Royal Thunder - Wick

Royal Thunder have rapidly reached a point in their careers where every new release feels like a monumental achievement. With every album that they put out you can get a sense of advanced grace, another step in the burning quest to find humanity that so many find in this bands music. Their latest release, the 12 track Wick is a record that we can't help but to love, it's a record that captures the imagination and one that burns forward with the sort of psychedelic magic and passionate perpetual motion that defines only the best records.

I think that the bands formidable skills have come to a head on this record. Not only are the individual performances on Wick generally on point but the songwriting has come to a new high. While the band has certainly advanced their structures I think what really gets me about this record is the way that the album takes you full circle. There is a sort of sonic journey that you take every time you listen to Wick and it leaves you in awe of all that the guys have created. You get lost in the push and pull, the gentle motion of the music and the utter beauty of the production. This is a band who emphasize soundscapes and who remind us time and time again that we have a right to lose ourselves in this sorrowful noise.

The constant advancement of Wick is magical. This is an album that utterly entrances you and helps you to remember why the 'vest metal' movement started in the first place. Royal Thunder place an emphasis on the power of the song here and their willingness to keep on trucking and expanding is truly commendable. They have tapped into something that pushes far beyond what many others bands of their ilk are doing or have done and instead have driven us to a place where we can find a proper way forward for a genre that, for lack of bands like these, would stagnate.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/RoyalThunderMusic/

Mothership, Saviours and Corrosion of Conformity at the Gramercy Theater

There is something implacable about the spirit of rock and roll that means that it will move on through the ages no matter what happens. In many ways we do't have a choice in the matter because it is greater than any one of us. Of course, as we live our fragile lives it's far too easy to forget why rock and roll matters - so evenings like these are hugely important to our development as human beings trying to scratch it out in the twenty first century. It's a weird world out there and  it's our job to keep it that way.

Mothership were up first, playing their distinct brand of rock and roll that reminds us what truly matters in this day and age. This is a band who truly get the fundamental nature of the music, and while they put out good records, they are far better live (Live At Freak Valley is a modern classic, get on it). The bands ability to communicate a vibe is impressive, and their stunning stage presence kept me rapt. As the band thundered through half an hour of badass rock and roll tunes Mothership reminded me that they always stun with the variety of their sound, at once calling forth images of Hawkwind, the MC5 and even Led Zeppelin. Simply put, this is a band who truly understand the essence of rock and roll.

I'd heard the new Saviours record but I wasn't sure what to expect of their live performance. I was impressed and charmed by their sensibilities though. This is a band who know how to put together music that speaks to the human condition and ends up sounding like a tripped out, heavy hitting, rock and roll nightmare, Saviours are not afraid to bring in a diaspora of influences, from old school blues to much more modern stuff in order to deliver a vibrant live show. I think what's important about Saviours is that even though their music is largely metal derived they very much have the look and feel of a rock and roll band which helps to keep their sounds refreshing and fun and allowing them to unleash a simply genuine stage show.

Of course Corrosion of Conformity were a highlight of the night - and really my show going year. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Pepper Keenan was born to be a rock star and his incredible stage presence only speaks to his ability to excite fans and inspire the masses. As the band belted through an hour and half of classics I was impressed with the sheer crushing magnitude of it all. You feel yourself getting choked out and beaten to a pulp with every crushing drum beat. Charismatic, powerful and endlessly exciting, Corrosion of Conformity operate fully aware of their own legacy and use it to push their unique brand of sludge to the fore of everyone's hearts. As an interesting sidebar - it's really interesting to see the range of fans the band appeals too, from the soccer moms who dug them back in the day to the twelve year old kids who were at their first show, a visceral reminder of the power of their music.

And so the night came to an end - another evening of madness that reminded us why this is the music that resonates the most and why so many of us view it as a religion. These three bands got to the heart of the matter and gave us all a chance to tune in, turn on and drop out. In a world where rock and roll is only just starting to scrabble back to life we need tour packages like this one to remind the scene that there is a lot of exciting stuff going on. So if you can, dive in and see all of these bands live, you won't regret it.

Find the bands on Facebook!

