NEVER A HERO: "Bleed Between The Lies"

Rating: RRRR
Label: TwoSideMoon/OneNightStand 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Ka-blaam! Like a shot in the dark always creeping up on you. Indeed, they came from out of nowhere (Sudbury/Suffolk, actually) and straight to your screen, the best contemporary British Metal act you've never seen? (or heard of for that matter). Never A Hero - always a bridesmaid? Ehem. nevermind. It's not like they are completely unheard of either since our masked heroes has enjoyed success on Kerrang! Scuzz TV, and more than 1 million plays at myspace. And, yes, masked as in dodgy ornate steel masks to keep their sad little faces hidden.

"Bleed Between The Lies" is the metal album ála Bullet For My Valentine, Papa Roach, Linkin Park, but with a twist since there's the hint of UK and progressive metal. Add to this a great production, musicians that can actually play, thundering drums, distinctive bass and guitar work (proper solos), electronic sounds that do make sense, and on top of everything soaring vocals and catchy material.

I know that every now and then I do complain about these sort of rock/metal albums. It's simply because you can find thousands of Linkin Park wannabee's in every darn direction you turn. But, Never A Hero are looking pretty much unstoppable with their brand of style. They combine finesse and energy in a way that doesn't actually sound like just another band of the genre. Sure, the arrangements, definitely aimed to suit fans of the three above mentioned acts. I still believe there's enough of orginality to set them apart from the pack. I also find it difficult to pick out favourite tracks. It's very much the album effort without any major downer.
http://www.neverahero.net
facebook page

CIRCLE II CIRCLE: "Seasons Will Fall"

Rating: RRR
Label: Edel/ear-music 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

I'm not entirely sure what to say/type about the latest Circle II Circle effort? It leaves me slightly cold and untouched after 7-8 spins and that's never a good sign. Very ambitious work and they have clearly gone back to their roots after spending time at the alternative work shop. But I can't help finding "Seasons Will Fall" to be remarkable safe and at times close to predictible. I already know what's (a)waiting around the next corner and it's not always the great material with bombastic choirs and sing-a-long moments.

The former Savatage singer Zak Stevens - their strongest selling point this time as well as the centre of attention. The vocals are right on the money (most of the time) and this is clearly not the vicious blame attack at the Zak. The opening three tracks (Diamond Blade, Without a Sound, Killing Death) are the highlights along with "End Of Emotion" and "Only Yesterday". Lite progressive power metal with the special nod to traditional eighties hard rock.

The bottomline: There's no arguing with the depths of the grooves or the excellent riffing of Wentz/Hudson, but this is destined solely for already converted followers of the band. You're not going to end up completely disappointed or pleased for that matter. Neither great nor bad - right in the middle.
www.circle2circle.net/
www.facebook.com/CircleIICircle/

ADLER: "Back From The Dead"

Rating: RRRR
Label: NewOceanMedia 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

The second coming of the former Guns N Roses drummer Steven Adler, 'Back From The Dead'. Released late last year in the states. But unfortunately (since this is quite the smashing album), rock fans on the other side of the pond are still waiting for the Euro-version and the decent distribution. It's in the works though and their U.S. label people were kind enough to ship out a copy for review.

You all know the Adler story by now. Booted, drugs, strokes, more drugs, reality TV, rehab. Let's get down to the real business - the music. I constantly find myself humming and tapping along to the straight rock arrangements and melodies throughout the album. Slamming drums, screaming guitars, wicked bass-lines in the vein of Rachel Bolan, even though it's Jeff Pilson from Dokken at the four-string, and kick-azz material that has slightly more of a modern slant to it than expected.

Jacob Bunton from Lynam and Mars Electric fame handle the vocals as well being the main songwriter of the band. I can't recall him ever sounding this good before or coming up with such excellent material. Try to imagine the great old skool Skid Row, G N'R, and modern/punky/angry/catchy rock mix. In fact, if your ideal song(s) falls somwhere between the traditional sleaze and the catchiness of modern rock, then let me introduce you to one of your new favourite acts. It's the psycho stomp of the first two Skid Row albums, the bottom end of the Motley Crue S/T (Corabi), and the touch of catchy contemporary rock.

The (very) late 70's Steve Perry and Journey rock of "Your Diamonds" - yet another great surprise. Guest musicians such as Slash and John 5 (they both play on one track each) and the production by Jiff Pilson, makes this one of the coolest albums as of lately. Just don't expect to find that much of the Guns N Roses sound. Now, let's get Adler over here for the Summer Festivals in Europe. Highly Recommended.
http://www.adlerrocks.com
facebook page

The KISS THAT TOOK A TRIP: "How The Mighty Have Fallen"

Rating: RRR
Label: TwoSideMoon 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

The complex and literally disturbing music of The Kiss That Took A Trip (TKTTAT from now on) - clearly not intended for people with short attention spans or if you prefer ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or the ants-in-the-pants syndrome for that matter). In fact, the first five minutes - the one-man projects' personal "bear with me or get the fuck out of here" message to the world. To be frank... I freaked out for a couple of minutes on first spin as I pushed the botton that read skip, fast forward.

