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New Beer Blog Blue Point Brewing Toxic Sludge Black IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a brew from one of my favorite breweries from New York City.  It is Blue Point Brewery and it is their Toxic Sludge Black IPA.  Blue Point was founded on the Long Island in 1998 by Mark Burford and Peter Cotter.  Blue Point is the largest craft brewery on Long Island and they are ranked #34 on the craft breweries in the United States.  They brew several different beer styles.  Let us get into beer.

It has a dark brown color that if put up to light you can see it but not see through.  It has a constant white head on the beer.  The smell is slight coffee to chocolate with a hint of smoke malt.  The taste has a chocolate to citrus with a dry hop finish at the tip of the tongue.  It is like they use a Stout and India Pale Ale blend.  This big beer is pretty drinkable.

Here is a description from their website (www.bluepointbrewing.com):

We originally brewed this Black IPA to benefit birds affected by BP’s Gulf oil spill and donated all of the proceeds to the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research. The charity program has ended but the beer became so popular that even with a name like Toxic Sludge, we had to keep brewing it once a year. Five hop varieties go into each batch at four stages of the brewing process to combine a hoppy India Pale Ale with a rich, dark malt base for a full-bodied ale that’s big on flavor.

Availability

Very Limited

Category

Not the Usual Suspects / Limited Releases

Technical descriation

1.068 OG (Original Gravity) 40 IBU (International Bitterness Unit) 7.0% ABV (Alcohol By Volume)

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.bluepointbrewing.com

Twitter:  @BluePointBrewer

In closing, I love this beer style and I am glad there are more and more popping up on the market.  I can tell who is making a good Black IPA or a bad one.  I have to say this Black IPA is in my top five.  Most craft brewery make their Black IPA with their porter recipe.  To me, this one is made with their stout.  There is a nice balance from the hops and malt.  Stout is not overpowering the IPA and the other way around.  I love the packaging  and the fact it is in cans.  I recommend you trying this brew from this Long Island  brewery.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Music Monday Blog Megadeth Super Collider

In this Music Monday blog, we are going to get into the latest record from Megadeth and it is called Super Collider.  This is the second record with original bassist Dave Ellefson since returning to the band.  This is their first record since 2011.  We are going to get into the rich history of one of the pioneers of Thrash Metal and then the music.  Let us  get into the history.

