some nice lyrics and singer sounds great.    I love the guitar work towards the end of the song.  This is great end to a great record from a good up and coming band.

Line Up:

Carl Spackler: Bass and Vocals

Ben Yardley: Guitars and Vocals

Jason Solyom: Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.lachinga.bandcamp.com and www.facebook.com/pages/La-Chinga

Twitter:  @chinga_la

In closing, this band has brought everything that was good about the 1970’s hard rock all in their first record to the public.  They did not do a lazy job on it.  They pulled elements from the classic 1970’s bands from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk Railroad, MC5, etc.  The drummer and bass player are the story on this record.  They made this record from good to great.  This band has a solid backbone with a very talented guitar player.  There is no holes in their games or swing.  This band reminds me of ZZ Top and Rush.  I am not saying they sound like either band but all their players are solid and talented.  There is not weak link on this band.  This band gives fans of the classic rock a nice wrap of some great 1970’s music.  I highly recommend this band’s music if you love 1970’s hard rock or some great rock music.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Unknown Music Thursday Blog Mad Architect Journey To Madness

In this Unknown Music Thursday blog, we are going to get into some music that most of the readers on this blog have never heard of before.  The band is a Swedish Dark Power Metal band called Mad Architect.  Their new record called “Journey To Madness” with their new singer Snowy Shaw.  After a ton of research on the internet, I can not find too much information on this band.  Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Echoes From Beyond

The keyboards and guitars start the song.  It is slow and mystery.  The guitar riff is pretty good.  Nice intro to the record.

Dreamworld

The opening track has some killer drumming and guitar work.  I love the singers vocals.  I am not really a fan of the back up vocals.  I believe it will grow on me.  I love the movement on the guitar playing.  Snowy wrote some solid lyrics on this song.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.

Universal Law

I love the guitar playing at the beginning of the song.  I love the melody from the singer.  This song has a nice pace to it.  The keyboards are simple but it fits this song.  I have to say this is my favorite song off this record so far.  I believe this song should be their first single.  I love the singing between the lead and back up vocals.  The drums have a good beat and bass playing is perfect.  I love the acoustic guitar about quarter into the song.  I really do not like the singing over the acoustic guitars.  The drums are calming with a nice simple bassline.  The pick up after the acoustic part.  It comes with a nice guitar break.  I am not a fan of the singing at this part of the song.  To me, it does not really fit the music, however, it is still good and this is their music style.  The back half of the song has some really killer guitar work along with some solid drumming.  I love the guitar solo towards the end with some great singing over the top.  The drummer really made this song great.  I love the ending to “Universal Law.”

Mad Architect

I love the driving pace of this next song.  The drums and guitars are solid.  Bass player has a nice, simple but perfect bass line.  The singing on this song fits the theme and the music.  I love the time changes on this song.  There is some nice lyrics on “Mad Architect.”  I love the keyboard playing.  It really adds a nice element to this band’s sound and style.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song but I just felt it was too short.  Nice touch on the ending.

Transitions – Part 1

Here is another instrumental song on this record.  I love the guitar work and keyboard playing.  It sounds full not like most instrumental songs without the drums and bass.

Sailing Away

I love the guitar, drums, and bass playing at the beginning.  I can barely hear the keyboards.  I love the singing and the lyrics on “Sailing Away.”  Snowy’s singing is extremely strong on this song.  The music is awesome.  The drumming is off the charts.  Snowy’s singing style is starting to grow on me.  I can now hear the keyboards on this song.  I just feel at the beginning they turn it down.  There is a nice guitar break towards the middle of the song.  It turns into a nice guitar solo.  This is one of their best songs off this record.  “Sailing Away” needs to be one of the singles off this record.  Damn!   I love the drumming at the end of the song.

Floating

There is some good acoustic guitar work with some nice effects on the guitar.  I love simple drum beat when Snowy comes in singing.  Snowy’s singing is by far the best on this record.  I love the lyrics.  “Floating” has some great music on it.   This song might be the slowest song on this record but it is pretty powerful one on this record.  They did a great job on the music and how they used the keyboards to push the limits of the song.

Strange Machine

I love the music at the beginning of the song.  I love the pick up on this song.  I love the singing with some great back up vocals.  They put some thought behind this song.  There is some nice lyrics on “Strange Machine.”  There is an awesome guitar solo towards the end of the song.  It is the best solo off this record.  There is a nice ending to this song.

