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CD/TAPE REVIEWS

By Kevin Brown

Vehement - Unbalanced For Mankind (Cellar Records)
The sound these guys get definitely sounds like more than a three piece band and that is to their credit. This 9 track CD is death metal at its most basic. Just the right amount of growled vocals, fairly fast drumming and a guitar solo for good measure. You don’t hear many slow instrumental tracks on death metal albums, but “Creation” is a nice touch and shows these guys can actually play and not just thrash around. “Procrehatred” is my standout track on the album. This album should appeal to most fans of death metal or anyone looking for some heavy music. For more info: Vehement, P.O. Box 9043, Downers Grove, IL 60515 or www.Vehement.net.

Thundercore - Thundercore (Self Released) I was so looking forward to hearing this CD after hearing the excellent Shift EP that I reviewed for Eternal Jam awhile back. Everything has improved on this album except one thing, the lyrics. These guys are very good musicians, the vocals are killer and the production no longer sounds like a bathroom recording, but these lyrics leave something to be desired. They just seem to simplistic for this band. They should be above writing a song like “Shift,” which is basically sex put to music. “A.F.M.D.,” “Outcast” and “Leave Me Alone” are all about not fitting in with surroundings. “Brew-Chronic Fix” is about beer and blunts. Come on guys, I know you have better stuff in you because I have heard it. Hopefully the next release from Thundercore will be the complete package. They are so close!! For more information: www.thundercore.com.

Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands (Limb Music)
This symphonic metal tale is the second album in the musical trilogy of the Algalord Chronicles. Rhapsody is lead by guitarist Luca Turilli. His knowledge and appreciation of classical music really shines on this album. The beautiful music has enough of an edge to catch the ear of metal fans and would be wonderful to listen to even without the lyrics. This album would definitely appeal to any fans of fantasy books and the addition of music really helps the listener get immersed in this fantastic fantasy tale. For more information: Rhapsody Fan Club PO Box 1756, Sebastopol, CA 95473 or www.world-online.de/limb-music.

Luca Turilli - King of the Nordic Twilight (Limb Music)
The solo debut of Rhapsody guitarist Luca Turilli is described as Epic Fantasy Metal in the small catalog that came with the CD and I have to say that is probably a pretty good description. Luca’s guitar playing is more pronounced on this CD than on the Rhapsody disc. While the classical influences and medieval instruments are still evident, they do tend to allow more space for the traditional metal instruments. In Luca’s liner notes, he states that this album represents the first chapter in the “Virtual Odyssey Trilogy”. Like any good fantasy series, this trilogy promises to take the listener on a grand journey. This album should have no problem gaining a wide audience. May the next installment of this trilogy come to your stereo soon. For more information: Luca Turilli Fan Club PO Box 779, Occidental, CA 95465 or www.limb-music.de.

United - Distorted Vision (Howling Bull America)
Probably to the average American, Loudness is the best known Japanese heavy metal band, but I have to say that United should be right up there with them. United has been around for over 10 years and have had at least one other album released in the US, No IQ that came out in 1996 on Metal Blade. They play thrash metal that could rival the San Fran thrash scene of the mid 80s. They write great songs and really should be bigger in this country than they are. They are as good if not better than many of the bands that are currently labeled as metal. My favorite tracks are “Flash Back,” “Color,” “Who I Am,” “Locked Inside,” “Change,” and “Revenger.” I hope this album will get this band a bigger following in this country. They deserve it!! For more information: Howling Bull America, P.O. Box 40129, San Francisco, CA 94140-0129 or www.howlingbull.com.

Annihilator - Criteria for a Black Widow (CMC International)
This is the 9th release from one of Canada’s premier metal bands. They fall into the Thrash category, but they always seemed to be more than that to me. They are just a great band. This album finds 4/5 of the original lineup back in the band, though that recently changed when vocalist Randy Rampage was given his walking papers after an altercation on the band’s tour bus. New vocalists are currently being auditioned. Band leader, Jeff Waters is a highly underrated guitar player, though lately he has had offers to join three major metal bands. Good to see someone recognizing his skills. Overall, Jeff is the complete package. He can play, writes great songs and can sing when the need arises. “Schizos (Are Never Alone) Part III” is a ripping instrumental and “Back To The Palace” is sort of a sequel to “The Fun Palace” from the album Never, Neverland. My favorites tracks are “Bloodbath,” “Nothing Left,” “Loving the Sinner,” and “Sonic Homicide.” Jeff has always provided great liner notes with his albums. He likes to tell the listener how the songs came about and what they are about. This time he goes one step further and puts most of the liner notes on a track called “Jeff Waters Speaks.” Very cool idea Jeff!! Each Annihilator albums sounds different, but they are all metal. This album would be a great place to learn what Annihilator has to offer. For more information: www.cmcinternational.com or email Jeff directly at jfwaters@home.com.

Demons & Wizards - Demons & Wizards (SPV)
Put down Eternal Jam right now and go buy this album!!!! If you did not follow these directions, you will by the end of this review. Demons & Wizards is one of the best melodic Heavy Metal albums I have ever heard. This band was formed by guitarist Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth and vocalist Hansi Kursch from Blind Guardian. Both are excellent musicians from two of the best Power Metal bands playing today. Demons & Wizards is definitely not as heavy as either of the members other bands, but though the songs start slow they progressively get heavier. The entire album is full of exceptional songs, but my favorites are “Winter of Souls,” “Poorman’s Crusade,” “The Whistler,” “ Gallows Pole” and “My Last Sunrise.” I don’t know what more to say about this album, but that it is a must own for any heavy metal collection. For more information: www.spv.de. (Ed note - I’ve got to agree with Kevin. This CD is smokin’!)

Niacin - Deep (Magna Carta)
If Billy Sheehan did not have enough on this plate with his work with Mr. Big and guesting on various other artist’s CDs, he also plays in this excellent prog rock/jazz trio. Deep is the third album that they have released. Billy’s incredible bass playing is complemented by John Novello on Hammond B3 and Dennis Chambers on drums. Like their other albums, this is an instrumental album, though vocalist Glenn Hughes and guitarist Steve Lukather guest on the track “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be.” The entire album is exceptional, so I really can’t pick any favorites. Their version of “Mean Streets” by Van Halen is pretty killer though. This CD is highly recommend for anyone looking for serious chops by serious musicians. For more information: Magna Carta, PMB 1820, 208 E. 51st St., New York, NY 10022-6500 or www.magnacarta.net.

Hellchild - Bareskin (Howling Bull America)
I can’t understand a damn thing this guy is singing, but the music sure kicks butt. Luckily, the lyrics are included, so that helps in following along. The vocals sound like a sucking chest wound and I mean that as a compliment. There are guys in death metal bands that would kill to have a voice like this. The lyrics are great and are not about the average death metal topics. My favorite track is “In this Freezing Night.” Hopefully we will hear more from this great Japanese band. For more information: Hellchild, Ikebukuro-Wakabayashi Bldg 1 1F, 2-16-19 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0031 Japan or www.howlingbull.com.

Attraction - Get Up ‘N’ Shake
It’s a shame that a band like Attraction can’t sell millions of albums like all those darn boy bands out there these days. These songs are about having a good time and the music will get you moving. If these songs were on the radio, both the Backstreet Boys and Nsync would be in the unemployment line. There are some great hard rock songs on this album and I can’t tell you how much I really liked this album. “Lickity Split” is definitely my favorite. The guitar riff in the song is very similar to “Balls to the Wall” by Accept and that helps give this song some serious edge. My other faves are “Save Me Now,” “Storybook,” and “Summer Days.” This is one Attraction that you should not miss!! For more information on Stone Angel or Attraction write to: Kivel Records, 923 Saw Mill River Road., Suite 300, Ardsley, NY 10502 or e-mail: kivelrecords@dellnet.com.

Danger Danger - The Return of the Great Gildersleeves
This is my first listen to new stuff by this band since Danger Danger and Screw It! came out. This is not your older brother’s Danger Danger. This band has grown. They really show on this album that they are a serious musicians and not just another “hair metal” band. Some songs have a little more edge to the music, but a few songs still hint at old Danger Danger themes (sex!!, ie. “Grind”). “She’s Gone” and “I Do” never would have had a chance on either of the first two albums, but fit great here. Those songs are very melodic and have some excellent guitar work in them. My favorite songs are “She’s Gone,” “When She’s Good She’s Good (When She’s Bad She’s Better),” and “Dead, Drunk & Wasted.” Overall, this is a pretty killer album. Danger Danger is not trying to repeat the past, but on the other hand they are not going off on any real tangents either. They have recorded an album full of songs that fit well together yet sound different from one song to the next. This album should appeal to the older fans as well as bringing them some new ones. If you can’t find the new CD in the store, you can order directly from the band. Check out their site at: www.dangerdanger.com.

Needles Down - Needles Down
This album was recorded in the band’s apartment and you can really tell it. The five songs had good music and decent lyrics, but the vocals were a little low in the mix and sounded muffled at times. I also think the vocal effects need to go because they don’t add anything to the songs. I don’t think they should throw in the towel yet, but defining their hard alternative sound and getting some recording time in a real studio will help make a big difference. For more information: http://hometown.aol.com/needledown/INDEX.html.

Full Devil Jacket - Album CD Sampler
If you did not know it, you would think the first two songs on here were done by a different band. “Now You Know” and “Monster” are pretty ho hum and not very impressive. “Wanna’ Be Martyr” and “Love Song,” the third and fourth song on this four song sampler really kick in and show that this band is not your average hard alternative/new metal band. As long as the rest of the album sounds like “Wanna’ Be Martyr” and “Love Song,” this band can make a name for itself. If not, they will fall into obscurity with other bands in this genre. For more information: www.fulldeviljacket.com.

Drown - Kerosene EP (Slipdisc Records)
It seems that more bands today are taking a single off their albums and releasing it as a maxi-single with different versions of the song, multimedia features or an unreleased track. “Kerosene,” which I think is a very good song appears on here as the Radio version, Album version, Spanish version and the 1605 All Star version. The fifth song, “Something To Do” is taken from the lyrics of “Kerosene” and turned into a slightly different song.
Fans of Drown should definitely check this EP out and others need to hear this song either here or on the full length album, Product of a Two Faced World. For more information: www.drown.net.

Mortiis - The Stargate (Earache Records)
If there are any Black Metal fans out there, you may remember Mortiis as the former bass player for Emperor. After leaving that band, Mortiis has gone in a totally different direction. His current material bares like resemblance to any form of metal as we know it. With that being said, I can see this CD appealing to fans of everything from classical to black metal and everything in between.
This album’s “songs” are more like eight chapters of a book put to music. The dark, almost mystical music has female chanting through out which really adds to the tone of the disc. It is about a boy who becomes king, but the ways of the world as he grew up have made his heart dark and heavy. With his power, he sends his army of warriors through the star gates he has created to other worlds where they bring wrath and mass destruction. Mortiis has done an excellent job of weaving an interesting story with mood inducing music to equal a gripping tale. For more information: www.mortiis.com.

The Clay People - The Clay People (Slipdisc Records)
This band first came to my attention with the song “Awake” on the Universal Soldier: The Return soundtrack. I really liked that song and was looking forward to reviewing this CD. I was not disappointed. This is one of the best albums I have heard in the last couple of years. They fall into the 90s metal sound, but they put bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit to shame. What makes this band so good is that they have the ability to play the really heavy stuff along with slower songs like “Thread” and “Ghostwishing.” My favorite songs are “Awake,” “Plug,” “Mechanized Mind,” “Carbomb” and “Dying To Be You.” The Clay People have all the tools to pack the nation’s arenas and sell millions of albums. Check this band out now!! For more information: www.claypeople.com.

Bush - The Science of Things (Trauma Records)
Bush has been a staple on rock radio for the past few years. Gavin Rossdale might not have a great vocal range, but for the songs that Bush do, it fits perfectly. Happy songs are nowhere to be found on this album, angst rock is more like it. The twelve songs on this album are slower and more mellow than other songs I have heard by them, but each one still has a slight edginess that seems to pop up in all Bush songs. My favorite songs were “The Chemicals Between Us” and “Spacetravel.” If you liked the past stuff you have heard on the radio, then this album might be a letdown. Though Gavin’s voice has a way of drawing you into any song that Bush does. For more information: amBush, Dept. AI, P.O. Box 882588, San Francisco, CA 94188 or www.bushnet.com.

Lab Animals - Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars
Lab Animals is a fine Nine Inch Nails clone. Their brand of industrial metal is nothing you have not heard before, but they did succeed in having some pretty annoying vocals on this album. I did like the song “Mind Blender” because it had the best vocals and instrumentation on the CD. For more information: www.labanimals.org.

Drew Barrett - The Strolling Minstrel (Skyward Productions)
Drew Barrett is the true definition of a one man band. Drew wrote all the songs, played all the instruments and produced the album. Overall, he did a great job wearing all those hats. This collection of slow pop rock songs show that Drew is quickly on his way to becoming a great singer/songwriter. My favorite songs are “City of Sin,” “Caught in the Act” and “Billy-Bob,” a song about President Clinton. With repeated listenings to this CD, my eyes were opened to the fact that Drew has one of the most unique voices I have ever heard and that the lyrics to his songs are more than just words. This man has things to say. “Judicial Breakdown” calls for judges to be held accountable for criminals that commit more crimes while out on parole.
This a powerful album and I hope that many people get to hear what Drew has to say. For more information: Skyward Productions 46 Relda St, Plainview, NY 11803 or www.drewbarrett.com.

Load Point Pull - We’ve Come to Take What’s Ours
It is good to hear some good old Heavy Metal. This band is the complete package. Great vocals, songs, playing and lyrics. My favorite songs on the album are “Monkey,” “Rush (Wish it Away),” “Rain,” “Prick” and their killer medley of the Go-Go’s “Our Lips are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat.” I think that Load Point Pull really hits the target. This band should be able to make a name for themselves all over the US. For more information: Load Point Pull, PO Box 7399, N. Kansas City, MO 64116 or http://loadpointpull.iuma.com.

Tempest - The 10th Anniversary Compilation (Magna Carta)
Tempest is a Celtic Rock band. I did not know what I would think of this band before I put the CD in, but by the time it was over, Tempest showed me how great Celtic Rock can be. This CD is made up of the band’s 12 most requested songs over their 10 years of playing. Most of the tracks are Traditional Celtic songs with a few that were written by the band. The added edge of electric instruments really made a difference. Though I like them all, my top three tracks on the disc are “Milligan’s Fancy,” “Hal-an-Tow” and “Captain Morgan.” All the songs with words tell a story that helped keep a new listener like me interested. The liner notes said that the songs will make you want to dance and they were definitely right about that. I highly recommend this CD to anyone looking for something above your ordinary rock music. They won me over and I think they will do the same to you, too. For more infornmation: Tempest, 2155 Park Blvd., Suite 1, Oakland, CA 94606 or www.tempestmusic.com.

Torie Tyson - Torie Tyson Torie is off to a good start with this 3 song CD. She has a very good voice that has an edge to it and does not sound like any other female vocalist. She has the potential to be a powerful female voice in rock. My favorite song of the three is “You Push Me Down.” If there is more from where this came from, then Torie should be headed for a lucrative musical career. For more information: www.torietyson.com.

Britton - Alien Romper Room (Advance listening tape)
I reviewed this band’s last album and I thought it was pretty good, but this release blows that one away. The songs on this album are all excellent. I don’t think there is a weak song on here. Even the slower songs on the album kick butt, which is not always the case with some bands. My favorite tracks are “Open Your Heart,” “Alien Romper Room,” “I Want To Know” and “Barfly.” I believe these are the titles because the tape came with no track listings. No matter what they are called, this is an album to get when it comes out in early 2000.
(My fault. I forgot to send the track list to Kevin along with the CD. He almost got the titles exactly right except it’s “I Wanna Know.” For more information visit: www.Songhausmusic.com.)

Liquid Tension Experiment - Liquid Tension Experiment 2 (Magna Carta):
Welcome to the second installment of this instrumental shred fest. It contains the same lineup as the first album, which is now three fourths members of Dream Theater with keyboardist Jordan Rudess joining Dream Theater. These four guys are so talented that they have the ability to put together some great songs in a very short amount of time. The liner notes of LTE albums are some of my favorite because each of the members tells you what they were doing and thinking when each song came about. Of the eight tracks on the album, “Hourglass” is the most mellow with the rest being pretty speedy. My favorite songs were “Acid Rain” and “Another Dimension.” If you liked the first LTE album, definitely get this one because it is even better.

Derek Sherinian - Planet X (Magna Carta Records):
This debut solo release from former Dream Theater keyboard player, Derek Sherinian has him going in a very exciting new direction from his former band. His playing blends in very well with the other instruments and does not become a spotlight stealing performance. The ten songs on the album have a funky, space age feel to them with a little jazz inflection thrown in for good measure. These songs will not get your head banging, but they definitely will get your toes tapping. All the songs seemed structured and not like four musicians getting into the studio and just playing whatever comes to mind. My favorite tracks were “Lost Island,” “Money Shot” and “Day in the Sun.” This great instrumental album shows that Derek will be a keyboard force to be reckon with for a long time to come. For more information: www.dereksherinian.com.

By Lori Powers

Megadeth - Risk
Let me just start by saying, I love Dave’s voice. It is so strong and unique. I could never describe it. It’s not too high...definitely not too low...just awesome. If insanity had a voice, this would be it. He’s got that insane person voice (especially on the Countdown To Extinction CD - “Hello me, meet the real me...and my misfits way of life” - Sweating Bullets). Of course it isn’t just Dave that makes Megadeth the great Metal band that they are...it is a group of extrordinary musicians. I’ve read many mixed reviews on Risk...It was a love/hate thing. I must admit that on first listen it didn’t grab me like many of the other Megadeth CDs...but now I absolutely love it. My favorites: “Prince Of Darkness” - It’s rockin’ and has a very catchy beat; “Crush ‘Em” - it’s heavy, aggressive and makes you want to wave your fists in the air; “Breadline” - it’s slower, great lyrics, and Dave’s voice really shines on this one; “I’ll Be There” - A love song on a Megadeth album? Great lyrics, I love it (think that one is my favorite); and “Time: The End” - heavy as heck, that growl is going strong, and the great guitar riffs alone make this a smokin’ song. Megadeth grows with each album and if you are not one of those “fickle” fans who cry “sell-out” when a band takes it to the next level, you’ll love this CD.

Westworld
Westworld is made up of some really great musicians. They have assembled a great “super-group.” I was really looking forward to hearing this CD because I have read so many positive reviews. It definitely did not disappoint. I have always thought that Tony Harnell (TNT) was a great vocalist (yes, great vocals are very very important to me). This is a great melodic CD with a very “80’s” feel. My favorite songs on the CD include: “I Belong” - one of the heavier songs on the CD, great lyrics; “Pidgeon Hole” - great vocals, great guitar riffs, and a catchy chant near the end; “Heart Song” - a beautiful ballad; and “Love You Insane.” It’s a great CD, and I hear they are working on another one. Can’t wait to hear it!

Danny Danzi - Somewhere Lost In Time
Danny Danzi sings and plays all instruments on this CD and he does an amazing job. He’s got a great (almost hypnotic at times) voice. He is also an extrordinary guitar player. That was one of the things that impressed me most about this CD. It is a hard rock CD full of great melodies and harmonies. One thing Danny is very good at is ballads but there is also some good rockin’ songs on this CD. Somewhere Lost In Time is a CD full of beautiful lyrics and most of the songs are about love or lost loves. My favorites include “Dreams,” “Somewhere Lost In Time,” “Is Love A Lie,” and “Dirty Mean And Nasty.” Danny’s guitar playing really shines on the last track, “Pop Goes The What.” It’s a jammin’ instrumental track. For more info. check out his site at: www.dannydanzi.com.

By Kevin Brown

Stretch Arm Strong - Rituals of Life (Solidstate Records)
While not as Christian based as other bands on this label, they are still playing hardcore music like the others. It really sounded like vocalist Chris McLane was straining to sing on this album. Musically, most of the album sounded the same from one song to another. Some of the songs are pretty heartfelt and emotional especially “For Now,” but screaming the lyrics really takes away from the message being presented. My favorite track on the album was the unlisted 12th track, a cover of Modern English’s “I Melt With You.” The message is there, but the delivery needs some fine tuning. For more info: Stretch Arm Strong P.O. Box 8826, Columbia, SC 29202 or www.axs2k.net/scottd.

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