REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: September 21, 2022

MUSTASCH – Killing It For Life

Imagine if Metallica and Motorhead had hooked up and had a love child – the offspring would be called Mustasch.

I’m a big fan of Mustasch – I really love the big fat chunky monster tunes that they deliver. If you want proof, then dive straight into opener, Where Angels Fear To Tread. It’s very simple but the riff sounds huge and oh so heavy. Couple that with a great rhythm sound and awesome powerhouse vocals from Ralf Gyllenhammar – ladies and germs, I give you another Swedish band that North America seems to ignore. Ransacker is next and was a single in Sweden. It has a great production with a huge sound, a super catchy hook and chorus, and a groove that makes you want to bounce – its winner winner chicken dinner. Before A Grave follows and starts with a gospel harmony vocal, before we settle down to a huge anthemic epic track, with deep lyrics about saving someone from suicide. Freddie Mercury closes out Side 1 and is Ralf’s homage to his hero. The lyrics are clever as they weave in Queen tunes, and the heavy slow riff does remind me of a Queen song…any guesses?

Side 2 opens up with Go To Hell, where the track just feels like a big intro until the only lyric sung is “Go To Hell”. Blood In Blood Out is up next, and I would say this is my favourite track. This was also released as a single, and again the subject matter is quite personal. A killer rhythm track and huge guitars, but it’s the vocals that really carry the tune. Next up is What Is Wrong, and another huge fat riff blows out the ears. It has a superb hook and a real catchy chorus – what a production! The album ends with Garlic And Shots. A huge chugga riff sets the tone for a very heavy sounding end to the record. I think the song is a big F-U to a manager or label.

I think there are only two albums available on vinyl, and I hope someone picks them up for release. Great band with a great back catalogue go check them out.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

TONY MACALPINE – Edge Of Insanity

This is Tony’s first solo album, released back in ’86. Tony seems to fly under the radar compared to his contemporaries that emerged at the same time. That’s not to say he doesn’t release much, on the contrary, as he has released 13 studio albums under his own name – as well as a plethora of side projects and compilations. He has been anything but idle.

I bought this on release and I still rank it as one of his best albums. Like Yngwie, you can hear the classical influences in Tony’s playing, as well as there being a Chopin piece on Side 2 that shows how suited classical music is to shred guitar. Wheel Of Fortune is a blistering opener with Tony giving it the beans but with tons of melody. The Stranger follows, and is all about the melody lines where the guitar replaces vocals. The Stranger is a Live solo where Tony showcases all the chops with runs and widdle a plenty. Agriona slows things down, where the main guitar riff has been doubled for a nice effect with lots of shred over the top. Side 1 closes out with Empire In The Sky, and starts with Tony playing the keys, and the main guitar part is very Satriani.

Just a quick mention of his band mates on the album, Steve Smith, of Journey on drums, and Mr Billy Sheehan on bass – not a bad rhythm section. The Witch And The Priest opens up Side 2, and this is my favourite on the album. A superb fast groove with a great harmony and hook. Superb guitar on this one! The Taker follows, and we are technically down to a two piece as Tony also plays bass on this one. The pace is quick, and the main intro reminds me of Iron Maiden. Lots and lots of notes flying all around. The aforementioned Chopin piece follows where Tony’s skills on the piano are jaw dropping, and then it’s onto the title track with an almost Journey feel to the main melody. The classical vibe is again front and centre, before a true metal groove takes over. No Place In Time closes out the album with fusion vibes a plenty.  A really cool piece to end the album on. I love this album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.