Altered States

This is the bonus song off the CD version. I love the music at the beginning of the song.  There is some great guitar work with some nice support from the bass playing.  The drums have been off the charts throughout this record.  There is some great singing and well written lyrics on “Altered States.”  Snowy has a nice melody.  This song has a nice pace to it.  There is a nice guitar break towards the end that turns into a nice guitar solo.  This solo fits and flows nicely in and out of the song.  I love the acoustic guitar exiting and ending of the song and the record.  The keyboards and distorted guitar fading in and out.   Nice ending!

Current Line Up:

  • Snowy Shaw – Vocals
  • Magnus Daun – Guitars
  • Erik Ferentinos – Bass
  • Zven Lindsten – Drums
  • Jorgen Oscarsson – Keyboards

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.madarchitectofficial.com

Twitter:  @MadArchitect777

Here is their management team:

Website:  www.metalrevelation.com

Twitter:  @metalrevelation

In closing, I do not get into too much of the dark, extreme, or death metal.  However, I will listen to it, I love the music these bands come up with but I can do without the singing.  I do love some of the singing from these bands.  I am not saying that about Mad Architect is in any sub genre of the metal universe.  They put out a great record that will have me listen to more these styles. Snowy’s singing comes close to that area of the metal world.  As I listen to “Journey To Madness” more and more, I found myself loving his singing and style.  He has a different pace and sound to other singers.  The guitar playing is really good on this record and Magnus wrote some great guitar solos on this record.  I love the work from the bassist and the keyboard player.  The drumming is off the charts from Zven.  This drummer makes this record from good to great.  I was pretty impressed with his playing.  I recommend you checking this band’s music out and let me know what you think of it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Unknown Music Thursday Blog Earthen Grave Self Title

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In this Unknown Music Thursday Blog, we are going to get into the music of Earthen Grave.  This is their self title and first release from this band. Earthen Grave is a Chicago base doom to the classic old school metal band.  Ron Holzner, who is the bassist, was with the band Trouble.  It was founded in 2008 by Jason Muxlow, who is one of the guitar players.  There is an unique twisted on this band.  They have Rachel Barton Pine.  She plays the electric violin.  The band has released their EP and now this first full length record.  There is not much more on the history of this young band.  Let us get into the music.

Track List

Earthen Grave

The opening track has sound effects or sampling of church bells with a little guitar feedback.  I love the creepy guitar riff like a Black Sabbath style along with the drums and bass playing.  I love the bass line during the singing part.  Mark is a perfect fit for this music.  I love the lyrics.  I did not know how the violin would fit into the music but it is perfect it.  There is some awesome music.  I love the pick up towards the end of the song with a short guitar solo.  This is a great opening track for this record.

Life Carries On

I love the play back and forth on the guitar side of things.  The drums and bass are solid.  There is a nice guitar solo at the beginning of the song.  Mark comes in singing shortly after that solo.  He has a different tone of singing than the opening track.  I love the pace of this song.   I love how they are using the violin in this song.  It almost echoes the singing and guitar.  I love how they put the violin at the front towards the end as a solo and guitar solo shortly after that.  I love how both guitars sound a little different.  I loving the trade-off solos towards the end of the song.

Burning A Sinner

There is a classic 1970’s guitar riff with the music having the same feeling.  Mark’s singing is honorary those legend in the 1970’s.  I love the back up vocals.  It was a perfectly place and fits the song.  It is not focused.  There is some good lyrics on this song.  This song sounds like something that would be from Deep Purple or Black Sabbath record.  Nice touch on the guitar break and solo towards the middle of the song.

Blood Drunk

I love the acoustic guitar and the violin playing over the top of it.  I love the calming drums and bass.  Mark and Rachel’s singing are spot on to the song.  This is a pretty calming song.  This should be their first single off this record.  I love how they pick up the pace to heaviest part of the song.  I love the music.  Earthen Grave looped back to the slower part after the heavy part.  I love the time changes on this song.  There is a pretty nice guitar solos at the end of the song.  Both guitars are hitting it together hard.  There is a nice short violin solo.  Nice ending to the song.

Dismal Times

I love the drums and guitar action at the beginning.  There is a nice acoustic guitar with the drums and bass.  The violin plays over the top of the music.  The heavy guitars roar in with Mark screaming over it.  I love his melody on this song.  I love the lyrics and music on this song.  This is a pretty good record so far.  Mark is showing off as a singer on this song.  I really love how they used the violin on this song.  There is a nice time changes to the song.  There is some nice violin action at the end of the song.  Rachel is playing is awesome and great work.  “Dismal Times” has a great ending.

Tilted World

I love the trade-off from the guitar player and bassist.  There is some awesome riffs at the beginning.  I have always love the wah wah pedal on the bass.  I know I over use it when I play my bass.  I love the music on this song.  There is some great lyrics and singing from Mark.  The back up singing is good but I just feel this song and how Mark sings.  The band can do without back up vocals.  This is my thought not the bands.  I love the acoustic guitar with violin playing over the top.  I love the mood changes in all their songs.  I love the ending to this song.

