Artist: Tarja Title: “Victim Of Ritual” (Single) Label: Armoury Records Release Date: 7/16/2013 Genre: Symphonic Metal Rating: 4/5
You probably already know her name well from at one time being the stratospheric vocal register behind Finland’s mighty Nightwish and in case you haven’t been keeping up with her musical adventures for a while, singer Tarja Turunen has kept quite busy as a solo artist and has recently released the single “Victim Of Ritual”. The tune hails from her upcoming album “Colours In The Dark” and it’s a wonderful number that travels over different worlds of melody as it plays through. Some solemn drums bring us into the tune and then a slightly familiar almost Middle Easten melody begins which I later learned was inspired by Ravel’s “Bolero”. When Tarja begins to sing we are instantly reminded of the power in even her softer moments and it’s a welcome thing for sure. Continue reading “Victim Of Ritual” (Single) by Tarja→
Artist: Tarja Title: “Act I” Label: Armoury Records Release Date: 9/4/2012 Genre: Symphonic Metal Rating: 4.25/5
You loved her voice in Nightwish for so many years and cried true tears at her departure from the group but despite the sadness, there would be no sitting idle for the amazing vocal talent that is Tarja Turunen as she would press on with original material and release two albums since with “My Winter Storm” and “What Lies Beneath”. I remember in the past how we always had to wait a long time for live albums to come out but now these are faster and more furious and with this being the case I offer up “Act 1”, Tarja’s first-ever solo live recording and a release that brings you listeners at home to the front row and center of concert and what a concert it is. Recorded over the course of two shows at the Teatro El CìrculoIt in Rosario, Argentina. Delivered on audio CD, DVD and Blu-ray video; my review is of the audio companion to the video being released simultaneously but is not included in the same package which is a shame for this particular issue in my opinion. Continue reading “Act. I” by Tarja→
Artist: Who Cares (Iommi & Gillan) Title: “Out Of My Mind/Holy Water” Label: Armoury Records Release Date: 5/10/2011 Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Rating: 3.75/5
Uniting for the sake of charity and to help an Armenian Music School comes Whocares, a veritable super group of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock talent that is truly deserving of the often abused title. You know that you agree with me on this because any combination of players from some hardly known bands are often touring as super groups and it’s enough to make you scratch your head at the rationale in the qualification. This title is properly denoted however when it comes to legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi joining forces with Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan, as these two musicians are nothing less than Hard Rock and Metal royalty. It does not end with this pairing of course and the project also features Jon Lord, Nicko McBrain, Jason Newsted and Mikko “Lindhe” Lindstrom. Together with the song “Out Of My Mind” the group hopes to raise monies for the victims of a terrible earthquake that hit Armenia several years ago as the region is still in dire need of assistance. Isn’t it amazing how quickly society forgets this kind the thing the moment that new “news” hits the Interwebs and broadcasts. Gillan and Iommi worked together before on Black Sabbath’s “Born Again” album and while this was never my own favorite I know people who would argue with me on this to great extent. Resultant of this prior relationship the tune has a vibe that would have made this a worthy inclusion to a special edition re-release of “Born Again” or perhaps even new material to be used by the apparently on hiatus for good Heaven And Hell. This is the strongest of the tracks as the riffing is tight and sharp while the rhythm section is packing a serious solid punch. I would expect this with the rest of the players coming from Purple, Metallica, Iron Maiden and HIM. I loved the Doom laid down by Iommi as well as the very much missed Hammond sounds of Jon Lord (who retired from Purple a few years ago). It was interesting to hear just how well they all worked together and I think that most Metal heads will enjoy this tune. Continue reading “Out Of My Mind/Holy Water” by Who Cares→
Artist: Twisted Sister Title: “Club Daze V1” (remaster) Label: Armoury Records Release Date: 1/25/2011 Genre: Hard Rock Rating: 4.25/5
If you are one of the new guard of Heavy Metal’s support structure then you most likely refer the name of the band Twisted Sister as “the band that does “We’re Not Gonna Take It” or “the guys with the crazy Heavy Metal Christmas album” that came out a couple of years ago. These days the band is only active a few times a year based on their individual members schedules and that makes listening to something historically relevant to their beginnings such as this re-release a very entertaining time. The bands early days and material were presented on the album “Club Daze” Volume 1 – The Studio Sessions” and this release originally hit the shelves in 1999 on the now defunct Spitfire Records. Fortunately the folks at Armoury Records have been re-releasing some of these vintage out of print items which is great since many were awesome to have in your Metal library. I reviewed the initial release and find my words still ring the same. I’ve edited that original narrative ever so slightly below. Continue reading “Club Daze V1” (remaster) by Twisted Sister→
Artist: Stratovarius Title: “Polaris”/”Polaris Live” Label: Armoury Records Release Date: 7/13/2010 Genre: Power Metal Rating: 4.5/5
Back in 2009, the band Stratovarius had informed the Metal masses that not only would they be back in action with the release of new material and a subsequent tour, but that they would be doing do without longtime guitarist Timo Tolki. The album was called “Polaris” and it introduced the bands worldwide fans to their new axe slinger Matias Kupiainen. The album was loaded with powerful energy and a number of its driving tracks found me slinging my own air guitar and pounding away on invisible drums as I listened. Fast forward to 2010 as the heat of the summer begins to mess with us, the band has re-issued this killer album and added a second CD that takes the bands full live set and delivers it to your living room. Having said all that I felt was necessary about the “Polaris” album in that releases review, I am representing it for you to refresh your memory about my views. After you catch up I will talk a little bit more about the live recordings that we get. Continue reading “Polaris”/”Polaris Live” by Stratovarius→
