REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: December 2024 (Page 3 of 8)

RATT – Detonator

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)

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

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.

OVERKILL – The Electric Age

Another day and another Overkill reissue. This time it’s a 2024 Church Of Vinyl redo of this 2012 beast of a record.

I think out of all the “thrash” bands, Overkill are the ones that have stayed true to themselves over their 20 album career. And, to come out with something as good as this 16 albums in is a testament to what a great band they are.

I love every freaking groove on this record, and Electric Rattlesnake is one of my favourite Overkill tunes. It has everything: the big thrash groove with matching riff, a killer breakdown and groove change, and big chase to the finish. A true dandruff shaker!

I’m sure the band are big Sabbath fans because there are many nods and references to them, but the song Black Daze has a great old school Sabs vibe. Great packaging on the record as well. When you open up the gatefold, a pop up appears with the logo and skull symbol.

Great band and killer record.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

« Older posts Newer posts »