Beneath A Shovel Load

I love the feedback guitar that turns into a guitar solo with the acoustic guitar in the background.  The drums and  bass are solid back up and support to the acoustic guitar.  I love the snap into the main riff.  Mark’s singing and melody are awesome.  He wrote some nice lyrics.  I love the pace of the song.  This is a nice driving song.  This is my favorite song so far off this record.  I could see this song being a single off this great record.  I love the double bass at the end of the song from the drums.  We need more double bass.  I love the guitar and violin solos at the end of “Beneath A Shovel Load.”

Fall In

I love the drumming at the beginning with nice touch simple bass line.  The guitar playing is awesome.  I love the main riff for the versus.  Mark kind sounds like Glen Danzing on this song.  This is the first time I kind of say he sounds like someone.  He has his unique way of singing that is a good thing.  This is a very good song and I enjoyed it.  I just feel this song is a little too long.  I love the effects on the guitars and the hard-hitting drums towards the end of the song.  Nice touch on the drums and bass towards the back half of the song to set up the trade up guitar solos.  I love the fading out guitar playing end.

Relentless

I love the guitar work at the beginning.  This is a nice driving song.  The drums and bass are solid.  He does sound like Ozzy of Black Sabbath but he has the same melody and rhythm on his vocals.  He has a kind of Glen Danzing sound again.  The more I think about his singing.  It kind of reminds of Riot “Thundersteel” singing.   I love music changes and the ending to this song.

Death On The High Seas

Here is the longest song off this record.  I love the violin playing at the beginning.  I love how she put some distorted on it that has a really nice effect.  I love the pace and the music on this song so far.  The music does kind of sound like the seas or the water hitting a ship.  Mark has some nice singing on “Death On The High Seas.”  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  I love the violin playing at the mid-point of the song.  I love the fast pace of the song just past the mid-point of the song.  It is almost like they are in storm on the high seas.  Earthen Grave has done a great job on the music.  I love the ending.

Death Is Another Word

“Death Is Another Word” is their first single off this record.  I love the guitar playing that fades into the song.  I love the guitar playing at the beginning.  The drums and bass are solid.  I love the main riff with Mark singing over the top of it.  I love the pace of this song.  Mark is singing great with some good lyrics.  Mark sounds like Ozzy during the chorus part.  Earthen Grave has put some thought behind this song.  I love the fade out for the end of the song and the record before the live bonus track.

Stargazer (Live)

This is a classic Rainbow song.  I love how they use the violin on this song.  It is well placed.  The music is right on.  Mark is singing awesome of this classic Rainbow song.  Mark has a little Dio in him.  I believe Dio would approve Mark’s singing  on this song.  Earthen Grave has nailed this song.  I love how the violin is playing the classic Blackmore guitar solo along with one of the guitar players.   For being a live recording, the production team did a great job of recording this song.

Current Line Up

  • Mark Weiner – Vocals
  • Tony Spillman – Guitar
  • Jason Muxlow – Guitar
  • Ron Holzmer – Bass
  • Rachel Barton Pine – Eletric Violin
  • Chris Wozniak – Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.earthengrave.com

Twitter:  @earthengrave

In closing, this is my first post under “Unknown Music Thursday” on my blog.  I am honor to have put this band’s music as my first post.  I received an email from Bandcamp to check out this band’s music.  This is how I discovered this band.  There is many bands in the past that use a violin player in the classic rock.  There is not too many hard rock and metal bands use violin player.  I am pretty impressed with the music and how they used the violin in their music.  Rachel is awesome player.  I have always love Ron’s bass playing in Trouble and he did not disappoint on this record.  Chris is a great drummer and Earthen Grave has picked a great one.  Tony and Jason are some guitar players and they know how to write their solos.  Earthen Grave should be proud of the music they put on this record.  They are upcoming band and I wish them the best of luck in the future.  I will be picking up this record and see them live.  I highly recommend you checking out this band, if you are hard rock and metal fans.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Queensryche Self Titled (Todd La Torre Verision)

In this Music Monday blog,  we are going to get into the other verision of Queensryche.  I realize how confusing this is about the band.  It is what it is until their next court hearing.  Queensryche fired Geoff Tate and hired Todd La Torre as their new lead singer.  Let us get into the history of this band.

