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New Music Monday Blog Laura Wilde Sold My Soul

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get a music from a young lady, who is Laura Wilde. This is her first record which is Sold My Soul. She finally made her first appearance in the United States. I had the honor of meeting her after a killer show outside of Detroit. There is not much history on this up and coming artist. She comes from the land down under which is Australia. She loves Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, and many more. She will be heading back into the studio to work with legendary bass player and my hero Geezer Bulter from Black Sabbath. Being a Bass Player and lyric writer, Mr. Bulter is the best in the world. She will be in good hands. Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Intro

The first track is short and to the point. It is sounds of motorcycles.

All Alone

“All Alone” starts out with a nice solid drum beat with a nice great guitar riff. I really enjoyed the singing from Laura with some great lyrics. Her singing reminds me of Lita Ford, lead singers from Otep and Flyleaf. This is a pretty solid track for being the real opening track of the record.

Sold My Soul

“Sold My Soul” is one of the first singles off this record and one of two music videos recorded off “Sold My Soul.” I love the start from the guitar and the simple drum beat and bass line at the beginning and also throughout the song. This is a pretty solid song from start to finish. It has an awesome guitar and great drumming beat. I love the lyrics and some nice singing from Laura. This is a great driving song like the opening song. I love the pace of this song and the record so far.

Freeek!

I love the bass and drum action at the beginning of the song. She reminds me so much of Lita Ford from the singing and her song writing to this point of her record. There is some awesome music and well written lyrics. I love the guitar break towards the middle of the song. Laura Wilde is a great singer and I believe she does not need back up singers.

Irate

I love the effect of the heavy overdrive on her guitar. I love the lyrics and she is singing pretty good on this song. The organ playing is a perfect fit on this song. She is the queen of driving songs. They have a nice flow and great pace. This is a song that will give me a few speed tickets. I love the ending of the song.

Back Seat

Here is a classic hard rock guitar riff at the beginning of the song. I love the drop off and the groove from the music while she is singing over the top of it. I am really not a fan of the lyrics and her singing but it works and fits for the song. I might not like it that does not mean it is bad. I might have to listen to this song a few more times for it to grow on me. It might not happen. It is a pretty solid ending to “Back Seat.”

For You

I love the music at the beginning of the song. There is some solid lyrics and her singing. There is some good music here and it is pretty solid. I know I say she does not need a singer but it fits on this song. She might be an above average singer but it is her doing the back up singing. I love the back up vocals. This is a great song. This should be the next single off this record. I love the guitar break towards the end of the song. I love the ending of the song.

Anything Goes

I love rhythm and the pace of the music. She is singing great and has some great lyrics on “Anything Goes.” I love the guitar break to the guitar solo at the middle of the song. The guitar solo is not forced like most guitar solos. I have noticed one thing throughout this record that the music she wrote some melody to blend nicely with it along with her voice. I love the ending of this song.

Classical Guitar Star

I love the guitar work and it should be with any song that has “Classic Guitar” or “Rock Star” in the title. I am really enjoying her singing and it is great. I believe this song is the best singing performance from Laura Wilde on this record. I will be honest. I am not a fan of the lyrics but she put some thought, feeling, and a theme behind them on “Classic Guitar Star.” I love the guitar solo towards the end of the song. There is some great effects on her guitar. This band has done a great job on the music on this song.

Nothing Back

I love the pick up of back half of the record and the pace on this song on “Nothing Back.” There is some nice guitar, drums, and bass work on this song. There is some awesome music. This song is in your face which is perfected. I am enjoying the singing and the lyric writing that she has put forth.

Love Buyer

There is a nice heavy guitar with a nice solo over the time at the beginning of the song. I love the singing and nice lyrics. She is singing really well on this song. There is a nice guitar break towards the middle of the song. The music is great and there is nice playing from the drummer and the bass player. There is a nice fade out ending to this song.

Angel

I love the bass line with some great singing at the beginning of the song. I love the lyrics and the singing from Laura. I like how she put some focus on the bassist and the drummer on this song. There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song. I love the fade out at the end of the song.

