Glam. Sleaze. Hair metal. Whatever you wish to call it, it's back. And it's going to be bigger than ever. With Download Festival donning(ton!) acts such as Cinderella and Aerosmith, the revival of the genre is in full swing.
Also on the bill for potentially the biggest year of the festival, Ratt. This is their new album, Infestation, and it's set to rock the summer.
With over ten years in the waiting, Ratt have needed that special something to give them that much deserved credit. This could be it.
Adapting more of a metal feel, rather than their previous bluesy attribute, Infestation has heavy guitars and loud, growling vocals. Somewhat different to older albums, they've managed to fulfill the promise of a modern sound and yet remain quintessentially, Ratt.
From the word go, (not literally. The first words are, naturally, "OH YEAH!") the heavy riffing and accustomed sleazy lyrics of Eat Me Up Alive set this album up for the eleven following mind-blowing tracks. Ratt are truly in their best form in over twenty years; and dare I say it, possibly the best form ever.
The album may lack 'classics' and the vocal is not the very best of the genre, but frontman Stephen Pearcy ensures that tracks such as Best of Me and Take A Big Bite become his own. Nobody else could "be" Ratt. Nobody could adapt these hard rocking songs the way that he does.
Ratt have really set themselves up for an incredible future, without losing their classic style. If they continue to make such music as this, we may hear a lot more of them.
Tracks to check out first:
Eat Me Up Alive
Best of Me
As Good As It Gets
Garden of Eden
Take a Big Bite
Bring The Noise Rating: 8/10
22 Bands Added to Download Lineup
Donington Park's annual festival in the incarnation 'Download' has just revealed a staggering twenty-two more bands to the line-up.
Headlined by classic favourites AC/DC and Aerosmith, the 2010 festival boasts one of most impressive lineups to date.
"In no particular order, they are: Coheed and Cambria, Airbourne, HIM, Dillinger Escape Plan, Cinderella, Steel Panther, We Are The Fallen, 36 Crazyfists, A Day To Remember, Whitechapel, Hell Yeah, The Blackout, Dommin, Taking Dawn, Job For A Cowboy, Saxon, RATT, Unearth, Lawnmower Deth, Rise To Remain, August Burns Red and Y&T."
Something for everyone!
For full details of the line-up and to purchase tickets, visit:
www.downloadfestival.co.uk
Review - Steel Panther at Newcastle O2 Academy 18/03/2010
Newcastle O2 Academy, not the biggest of venues and seldom visited by bigger artists; it's certainly a location to draw the crowds. Spacious floor, loud music, bars aplenty; it's a wonder why more artists are unwilling to venture into the North East of England's greatest place for live music.
Completely sold out, the floor is abundant with beings and all four bars are packed; the place flooded with sleazed up fans sporting wigs, leopard print, spandex and makeup; the crowd have gone the whole hog for this parodical glam foursome.
Racing on the stage (with much cheer from the congregation) and breaking into 'Eyes of A Panther,' the band begin their epic routine; Satchel and Lexxi back to back in a cliché 80s fashion. Realising that each member of the assembly is singing along to every single word, vocalist Michael Starr's face is full of simultaneous suprise and glee. There is no deficiency of onstage energy here. 
Comedic they may be, but Steel Panther have no lack of musicianship. Blasting into 'Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)' the genuine talent of the guys begins to shine through their mock garb and paraphernalia. Fun and fast paced, the group have the diverse horde of fans frenzied; screaming; bouncing; riotous.
Steel Panther have much more to the show than their vivacious music. Each song broken by skits of crude humour; foul-mouthed references to fornication, lady-parts, and how appalling their stage crew are. Inviting girls into their spotlight is another of their antics; provoking the flashing of breasts to the masses.
Separating Steel Panther from every other parody band, Starr officially introduces Satchel, who continues to blare out a 'kick-ass' solo, of which the last lingering note transforms into the first of the truly awesome riffing of 'Turn Out The Lights.'
Incredible.
After more hilarity, such as encouraging the throng to chant 'P-U-S-S-Y' for 'We Want Pussy' (obviously), the troupe conclude with their classic 'Death To All But Metal,' followed by overwhelming covers of 'Shout At The Devil'(Motley Crue) 'Paradise City'(Guns and Roses) and 'Youth Gone Wild'(Skid Row), to the accompaniment of young, attractive ladies from the audience.
