Artist: Paralandra Title: “Back To Life” (Single) Label: Legend Recordings Release Date: 2018 Genre: Hard Rock/Alt-Rock Rating: 4/5
While the band has been around for a couple of years by my research, my first knowledge came of them when I noticed they would be opening for the famous Yngwie Malmsteen at his NYC show. The plan was to catch his gig and lend some love to the supporting act which is my common practice but when my plans changed neither of those options would happen which brings me here. I’d been spinning the bands 2018 single “Back To Life” which is also going to be a part of their upcoming “Ascension” EP in preparation for the show and since I liked the number, decided to throw together a quick single review for the readership. Let’s go. Continue reading “Back To Life” (Single) by Paralandra→
Artist: Mastodon Title: “Stairway To Nick John” (Single) Label: Warner Music Group Release Date: 5/17/2019 Genre: Hard Rock Rating: 5/5
Back in September 2018, Mastodon longtime manager Nick John lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and during his funeral the band paid a tribute to their friend by covering the Led Zeppelin classic “Stairway To Heaven”. The track was sung by the band’s drummer Brann Dailor and the recording of this happening made its way around the Internet before being professionally recorded and released for this years Record Store Day. Now having listened to their stunning version of the track which is called “Stairway To Nick John” in his honor, I just wanted to throw together some thoughts about their take on such a classic number during such a terrible time. Continue reading “Stairway To Nick John” (Single) by Mastodon→
Artist: Diamante Title: “Auld Lang Syne” (Single) Label: Better Noise Records Release Date: 12/7/2018 Genre: Hard Rock/Holiday Rating: 4.5/5
A few months ago, I gave my first thoughts about Hard Rock singer Diamante when I did a summary on her single “Haunted”. It was in anticipation of checking her out live during her appearance on a tour but sometimes the best laid plans do not work out. Though I’d also been meaning to reviewing her full debut on Better Noise Records, time unfortunately escaped me which brings us to now, the last day of December on the last day of 2018 in music to formulate some notions on her cover of the traditional classic “Auld Lang Syne”. Though she released this single a couple of weeks ago, I decided that there was no better way to end a fantastic year of music and media than by discussing it today so let’s chat about it shall we. Continue reading “Auld Lang Syne” (Single) by Diamante→
Artist: King Diamond Title: “No Presents For Christmas” (Single) Label: Roadrunner Records Release Date: 12/25/1985 Genre: Heavy Metal Rating: 4.5/5
It was about a week ago that I shared my thoughts on the debut single from the upcoming live album by the legendary King Diamond which you can see HERE. Now, in the spirit of Christmas, I’m going to briefly discuss another single by Mr. Bendix and its one that not only came out more than thirty years ago but was also the very first single to introduce his new band to the people. I’m speaking of nothing other than that Heavy Metal holiday ditty “No Presents For Christmas”. If you’re a card-carrying Metalhead with some tenure behind themselves, I’m sure that you’ve heard this track and if not, its surely a bit of an odd treat. Let’s discuss a little bit deeper. Continue reading “No Presents For Christmas” (Single) by King Diamond→
Artist: King Diamond Title: “Sleepless Nights” (Live At The Fillmore) (Single) Label: Metal Blade Records Release Date: 12/6/2018 Genre: Heavy Metal Rating:
The mighty King Diamond sure has been keeping busy once he was given the clean bill of health by the doctors and fans worldwide were able to celebrate his return to the live stage in droves after what I think amounted to a nine-year absence from doing so. When he brought the BIG stage to our regional shows, the fans clamored for a live concert release and in early 2019 we are going to get one as The King calls us to indulge in the album and video “Songs For The Dead: Live At The Fillmore In Philadelphia”. Just the other day we got our first taste of the upcoming release with “Sleepless Nights” which originally hailed from the “Conspiracy” album. Here are some quick thoughts about the tune in this presentation. Continue reading “Sleepless Nights” (Live At The Fillmore) (Single) by King Diamond→
