Flashback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Sixx A.M. - 7
2. Mötley Crüe - Carnival Of Sins (live)
3. Walking With Strangers - Hardships

New music

Instead of reviewing an album today, I'll give you a link where you can listen to new music yourself. The link directs you to the new Sixx A.M. album named 7, but you can find plenty of new music through music.aol.com.. Hope you'll enjoy!!

http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/4

PS. I absolutely love the new versions of the Sixx A.M. songs!!! :)

Flashback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Faith No More

2. Megadeth - Thirt3en

3. Walking With Strangers - Hardships

Music MAddict going live - Danko Jones

Tuesday Top 3

1. Danko Jones
(Music MAddict Youtube channel coming up soon, starting with a video from Danko Jones live show.)
2. Amoral
3. Megadeth

Flashback Fridays

Tuesday Top 3

1. Rival Sons

2. Danko Jones

3. Thin Lizzy

Steel Panther - Balls Out

Steel Panther claims to be the hottest band out of Hollywood since Mötley Crüe, Guns 'N Roses and Poison ruled the Sunset Strip. Some pressure for their newest album Balls Out, eh?!? Well expectations from me weren't very high since I am a huge consumer of Mötler's music. And luckily my expectations weren't that high. Music is good, even great, no doubt about that. The lyrics.. not so much. In their own genre they're pretty much THE thing. If their genre is considered to be something I'd like to call humorous rock. The lyrics sound like their written with a tongue in the cheek, nothing too serious, nothing to touch my feelings really.

The new album holds 14 tracks and is more or less worth listening, at least once. It might work well as a background music for a party or something but I wouldn't listen to this band otherwise. Guitar riffs are great and I do like the vocals. But the lyrics. To tell you the truth, there was only one song on this album that caught my attention, track number 13, Let Me Come In. I don't want to lower these guys in any way, because it is obvious that they are pretty talented. Maybe it's just me but then again, I never was into comedy or parody. If you're into such thing, I wont judge you for that, but I'm more about action and my sence of humour is more dry and hidden style.

http://www.steelpantherrocks.com/

Offline

Taking a sick leave this week, next update on the November 14th.

Flashback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

2. Rainbow - Rising

3. Poisonblack - Drive

Noel Gallager's High Flying Birds

As so often it happens, I found this album by an accident. It's not something I usually listen but then again I do like Oasis, so maybe after all it's not such a surprise that I really, really like Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. This solo debut album was released on October 17th. Three singles have been released from this album so far, The Death Of You And Me, If I had a gun.. and AKA.. What A Life! of which the last one is released only in UK. Second album is supposedly coming out as soon as 2012.

Noel is said to be the mastermind behind the greatest Oasis songs so it's not a huge surprise he went for a solo project after Oasis split up. And aren't I glad that he did. Although some of the tracks have names that might sound somewhat depressing and sort of dark, the album sounds all in all quite positive. I wouldn't for sure listen to this album when feeling all down and blue. Although maybe I should because it might bring one feeling happy again. For example the single release If I Had A Gun.. is everything but down. I have quite manny personal favorites on this album, including two of the singles but also tracks Everybody's On The Run (the opening track of the album), Dream On and the fourth track on the album (I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine. Can't really say much more about this album than listen to it. It's definitely worth your time.

http://www.noelgallagher.com/

http://www.myspace.com/noelgallagher

Flashback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist

2. Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist

3. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist

The movie Kill Bill presents a killer self-defense move named Five Finger Death Punch. But I'm not going to tell you the secrets of that move but write about a Los Angeles based band named Five Finger Death Punch that released their third studio album on October 11th 2011. Their album though, American Capitalist, have similar killer attitude the movie has. But you wouldn't expect anything else from a band named like that, would you..

Five Finger Death Punch or more commmonly FFDP was formed in 2005 and they've gained quite a lot experience since those days. They've been on tours with Korn, Disturbed and Godsmack and headlining their own tours to top that.They're debut album was released two years after the band was formed and according their website, they've already starting to work with fourth album, doing it while on tour.

This third album is a strong one. It starts with the name track which punches the air out from your lungs, it is that good. But then again, there isn't really any bad tracks on this album. Personal favorites: Coming Down, Remember Everything and Wicked Ways.

http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ffdp

Flashback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Rainbow - Rising
2. Hardcore Superstar - No Regrets
3. Slash's Snakepit - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

Wednesday 13 - Calling All Corpses

If Wednesday 13 sounds unfamiliar you obviously haven't listened to Murderdolls. Wednesday 13 a.k.a Joseph Poole is the singer of Murderdolls and ofcourse, singer of Wednesday 13. :D The album Calling All Corpses was released recently, October 11th to be exact. Poole likes horror movies and is a fan of Alice Cooper and listening to the album was quite a surprise: it sounds very Alice Cooper-like and definitely in a good way.

Not only the sound world on the album is great, lyrics and names of the tracks are brilliant. The influence from Mr. Cooper can be heard especially on tracks I Wanna Be Cremated and Miss Morgue, although my favorites include the name track of the album, Calling All Corpses, and One Knife Stand as well. If anyone thought that Poole is only riding with the fame of Murderdolls and Joey Jordison, this album absolutely shows the talent of Poole himself. Gotta respect that.

http://www.myspace.com/officialwednesday13

Tuesday Top 3

1. Poisonblack - Drive

2. Poisonblack - A Dead Heavy Day

3. Sentenced - The Cold White Light

Poisonblack - Drive

I believe Ville Laihiala made the right decision when he started his side project named Poisonblack so he could focus on playing guitar. The fifth album, Drive proves my point pretty loud and clear. The guitar is the carrying force throughout the whole album, it is the glue that keeps this album together. So, not a bad album at all. Great tracks that work well live as well. I think the focus is a bit more on music than it was on A Dead Heavy Day which hit straight to my heart with its lyrics.

First time listening to the album might not leave any remarkable memories but the even quality following Laihiala all the way from the days when being lead vocalist in Sentenced makes it sure that the more you listen to this album (or any other album with Laihiala on it) the more you like it. You'll find hidden gems and find yourself nodding your head and repeating the lyrics. Album starts strong with Piston Head and continues with Mercury Falling, track that was chosen to be their first single from this album. The album was released already in April but just recently the band released a music video for the (obvious?) favorite track of mine: Scars. But as said the album has more to it than the obvious, I had several favorites after listening the album a couple of times. A Good Day For The Crows, Sycophant and The Dead-End Stream work for me as well. Sycophant is most definitely one that will work perfectly live on stage as well. This one gets my vote!

http://www.poisonblack.com/

Flashback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Stone - Stoneage 2.0
2. Megadeth - Countdown To Extinction
3. Judas Priest - Single Cuts

Alice Cooper - Welcome 2 My Nightmare

We know him as the Golf Monster. We know him as a son of a minister. We know him as a man who invented shock rock. Alice Cooper is known all around the world, and so is his music. Generation after generation we've been attracted (or repulsed) by his concerts involvong blood, live snakes, swords, electric chairs and all kinds of effects from horror movies to vaudeville. So it's no wonder his latest album has similar variety to it as his character and shows in general. Usually the change is for good but I'm not quite sure about Welcome 2 My Nightmare. It does have it's highlights but unfortunately they are only few. He might get this one forgiven (at least by me) in knowing he has a wicked humour and the fact that he's kept his career going on for four decades, meeting all kinds of strange people during those years, from Groucho Marx to Elvis Presley, Liberace and Salvador Dali. The man has certainly had a spectacular life but I'm still not really sure whether I should laugh out loud or cry when listening to this album.

The best track on the album is most definitely the opening track, I Was Made Of You. Although it is a bit declamatory, it has those Alice-like-ballad effects to it: beautiful lyrics combined with talented use of guitar solos and simple drum beat. As he said in his book, the best musicians know when NOT to play, what to leave out. Too bad the simple, pure rock (and quality) can't be heard on the whole album. Even though the third track tells us The Nightmare Returns the only actual way the nightmare really returns is to put on the original Welcome To My Nightmare -album. So, sorry Mr. Cooper, but this one won't end up to my collection. Love you though and luckily I still have some of the old ones missing from the collection, and while trying to get my hands on them (and the money to buy them with) I can listen to the oldies goldies like Poison, Hey Stoopid, School's Out and He's Back (The Man Behind The Mask).

http://alicecooper.com/

http://www.myspace.com/officialalicecooper

Flasback Friday

Tuesday Top 3

1. Alter Bridge - Blackbird
2. Sentenced - Cold White Light
3. Slash - Slash

Rise To Remain - City Of Vultures

Someone claimed in Youtube that all the good bands are British and this certainly is true when it comes to Rise To Remain. City Of Vultures is their debut album and it shows why this band has already performed with successful metal bands like Bullet For My Valentine, Bring Me The Horizon and even the legendary Iron Maiden. No wonder the band has their calendar filled with tour dates 'til the end of 2011, touring UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Finland etc. And I'm not surprised this 5-piece, London based band got a deal with EMI in March this year.

12 tracks on the album including Intro, there's no empty spaces on this album. It's all hit material, making your head bang along the the beat. It's not all hard and heavy, the album has it's slower, softer moments but the weight is after all on metal. And yet they're not losing any credibility. Sharp guitar and talented drumming will make sure this band will find it's spot in fame, and they have a guaranteed spot in metal eternity as future legends. With this promising forecast, Music Maddict ends for today and continue listening my personal favorites from the album, Talking In Whispers, God Can Bleed and Nothing Left. And I bet this band has plenty left up their sleeve when it comes to music. ;)

http://www.risetoremain.com/
http://www.myspace.com/risetoremain

Tuesday Top 3

1. Rise To Remain - City Of Vultures
2. Staind - Staind
3. Death Throne - The Devil Wears Prada

Oh Sleeper - Children Of Fire

So, summer is over and Music MAddict is back. Was supposed to write flashback last Friday but unfortunately (or luckily) I got invited to a certain radio station's birthday party. So my schedules went up in the air. But now I'm back and giving you this week's new album. I was surfing through new albums in Spotify and got lucky: found a band named Oh Sleeper. I've never heard of them before but the album cover lured me to listen and I was blown away! Children Of Fire is a great album with pretty much perfectly proportioned screaming parts and serene moments. The opening track Endseekers really puts on the gear and makes the body move. Head starts nodding with the beat and slowly the movement spreads to your entire body. At least that's what happened to me. Second track though didn't impress me that much but after that the album is as close to perfection as possible in this genre.

Oh Sleeper comes from Fort Worth, Texas and is signed to Solid State Records. Children Of Fire , released on 6th September 2011, is their third album. The band was put together in 2006 and was signed a year later. First album was published in 2007 and the second one came out in 2009. Children Of Fire is a curious album since it was released first digitally, the album will be available physically in stores on September 27th. Opening track Endseekers served also as first single. Second release, Hush Yael, came through their facebook page. It also happends to be the longest track on the album with a total of 4 minutes 29 seconds. What makes this band exceptional is the fact that their previous album debuted on The Billboard 200, the Rock Albums chart, Hard Rock Albums chart but as well on the Christian Albums chart. Notice as well the broken pentagram on the album cover and the name of the band taken from the Epistle to the Ephesians.. Christian metal.. hmm, who would've believed. Thumbs are up for this album from Music MAddict. Back to listening the favorite track of mine: Means To Believe.

http://www.myspace.com/ohsleeper

Tuesday Top 3

1. Hardcore Superstar

2. Soilwork

3. Black Veil Brides

Live-show

Music MAddict goes on holiday, updates will come if I have the time for it. I'll skip today's flashback.

Tuesday Top 3

1. Megadeth - Peace Sells.. But Who's Buying?
2. Blake - Shelter
3. Blake - Haze Parade

Blake - Shelter

Blake's new album Shelter is definitely worth listening for even though it's filled with only cover songs. Strong start with Black Sabbath cover Wizard opens the album. You can't really go wrong with that. And these guys really honor the originals on the album. Gotta love their singing. Janis Joplin cover Move Over gets a new life from this group, I guess Janis never rocked like this. Although Finland is known the promised land of metal, I was surprised to find out this band is Finnish and just had its 10th anniversary. How on earth could I have missed this one?!

And Blake seems to be more than just these cover songs on their latest album. They've shared stage with such big names as Black Label Society, Therapy?, Mustasch and Iggy Pop. But with singing like their's it really shouldn't be such a big surprise. What's good about this album is not only the chosen songs but also that the band haven't taken the easiest route with the songs: the album sounds like Blake instead of sounding Black Sabbath or any other of the original performers. I certainly enjoyed these songs, especially the Joplin cover as well as Demon's Eye (Deep Purple) and Let There Be Rock (AC/DC). Moody Blues cover Melancholy Man is probably the only one I would've left out of the album if given the chance but over all this album is worth listening to. Bonustrack Bloodtrails ends this album as it started: strong, rocking and filled with manly attitude.

http://www.blake.fi/

http://www.myspace.com/blakeband

Flashback Friday

It's time for flashback and this week it comes from Canadian band Three Days Grace. The band was formed in 1997 by Adam Gontier, Brad Walst and Neil Sanderson. Their first album, self-titled Three Days Grace, was published in 2003 and the band got known all over the world pretty quickly. Not least because of their great single release (I Hate) Everything About You. Singles Just Like You and Home followed the first one and the band went on tour for the next two years. During the heavy touring Gontier created himself an addiction to pain killer named oxycontin. The band took a break so that Gontier could get his things together again and while being in rehabilitation he started writing songs for the new album. Album was named One X and it continued their success. The second album is markable also because the trio became a quartet with second guitarist Barry Stock.

I think this band hasn't had a bad record.. at least not yet. And I hope they never will. And not that bad songs either, each of them work well, maybe not always after the first listening in all cases but they work. My favorite song from this album is ofcourse their first single. The chorus describes so well relationships between people because none of us is perfect and everyone of us have those annoying and lovable sides in us. And I do like their song Just Like You as well. Although it is on the album before (I Hate) Everything About You, it seems more like a follow-up song to it. Let You Down and Overrated are definitely on my favorites as well. Especially the latter one, once again because of the chorus. And I do love the voice of Adam Gontier. It is amazing. No wonder the Finnish band Apocalyptica asked him to sing their track I Don't Care.

http://www.threedaysgrace.com

http://www.myspace.com/threedaysgrace

Tuesday Top 3

1. Skillet - Collide
2. Trivium - In Waves
3. Buckcherry - 15

Trivium - In Waves

Trivium, from Florida, released their new album In Waves in the beginning of August. 18 tracks on one album. There's a lot to listen. Maybe a bit too much even. This band was formed in 2000 and signed to Roadrunner Records after their first album. In Waves is already their fifth album. So there should be experience and some understanding to what is good, what works and what is their own style. Unfortunately this album doesn't really fulfill all the expectations for this band. I got to say it directly, I like their previous albums better. There is just too much going on in this album and it is too "clean". Luckily the band has a strong fan-base, this album will probably sell quite well, even though it's not their best one.

The album is a bit over-produced and basically there's just too much of everything. Maybe cutting the tracks to ten or so would have helped. And leaving some more edge to the vocals which have been one of the Trivium trademarks in the earlier albums. The tracks themselves aren't really that bad, though it is obvious that the band is trying to please a bigger audience with more radio-friendly songs. There's just so many tracks that it takes time to get into them. The first one that got any reaction out of me is the track named Watch The World Burn and again I have to say, it needs more edge to vocals. Guitar works alright, lyrics are ok and the chorus works quite well but it lacks of something. I guess that I have to listen this album a couple more times before deciding whether it's trash or treasure..

http://www.trivium.org/

http://www.myspace.com/trivium

Flash-forward Friday

I must apologise you readers once again for not writing anything this Friday for the Flashback serie. I had chosen an album to write about but so it happened that I got lost in to the great world of Youtube. Those of you who me also know that I have a weak spot for bass(ists) can guess what happened when I found the following links.. So, sweet Saturday to all of you.

Cliff Burton
Robert Trujillo

Tuesday Top 3

1. Seether - Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray
2. Seether - Karma And Effect
3. Josh Todd - You Made Me

Seether - Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray

Who ever would've thought that good music could come from South-Africa.. but Seether has managed to get to the lists all over the world for years already. And they're doing it again with their new album Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray. First single Country Song gets radio-time nowadays constantly and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't. The album starts strongly with a song named Fur Cue, it's an angry sounding song filled with attitude just like we've used to with this band. But even though we've learned to expect this sort of music from Seether this album has so much more to it. And their handing it out already on the third track, Here And Now. What a beautiful song, I absolutely loved the lyrics from the first time I heard the song.

Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins and Tool are claimed to be the influences for Seether. But luckily Seether is much more versatile than it's models. It's certainly the thing that keeps them coming again and again with every album they make in the future.

http://www.seether.com/

http://www.myspace.com/seether

Music Goes Movies: High Fidelity (2000)

Since my timetables didn't allow me to write Flashback this Friday to you, I thought I'd give you something else, a new serie: Music Goes Movies. It will not be as regular as the other writings but comes every now and then. And what would be a better movie to start with than High Fidelity, one of my all-time favorites. The story is based to the book written by Nick Hornby and it tells about Rob (played by John Cusack), record store owner having his mid-life crisis. He struggles his way forward through the break-up with his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle) with the questionable help of his two clerks played by Jack Black and Todd Louiso. The storyline follows the romantic life of Rob but includes music into it so seamlessly it's amazing. And not just those top five lists Rob has a habit to do but actual music star in the movie as well: Bruce Springsteen as himself. And Lisa Bonet playing Marie De Salle isn't without her musical credits either after being married to Lenny Kravitz and co-writing a couple of songs with him to his album Let Love Rule.

The movie is filled with awesome music clips from Green Day to Aretha Franklin to Queen, these wonderful artists making this movie a real musical treasure chest. And the subtle art of making a mix-tape.. I so know that feeling. Even the deleted scenes hold some treasures: one scene that didn't make the final movie is named "Records for sale", it is just perfect. Watch that scene and you'll know what I'm like when getting my fingers to any good record collection. And like those guys in this movie I probably could spell the word love as v-i-n-y-l.. And I do make those top five lists as well. :)

Tuesday Top 3

1. Def Leppard - Pyromania
2. Axegressor - Axecution
3. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk

Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk

We know him as Jeeves and Dr. House. And now we'll learn to know him as a musician when Hugh Laurie plays old blues and jazz classics on his debut album Let Them Talk. And let me tell you that if you can't stand those multi-talented people who are good in everything they do, you'll probably end up hating Laurie as well. Because he is actually great next to the piano and his rough singing voice has enough edge to honour these old songs. His talent has even lured some well known artists to visit this album, Sir Tom Jones among others. I somehow though wish Laurie would've done this album all by himself, those visitors seem to stand out a bit too much and those songs differ from the ones Laurie is singing. Those songs might have worked better even as duets.

But the album is absolutely worth listening to. My favorite is the opening track, St. James Infirmary, which starts the album wonderfully, revealing how talented Laurie is as a pianist. The song has a long piano intro that turns into ravishing bass based bluespart with guitar and saxophone. And the following songs ain't any worse. You Don't Know My Mind and Six Cold Feet sound like you're in some dark, smokey bar in the middle of New Orleans. This album just might end up to my collection, it works perfectly like this in the middle of the night. The only problem I have with this album is that I feel like I need to learn to play piano (or guitar) as well as he does.. and a glass of whiskey to go along with the playing. ;)

http://www.hughlaurieblues.com/

Flashback Friday

Sixth studio album from Suburban Tribe is my choice for this weeks flashback. Second Suburban Tribe album for lead singer Ville Tuomi is Manimal, and as the name suggests it is full of raw power coming from the instincts of a hunting beast known as mankind. But just like carnivore in nature have their rest and peaceful moments also this album has it's havens. The album starts strong with You Can't Stop Us Now and Untameable wich was released also as a single. Weight calms the beat a bit and brings in a little feeling of blue with it's chorus just so that Torn Apart and Firedance can bring the speed up again. My personal favorites are songs like Cancer, Swallow, Silent Rain and Drowning. Especially Cancer is one of those that makes me want to sing along, scream those highs with everything I have in me.. I think though that my neighbours wouldn't appreciate it very much..

This album has gotten both good and bad reviews. Most of them compare this album with Korn and Faith No More and lead vocals to Mike Patton. I don't see that kind of comparison being a bad thing since I happen to like them all. I can hear the resemblance with Korn, but with Faith No More or Mike Patton, not so much. Anyhow, I'm loving this band and their music and it's sort of a sad thig they are doing their farewell gigs this weekend. Suburban Tribe has been doing music 20 years and they thought it's a good time to stop in a point where they still are doing good music and being successful.

http://www.suburbantribe.com/
http://www.myspace.com/suburbantribemusic

Tuesday Top 3 (a bit late)

1. The Agonist
2. Crimfall
3. Halestorm

Owl City - All Things Bright And Beautiful

Something more positive and pop for this Monday. Owl City is something totally different I've written about and listened to lately. But the album named All Things Bright And Beautiful certainly suits very well everything from depressing Mondays and sunny, summer Sundays. The album works as a cheer-up or a chill-out music while sippin' your sweet, cold strawberry margarita. :) Just listen to Deer In The Headlights and you'll probably agree with me.

Owl City is basically just a one-man-band put together by Adam Young in 2007 in the basement of his parents. After releasing his music independently through Myspace and iTunes Owl City got a label deal with Universal Republic and is now touring with a band that includes vibraphones, violins and such. Adam Young seem to have stayed the same as he was in the beginning of the Owl City when he was responding to any messages and writing blog constantly, giving a feeling to people that they knew him.

This may not be my cup of tea in the way I'd listen to this every day, time after time but I'm definitely going to remember Owl City when chillin' with my friends in the warm summer sun. Maybe I'll ask the dj to play songs like Yacht Club or Alligator Sky.

http://www.owlcitymusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/owlcity

Flashback Friday

No pretty faces in flashback today. But since the burning summer weather on the northern hemisphere the Def Leppard album Pyromania works just fine. It's an album that maybe isn't quite as popular as the famous Hysteria but this one surely has its highlights and it has sold some serious millions of copies along with the rest of the Leppard albums. The album was released in 1983 and it was produced and mixed by legendary Robert John 'MUTT' Lange, who has also worked with artists such as AC/DC, Nickelback, Foreigner, Bryan Adams, Maroon 5 and lately with Shania Twain.

From this album comes some of the most known Def Leppard hits, Photograph for example. The album starts strong (as they used to in the 80's) with Rock Rock (Till You Drop). And the hard rock beat continues throughout the album, maybe turning into slow ballad style song (Too Late For Love) just to get back up and rockin'. My personal favorite from this album (as if there's any less worthy tracks on the album..) is track number six, Foolin'. The beginning of its lyrics has given me an idea of a tattoo that I'll have one day: "Lady luck never smiles so lend your love to me a while.." What the tattoo will be, I won't tell, but instead I can assure you that this album is definitely worth listening.

http://www.defleppard.com/
http://www.myspace.com/defleppard

Tuesday Top 3

1. Axegressor - Next
2. 3 Doors Down - Time Of My Life
3. Adept - Death Dealers

Axegressor - Next

Whether you are into thrash or not, Finnish Axegressor is the band you should remember. And especially their new release named Next. The band was formed in 2006 and a year later they released Axecution, which immediately raised the band into the spotlight in thrash circles. Their album is released by Dethrone Music as was their previous album. With this new album Axegressor has become better than before and faster than any other band in the land of thousand lakes. Riffs and lyrics sound more angry than before. And if the cover art for this album resembles a time after nuclear explosion, time after war, then I would say that seeing this band perform live is like being in the middle of it, that's how much there's energy on the stage. It is no wonder that this band gets invited to big festivals and to perform with famous bands.

Thrash circles probably get all warmed up with songs like SS-18 "Satan" and Justified Distrust. My personal top 2 is Star Inverted and Black & White Death Race. I've bought this album to my collection already and haven't had any regrets. Just wishing somebody would buy their lead singer, Johnny Nuclear Winter, some new, proper pants to wear on stage as well. ;D

http://www.myspace.com/axegressorthrashmetal

Flashback Friday

We all know Tommy Lee as a drummer of Mötley Crüe. But Tommy Lee's done a couple of solo albums as well, of which Tommyland - The Ride from 2005 is the latest one. I gotta say I like the previous album, Never A Dull Moment, more but chose this one for today just because I happen to love the positive vibe on this album. Just watch the video for Good Times and you'll probably understand what I mean. The album was released at the same time with his autobiography Tommyland and works very well as a soundtrack for the book (Not that the book needs any soundtrack, but I'll get to that later on with my book reviews.). This album shouldn't be overanalyzed but be enjoyed as it is, simple, good-times music for hanging out, chilling in the park maybe while snuggle with someone special. Hello Again suits that snuggle part particularly well. If a bit more attitude needed the third track Tryin' To Be Me is your choice. Or Tired (with Joel Madden from Good Charlotte) which doesn't hide at all to whom it's meant.

This album certainly isn't the same caliber with what we've learned to expect from the guys of Mötley. But it works after all. I Need You or Make Believe or Makin' Me Crazy are great when compared to the right music genre, pop. (It ain't rock but..) A bit of pop occasionally won't harm any of us. ;) And there's nothing wrong about being and feeling positive. I know I'll keep on listening to it every now and then with a smile on my face. And luckily Mötley still keeps on touring because one thing is sure: Tomme Lee is kicking every critic's ass while sitting behind his drum-set!! (I dare you, you try yourself to do it bigger and better every time when getting on stage, still after all those years..)

http://tommylee.com/

http://www.myspace.com/tommyleetv

Tuesday Top 3

1. Theory Of A Deadman - The Truth Is...

2. Rival Sons - Pressure & Time

3. Jake Owen - Easy Does It

Theory Of A Deadman - The Truth Is...

Lately I've found myself spotting new bands that play same type of rock music and have other things incommon, like the bands they've been on tour with. Theory Of A Deadman is one of those bands. The band has been on tour with Alter Bridge, as have done Adelita's Way, Black Stone Cherry. Daughtry has been mentioned as well on in T.O.A.D's bio as well as Mötley Crüe. But it's no wonder when you listen to their music and especially their latest album The Truth Is...

This Canadian band opens their album with a track named Lowlife. Lead vocalist and lead guitarist Tyler Connolly tells on band's homepage that the song was made for a fun anthem. Their fans aren't wearing suits and don't have diamond necklaces and the song kind of tells that it's ok to be a regular person who likes to party and sing rock'n'roll music. With such thoughts behind a song, it's hardly any surprise that the song speaks to people. And the thing I like about this band is that they're not too serious about their music (while being all serious about it). Listen for example their song The Truth Is... [I Lied About Everything]. I laughed out loud. And then listen to Out Of My Head. That's what I love about this band, they pretty much cover all the feelings and thoughts a person could have. You might predict my verdict for this album: it's a keeper, a must-have.

http://www.theoryofadeadman.com/

http://www.myspace.com/theoryofadeadman

Flashback Friday

This weeks flashback comes from Paramore. The album is named Riot! and it sure sounds like it. The band was formed in 2004 in Tennessee and the album was released in 2007. It is a good combination of female vocals, honest lyrics, awesome drum beats and subtle guitar and bass. The guitar is actually so subtle that you barely notice it while listening to the album and it backfills the lead vocals of Hayley Williams perfectly. The album starts with two great songs: For A Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic and That's What You Get. These two songs define the rest of the album pretty well and even more so if we'll add the third track, Hallelujah, to the list. In Hallelujah the guitar and bass are sort of mixing-up with the vocals, from time to time you nitce the guitar and a second later your focus is back on the vocals.

The album has sold two million copies world wide. I guess it's no wonder with such catchy songs like Misery Business and Crushcrushcrush. Listen to those and they'll stuck to your head playing over and over again. Butthe album has some peaceful moments as well, which is good, even anarchists and punk rockers need a little rest from time to time. We Are broken is that kind of peaceful and moving song. But don't you believe just my words, visit their homepage and listen the album yourself. I'm heading out to the sun to check out this band live. :)

http://www.paramore.net/
http://www.myspace.com/paramore

Tuesday Top 3

1. Rival Sons - Pressure & Time
2. Devin Townsend Project - Ghost
3. Buckcherry - Black Butterfly

Rival Sons - Pressure & Time

What a sound! What a boogie!! Rival Sons isn't exactly my type of music but their album Pressure & Time is certainly growing on me. I was anxious to find out more about this wonderful band but I was a bit disappointed how little there is actual (reliable?!) info about the band in the internet to find. No bio on their homepage, only interviews here and there give some little details about this band from California. But these guys are on their way to fame with that bluesy rock they play. Opening up for such rock acts as AC/DC, Alice Cooper and Kid Rock proves that. And if that isn't enough of a proof I think that at least the fact that they're signed to Earache Records, that has mostly trash and metal bands under their roof talks to their benefit.

Another little interesting detail I found is that their album cover art is made by Storm Thorgerson, an artist known for iconic album covers for Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Genesis and many more. So they have a complete package to offer if you are ready to take it. And why wouldn't you from such a great band.. Just listen to the title track and watch the video and you'll probably find yourself caught to their web. Opening track All Over The Road ain't a bad choise either. And I also fell in love with the song named Burn Down Los Angeles.

http://www.rivalsons.com/
http://www.myspace.com/rivalsons

Flashback Friday

Good mood music today. Buckcherry's album 15 is one of those albums you can listen when on a good mood, on a party mood or just cleaning up the place. :D And not to forget one of my long-time theme songs come from this album, Crazy Bitch. The group was formed in sunny California, for the first time, with a name Sparrow. The band released this album in 2007 after reviving the band in 2005. The album spent amazing 98 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 and got their first ever Top 10 hit, Sorry. I'd say it was worth reviving the band. Even the following album Black Butterfly was a success even though I think that 15 is the better one out of these two.

The two hits already mentioned aren't the only good tracks on the album. The opening track So Far is full of attitude. Continued with such a great song, Next 2 You, this band is pretty close to finding the perfect mix of rock'n'roll. The third track Next 2 You is one of my favorites as well. Keeping the music simple enough and Josh Todd's voice makes this band different from others. I happen to love Todd's vocals, it's easily recognised from everyone else's, just like it is with every big rockstar. You wouldn't make the mistake of mixing, lets say, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith with Michael Jackson, would you..?! And you can't make the same mistake with Todd either.

http://www.buckcherry.com/

http://www.myspace.com/buckcherry

Tuesday Top 3

1. In Flames - Sounds Of A Playground Fading

2. Axegressor - Next

3. The 69 Eyes - Back In Blood

In Flames - Sounds Of A Playground Fading

Sweden seems to be the cradle of good music these days. Today the album to prove my point is Sounds Of A Playground Fading from In Flames. Influences from Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath can be heard from the very first track, the guitar in the beginning of the song makes one almost certain that Bruce Dickinson starts singing soon enough. But even though the influences from those bands are strong, In Flames has a distinguish sound of its own. And this Swedish band has grown famous throughout the world as well. Making sure the success continues the band has gotten a song on the Guitar Hero III game, a song on the Canadian billboard top 200 as high position as number 7, a great amount of different awards and lately their song Deliver Us from their latest album has been playing constantly on radios.

The band was formed in 1990 and it has been evolving both member wise and musically. Members have been coming and going (Niclas Engeling, nowadays a full-time member) and they've switched from one instrument to another (Björn Gelotte, from drums to guitar) but at least for now it seems the band has found its line-up for good. Hopefully so, because it seems the band has been more than lucky not to break up during all the changes and yet somehow managed to gain success.

I haven't been a huge fan of In Flames before but I'm getting to that direction slowly. This album will probably end to my collection at some point and not least because I like the choises for their cover art (Dave Correia/Sounds Of A Playground Fading and Derek Hess/Come Clarity).

http://www.inflames.com/

http://www.myspace.com/inflames

Midsummer Music

Flashback Friday on break because of the midsummer festivals. Enjoy this clip instead.

Summer Madness - Kool And The Gang

Tuesday Top 3

1. Adelitas Way - Home School Valedictorian

2. Sixx A.M. - This is Gonna Hurt

3. Alter Bridge - Blackbird

Adelitas Way - Home School Valedictorian

The story behind the name, Adelitas Way, is almost beyond imagination. The band ended up to a brothel named Adelita Bar after being robbed by corrupted Mexican cops. The way the girls were living there seemed sad and the lead vocalist Rick DeJesus wrote a song about it and that ended up being the name for the band and their first album as well. The band was formed in Las Vegas in 2005 and Home School Valedictorian is their second album. Only time will tell if this album is going to be as successful as their previous album was. If I know anything about music, I'd say this will be even more so.

For what I've listened to this album it is at least heavier than the previous and that's fine by me. First single Sick has been playing over and over in the radio which is fine as well, the song stops me everytime I hear it. And there's more jewels on the album. Opening track Collapse is one of the heavier tracks and sounds to meas if Stone Sour was mixed with Three Days Grace. That might not be far from the truth since the band has been touring with such great bands as Sick Puppies, Hailstorm, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin and the already mentioned Three Days Grace. Less hard rock but more positive is the song named Alive which became instantly one of my favourites. Not that there's any bad songs on the album.
Worth your money if you like bands like Daughtry, Alter Bridge or Saliva. :)

http://www.adelitaswaymusic.net
http://www.myspace.com/adelitasway

Flashback Friday

King For A Day Fool For A Lifetime is the fifth studio album from Faith No More and let me say, it is one of their best ones even though the album sale wasn't a huge success. Everybody knows (or at least should know) the songs Ricochet and Evidence from this album which were also released as singles, as well as Digging The Grave.

In music circles where I roam The Gentle Art Of Making Enemies is highly valued but this song doesn't belong to my absolute favorites. The band was planning to release this one as a single too but the plans were cancelled. The poor success of the sales did affect on Take This Bottle as well which was supposed to be the fifth single from the album. The latter one is especially a shame because it happends to be a great song.

Singles or not, the tracks on this album really work. And besides, who wouldn't want to be a king for a day?! And I know all of us are fooling throughout our lifes, some people more than others.. :D

http://www.fnm.com/
http://www.myspace.com/faithnomore

Tuesday Top 3

1. Alter Bridge - Blackbird
2. Skillet - Awake
3. Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak

Pain - You Only Live Twice

You Only Live Twice is seventh album from the Swedish band Pain. And as the lyrics say in the opening track Let It Out, this album is like a broken record repeating itself. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad album, it's ok. Just a bit boring perhaps. The one song that differs the most is track number 5, Dirty Woman which made also to their music video. If you haven't seen that video yet, I recommend that you watch as soon as possible. It's actually quite fun video, just keep your eyes on the drummer. ;)

Other than that this album doesn't really impress me much. The art on the album cover is neat though, reminding me of Tim Burton. Too band that the band haven't been able to put that same kind of magic to these songs. Monster ain't montrous at all and We Want More didn't really leave me longing for more. But as written above, this is not a bad album. But I wouldn't play this in a tattoo studio where you want your music to distract peoples' attention away from the needle and pain.. (Word game un-intentional.) This has nothing to distract with but will do perfectly as a back-ground music in some goth/metal/rock styled cafe or something similar...

http://www.painworldwide.com/
http://www.myspace.com/pain

Flashback Friday

This Friday my flashback album from the past comes from sunny California and a band named Incubus. Their album Morning View was released in 2001 and this album is timely again now ten years later since Incubus is going to release a new album this summer. This isn't necessarily their best album but as their music always this album contains some great songs, hits even. Incubus is has done some strong tracks throughout their whole career and songs like Wish You Were Here, Nice To Know You and Warning certainly aren't what you can call weak performance. And the album did reach second place at the Billboard Top 200 list the year it was released, I guess that tells something as well.

Although the obvious hits and great singles, this album has otherwise as well pretty interesting music. But then again, don't take my word on it, listen to it for yourself. You might want to start with Are You In ? or if liking it melancholic, try listening to Mexico.

http://www.myspace.com/incubus

Tuesday Top 3

1. Black Stone Cherry - Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
2. The 69 Eyes - Back In Blood
3. Aerosmith - Big Ones

Black Stone Cherry - Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea

Lovelovelove!! That word sums up what I think about the new Black Stone Cherry album Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea. I found this band about a month ago and been waiting their latest album ever since I heard their opening track White Trash Millionaire. And this album surely was worth waiting for.

First I got to start by saying that this album made me smile. It made me laugh like a little child in the treasure hunt. Every song on this album reveals something new, something better than the previous track. There is some heavy parts on the album and there is some soft tunes. Killing Floor is definitely one of the heavier ones as well as Such A Shame. I can't really put my finger to it but there is something familiar with Such A Shame, it reminds me of another song. I just can't figure out which song is that.

From heavier tunes to positive energy with songs Blame It On The Boom Boom, Like I Roll, Can't You See (Absolutely love that guitar on this one!!!) and Let Me See You Shake. These four guys do know how to make you move. The band is often associated to Lynyrd Skynyrd and this album didn't make a difference to that aspect. Just listen to their song Fade Away if you don't want to take my word on it. Fifteen songs on this album and all of them good if not great. What more can you ask for?!? I'll be happy to spend my last bucks on this album. Like they sing it in White Trash Millionaire: "..ain't got much and I don't care.." At least I don't care as long as I'll get this album to my collection. :D

http://www.blackstonecherry.com/
http://www.myspace.com/blackstonecherry

Flashback Friday

Life On Display is the third album coming from Puddle Of Mudd. I got to say I'll never get tired of this band and especially this album. This band formed in Kansas City in 1992 has been one of my favourites since I bought their album Come Clean. It doesn't exactly do any harm that their lead singer, Wes Scantlin, reminds me of my childhood friend by the looks. But back to the album itself.

You can't be mistaken when hearing this band; Scantlins voice, lyrics and the music has that unique sound that can't be mixed with anybody elses. Album starts off strong with a song named Away From Me, the chorus just gets stuck into your head. And that goes through the whole album. Rough, attitude-filled parts combined with clean vocals and softer tunes just makes one to listen this album over and over again. Great tracks like Heel Over Head, Think and Life Ain't Fair(Bonus track) just follow each others on this album, making it almost impossible to leave this album to gather dust on the shelf. I have this one in my stereos as well as in my mp3-player, not really leaving a possibility to a day go by without listening to the album.

Personally, I could listen to the track number 5, Spin You Around 25 hours a day, 8 days a week. If that would be possible, I mean. So, if you haven't got this album yet, make sure you get yours soon. I'd buy this one immediately if I didn't have it already. Maybe I'll have to buy this once more, just to be sure. ;D

Tuesday Top 3

1. Sixx A.M. - This is Gonna Hurt
2. Hardcore Superstar - Bad Sneakers And A Piña Colada
3. Puddle Of Mudd - Life On Display

Hell - Human Remains

The name of the band lead me expect a lot from Hell. Even the name of the album Human Remains gives the image that this one is tough and it has gotten some pretty good reviews in the internet as well. Like said, this one is tough. Tough one to deside whether this is for real or just a joke. The history of the band and the songs is more or less disturbing to me.

Correct me if I've understood this all wrong, but this is a band that hasn't actually done any album before Human Remains. And Human Remains is mostly old demos from 1982. The music is quite good throughout the whole album no complaints about that. Could have been saved on that aspect. But I have to disagree with some of the reviews about the singer. He's good at times and really, really bad at times. And what is the catch with all the speaking and news broadcasts in the beginning of almost every song? I guess it is meant to sound all dramatic and theatrical but to me it makes most of them just boring or ridiculous. For example what were they thinking when recording Macbeth? Or The Oppressors? I lost my interest in Macbeth at the very beginning and The Oppressors is just boring. Surprisingly though I did like one of the most massive tracks on the album, 10 minutes and 14 second long The Devil's Deadly Weapon. And I found a couple of tracks that weren't that bad. But not enough to save this review. This is NOT my cup of tea.

http://www.myspace.com/hell

Flashback Friday

1979. THE year. This is the year when Sahara desert experienced snow for 30 minutes, Voyager I reveals the rings of Jupiter and Michael Jackson released his first solo album Off The Wall. And what a great album it is. It has a positive vibe, it is rock and roll with peace and love of the seventies, it is a bridge between The Jacksons and the new Michael Jackson who was introduced to us already on his next album (yet most people noticed the change in him first time when Bad was released). Legendary songs like Don't Stop'Til You Get Enough and Workin' Day And Night still inspire musicians today, we've heard all kind of mixed versions of them. But nothing beats the originals, right?!

Already on this album Michael started working closely with Paul McCartney who wrote the song Girlfriend. Macca isn't the only big star who worked with Michael during this album. There is also a song written by Stevie Wonder: I Can' t Help It. Both songs are pretty recognizable in style; when hearing Girlfriend you can quite easily tell it is a Macca song. Although the famous names and Michael himself my personal favourites are songs written by Rod Temperton, a talented songwriter, record producer and a musician who worked not only with Michael but with Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin and many more. Burn This Disco Out and Rock With You were only a beginning when it comes to working with Mr Jackson, Temperton also wrote the title song to his next album, Thriller.

All in all, this is an album that makes you wanna dance and its positive vibe is guaranteed to make you smile. If you are into Michael more than that, try to find special edition of this album, it has bonus material on it: comments from Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton plus original demos from 1978 of songs Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Workin' Day And Night. Worth listening for, I promise. :)

http://www.michaeljackson.com/
http://www.myspace.com/michaeljackson

Tuesday Top 3

1. Doom Unit - The Burden Of Bloom
2. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
3. Slash's Snakepit - Ain't Life Grand

Doom Unit - The Burden Of Bloom

This weeks new album is The Burden Of Bloom by Doom Unit. This is second album from this Finnish band. The first album Cross The Line was quite a success spending eight weeks on the lists. The band spent most of the 2010 on the road and got into the studio in the beginning of the year 2011, reliesing their second album in May 18th. Album is published even as vinyl. These ten tracks on the album are, according to the band itself, somewhat heavier than those on their first album.

The opening track The Cradle And The Grave certainly starts the album heavily. The second song Reckoning Day continues the heavy rock sound keeping the pace up. Dead Pilot is heavy on sound as well but slower than the two songs before which makes the feeling go down a bit. And that seems to be the theme that goes throughout the whole album: the band starts with faster songs which makes the listener nod their head along the drum beats or play air-guitar and then it slows down just to pick up the pace again with the songs that follow. All in all this album is quite good but somehow it left me missing something. What, that I don't know. Maybe the great success of the first album and one of the best singles in 2009, Killing Time, just left me wanting more. But even with that said, I think this album is a keeper. I might be interested in this even as vinyl.

http://www.doomunit.com/
http://www.myspace.com/doomunit

Flashback Friday

Slash's Snakepit started as a sideproject while Guns'n'Roses were off tour. First album It's Five O'Clock Somewhere kept Slash busy touring until the record label told it was time for the next G'n'R album. Slash himself tells in his autobiography that he wasn't happy about when he was told to stop the tour with Snakepit. The situation with G'n'R was already then pretty badly off the track and that can be heard from this album as well. According to the man himself it is pretty obvious to whom those songs are directed. And he is right about that. If you've done your homework it's clear to you as well.

This album is certainly a breath of fresh air (mostly because it differs so much from G'n'R) but I got to say I like the next Snakepit album Ain't Life Grand even more, maybe because its sound is even heavier than the one on 5 O'Clock and it's more positive. But this album also has it's jewels. Songs like Neither Can I, Dime Store Rock and Doin' Fine shows what it's always been about: playing good music. Simple as that. And even though I'm not a huge fan of this album I love the story behind it's name. Slash was at the airport and wanted to have a drink. Unfortunately bars don't open before 5PM. Luckily the bartender understood the need for that drink and as the story goes he said "It's five o'clock somewhere" and poured Slash a drink.

This is definitely an album that takes more than just one listening before it hits you. It's raw and pure but after listening it through a couple of times you'll probably find your feet tapping and yourself waiting for those magical guitar parts only Slash can play without that much of an effort. I think it should be a crime to make playing guitar look that easy when it really isn't. But since it's the "Slasher" I guess I'll just let this one pass. :D

Tuesday Top 3

1. Sixx A.M. - This is Gonna Hurt
2. Mötley Crüe - Raw Tracks
3. Sick Puppies - Tri-Polar

Sixx A.M. - This is Gonna Hurt

This one is the ultimate writing pleasure for me. If you've read my profile you know that I'm pretty in to Mötley Crüe and Sixx A.M. as well as to the guys in Mötley. And Sixx A.M. has released a new album, This is Gonna Hurt. And I gotta say, this album took me totally by surprise. At first I thought that it's not consistent, not as whole as The Heroin Diaries. But after listening to this album a couple of times it comes together. The album is with certainty connected tightly to the book with the same title that includes stories and photographs by Nikki Sixx. But maybe even more surprising was the positiveness of this album. There are tracks that have a strong message that being different isn't by any means a bad thing. But what really blew me away were songs like Sure Feels Right, Smile and Skin. I haven't been able yet to listen Smile without smiling. The song makes me feel all bubbly and happy, with myself and with my life and it makes me appreciate certain people in my life even more I did before. And Skin.. what a beautiful song. Just listen to the lyrics and you'll know what I mean. I almost broke down and cried.

But that's not all. There are heavier beats for example in Live Forever and Help Is On The Way. Are You With Me would serve perfectly on Chris Daughtry album as well and Deadlihood could've been already on The Heroin Diaries. After few listenings there is still two songs I haven't connected with though: Oh My God and Goodbye My Friends. I liked the guitar on Oh My God. And I do wonder why such a great song as Codependence is only as a bonus track on the Japanese release. As an addict though.. as a MUSIC addict, I got to have this album. The good is so good that the bad isn't bad at all.

http://sixxammusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sixxam

Flashback Friday

Everybody who knows the American band Staind surely knows their epic album Break The Cycle. Today though I'm giving you a review of their sixth album The Illusion Of Progress that was published 2008. This album is pretty much the opposite for the all-rock, aggressive album Break The Cycle. This album certainly is rock but with softer edges and the album has one song I consider being one of the best love ballads ever, Tangled Up In You. Other songs, including such as All I Want, Believe and The Corner aren't left far behind. And I can even somehow relate to a song Schizophrenic Conversations. Even though this album is a step away from their original rock roots towards pop and lyrically the album is more positive, the band itself says on their website that the torment and anguish hasn't disappeared anywhere. But it is refreshing to hear occasionally some music that doesn't include words like 'pain', 'hate' or 'suffer'. This album most definitely gives a positive vibes to its listeners. And what I've noticed, this album can't be played without singing along the songs. The music, the lyrics.. it all just requires that you stop to listen them with care and once you've done that, you'll start singing those songs.. So, have a happy sing-along, mates. :)

http://www.staind.com/
http://www.myspace.com/staind

Tuesday Top 3

1. Scar Symmetry - The Unseen Empire
2. Creed - Weathered
3. Staind - Break The Cycle

Scar Symmetry - The Unseen Empire

The Unseen Empire is the fifth album from the Swedish death metal band Scar Symmetry. Although the band is quite young, formed in 2004, its members have lots of experience within the music industry. Members of the band have influenced in such bands as Unmoored, Altered Aeon and Theory In Practice, and those experiences have certainly helped them when making music with their latest band. It took only two years making this album. After listening the songs throught a couple of times I got to say, even though I'm not a huge death metal fan, the nine songs on the album doesn't include any bad ones. All of the songs in the album are equally interesting and made my head nod along the beat. The clear vocals and the deep roars are in perfect balance. Reading the lyrics made an interesting side-effect though. The song titles could basically be used as titles for fantasy books and the lyrics take that image even further, with all the ivory towers and shrines. But if thinking and reading those lyrics more carefully, one can find hints here and there that the songs might even tell about the world situation, politics etc. But even without those aspects the songs really work. This one is also a must-buy.

http://www.myspace.com/scarsymmetry

Flashback Friday

This album is definitely one you'll never get tired of: Aerosmith's Get A Grip. The album holds probably the best Aerosmith songs throughout the time and the guys that started the band in 1970 in Massachusetts are still going on strong, Steven Tyler being one of the most colourful persons in rock history. Get A Grip has a great combination of fast forward hard rock songs like Eat The Rich, Livin' On The Edge and Shut Up And Dance but also some sweet rock ballads that filled the dance floors and mix-tapes in the early 90's, Cryin' and Crazy being perhaps the best known of them all. The videos for these ballads were also constantly on air, 90's being the golden era of MTV. Aerosmith continued publishing albums and hits that conquered top charts after the 1980's time after time again but I still feel that this is the most honest, most original Aerosmith-spirited album there is, my personal favourite being their song Amazing, a song that tells the listener that difficulties only makes one grow stronger and better and even during the hardest times, there is still something beautiful, something worth living for.

http://www.aerosmith.com/
http://www.myspace.com/aerosmith
http://www.aeroforceone.com/

Tuesday Top 3

1. Dynazty - Knock You Down
2. Dynazty - Bring The Thunder
3. Children of Bodom - Relentless Reckless Forever

Dynazty - Knock You Down

This rock and roll junkie was last night desperately thinking of which new album should I write this week. And this music junkie surely was knocked down when finding Dynazty's album Knock You Down. This album has all the great elements to it, sounding a bit like Mötley Crüe, Guns'n'Roses and Whitesnake in the good old days. And still this Swedish band haven't gone on copying their material from those bands, sharply added metal features makes Dynazty sound modern and up-to-date. The band changed record label between the albums and published Knock You Down with their second record company Storm Vox Records. And this rock'n'roll junkie ain't complaining of the out-come, songs like Get It On, Devil's Playground and Sleeping With The Enemy makes one move without even notising it: head start nodding, feet start tapping. Even more slow songs like This Is My Life and the Edwyn Collins cover A Girl Like You are working well (a lot said from a person who couldn't stand the latter song before at all). This album definitely ends in to my collection. I might even have to buy their previous album. ;)

http://www.dynazty.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dynaztyband

Flashback Friday

The first Flashback Friday brings us Red Hot Chili Peppers and their album from 1995, One Hot Minute. Album was released while John Frusciante, former guitarist of RHCP was in rehab after quitting the band in 1991. Frusciante wasn't all that exited about the fame and glory the band got with their previous album "BloodSugarSexMagik" and so he left the band. the That way he left free place for Dave Navarro who's also known from Jane's Addiction and probably even more known from his marriage with hot and sexy Carmen Electra. One Hot Minute was done while Anthony Kiedis was struggling to keep his drug addiction hidden from his bandmates and that affected the album as well. The album is more dark than the previous albums and it surely is darker as the albums after it. Even though the critics didn't necessarily praise the album, it sold quite well and it has some memorable songs like Aeroplane, My Friends and Warped.

Dave Navarro didn't seem to be intrested enough staying in the eyes of the rest of the Peppers and he quit RHCP in 1998. John Frusciante had gone through rehab succesfully and came back to play the guitar. Old mates were back together and ready to release their most sold album Californication.

http://www.redhotchilipeppers.com/
http://www.myspace.com/redhotchilipeppers

Tuesday Top 3

1. Battle Beast - Steel
2. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
3. Black Stone Cherry

Battle Beast - Steel

It was about a time to start a new blog that is all about my life-long addiction, music. I've been writing for ages and even at this moment I have several blogs which I update, some more regularly than others. I've always been mad for music and if it could be done, I'd listen music 24/7. I absolutely love live performances. Big or small, troubadour or stadium size concert, it makes no difference. I can't make it out from a record store without buying something to my music collection. Many of my friends are musicians. Some of my other hobbies are tightly connected to music even though I don't play any instrument myself. I believe that my opinion is valued quite high among my friends when it comes to music. And even if my music taste isn't always what they see as good music they seem to appreciate my honesty. I'm not a professional critic and these blog entries are just my opinions, no intensions to hurt any feelings out there. My only, humble wish is that I can bring something new to the scene. I am pretty much open to any music style or subject connected with music, it may as well be books of musicians or photographs, album covers etc. Feel free to comment or send me e-mail (You can find it in my profile.), suggest me books or albums and artists and I'll do what I can. And I promise to give you an honest opinion. With this first review, my prologue as a music "critic", I'd like to welcome you to my blog.
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Lately I've been testing the boundaries of my music taste with heavier music. I've found myself from trash metal gigs as well as death metal gigs. As a rock'n'roll junkie I've been positively surprised that I've grown to like heavier music as well. Battle Beast may not be the heaviest bands I've listened lately but I find their new album Steel good enough for me to consider buying it. Influences from bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Manowar can be heard in songs Iron Hand, Justice and Metal and Armageddon Clan. Winning W:O:A Metal Battle is definitely one of the highlights for this band as well as appering in the Finnish Metal Expo. Up-coming shows in several Finnish summer festivals and one in Wacken, Germany this year will certainly bring this band to the knowledge of many metal fans.

I am difficult to please when it comes to women singing lead vocals so I was surprised to find out the fact that Battle Beast has woman lead vocalist. I'm not easily impressed but this one certainly earns her place amongst the many magnificent heavy metal male vocalists and even beats some of them. The music of this Finninsh band isn't that unique, guitar riffs on this album remind the ones we've heard time after time and the lyrics tell the same old heavy metal stories about doom, metal warriors and attitude with power. But this album does have some special positive vibe to it. Starting your week at work by listening to this album might not be a bad idea at all. I have listened to this album a couple of times already and I haven't got tired to it yet. Only the future will tell how long this one remains in my playlist.

To find more about Battle Beast visit their official website and myspace:
http://www.hypeproductions.fi/battlebeast/index.php?id=1
http://www.myspace.com/battlebeastband