Mothership: https://www.facebook.com/mothershipusa/?fref=ts

Saviours: https://www.facebook.com/Saviours-142771603462/?fref=ts

Corrosion of Conformity: https://www.facebook.com/corrosionofconformity/?fref=ts

Ape Machine - Coalition Of The Unwilling

Ape Machine is one of those wonderful psych rock bands that help to make the scene so goddamn rich. Their heavy pentatonic grooves and wah pedal derived antics are far too much fun to get into and will be sure to set you rocking and rolling all night long. Ape Machine drive forward with pounding drums and flashy guitar lines - all hallmarks of a great rock and roll band. These Portland stalwarts use their latest record, the indomitable Coalition Of The Unwilling to drive forward heavy sounds that are impossible to forget.

See - part of what makes Ape Machine so great is that though they use a lot of 70s tropes I always get the impression that they couch it in a mindset that feels distinctly 2015. Coalition Of The Unwilling, while certainly a fitting tribute to the 70s could never have come out in that era - simply because it sounds too modern. That being said - I think the modern twist speaks to the greatness of the band. They're not just rehashing old ideas, instead you get to hear touches of Faith No More alongside the Zeppelin and Sabbath - creating a sound that is wonderfully exciting and distinctly their own - and isn't that what rock and roll was meant to be about in the first place?

Coalition Of The Unwilling is a veritable rock record for the ages - one that speaks to where the genre is in 2015 and shows us that there is plenty of room to grow and we don't need to forget our musical forebears. Rock and roll needs time to expand and contract and find its rolls in this world. Ape Machine get what the genre is meant to be about and give you a chance to close your eyes and be carried off into a strange new world. In a world where far too many say rock is dead Ape Machine spit in societies face and bring it hard and heavy with the potential for years of great material to come.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/apemachinemusic/?fref=ts

Honeymoon Disease - The Transcendence

Female fronted Thin Lizzy inspired rock and roll, what's not to love? Sure Honeymoon Disease aren't fully developed musically, but these guys and gals are a young band, and an exciting one at that. These guys use potent harmonies and fun guitar riffs to help craft a vibrant rock and roll sound that will get you dancing in the wonderfully occult vibes that they draw up on their debut record The Transcendence. Fast, hard hitting, and unafraid to go over the top, Honeymoon Disease understand the spirit of the genre.

Now - as you probably know right now we're seeing more top notch female fronted bands than ever before, so what makes Honeymoon Disease so special? Well for one thing - the guitar playing is utterly stellar. The lines that define songs like Stargazer are far too much fun and remind me of first generation vest metal masters Gypsyhawk. Beyond that - despite the occasional fantastical lyric or too Honeymoon Disease feel strangely earthy. Perhaps it's the rich vocals of the bands front woman Jenna Disease (Yeah... they all use the last name Disease, this is one of THOSE bands) or Jimi's straight drum beats, but Honeymoon Disease are a rock and roll band for the common man to be able to relate too.

So let these grooves wash over you and capture your imagination. Honeymoon Disease are here to rob you of your precious soul and the sooner you give it over the sooner you will fall in love. The Transcendence definitely leaves room to grow - but that's part of the beauty of rock and roll. The simple fact of the matter is that these guys have the confidence, drive and artistic vision that can take them far. Now the only question is if all y'all are willing to take a chance to dance along to a band that could take it all the way.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/HoneymoonDisease

Black Trip - Shadowline

The first band I ever interviewed back in the day was Gypsyhawk. I followed them throughout their career and always dug what they did. Their Thin Lizzy-esque brand of rock and roll will always have a special place in my heart. Thus I was truly upset when they broke up. Now though we have Black Trip, a band who do a similar thing, yet have found their own unique take on it. After building on their previous release, the still tasty Goin' Under I get the impression that Black Trip have come far as songwriters and have a much better sense of self on Shadowline.

Though the musical basis of Black Trip definitely seems to be Thin Lizzy you get touches of glam here and there as well as other classic era bands. It's hard to listen to lack Trip and not want to make a comparison to an act like UFO. The fact of the matter is that Black Trip have clearly gone back to the 70s and 80s and done their fuckin' homework. There solos are delicious and riffs crunchy, and yet they don't sound derivative. Instead they have crafted an incredibly valid piece of art that takes all of those classic hard rock ideas and uses them to help establish their own unique brand of fist pumping rock and roll mastery.