History

Queensryche was founded in 1982 in Washington.  Chris DeGarmo met Mark Wilton to form a band called Joker.  Mark Wilton met Scott Rockenfield and Chris met Eddie Jackson.  They changed the name to The Mob.  Geoff Tate joined but he was not interested in playing metal covers.  The band recorded their first EP called Queen Of The Reich.  The band discovered there was another band with the same name of The Mob.  They rename the band Queensryche from their first EP.  The key is they misspelled it.  Queensryche was signed EMI Records in 1983.  They supported the EP with a tour by opening up for Quiet Riot and Twisted Sister.  After the tour, they went into the studio to record The Warning, which is their first studio release, and it was released in 1984.  Their second record was called Rage Of Order in 1986. In 1988 Queensryche release their first Concept Record which is known as Operation: Mind Crime.  The band toured with Metallica, Guns and Roses, and Def Leppard.  After that successful record, the band put out in 1990 their must successful and most selling record known as Empire.  Just like Mind Crime, Empire pumped out several hits and the record reached #7 on the United States music charts.  The band appeared on MTV Unplugged and released Live record with Operation:  Mind Crime.  The band took time off but in 1994 they released the follow-up to Empire which is Promise Land.  Like most Metal bands, they took a hit when the grunge scene hit the mainstream.  The band put out their final record with original lead guitar player Chris DeGarmo.  The record was called Hear In The Now Frontier.  The record had two hits but record itself did not do good.  Chris left the band and it was not made public why he left the band.  He is now a full-time pilot.  Chris was replaced by Kelly Gray and he produced their next release called Q2K in 1999.  Just like Hear In The Now Frontier, the fans did not like the direction of the band.  The band was forced to play in clubs and theaters like most of their peers.  The band put out their second live record in 2001 and fired Kelly Gary for ongoing problems and personal habits.  In 2003, the band enter the studio to worked on Tribe and reports that Chris DeGarmo worked with the band again.  He helped co write four songs but he never rejoin or decline that he was part of the band.  However Kelly Gary’s replacement was Mark Stone, which work with Tate on his first solo record, Mark Stone finished the record as the second guitar player.  The band went on tour with Dream Theater to support in 2003.  In 2004, Queensryche got a ton of interested from fans when they announced they are going to do a follow-up to the 1988’s release Operation:  Mind Crime.  Operation:  Mind Crime II was released under new record label Rhino in 2006.  The band put a greatest hits called Signs Of The Time with Chris DeGarmo on one new song.  In 2007, the band put out a cover record that was called Take Cover.  Mark Stone left the band to work on his side project called Speed-X but there was reports that he was fired from the band.   Mark was forced to record both the lead and rhythm guitar parts for American Soldier, which was three concept record, that Queensryche put out.  It was released in 2009.  Dedicated to Chaos was the final record with Geoff Tate  and it was released 2011.  The band had a meeting without Tate and they decided to outsource their fan club and fire their band manager, who is Tate’s wife.  The band hired Todd La Torre as the lead singer.  Geoff Tate filed a lawsuit against the band on that he has the rights to the name.  The judge ruled that Tate and his former band mates could use the name until the next court date which is in November of 2013.  This blog is on the Todd La Torre version of the band.  Let us get into the music.

Song List

X2

The intro is almost something off their first few records.  I believe their EP.   I love it.  This is Queensryche.

Where Dreams Go To Die

I love the opening that blends from the intro track.  I love the guitar work and drums with the kick in from the bass.  This is a killer start.  Damn!  Holy Shit!  This is Queensryche!  I love the drop off into acoustic guitars like normal Queensryche.  The singer, who is Todd La Torre, sounds just like a young version of Geoff Tate.  This band will not loss beat but get better.  This song has anything to say about the rest of the record.  The lyrics are pretty good.  There is some pretty good music here and it takes me back to the first few records.  There is a great guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This is a great opening song.

Spore

I love the effects on the one guitar at the beginning of the song.  I love how Todd just jumps into the song.  I love the music and the lyrics.  I have listen to this great records a few times.  I did not like this song at first but it is really growing on me.  There is some nice lyrics.  The drumming is awesome with some great bass line to shadow it.  The guitar players have done a great job.  The music break and back to the main riff. It breaks up the song and give it a soul. It has a nice ending.

In This Light

The music on this song is so old school Queensryche when they first started.  Todd is singing very nicely on this song.  I love the lyrics on this record so far.   Mike and Parker have some nice guitar work on this song and so far on this record.  This song has a nice pace to it.  I love the drum roll before a great guitar solo.  There is a nice ending to a song.

