THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: November 2022 (Page 7 of 13)

BLACK SABBATH – Mob Rules

November 16, 2022 /

Dio was only with Sabbath for two studio albums as Black Sabbath, but what an impact those two albums had. Yup, there was Heaven and Hell, but it’s the first two that everyone holds up as classics. The riffs are still there but it’s a very different vibe to Sabbath of old.

An injection of melody mixed with the heavy worked brilliantly, but as usual when a lead singer is swapped, the whole feel of the band changes. Except for The Sign Of The Southern Cross, where Iommi gets to bring the evil riff and we get a real look at what Sabbath with Ronnie should sound like. Where on Mob Rules, which is a killer track, it feels as though the band are playing around Ronnie as the focus.

Slipping Away sounds like a Zeppelin song complete with a Bonham drum groove. Falling Off The Edge Of The World is the other tune on the album which feels like Sabbath with Ronnie singing his ass off. My favourite track though is Voodoo, a great vocal from Ronnie and superb riff from Tony. A good kick ass album!

9/10 from The Grooveman.

ANGEL WITCH – s/t

November 16, 2022 /

What a tale of the nearly man is Kevin Heybourne. I think most people know the night that Iron Maiden were chosen by EMI, but it was actually Angel Witch that the record company had come to sign. Depending on who you believe, Angel Witch thought it was a formality that they were going to be signed to a contract by EMI. Kevin had way too many alcoholic beverages and the performance was a shambles. Maiden played a blinder, as they always did, and the rest is history. Life has a way of teaching you a lesson, I guess. They still got a contract with Bronze records and the first product of that was this NWOBHM classic.

The album kicks in with the title track and boom. The sound was very similar to what Maiden were doing, complete with harmonies. The song has a killer riff, and I love the hook. Atlantis is next, and this is my favourite Angel Witch song ever. Great riff and superb harmonies. This is one of the best songs from the whole NWOBHM. White Witch follows and I love the change in pace in the middle section, creating great dynamics. Confused is up next. I love this song it’s way ahead of its time. Listen to the riff and groove, no one else was doing this at the time. Killer harmonies as well. Sorcerers closes out Side1. What an epic way to close out the side. A very evil sounding chord progression, eerie vocals, plus a very NWOBHM middle eight. That’s a killer side of music!!!

Gorgon kicks off Side 2. What a superb opening with the spooky far away guitars before the main riff blasts in. Great tune with an epic instrumental ending. Sweet Danger follows, this was the first single released, and what band does this remind you of? A great uptempo rocker with a cool chorus. Free Man is the big build up number, a very cool slower song with some great guitar from Kevin. Angel Of Death is next up. A very heavy evil riff opens the song up, and very apt considering the subject matter. They are the kings of the killer middle eight. Devils Tower closes out the album with an almost classical guitar intro, and the main riff has a very demonic feel. A killer instrumental to go out on. I don’t think this album gets the credit it deserves, it was a very influential album for what came after.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

ALCATRAZZ – No Parol From Rock N’ Roll

November 15, 2022 /

Graham Bonnet has played with some of the best guitarists in the business. Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen on this album – Alcatrazz’s first. This was Malmsteen’s next project after he left Ron Keel in Steeler. There is no doubting that Bonnet possesses one of the best voices in rock, and on this album he is taking that Rainbow sound further with the ultimate Blackmore clone.

Tracks like Island In The Sun and Hiroshima Mon Amour were more poppy in direction, and were great for the radio. It’s the more uptempo songs that grab me the most. Jet To Jet has a main riff right out of Blackmore’s back pocket, but Bonnet’s vocals and Yngwie’s playing are awesome on this tune. Too Young To Die, To Drunk To Live has all the hallmarks of future Yngwie endeavours and is just superb with that strong classical vibe, and it is my favourite track. Big Foot has a really cool slow groove and vibe, Yngwie’s solo is just insane. It’s a shame this line up didn’t go further but Yngwie was on a mission, and you all know the rest.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

LORD TRACY – Deaf Gods Of Babylon

November 15, 2022 /

This falls into the “one and they’re done” category. They released this in ’89 and other than a live album, that was it until inevitable legacy reunion in 2004. It’s a good time barroom rock and roll, no hairs and graces, just straight up as it comes. The one thing that should grab your attention though is the fact that original Pantera vocalist Terry Glaze is their frontman.

Out With The Boys is straight up rock and roll but next track East Coast Rose is awesome! A killer funky under groove to the main song and a very Guns N’ Roses sleazy vibe make this my favourite track. She’s A Bitch is back to the bar complete with slide guitar. Barney’s Wank (yes you read that right) has a solo bass noodle that leads into the total sleaze of Whatchadoin. Chosen Ones brings Side 1 to an end and it’s so unlike anything else on the album, a very laid back acoustic piece.

Side 2 starts  up with In Your Eyes, a close second to the best song. A very busy groove and vibe, with a killer riff. Rats Motel is straight up barroom sleaze. Another left turn with Foolish Love, which has a country/Americana vibe. She Man Blues is a very short comedic interlude. King Of The Nighttime Cowboys is a punked up rock n’ roll blast. 3 HC is a pointless attempt at rap. Sometimes things should stay on the cutting room floor. Submission is a good time sleaze straight rock n’ roll. Piranha follows and it’s straight up early Metallica style thrash – another joke tune. Ivory Lover closes out the album and it’s a very short piano piece. If you’re counting that’s nine tracks on Side 2. I get that you want to have some fun, but cut the crap and make a better album.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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