C'mon, it's 9.55 minute of various strange noises and the slow build-up featuring a truck motor? To cope with absolutely everything on the opening track, "Xehia, Ohio", you're probably going to need the patience of Slash, desperately awaiting for Axl to change his mind re: the Guns N Roses reunion, thus the comeback of his career. It's like the first time you heard the ultra slow build-up by Mike Oldfield and those darn bells only in a modern and very different version. Let's just say that I liked it better on second and third spin.

"How The Mighty Have Fallen" - the third and latest album by TKTTAT aka the (weird) Spanish bloke by the name of M.D. Trello. Indeed, yet another (90%) instrumental, ambient, experimental, new-age, progressive, CD as of lately (see Gerald Krampl review elsewhere) but from a completely different angle/view and take at the pretentious and difficult. Electronic and synthetic sounds that at first will have you thinking about Brian Eno, Mike Oldfield, Front 242, Visage, Mogwai. But, soon you'll discover the spacey segments of Pink Floyd/Crimson, the industrial influence of Trent Reznor in the far distance, and obviously the pinch of jazz. drone, and score music.

Kraftwerk? Not nearly as much as expected. On the other hand, the track, "Black Nectar", display the love for Eno as well as eighties synth and Talk Talk? Final Verdict: Abstract, freeform, ambient songs that morph instead of following the traditional plan or structure. Outside the box and anti-commercial. TKTTAT may not be found at the album and single charts, but definitely worthy of a special place at the basement of every disturbed fan of ambient/electronic music. It's weird in a nice way... or nice in a weird way...
http://www.thekissthattookatrip.com
facebook page

The RESISTANCE: "Rise From Treason"

Rating: EP
Label: Edel/ear-music 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

The Resistance are a new band but in reality the all-star extreme metal project from Sweden consisting of vocalist Marco Aro (The Haunted, Face Down), the former IN FLAMES guitarists: Jesper Strömblad and Glenn Ljungström, and Chris Barkensjö on drums. The debut four track EP is merely a taster of things to come (full lenght album due in May). It's straight ahead, uncompromising, Stockholm syndrome metal with the (melodic) death of Gothenburg (Göteborrrrrg!!!). Jocke Skog recorded drums and vocals and mixed the onslaught(er) of "My Fire", "Face To Face", "Rise From Treason", and "Slugger".

The EP kicks like a mule to the head and the energy as well as volume is cranked up to ten. But, considering the age of the musicians and their vast experience. I'll have to point out that some of the lyrics are basically utter crap. "My Fire" and "Slugger", make sense with their sheer angriness and blunt message. The title track, beyond belief with lines such as and I quote, "a mouthfull full of puss and cum". Not to mention all the piss, shit, fuck, etc. Are we a bunch of early teenagers? Nah, that's an insult to all the teens. Good music though.
www.facebook.com/theresistanceswe

OCTOBER RAGE: "Outrage"

Rating: RRR
Label: HeadfirstEntertainment 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

October Rage from New South Wales in Australia was formed by the Roberts brothers, Nick (vocals/guitar) and William (bass) in the year of 2008. Their debut single, "Silver Line", recorded in September 2009 with world renowned producer Adrian Hannan (Taxiride, The Androids) and mastered by Martin Pullan (Deep Purple, Jimmy Barnes, Split Enz). They won the radio contest to open up for Bon Jovi in Sydney Australia infront of 50,000 screaming folks and it's been quite the rollercoaster ride ever since.

They kick things off with serious and massive guitar riffage in the style of Diamond Head on "Set You Free". Don't get me wrong, it's modern rock... but with a twist, since there's definitely something evil lurking down under. The goddamn easiest and probably not always the correct way to describe the music of "Outrage" would be 3/4 Nickelback and 1/4 Metallica and merely the hint of Diamond Head. Down-tuned guitar lines plus an excellent but rather typical singer who sounds (again this crap?) like 1/3 Hetfield and 2/3 like the bloke from Nickelback or any other modern rock vocalist. That's enough of math though.

The summer of 2012 saw the band head over the pond (USA) for their first run over there supporting both Steel Panther (?), Sevendust, and Saliva. The bottomline: plenty of sing-a-long moments and the commerical ballads works like a charm. They are no doubt good at what they do. It's just not very exciting or groundbreaking. Extra kudos for blending southern rock and commerical stuff on the Freebird inspired tune, "Reign Of Fire".
www.octoberrage.com/

Gerald KRAMPL: "Wonder Why"

Rating: RR
Label: IndigoMusic 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

I'm not entirelly sure why... but I'm really starting to grow fond of several parts and segments of the instrumental piano music by Gerald Krampl. The compositions are meditative, solitaire, minimalistic, and thoughtworthy. Clearly not the remarkable, sensational, bombastic? work of the perfect genius such as the late and great Mr. Mozart. Rock me Amadeus? But in reality, the posh classical reviewer would probably not bother too much with his latest album, "Wonder Way".