Redemption

I love the guitar and drum action at the beginning.   I love the start of Redemption.  I love how it was short and to the point.  Todd’s singing is solid with some great lyrics.  I never thought I would hear another Geoff Tate in my time but here is Todd.  I am glad he is around and Queensryche found him.  I love melody in this song.  I love the guitar solo towards the back half of this song.  The effects on the vocals is perfect throughout this record.  I love the ending.

Vindication

I love the fast pace and the driving guitar riff with some great playing from the Scott, who is the drummer, and Eddie, who is the bass player.  I love the slight drop off when the singer comes in which just feels like it.  I love the time changes.  Todd has some nice lyrics and melody.  He so fits this song.  Damn!  Scott is playing his ass off on this song.  Nice touch on the guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Midnight Lullaby

Here is another intro track for the next song.  I love this one because it is pretty creepy in a good way.

A World Without

I love the acoustic guitar at the beginning with a slight overdrive guitar over the top.  Todd singing and melody is spot on in this song.  There is some nice lyrics on this track.  This song has a nice pace for being a slower song.  This is some great music from Queensryche in a very long time.  The drums, bass, and guitars are well done.  I just feel this guitar solo is a little forced but still good.

Don’t Look Back

I love the music at the beginning of the song.  It has a great fast pace to it.  Todd just jumps into with some great lyrics.  I have to say this is one of my favorite songs so far off this record.  I love the music break about the halfway point.  It might have been short but it is still a great song.  Nice ending.

Fallout

I love the drums, bass, and the one guitar playing at the beginning with a nice guitar solo over the top.  Todd might sounds like Tate but he has put his own twist to make it his own.  I love the lyrics and melody.  The back up singing is so much better on this record than the Tate’s version of Queensryche.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  It has a nice ending.

Open Road

I love the guitar work and perfect drum beat at the beginning.  Todd has some nice singing with some great lyrics.  I love the touch of the keyboard during the short guitar solos.  Man, this is a great song.  I love the long guitar solo towards the end of the song.  I love the ending of the song and perfect song to exit from this great record before the bonus tracks.

Queen Of The Reich (Live)

The music is spot on for a live performance.  When listening to this song, I would have never guess that was not Geoff Tate singing.  Todd has done a great job on this song.  When a band does not have their original singer, it is never the same.  Queensryche and Journey are one of the few bands I can say that can play their old songs like their old songs.

En Force (Live)

Just like “Queen Of The Reich” there is no drop off from the singing.  Everything is spot on from the original song.  I have always loved this song.  This is a nice live recording.

Prophecy (Live)

Just like the last two live song, this song is no different.  Todd is singing just like the original song.  The music is spot on like old Queensryche.  This is not one of my favorite songs from Queensryche but I am happy they are playing more of the older songs.

Orinigal Line Up

  • Geoff Tate – Lead Vocals
  • Chris DeGarmo Guitars, Backing Vocals
  • Michael Wilton – Guitars
  • Scott Rockenfield – Drums
  • Eddie Jackson – Bass, Backing Vocals

Current Line Up

  • Todd La Torre – Vocals
  • Michael Wilton – Lead And Rhythm Guitars
  • Parker Lundgren – Lead And Rhythm Guitars
  • Eddie Jackson – Bass, Backing Vocals
  • Scott Rockenfield – Drums, Percussion, Orchestral Arrangements

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.queensrycheofficial.com/intro.cfm

Twitter:  @queensryche

In closing, I am pretty impresssed with this record with the new lead singer.  I have been doing a ton of thinking on the older records from this great band.  I have to say Mike was not lying when he said they are going back to “The Warning” and their EP music.  Todd gives them power to it.  I have always loved their old records.  Do not get me wrong.  Opertional Mindcrime and Empire are great records.  I just felt as a huge Queeensryche fan that the first few greats were better than those big selling records.  I also realize that put them on the map to the mainstream music scene.  Queensryche came into my life with the record, which was “Hear In The Now Frontier.”  I am not old school metal head and I wish I was.  I am in my mid 30’s and grew up with sisters that love the hard rock and metal scene.  I loved that record and started to explore their record.  I understand most fans of this band feel about that record and I agree.  I have always put that record to my heart.  I love this record and I will play the crap out of this record.  I just might have to but a new one and that will be the first since Van Halen’s Balance record.  The music is Queensryche and they did a great job writing on it.  Todd did a great job on this record. He is replacing one of the best metal singers of all time.  Tate is in my top five metal singers of all times.  It is hard to replace a guy like that, however, I believe he has done it.  He does not like sound like Tate but Todd comes extremely close to it.  He has his own twist and uses it in the right ways.  This is a Queensryche record.  It is not like that Tate version of Queensryche.  Just what I said in that blog, Geoff needs to take some time off.  I believe he is burn out and needs a long vacation.  I know what that does to a rock star, however, “quality is always better than quantity,” said Todd La Torre (www.blabbermouth.net.)  I have to agree with what Todd has to say.  After listening to this record, there is no doubt that this Queensryche will win the court case this fall.  Geoff Tate was last member of the original five to join the group and has put out three solo records (The third record is his version of Queensryche.)  I am proud of this band I really hope I can see them on tour.  I highly recommend this record.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Credit Source:  (I pick up the history part from wikipedia.)

