THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: vinyl records (Page 8 of 465)

IMPELLITTERI – War Machine

January 12, 2025 /

Now, here is a band that have consistently put out albums since they released their first EP back in ’87. Here we are, nearly 40 years later with album 19, which includes two best of’s. You know what you are gonna get here as they never stray too far from the path: high octane heavy metal with ripping solos, great melodies, and memorable hooks.

Joining Mr. Impellitteri this time is powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock, James Pulli on bass, and ex Slayer skins man Paul Bostaph. I have quite a few albums by these guys, I’m a huge fan of their music and this one is up there for me. Killer tunes with some great over the top riffage and pounding grooves. No overblown songs here as the longest track is 4:27, just straight to the point.

Of course, Chris is not only a monster riff lord but his leads are blinding and it’s nice to hear him ripping it up. Tough to pick a favourite track as this is top notch material we have here, but I’m going with Superkingdom. Very cool riff and Rob’s giving it the beans with that oh so cool voice. Really, I could have picked any of the tunes because this album is killer.

If you’re a fan you will have this anyway, but if you’re new to the party, then dive in. I guarantee you will love this. 

ALIEN – Shiftin Gear

January 12, 2025 /

The success of bands like Journey and Toto inspired a whole bunch of muso’s to take up the AOR cause and run with it. Sweden had a scene all of its own where bands like Alien popped up. The band have actually released five albums with a sixth one ready to go as I write this.

They have had a very fluid line up with the only ever present member being guitarist, Tony Berg. This is album number two and it sees vocalist, Pete Sandburg take over from Jim Jidhed who would return to the fold further down the road.

Very slick and very radio friendly, this album came out 1990 just as the times were a changin’. Even though the US and UK gave up on this type of rock as it went underground, the Scandinavian countries and Germany kept the flag flying.

As you would expect, there are a few ballads but the uptempo tracks are way more prevalent and worthy of your attention. Hold On Move On, Give It Up, Turn On The Radio, and Neon Nights are great songs and Hold On Move On just edges it in the favourite track olympics.  

Cool record!

8/10 from The Grooveman.

OPETH – The Last Will And Testament

January 12, 2025 /

There has been so much hype surrounding the release of this record, and it all centres around one thing: the return of the growl. Now, depending on which clickbait metal site you read, you may be forgiven for thinking that this was a return to Blackwater Park era Opeth. Well, it is not! But, it is a damn fine album.

I love the whole imagery around this new album, from the sepia toned black & white cover art, the subject matter of the gathering of a family for the reading out a will, and best of all is the music. I can see why Mikael brought back the screams for this one as it fits the narrative perfectly. Yes, it’s heavy at times and it’s equally as progressive, especially with the inclusion of Ian Anderson as a type of narrator.

This is the album that keeps on giving. I’ve played it through about 15 times as of right now and I keep picking up on new things with each listen that just blow me away. It’s tough to pick a favourite track because I love it as a whole piece, and the flow of the album is superb.

My copy has disappeared into the void due to the postal strike, so I had to bite the bullet and Amazon came to the rescue .I couldn’t wait any longer. Has Mikael out progged his buddy SW? I would say yes, especially on the back of the last two SW solo albums.

Great album and very worthy of…

10/10 from The Grooveman.

RICHIE SAMBORA – Stranger In This Town

January 8, 2025 /

This is Richie’s first solo album, released back in ’91. The one thing that this album showed is that he could step out of the Bon Jovi shadow and have his own voice and sound.

There is a lot more R’n’B and gospel vibes here than on any BJ record, as the title track shows. I would say there is not much rock n’ roll here at all really. Ballad Of Youth is the only song that remotely sounds like Bon Jovi. My favourite track is Church Of Desire. A super smooth classy chunk of AOR with Richie flexing his chops.

This is a Music On Vinyl reissue, it sounds superb and is a great record to test out the old hi-fi.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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