THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl of the day (Page 39 of 449)

CULPRIT – Guilty As Charged

May 20, 2024 /

This is the debut album from Seattle’s Culprit. It was released on Shrapnel in ’83. As with a lot of these bands, they disappeared soon after in ’85. The members didn’t do a whole lot after this album either, a couple of them joined TKO for their third album, Below The Belt, but that was it. They just left us this raw early Maiden inspired effort.

Now, a 23 year-old me might have lapped this up, as I was into anything metal that came out of America at the time, especially Shrapnel bands. Ice In The Back I guess was quite ahead of its time. Lots of stop start time changes to go with the raw riffing and a groove we are all now familiar with. Steel To Blood has a big chugga riff with a great middle section jam with John DeVol ripping in a cool solo. They are obviously more inspired by NWOBHM than anything that was happening around the Bay Area, just listen to Fight Back with that very familiar riff.

Shame they only did the one as I think these guys had potential to take it further.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

THE STORM – Eye Of The Storm

May 20, 2024 /

Hot on the heels of the Streets album I just reviewed, here comes another classic AOR album that the AOR anoraks rave about. The Storm were put together by three ex-Journey members, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith (although Ron Wickso is on drums on this one). Joined by Kevin Chalfont on vocals and self confessed Neal Schon fan, Josh Ramos on guitar. In case you’re wondering, yes they do sound like Perry-era Journey.

This was actually album number two which came out in ’95, a full four years after their debut. This album is a lot more reliant on the laid back softer songs with the up tempo grooves lacking somewhat. So when the needle actually gets to one it’s a welcome change. Livin’ It Up is the fifth song in, and we had to wait a while, but it was worth it. Yes, it’s my favourite tune. A nice guitar intro leads to a slight funked up groove with a dirtier vocal hits the spot for me.

This is not a bad album by any stretch, but it would have been nice to have a couple more uptempo tunes added in there. It’s fine if you want to chill out and have some background music.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

STREETS – Crimes In Mind

May 20, 2024 /

Now, this is definitely a candidate for the Instagram group, AOR Sunday. Put together by Kansas’ Steve Walsh, guitarist Mike Slamer (ex-City Boy and the very underrated Steelhouse Lane), and bassist Billy Greer, this was the second of only two albums they originally released.

This is a very classy and well written record that the AOR crowd were lyrical about, and you can see why. Walsh’s voice is so good and complimented by the ripping guitar of Slamer, this is a classic of the genre. I’m not a fan of the old ballad as you by now, but Broken Glass is just superb. Epic vocal and melody, and Slamer’s guitar solo is sooo freakin’ good.

My favourite track is The Nightmare Begins. This song has the element of Prog added to the mix to lift it above the others. The main groove is superb and Slamer’s guitar sound is killer. I seriously think the label dropped the ball with theses guys as I’m sure Hit N’ Run would have made a great single if it was pushed right. It has everything that American radio were drooling over at the time. The same goes for I Can’t Wait, a superbly written tune that you can’t help to sing a long to. The production is so clear and crisp giving a punch to every song.

Seriously this is a top drawer album and a worthy addition to anyone’s collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

REDEMPTION – I Am The Storm

May 20, 2024 /

This is the latest album from these LA based Prog metallers, released in 2023. Redemption have been together since 2001 and their self-titled debut appeared in 2003. So, album number eight sees a beefing up of the sound with a lot more low end apparent in the mix.

These guys sure can play, there are some jaw dropping moments of virtuosity mixed with some killer complex arrangements but with melody never far away, courtesy of Tom England’s vocals. Seven Minutes From Sunset gets my vote for favourite tune. It’s wonderfully epic and heavy with a performance that DT would be struggling to capture. The guitar on this track is epic and Nicolas Van Dyke just rips up a storm.

I really like this album a lot, apart from a cover of  Genesis’ Turn It In Again which will have you scratching your head. The centrepiece track Action At A Distance which weighs in at over 14 minutes is indeed a sprawling epic undertaking. Lots of DTisms to wrap your brain around and lots of light and shade moments. I am a sucker for songs like this where the band stretch out and challenge the listener and deliver these dramatic epic pieces.

Killer playing on what is a very enjoyable record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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