Artist: Vixen Title: “Rev It Up” (remaster) Label: EMI Music Release Date: 10/2004 Genre: Hard Rock Rating: 5/10
It seems as thought EMI wanted to take advantage of the VH1 Program “Bands Reunited” when it thought to re-issue the two albums by the all-girl “Metal” band Vixen. The sophomore effort by the band really was nothing all that special, and simply contained more of the same thing that the band featured on their self-titled release. Granted the girls knew how to play, but it was simply just “nice rock” if you needed a title. This record suffers from sounding a little too much like the manner of music that Heart had been playing for a couple of years so it loses a little based on that. Also when you held them up against the Pat Benatar or Lita Ford’s and Joan Jett’s it simply did not cut the mustard. Continue reading “Rev It Up” (remaster) by Vixen→
Artist: Van Helsing’s Curse Title: “Oculus Infernum” Label: Koch Records Release Date: 10/7/2003 Genre: Holiday Rock Rating: 8/10
Halloween 2003 saw the coming of Van Helsing’s Curse to the world of symphonic power rock (I will refer to them as “VHC” for the remainder of this writing. The best way to describe The VHC, is to think of them as a Halloween version of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO for short). Most of you are probably aware of or have heard of the TSO by now, this is a group that covers the Christmas Season (and does it amazingly well I might add).
The VHC have made it the time to address the long overdue Halloween Season. Granted, we have Alice Cooper, Misfits and other great performers that have a spookified theme to the shows, this however takes us on a different journey altogether. VHC is the brainchild of Dee Snider (Twisted Sister’s frontman) and Joe Franco (who many people will remember as Twisted Sister’s drummer for the “Love Is For Suckers” album as well as Widowmaker and the Good Rats if I can pull a reference from way back in time). Joining VHC is Mark Wood who also plays live with the TSO on lead violin. He is amazing, and does this group credit. Continue reading “Oculus Infernum” by Van Helsing’s Curse→
Artist: Evanescence Title: “Anywhere But Home” Label: Wind-Up Records Release Date: 11/23/2004 Genre: Alternative Rating: 8/10
Break out band Evanscence have released their first live DVD entitled “Anywhere But Home”. This piece follows up their award-winning release “Fallen”. The lineup consists of Amy Lee (vocals) along with Rocky Gray (drums), John LeCompt & Terry Balsamo (guitars) and William Boyd (bass). From the initial recordings of Evanescence, Amy Lee is the only remaining member and principal songwriter. Guitarist/co-Founder Ben Moody left mid tour last year. The DVD comes with a companion CD of the same concert, given you a double shot for the dollar. Continue reading “Anywhere But Home” [CD/DVD] by Evanescence→
Artist: U.D.O. Title: “Nailed To Metal” – The Missing Tracks Label: AFM Records Release Date: 11/2003 Genre: Heavy Metal Rating: 7/10
The release of U.D.O.’s “Nailed To Metal – The Missing Tracks” is a really good live recording. While I have never really been a fan of Udo Dirkschnieder’s voice, I found myself really feeling the intensity he delivers his songs has been kept throughout his career. I first saw Accept when they opened for KISS on the “Lick It Up” tour and the fans were Legion at this performance. Yet for some odd reason I was not into them yet. I would change that opinion after a few more listens to the “Restless And Wild” and “Balls To The Wall” albums. Continue reading “Nailed To Metal: The Missing Tracks” by U.D.O.→
Artist: Amorphis Venue: B.B. King Blues Club – NYC Opener: Into Eternity, Beyond The Embrace Label: Nuclear Blast Records Date: 3-20-2005
Finnish legends Amorphis returned to New York City for one show to support their latest release entitled “Far From The Sun”. This release on Nuclear Blast Records finds the band with a new lead singer and an entirely different approach to their brand of metal. When one looks at band tour schedules, you will see that B.B. King Blues Club seems to be getting every single metal act that is on the road. It’s pretty interesting touring nowadays. I think I have been to this venue over a dozen times to cover shows and it does not seem to have a slow down yet. Always a good thing to have one venue at least you can trust to bring you the latest and greatest in Heavy Metal performances. Continue reading Amorphis @ B.B. King Blues Club (3/20/2005)→
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