It's more towards the ambient and dreamy new-age concept anyhow. The soundtrack for a weary mind and the enlisting of classical musician Peter Sagaischek (Vienna Volksopern Orchestra) merely add the natural plain sound of the viola and violin. Modern day chamber music or if you prefer the hotel elevator and lobby description? It's the introspective /reflective piano journey consisting of various moments from daily life and all set to music. Krampl hail from Vienna/Austria and started early by being trained in classical piano and music theory. Various Prog-bands in the 70s/80s (Kyrie Eleison and Indigo) before making the full transition to new age.

You can't go wrong here, if you enjoy the sound the silence, spiritual and meditative music. However, it's all too quite and neat for my personal taste.
www.indigomusic.at
www.facebook.com/geraldkrampl

UNDERWELL: "Plan Your Rebirth"

Rating: RR
Label: Wormholedeath 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Having the lead vocalist/growler by the name of Marshmallow?? surely can't be your perfect/ultimate metal situation. He's either the derranged cracker, girlie, or merely just extremely afraid of the bonfire? Hey, take your pick. Underwell and their "Plan Your Rebirth" album - the rather typical post-hardcore effort which seem to be very popular at the moment. Growls vs. clean vocals. Brutal vs. soft melodies.

Hailing from Italy and fueled by the f**ked up system, the lyrics speak of an necessary change where a social and spiritual rebirth is much needed to build the better tomorrow as well as the future world. Right on brothers and sisters, release the hounds, crush the establishment, it's payback time! Ehem, sorry about that. But a creative mind cannot afford to stand aside? "Plan Your Birth" didn't exactly set my world on fire though, the Italo five-piece show promise on tracks such as "The World Of Pain", "Sick Youth", and "Bye Bye Black Bird". Sadly their brand of post-hardcore has frankly been done to death in the 00's and may not differ from the U.S. bands.
www.underwell.com

LOVER UNDER COVER: "Set The Night On Fire"

Rating: RR
Label: Escape Music 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Lover Under Cover? (LUC from now on). I do recall the moniker and yours truly are indeed in possession of the demos which all came with various nude women on the artcover (sexist?). Sadly I can't remember a single note of the actual music though. No matter what you've been told, this is not the brand new Swedish Melodic Hardrock project. LUC dates all the way back to the early nineties featuring a certain Daniel Boscovic as the lead singer. I do however recall that founder/bassist Mikael Carlsson took care of everything (as well as the dodgy vocals) on later demos.

They've certainly cleaned up their act, image and art-wise, on "Set The Night On Fire" - the long awaited debut album at Escape Music. Mikael Erlandsson (Last Autumn's Dream, N-Gang, solo artist, etc.) the new lead vocalist, and Martin Kronlund (Gypsy Rose, Phenomena), Perra Johnsson (Coldspell), Ged Ryland (ex-Ten), and Erik Myhre (Jorn) are all guest musicians. Add to this the production from Martin Kronlund and you can be sure of a very polished performance.

Opener, "My Best Friend", one of the remaining tracks from the demos. The average composition in the cheeky style of Swedish Erotica vs. Axel Rudi Pell? To be completely honest, the sheer lack of original as well as catchy material made it darn difficult to stay alert and awake throughout the album. Merely the cover of "Flash In The Night (Secret Service) and the following three tracks are keepers in my book. If below average melodic rock from Sweden is what you crave - LUC no further (pun intended)... genius.
http://loverundercovertheband.com

Crashdïet: "The Savage Playground"

Rating: RRR
Label: Frontiers 2013
Review by Kimmo Toivonen

The previous Crashdïet album "Generation Wild" was a great piece of work, so my expectations for this one were pretty high. Having played it through quite a few times, I still don't know what to make of it. Let's just go through the tracks one by one and see what's on the bottom line in the end.

"Change The World" is a powerful opener and once the guitars come in, instantly recognizable as Crashdïet. The chorus doesn't really have the effect I hoped it would though. The first single "Cocaine Cowboys" has a certain Mötley Crüe'ish swagger to it and I've grown to like it more over the last few days. I can understand why it was the first single/video.

The hard-hitting "Anarchy" is probably my favourite track of the album - a great mix of metal, attitude and melody. The subtle "California" showcases the melodic side of the band with fine background vocals and interveawing melodies. With "Lickin' Dog" the band can forget any thoughts about invading the mainstream radio thanks to its' lyrics, at least in the english-speaking countries. I'm not particulary fond of the track, but it is irritatingly infectious, and I've had it in my head for the last couple of days.

"Circus" is a straightforward rocker with a decent hook, not necessarily a future Crashdïet classic but a solid album track. That could be said of most of the remaining tracks actually... "Sin City" for example - the chorus is catchy but ends up being a bit too repetitive for its' own good. "Got A Reason" is slightly more melodic, as is "Drinkin' Without You" which has a bit of a G'N'R vibe ("Appetite's" most melodic tracks).

The heavy and pounding "Snakes In Paradise" has a definite "live favourite" written all over it, but I must say that it's not one of my favourites. Same goes for "Damaged Kid", a very uptempo track, not too bad but somehow one of the less significant tracks.

