THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl community (Page 249 of 493)

BRONZ – Taken By Storm

September 23, 2022 /

The band have been around since the late seventies, but it wasn’t until ’84 that they released this – their 1st album. They got thrown in with the NWOBHM bands initially ,as any band with guitars and an image were classed among them.

The first track on the album is Send Down An Angel, which is very AOR/ Melodic rock. A great track if you were in America at the time, but this was Britain in ’84 and things were a lot more metal-centric. Bronz actually released it as the lead off single. Heat Of The Night sounds a lot more heavy, mainly due to the great guitar riff – at times it sounds very Styx. The Cold Truth opens up like something from a Toto album of the time, and that’s not a bad thing – I’m a big lover of that band. Night Runner starts with a simple (yet awesome) riff, and I like the guitar sound. The title track closes out Side 1, and I have heard the main riff and groove many times before.

Side 2 kicks off with Don’t Ever Wanna Lose Ya, and it’s not as mushy as it sounds. Nice hook and chorus – maybe this should have been the single. Sweet Lady follows, and I’m loving the main riff and groove and awesome key changes. Harder Than Diamond is power ballad time. Tiger is an OK track with some simple riffing, but it’s the lead into the chorus that’s really cool. Saving the best ’till last – my favourite tune on the record, Loneliness Is Mine. Great riff and groove and this is as metal as this album greats. Big shout out to Max Bacon as his vocals are top drawer, and he is the only one to have carried on after the band ended, showing up in loads of projects.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

HAKEN – Virus

September 22, 2022 /

A very apt album title with what’s been happening over the world for the past 3 years. This is the band’s 6th studio album released in 2020. If Prog metal is your thing, then you need to dive into Haken’s catalogue immediately. I think they were heavily influenced by Dream Theater, and Mike Portnoy had them has his band when he toured the Seven Steps Suite as Shattered Fortress.

The heaviest of beginnings with the very heavy djenty guitars to Prosthetic. A absolutely stunning track with killer riffs and grooves, and great vocals. Lots more of that please! Invasion is completely at the other end of the spectrum. It starts with a bare vocal and a pulsed synth before the main track kicks in – so much going on here! A killer drum pattern with djent guitar and vocals matching each other., and the middle section is nuts – just superb! Carousel is so freaking cool. I love the seemingly repeating riff that throws in the key change. Wonderful middle section with supreme heavy guitars mixing with ethereal vocals and soundscape keys. By the time the track ends, it feels as though you are listening to a completely different piece of music. I think this is my favourite track…well, today anyway.

The Strain follows with a killer drum pattern and groove, and the track keeps on building. Canary Yellow follows and this track is a lot more chill to what has gone before – I like the change in vibe. Well, that’s the end of the first three sides, and Side D is given over to the Messiah Complex split into 5 parts, and Only Stars. I love these big concept pieces that drift off and comeback with multiple riffs, time changes, and grooves ,and Messiah Complex is up there as one of the best – epic stuff! That leaves, Only Stars, which by comparison is a quite delicate piece that drifts across the speakers and is a beautiful ending to a killer record. You guessed it – you should buy this immediately.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

MALICE – License To Kill

September 22, 2022 /

Another blink and they’re gone band from the eighties. Formed in ’81, with an appearance on the original Metal Massacre album, they released two albums on Atlantic and one EP – and initially that was it. They resurfaced in 2012 with a new album and line up. This was album number two, and it’s really quite good a great mix of metal and glam.

They do sound like early Queensryche at times, and first track, Sinister Double, has that feel about it – complete with high scream vocals. The title track has a lot more of a LA sleazy hair rock vibe to it, and I really love the riff and guitar sound. Against The Empire is very metal with a great intro and plenty of chuggas. Vigilante closes out Side 1, and this one is more of a hard rock groove with a great hook and guitar sound.

Side 2 opens up with Chain Gang Woman, a great sleazy little groove that reminds a bit if Van Halen. Christine starts with a crazy flanged out guitar, then it’s hair metal 101. Another weird intro on Murder, before that killer guitar sound grabs your attention and those Queensryche comparisons are there again. Breathing Down Your Neck has a nice riff and groove, and romps along nicely before we are into the last and my favourite track on the album, Circle Of Fire. Simple huge riff and a straight up groove that does the trick. A deceptively good record with a not so great cover.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MUSTASCH – Killing It For Life

September 21, 2022 /

Imagine if Metallica and Motorhead had hooked up and had a love child – the offspring would be called Mustasch.

I’m a big fan of Mustasch – I really love the big fat chunky monster tunes that they deliver. If you want proof, then dive straight into opener, Where Angels Fear To Tread. It’s very simple but the riff sounds huge and oh so heavy. Couple that with a great rhythm sound and awesome powerhouse vocals from Ralf Gyllenhammar – ladies and germs, I give you another Swedish band that North America seems to ignore. Ransacker is next and was a single in Sweden. It has a great production with a huge sound, a super catchy hook and chorus, and a groove that makes you want to bounce – its winner winner chicken dinner. Before A Grave follows and starts with a gospel harmony vocal, before we settle down to a huge anthemic epic track, with deep lyrics about saving someone from suicide. Freddie Mercury closes out Side 1 and is Ralf’s homage to his hero. The lyrics are clever as they weave in Queen tunes, and the heavy slow riff does remind me of a Queen song…any guesses?

Side 2 opens up with Go To Hell, where the track just feels like a big intro until the only lyric sung is “Go To Hell”. Blood In Blood Out is up next, and I would say this is my favourite track. This was also released as a single, and again the subject matter is quite personal. A killer rhythm track and huge guitars, but it’s the vocals that really carry the tune. Next up is What Is Wrong, and another huge fat riff blows out the ears. It has a superb hook and a real catchy chorus – what a production! The album ends with Garlic And Shots. A huge chugga riff sets the tone for a very heavy sounding end to the record. I think the song is a big F-U to a manager or label.

I think there are only two albums available on vinyl, and I hope someone picks them up for release. Great band with a great back catalogue go check them out.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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