History

Dave Mustaine was oringally part of Metallica as a lead guitar player until he was fired in 1983.  He was fired for his drinking and drug abuse problem.  Dave Mustaine met Dave Ellefson in the same year to form Megadeth.  Megadeth recorded a three song demo and was signed to Capital in 1984 while hiring Chris Poland as their lead guitar player.  The band in 1985 began recording their debut record, which was “Killing Is My Business….And Business Is Good!” under Combat Record, which was independent record company under Capital.  After blowing half the budget on drugs and alcohol, the band was forced to fire their producer and produced their own record.  This record has been looked at as a cult and fan favorite.  In 1986, the band started to record their second record, which was “Peace Sells… Who’s Buying?”  Megadeth did not like how the record sounded so they finally moved up to the major record, which was Capital.  Capital Records hired Paul Lani to remix the record and released in 1986.  This record pushed Megadeth into the mainstream of Hard Rock and Metal in the 1980’s.  The band went on several date tours but drug abuse force the band to go through several different line up changes.  Megadeth started to work on their third record called “So Far, So Good… So What!” in 1988.  Several more line up changes happened before they even started to work on their fourth record.  Chuck Behler (drummer) and Jeff Young (guitar player) were fired while Dave Ellefson went into rehab.  Nick Menza was brought in to play drums.  Megadeth covered “No More Mr. Nice Guy” for Wes Craven’s film “Shocker.”  This marked the first time in Megadeth’s history the band recorded a song as a three-piece band.  In 1990, the band started searching for their second guitar player.  The band saw guys like Slash, who was in Guns and Roses and turned down the gig to stay with Roses, and Criss Oliva, who turned it down from Savatage.  Dimebag Darrell, who was from Pantera, was offer but wanted his brother, who was Vinnie Paul, to play drums.  Jeff Loomis from later fame Nevermore was offer but Dave Mustaine was worried about his age.  Marty Friedman was told by Jeff Loomis to try out for Megadeth.  Marty was rejected at first but later Mustaine hired him in 1990.  It was just in time for the band to record their next record, which was “Rust In Peace.”  The band was sober and this is the first time at this point a producer, who was Mike Clink, made it through the whole recording process without being fired.  “Rust In Peace” would mark the most success this band will ever have from any era and history.  The next record was “Countdown to Extinction.”  It had several hit songs and the record debuted number two on the Billboard Charts.  Megadeth recorded another hit song called “Angry Again” for a film called “Last Action Hero.”  After being drop by Aerosmith for comments by Dave Mustatine, the band return to the studio to record “99 Ways To Die” for the soundtrack for Beavis And Butthead Experience record.  The band return to the studio record a follow-up record to “Countdown To Extinction” which would be called “Youthanasia.”  The record appeared number four on the Billboard Charts.  Jimmy Degrasso was bought in to play drums and replaced Nick Menza.  Nick did play drums on Megadeth’s next record which was called “Cryptic Writings.”  It appeared number ten on Billboard Charts.  It also had the highest single, which was “Trust”  in the band’s history on the Mainstream Rock Tracks.  There was several other hits off this record.  “Risk” was the next release from Megadeth in 1999.  “Risk” was a let down to their longtime fan base and critics.  It also marked the end of Marty Friedman on the second guitar.  Al Pitrelli replaced Marty for the remaining tour dates.  Capital Records after fourteen years working with Megadeth released them from their contract.  Capital Records had two new songs from the band so they added it to their Greatest Hits record.  Megadeth signed with Santuary Records.  They released “The World Needs A Hero” in 2001.  It shown their hardcore fans  that the band went back to their metal roots.  It had “Moto Psycho” that appeared number twenty-two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts.  In 2002, Megadeth announce they have broken up because of injury to Dave Mustaine.   In 2004, after fighting Dave Mustaine started working on new material for the next Megadeth record.  Nick Menza signed on but later was released.  Marty Friedman could not reach an agreement to work on the new project.  Dave Ellefson declined an offer from Mustaine.  Dave Mustaine stated that Ellefson was saying his injury was faked.  Chris Poland was hired as the lead guitar player and marked the first time since the 1980’s Dave and Chris worked together.  In 2004, Megadeth released “The System Has Failed” and it went to number eighteen on the Billboard Charts.  Chris Poland worked as session guitar player.  He was replaced by Glen Drover and his brother, who was Shawn Drover, replaced Nick  on the tour.  In 2007, Megadeth released their eleventh studio album, which was called “United Abominations.”  It marked the first recordings of Glen and Shawn Drover and James Lomenzo.  This record appeared number eight on the Billboard charts and this is the first time they hit the top ten since “Youthanasia” in 1994.  Glen Drover left the band because of family.  He was replaced by Chris Broderick from Nevermore.  In 2009, Megadeth put out their twelfth album called “Endgame.” They went out on tour to support the record and play “Rust In Peace” from start to finish on its 20th Anniversary.  Dave Ellefson returned to Megadeth after eight years of not being around.  Megadeth return back into the studio after all the “Big Four Show” and record “Sudden Death” for Guitar Heros in 2010.  This mark the first recording with Dave Ellefson on bass since 2001.  In 2011, Megadeth released “TH1RT3EN” and it hit number eleven on the Billboard Charts.  “Super Collider” is the record that is being featured on this blog was released in 2013 under Dave Mustaine record label, which is called Tradecraft.  The first single off this record is called “Super Collider.”  “Super Collider” went to number six of the Billboard Charts.  Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Kingmaker

The opening track has some sound effects but jumps into some killer guitar riffs.  Dave’s singing is on key.  There is some solid drumming and bass playing.  I love the high pace to the music and the movement on the guitar playing.  I love those short guitar solos from the guitar players.  I am not a huge fan of the lyrics but they are not worse.  I could live with them.  I love the switch off on the guitar solo from Dave and Chris.

