THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: January 2025 (Page 1 of 5)

PRINS SVART – Till Vart Forsvar

January 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I don’t have many albums that are written and sung in Swedish. I have several Opeth albums, a song by Freak Kitchen, and then this beauty. True, I haven’t got a clue what Mats is singing about (google translate helps) but the melody can be appreciated in whatever language it is sung in.

Musically, it’s a heavy modern classic rock vibe, with a hint of metal, and just a twist of retro. It feels rather familiar and yet new at the same time. You are further confused with the old Viking folk intro to opener Resenarer, but when the riff and groove kick in it all sounds epic.

The heavy groove on Hemlighet (Secrets) is just superb and that heavy psych ending is killer. Love the guitar tone and groove to Parasit, this song is freakin’ awesome. I would say this is my favourite song but Vintertronen just sneaks it because that groove and riff are epic, and the solo is just beautiful.

Looks as though I will have to delve back into their catalogue.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

FRANK MARINO – Full Circle

January 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

This is the first album Frank released after his CBS contract came to an end, and four years after the success of the Juggernaut record. Basically, it was still the same band but now he was in more control of his own destiny. I think the title reflects that because he was returning to the vibe and feel before CBS came into his life.

Frank came into my life because I was blown away by his playing after I heard the Mahogany Rush live record. This album is not as full on as that, but it does have its moments. Opener Breakin’ Away is prime time Frank with some killer playing and a great groove. Razors Edge and Hang On have a slower groove and vibe but the notes just fly from that fretboard. The title track is an overblown keyboard-led sprawling almost Prog track that is something Yes would conjour up. Genesis is my favourite track because it melds the old psych Frank with the guitar god that I love, and it’s very 70’s.

Frank has retired from playing due to an illness, but what a player.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

GARY MOORE – Run For Cover

January 27, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I loved this period of Gary’s music, although he always had the ability to turn your head no matter what style he chose to play. This is probably the most commercially accessible album he made. He actually shares the vocal duties on this album with Glenn Hughes and Phil Lynott. The Glenn Hughes tracks are worth the purchase of the album alone.

Glenn made a killer album with Pat Thrall and some of these tunes are very reminiscent of that vibe. Run For Cover has that tone and Reach For The Sky could have been cut from those sessions. Killer pair of tracks. The two big singles Out In The Fields and Empty Rooms (which was great live) helped with the commercial success and of course Gary rips as per usual, but in a more restrained manner.

Gary you are greatly missed.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

BLOODYWOOD – Rakshak

January 27, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Indian metal anyone? Now, this is a cool record. Mixing traditional Indian music and grooves, with heavy crunchy d-tuned riffage, rap, and aggressive vocals – this is a new and welcome sound for me.

Opening track Gaddaar just floors you with its intensity. Deep low end tuneage and a groove that slays. If you’re not impressed then you are a tired old Hector. Aaj is even better with hints of Nu Metal and Limp Bizkit, but a 1000 times better… and that groove is intense.

Zanjeero Se sees the band entering Prog metal territory like their compatriots Skyharbor, with a killer riff and the beauty of the vocal. I’m guessing they are big Slipknot fans because a lot of the grooves and beats are straight out of Iowa.

I like this album because it feels new, but if they are still doing this after album #10 then it could wear a bit thin.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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