New Music Monday Black Sabbath 13

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.

Current Line Up

  • Ozzy Osbourne – Lead Vocals
  • Tonny Iommi – Guitars
  • Geezer Bulter – Bass

Special Guest Drummer

  • Brad Wilk – Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.blacksabbath.com

Twitter:  @OfficialSabbath

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/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

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.)

New Music Monday Blog Hard Rock And Metal Dream Line Up

In this Monday music blog, we are going to talk about my fantasy line up for a Hard Rock and Metal band.  Some of these artists might or might not be part of a metal or hard rock group.  It is kind of marriage of music.  They can be alive or dead.  With the growth of these “Super Groups” this could be a fun topic and I am looking at these artists to be together pass their prime of their career.  Let us get into the line up.

Drummer

I have three drummers in mind just in case if you can not get one.

  1. Jason  Bonham (Led Zeppelin) – I believe his hard and soft hitting would bend in to the thought pattern of this band.
  2. Neil Peart (Rush) – Just like Jason Bonham, Neil does the same thing in Rush and could be a better drummer.  It has been a debate for years with friends.
  3. Robb Reiner (Anvil) – Robb is a really good drummer.  He can keep up with Jason and Neil but the problem he plays too hard at times.  I was going to throw Keith Moon (The Who) but he has the same problem.  I love Robb’s drumming in Anvil and he brings the item of thrash metal and speed that Jason and Neil do not.

Bassist

I have three bassists in mind that could support the drummer and build a solid backbone to this fantasy band.

  1. Joey Gittleman (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) – Joey coming from Ska band with some punk background would give an item that might work or not work in this fantasy band.  This band needs a bassist that will dance but sit in the pocket and Joey is one of the best in the Ska Scene.
  2. Cliff Burton (Metallica) – I believe we did not get to see the true Cliff Burton because he died too soon.  The short body of work shown me enough to put Cliff at the top of the list  Cliff could sit in the pocket with the drummer but go off and dance around any guitar player.
  3. Pete Way (UFO) – Pete’s style could help seal up the drums to the guitar players while still run around like Cliff did in Metallica.  The problem I would have Pete is lack of pushing the limits.

Keyboard

This player needs to be special and another support item to this band. I have three idea players. There are some rich players that play this instrument.

  1. Paul Raymond (UFO) – He will be a great fit. He is use to play with a great guitar player and bassist. Plus, he will play guitar when it make sense in the song over the keyboard and the other way around. Let us face it, not all songs needs two guitar players or keyboards in it.
  2. Tuomas Holopainen (Nightwish) – He plays both the support as back up and yet can go to the lead over the guitar or bass. He is not a very good singer even though he did sing on the first two records of Nightwish. He could help with the song writing and lyrics.
  3. Billy Joel – I know what you are thinking when I am suggesting Billy Joel. He is a talented player on the piano. The only problem is playing more of a keyboard and not be the lead singer. He can sing a few songs but could be a great back up singer for the lead. Just like (Nightwish), he can help with the sing writing.

Rhythm Guitar Player

This band might not be need two guitar players but if we are going to fill it.  Here is the idea three players.

  1. Paul Raymond (UFO) – see above.
  2. John Sykes (Whitesnakes, Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy) – John  can do everything between lead vocals, lead, and rhythm guitar.  There could be a nice balance between two lead guitar players.  John has done a few of that in Thin Lizzy or Whitesnake.  He could be a good fit in this band.
  3. Chris Garza (Sucide Silence) – This band being a newer band.  There is a short body of work.  This band is an extreme metal group with some speed.  It might give something different than all the classic rock members that I have been naming.

Lead Guitar Player

The lead guitar player needs to be someone special that will not take over the group and make it all about him or her.  He will need to know his role a super group.  You can take out like Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendix, etc.

  1. Chris DeGarmo (Queensryche) – This guy was it as far as great metal lead guitar players back in the back in the 1980’s.  He was very underrated.  Everyone had their man crush on Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammit, etc.  Chris just like John Sykes can sit in the pocket but when it comes to the solo.  Your mouth will drop to the floor.
  2. John Sykes (Whitesnakes, Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy) – see above.  John could go back and forth, which could be a good thing.
  3. Robby Krieger (The Doors) – Robby like Chris DeGarmo is underrated guitar of his era.  He could fit what the song is doing and the theme of it.  He is a very good player and could support the drums, bass, keyboard, and singer.

