THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: December 13, 2023

SCAR SYMMETRY – Pitch Black Progress

December 13, 2023 /

This is album number two for one of Sweden’s greatest metal bands. You must have experienced this before, when a band you really like doesn’t get the recognition you think they deserve. Scar Symmetry is that band for me.

The metal community are a very fickle bunch and can be very blinkered in their opinions. Specifically when talking about the differing vocal styles of clean and scream. Scar Symmetry blend that perfect balance between crunch and melody just right, and the way they use the differing vocal styles to fit the mood of the music is spot on.

Talking of vocals, this would be the last album that Christian Alvestam would appear on as his reluctance to tour was affecting the band, especially with the track The Illusionist gaining lots of airplay on radio and Headbangers Ball. The middle section groove is freaking awesome and you can see why it had great reviews. The title track is supremely delicious with lots of dropped down riffage, and Henrik Ohlsson is a beast on the kit.

One of the heavier tracks the band have done is Calculate The Apocalypse. They give any death band a run for their money all the while keeping the melody and groove in tact. Killer tune! Possibly even heavier is The Kaleidoscopic God, it’s also my favourite track. It’s heavier than a heavy train on the heavy road to heavy town, and gives Slipknot a run for their money in the pounding groove department.. this track slays!

A killer band with amazing musicians is always going to deliver. You will not be disappointed with this slab of awesome.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

CACTUS – One Way Or Another

December 13, 2023 /

Beleive it or not, but Cactus were an inspiration for young brothers Edward and Alex Van Halen.

This chunk of raw heavy blues was recorded way back in ’71 and contains six originals and two covers. The version of Long Tall Sally is almost unrecognizable, as it’s a drawn out killer blues jam. Jeff Beck saw the potential in these guys. He stole Tim Bogert and Vinnie Appice for the supergroup Beck Bogert & Appice.

Now, Jim McCarty is no Jeff Beck but he is a fine heavy blues player, and he lets fly on Rock N’ Roll Children which has a killer instrumental section. Favourite track is One Way Or Another, which I believe the Van Halen boys covered. I can see why, as the main riff is super cool and it has a very busy beat and groove. Plus, there is plenty of room to let loose as Jim McCarty does here.

I’m a big fan of old school heavy blues and this is a great advert for it.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

TUFF – The Glam Years

December 13, 2023 /

I guess you can describe this as an early days compilation, with each side featuring a different vocalist from the band. Jim Gillette wasn’t the first singer, but he was the first recorded (I think). He contributed six songs before he jumped ship and joined Nitro with guitar whizz Michael Angelo Batio. They recorded these six tracks at an early session and they have been remastered for this release. The best of these songs are the glam slam of Dressed For Dancin’ and the sleazefest that is Bang Bang.

Side 2 is given over to Stevie Rachelle, and straight away the quality of the songs goes up several notches. These were recorded over two different sessions and also have been remastered. Tuff were all about fun and having a good time and Side 2 sums that up nicely.

For my favourite track, well, I like both Aint Worth A Dime and Round Em Up. Both great songs with a great groove and swing. If you’re into the whole glam thing and you would like a copy of this album, you can get it from the band directly.

Side 2 is way better than Side 1, so it’s 8/10 for Side 2 and 6/10 for Side 1 from the Grooveman.

NIAGARA – Now Or Never

December 13, 2023 /

Now, I don’t know a whole bunch about Spanish rock bands. The only other band I am aware of is Baron Rojo. Niagara managed to record three albums, of which this is the first, and it was released in ’88.

Niagara are nowhere near as heavy as Baron Rojo. They are more melodic rock/aor, with keyboards playing a big part in the band’s sound. Although, Niagara do put the pedal to the metal especially on Now Or Never, where it’s double kicks all the way. This is also apparent on my favourite track I Should Be Stronger, which gives Priest a run for their money, plus that middle section is killer.

The one thing this album lacks is a decent production. They have some good songs, and with a better producer this would have sounded huge.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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