Super Collider

Super Collider is the first single off this record.  I am loving that opening guitar solo with a nice rhythm guitar, bass, and drum playing.  Dave’s singing is spotted on along with some great lyrics.  This is old school Megadeth.  He found away to bring it back to life.  This sound reminds me of “The Killing Road.”  I love that guitar solo towards the middle of the song.

Burn!

I love the guitar playing at the beginning of Burn!  There is a nice guitar solo at the beginning.  I love the guitar break and the drumming.   The bass playing from Dave E is setting up the drummer nicely.  I love the lyrics.  I am enjoying this record so far.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  I am loving the end of this song.

Built For War

Built For War has a nice pace to it.  Dave’s singing is solid and of course classic Megadeth guitar break before the versus.  I am loving that main riff.  The drums and bass are off the charts good.  The lyrics are pretty good.  I love the harmony from the vocals towards the back half of the song.  The guitars, bass, and drums echo this theme.  There is a pretty good ending guitar solo of the song.

Off The Edge

I love the beginning of this song.  I am really enjoying the lyrics and the music.  This is a pretty solid song.  I love the melody from the singer.  He put some thought behind this song.  There is a nice guitar solo towards the middle of the song.  Once again, I love the trade-off on the guitar solos.

Dance In The Rain

Dance In The Rain has the lead singer, who is David Draiman, from Disturbed guest on it.  I am loving the guitar playing at the beginning.  I am also loving the lyrics.  The drumming is awesome with the bass playing echoing it.  There is a some nice guitar work on the song.  I love the guitar solos throughout this song.  David Draiman is towards the end of the song during the fastest part of the song.   I loved how they used David Draiman on this song.

Beginning Of Sorrow

Hello Dave Ellefson on the bass at the beginning.  I love his playing because it echos the classic Megadeth tunes.  This song is no different from those classic hits.  I love the music and lyrics.  Dave’s singing is solid like the norm.  Holy Shit that is an awesome guitar solo.  The drums and bass are perfect.  I love the added acoustic guitar behind the guitar solo.  The drums make this song feel like a metal song.

The Blackest Crow

I love the drums and the folk sound to the start of the song.  It is a different twist on this metal record.  I love how they blend the distorted heavy guitar.  This is a slow song to the rest of the record.  Dave is singing great and this kind of out of his element from his past work.  This is a band that could work with a country singer after listening to this song.  I would say someone like Johnny Cash if he was still alive.  I am enjoying the lyrics on this song.  I love the guitar solo towards the back half of the song.  This is a pretty dark but bright song at the same time.

Forget to Remember

There is a simple but perfect guitar riff at the beginning.  The bass, drums and second guitar comes in to echos the same riff.  Dave’s singing is solid with some pretty good lyrics.  I love the pace of the song.  It is a nice driving song. I love the effects they put on the lead singer towards the end of the song.  I love the ending of this song.

Don’t Turn Your Back…

I love the start of this song.  There is some Blues action at the beginning.  I love that heavy guitar riff to start into the main part of the song.  This is a pretty fast song.  Dave is singing really well on this song.  There is some solid lyrics with a theme and meaning.  I love the ending guitar solo.

Cold Sweat

This is a cover from the band called Thin Lizzy.  I am happy to see Megadeth putting covers back on their records.  This is a heavier cover song than the Thin Lizzy.  Megadeth did a great job on this song.

All I Want

This song and next two are from exclusive edition from Best Buy.  In other words, they are bonus tracks.  I love the guitar riff at the beginning.  I do not like the melody on the lead singer’s singing.  The lyrics are just average for Megadeth’s standards.  I really did not like the ending of the song.

A House Divided

I love the start of this song.  Nice touch on the horn selection.  I love guitar work on this song.  The lyrics are pretty than the last song but average to slight above for Megadeth.  I love the time changes on this song.  For being bonus track, it is not a bad song.  It is pretty good.

