MISSISSIPPI LIVE & THE DIRTY DIRTY - Way Down Here

MISSISSIPPI LIVE & THE DIRTY DIRTY - Way Down Here

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 23 December 2011

MISSISSIPPI LIVE & THE DIRTY DIRTY

" Way Down Here "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD - CANADA

Roots music/alt country/rock/rhythm & blues

Connely Farr aka Mississippi Live is a person who stand behind his following band The Dirty Dirty, consisting of his friends, and singer/songwriter with respectable forthcoming carrear. " Way Down Here" is his second album, released during the previous 2010 year, where we can find 11 thrilling, more than interesting and convinceble tracks. As a author and performer Connely communicate with roots tradition, alt country tendencies, rock and rhythm and blues variants, and many things in between as well. He also recapitulate the best elements from Neil Young and Crazy Horse legacies, earliest Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp works. His songs are different among them, judging by present atmosphere, and performing methods, but complete album materials posses one evident connective lines. His signiture reaches a 70's period as same as newer tendencies, and " Way Down Here" as a album hide many unconventional and interesting moments. Brilliant work and fine realization. Absolutelly recomandable...

Rating : 9 / 10

C / o : www.mississippilive.net

NEW LIBERTY - The Uninvited

NEW LIBERTY - The Uninvited

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 23 December 2011

NEW LIBERTY

" The Uninvited "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD

Rock/hard rock - USA

New Liberty are newer act, coming out from Philadelphia, PA, now locate in Califirnia. They are quartet, and " The Uninvited" is their actuelle album from July this 2011 year. A band has introduced themselves as a melody driven guitar rock act, pretty influental by the 80's movement, and less 70's period as well. Their self-financial album are consists of 11 mainly equalizing tracks, performed in the vain of rock and hard rock approach. Americans knows to remind on some well-known names from the past era, and I have found some similiarities with the earliest Deff Leppard style. A band " look" as a coherent team, and all of present songs posses strong melodicity, distant playings, relevant production, and generally accceptable and positive view as well. Nothing spectacular new, but with positive approach and attitude too.

Recomdable tracks are : opening one - " The Sever ", and " Hollywood ( x-rated ) "...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.newlibertyrocks.com

RANDOM EYES - Light Up

RANDOM EYES - Light Up

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 11 December 2011

RANDOM EYES

" Light Up "

( Random Productions ) 2011.

CD - FINLAND

Melodic/symphonic metal

A carrear od Finnish act Random Eyes, started out in 2001. During the years, and also after several line-up changes, a band has released with actuelle one a 3 full-lengths and 1 Demo. They have also received some international attemtion and recognitions. " Light Up" is their actuelle product from this 2011 year, and this is a CD with 10 tracks in, duration a little more than 35 minutes. A Finnish fellows are on therithory of so call sophisticate variant of melodic / symphonic metal tendencies, with some other additionals as a classic heavy and less power metal includings as well. A distant and certain vocalization, clear and coherent playings, and strong melodic details, characterize complete present materials.

A well-done arrangments and certain production also confirms that members from band did a good job. Random Eyes as a group, didn' t have a problems with so call manniristical " author views ", and thay have offered enough originality. " Light Up " is listenable and recomandable product.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.randomeyes.net

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI - Kublai

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI - Kublai

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 9 December 2011

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI

" Kublai "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - ITALY

Fusion/jazz-rock/progressive

Italian act Accordo Dei Contrari are consists of well experienced and trained musicians. They are quartet, and discographically debuted with " Kinesis" album from 2007 year. After four years of discographical inactivities, a group has offered a new product, a 6 track CD, entitled " Kublai". Musically, Italians are on the field of older school variants of fusion and jazz rock tendencies, fullfield with progressive includings as well. A period of late 60's and first part of the 70's is more than inspirative era for band members, but its offering also include many other performing variants and elements, as Arabian ethno variations, free jazzy views,and various progressive traces as well. Often keybord and guitar dialogues characterize its songs structures, but it's also clear that arrangments of present tracks are more than enjouable, and reaches a highest standards. " Kublai" is fine and inspirative product, worth listeners attention...

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.accordodeicontrari.com

MIKE GRAY - Middle Distance

MIKE GRAY - Middle Distance

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 27 November 2011

MIKE GRAY

" Middle Distance "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Blues/roots music

Hailing from the Bootheel of Missouri, guitarist, vocalist and composer, Mike Gray having made music for two decades. He is musician with respectable experience behind, but also a relatively newer name on blues / roots fields. Discographically he debuted with " Middle Distance" album, from this 2011 year, and this is a CD ( also available in digital form ) , with 13 tracks in. Most of the things, Mike did with own " hands" and forces, and he has introduced himself as a blues performer, with strong country, and roots elements presents in his views as well. We can also find some boogie traces, some up tempo honky-tonk variants, but mentioned reckognizable style is present on materials form album. A similiar " psyhology", circulate around complete album materials, and Mike also treats arrangments in simple but clear way. Production isn' t modern, but in the other hand posses supportive and connective details , generally for Mike's sound. Finally, " Middle Distance" is a good discographical start for forthcoming Mike's carrear....