Here is the band’s website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.laurawilde.com

Twitter: @laurawilde

The end, this is some great music on her first record. Laura Wilde is an upcoming artist with a promising future in hard rock and metal world. She is a solid guitar player with a thought of where to take her music. She brings life back to girls rocking in the music scene. She is a lady you do not want to mess with but she is very sweet when she needs to be in her music. I had the honor to watch her play outside of Detroit. I have to say I was pretty impressive. She put on a hell of show. I have to say two things. I highly recommend you checking her out and move over Lita Ford. Laura Wilde is here to rock us just like Lita. It would be kind neat if Laura and Lita get together and write some music. I am looking forward to her new music in the next year. I want to say thank her for signing your record and take a photo with me. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Credit Source: (History came from www.laurawilde.com)

New Unknown Music Thursday Blog La Chinga La Chinga

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 Music Monday Blog Tom Keifer The Way Life Goes

In this Music Monday Blog, we are going to get into the first solo record from lead singer Cinderalla, who is Tom Keifer. There is two things I love about this singer’s first solo record. First thing, it is so different than his band’s music. Second thing, Tom Keifer voice is fine and health. Tom went for vocal box surgery and no one knew as a fan base if he was going to sing again or at the level he did back in the 1980’s. I am happy he is back. I am going to back down his music career and then get into this great solo record. Let us get into the history of Tom Keifer.

History

Carl Thomas Keifer was borned in 1961 in Springfield, Pennsylvania. He grew up loving the blues and later founded Cinderella with bassist Eric Brittingham in 1980. Jon Bon Jovi discovered Cinderella in 1985 at Empire Rock Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a recording contract from Mercury/Polygram Records, Jeff LaBar, who is the lead guitar player, and Jim Dmec, who is the drummer, join the band that same year. Fred Coury replaced Jim Dmec on drums to make it on their “Night Songs” record. In 1988, Cinderella released their second record, which was called “Long Cold Winter.” “Heartbreak Station” was released in 1990 as their third record. Fred Coury left the band after a short tour and joined Arcade with lead singer of Ratt, who is Stephen Pearcy. Tom lost his voice during the recording of their fourth record. This delayed the recording of the “Stilling Climbing.” He went for several operations to solve this problem Fred was replaced Kenny Aronoff to finish drum tracks on the record. The record had some poor sales and dropped off the charts. Mercury Records drop the band and the band went on a hiatus or broke up in 1995. In 1997, the band resurfaced to record a few new tracks for their first Greatest Hits record, which was called “Once Upon A…” The band did tour in 1998 which led for a live record, which was called “Live At The Key Club,” to be released in 1999 under Cleopartra Records. Cinderella was singed to Sony Records in 2000. However, before they could release their fifth record, they were dropped by Sony. It led the band and Sony to be in court fights over the music. The band has done several tour dates but in 2008, the band was forced to cancel their tour dates due to Tom’s vocal chords. In 2009, the band stated that Tom’s voice is back to normal and went on a few more tours. The band is still together and Tom is health. Tom has been working on this record since 2003. “The Way Life Goes” was record in 2013 under Merovee Records. He worked on this record with his wife Savannah Keifer. Let us get into the music.

Track List:

Solid Ground

There is some nice guitar work at the beginning of the song. Tom screams over the top of some nice music. He wrote some nice lyrics and music. This is a different pace to his Cinderella music. There is some nice drumming and bass playing on this song. There is some nice guitar work. Tom’s singing is solid. This is a great opening track to his first solo record.

A Different Light

Tom comes in singing with an acoustic guitar. There is some nice music and good lyrics. I love how the chorus came together. I love the drumming and bass playing. This is a nice calming song. The main versus reminds something he would write with Cinderella but the chorus is a little different. This song sounds like a Bon Jovi song or one of Jon’s solo songs. I love this song. I love the fade out ending.

It’s Not Enough

I love the effect on the guitar. Tom’s singing is strong with some great lyrics. I love the drumming and bass playing. This is a song I could see Cinderella do back in the day. His vocals chords sound very strong so far on this record. His wife’s back up singing is spot on and blends nicely with his vocals. Savannah Keifer, who is Tom’s wife, is all over this record because she helped her husband write this record. She has a beautiful voice. I love the fade out ending to this song too.