Tightly polished yet still more badass than anything you've ever done Black Trip are a pleasure to listen too. They use a combination of ideas to put forth a sound that will remind you of better days. There is something strangely triumphant about what Black Trip do and that's a big part of what make them so god damn engaging. Black Trip understand the fundamental power of rock and roll and when you listen to them you start to get a sense of what it is all about for yourself. These dudes are a pleasure to listen too, so turn it the fuck up!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Trip/184303701663532

Zodiac - Road Tapes Vol. 1

I was first introduced to Zodiac late last year when their record Sonic Child came out. Now I sit here listening to their first live release Road Tapes Vol. 1 and I'm realizing that Zodiac are very much a force to be reckoned with. Slightly less spaced out and ethereal than their studio output Road Tapes Vol. 1 shows these blues rockers at their best - dominating the live stage and forcing punters into a stunned silence. Deeply emotive and wholly fascinating Zodiac understand the immortal spirit of rock and roll.

I think that a big part of what captures my imagination about this record comes from the Thin Lizzy like majesty that dominates the live sound. Toss in a stellar cover of Cortez the Killer alongsides a few Zodiac classics and you start to get a sense that these guys are turned onto something much deeper. The sense of authenticity that dominates these tracks is perhaps what makes Road Tapes Vol. 1 so memorable for me. There is something deeply appealing about songs that speak so deeply to the human condition. Zodiac delve into the collective unconscious with largely improvised and intricate compositions that carry you off to a strange new world - and I love it.

Yet even as the band seems to start to be fading off into esoterica they manage to come back down to earth with gritty and memorable rock riffs. Sure you can call these dudes out as being part of a revival music - but I get the sense there is something more to that. Sure the influences are clearly from 70's rock, but the fact of the matter is there is something intangible about Zodiac that is planted in the 2010's. These are the last remnants of Chuck Berry's music being pulled out of obscurity and into the light, enjoy them and fall in love with their undying magic.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Zodiac.Rock?fref=ts

Night - Soldiers of Time

I may be wrong, but I get the distinct sense that my beloved Vest Metal of yesteryear is starting to come back. With the incredibly emotive artistic achievement that is Soldiers of Time Night have managed to rise up and prove that they are spearheading a whole new wave of hard rock bands who understand the role of the genre in 2015. With tracks bordering along power metal right next to acoustic ballads, Soldiers of Time is diverse to say the least and is guaranteed to get any rockers heart beating faster.

There is a distinct sense of artistry with these songs, in a way they are almost reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, not because they have guitarmonies and the like, but rather because they seem to be turned on to something greater. The albums glorious climax comes in the last track, Stars In The Sky, a progressive masterwork that will capture the imagination of even the most jaded fan. As you slip in to the mystical layers that this record weaves around the listener its hard not to want to reach out and find a way out of this false reality. Night understand the concept of pure ontological freedom, and their comforting melodies, powerful vocals, and natural progressions allow you to fully embrace that.

Wonderfully epic in its conception and touching in the way the songs are delivered there is something very human about Soldiers of Time. The only real criticism I can offer is that some of the higher vocals feel forced, yet that really only adds to the beautiful humanity of this band. At the end of the day, Night speak to something in all of us and will give you the ability to bring hard rock back into your life. These guys are inspiring, exciting and set to change the world, so will you hop on for the ride?

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/heavymetalinthenight

The Answer - Raise A Little Hell

Lately Napalm Records has been putting out some really good rock records and they have given me new hope for the music that Chuck Berry created 60 years ago. Today, The Answer come straight at you from Northern Ireland with a powerful sound that is reminiscent of classic acts, yet has enough millennial bite to keep it interesting for fans today. With big choruses and powerful guitarmonies, The Answer will capture your imagination within seconds and have you singing along before the end of the first song.

The grooves on Raise A Little Hell are immediately palatable, it gives the music a distinct flavor. A part of this too seems to be the guitar tone which is just jangly enough to be vintage but has a slight twist to it that keeps things fresh. The open chords on songs like The Other Side work nicely with this tone, but so do tasty lead lines that are found throughout the record. The band has been able to construct something unique that still falls within the grand tradition of classic rock. There is a certain poetry to these songs that speaks of long hair and summer nights roaring down the highways of Middle America. The Answer may not be a modern Led Zeppelin but they sure are damn good.