"Excited" is as close to a ballad as Crashdïet seem to get, one of the most melodic tracks of the album. The "epic" closing track "Garden Of Babylon", with its' oriental leanings is probably one of the heaviest tracks of the band so far, with Simon Cruz pushing his voice to extremes. He does a great job on the whole album, showing how versatile he is.

So, let's see... apart from "Anarchy", each track would have to try and fight its' way to a "Best of Crashdïet" compilation, if I were to put together one. The fight would be bloody and violent, yet I'm afraid most of them wouldn't make it. Still, somehow the songs seem to "fit" this album and I can see why they were included... I just wish the hooks were a bit sharper, the melodies more memorable. A minor disappointment.
Website
Facebook

DEEP PURPLE: "Live in Paris 1975"

Rating: Live

Label: Edel/ear-music 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Adieu Deep Purple! Live In Paris - 1975 - 7 April- documents Ritchie Blackmore's very last live gig with the band, until the successful comeback tour of Perfect Strangers in 1984 of course, but that's hindsight for ya'. Edel/Ear-Music are now releasing the overseas live series (during the year of 2013), 10 albums of milestones and rarities of one of the greatest hard rock bands.

This particular album has previously been issued as the bootleg, "La Derniére Séance", and is now digitally remastered and remixed, plus there's a bonus near-half-hour audio interview from the year of 1975. Many and/or most die-hard fans are proclaiming this to be the Holy Graal of Purple's live efforts. In fact, snippets of this very concert were used on the hastily assembled, "Made In Europe", an awful cash in according to most folks.

This, the complete concert in original sequence, the last ever by the MK III line up. feat. David 'Whitesnake' Coverdale (vocals), Ritchie 'Rainbow' Blackmore (guitars), Glenn 'The Voice' Hughes (vocals/bass), Jon 'The Walrus' Lord (keyboards) and, Ian 'Steady' Paice (drums). It's been previously released by Purple Records, however, the new artcover, booklet, and the sound, what a nice sound! This is my kind of live album and I'm not normally a big fan of this kind of releases. Everything is pretty much where it should be, the distinct notes and work of Blackmore, the roaring hammond, the slamming of Paice, everything is clearly audible and showing the band with warts and all.

The guitar/hammond interludes - world class and Lord's clearly not giving up the fight of man of the match. The opening five tracks (Burn, Stormbringer, The Gypsy, Lady Double Dealer, Mistreated) flawless, and DP hasn't played the last three songs ever since. "Smoke On Water", not quite as top notch due to Coverdale? His heart's not quite there in my opinion. Things get better during the second verse and onward with the introduction of Glenn Hughes as co-vocalist. The Voice gets into the 'Soul Preacher' mood, also heard on "Space Truckin". The Lord kicks off, "You Fool Noone", with the tickle of ebony and ivory. "Space Truckin" seem to go on forever and, "Highway Star", makes the perfect ending to the final concert of MK III. Highly Recommended.

STRATOVARIUS: "Unbreakable"

Rating: EP
Label: Edel/ear-music 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

"Unbreakable" - might just come across as fragile at first spin? It's a far cry from their rather complex metal arrangement of the past which included progressive, neo-classical, guitar work of the highest order. This is poppy and sugar-sweet metal with a refrain that sort of reek of commercial pop, the six-string barely comes alive during the bridge/break and the following solo... hang on a minute... where's the solo?

Shocking news to any Stratovarius and metal fan? They've somehow decided against the six-string-solo part, since I can't for the world type down the break and merely a couple of notes as the proper guitar solo? No biggie, you say? Perhaps not... and let's hope the upcoming album entitled "Nemesis" will feature more, louder, guitars, and bigger, better, metal tracks. It's really not a poor song, "Unbreakable", perhaps just not the great Stratovarius material. Catchy, poppy, the cheeky attempt at finding that special hit?

The remaining 4 tracks on the EP are all from the previous four albums. Falling Stars (Polaris), The Game Never Ends (Elysium), Freedom (Infinite), Why Are We Here (Intermission). Neat. But, let's wait for the movie... ehem, the album.

Emergency Gate: "You"

Rating: RR
Label: GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music 2013
Review by Kimmo Toivonen

Such a shame. Emergency Gate are obviously a band with talent and good ideas, but for some reason they've chosen to ruin their melodic metal sound with hardcore vocals. That's one idea that doesn't work for me at all... Maybe it gives them credibility among the metal community, but I'd rather listen to these songs as instrumentals than with someone screaming his guts out. Some of the songs and choruses feature actual singing, suggesting that Matthias Kupka can sing too, he just chooses not to.

When it comes to the music, Emergency Gate would deserve a better rating, since the songs have plenty of cool hooks and interesting arrangements. Their sound has suprising echoes of Kamelot, Edguy, Rammstein and even Therapy? in it, which makes it rather interesting. To name a couple of highlights, "Back From The Grave" and "Breathless" are both fine songs and Kupka keeps his obsession to scream mostly in check during them. There are a few others which would probably sound just as good, if they were sung instead of screamed.