Rating : 7 / 10

www.mikegrayonline.com

HORNS of HATTIN - De Veritate

HORNS of HATTIN - De Veritate

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 27 November 2011

HORNS of HATTIN

" De Veritate "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - AUSTRIA

Black/death/dark metal

Out of Austria comes a band Horns of Hattin, formed back in 2007 year, They have discographicaly started with " Demo" ( 2008 ), and during the this 2011 year, also with realization of full-length, entitled " De Veritate". Horns of Hattin are group whose interesting fields touches epic themes, ancient mysteries, and periods occupied by the the events of the Crusaders. They also explores eternal themes, as a relations between humans and religion.. Musically, their performing options are equally orientire to symphonic black metal tendencies, as same as to death and dark metal variations, and classic heavy includings as well. Some elements of 90's black metal movement are present in its music, but Austrians also has accepted enough modern views in its approach. " De Veritate" as a album are consists of 9 tracks/ themes, and this is also some sort of conceptual saga. " De Veritate" as a album isn' t so easy for acceptable, but Austrian fellows did a lotta' efforts that all things comes to a right place. A productional work is well-done, as same as the other technical details...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/hornsofhattin

DAVE HOGAN - Fun Box

DAVE HOGAN - Fun Box

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

DAVE HOGAN

" Fun Box "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Americana/alt. country/rock

A Bridgeport, Connecticut based songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, Dave Hogan is a veteran of three critically-acclaimed groups, as a : Red One, The Great Upsetters, and The Rafter Bats. He is a longest period in a saddle, and his carrear deserve respectations. He was colaborated and cooperate with numerous collegues and musicians, and began his solo career in 2006 year. " Fun Box" is his actuelle product, and this is a full-length Digi CD with 10 tracks in. Dave's musical styles ranges from americana and alt.country tendencies, to 70's rock and acoustic includings, and some additional elements in between, as well. His vocal interpretation posses a fresh energy, some very personal enthusiastic view, and what is also important to say, all of 10 present songs are listenable and acceptable for tasty and also " avarage" listener's ear. In some aspects his works reminds me on late James Taylor approach, but Dave as a songwriter has showed enough own " tricks" and repeatable melodies /details. " Fun Box" as a album satisfies in every aspects, and also is recomandable for old scholl and 70's music followers.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.davehoganmusic.com

FADING CIRCLES - Cyber Whirlwind

FADING CIRCLES - Cyber Whirlwind

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

FADING CIRCLES

" Cyber Whirlwind "

( Nail Records ) 2011.

CD - ROMANIA

Progressive metal/various metal genres

Fading Circles are Transylvanian trio, founded in 2002 year. After few Demos, numerous gigs across Romania, and realization of first full - length album, entitled " Soulburn", a wider audience recognazid them as a serious and promising act. " Cyber Whirlwind " is their second album, released for " Nail Records". Fading Circles are unclassical metal act, also untipical progressive metal band.

A group creates a songs full of different arrangments threathenings, many up tempo and rhythmical changes, even that most of present materials are done in mid, rarely faster mood. Basically, progressive influences occupies its sound, but a members from band create own sound, and what is more important own style. We can find in its music also hidden jazzy details, hidden so call stoner elements, many classic heavy includings, and many things in- between." Cyber Whirlwind" are consists of 8 tracks/themes, without of a leading song, but also without a less interesting moments. Their album is pretty inspirative product, recomandable not only for metal followers.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.fadingcircles.com

BALERO - After The End

BALERO - After The End

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 12 November 2011

BALERO

" After The End "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD

Stoner - USA

A trio from Wilkes - Barre, Pennsylvania, isn' t a new name on stoner fields. They were formed in 2002 year around guitarist Shawn Lopuhowsky. Their line-up are consists also of 2 brothers Comitz, Jay on drums, and Jim on bass. During the period of existence, a group released one " Demo" ( 2004 ) and EP " One Planet Short Of The Sun" ( 2006 ). " After The End" is actuelle product from previous 2010 year, where band introduces their opinions and attitudes through 7 instrumental themes/pieces and about 28 minutes of music.

Balero are stoner act, with hard rock riffing approaches, also with some bluesy present influences and hidden atmospheric and psychedelic realizations as well. We can find equally influences coming out from the 70's period, as same as newer tendencies in its sound, where fine arrangments includings and modern production, clearly shows that members from band manniristically satisfies in every aspect.

Balero music also poses hypnotic repeatable approach, and most of the present themes are simply pretty listenable. Recomandable...

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.balero.net

TRIGON - 2011

TRIGON - 2011

Written by Branimir Lokner

Wednesday, 02 November 2011

TRIGON

" 2011 "

( Trigon Music ) 2011.

CD - GERMANY

Fusion/jazz-rock/progressive

Trigon are instrumental trio from Karlsruhe, whose activities dated from the late 80's. A line-up are consists of well-experienced musicians, and respectable instrumentalists, brothers Rainer ( guitar ) and Stefan ( bass ) Lange, and drummer Rudi Metzler. Actuelle " 2011 " CD is a first product since " The Zappanale" DVD from 2007 year. The CD features 13 tracks and 67 minutes of music, and this is a sort of retrospective item, with 11 older, but freshly rearranged, restored and remixed tracks , and 2 new numbers. Musically, we can describe Trigon as a powerful instrumental act, whose oriantations touches elements of 70's jazz-rock music, progressive details, as same as some hidden psychedelic variants as well.

A group also captures a " energy" of our time, and all of present tracks are full of constant uptempo changes, and " vibrant" but colourfull arrangments works. In the other hand, " 2011" is also a listenable album, without boring or less interesting moments. Most of present themes also posses some eastern flavours, and repeatable performing " themes", and finally members from band very wisely has accepted a standards of our time. What is more important, under the mentioned genre's forms, Trigon are modern and pretty convinceble band...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.Trigon.in

ROSS SERMONS - King's Pool Room

ROSS SERMONS - King's Pool Room

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 22 October 2011

ROSS SERMONS

" King's Pool Room "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD

Acoustic blues - USA

One of the undoubtly thrilling and interesting album whose oriantition touches acoustic blues fields, coming out from the kitchen of guitarist and singer Ross Sermons. Born in North Carolina in the 60's, during the forthcoming period of existence, he was inspired by the blues roots legacy of the 1920's and 30's period of previous century. But, he was also a musician with longest experience behind, and his carreare deserve respectation too. He has released and recorded materials for " King's Pool Room" album during the January, this 2011 year. We can find here and there 11 tracks, recorded practically " alive" in the studio, with minimal following instrumental additionals.

