Category Archives: Music

Review of albums and singles. CD, LP, and MP3.

“Stages” (remastered) by Triumph

Artist: Triumph
Title: “Stages” – Remastered
Label: TML Entertainment
Release Date: 10/2004 (1985)
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 8/10

There is nothing like a good live album when it comes to big arena-level rock. Triumph were specialists in the field of concert performance and this remaster of their 1985 Concert piece entitled “Stages” is a testament to that fact. The CD was originally recorded over the course of several of the bands tours, so the fact that is crosses many years in their career makes it all that much more interesting to listen to. Like all live albums of the time, this particular one did not skimp on including all of the classic numbers. The radio hits as well as the fan favorites are all here to listen to in a fresh and cleaner production.
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“Death Cult Armageddon” by Dimmu Borgir

Artist: Dimmu Borgir
Title: “Death Cult Armageddon”
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date: 9/9/2003
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
Rating: 8/10

It was at the suggestion of some Friends who tread the path of much darker and heavier metal than I normally listen to that I decided to find some music by Dimmu Borgir. Dimmu, who hail from the Nordic Lands are currently considered the Kings Of Black Metal and for good reason. I will admit to you all that the Black Metal genre has escaped my notice until I played this CD. I instantly became a fan of this group, and hoped I would get to see them perform in a live situation soon. It was late December last year that I was able to sate this urge at a L’Amour appearance and they were brutal when experienced in person. The band is fronted by Shagrath (vocals), and rounded out by Silenoz (guitars), Galder (also known for his work with Old Man’s Child on lead guitar), Mustis (keyboards), Vortex (bass guitar and clean vocals) & Nick Barker (drums).
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“Bananas” by Deep Purple

Artist: Deep Purple
Title: “Bananas”
Label: Sanctuary Records
Release Date: 10/07/2003
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 7.75/10

Proving that time does not stand still for no band, Veteran rockers Deep Purple have returned with a new recording entitled “Bananas”. The group has also proven that even after all the years that have gone by that they can still deliver solid rock and roll that any age can enjoy. The lineup for the group is Ian Gillen (vox), Ian Paice (drums) and Roger Glover (bass) from the original Purple lineup as well as Don Airey and Steve Morse. Don has stepped in for the now retired John Lord while Steve has been in filling the space left by Richie Blackmore for a couple of years on the guitar. While I am a die hard Blackmore fan, there was probably no wiser choice than Mr. Morse. His stellar years of creativity in the progressive Dixie Dregs has shown he is more than capable of filling Richie’s shoes.
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“7: The Best Of Stryper” by Stryper

Artist: Stryper
Title: “7: The Best Of Stryper”
Label: Hollywood Records
Release Date: 3/25/2003
Genre: Heavy Metal
Rating: 10/10

A few months ago I had the chance to see Stryper at one of their Reunion shows when they came to New York. Since I was already a fan, I expected to enjoy myself. Given the fact that this was among the first shows the band had done in 12 years I expected the show to be full of the songs that made them popular. You see, around the time of the Reunion plans, a CD came out entitled “Stryper: 7 – The Best Of”. I was very impressed by this release. Now that I have a copy, I can spend a little time on it on behalf of the Metal Circus.
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“Modus Vivendi” by Tad Morose

Artist: Tad Morose
Title: “Modus Vivendi”
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 2/2004
Genre: Power Metal
Rating: 9/10

Every now and again you find a group that you miss somehow. One such group that I had never heard of was Tad Morose from Sweden. The band was making an appearance with EdGuy in NYC on their way to the ProgPowerUSA Fest. After listening to the CD “Modus Vivendi” and also catching a live set I can only say one thing about these makers of molten metal……FANTASTIC!!! From start to finish this CD is an awesome piece of work. I enjoyed track after track from this Swedish Quintet and here are some highlights about it.
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