So, a strong 3 R's for the music, one R for the constant screaming - that's two for the whole package. Sorry.
Website
Facebook

CHROME MOLLY: "Gunpowder Diplomacy"

Rating: RRR
Label: Edel/ear-music 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Leicester scores with a smashing header as well as the blast from the past? Sadly not football and the return of the prodigal son and local hero, Emile Heskey (2012/13, the season their team will finally make it back to premier league again? no?). 'Gunpowder Diplomacy" - the least likely hard rock comeback album as of lately? I'm not even sure if their relatives are too bothered in the end? Ouch... that's harsh!?

Chrome Molly, originally formed in 1982, this U.K. foursome melodic metal act from Leicester made their debut in 1984 (the single "You Said") and recorded three rather average albums between the years of 1986 to 1990 (You Can't Have It All, Stick it Out, Slaphead) before they vanished without a trace. Their 1988 release, "Angst", was the remixed compilation of the least mediocre material on the first two albums.

It's been 22, 23? years since their break-up, but the original members of Steve Hawkins (vocals), John Antcliffe (guitars), Nic Wastell (bass) truly believe there's a place in your heart for yet another obscure act of the past. Why not? God knows there's too many of them out there in cyberspace. One more surely won't hurt? Basic 'meat and potato' 80's (melodic) metal arrangements is thy name and not too complicated structure is thy game. What if you'd imagine the average effort by Wolfsbane (they were never great in my book) and the occasional superb track in the vein of UFO and HEAVY PETTIN??

I do indeed love the UFO vs. HEAVY PETTIN' guitar rock of "Stop Love" and "Short Sharp Shock", since it's frankly just a good time with killer riffs by Antcliffe and the really fun, catchy, sing-a-long choruses. I find myself shouting along at the top of my lungs to the words of 'I need a Short Sharp Shock. Knock me back to sanity. Just a Sharp Short Shock. Get me some sobriety'. Man, if only all of their songs could be this great. "All In My Mind", "Billion Dollar Heart Attack", "The Runner", and the vicious Wolfsbane/Priest/Accept sort of rock of the opening track, "Corporation Fear", are no doubt good stuff.

It's a grower though and the guitar work RAWKS throughout the album. Take one third of WOLFSBANE, UFO, and HEAVY PETTIN and end up with 99% CHROME MOLLY? Perhaps... not too shabby in the end.
www.chromemolly.com/
www.facebook.com/chromemollyuk/

DAVID BRONSON: "Story"

Rating: RRR
Label: PerscriptionPR/Indie 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

David Bronson is a free spirit from New York, US of A, and his 'Story' goes through a lot of different kind of structure and emotion. Bronson mostly explore his seventies music influences which include everything from singer/songwriters (Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne) to former Beatles rock (George Harrison) and merely the hint of lite progressive rock such as Gentle Giant. Add a healthy dose of experimental indie rock such as Beck and you're sort of close to the core.

It's quite the trippy and dreamlike folk/prog album where the music serve as your trustworthy companion on a journey through time and space. It's however not always clear what Bronson are trying to achive and just as importantly tell us with his stories of "The Turns", "Times", or "Us". Lyrically, Story is more or less reflecting the process and struggle of the child becoming a man?, and it's almost like you're listening to a poor man's version of Cat Stevens. Not that "Wild World" would ever come across as best-lyric-ever for that matter.

Towards the middle-part ending of the album, Gerald Manke comes into the equation with his pedal-steel, and the soft voice of Maria Neckham, adds yet another dimension to the music. Very Jackson Browne and alternative country twang. Hardly any groundbreaking music on display here, but those of us who align ourselves with this sort of open-minded genre may still find Bronson's Story to be quite a teller.
www.davidbronsonmusic.com/

BOURBON BOYS: "Shotguns, Trucks & Cattle"

Rating: RRRR
Label: Despotz Records 2012
Review by Alan Holloway

Here’s something you don’t hear every day - a Swedish industrial metal band who have gone, well, all countrified! Yes, the three members of one of Sweden’s top industrial metal meisters, Raubtier, have dragged in a bonus member (Kenneth Seil from Scar Symmetry) and taken it back to, well, someone else’s roots under the guise of the hard drinkin’, hard fightin’ and decidedly American Bourbon Boys.

One might think that Raubtier (who are good, although anything but good time) are taking the piss here, having a dig a Country rock much like Steel Panther rip it out of hair metal, but the most interesting thing is the apparent sincerity held onto throughout. Not only do they play it straight (although the inherent humour of country rock is very intact), they have actually managed to produce a decent, hard rocking album with it.

Vocalist Par Hulkoff manages to turn his normally aggressive Swedish language vocals into a growly Southern American drawl with ease, and I swear that if I didn’t know better I would be wondering just why these American chaps have such Swedish names. Guitarist Jonas Kjellgren delivers sparing but effective solos, with his brother Kenneth providing banjo when needed. The songs are uniformly good, and are definitely at the top end of down and dirty country rock music, with the grit of Johnny Cash rather than the mincing of Billy Ray Cyrus. Hell, I can see people line dancing to “Pour Some Bourbon On Me”, or slow dancing to the excellent single (check YouTube) “Hillbilly Heart”, with faster tunes like “Rattlesnake” and “Bowhunting Song” even allowing for a few headbangers.

