THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: album review (Page 10 of 493)

LEATHER – Shock Waves

May 28, 2025 /

Initially, this was the only solo album by the one time Chastain vocalist, Leather Leone until a comeback in 2018. Released in ´89, this is no nonsense heavy metal album with plenty of widdly guitar provided by Michael Harris and it is produced by David T Chastain. It sounds just like a Chastain album with Leather singing, which is basically what it is. That’s not knocking the record as it’s not bad at all, and she has a perfect voice for the tunes and music.

Even though this was recorded 35 years ago it still sounds fresh which I think is a testament to the music and great production. Packed full of great tunes it’s tough to pick a fave but I will go for Side 2 opener Something In This Life which has a touch of the epic with a few groove changes. A close second would be In A Dream which highlights her voice more and is a tad slower in pace but still a great tune.

You don’t see this one around a lot so snag it if you see one around.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

LAAZ ROCKIT – Annihilation Principle

May 26, 2025 /

This is Laaz Rockit’s fourth and last album with the original line up and it was released back in ´89. Laaz Rockit are the forgotten band from the Bay Area thrash scene as they didn’t achieve the success or acclaim as most of the other Bay Area thrashes. More power to them for sticking with the formula because everyone else varied somewhat.

This is all very route one thrash and very well done too. I’m not sold on the Dead Kennedys Holiday In Cambodia cover but there again, it didn’t do a whole bunch for me the first time around. My favourite tune is Shadow Company, a good old fashioned thrash romp with double kicks a plenty and chugga’s to match.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

JOSHUA – Intense Defense

May 25, 2025 /

Joshua are one of the better Christian hard rock bands that sprouted up in the late eighties. Named after guitarist Joshua Perahia, they have one of the best hard rock vocalists out there in Rob Rock, and this is the best album they put out.

High on melody, memorable hooks with some ripping guitar, this is a great record. You would never know this is a Christian rock album because the lyrics are not overtly Christian and there was a stigma attached to that by some outlets back in the day. It’s just a great melodic rock record and let’s face it, anything Rob Rock puts his voice to is damn good.

My favourite tune is Reach Up, which is a co-write with Ken Tamplin and Joshua Perahia. A full on melodic rock gem with a killer riff, a great vocal, and great melody. I know this has had the reissue treatment on CD but if you see an OG copy on vinyl snap it up as it will be a great addition to anyone’s collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

DREAM THEATER – When Dream And Day Unite

May 23, 2025 /

This was the first stuttering steps to Dream Theater’s ascent to Prog metal gods. Released back in ´89 and produced by Terry Date, who would go on to give Pantera, gave them huge leg up with a killer production. However, the sound he gets here is a bit thin and lightweight, and does not get the best out of the songs. This is the only album to have Charlie Dominici on vocals and although Charlie is a decent vocalist, his voice does not suit the material and it’s obvious a change was needed.

The band obviously rate a lot of the material because occasionally some of these songs are played live to this day, namely A Fortune In Lies, The YTSE Jam, and Only A Matter Of Time.  The YTSE Jam is my favourite track because it has all of the elements for future DT music, and I’m a sucker for an instrumental.

Not a classic by their standards but still a great listen.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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