Ross performs mainly, but not only, well-known blues standards or classics, with specific acoustic feelings and emotionals.A pleasent atmosphere, as same as distant playings, dominates through all present songs. Ross has also reflected as a player and singer one optimistic feel, and productionally he also did a fine job. Recomandable tracks from album could be his instrumental " game " Redbelly Shuffle" , and " You Gotta Move"...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.rosssemons.com

SENCELLED - Sencelled

SENCELLED - Sencelled

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 17 October 2011

SENCELLED

" Sencelled "

(Rocket Songs/Sound Polution) 2011.

CD - SWEDEN

Melodic rock/AOR/power pop

Sencelled are a newer Swedish four-piece act, from a suburb north of capitlol Stockholm. Their freshly released a " S / t" album, is another pretty interesting and promising album from one Swedish group whose musical orientations touches elements of melodic rock and AOR tendencies.

There are a 10 tracks from album, and complete materials were written and arranged by band members and producer Ricky B. Delin.

Sencelled are pretty melodic group, and all of present songs are absolutelly listenable and acceptable for radio usings. Something taken from the 80's period can be recognized in its sound, from atmosphere, to the one unclassical energy, produced by all band members.

In some aspects they reminds me on USA 80's act - Riggs, partly popular in brief mentioned period, but Sencelled offers many convinceble fine moments in general. They reflects all the best from mentioned genres variants as a melodic rock, AOR, power pop in its musical views, and finally, their debut is more than promising product.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.sencelled.se

HASTER - Searching

HASTER - Searching

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 04 October 2011

HASTER

" Searching "

( Self - released ) 2011.

EP CD - USA

Metal/metalcore/rock

Haster are relatively newer act, founded in April 2010 year. During the brief period a group started to write a materials, and they discographically debuted in May this 2011 year, with EP , entitled " Searching". A guys from Orange County, CA, are on theritory of metal / metalcore and rock tendencies, influental by the 90's period as well. Their songs posses agressivity, but in the same time melodicity is also present here and there. A production is modern, and it's important to say, that other technical elements funkcionizes according to plans. In some aspects they know to reminds on groups as a specially Deftones, Korn, less on Alice In Chains, and I have to add one more time, that 90's period is absolutelly inspirative era for band mates. A songs are certain, manniristically well done, and that's evident that USA act did a lotta' efforts, that all things satisfies in general. A 6th track, a slower one - " Take Me" could be a recomandable song for repeatable listenings....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.haster.com

DAN LAMBERT - The Double Drum Trio

DAN LAMBERT - The Double Drum Trio

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 04 October 2011

DAN LAMBERT

" The Double Drum Trio "

( Coordinate Records ) 2010.

CD - USA

Fusion/instrumental/various genres

Dan Lambert is El Paso based guitarist/composer and musician with respectable carreare behind. His grandfather was born south of Belgrade, and he has also some Serbian and Balcan roots. " The Double Drum Trio" is his latest product, released during the December, previous 2010 year. A complete album material, Dan has recorded with two percussionists - Ricardo Amaya and Eric Hickerson.

On 12 instrumental tracks, Dan has offered his views, based on fusion varinats, middle-eastern influental music, Indian raga, as same as american folk and jazz. A present themes are very listenable, and complete album posses a special intuitive and pleasent atmosphere.

Dan has also connected a several musical periods, from mid 60's and flower-power variants to nowadays " urban" uptempo rhythmizations.

He also plays a middle eatern instruments as a : sarod, oud, ruan, so present arrangments are full of specific flavours. Some reviewers will maybe find similiarities with McLaughlin-Shakti music legacies, but Dan has offered something " expandier" and quite different.

I will repeat that really fine and pleasent atmosphere dominates through complete offering themes, and there's no doubt that Dan did a fine job. Absolutelly recomandable....

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.danlambertguitar.com

TOM BEIER - Atomic Hypnosis

TOM BEIER - Atomic Hypnosis

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 01 October 2011

TOM BEIER

" Atomic Hypnosis "

( Beier Rhythms ) 2011.

CD - USA

Rock/melodic rock/progressive/power pop

Tom Beier is Boston, MA artist, sonngwriter, multi instrumentalist, arranger, producer, and musician with longest carreare behind.His works are also featured on records, televisions, as same as campaigns worldwide. " Atomic Hypnosis" is his actuelle product from June, this 2011 year, and this is a CD with 10 tracks in. Tom has offered a really interesting amalgam of variious approaches.Basically, he mainly communicate with rock as a leading genre, but in his songs are also evident elements of power pop, electronic, as same as hidden progressive tendencies as well.

Melodicity is also important part of his views, and all of present songs were done in serious, but pleasent and enjouable arrangments mood.

Tom is also influental by the 80's and less 90's period, but productionally his works touches a modern standardizations as well. Most of his songs posses a radio friendly usings, and I would recomand 8th track " You Shine Bright On Me" for repeatable listenings...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.tombeier.com

THE TED VAUGHN BLUES BAND - The Ted Vaughn Blues Band

THE TED VAUGHN BLUES BAND - The Ted Vaughn Blues Band

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 26 September 2011

THE TED VAUGHN BLUES BAND

" The Ted Vaughn Blues Band "

( Harbinger Northwest Records ) 2011.