By rights, “Shotguns, Trucks & Cattle” should either be a mess or a hilarious joke. In reality, it’s a fun album stuffed full of catchy tunes that straddle the line of country and rock & roll without any difficulty. Thirteen tracks is slightly too long, but there really aren’t any that make you want to skip ahead so it’s hard to say which could have been dropped. It’s all quite unashamedly upbeat and fun, with nothing remotely deep or meaningful, a decided u turn from their other work (and a welcome one.) Tell you what, check out “Hillbilly Heart”, one of the slower tracks but a goodie, on YouTube, and if you tap your feet then go and get the album, because it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Website

GIANT X: "I"

Rating: RRRR
Label: SPV 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

The Giant X project was formed by the two German guitarists and songwriters Peter Joy Jordan and Rolf Kasparek. The latter better known as Rock'N Rolf - founder and creator of your all-time favorite pirate metal band, RUNNING WILD. Jorden joined the merry-jolly crew of pirates in 2005 and the lads decided to record this side-project as the tribute to late seventies and (mostly) eighties party hard rock.

The dodgy entitled "I" and its compositions are supposed to capture the true essence of melodic hard rock and party metal? Several tracks are extremely catchy indeed and more towards "Hair-Metal" and the rock of eighties Quiet Riot, WASP, and Scorpions. Others are not quite as interesting, simply because they'll remind you of a lighter version of Running Wild. The opening track (after the short intro) sadly the perfect example of being "too similar to the concept of Pirate Metal" and Rolf even breaks out into his typical 'yeah-ehh-yeah' call. The last thing you need is a side-project that sounds like your full-time band. Not too shabby... but better suited on the Running Wild album.

Fast forward to the fun rock of "Don't Quit Till Tomorrow" with its mind-blowing refrain in the style of Bonfire and/or Scorpions 'ala Savage Amusement. Woh-oh-oh's and lyric that goes along the lines of 'Raise your hands to Rock N Roll' will soon bring a big grin on yer sad little face. "Nameless Heroes", the fun but rather typical MTV power ballad 'ala Cinderella and Scorpions with its catchy refrain and lighters-in-the-air formula. Ehem, the lighters are obviously all replaced by various cellphones nowadays. "Go 4 It" and "The Count" had me instantly thinking about Quiet Riot and their party-metal of the mid/late eighties. "Rough Ride" blend everything from Motley Crue (Girls x3 era) to WASP, and Running Wild.

Hardly everything that glitter is (pirate) gold. I believe they could have included a couple of more tunes in the style of "Don't Quit Till Tomorrow" or "R.O.C.K.". You know, to really capture the mood of the grand 80's era of big hair and spandex.
www.running-wild.net/

TALISMAN: "Talisman" (Reissue)

Rating: Re-issue
Label: Sun Hill 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

'Wake up, wake up. It's time 2 find out... you're on your own'. Indeed, it's time to revist the smashing debut album by Sweden's Talisman, and once again... break your chains. The late and great bassist/songwriter/bandleader Marcel Jacob first came to public fame as a member of Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force and the Marching Out album/tour in the mid eighties. Thus where he first met U.S. singer JSS aka Jeff Scott Soto (Eyes, Takara, Journey, etc) and the two would eventually record a bunch of records together now re-released by Sun Hill Productions.

Jacob had previously been a member of the unleash-the-fury guitarists' band in the very early 80's as well as Power and Force. The latter pre-Europe and Marcel co-wrote the songs "The King Will Return" (ended up on Europe's debut album in 1983) and "Scream Of Anger" (Wings Of Tomorrow 1984). He returned to Sweden in 1986 to work and co-write the Total Control album by John Norum (Europe) and the Talisman S/T songs were originally intended as the follow up to Norum's debut. However, John rejected them all, and the listener may notice that a track such as "Dangerous". etc. basically 'Total Control Part 2' with a different vocalist.

Not to mention that lead guitarist Chris Steel aka Christopher Ståhl, Jacob's old band member from Power, did mimic a lot of the typical 'Norum' solos and licks throughout this very album. By the way, Jacob wrote, "Let Me Love You", during his time with Power (ca: 1983) and they recorded a demo of the song that would eventually end up on Norum's debut in 87'. Phew, that's enough of nerdy info and name-drop for a while. 'If you need somebody call out my name. I'll Be Waiting right by your side. Everything changes but love will remain. I'm awaiting right by your side'. The song became a massive radio and chart hit in Sweden in the year of 1990 and Talisman went out on tour with guitarist Jason Becker (Saigon Kick) and then drummer Jake Samuel (The Poodles' vocalist).