Cold Day In Hell

I love the acoustic guitar and then the harmonica from Pat Buchanan. Tom wrote some nice music and lyrics on this song. I love the back up singing on this song. It is perfect for this song. I love the sax playing from Jim Horne. It gives this song a nice change of pace to the rest of the songs on this record. This is a killer chorus. I love the build up to the ending of the song. Once again, another fade out ending.

Thick And Thin

I love the piano playing on this song. This song gives this record a different element. He has some nice lyrics on this song. I have crazy thought he wrote this song for his wife. I love how there is guitar to expand the music from the piano. The drums and bass are a nice support. Man, these are some great lyrics. He put some thought into these words. I love the short guitar solo towards the middle of the song.

Ask Me Yesterday

I love the guitar work at the beginning. This is a thinking man’s song. I love the lyrics. He wrote some nice music for ten years and how time made them really good. I love how the drums and bass are nice support throughout this record. There is some nice music on this song.

Fools Paradise

“Fools Paradise” has a little pick up from the last two songs. There is a programming on this song and you can hear it. Midi Programming is coming from Mitch Goldfarb. Tom is singing is pretty solid with some great lyrics. I love the guitar work and the lays of guitars on this song. There is a nice guitar break towards the middle of the song. Drums and bass playing are spot on but I kind of wish he would do more with the drums and bass on this record. I love the exiting guitar solo to end the song.

The Flower Song

“The Flower Song” is his first single off this record. I love the acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song. I love the touch of the slide guitar playing on this song. There is some nice back up vocals. Tom’s singing is solid and wrote some great lyrics. I love the music because it is almost like a folk song. I love the calm drumming and bass playing on the song. I love the trade-off from the slide guitar and the normal guitar players on a short solo. There is some organ playing deep in the background.

Mood Elevator

I love the music on this song. This song should have been a Cinderella song. Tom’s singing is strong with some great lyrics. The drums and bass playing have pick up. I love the lyrics and the singing from the back up singers. There is some nice guitar work on this song. This song is so much a different pace to the rest of the song. It kind of does not fit on this record, however, there is always songs like that on every record. I still dig this song.

Welcome To My Mind

I love the guitar work at the beginning of the song. There is an awesome main riff. I love the midi programming on this song from Blair Daly. He did a great job. I love the music and lyrics. I almost want to say this should be his second single off this record. Svannah has some solid back up singing on this song. I love the guitar break to a nice low-end guitar solo. There is a nice fast pace on this song. “Welcome To My Mind” makes “Mood Elevator” fit on this record. It is a nice pace for the record now. It makes sense. This is a great song.

You Showed Me

“You Showed Me” brings it back down with some nice piano playing. I love the support from the guitar playing. The drums are perfect with a nice bass line on this song. I love the lyrics. Thank you, Tom for letting the bass player dance up and down that neck. This is a great song. This song needs to be a single off this record. Tom’s singing is off the charts. I love this record so far.

Ain’t That A Bitch

I love the the guitar riff on this song. There is some nice music on this song. Tom has written some nice lyrics with his wife and Conley White. There is a nice pace to this song. The drums and bass playing are pretty solid. There is a nice short guitar solo towards the middle of the song. I love the exiting guitar solo. Nice touch!

The Way Life Goes

The beginning is a little weird and different but comes together. It has a heavy Blues feel to it. I have listen to Blues in my time but not a lot. I know enough to love the music. I love Tom’s singing and he wrote some great lyrics. I love the touch on the back up singers. I love the meaning behind this song. It has a nice theme to it. Nice drumming and bass playing from Ben Strano and Michael Rhodes. Pat Buchanan playing a nice harmonica.

Babylon

Mitch Goldfrab back on Midi Programming. I love the playing from the bass and drums. I love the music and lyrics on this song. This is a perfect song to finish off this great first record from Tom Keifer. I love how this song flows and the pace is perfect. This is a great song.

Line Up For Tom Keifer’s Band

Tom Keifer – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar, and Keyboard
Greg Morrow – Drums, Percussion
Michael Rhodes – Bass Guitar
Tony Harrell – Piano, B3 Organ, Wurlizer, Clvinet

Here is his website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.tomkeifer.com and www.cinderella.net

Twitter: @TomKeiferMusic and @Cinderellanet

In the end, this was pretty impressive solo record. I knew it was in him. Tom Keifer and his wife wrote some great music. I have to say this is a different pace to his music with Cinderella. Most artist release a solo record and they sound like their parent band. I love when artist do something different from their parent band. Geoff Tate from Queensryche did it twice. Don Dokken from Dokken has done it twice. There is other artist like former lead singer from Skid Row. Bach solo music sounds like Skid Row. Rob Halford has done it but still sounds like his Judas Priest. The same can same about Ronnie James Dio and Ozzy. This is no knock on their music. It is still good but I love when an artist goes solo and does something different. This is what music is all about. Their guests were not the mainstream guys like you normally do see on most solo artist records. Pat Buchanan did some great guitar works. He has some great solo music records also. You need to check him out. Back to Tom, I am so glad he is back and fully heathy on the vocal cord side. He sounds great. I have been a fan of Cinderella for a long time. This is a great record and I will be listening to this record non stop. There has been some great new releases in 2013. I have to say this record has to be in my top five of 2013. I highly recommend this record if you are a Cinderella fan or just love some great rock to hard rock with a touch of blues. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! Thanks Tom for some great music over the years. I has been an honor listening to your music. \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

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

New Unknown Music Thursday Blog Earthen Grave Self Title

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

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 Queensryche Frequency Unknown (Tate Version)

In this Music Monday blog, we are going to get into the new release from Queensryche and it is called Frequency Unknown. This release is the Geoff Tate version of the band. Queensryche spite with their lead singer and former band mates are fighting over the name. The other Queensryche will be releasing a new record with their new lead singer. I will have that review here soon.

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 Tate version of the band. He has several artist and former members of the Queensryche band. Let us get into the music.

Track List

Cold

There is some strong action from the drums and an awesome guitar riff. Tate’s singing is really strong. I am not a fan of the lyrics. I can barely hear the vocals in the song. It just seems like the guitar is right by the recording mic the whole time. There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Dare

There is some nice guitar work and drum action at the beginning. Tate is more to the front as the guitars seems like they are in the background. I am not a fan of the lyrics. It just seems like these first two songs the lyrics were rushed to get the record out to the public. I am not sure how I feel towards the middle of the song. I love the guitar build up from the break and the ending.

Give It To You

I love the acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song. I really do not like Tate’s singing in this song. Once again, I am not a fan of the lyrics. This song has a good pace to it. There is a nice guitar solo towards the end of the song. There is some great music so far on this record.

Slave

I really love the guitar work at the beginning of the song. The drums and bass are pretty solid too. I love the guitar work when Geoff Tate comes in singing. Once again, I am not fan of the lyrics and singing, however, it is better than the first few songs. I am starting to see an ongoing theme in this record to me. There is some nice drumming towards the end of the song.

In The Hands Of God

I am not sure how I feel about the beginning of the song. The guitar work is a little weird for Queensryche music. I am not a fan of lyrics but his singing is pretty good. I really do not like the back up vocals on this song. The low to high singing is not working for this song. I kind of like the guitar solo. This is a bad song from start to finish.

Running Backwards

I like the guitar work and the drums and bass are pretty strong in this song. Running Backwards has a nice start to the song. I am not a fan once again of the lyrics. It is a little better than the rest of the record. It just seems like they put Tate’s vocals in the background to the rest of the band. There is a nice guitar solo in the back half of the song.

Life Without You

Life Without You has a strong guitar and drumming work. It calms down like old Queensryche. I am not sure on how I feel about the drums and bass during the main riff. I just feel the lyrics were rushed but this is the best set of lyrics on this record. I do like the bass work towards the back half of the song.

Everything

Everything starts out with some nice piano work and almost like drum machine that Linkin Park would use in their music The music seems so far in the background. The guitar and bass are pretty good. Geoff Tate has some good singing but the lyrics I could do without. Tate sounds like he is singing in the metal box. The chorus on this song is really good along with the lyrics. I believe this is one of the better songs on the record. The guitars on this record are too much in the front over the rest of the band.

Fallen

I love the drums and the guitar work at the beginning of the song. I can hear but barely hear the second guitar solo. I do not like the lyrics on this song. The music is pretty solid on Fallen. There is a nice guitar solo towards the back half of the song. Please, do not sing over the guitar solo and it did not fit. There are some songs it fits but not here.

The Weight Of The World

I love the acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song. I can do without the reverb and delay on Tate’s vocals. I kind of do not like his singing and melody. Plus, on top of all this for being the last song the lyrics are pretty bad. This song just seems too slow for everything that is going on in the song. There is a pretty neat guitar solo towards the end of the song.

Re-record Hits

I Don’t Believe In Love

I really love this song and I get why bands re-record their hits. I have to say this a really bad version of this song. The guitar sounds too bright and Tate has too much reverb on his vocals. It just seems so empty. The back up vocals are bad.

Empire

The guitar seems different and drums are too bright. I can barely hear the bass and once again Tate has reverb on his vocals. It is not as bad as I Don’t Believe In Love. The back up vocals are a little better on this song. This is a pretty solid re recording of Queensryche classic song.

Jet City Woman

It is something with the studio where they recorded all these songs. They seems so empty and the guitar solo seems a little different than the original. Tate’s vocals are like the original but there is still too much reverb. Towards the end of the song, it seems like kids are doing the back ground vocals with Tate. This is bad version.

Silent Lucidity

It is something with the studio they are recording in because all these songs seems very empty and has a ton of holes in them. This one seems ok and better than the rest of the songs. Tate just seems like he is singing a little different in this version. It is not good but it is far from the original song. It is just another bad version.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.queensryche.com

Twitter: @queensryche @geofftate

In closing, I am a huge fan of Queensryche and I was sad to hear they broke up. I was excited to see each version come up with music. I have to say this version of Queensryche is NOT Queensryche. Sorry Tate! I love your singing and I will still support you and your former band mates. This record is Tate’s solo record and it is a shame that the Queensryche name is all over this record. This hurts the brand than helps it. I will say this is better than Tate’s first record. His second solo record was better than these two records. I have not heard the other version of Queensryche minus Tate. Who knows that might be bad too. The parts I have heard I am a little excited because the new singer sounds like a younger Tate. Plus, I love the fact they are going back to the earlier records. If this was a Tate solo record, I would have loved it and I still do to some point. I have to block the name out to maybe it will grow to like this record. There are some pretty good songs but there are too many fillers. I believe Tate needs to take a year off from lyric writing and relax. I believe he is over work and burn himself out. Please, let me know what you think of 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 Blog Filter The Sun Comes Out Tonight

In this Music Monday Blog, Filter is the feature band and the new record called “The Sun Comes Out Tonight.” Filter is well-known in the 1990’s for their huge hit “Hey Man Nice Shot,” which everyone thought they were talking about Kurt Cobain shooting himself. It is still mystery of what they were singing about. Filter had several hits in the 1990’s and I have been a fan since. Let us get into the history of this band and then the music.

History

Richard Parker, who is one of founding member of Filter, played guitar in a band called Nine Inch Nails. He tour for NIN record “Pretty Hate Machine.” Richard left the band after the tour and began a new project which would be called Filter with Brain Liesegang. Filter signed record company in 1994 with Reprise Records. “Short Bus” was released in 1995 with the big hit “Hey Man Nice Shot.” They had another hit off that record called “Dose.” Filter went back into the studio in 1998 to start working on their second record which would be release in 1999 and it was called “Title Of Record.” They had a three singles which are “Welcome To The Fold,” “The Best Things,” and the huge hit song “Take A Picture.” Filter went into the studio in 2001 to begin work on “The Amalgamut.” It was released in 2002 with hit songs like “Where Do We Go From Here,” and “American Cliche.” Sales of the record were short because of Richard Parker entering Rehab which led to lack of touring and support for the record. Filter took a break from touring and recording. Richard Parker team up with members of Stone Temple Pilots to form the supergroup called Army Of Anyone. Army Of Anyone put out their first record and did not sale very well. Richard disappointed with the success of that Supergroup project which lead to their break up in 2007. Filter finally went into the studio to record their fourth record in 2007 and their first since 2002. The record was called “Anthems for the Damned.” It was a more serious record than the rest that was released in the past. The record was finally released in 2008 and had hits like “Soldiers Of Misfortune” and “What’s Next.” In 2008, Filter started to work on their fifth record called “The Trouble With Angels.” There was no singles off this record, however, this record brought Filter back to their first three records. The fan base holds this as their cult classic. The band enter the studio to record their sixth record which is the one that will be reviewing in this blog and it is called “The Sun Comes Out Tonight.” The band put out their first single called “What Do You Say.” Let us get into the music.

Track List

We Hate It When You Get What You Want

The open track has that classic Filter sound to it. The programming and sampling is awesome. Richard Parker sounds great. The drumming and bass work is right there with the old school sound. Richard has some great lyrics on this song. Filter keeps it going after their last release, which was “The Trouble With Angels.” This is a great opening track.

What Do You Say

The first single off this great record is “What Do You Say.” Just like the opening track, “What Do You Say” starts out like the old Filter sound. I believe this band never really loss its sound. They were experimenting on their fourth record. There is nothing wrong with that and still was a pretty good record. Richard is singing is solid with some awesome lyrics. He has his screaming going on in this song. The music from the guitar, bass, and drums are solid. I love the music breaks in “What Do You Say.” This is a perfect first single off this record. It also has a nice ending.

Surprise

I love the start of this song with the samples and acoustic guitar. Richard’s singing is really good on this song. This song reminds me of “Take A Picture.” He has out did himself on this song. The drums are really good. This song right now is my favorite song off this record so far. I really enjoyed the build up towards the end of the song. “Surprise” has a nice and fitting finish.

Watch The Sun Come Out Tonight

I love the effects on the samples and the vocals. Richard comes in with an awesome guitar riff that turns out to be the main riff. Once again, I tip my hat to him for having some solid lyrics and music. I am loving the drums and bass on this song. It is a perfect back up to the singing and guitar. I love the ending of this song.

It’s Got To Be Right Now

I love the guitar effects on the one guitar. The other guitar is same riff but really solid. I love the singing and the lyrics. This song seems like it could have been part of their 1990’s records. The drums and bass are simple but this is perfect for the song. It is what the song is calling for in its theme and process. This is not the best song but not the worse on this record. The lyrics are to the point and love the build up for the ending.

This Finger’s For You

The drums kind of has a flare from Led Zeppelin but a little bit heavier at the beginning. I love the guitar and programing while Richard sings. There is some pretty solid music and lyrics on this song. The drums and bass are about where they need to be with the process of this song. The music is awesome and this can be turn up without leaving anything behind. The title of the song explains everything. I love the music break with a semi guitar solo. I love the sampling drums at the end of the song.

Self Inflicted

I love Richard screaming at the beginning. It brings me to the old school of Filter. This song seems like “Hey Man Nice Shot.” I love the lyrics. They are straight to the point and have some meaning. I love the verses music and then the pick up for the chorus. Parker has written some great music for this song. I love the pace of this song. It has a nice ending.

First You Break It

I love the acoustic guitar and pace at the beginning of this song. Once again, this song reminds me of “Take A Picture.” For programming metal band, their Ballard or slow songs are really good. They make sense and not what you expect from them. The lyrics and music are solid. This is up there as one of my favorite songs off this record. The drums move this song not the singer or guitar player. The drummer leads us to a nice journey of music. I love the singing towards the end and the build up.

Burn It

I love the programming at the beginning of the song. The guitar in the background is a nice touch. When it comes forward, it is right in your face. The lyrics are pretty solid for the theme of this song. I love Richard’s singing. He is on it like back in the 1990’s. I just wish and hope this band gets some looks from this record. There is a nice pace to music and the drums are really solid off this track. Richard has a nice guitar solo towards the back half of the song.