Lead Singer

I had a lead singer in mind through out this whole process and I wish  I could head this music from this band.  Here are my three lead singer.

  1. Jim Morrison (The Doors) – Jim could bend his style into in any music and I believe the band could fit this music around his lyrics and poetry.  He was the start of the hard rock and metal music.  His dark themes in his lyrics will go with all the music from all these great artists.
  2. Kevin Martin (Candlebox) – Kevin is an awesome singer.  Kevin’s singing style has an attitude in all songs even in love songs.  Kevin would bend his style to this band. Kevin is a great lyric writer.
  3. Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Rainbow, Black Sabbath) – Why not Ronnie?  Dio is one of the best lead singer in the history of hard rock and metal.  Dio could sing in all styles.  He loved the fantasy so some of these artists could get along with him and write some great music.

Line Up:

  • Jim Morrison (The Doors) – Lead Vocals, Spoke Words
  • Chris DeGarmo (Queensryche) – Lead Guitar, Back Vocals
  • Paul Raymond (UFO) – Rhythm Guitar, Keyboard, Back Vocals
  • Joey Gittleman (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) – Bass Player, Back Vocals
  • Jason  Bonham (Led Zeppelin) – Drums

In the end, this was tough.  I thought this would be easy.  I realize these band members might not get along.  Jim with his drug and drinking problems would cause a ton of issues in the band alone.  Jim and Jason would be out all night with Joey but Joey would head home after a while.  Chris does not want to be a star nor touring artist that’s why he is not in Queensryche.   Paul would be the leader to keep everyone in line.  The music that this band would put out would be something else.  I would love to hear this music but there are a ton of different styles and I do not know how they would get along.  If you take Joey out on bass and put Cliff, would Cliff put more harmony in this group? Would Kevin or Dio as the lead singer make more sense?  Asides, Jason on drums put Neil on drums.  There are several questions.  How would Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, etc on guitar.  What about Geoff Tate. Tim Ripper Owens, and Rob Halford on vocals?  There are several more questions.  What about extreme metal singer at vocals?  Like Chris Burns?  I like this line up being a fan of them.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Soundgarden King Animal

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to look at the reunion record of Soundgarden.  King Animal was released in the later part of 2012.  Soundgarden was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by Chris Cornell and Kim Thayil.  Soundgarden was the first of the Seattle Grunge bands to sign with a major label in 1988.  They found their success in the 1990’s like the rest of their friends like Alice In Chains, Nirvana, etc.  The band broke up in 1996 because of create direction issues.  They reunion in 2010 and King Animal followed shortly after that.  Soundgarden has six studio records including this record.   They also have one live record, four greatest hits records, and six EP’s.  Let us get into the music.

Songs

Been Away Too Long

This song is the first single off of King Animal.    Nice overdrive guitar riff at the beginning and then the drums come in with the bass.  Chris still has his voice and kept it healthy.    This song is something you would hear off their record called “Down On The Upside.”  It has a nice pace to the song.  This is a great comeback song for this great metal group.  There is some great music on this song.  Great finish to the song.

Non-State Actor

I am loving the guitar effect and the opening riff with a strong backbone from the drums and bass.  I am loving the music and great placement from the singer for his singing lines.  I am loving the lyrics on the last two songs.  There is a nice pace to the song.  I love the short guitar solo from Kim.  This band was never afraid to put guitar solos in their songs.  Nice finish to this song.

By Crooked Steps

I love the drums and guitar work set in the background at the beginning of the song.  It sounds like it comes slowly to the front and then snaps right into your face.  I am loving this song so far.  This reminds me of old school Soundgarden.  It has that deep dark theme in the music and lyrics.  The guitar riff is simple but it fits for what the band is trying to do in this song.  Nice guitar break and solo from Kim in the later part of the song.  This song is my favorite song so far on King Animal.  I am loving the well placed back up vocals with Chris singing over the top of it.  I am loving the building up for the ending of the song.  It has a great finish.

A Thousand Days Before

A Thousand Days Before starts out with some nice guitar work.  I am loving the drumming on this song and Chris comes in with the bass player.  I am loving the timing of the bass when it enters the song.  He does not starts with the drums when most bass players starts playing with the drums.  There is some great guitar work on this song.  It is a little slower pace to the rest of the songs from the beginning of the record.  Chris puts some thought in singing on this song.  I love the lyrics.