The first Talisman, in my humble opinion, one of the 'must have' records in the history of Swedish hard rock and metal. I'm not too fond of the drum-sound with the exception of the songs recorded with 220 Volt drummer Peter Hermansson (System Of Power, Lightning Strikes). The bonus tracks are (still) the crappy sounding live ones from Karlskoga 1990 with a short studio solo by Jacob. Booklet liner notes by JSS are way too short. The original album, however, great melodic hardrock from Sweden with classy U.S. vocals by Soto. Always recommended!
www.talismanmusic.se/

TALISMAN: "Genesis"

Rating: Re-issue
Label: Sun Hill 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Originally released in 1993, the book of Genesis (not to be confused with the Bible nor the U.K. prog act), the sophomore release by Talisman is a long and hard tale of delays and disappointments due to bankruptcy of their former record company, and various other problems such as finding new band members and the much needed record deal. JSS aka Jeff Scott Soto went back to America in search of money and fame with the band EYES, and Marcel Jacob recorded demos with Jagged Edge and Bam Bam Boys vocalist Matti Alfonzetti.

However, the EYES project went quickly overboard and off the rail thanks to dodgy management/record company and not to mention the birth of grunge. JSS returned to Sweden in late 1992 and Talisman managed to score a new deal since you could still rock in Sweden only not quite as prominence as before the arrival of Nirvana. "Mysterious" - this time it's serious? Believe it or not, the song was inspired by Disco group Chic and there's a small change in the overall structure and songwriting formula. Slightly more "funk" and "groove" than their debut and the worst/best of John Norum's sound is by now gone. Funny though, JSS - no doubt the funk/R&B dude, but the funkiest/grooviest toon (I'll Set Your House On Fire) was co-written by Leif Sundin of Great King Rat and later MSG fame.

For this re-release, former Talisman members Jamie Borger, Fredrik Åkesson and Pontus Norgren, honour Marcel's legacy with newly recorded drums and guitar solos on the original demo tapes and also bonus tracks: "Give Me A Sign", "Comin' Home", "U Done Me Wrong", "Time After Time". It's a shame they didn't use proper/real drums on this album either since it's the only real downer with the first two albums. The programmed drums of 1992 were simply not "fat" enough for the otherwise fine compositions by Jacob and Soto.
www.talismanmusic.se/

TALISMAN: "Humanimal"

Rating: Re-issue
Label: Sun Hill 2013
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

"Guided by instincts U just can't control - U R A Human Animal". Finally a proper drummer (Jamie Borger - Treat) plus the slightly weird mish-mash of funk, progressive ideas, and grooves they didn't even knew they possessed. Indeed, several tracks including "D.O.A.P.S." (Diary Of A Pop Star) are more about late seventies funk (Kool and The Gang?) while others speak of Terence Trent D'Arby (All + All) and Red Hot Chili Pepper (Colour My XTC). Clearly not the traditional hard rock album since you'll get the full spectrum from poppy funk to metal punk? Well, perhaps not quite as much of the latter.

Their most experimental effort and also Marcel Jacob and Jeff Scott Soto's favorite Talisman album. Originally intended as the double album with a total of 21 tracks that came from these sessions but it was decided against in the end. However, their Japanese label (Zero) chose a different set of songs from/to the European release, and Zero decided later to release the remaining tracks as "Part 2". The Euro label obviously released "their" version of "Part 2" and there were no less than four (4) different versions of Humanimal in the year of 1994!? Blimey, this however, the spanking new Sun Hill Production re-release with 17 tracks (see complete tracklisting further down).

Tracks such as "Hypocrite" and "Tv Reality" are kind of mudane, even though if the latter comes with extermely great and groovy bass-lines by Jacob, but "Blissful Garden" brings the listener's attention right back on track with its chorus and strong vocals by JSS. Nontheless, there's simply too many similar grooves on this record in my humble opinion and it gets a bit weary in the end. Excellent performances by Jacob, Borger, Åkesson, but I know (since we are all more or less musicians) that it's more fun to play them yourself than listen to these kind of grooves in the long run. And if you're going to do this, please throw in a catchy chorus 'ala, "Lonely World", to please the listener as well as your band. Ehem, on the other hand, "My Best Friends Girl", almost too sugar-sweet with its refrain 'ala The Osmonds??

It's still a decent little effort though just not as great as the first two albums. R.I.P. Marcel. Tracklist: 1. Humanimal. 2. Fabricated War. 3. D.O.A.P.S. 4. All + All. 5. Seasons. 6. Animal Ritual. 7. Hypocrite. 8. Colour My XTC. 9. Since You've Gone. 10. TV Reality. 11. Blissful Garden. 12. Lonely World. 13. Tainted Pages. 14. You Cannot Escape... 15. My Best Friends Girl. 16. Dear God. 17. Delusions Of Grandeur. Digipack - deluxe edition.
www.talismanmusic.se/

ASIA: "Resonance"

Rating: Live
Label: Frontiers 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

I was really looking forward to Asia's brand new live effort as the pompy U.K. geezers recorded a smashing new album (XXX) in early twenty twelve as their and yours 30th anniversary gift. Imagine the disappointment when I realized that they recorded "Resonance" two years ago in Switzerland during the not as great 'Omega' tour. Bummer. The songs, ranging from classics, "Only Time Will Tell", "Sole Survivor", and "Heat Of The Moment" to newer tunes from the Phoenix and Omega albums, are all well polished live versions and nontheless pretty good on record.