Countdown To Extinction (Live In Pomona, CA)

I believe you know this song.  If you do not, you need to go back and listen to that great record.  I love the sound for being a live recording.  This is a pretty good recording of this song.

Original Band Line Up:

  • Dave Mustaine – Lead Vocals, Rhythm and Lead Guitar
  • David Ellefson – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Gar Samuelson – Drums, Timpani
  • Chris Poland – Lead Guitar

Current Band Line Up:

  • Dave Mustaine – Lead Vocals, Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitar and Slide Guitars
  • Chris Broderick – Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars, and Backing Vocals
  • David Ellefson – Bass Guitar and Backing vocals
  • Shawn Drover – Drums, Percussion

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.megadeth.com

Twitter:  @Megadeth

In closing, I am a huge Megadeth fan so I have been with them thick and thin.  I enjoyed all the music they have put out over the years.  I came board the Megadeth train about the mid 1990’s.  I was not there from the beginning because of my age, which is mid 30’s.  I saw this band at the top of their powers and the low.  However, they are back and climbing back up in the mainstream, Megadeth is back.  “Super Collider” is not a let down from their last record “TH1RT3EN.”  There is some really good songs on this record and I could hear some of them start to chart on music charts.  The only thing I do not like about this record is the production.  I just feel this record is too bright for a metal record.  The songs do not sound full.  The new Black Sabbath “13” record is full sounding and that is with one guitar player.  This Megadeth record needs four more guitars or bass guitars and it will not sound as full as the new Black Sabbath.  With all that at the side, this is a great record and I am glad they are still writing some great music.  I highly recommend this record, which is “Super Collider,” from Megadeth.  Also if you are a fan of this band, you NEED to see this band live.  They are awesome live.  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 Beer Blog Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out our first beer from Firestone Walker and the brewery is their Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout.  This is brewery is from California and founded 1996 by Adam Firestone and David Walker.  The brewery name from the last names from the founders.  They brewery several different beer styles but they are known for their hoppy beers like most west coast breweries.  Let us get into the beer.

This winter seasonal has a jet black color without a head on it.  The smell is chocolate to toffee.  The taste of this full body ale is chocolate to touch of coffee notes.  It is a sipping to almost kind of drinkable.

Here is a description from their website (www.firestonebeer.com):

A decadent Oatmeal Stout brimming with cocoa and espresso aromas.  This beer features a rich, dark chocolate and roasted coffee flavor with a creamy mouth feel and wonderfully dry finish. The addition of U.S. grown fuggles hops contributes the perfect amount of bitterness to this exceptionally balanced beer.

REMEMBER: Watch for bottled on dates located on the necks or bottom left corner of the label for each of our beers.  Our beer is not pasteurized, so it is best when stored at 44F or below, out of light and within 120 days of the bottled on date…this ensures freshness and ultimately a great Firestone Walker beer!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.firestonebeer.com

Twitter:  @firestonewalker

In closing, I really enjoyed drinking this beer.  I love how it is not a drinkable beer because I can sit there and enjoy it.  I want to pick up everything that is going on in the beer.  I love the coffee to toffee notes from the beer.  This is one of my favorite stout beer style.  I love how their website tells you to make sure you have fresh beer and how to store your beer.  This is a great beer and I highly recommend you trying this stout.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Stone Ruin Ten IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew, which is Ruin Ten IPA, from Stone Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog post, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog post to get to know this great California brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clear copper color with a constant white head on the ale.  The smell is a piney to earthy notes.  The taste is about the same with carbonated piney to earthy notes.  The aftertaste has a dry hop finish. It is a sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle and website (www.stonebrewing.com):