CD

Blues/revival - USA

The Ted Vaughn Blues Band are consists of well-experienced musicians, with respectable performing qualities. Frontman, vocalist and harpist, Ted Vaughn coming out from Salem, OR, and he is during the years also recognized as a certain performer and musician, in his area. He has also offered before actuelle one, a 2 solo products - " Born To The Blues " ( 2008 ), and " Uncertain, Texas" ( 2010 ).

The actuelle Ted Vaughn Blues Band " S / t" album are consists of 10 tracks in, 3 of them are penned by Ted himself, others are covers.

Musically, Ted with his compagnions are on therithory of blues/rhythm and blues/rock and roll//rockabilly, influental by the 70's and 80's blues movements as well. A strong energy is a key weapon of group, where also other eelements funkcionizes according to plans.

Melodicity, rhythmization, and generally one positive and optimistic atmosphere dominates through complete album materials.

All of present songs are absolutelly acceptable for concerts performings, and mentioned materials are listenable too. Fine product, and enjouable CD for worldwide blues followers...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.tedvaughnbluesband.com

NEVEREVEN - The Progress Of Disaster

NEVEREVEN - The Progress Of Disaster

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 19 September 2011

NEVEREVEN

" The Progress Of Disaster "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Melodic hard rock/progressive metal

Nevereven are Brooklyn, New York City based band, formed back in 2002. They work as a quartet, and activities of actuelle line-up continiously dated from 2004 year. " The Progress Of Disaster" is their actuelle album, where we can find 5 longest tracks in.

Author of complete materials is guitarist/singer Gary Pickard, and Nevereven has introduced themselves as a serious melodic hard rock/rock act, whose songs also touches elements of progressive metal and rock tendencies as well. Some influences in its views coming out from the 80's period, and I would mention a band MAGNUM, as a important influental act, but more or less, Nevereven has offered own visions and present songs posses quite enough original elements. A songs also posses emotional look and approach, and I would say that " softier" productional work also characterize complete album in general. In many aspects judging by evidental present atmosphere in its tunes, they knows to remind on groups from the 80's era, not only on mentioned Magnum, but Nevereven captures a standards of our time too. " The Progress Of Disaster" is pretty listenable album, without a weacker moments....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.neverevenmusic.com

MUDDY HELMET - Caked

MUDDY HELMET - Caked

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

MUDDY HELMET

" Caked "

( Right Hook Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Thrash/power/heavy metal

Muddy Helmet are Bremerton, WA quintet, started out as a band in 2009 year. They are also a newer act on USA metal underground scene, and " Caked" is actuelle full-lenght offering , this is a CD with 10 tracks in. Judging by genres and performing options, USA fellows combines elements of thrash, power and classic heavy idioms, fullfield with some hidden death metal traces as well. All of present songs posses a touch of so call modern influences, and productinal work accepts nowadays standards. Present songs are done in mid, rarely in mid-up tempo,and some "doomy" atmospheres, also exists, but band didn' t communicate with mentioned genre form generally.

A lotta' energy they have included in arrangments threathenigs as same as in other tchnical elements and realizations. A cover artwork of CD is also interesting, followed by 12 pages booklet. Offering materials deserves repeatable " listening sessions", and without a doubt " Caked" is optimistic debut of USA band.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.muddyhelmet.net

TEN YEAR VAMP - Don' t Act Like You Know Me

TEN YEAR VAMP - Don' t Act Like You Know Me

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 08 September 2011

TEN YEAR VAMP

" Don' t Act Like You Know Me "

( Self - released ) 2009.

CD

Power pop/melodic rock - USA

Ten Year Vamp is Albany, New York female fronted quintet, active some period on national scene. After realizations of some EP's, during the 2009 year, a group has released still actuelle full - length, with 12 tracks in, entitled " Don' t Act Like You Know Me". Ten Year Vamp are recognized as a pretty enjouable, optimistic, and convinceble act, whose songs posses a strong radio usings and aceptables. Musically, a band knows to reminds on 80's power pop acts, equally UK, as same as from USA, and one positive attitude also circulate around their music.

Energy is also important adut, as same as one unclassical optimistic view. " Don' t Act Like You Know Me" are consists of 12 equalizing songs, also acceptable for concerts threathenings. As a album " Don' t Act Like You Know Me", deserve constant and again listenings. There's no doubt that Ten Year Vamp around their interesting fields funkcionizes in best possible manner.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.tenyearvamp.com

JACK DUPON - Demon Hardi

JACK DUPON - Demon Hardi

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 03 September 2011

JACK DUPON

" Demon Hardi "

( Musea / Transit Music Group ) 2011.

CD - FRANCE

Avantgarde/progressive/progressive rock

Jack Dupon isn' t a single person, this is a name of the band, whose members coming out from France.A roots of this group going back to 2001 year, but later on, thay started to create own works seriously. With actuelle one, a French quartet have released a 2 albums, a first CD dated back from 2008 year. " Demon Hardi " is actuelle album, with 7 longest tracks in. Judging by musical approaches and offering concept, Jack Dupon's style is strange to describe. There's no doubt that French mates offers own vision and views, original and unique in many aspects. Some comparasions leads to Frank Zappa and King Crimson legacies, more in psychological and conceptual manner, than in performing realizations. But, present arrangments works are complexive, also touches many crossover details, and jazzy and fusion elements as well. " Demon Hardi" in the other hand are consists of mainly equalizing and convinceble materials, but not easilly acceptable for avarage listener's ear. Finally, their album hides enough unusual tricks, and band's offering could be specially interesting for avantgarde / progressive freaks .

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.jack-dupon-rock-progressif.net

SNAKE ALLEY - Blues In The Night

SNAKE ALLEY - Blues In The Night

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 03 September 2011

SNAKE ALLEY

" Blues In The Night "

( Sound Dog Records ) 2011.

CD

Blues - USA

Snake Alley are USA blues quartet, whose members posses a respectable performing experience. They are active some period, but what is more important, a musicians from band have cooperated with many well and less known names / acts during the previous years.

" Blues In The Night" is their actuelle album, with 11 tracks in, packed in Digi CD format. USA fellows performs own version of Chicago style, with upbeat rhythms and repeatable choruses. Some influences coming out from 70's period, but a Snake Alley has showed that as a band posses a energy of our time. Some of the songs are authors works of guitarist and vocalist Indiana Slim, and he is also responsible for productional works. A group also covered tracks from well-known authors as a Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, Ike Turner, Hank Ballard... but complete materials has sounded as a coherent and cohesive pieces. " Blues In The Night" is a pretty enjouable and listenable album, and there's no doubt that Snake Alley is also convinceble act in concert forms and variants....

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.snakealleyband.com

IF I WERE A GLADIATOR - Hallowed Antiquity

IF I WERE A GLADIATOR - Hallowed Antiquity

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 29 August 2011

IF I WERE A GLADIATOR

" Hallowed Antiquity "

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD - USA

Progressive metal

Out of Seatlle, WA, comes a newer act with interesting name - If I Were A Gladiator. A group work as a quintet with female fronted singer in its line-up, and her name is Emily Ruth. Conceptually, If I Were A Gladiator has offered own vision of ancient roman progressive metal, as they use to explain.where key themes belongs to gladiators and their lifes in a period of Roman empire. Musically,a band tried to find own original performing formula, where important rola belongs to often keybord and guitar dialogues.A vocalizations of mentioned Emily oftenly accepts a falcetto variants, and most of the songs are done in similiar vein. " Hallowed Antiquity" are consists of 6 equalizing tracks, without leading song. A production is modern, but in some places a group suffers from manniristical problems. Evidentally, as a band they need a little more experience, but what is more important, they sucessfully offered own authors and performing formula.

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.ifiwereagladiator.com

DESTROPHY - Cry Havoc

DESTROPHY - Cry Havoc

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 19 August 2011

DESTROPHY

" Cry Havoc "

( Victory Records ) 2011.

CD - USA

Melodic hard rock/heavy metal

Destrophy are USA hard rock/metal quartet, formed back in 2002. During the years, they have released with actuelle one a 4 full -lengths and 1 EP. They changed a style during the period of existence, as same as performing formula, normally judging by metal views, and actuelle. album finds them in more so call - melodic mood. " Cry Havoc" are consists of 10 pretty meloduc tunes, done in 80's hard rock/metal vain, but with modern production includings as well. A songs are fresh, convinceble enough, absolutelly listenable, and acceptable for radio usings too.

We can also find some nu metal and AOR traces in its approach as well, but it's clear that " Cry Havoc" delivers many brilliant and fine hidden places in each corner of album. A band did a fine work and " Cry Havoc" is important album in band's discography.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.destrophy.com

www.victoryrecords.com

TODD GRUBBS - Return Of The Worm

TODD GRUBBS - Return Of The Worm

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 15 August 2011

TODD GRUBBS

" Return Of The Worm "

( Grubbworm Music ) 2011.

CD - USA

Instrumental rock/fusion

Guitarist and composer Todd Grubbs is a musician with longest experience behind. He's been active for 25 years, and during the period of existence, he has worked with many performers and artists. " Return Of The Worm" is his latest album, where we can find 11 instrumental tracks in. He has released album materials with team of respespectable colegues and performers. His guitar techniques as same as offering materials, varies judging by performing and genre's options and includings. So,we can find here and there " traditional" instrumental rock phrases, interesting funky rhythmizations, as well as unstandardized fusion improvizations,and some untipical psychedelic includings as well. A tracks/offering themes are different amom them, but some of present materials posses a enjouable atmosphere too. " Return Of The Worm" comphrises very fne works, and this is another musically sucessfull offering of mentioned USA performer.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.toddgrubbs.com

FASTLANE FLOWER - Deadline

FASTLANE FLOWER - Deadline

Written by Branimir Lokner

Monday, 15 August 2011

FASTLANE FLOWER

" Deadline "

( Nordic Records ) 2011.

CD - NORWAY

Heavy/power/melodic metal

Fastlane Flower are sextet coming out from Oslo, Norway. A band started out seriously during the autumn 2008 year, and its line-up are consists of well-experienced musicians. " Deadline" is actuelle debut from this 2011 year, and this is a full-length with 9 tracks in.

Fastlane Flower combines many metal idioms as a classic heavy, power, melodic as same as some dark or crossover tendencies as well.

But, a key performing rola in a band, belong to female vocalist Eline Stolan. Her melodramatic voice, also performing energy are key elements in group's songs structures and arrangments threathenings. A mentioned performing energy of Mrs. Eline isn' t a usual case in nowadays modern metal world, and she really know how to impress and satisfy avarage listener's ears. A Norway band in the other hand has offered mainly equalizing materials, with no impressive, but certain production realization. Finally, this is a good discographical start for group, and we'll see what the near future brings....

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.fastlaneflower.no

LAZULI - 4603 Battements

LAZULI - 4603 Battements

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 11 August 2011

LAZULI " 4603 Battements "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD - FRANCE
Progressive/progressive rock











French band Lazuli is another interesting act in progressive area, coming out from France. With actuelle one, a group has recorded a 5 albums, discographically started out in 2004 year. " 4603 Battements" a band did with own forces, and album looked a light of day during the May, this 2011 year. Lazuli is a band with respectable experince, in its line-up are well-trained musicians, and also is important to say, that judging by authors creations, a French act knows to offer many interesting ideas, with hints of originality as well. " 4603 Battements" are consists of 11 tracks in, and this is a Digi CD with additional 24 pages booklet. Musically they mixes electric with acoustic lines and parts, with addition of some interesting samples. Also we can find hidden folk, chanson, and avangarde elements as well in its arrangmants works. A production is modern, and generally their music posses many eclectic views. Complexivity ( in positive meaning ) is a middle name of present songs, and French act did a nice work in final. Pretty recomandable for progressive freaks and followers.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.lazuli-music.com

YUJI FUKUDA - Artifact

YUJI FUKUDA - Artifact

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 11 August 2011

YUJI FUKUDA

" Artifact "

( Leccia Records ) 2010.

CD

Fusin - JAPAN

Yuji Fukuda is a promising name in a world of jazz and fusion tendencies. He learned guitar technique and theory in vocational training school like " MI Japan Nagoya ", and became a teacher at the school, at the age of 23 after graduating. With the team of also skillful collaborators and musicians, during the previous 2010 year, he has released an album, entitled " Artifact". Mr. Fukuda introduces himself as a well-experienced guitairst with gentle and sophisticate guuitar technique. He is also a instrumentalist who knows to " deliver" lotta' melodic phrases, even that his methods of performing, and also of his band, knows to remind on same previos periods, as a a specifically 70's era. " Artifact" are consists of 6 instrumental tracks, done in mentioned fusion mood, with evidental funk, groovy and jazz-rock tendencies as well. A flavour of past times occupies a whole album in general, even that judging by technical, and as same as productional tendencies, "Artifact" certainly touches a standards of our time too. Actuelle album of Japanese guitarist and his team is also enjouable product, acceptable equally for jazz and non jazz followers.

Rating : 8 / 10

http://yujiguitar.ashigaru.jp

NAILGUN - Paindustry

NAILGUN - Paindustry

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 11 August 2011

NAILGUN

" Paindustry"

( Self - released ) 2011.

CD

Heavy/power metal - GERMANY

Nailgun are relatively newer act on national underground metal scene, coming out from southern part of country. They are sextet with 2 vocalists, and 2 guitarists in its line-up. They were formed in 2008 , and during the April this 2011 year, their debut full-length looked a light of day.

" Paindustry" , judging by cover artwork and design, is visually, as same as technically well " packed" CD, and I have to add, that also other technical elements, and specially a production, a band has threathed in a modern way. Musically, Germans has offered own vision of heavy/power metal, fullfield in some places with additional progressive and hidden industrial elements as well. Manniristically, a songs were released with similiar threathenings, and practically also with similiar realizations. Arrangmenst follows up a song structures, and members from band introduces themselves as a well-trained performers. A German fellows convinceble delivers own ideas, but also is truth to say, that manniristical " problems", are presents on whole album materials. Even of that, "Paindustry" could be a solid discographical start for German act.....

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.nail-gun.de

FRANCK CARDUCCI - Oddity

FRANCK CARDUCCI - Oddity

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 02 August 2011

FRANCK CARDUCCI

" Oddity "

( Vocation Records ) 2011.

CD

Progressive rock - FRANCE

Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Franck Carducci is a musician with huge experience.During the years he cooperated with many groups, and rumours says that he was playing in 20 to 30 different bands, and was involved to recording beleive or not about 15 different albums.

" Oddity" is a solo project, released with respectable team of proffesionals. It is a sort of concept album, based on well-known Greek mithology. Musically, Franck and his colaboraters has offered a sort of classic progressive variants, influental by the 70s and 80's progressive movements as well. So, we can find here and there some clear Genesis musical traces, and Franck also has citied legacy of mentioned band, included on album song " The Carpet Crawlers". We can also hear touches of Camel or Pendragon works, but " Oddity" is a complexive and also very listenable product. A production has captured a standards of our time, and it's importsant to say, that all other technical elements funkcionizes according to plans. A fine album, probably also enjouable for prog fans...

Rating : 7, 5 / 10

C / o : www.franckcarducci.com

NORTHERN DIVISION - Projects Vol. 4,1

NORTHERN DIVISION - Projects Vol. 4,1

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

NORTHERN DIVISION

" Projects Vol. 4,1 " Demo

( Self - released ) 2011.

EP CD

Heavy metal - FINLAND

Northern Division are quintet, coming out from Helsinki, Finland. They are relatively newer act, also as a band without previous experience, but with evidental forthcoming expectations. They have released in own home studio a Demo, with 6 tracks in. A Finnish youngsters performs own variant of heavy metal as a genre, fullfield with many crossing elements as well. In its songs we can find some hidden thrash traces, also progressive metal includings, and some core details as well. They posses a strong performing energy, and complete materials are full of melodic lines. I couldn' t compare them with any of well-known acts, and they surely did a lotta' efforts that all things get funkcionizes as well.A probably most interesting track from Demo is a song No. 3, entitled " The Serpent".

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.myspace.com/nortdiv/music

GALLEON - In The Wake Of The Moon

GALLEON - In The Wake Of The Moon

Written by Branimir Lokner

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

GALLEON

" In The Wake Of The Moon "

( Aerodynamic Records ) 2010.

CD - SWEDEN

Progressive/symphonic rock

Galleon isn' t a newer progressive act, coming out from Sweden. They are active since 1985, and first album they have released in 1993 year, entitled " Lynx". A Swedish fellows works as a quartet, and during the years, they have toured around Europe, and released with actuelle one beleive or not, a 9 albums. Galleon are progressive /symphonic rock band, whose orientatoin captures many original detalis and elements, especially in arrangments threathenings.A songs are complexive, done in mid, rarely mid-up tempo.

Some influences coming out from 80's and 70's period, especially from British groups as a IQ, Pallas, Twelfth Night, Genesis and Camel, but Galleon is mainly original act, whose precise and distant playing, as same as colourful authors creations, reflects also a huge experionce of all members from band. " In The Wake Of The Moon" are consists of many inspirative places, and deserve repeatable listenings. I have to add that promotional activities of band's actuelle album in the net are also respectabile, and many webzines and sites have informed about their actuelle product. " In The Wake Of The Moon" is a recomandable album of Swedish band, equally interesting for older and newer progressive followers.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10

C / o : www.aerodynamicrecords.com

THE SICKLE - Hung Up To Dry

THE SICKLE - Hung Up To Dry

Written by Branimir Lokner

Thursday, 21 July 2011

THE SICKLE

" Hung Up To Dry "

(Secondo Avento Records/New Model Label) 2011.

CD

Power pop / melodic punk rock - ITALY

The Sickle are relatively newer "kids" in international music arena, and generally a fresh act coming out from Italy. They are trio, and " Hung Up To Dry" is actuelle debut, with 12 tracks in. As a press material announce, Italian fellows are on the field of several performing forms, with strong punk traces and meloding includings as well. Preciselly, I would ratherly separete their evident strong power pop dimension with also evident punk rrock elements. A both genre's forms exsists in its offering, but in unclassical way or in unclassical standardizations. But, that wasn' t a problem at all, or problem for band's members. The Sickle offers a strong melodicity, clear in every corner of each song, and punk rock energy, as same as punk rock " motorization" too. I wouldn't compare Italians, as the case was with some of my foreighn collegues, with any of well-known acts, Californian, or Europian, and The Sickle are mainly an original act, with clear authors views. The last 2 songs were done in accoustical mood, and in some way are different than others. But, " Humg Up To Dry" is pretty optimistic album, without a weacker places, and this is a pretty good discographical start for Italian youngsters....

Rating : 7, 5 / 10

C / o : www.thesickle.eu

e-mail : lorynml@gmail.com

DIRTY PASSION - Different Tomorrow

DIRTY PASSION - Different Tomorrow

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 17 July 2011

DIRTY PASSION

" Different Tomorrow"

( Denomination Records ) 2010.

CD - SWEDEN

Hard rock/melodic hard rock

Dirty Passion are band coming out of Sweden. They were formed in 2006 year, and they are four piece act faithfull to hard rock tendencies.

" Different Tomorrow" is their debut from previous 2010 year, released for " Denomination Records". A quartet supported some well -known bands as a Saxon, Faster Pussycat and Enuff Z' nuff, to name a few. They have a brilliant vocalist - Emil Ekbladh in its line-up, and generally they introduced to the audience as a melodic hard rock act inspired by the 80's and late 70's movement and groups as well. A songs are done mainly in mid-up tempo, a certain and convinceble vocalization characterize a songs structure, as same as distant band playings in the back. " Different Tomorrow" are consists of equalizing materials, without any typical or leading song, but with materials acceptable for radio usings. This is a promising debut of Sweden fellows, probably more interesting for 80's hard rock fans...

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.dirtypassion.net

STORTREGN - Uncreation

STORTREGN - Uncreation

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 July 2011

STORTREGN " Uncreation "
( Great Dane Records ) 2011.
CD - SWITZERLAND
Black/death metal









Stortregn are hailing from Geneva, Switzerland. They are four piece act, formed back in 2005 year. During the previous years, they have some personal changes, but they also released a 1 Demo in 2007, and EP " Devoured By Oblivion" in 2008 year. " Uncreation" is actuelle product, a full-length with 8 tracks in, released for " Great Dane Records". Stortregn are black/ceath act inspired by Nordic groups, and general by 90's black metal movement. Their sound also accept evident death metal traces and melodic includings as well. A lyrical approaches touches a themes of humanity desintegrations, human disorders and similiar views. A band has offered a distant performings, in many aspects with brutal and agressive playings, but also with interesting arrangments includings as well. " Uncreation" hides some interesting performing moments, and band has offered mainly equalizing materials. Nothing especially new, but Stortregn manniristically satisfies...

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.stortregn.com

ATOMIC PLAYGROUND - Baal Perazim

ATOMIC PLAYGROUND - Baal Perazim

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 July 2011

ATOMIC PLAYGROUND " Baal Perazim "
( A Bomb Records ) 2010.
CD - USA
Heavy metal/80's metal







Atomic Playground are relatively newer act, formed back in 2006 year. They are four piece act, hailing fom Orlando, Florida, but members from band are well-experienced musicians, with longest carreare behind. " Baal Perazim" are their debut, released during the November of 2010 year.
We can find 10 tracks here and there, done in so call old school way, with many 80's traces, and similiar variants as well. Musically, we can hear many influences, taken from succeasful groups as a Manowar, Tora Tora. or earliest Judas Priest, but band also has offered some own tricks.
A songs are done in raw way, without any calculations, and band also has offered a distant performings . A productionn reminds on 80's period, but that was finally a group' s choice. Atomic Playground are coherent team, and their album is mainly recomandable for old school and 80's metal followers

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.atomic-playground.net

SONNY AXELL - Ready

SONNY AXELL - Ready

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 July 2011

SONNY AXELL " Ready "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - FRANCE
Funk/smooth jazz/soul






Singer, keyborder and songwriter Sonny Axell, born in St. Etienne ( 1982 ), is an interesting artist, whose musical occupation touches groovy tendencies, soulful jazz, funk, soul and similiar variants. During the previous 2010 year, he has released an album entitled " Ready", with 10 tracks in. With relevant production done by himself, certain and enjouable arrangments works, he has introduced as a musician also influental by the USA late 70's and 80's groups and artists, so in his songs we can find many elements nearer to Earth Wind And Fire, Chicago, Steely Dan, or Crusaders legacies. But, all of present songs posses a relevant dinamizations, and accepts a standards of our time too. Originality isn' t a middle name of this French artists, but in the other hand all things he did in best possible manner.
His songs are listenable, also acceptable for radio usings. He has also offered an equalizing materials, recomandable for the followers of funk , whote soul, smooth jazz and similiar genre's tendencies...