Let's face it, the live setting simply serves to accentuate their leagcy as highly professional musicians. Hardly the bum note or any duff moment, even though if John Wetton's voice may at times sound raspy. Well, not really raspy, but sort of rough around the edges. Steve Howe's guitar may also sound a bit too distant in the mix. It's nitpicking though, especially since we all know how great these musicians are live. Well, you bloody well should, since I believe this to be Asia's live album #2357?
www.originalasia.com/

A PERFECT DAY: "S/T"

Rating: RR
Label: Frontiers 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

'Oh, it's such a perfect day. I'm glad I spent it with you. Oh, such a perfect day. You just keep me hanging on. You just keep me hanging on'. Indeed, Lou Reed sang about sangria in the park, feeding animals in the zoo. Then later a movie, too. And then home. These lads are however brought up with the pizza and pasta, since it's the new Italo Hard Rock power trio formed in 2011 as the new outlet by founding members of Labyrinth.

Truth be told, it's basically the same old band consisting of Andrea Cantarelli (guitars), Alessandro Bissa (drums) and Roberto Tiranti (vocals/bass) only with a different sound. "Now and Forever" may actually remind you of the Hughes/Iommi project. The majority of tracks, however, are based around the typical post-grunge American Rock sound. 'You made me forget myself I thought I was someone else. Someone good'. You won't get lost in their music and completely forget yourself while listening to these melodies though. It's a very safe record and merely the guitar work by Cantarelli will have you up and dancing in no time. Great groove, there's a couple of really catchy tunes here, overall... nice but no cigar.
www.facebook.com/APDBand/

Y&T: "Live At The Mystic"

Rating: Live
Label: Frontiers 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Yesterday and today - a completely different animal live on stage in 2012 from the original line-up. Well, yeah. Meniketti - the last black tiger standing as all the other original band members are either struck down or basically down for the count. Phil Kennemore, no longer with us (R.I.P.) and the days of Joey Alves and Leo Haze are sadly long gone. It's basically the same situation going on with Y&T as you have with the Whitesnakes and Motörheads. Lemmy and Coverdale are the leading stars and there's no band without them. Thank God that the bozos of Thin Lizzy have finally understood this since the same goes for their band and the obvious lack of Phil Lynott.

'Live At The Mystic' - the double live recorded album captured over two dates at Petaluma, California, US of A. The new boyos: John Nymann (guitars) Brad Lang (bass) and Mike Vanderhule (drums) are certainly doing their best to stay true to the classics. "Black Tiger", "Dirty Girl", "Mean Streak", "I Believe In You", "Rescue Me", etc. However, I really do miss a couple of goodies such as "Summertime Girls", and not to mention a bunch of tracks from the in my opinion excellent, "In Rock We Trust". It's otherwise the nice/safe recording with 22 tracks and the rather rough and tough honest live sound.
www.yandtrocks.com/

BLOOD OF THE SUN: "Burning On The Wings Of Desire"

Rating: R
Label: Listenable Records 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Straight to the point, Blood of the Sun are sadly stuck in a timewarp where the early seventies sideburns fashion is still the king. Indeed, welcome to cliché city since you're greeted with all the typical ingredients of the groovy past. In fact, they are all present on their new album, 'Burning on the Wings of Desire', - the hammond, the spacey arrangements, the psychedelica, the boogie, and obviously the blues. The only thing missing, decent original compositions. We've heard it all before. Tony Reed of Stone Axe (another zzzz... eventies sounding act) plays guitar and bass as well as produces the album. Blood Of The Sun is however the band of former St. Vitus drummer Henry Vasquez and it's so 'been there, done that', that we'd rather watch wet paint dry.

CHICKENFOOT: "LV"

Rating: Live
Label: Edel/ear-music 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Plenty of the chicken soup recently as we've been sick as the dog. Thank God! they (the soup business people?) decided to leave out the foot in the dish... or... at least I bloody well hope so? These guys, however, from their first initial meeting way back in the early U.S. hard rock scene, to recently hanging out together on their 'Different Devil' tour around the states, it was clear that Chickenfoot were a class act consisting of top notch musicians. But what about the actual songs?

"LV"- the rather strange live outing where tracks 1-4 were recorded may-June 2012 and tracks 5-9 dates all the way back to September 23rd, 2009. The music speaks for itself though, and the same goes for the all-star line-up: Sammy 'I Can't Drive 55' Hagar, Joe 'Whammy Bar' Satriani, Michael 'Mammoth' Anthony, and last and probably least, Kenny 'Bam-Bam' Aronoff. The band simply cranked their intensity level up another notch live and went for it. I wouldn't say that their music sound evolved into anything fresh since it's basically the old Montrose formula, only not as great and original as their debut. In fact, I've always found Chickenfoot to be average at their best. Excellent musicians and oh-so dire songs. It's difficult to sing-a-long to these melodies since they do not come with any choruses whatsoever really. It's like if you're listening to a long jam-session. Nah, give me the Montrose debut, Van Hagar, or any 80's Hagar solo album instead. "My Kinda Girl" is my kinda music though. Meh.
www.chickenfoot.us/