IBUs 110ABV 10.8%Release Date June 17th, 2013

We first released this decidedly indelicate beer in 2012, as Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our belovedly bitter Stone Ruination IPA. Stone RuinTen IPA uses the same recklessly hoppy recipe as the 2012 release; only the name has changed, as we plan to unleash this belligerently delicious hop monster upon the public annually from now on. We packed a whopping five pounds of hops into each barrel, and cranked up the ABV to stand up to the hop onslaught. The results are glorious, and we know you’ll rejoice in tasting this audacious gem of hoppy splendor once again. You’re welcome.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.stonebrewing.com

Twitter:  @StoneBrewingCo

In closing, Stone has a hop beast on their hands here.  I have to say I enjoyed it very much, however, I just feel like this brew is over hopped too much.  Even their normal brew, Stone Ruination IPA is over hopped to me.  It could be the type of hops they are using makes me feel  this way.  I have to say it is a great beers.  Please, do not think this is a negative note.  There are IPA’s or Imperial IPA’s that are design just like this one.  I love my fair share of them.  This is a great beer but not a beer I will be drinking all the time.  I will mix it in and out of my line up of beers once in a while.  I recommend you trying this beer and I would love to hear your thoughts on it.  I love talking about beer and hearing what other people think about it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Ram Tap Party In Schaumburg Location

In this beer blog, we are going to get into two brews from Ram Tap Party in Schaumburg location.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their beers, you know the history of this west coast brewery.  If you have not, please, read those beer blog to get to know this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

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This Barrel ’71 Pale Ale has heavy cloudy mud color with a constant white head on it.  The smell is a sweet slight chocolate bourbon to the beer.  The taste is a heavy bourbon to a slight citrus from pale ale side.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

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The Firecracker IPA has a dark amber color with a constant fluffy white head on it. There is really no smell to this beer. The taste is like their IPA but the aftertaste has burning from the peppers. It does sit around a bit. It is kind of drinkable at first and then becomes a sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.theram.com

Twitter:  @theram

Closing, I have been away from the Tap Parties because of being out-of-town.  I was pretty excited to get back into the Tap Parties.  I will have the Wheeling location this week but I was able to get by the Schaumburg location to try their two beer release.  The first one was Ram’s 71 Pale Ale aged in Bourdon barrels for seven months.  Yes, agree it looks like chocolate milk because of the flash from my phone.  It had a mud to wood color to it.  I had my fair share of bourdon ales.  I have to say this one is heavy bourdon to it.  I cannot taste any of the pale ale.  I do not mind the bourdon in the beer.  I need some beer taste.  I thought it was below average, however, this does not mean you will not like this beer.  The next one brew was their Firecracker IPA.  It is dry hopped with Habanero peppers.  I have to say the India Pale Ale, which is their Big Red, part is still there.  The hops were mild down a bit.  Peppers kick in aftertaste with a slight burn in the throat.  At first, it was pretty mild on the hot to burn side.  However, it will build up over time, for me, it became too much.  This beer should be in a smaller glass like 10oz.  I think a 120z pour is too much and pint is out of the question.  I recommend these beers because of how unique they are to the market.  Please let me know what you think of these brews.  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 Beer Blog Founders Brewing Porter

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Founders Brewing and it is their Porter.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their cherry ale, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not, please, read that post to get to know this craft brewery from the west side of Michigan.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a jet black color without head on the beer.  The smell is a burn chocolate to the porter. The taste is a burn chocolate with a smoky chocolate aftertaste.  To average beer drinker, this is not drinkable.  To your craft drinkers, this is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.foundersbrewing.com):

Pours silky black with a creamy tan head. The nose is sweet with strong chocolate and caramel malt presence. No absence of hops gives Founders’ robust porter the full flavor you deserve and expect. Cozy like velvet. It’s a lover, not a fighter.

