THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 249 of 491)

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.

TONY MACALPINE – Edge Of Insanity

September 21, 2022 /

This is Tony’s first solo album, released back in ’86. Tony seems to fly under the radar compared to his contemporaries that emerged at the same time. That’s not to say he doesn’t release much, on the contrary, as he has released 13 studio albums under his own name – as well as a plethora of side projects and compilations. He has been anything but idle.

I bought this on release and I still rank it as one of his best albums. Like Yngwie, you can hear the classical influences in Tony’s playing, as well as there being a Chopin piece on Side 2 that shows how suited classical music is to shred guitar. Wheel Of Fortune is a blistering opener with Tony giving it the beans but with tons of melody. The Stranger follows, and is all about the melody lines where the guitar replaces vocals. The Stranger is a Live solo where Tony showcases all the chops with runs and widdle a plenty. Agriona slows things down, where the main guitar riff has been doubled for a nice effect with lots of shred over the top. Side 1 closes out with Empire In The Sky, and starts with Tony playing the keys, and the main guitar part is very Satriani.

Just a quick mention of his band mates on the album, Steve Smith, of Journey on drums, and Mr Billy Sheehan on bass – not a bad rhythm section. The Witch And The Priest opens up Side 2, and this is my favourite on the album. A superb fast groove with a great harmony and hook. Superb guitar on this one! The Taker follows, and we are technically down to a two piece as Tony also plays bass on this one. The pace is quick, and the main intro reminds me of Iron Maiden. Lots and lots of notes flying all around. The aforementioned Chopin piece follows where Tony’s skills on the piano are jaw dropping, and then it’s onto the title track with an almost Journey feel to the main melody. The classical vibe is again front and centre, before a true metal groove takes over. No Place In Time closes out the album with fusion vibes a plenty.  A really cool piece to end the album on. I love this album.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

THIN LIZZY – Live And Dangerous

September 20, 2022 /

In the tradition of great live albums that came out in the seventies, Live And Dangerous is a close runner-up to Made In Japan for the best. Recorded at various venues over a few tours, the Hammersmith Odeon and Seneca College in Toronto to name two, this is Lizzy at their supreme best. I saw them live around this time, and believe me they were a killer live band.

Heavily loaded with Jailbreak tunes which let’s face it, was their best album; this album just smokes. Side 3 with Cowboy Song, The Boys Are Back In Town, Don’t Believe A Word, Warrior, and Are You Ready has to be one of the best sides ever. The version of Warrior on this set is just killer, and for today is my favourite track on the album. Phil was such a great frontman. I miss Lizzy and that twin guitar attack a lot.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

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