These Irishmen have seemingly taken the entire spectrum of classic rock and managed to condense it into a band, hell, within the folksy Thin Lizzy vibes we can still find elements of glam. Couched within the sonic layers there is a lot more going on than might initially meet the ear. As it stands though, The Answer have a fun sound that's going to make you want to spin this record again and again. Let the grooves wind their way into your soul and fall back in love with the 70s, the music is calling your name.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/theanswerrock

Year of the Goat - The Key And The Gate

Year of the Goat have been putting out some pretty cool metal oriented material for a few years now, and I always dug the 70's occult vibe that defined so much of their sound. While there can be links made to Ghost I feel like Year of the Goat are significantly different than that. There is something a lot artsier about this band and perhaps even progressive. On this new EP The Key And The Gate one needs to look no further than songs like Mystic Mountains to realize that Year of the Goat are starting to get on to something much deeper.

The songs here have a very real sense of darkness that is quite simply wonderful. These songs will capture your imagination, they certainly got a jaded old metal dude like me thinking. When these dudes rip into solos and let their music shine through they show that they have the capacity to do anything. There is something mystical and powerful about their sound, as if their obsession with Satan has led to them selling their souls and achieving rock and roll transcendence. I will say this though, the ideas found on The Key And The Gate are very solid, but it feels far too short. These songs need companions, brothers, to help keep things exciting, otherwise it's harder to get deep into the music.

The epic soundscapes and mournful tunes found within The Key And The Gate are going to capture your imagination, make no mistake. It's merely a question now of how deep down the rabbit whole you are willing to go. With crunchy guitars and moody keys out in abundance I don't think that anybody is going to truly dislike this record, and a lot of people are going to love it to death. So go forth and let The Key And The Gate into your life, sure it has yet to drop, but get pumped, this is going to go down hard, loud, and proud.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/yearofthegoat

Kaine-The Waystone

For years people have been saying British heavy metal is dead and all these revival bands just sound tired out and dull. Well now we have Kaine and we can be assured that heavy metal will never die. An exciting act who bring a modern touch to a New Wave of British Heavy Metal chassis. These guys know how to craft top notch metal songs with crazed harmonies, powerful choruses, and riffs that simply fill you with energy. This is the sort of heavy metal that the world needs more of, the thing that leads to ascension, redemption, and ultimately freedom.

The Waystone is the sort of release that shrieks of British steel, and not just the Judas Priest album, but more something distinctly English. Their is a vein running through Kaine's music that they share with bands like Iron Maiden and Saxon, it's seriously that good. Compositionally, The Waystone is a very impressive record, it brings in a myriad of ideas into something fresh and new. This fusion of old and new is found right off the bat with Iron Lady. Epic bass riffs intertwine with melodic guitarmonies too craft something that hits you right in the gut. Modern death metal is great and all, but there will always be something to be said for guys who can really just come out, rock hard and ride free.

If you've been looking for the sort of heavy metal record that will bring you back to what you love about the genres roots search no more. Spin The Waystone after having listened to Priest and Maiden for all day and it will fit right in. Yet Kaine bring their own unique elements to the mix and keep it fresh and interesting. These songs are harmonically rich and really interesting to dig into. Scream along to the chorus and let your soul be taken up into a Valhalla of blood, fire, and steel. Kaine understand what it means to rock and will do it until they drop dead.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/kaineband/timeline

Black Trip-Goin' Under

Hard and heavy rock and roll reeking of the late 70's English rock scene? Yes please! Black Trip's new record Goin' Under is eight tracks of delicious Thin Lizzy and UFO flavored rockers that give their own twist on a classic sound. With fringes of the occult and a wonderful dedication to their music, this is the sort of album that you can really get off on. Simply put, with Goin' Under Black Trip not only invoke the spirit of rock and roll, but they get at something else, something more. Perhaps its the fact that these guys are all more known for heavier acts (Three members are ex-Nifelheim) but maybe it's just that when this group of five guys gets together, magic has to happen.

One of my favorite aspects of Goin' Under and something that comes up again and again throughout the record are the melodic guitar lines. I really dig the New Wave of British Heavy Metal feel it adds to the album and certainly keeps things interesting. The thing is though, the guitar tone and production feel much more reminiscent of UFO than Maiden, so take that NWOBHM comparison with a grain of salt. Black Trip is bringing the old school heavy vibes, but in a way no one has ever done it before. Beyond all the 70s iconography and riffs, there is something more, an element that is distinctly 2014, that speaks to the beauty of these musicians darker heritage.