  • ABV: 6.5%
  • IBUs: 45
  • Availability: Year-round

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.foundersbrewing.com

Twitter:  @foundersbrewing

In closing, I love my porters and stouts.  I have to say Founders Brewing has a really good brew here.  I was pretty impressed with this brew and this brewery.  I believe I need to sit down and retry their beers.  This porter has everything that a porter fan would be looking for in their beer.  It has a nice chocolate taste.  I could drink a few of these beers in a round, however, I believe your average beer drinker would not think this is a session beer.  They might have one after dinner with their dessert.  I recommend trying this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Founders Brewing Centennial IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into another brew from Founders Brewing.  The beer that will be featured is their Centennial IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their Cherry Ale, you know the history of this Michigan Brewery.  If you have not read that beer blog post, please, read that beer blog to get to know this Michigan Craft Brewery.  Let us get into beer.

The color is a clear copper color without a head on the IPA.  The smell is grapefruit.  The taste is carbonated grapefruit with a dry grapefruit that dies right away for the aftertaste.  It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.foundersbrewing.com):

Get ready to bask in the glory of the frothy head’s floral bouquet. Relish the citrus accents from the abundance of dry hopping. This one’s sweet, yet balanced. Malty undertones shake hands with the hop character for a finish that never turns too bitter.

  • ABV: 7.2%
  • IBUs: 65
  • Availability: Year-round

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.foundersbrewing.com

Twitter:  @foundersbrewing

Closing, I am not a huge fan of this brewery.  I do not know why but I will give breweries credits when credit is due.  I will honesty knock a breweries I am a fan if they put out a bad beer or a beer I do not like.  This is my thought pattern and I would not take this as the gold standards.  I am just idiot with thought.  With all said, I will have to say I am a fan of this brew.  It has a nice hop aroma and character with a great malty backbone.  It is pretty drinkable and will get beer drinkers in trouble at times.  I highly recommend this brewery.  Please, let me know what you think of this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog DuClaw Brewing Hellrazer IPA

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into a beer from DuClaw Brewing.  The beer that will be feature is their Hellrazer IPA.  If you read my earlier beer blog on their Imperial IPA, you know the history of this east coast brewery.  If you have not, please, read that beer blog to get up to speed on this brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

The color is a fogging copper color without a head on the beer. The smell is a mango to the beer.  The taste of this light body beer is a mango to star fruit with bitter aftertaste.  It is not really drinkable.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

From first sweet sip to crisp, dry finish, this IPA gets in your face with the exotic flavors and aromas of New Zealand Motneka hops, yet maintains enough malt character to stay balanced but always ready to… Raze Hell

Here is a description from their website (www.duclaw.com):

Hellrazer
Raze Hell                                                
This medium-bodied, golden IPA gets in your face from first sweet sip to crisp, dry finish with exotic tropical fruit flavors and aromas of New Zealand Motueka hops. With just enough malt character to keep the unruly hops and 7.5% abv in check, this brew was born to raze hell.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.duclaw.com

Twitter:  @DuClawBrewing

Closing, I really loved drinking this beer.  This was a nice drinkable India Pale Ale and still get hit with the a nice hop taste.  Motueka hops have been becoming the new hop trend a few years ago.  You had a ton of craft breweries jumping on this hop to brew a new India Pale Ale or just a Pale Ale.  I know Summit Brewing use this hop to make their new IPA.  I love aroma and taste this hop kicks off.  There is a nice malty backbone to balance this IPA.  This is a well made IPA and I highly recommend this brew.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Beer Blog Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another brew from Flying Dog Brewery.  The beer is their Double Dog Double Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier post on their flagship Doggy Style Pale Ale, you know the history of this brewery.  If you have not read that post, please, read that beer blog post.  Let us get into the beer.

It has at golden amber color with white head.  The smell is a grapefruit to this Double Pale Ale.  The taste is grapefruit with malt character.  The aftertaste has a huge hop finish.  It is sipping beer.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.flyingdogales.com

Twitter:  @FlyingDog

In closing, this is a pretty big beer and I loved it.  This is not a drinkable beer and that is not a bad thing.  I love how it is a sipping beer.  This is a beer you can enjoy at the end of the day and relax with it.  I love the hops that they use in the beer.  It kicks off a huge grapefruit aroma and taste.  There is a nice malty backbone to this beer.  I highly recommend this beer and all their beers.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser