Better Than Metallica?

Better Than Metallica?

St. Anger 2015

A couple of Metallica fans have re-recorded the infamous album St. Anger.  St. Anger was not a favorite of many of the hardcore fans of the American Thrash band. There were complaints about it sounding garage band-ish and that it was too long.  Not to mention that the album had no signature Kirk Hammett guitar solos.

This new imagining of the album was recorded with better production by Daryl Gardner and Chris Dando of the band Grace the Skies and Dave Cox of Adust.  They have been getting a lot of praise, some going as far as to say that they made the album better than the original.  

If you would like to check it out follow the attached link or check it out on youtube. 

Grace The Skies

In listening to St. Anger 2015 it peeked my intrest into finding out what bands were these guys from so, here is the first: Grace the Skies. 

These metalheads hail from Birmingham UK. Jazz, post-hardcore, and pop are listed as their influences.  I have always enjoyed groups that mix more technical styles of music like Jazz into their mix.  Grace the Skies manage to do this flawlessly while still delivering that Metal crunch that we fans demand.

If you like bands like the phenomenal Breaking Benjamin then you will absolutely love Grace the Skies.  Check them out on Facebook or you can listen to them on their website.

Adust

Just in case Grace the Skies is not heavy enough for you, there is Adust.  Also out of Birmingham, these boys are all out machine gun riffs and full the fuck forward.  

Their first mini album Through Anothers Eyes has garnered them a lot of praise and has spread their fan base across the UK.  You can hear it on their Facebook page.  In my humble opinion they sound pretty damn good! 

I have attached a video from their second release titled Question the Illogical below, so if this small review has got you intrigued give it a look. 

In summation I am quite pleased that I checked out Metal Insider's newsletter because it has led me to not only a great new album to listen to, but also two new bands to follow.  Metal Insider thanks for the great article and to all you who have taken the time to read this...

Thanks for reading and Rock On.

Kevin Sweeney

Some Great News

Some Great News And Great Tunes

Picture from Gigantour 2012, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

The Thrash Originators Megadeth have gone through a lot as of late.  With the loss of two members: drummer, Shawn Drover; and guitarist, Chris Broderick.  Not to mention the personal loss that founding member Dave Mustaine has had to deal with.

Out of those traumas it looks like something great is developing, at least according to Mustaine.  Just last month he tweeted, "I wish @Megadeth fans could know what is going on right now…you would be very happy!" 

Hopefully it means that we are going to get a new album.

If your taste in metal is anything like mine you have been lamenting the hiatus of Disturbed, and keep a watchful eye for news of their return. On Dec 30th David Draiman tweeted that they will reunite but unfortunately gave no date.

In the meantime Draiman has an album out with the band Device, and Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan has a new project out called Fight or Flight. If you are interested in hearing what either sound like you can check out their sites.  Both have videos and tracks that may sedate you enough until they join each other on stage with the Disturbed banner flying high again.

Thanks to Loudwire for the info!

Device - "Vilify"

Fight or Flight - "First Of The Last"

Being a child of the seventies I have always had an affinity for Psychedelic Rock, everything from Pink Floyd to Iron Butterfly.  Hence when I found out about The Budos Band I was ecstatic to find a modern group that reveled in the pure essence of that genre.

This New York band is releasing beautiful magical mixes that transport the listener into a supernatural and heady world that needs to be felt as well as heard.  From the haunting organ to the majestic horns their sound envelops you in a fuzz filled bass laden ecstasy that can only be summoned by good Psychedelic Rock or good drugs (or the combination of the two.)

The Budos Band is a trip that is definitely worth taking.

Diffuser FM thanks for highlighting such a great band!  

Budos Band - "Burnt Offering"

Thanks for reading and Rock On!

Kevin Sweeney

What To Look Forward To In 2015

What To Look Forward To In 2015

Here are a list of the performers that I am looking forward to seeing and hearing more from in 2015.

 Return For Refund who had just released their first EP last year is set to play in Kingston this February. I really enjoyed the video of their Horseshoe Tavern gig and the EP so I am looking forward to the show at the Clark Hall Pub. 

If you are in the Toronto Area you can catch them live at the Bovine Sex Club and other establishments around the greater metro area. Their EP is available on iTunes for a great price. They are definitely worth watching in this year.

Another great act that will be returning to K-Town is Will Black. I really have nothing but great things to say about Will. He puts on a lively and fan centered entertaining show.

He has two releases available on his web site as well as iTunes. Personally I keep my autographed copy of his Dangerously Close CD tucked away and listen to my digital copy; I am listening to it right now as I type this.

I am really looking forward to see his audience increasing with him spending all of 2015 touring.

Greg Ball is an artist that I have been wanting to see live for a while now.  I know I have no good reason for not seeing him due to us both living and working in the same city. This year I have decided I will end this Greg Ball drought in my life.

His new album that he recorded at the famous Bathouse Studio, owned by the Tragically Hip, is due out soon. I am looking forward to buying it and hearing what he has cooked up. His last release was quite good and Greg has said this one has more BALLS.

Hopefully he is going to tour with this new album. Maybe he will join Paul Langlois and canvas the Canadian countryside again like they did for Paul's Not Guilty album.  

Alek Darson is definitely one artist to follow this year. If you enjoy prog or just amazing guitar work then you should make sure to check out the videos he posts on youtube.

Last year he combined his talents with those of prominent Emerson Grads to create an excellent music video of his piece "Sprockets." There is talk about a second album from this future guitar god, and I am very interested in hearing what he creates next.

You can catch him live if you are in the Boston area. I may just have to see if I can make up some reason to visit beantown and see him live myself this year; if for no other reason than to be able to say that I saw him before he became super famous.

For those of you who want Thrash, you have to follow the South American modern day Metal Heads KRAPTOR. Felipe, Angel, Edward, and Jessy are rocking the hell out of the whole southern hemisphere. All classically trained musicians these guys are all about their mantra "Metal is music and music is art."

Kraptor's fan base on twitter is immense and rabid. In order to keep the masses of hungry metal fans appeased they regularly keep in touch with fans. I am hoping for a new CD from these thrashers to add to their other two releases. In the meantime I will have to stay content with great KRAPTOR hits like "Keep It Thrashing Or Die!"  





OK, now that I have given you my list of the five music acts to watch this year, I'm asking you to tell me who you think I should follow this year. Leave the names of the artists in the comments and I will look into them, and may just highlight them in a blog in the future. I am always looking for new rock or metal acts to spread the news about, so if you think they are worth advertising then let me know.


Thanks for reading, and Rock On!

Kevin Sweeney

The Best Of 2014

Well the year is coming to an end quite quickly, so I decided to throw my own best of 2014 list into the frey of digital crap we flood the internet with. As with all the other lists you will read out there this is solely the opinion of the writer. Though to speak on his behalf: I believe that he has a better grasp on the music that he has heard this year than anyone else. Well, here we go...

The Best Rock and Roll of 2014

The Best Rock and Roll Artist of 2014 is Will Black. Just on the power of his live set alone this singer deserves the title. What he can do with just a mic and an acoustic guitar is truly amazing.

Will Black is the whole rock package bound up in one generous and personable package. This past year he began touring across North America and the UK. Each stop on his tours he has been adding to his fans, Black Ops. 

At present he has two albums available: Dangerously Close; and Dancing With The Dead. Both albums are worth picking up and listening to. 

 The Best Rock and Roll Band and Album of 2014 is Saint Jezebel and their release True Believer. Our dear Saint Jezebel has a great hard rock sound that beautifully mixes some hardcore influences. The album is full of great rock tunes that can stand up with the best. 

The Best Punk Rock Band of 2014 is Rat Neck. These Dublin boys have been putting the rock back in Punk all throughout the past year. Bass heavy and right in your face Punk is what Rat Neck is all about.

I just wish I could get across the pond to see these guys live.  

The Best Rock and Roll Track of 2014 is Return For Refund - "The Fields." This band from Toronto has released an excellent first EP and the first track off of that release is the cream of the crop. 

"The Fields" has a great groove that does not let up and pushes this tune well ahead of its competitors. The guitar work is top notch and Drew's grunge worthy voice is inspired. It all pulls together to make what I would call the best rock track of 2014.

The Best Rock Video for 2014 as stated before on our blog is Five Finger Death Punch - "Wrong Side Of Heaven." It is a great video with a very important message. Hell, it is another Five Finger Death Punch grand slam hit!

The Best Metal of 2014

The Best Metal Band and Album of 2014 is Tempting Fate and their release Illusions. It is a great mix of hardcore and electronica that hits hard and keeps on punching. 

This LA band is proving that great metal can still be found scratching its way out of the city of angels. Not content to become a sound alike clone of another band, Tempting Fate's sound is their own. So, if you want to hear some metal for the new generation begin Tempting Fate.

The Best Metal Track of 2014 is Any Given Day's "The Beginning of The End." It is an excellent tune, both heavy and poignant. 

The first time I heard these guys was this year and it was their, far better than the original, cover of the song Diamonds. Ever since then I have been looking to hear whatever I can find from this manic metal monstrosity from Germany.

The Best Metal Video of 2014 is Hellyeah - "Moth." This video is shot really well and manages to completely grasp the dynamics of the excellent song that rings out throughout it.

What Do You Listen To Most?

What Do You Listen To Most?

The 5 albums I listened to the most during this past year

Recently I decided to make note of what full albums I listen to regularly. These had to be five CD's that I play in their entirety not just for one or two songs. I had to like all the tracks enough that I would not skip any, or felt the compulsion to listen to all the songs as soon as I played the first one.

Since I wanted a true selection I would dismiss any of my favorites that I listened  to occasionally; they had to be albums that I put on more than just once a month. This would eliminate several of my all time favorite bands such as King's X, KISS, Megadeth, Venom, and Motörhead. Even though I listen to songs by these bands daily I wanted to see what albums I regularly turn to in order to set the soundtrack for my daily life.

So, here it goes and in no particular order here they are:

   

Buckcherry - 15

This 2005/06 album is the third one for the Californian rock band Buckcherry.

This is one of those CD's I did not initially want to like. I had only heard "Lit It Up" and really liked it but for some reason was not interested in hearing anything else from this group. What changed my mind was a good friend of mine saying how much he liked Buckcherry.

 Much in the stylistic vision of the Metal/Hard rock pioneers Mötley Crüe this is a straight forward rock offering with catchy riffs from tracks such as "Crazy Bitch" and "Brooklyn" along with the occasional  ballad. We are talking distortion turned up full of piss and vinegar - and oh I love you too honey put in just for all those girls.

Theory of A Deadman - Scars & Souvenirs

This is a 2008 release by the Canadian Rock Band Theory of a Deadman. It may be due to their popular power cord rock style, or since they were the first group to sign onto Chad Kroeger's 604 Records, their critics have accused them of being a Nickelback clone. Either way it doesn't mean much to me.

It is a guitar heavy arena style rock album that is full of angry anthems and ballads. Just like the previous album on this list Scars and Souvenirs gained a good deal of commercial success and radio play.

Scars & Souvenirs somehow managed to slip into my listening repertoire and never left. Like a comfortable pair of jeans or that old T-shirt you always find yourself putting on, this album has claimed its place on my turntable. 

Live - Throwing Copper

This 1994 release by the American alternative rock band Live was very well received. It includes many of their hits such as: "Lightning Crashes"; "Selling The Drama", and "Iris."

I really like the sonic atmosphere of this album, because it moves easily from more experimental tracks to commercial hits. It has enough growl and kick to keep it relevant and make you want to play it loud.

My favorite songs on this album are the lesser known tracks such as "Stage" and "Shit Towne."

Breaking Benjamin - Phobia

This 2006 album was the third album by the American alternative metal group Breaking Benjamin. Commercially it did very well: selling out quickly on its initial release.

My son was the one to introduce me to this group and they have become one of my favorites. As you can see due to being on this list one I listen to very regularly.

This is one of the first albums I reach for when I am in a bad mood. It seems to capture all the pent up frustration and rage that wells up from within, while still hinting at the sadness it leads to.

Disturbed - The Lost Children

This 2011 album is a B-sides compilation from the Metal band Disturbed. Really, for such an exceptional release to be made of what many would view as throw away songs shows just how great a band Disturbed is.  

They have been dominating the metal stage ever since their first critically acclaimed album, and have never looked back. Unfortunately after the release of this CD the band has gone on hiatus. 

I find they have the knack for perfectly expressing the hopelessness and angst that is so pervasive in this life. Maybe that is why I instinctively placed this last on my list - leaving the best for last. 

Strangely enough none of these albums are on my normally stated favorites list, yet they are the five albums that I listened to most throughout the last year. Does that mean I should reexamine my favorite album list?

Thanks for reading

Kevin Sweeney 

The Best Music Video of 2014!

The Best Music Video Of 2014!

Video

Five Finger Death Punch - Wrong Side Of Heaven

No other video produced in 2014 can match "Wrong Side Of Heaven" by Five Finger Death Punch. It not only addresses an immense problem in our society today in North America, but it cuts right to the bone. Take it from a Veteran of the Afghanistan war, they hit the nail right on the head. 

We are no heroes and we keep finding ourselves on the wrong side of Heaven and on the righteous side of Hell!

Even if you do not read any more of this blog please watch this video! There are too many of us dealing with the secrets that can never be told. There are too many of us feeling like we are in a living hell!

Veterans have followed through on the oath they swore to fight.

Should not our governments follow through on their oath to take care of them?

Call, twitter, or mail your government officials to tell them they need to follow through on their promises to our veterans. Share this video to everyone  you know, so word gets around. This is not a interesting news paper article or simple flash in the pan music video, it is important! I do not want to lose another brother in arms to suicide. We can accept the loss of our lives in war because we know it is part of the job, but we can not accept the loss of our own at home where we should be safe. 

For my fallen brothers from 171st Banshee and Charlie I'll see you all in Fiddler's Green.

Thank you for reading.

                                                                                  MCpl Kevin Sweeney

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A Rockin' Review of Good Times!

A Rockin' Review of Good Times!

It is not often that I get to open my Christmas presents early but thanks to the urging of one Mr. Mark Bradac I got to do just that today.

I finally got my hands on a copy of Mark Bradac's Good Times album, and the title goes well with the tunes. It is essentially a party in a CD. It is some good old blues oriented Rock and Roll peppered with great guitar solos. 

With guitar ringing like a bell and tongue firmly in cheek songs such as "Break My Guitar" and the opening track "Pawnman Boogie" let the listener know the Pawnman is here just to have fun. 

As far as the axe work: I have not heard straight forward rock picking this good since a little known Winnipeg band named Airfoil. The songs on this album are great barn burning fodder for an amazingly fun live show.

"Now all we need is the live show! Do you hear me Pawnman? Pawnman you the King! Pawnman don't sell my shit Pawnman. Told yah, don't sell my shit. I'll be back. I'll be back to get you to sign this great CD Pawnman."