There are a lot of layers to Goin' Under and I don't have the time to describe them all in this short review, yet it is certainly something worth digging in too. Black Trip have created a powerful statement with this record and it bodes well for the future of the band. Contrasting darker moments with parts filled with an incredible infectious joy, I'm excited to hear more from these guys as they evolve. They capture a very distinct vibe very well and I think that not a lot of bands can claim to have the authenticity and power they do, so come on and fill up your plate, Black Trip is going to rock you tonight!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Trip/184303701663532

Kamchatka-The Search Goes On

Let's be honest, most of us are only familiar with Kamchatka because of the game Risk. if there was no Kamchatka region in that game I for once would be lost trying to understand this groups name. So now were do we start? This groups new record The Search Goes On is a riff heavy rock release that uses a lot of tasty fills and earthy vocals that get at the spirit of rock and roll in a way that few of the groups contemporaries can touch on. Wonderfully mixed and very exciting, this is yet another top notch rock and roll record to come out in 2014.

Part of what makes The Search Goes On so darn appealing is simply how human it sounds. Kamchatka really get at the spirit of riff heavy 70's rock bands. Yet rather than aping them as most of their contemporaries in the 'revival' or 'vest metal' movement might, they really get at the spirit of the thing and this is what makes them special. Kamchatka are so much fun to listen too because they truly channel the drug addled spirit of the 70s, getting a dynamic and exciting sound that is filled with twists and turns. Yet it all seems natural, all a part of the flow, reflective of the beauty of the music and demonstrating the undying power of this kind of music.

Kamchatka are promising songwriters, and The Search Goes On is proof of that. The riffs are heavy, the songs engaging, and the vocals simply magnificent. As you fall into the incredible well of sound that this group has formed for themselves it is hard to believe that this is a 2014 release. Yet all of the elements are here, the moment is right, and rock and roll will dominate once more. So, brothers and sisters, I want to see a revolution out there, start up your rock and roll bands, and if you can be even half as good as Kamchatka, then you'll be going places.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Kamchatkaofficial?fref=ts

The Graviators-Motherload

The Graviators are the kind of trudging doom metal act that few people can really seek to compare too. This is the sort of band who are held together not by metronomes or regular meter, but sheer empathy. The riffs here have a very primal and almost personal strength that allows tracks like Narrow Minded Bastards to really stand out and showcase the magic of this group. Their new record Motherload is not the sort of thing you just listen to, but more something you feel, a complete sensory experience that seems to go on and on, a triumph in the world of sludgy hard rock.

The thing about this record that gets me excited is the way that they are combining these modern doom elements with the true spirit of 70s hard rock. In one song you hear Sabbath and Thin Lizzy riffs dueling side by side, and somehow working to create something magical. The Graviators are very much in touch with their roots and it allows them to rock harder and louder than their peers. Furthermore, these songs really lay it all on the line for the riffs. In many cases, this might be less than ideal, but The Graviators have such a sense of Gravitas that their Sabbath inspired trudge comes along as passionate and mighty, driving things forward with an impressive roar.

Stoner metal madness at its finest, this is the sort of album that grabs your heart in a unique and powerful way. Motherload forces your body into some form of unholy and twisted motion, rocking and rolling for its nine track duration. The beauty of this record lies in how it gives you a sense of completeness, the final track, the thirteen minute plus Druid's Ritual provides the perfect endcap to this masterpiece, leaving the listener gently and preparing them to go back into the world beyond the unholy and majestic soundscapes of Motherload that never truly leave the mind.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/thegraviators

Jackson Firebird-Cock Rockin'

For a long time I thought that this generation of rock bands has no real answer to the White Stripes. I would say to people, no one important is playing real rock and roll anymore, its disappointing, that old school formula should never die. This is why I was so elated to discover the rock and roll madness and fun of Jackson Firebird a band who not only rock but also roll. A fiery two piece from Australia their new record Cock Rockin' is dynamic garage rock that has all the maxims of the genre but isn't afraid to occasionally mix in something different and exciting. This is an album that has it all and sets my heart on fire, rock and roll for the master plan, Chuck Berry's music will never die.

From the first you can hear that Jackson Firebird are different. Their is a sort of primal rock madness here that only the greats can really claim to have. Not only does this band have top notch riffs, they also bring in ferocious vocals that have a great deal of emphasis on the rhythm. On some tracks they even approach a Rage Against the Machine sort of rap rock feel. It's simply that good. One of the things that helps to set Jackson Firebird apart is their use of the 'bottle bin' a unique drum that adds a very different taste to the groups music. Yet this all fits within the true rock spirit, roaring into hearts and grooving for its entire ten tracks.

This is frankly one of the best records that I have reviewed in a while and one that will definitely have a shot at getting on my top ten of 2014 list, or at least my mid year list. A band dedicated to rock and roll from their lyrics to their rhythm patterns Jackson Firebird are going to explode. This band is simply to rife with energy and raw potential to stay underground. I'm really excited about what they are doing and I feel that with a little more promotion from their label things could get very exciting. Jump on the boat now folks, Jackson Firebird are about to set sail and take the world by storm!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/jacksonfirebird

Buffalo Summer-Self Titled

So now I bring you another tried and true rock and roll record from a band who care about heavy riffs, good vibes and genuine rock and roll insanity. A band who are quite simply over the top and very proud of that Buffalo Summer's self titled debut record reflects all of the fun that rock and roll can have while still maintaining a powerful message. And also, them beards yo, how many bands these days rock beards that impressive? That's got to count for something. Seriously though, the plain and simple good vibes of Buffalo Summer make it more than just a rock record, but an album that could go down in history next to Bachman Turner Overdrives finest.

The thing about these guys is their music is just straightforward. There aren't a lot of frills to the Buffalo Summer sound and this really just allows the band to rock out and roar into songs with punchy riffs and touching lyrics. The thing is, Buffalo Summer get rock and roll and they simply understand what rock music is gunna need if its going to survive in its purest form for generations to come. With no pretentious songs and a simple dedication to their craft Buffalo Summer seem to really dig the parlance of our times. Even as Buffalo Summer create something that perfectly pays tribute to their old masters their is a certain hindsight on this record that makes it seem very current, in other words it becomes a record for everyone, old or young, Buffalo Summer have a relevant message for all.

In short, these tracks represent the beating heart of rock and roll with tons of blues, gallons of groove and solos that are just to die for. Very much in the vest metal vein these guys are not afraid to make the music they want, yet despite that it is incredibly relevant, showcasing all the magic that good old rock and roll has. I'm curious to see what the future holds for Buffalo Summer and I'm glad to know that they only need to take a brief hop across the Channel to come play in Paris. So here's to Buffalo Summer, may true rock and roll live ever on in our hearts!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/buffalosummer?fref=ts

Western Sand-Self Titled

An old generation of rock stars is starting to literally die out. Even the once great Thin Lizzy has been reincarnated as Black Star Riders. Speaking of which, today I bring you the self titled debut EP from Western Sand, the band who will be opening up for Black Star Riders on their upcoming tour. For a long time, I’ve been searching for who could be the true heirs of this strange thing we call rock and roll, and it seems like Western Sand have the potential to become the new kings, lords of the guitar, bass and drum. These four songs represent some of the most badass new rock and roll music that has come out in years.

The songs here use a lot of high powered melody lines that all come off with a bluesy Thin Lizzy vibe. 

Meanwhile, the chunky chord progressions and the powerful drum parts come together to form driving songs that really get to the soul of rock. My one complaint is that some of the songs are a bit too long, but honestly in most cases it works, it just leaves time for another glorious sing a long chorus. (The choruses are quite honestly a major highlight of the album) Toss in a couple explosive solos and a couple howls ripped from the devil himself and you have a band who ‘gets’ the spirit of Chuck Berry’s music who are not afraid to do what they want, how they want to do it.

 What I’m trying to get at is that Western Sand may very well be introducing the new heirs to the amorphous crown of rock and roll. Though the songs need to be tightened a bit these guys are unapologetic and unafraid. The way they crash through the speakerers, dominating the listener with their wall of sound is something even few death metal bands can do. Topped off with a bit of The Bachman Turner Overdrive’s crunch and punch and you have yourself an album that will roar its way to the top. I sincerely hope we get to hear a full length in the near future!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/westernsand

Albatross

Albatross is a nifty bluesy hard rock band who in many ways remind me of bands like Led Zeppelin in the way they are not afraid to mix light and dark. Their modern hard rock elements add in a taste of Altar Bridge to their heavier parts and the sheer groove is at best reminiscent of Black Sabbath. Their is a certain vibe here that is just magic, the bluesy acoustic playing that gives the music a great old school classic rock feel and the roaring pentatonic solos. While the band could use another member to fill out the sound (Some parts do sound a bit 'empty') Albatross's music is still exciting and dynamic showcasing a band who know what they want to do and more importantly how to do it. I especially like the drum lines, the cowbell playing on Smoke and Mirrors really captured my heart. The slide guitar parts add a certain earthy quality to the music that few other bands can emulate and with a more full sound the group might be able to get down and gritty. In short, one of the most exciting bands to come out of Ontario in a long while (See, there CAN be Canadians who rock!) the future seems bright for Albatross!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscochrane/app_2405167945 

Dick Venom & The Terrortones

Somewhere along the line, in that weird period that we collectively refer to as the 90s, rock and roll lost its raw hedonism, that adolescent and primal magic that made so much rock worth listening to. When that crazed youth vamoosed we were left in a vacuum only filled by shoegaze musicians. Now, while shoegaze is good, can it really match the madness of the MC5 or The Troggs? This is why we have Dick Venom and the Terrortones, they are here to restore our sense of rock and roll with fun and bombastic music that gets to your gut and reminds us what rock and roll should really be about. Their new single Invasion of the Spider Queen/Planet of the Honeyfuzz represents the filth and grime that need to accumulate to create something as glorious as these guys have made. An image heavy band who know exactly what they want to do Dick Venom & The Terrortones could very well lead a return to straight up rock and roll, and none of this vest metal stuff, but pure, unadulterated, unapologetic Iggy Pop inspired punk. Check them out!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/DickVenomandtheTerrortones

A Primitive Evolution-The Prize

A Primitive Evolution is a groovy (mostly) acoustic rock band with a darker vibe that nicely accentuates the inner conflict of the music. With their new record The Prize This Toronto trio takes the vibes of bands like Black Sabbath and re-invents them into a fairly bleak, yet strangely triumphant album. Their are also a variety of vocal harmonies and interesting layers to the music brought on by delicate touches from the groups female singer (The main parts are carried out by a male vocalist). The earthy might and inner despair of The Prize has a strange beauty to it and is not something that I will soon forget.

The songs are overall fairly simple and rarely make use of distortion or high tempos. Yet they have a blackness all of their own. These accents of despair flow nicely through songs like Won't Let You Down. Yet it should be noted, that even if the tracks seem depressing at times they always seem to come out with a victorious aura, creating a feel good atmosphere that makes the album worth multiple listens. Their is a lot of musical depth hear with a variety of flavors that almost remind me of the Smashing Pumpkins or even The Cure. In short, this is a wonderfully deep record that is often almost epic in scale it picks up the listener and carries them off on the dark wings of destiny.

To wrap up, A Primitive Evolution have made a majestic and enduring artistic statement that sweeps the listener off their feet and carries them on an Odyssean journey revealing a music that is both acoustic and strangely dark. Filled with brilliant vocal harmonies and lilts of of Led Zeppelin A Primitive Evolution is an album with a bizarre might that swoops into the listeners ears and fully entraps them in sound. As a whole The Prize is a fascinating release that stays with the listener. I am very much looking forward to see this groups future output!

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Dirty Sound Magnet-What Lies Behind

Domino Media Group seems to be have a very promising and rapidly growing group of young bluesy hard rock bands on its roster. The latest band that I have to review of theirs is the Swiss act Dirty Sound Magnet. There new album What Lies Behind is a tasty rock and roll album with progressive song structures that are reminiscent of Led Zeppelin or even Jack White at times. Their surprisingly epic soundscapes and gritty riffs are a lot of fun to listen too and they show a promising band who are just starting to bring their music to the next level.

One of the most notable aspects of this album is the very bluesy soloing that permeates the record. The vast majority of the tracks have a delicious solo or two that is reminiscent of Jimmy Page or at times BB King. The vocals have a great vibrant energy that transports the listener back to the 70s. They are filled with a radical might that gives the music a glorious and triumphant feel. Meanwhile the rhythm section gives the group a constant forward motion. In particular, the drums are rather explosive and show off the bands penchant to explode with a heavy metal energy.

To wrap up, Dirty Sound Magnet have released a rock record in the grand old style. With delicious and crunchy riffs What Lies Behind is a beautiful tribute t the magic of bands like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. The vaguely progressive nature of most of the tracks helps to make the record feel longer than it actually is. A great example of how revival rock can still be interesting and fun What Lies Behind is a 21st century classic rock masterwork. With a huge Led Zep influence and a great understanding of what rock and roll should be about Dirty Sound Magnet is a band all fans of the rock gods should check out!

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https://www.facebook.com/dirtysoundmagnet