Take That Knife Out Of My Back

The sampling and programming is slow and nice to the point. The lyrics are simple but perfect. I believe this is the last song they wrote for the record. I love the guitar riff in the song. Richard’s screaming is perfect along with the drums and bass playing. There is a nice pace to the song. This is a pretty solid song towards the end. I believe this should be the second single off this record. It has a nice ending.

It’s My Time

I love the piano action at the beginning of the song. I love the lyrics along with the music. This is thinking music but to me this is thinking about growing up listening to this band. Damn, time has went by pretty fast. Richard has still has it as a song and lyric writer. These songs make me want to get back into music. This is a great song.

It’s Just You

The beginning of this song reminds of something off Owl City record. However, Filter put their twist on it. There is some solid music and lyrics. I am so proud of this band of what they are and what they have become in the world of hard rock and metal. I love the lyrics and it comes straight from the heart. I love the ending and this is a perfect ending to this great record. FILTER is BACK!!! Last record is the same thing.

Here is original Line Up:

Richard Patrick – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Programming, Drums, Producer, Engineer
Brian Liesegang – Programming, Keyboards, Guitars, Drums, Producer, Engineer
Matt Drvenkar – Answering Machine Vocals
Kevin Hanley – Additional Guitar Noise

Here is their current Line Up:

Richard Patrick – Lead Vocals, Guitare
Jonathan Radtke – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Phil Buchman – Bass Guitar
Jeff Friedl – Drums
Elisa Mallin – Drums

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.officialfilter.com

Twitter: @OfficialFilter @RichardPatrick

In closing, I have not been disappointed with this band’s music since they started. They have not put out a bad record. I am not a huge fan but I will say I have becoming more and more of huge fan. I believe this record has put me to the point I have become a huge fan. I have grown up listening to this band and I was too stuck in the past,which meaning like the 1970’s and 1980’s. I believe their was nothing wrong with that. I still follow this band like Candlebox, Stone Temple Pilots, Cold, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains. There are band I wish would have kept on going but this band I am glad is still going. They put out a solid record and you need to support them. If you are new to this band, please, go back and check out the rest of their music. I highly recommend this music. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comast.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 Beer Blog Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask Scottish Stout

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Innis & Gunn. It is Oak Aged Beer that is Irish Whiskey Barrels with their Scottish Stout. If you read my earlier beer blog on their flagship, you know the history of this brewery. If you have not, please, read that beer post. Let us get into the beer.

It has a black color without a head on the beer. The smell is chocolate whiskey to the beer. The taste has a chocolate with a nice well balance taste. The aftertaste has a slight bite like whiskey to it. It is drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

This special bottling of Innis & Gunn has been matured in rare oak barrels from a famous distillery in Ireland. These barrels had been used to mature one of the unique maturation is a big, full flavored, complex beer with a delightful warming finish.

We hope you enjoy this beer as much as we do.

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

Irish Whiskey Cask

7.4% ABV

Our sturdy Scottish Stout gains even greater flavour during its maturation in rare oak casks, obtained from a renowned Irish Whiskey distillery. The resulting beer is rich, complex and velvety smooth with notes of coffee and dark chocolate, and proves that it pays to have friends in the beverage business.

Awards

Irish Whiskey Cask garnered a gold medal in the International Beer Challenge 2012.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.innisandgunn.com

Twitter: @innisandgunn

In closing, I really enjoyed this beer. They are doing something different than most breweries. They make some killer beers and then age them in barrels. I know this has been a huge trend in the craft beer world but there is not too many breweries that all of their beers they make are aged in barrels. This brewery is one of the few and the only one I know of out there. This stout is something else. I would love to try it before they put it in the barrels. I know the price might be a little pricey, however, it is well worth the price. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

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New Beer Blog Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask Scottish Stout

Irish Whiskey Cask

7.4% ABV

Awards

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Irish Whiskey Cask

7.4% ABV

Awards

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