Combining droll banter with great showmanship, crowd interactivity and not forgetting genuine talent, Steel Panther are one of the finest acts to hit the Academy since it's opening in 2005.
Vain are certainly no strangers to making great albums
As we revert back to the fashions of the Eighties, more bands are beginning to reissue their older albums to fit this latest trend. And as Skid Row are to headline Hard Rock Hell, their favourite support group, Vain, are welcoming sales of their 1991 album 'All Those Strangers.'
In recent years, Vain's '91 unreleased project has been on sale at gigs, available on the group leader, Davy Vain's own label 'Jackie Rainbow Records'. With recent tour success, the major companies want in, and the record finally gets the treatment it has so longingly deserved.
Vain may have never been a household name, but have acquired a large cult following amongst sleaze fans over their twenty year career. And while 'All Those Strangers' may not become the "instant classic" like that of their debut 'No Respect,' it's certainly more consistent and just as (if not more) fun to listen to.
With tracks such as 'Shooting Star' and 'Love Drug,' you may just find yourself singing into that hairbrush between back-combs. Androgynous vocals and hard rocking guitar from start to finish, 'All Those Strangers' could be the start of something beautiful for Vain.
Grab your copies now, available for pre-order HERE
'New' Hendrix 'more suited to bonus material'
Since the early 1960s, Jimi Hendrix has been idolised as one of the greatest guitarists in history; influential and legendary, he left artists such as Clapton and Townshend in awe.
'Valleys of Neptune,' a cache of previously unreleased songs by the guitarist; the album is a highly anticipated commemoration to the legend's death forty years ago.
To enthusiasts, this album may be a little disappointing. New material, yes, but certainly does Hendrix no justice. It seems the compilation is nothing more than outtakes and jams; a collection of tapes from the archives that were left an abandoned project for a reason.
Mixed by Eddie Kramer, Jimi's long time engineer, the sound is crisp and clean, although impressive, it's seemingly fraudulent, and loses the authentic crackle of nostalgia.
Including an eight minute mix of 'Red House,' the majority of tracks were recorded in 1969, a poor year for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. A year that Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding were in constant feuds, immidiately before being replaced by old friend of Jimi's, Billy Cox.
Despite the inadequacy of album-worthy material, 'Valleys of Neptune,' has it's moments. Immense guitar and a cover of Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love' helps to redeem the albums credibility.
With the re-release of 'Electric Ladyland,' 'Axis: Bold as Love' and 'Are You Experienced,' the unreleased tracks of 'Valleys of Neptune' are perhaps best suited to bonus material for these remastered chronicles.
Had Hendrix still been alive, these tracks would never have seen light of day; and this album raises the question is it previously unreleased for a reason?
Join him, in his new found love of life
HIM; prodigal sons of metal. Don't agree? You might just change your mind...
'Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice', is the seventh album by the alternative rockers, who, are the only Finnish band to have ever achieved a gold album in America.
Following 2007's 'Venus Doom', which was their heaviest to date,(having been compared to Metallica), HIM have managed to resurrect their classic sound, which has somewhat a melancholic energy.
Unlike 'Venus Doom,' 'Screamworks...' is free of Valo's bitterness and gloom of addiction and instead, reflects the frontman's sensuality and love for his newly found, clean life.
Although reminiscent of HIM's earlier artistry, 'Screamworks...' accommodates a new sound for the band; adding an 80's synth resonance to certain tracks, ('Love, the Hardest Way,' 'In The Arms of Rain) creating an upbeat, cathartic record.
This album proves there's still life in HIM yet, and do not pre-judge; this is the start of something new for the band, a perfect chill-out rock album.
Bring The Noise rating: 8/10
Zakk's plans could land him in The Tower of London
Many people wish of meeting the Queen, and amongst those people are Black Label Society's leader, Zakk Wylde.
He claims that if Borat and Bruno can get away with preposterous interviews, then so could he. If it were anyone else we wouldn't believe this statement was legit:
“Here’s my plan. We pretend to be from a serious TV news channel somewhere, and ask to interview Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We’ll have all the credentials made up, get in there and ask the first question: ‘Do you shave your pussy?’ That’s it, we’ll be dragged out, locked in the Tower, get beheaded, but that question will be on film, and we’ll smuggle it out somehow. Come on, it’s gotta be worth it!"
This isn't the first sign of Zakk's love of queens; he also plans for Black Label Society to record a tribute album to the one and only Elton John.
Want to see this? You're not alone. Go for it Zakk!
Alice in Chains release a comic book?
It seems unusual, but grungers Alice in Chains have released a free comic for their fans.
Teaming up with Popcult and Devil’s Due, the band have created a comic book sequel to the conceptual storyline for the video accompanying 'Your Decision.'
For the first chapter of this book, they planned out a master storyboard and then got fans to come up with the remaining five chapters.
The whole book is now finished, and available for download right here
HRH announces line-up
Although not until December, Hard Rock Hell has announced the first handful of bands to play this awesome winter festival. This is the festival created by fans, who have chosen themes of thrash, glam, sleaze, NWOBHM, metal and classic rock.
Already flaunting an incredible line-up, including Skid Row, Michael Schenker Group, Enuff Z’Nuff and LA Guns, Hard Rock Hell is not to be missed.
Tickets are already over 40% sold, so be hasty in ordering.
This fantastic event is to commence at Pontins in Prestatyn, North Wales from December 3rd, with hardcore festival goers arriving on the 2nd for debauchery of the highest kind.
Other acts confirmed include Tank, Pretty Boy Floyd and Diamond Head.
For more information visit:
http://www.hardrockhell.com/
Irish rockers release live album in anniversary celebration!
Long time Irish rockers Therapy? are celebrating twenty years together this year.
To mark such an occasion, the band are releasing their very first official live album, this summer.
Global Music are offering YOU the chance to be there, to hear the live recordings first hand at exclusive live shows at the world famous Monto Water Rats Theatre.
Therapy? will be performing the three London shows, running the 29th, 30th and 31st March 2010 to be recorded for the live album. Each night the band will perform a different set-list drawn from their extensive recording career.
The release will be a celebration, marking their long-standing catalogue of amazing music with breakthrough records including Babyteeth (1991) and Troublegum (1994); songs such as Nowhere (1994), Screamager (1994) and Church Of Noise (1998).
With 13 studio albums, their latest being last year's Crooked Timber, a diverse selection of songs is to be expected over these performances.
Grab your tickets via Ticket Web now:
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=374519
Hevanz Above! Touring pressure gets too much for singer.
Life on the road is tough for any band, but for Heaven's Basement frontman Richie Hevanz, the rock and roll lifestyle has proved to be just too much.
Formed in 2008, the sleaze-rock newcomers have acquired many fans whilst supporting bands such as Buckcherry, Papa Roach and Bon Jovi.
Announced on their official Myspace page, the band confirmed that it's not the first time singer Richie has felt under pressure. "Signs in Richie suggested something has been wrong."
Heaven's Basement are due to begin touring with Theory of a Deadman, and although the other guys expected Richie to join them for one final tour, this is not the case. Thankfully, good friend Johnny (of theFALLEN) has agreed to temporarily step in until a new vocalist is found.
Think you have what it takes to replace Richie?
Send a sample recording to info@heavensbasement.com for a shot at being chosen to join this superior band.
Auditions begin at the end of their current tour.
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Free download of Vince Neil's 'Tattoos and Tequila'
Artists are forever giving away free content via the internet and the latest to join the trend is Motley Crue's Vince Neil.
Tattoos and Tequila, from the album of the same name, is refreshing, enjoyable and should remind the older rocker of their own lives on the scene. Not to be missed, the free package includes desktop wallpaper and the accompanying music video.
Not only do you get all this, totally FREE, but five lucky downloaders will win a signed drum head.
Tattoos and Tequila is available on the singer's website now:
http://www.vinceneil.net/
Catchy punk-rock set out to get you hooked
Alkaline Trio return with their seventh album, 'This Addiction', released just yesterday (23rd February) on their newly formed own record label, 'Heart and Skull.'
Returning to their punk roots, the trio's latest album contains lyrics derived from their own personal lives dealing with death and love. Catchy tunes and powerful lyrics are combined to create a thing of beauty. Quintessential Alkaline Trio.
Short catchy songs and sweet, simple rhythms, 'This Addiction' is reminiscent of their earlier records. Not only have the band returned to their original style, they've matured in a way that they are now comfortable writing about politics, and more adult themes, with frontman Matt Skiba describing the album as "thinking man's punk."
It may sound cleaner; more musically polished than previous albums, almost alien and a somewhat counterfeit vibe to it originally, but after a couple of plays, it's snappy endearing tunes will have you reeled in. Welcome back, Alkaline Trio!
Greatest Hits & More? How many more will there be?
Greatest Hits albums are always a good idea for those who don't know where to start when getting into a classic band. But when you don't know which greatest hits album to start with, you know there's something wrong.
The Who, old pros. Veterans of rock and roll. Legends in their own right. They have nothing to prove, so why do they continuously release the same songs over and over under different named albums?
'Greatest Hits & More' is The Who's twenty-fifth compilation album, showcasing some of the superior compositions from the band's forty-six year career. From the instant classic 'My Generation' to 2006's 'It's Not Enough' and a whole disc of live performances, Greatest Hits & More is undoubtedly the most substantial of releases.
Obsessive "Wholigans" won't be too overjoyed with this album, as, although it has substance, CD one is EXACTLY the same as 2004's 'Then and Now', which itself was updated in 2007 to include one extra track. Not to mention of course it features many of the songs found on 'The Ultimate Collection', 'The VERY best of The Who' and 'Who's Better, Who's Best'.
The live tracks are rarities, and chosen personally by the band; presumably to entice loyal Who fans into parting with yet more money. Though for a first time Who buyer, this album is THE essential; all the hits with the added bonus of getting a feel for The Who live throughout their reign as kings of Maximum R&B.
The Who are great, but this is one Greatest Hits too many.
Rating: Main Tracks - 5/5, Live CD - 4/5, Concept - 1/5
RΣMΦX...or RΦP ØFF?
We all have our guilty pleasures...
Enter Shikari emerged on the scene back in 2007 with a new trend combining the classic sounds of electronica with a more modern 'post-hardcore' feel. Despite not being in the mainstream, they acquired a large cult following within the young rock-fan community.
TRIBALISM, Enter Shikari's third album, is described as a 'companion' to last year's 'Common Dreads,' boasting new songs, remixes and live recordings. Teaming up with Qemists, Mistabishi and LightsGoBlue, this album should be set to blow your mind. Shouldn't it?
Opening with the title track, this album immediately (and, quite literally) screams Shikari. New single 'Thumper' follows, energetic and upbeat, this track is certainly one to rave about.
The remixes include a complete revamp for Juggernaut, err, twice. And No Sleep Tonight is remixed an incredible three times. Not overly well either.
What a disappointment.
The fans who put faith, loyalty and of course money into this band want fresh, new tracks, not the same track, sounding virtually identical, numerous times on this poor attempt of cutting-edge releases.
Despite the disappointing suffuse of tracks, the live refrain and new material are certainly worth a listen, albeit, far from Shikari's best.
Rating: 2/5
The kings are dead. Long live their music
Did you know 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of Jaguar cars? It's true. And to celebrate, they're releasing a brand new improved (one could say remastered) XJ model. See what I'm getting at here?
Yes, the anniversary of something means remasters, new products and commemorative materials. And for music, it's no different.
2010 also commemorates 40 years since the death of Jimi Hendrix (September 1970), who is often considered THE greatest guitarist of all time. Whether you agree or not, Hendrix was and still is one of the most influential players, determining many genres of music as well as being hailed the true rock god.
If Jimi is not for you, 2010 also remembers the death of Bon Scott (February 1980) and indeed the Back in Black album, both of which were very significant for the future of AC/DC. What better way for AC/DC to honour such a year than a return to Donington Park this summer, which, is coincidentally also the 30th anniversary of Donington Park Monsters of Rock in it's sixth year as incarnation Download Festival.
To summarise, this year should be brimming with memorialised goodies, be it in reissues of classics or brand new unheard material. This year should rock.
Excited? You should be.
God gave rock and roll to me...and I'm passing the great savings onto YOOOOUUU!
Every decade is different, especially where rock music is concerned. Each decennery, a different genre is established; a new fad, a new trend, nay...a new lifestyle is born.
2010. The start of yet another decade. What lies ahead for the next ten years? Who knows? Will we see the rebirth of glam? Or psychedelia? Will a new megastar be created with a brand new sound; like nothing heard before? Will Rage Against The Machine's Christmas boycott be the death of X-Factor? Only time will tell.
The new sounds. The revivals. The albums. The tours.
Bring the Noise!