Blood On The Valley Floor

This song has that old school Soundgarden guitar playing, which is what made them famous.  It has that Classic Black Sabbath dark evil guitar riff.  I am not saying this is a Black Sabbath guitar work.  It has the sounds of it.  This is something I could hear off their first few records.  I am loving Chris’s singing on Blood On The Valley Floor.  This is one of my favorite songs.  Great drumming towards the end.

Bones Of Birds

There is some great guitar work at the beginning of Bones Of Birds.  This song is slower than the rest of the songs.  It is perfect timing for a slower song.  There is some solid drumming and bass work on this song.  Chris has a nice melody and lyrics in this song.  There is some well placed simple keyboard work on this song.  This is a very well written song.  The music echoes the feeling of the lyrics that Chris wrote for Bones Of Birds.  This is a great song.  I love it.  Nice touch on the end of the song with a simple bass line too.

Taree

Taree starts out with drums and guitar work that echos something off Superunknown.  This sounds like something between Black Hole Sun to Fell On Black Days.  Taree sounds like a loss track off Superunknown.  This is a great song.  I am loving it.  It is one of my favorite song on this record so far.  I love the guitar break in the middle of the song.  This is a great comeback record so far.  All the songs do not sound like fillers.  Soundgarden has put their soul into all of these songs so far.

Attrition

Attrition starts out with some nice guitar work at the beginning of the song.  I am loving the melody in this song.  There is some great double vocal singing.  One is high and the other is low.  Nice touch and well placed.  There is some great drumming and lyrics also on this song.  This song was straight to the point.  I love the ending of this song too.

Black Saturday

Black Saturday has nice acoustic guitar work with congas in place of the drums.  I love the dancing bass playing with some great singing from Chris.  The drums come in but they play the background.  I love the build of in this song.  The distorted guitar comes in but does not over power the rest of the music.  This is extremely well written song.  This song has some nice rhythm and pace to the music.

Halfway There

Chris with an acoustic guitar playing while singing.  The drums just like the last song comes in but it is more of backup with the bass playing.  I love main and chorus riff.  There is a ton going on in this song.  Yet another well written song from Soundgarden.  Chris has written some great lyrics.  I love the meaning and theme behind them.  Kim has a great guitar break to semi guitar solo.  This is the new Soundgarden.  This song defines the new Soundgarden sound in their music.  This band has a turn a corner unlike their other peers.

Worse Dreams

Worse Dreams has some great guitar work at the beginning of it.  I love the drums and bass line at the beginning.  This is one sick bass line.  It is well placed with the drums.  The guitar echos the bass playing.  The music is pretty powerful.  This band is pushing the limits of music on this song.  This song sounds like something off The Doors hey day.  It is like Soundgarden took their sound and mixed it with the The Doors sound in this song.  I am loving this song.

Eyelid’s Mouth

Eyelid’s Mouth has some drums and bass work with guitar work in the background.  The main riff is something else and powerful.  Chris has some good singing.  There is one part of this song that sounds like deeper Alice In Chains singing.  There is a nice pace to this song.  I am loving the back up vocals on this song.  I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This touch on the fade out for the end of the song.

Rowing

Rowing starts out with a nice bass line and drums.  I am loving the singing.  I am loving that double vocals.  This song has a folk feel to it.  I love the touch on the guitar playing.  The lyrics I could live without but they fit perfectly for this song.  Chris is baring his soul on this song.  Rowing has a nice build up to it.  Kim has a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.  This is nice finish to this comeback record from Soundgarden.

Current Line Up

  • Chris Cornell – Lead Vocals and Rhthm Guitar
  • Kim Thyil – Lead Guitar
  • Matt Cameron – Drums and Backup Vocals
  • Ben Shepherd – Bass Guitar and Backup Vocals

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.soundgardenworld.com

Twitter:  @soundgarden

In closing, I have been a fan of Soundgarden growing up.  I did not like them at first and they grew on me over time.  Once I understood what they were doing and they were one of the few bands that I liked back in the 1990’s along with Alice In Chains, Candlebox, Cold, and Stone Temple Pilots.  I and everyone else was excited to hear they were getting back together.  I was hoping they would put out some new music and here is some new music since their last record called Down On The Upside in 1996.  King Animal gives the hardcore fan everything that they expect from Soundgarden.  Soundgarden gives the fans and music listeners more  and I am talking about a new sound we have not heard from this band.  I am talking about the songs like Halfway There and Rowing.  King Animal is a great comeback record and I love the direction of this great band.  I am hoping they stay together and keep putting out new music.  I am looking forward to seeing them live this summer.  I recommend this record and let me know what you think of this new music.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser