THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: December 22, 2024 (Page 1 of 2)

KIK TRACEE – No Rules

December 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

A perfect example of a one and they’re done glam metal band that appeared too late and were swept away by the great grunge unpleasantness. Slaughter’s Dana Strum had a big hand in the creation of this album. Not only did he produce the album, but he also arranged it and had a hand in writing five of the songs.

This album was released in ’91 and spawned two singles Don’t Need Rules and the rock ballad You’re So Strange. Pretty predictable major label formula. Don’t Need Rules is not a bad song if I’m being honest, with a nice groove and riff. I also really like the sleazy version of Mrs. Robinson by Simon And Garfunkel. In fact, there are quite a few highlights to give your ears a good rockin’.

Trash City has a killer sleazy riff and groove as does Hard Time. Generation Express has that roots Americana vibe added to the sleaze. My favourite however, is Tangerine Man because I love the intro, and that hook and chorus is perfect. You can hear why they were compared to GnR and LA Guns as they have that similar vibe and sound, with a hint of old school Aerosmith thrown in as well.

They started recording a follow up to this, but everything fell away.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

RATT – Detonator

December 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

This was album five for Ratt and was also the last of the prime time releases, as it came out in 90 and it would be another nine years before their next one.

They also drafted in Desmond Child to help on production and songwriting to give them a push for that elusive hit single. It sort of worked as Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job and Giving Yourself Away broke into the charts. However, I think Shame Shame Shame and All Or Nothing are much better songs because they are what Ratt do best with their cool rock/pop groove.

Not their best effort as nothing comes close to Out Of The Cellar, but anything with Warren DeMartini on is worth listening to.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

SCAR SYMMETRY – The Singularity (Phase1 Neohumanity)

December 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Released back in 2014, this was the first in a trilogy of albums and I think we are still waiting on the third. They seem to change members with alarming frequency and yet that doesn’t seem to stop them from releasing grade A quality tunes, and this album is no exception.

The lead off track Neohuman pounds along with a killer groove and I love the mix of clean and dark vocals. I mentioned in a previous review of one of their albums that they are DT on steroids, and I still think that’s an accurate description. Limits To Infinity emphasizes the Prog like quality of their vocal harmonies and also shows just how melodic they can be, mixing it with some seriously heavy riffs and grooves. Killer stuff!

Cryptic Harvest sounds so majestic and epic at the intro and then it gives way to the expected crunch and heaviness. The Spiral Timeshift is power metal awesomeness that drives along with double kicks a plenty wrapped in harmonic goodness. Massive shout out to Per Nilsson whose axe work is a revelation all throughout this record.

The short instrumental piece Children Of The Integrated Circuit is just sublime that shows of Per’s incredible melody and tone. Neuromancer is so freakin’ heavy it pounds your brain into submission. The album closes out with Technocalyptic Cybergeddon, over 10 minutes of jaw dropping intensity.

Great record! You can buy this album or live under a rock! Your choice!

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

METALLICA – 72 Seasons

December 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

It’s nearly 20 months ago that this beauty was released, and the band are still out touring on the back of it. They are the biggest metal band out there and but it seems as though it’s open season to bash them at will. I don’t get that at all, we all should be happy that they are out there still killing it. No, they are not going to make Kill Em All again or Master Of Puppets so get over it. They have grown up and moved on but I will say in 72 Seasons that have made one hell of a record.

The track that surfaced first announcing the imminent arrival of the album was Lux Aeterna, and what a freaking beast of a tune that is. A ripping riff that speeds along at a killer pace, and James giving it the beans on the vocals. I mean c’mon!!! That track alone should tell you the band are still hungry.

Sleepwalk My Life Away is prime time mid-tempo Metallica, and that intro is just superb. The close out tune Inamorta is as epic as they have ever been, bringing together all elements of the Metallica sound.

It’s always the sign of a good album when it’s still in rotation nearly two years after release.

9/10 the Grooveman.

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