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.sonnyaxell.com
www.reverbnation.com/sonnyaxell

THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND - The Game

THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND - The Game

Written by Branimir Lokner

Sunday, 10 July 2011

THE HOMEMADE JAMZ BLUES BAND

" The Game "

( Self - released ) 2010.

CD

Blues - USA

The Homemade Jamz Blues Band are one of the youngest USA blues acts nowadays. This is also a family band, consisting of Ryan Perry, who is response for all guitars and vocals, Kyle Perry who is bassist, their sister Taya, she's a drummer, and don' t forget a father Renaud Perry who is harmonica player and key author.A group constantly receives recomandations from press and what is also importsant from colegues, and especially legendary B. B. King gaves a credits to band's entire carrear. " The Game" is their third album, consisting of 10 author's tracks, done in convinceble and also " dancable" mood judging by the standards of some previous periods. But Homemade Jamz Blues Band aren' t a retro act, their approach accepts many blues idioms, from delta and southern influences to the newer standards, where song dinamizations and energy dominates through complete materials. There's no doubt that Homemade Jamz Blues Band are group with modern views, certain performings, and also owners of pretty good songs. Absolutely recomandable and also very listanable...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.hmjamzbluesband.com

CITADEL BESIEGED - The Winter Of Evermore

CITADEL BESIEGED - The Winter Of Evermore

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 27 June 2011


CITADEL BESIEGED " The Winter Of Evermore "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD - USA
Heavy metal/hard rock





Citadel Besieged are practically newer act, consists of two persons : Adrian Jeffreys, who is response for vocal rolas and drumming, and Tim Hall, who is guitarist, bassist. Together, they penned a complete materials. It's also interesting that mentioned tandem, teamed together in period of 1986/1987, under the name DARKHAVEN, but fnished album never looked the light of day. Actuelle full-length has introduced them as a band influental by the 80's movement and classic heavy and hard rock tendencies as well. Also some 70's aspects and approaches are present here and there. A songs are clear and raw at the same time, without presentations of doomy or stoner traces. But, metalized sound characterize complete materials, and that's element is leading detail of band's performing conception. A songs are done in slower mid to mid-up tempo, and some comparazitions leads to earlier Sabbath legacies, but USA fellows mostly introduces themselves as a original act.
" The Winter Of Evermore " as a album posses many elements of so call older school variants, acceptable specially for the followers of mentioned genre's forms....

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.CitadelBesieged.com
www.myspace.com/citadelbesieged

RUSTY PACEMAKER - Blackness And White Light

RUSTY PACEMAKER - Blackness And White Light

Written by Branimir Lokner

Saturday, 25 June 2011

RUSTY PACEMAKER

"Blackness And White Light "

( Solanum Records ) 2010.

CD

Dark rock - AUSTRIA

Rusty Pacemaker is a dude from Austria, who started out his personal musical travelling in 2003 year. 7 years after, he has released with practically own forces, a debut full-length entitled " Blackness And White Light". I have to add, that he very seriously runnin' a promotional part of entire carreare, and many webzines, nationally, as same as abroad, follows up his activities. " Blackness And White Light": has introduced Rusty as a emotional writer, whose songs are mainly done in melancholic and darker mood. A lyrical approach is pretty insightful, and judging by musical options we can find dark rock traces fullfield with some gothic varients as welll. Rarely we can hear some other elements as a maybe doom or metalic includings, but evidentally, 80's and 90's influences are present here and there. Most of the songs posses a darker atmosphere, where arrangments strictly follows up a songs motorizations. Rusty has offered equalizing materials, without a any typical or leading song, but also without weacker momemnts..

Rating : 7 / 10

C / o : www.rustypacemaker.com

SECOND WAY - Changing Times

SECOND WAY - Changing Times

Written by Branimir Lokner

Friday, 17 June 2011

SECOND WAY" Changing Times "

( Self - released ) 2005.

CD - GERMANY

AOR / melodic rock

In our world still exists many hidden and uncovered groups and artists, and one of them are guys from German band Second Way. Second Way is a group with no short history behind. Previously, they were known as a 2ECOND WAY, and under mentioned name , they have released an EP in 2000 year, entitled " First Strike", Later on, they changed a name in Second Way, and during the 2005, they released a full-length : Changing Times", still actuelle in its discography. But one thing is important. A Second Way is really convinceble and brilliant AOR / melodic rock act, whose musical approaches are nearer to 80's psychology, and influental in some aspects by the USA acts from mentioned era, as well. Their sound is also a little bit complecxier, than the case was with other well or less known AOR groups, also pretty melodic with clever arrangments additionals, added with fine vocalizations as well. " Changing Times" are consists of manny listenable places, where most of the songs posses radio friendly usings.Hope that in the near future, we shall see a new products in their discography... If you are a AOR / melodic rock fan, Second Way is a band for your taste. Don' t hesitate to check' em.....

Rating : 9 / 10

C / o : www.secondway.net