Tag Archives: ufo

Reviews, Videos

“Showtime” [HD DVD] by UFO

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Artist: UFO
Title: “Showtime”
Label: SPV Records
Release Date: 4/8/2008
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 4/5

In today’s music world we are finding a number of upgrades and enhancements to the available formats as the industry desperately tries to keep the sales coming in and their artists on our mind. Long gone are the days of eight-track tapes (what are those you might be saying) and pre-recorded audio cassettes and it seems that the once dominant vinyl is now something only the strictest of collectors purchase. The CD became the be all and end all and for years was pretty much only the album put to digital disc without much improvement. Then came high end remastered CD’s and while this format was continuing on we saw the DVD take place of peoples hallowed VHS tapes and slowly show signs of development and growth on their own. Over the last couple of years we have seen the introduction of High Definition DVD’s and Blu-Ray DVD’s taking over from the standard release and each of the formats offers the buyer upgraded features and impeccable audio and video clarity. Another practice of the day is taking recent blockbuster films and concerts and re-releasing them under one of these formats. That being said we can move on to the release being discussed below.

The UFO concert film “Showtime” was a great release and I enjoyed it from beginning to end when I first saw it. Given our thoughts have remained the same on it, I am re-visiting my own commentary for you to remind you of them and then we can absorb more about the new High Definition release.
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Reviews, Videos

“Legends Of Rock: Live At Castle Donnington” by Uli Jon Roth

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Artist: Uli Jon Roth
Title: “Legends Of Rock: Live At Castle Donnington”
Label: SPV Records
Release Date: 5/23/2006
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 4/5

The “Legends Of Rock” performance by Uli Jon Roth would find the master guitarist as the headliner for a concert taking place at the famous Castle Donnington – to make it a little more special he decided the show would also feature some of his friends who would perform alongside him during the course of the evening. The performance was documented with Uli as being a “last minute” headliner for this show that was filmed in 2001 and Uli of course was happy to oblige. There are many who know of Uli’s work and have been fans since he originally played with Hard Rock royalty The Scorpions, his abilities on the guitar have influenced thousands of guitar players and without citing any particular names, the second you hear him play you will instantly know who subscribed to his doctrine. When Uli was asked to perform he made sure to increase the level of appeal people who attended would have for this show and as result viewers get to enjoy the appearance of Michael Schenker, Pete Way & Phil Mogg (UFO) and Jack Bruce (Cream). With each of the individuals being legends in their own right it was a fantastic thing to be a part of for this audience who would get to experience it all first hand. We as viewers of the DVD are treated well for the production and sound on this release is excellent. I did sometimes have an issue with no seeing a guitar solo here and there but the overall performance level was so mind-blowing that it didn’t matter in the end, how often are you going to see these players on the same stage? With UFO’s Way and Mogg, Uli jams their classics “Rock Bottom” and “Let It Roll” along with Michael Schenker while with Cream legend Bruce, two of their most revered numbers are visited. The Scorpions fans will enjoy seeing the two former band members performing together as well. Above it all, the talent of Uli Jon Roth shines through and quickly makes you realize where a lot of the Neo-Classical guitar style comes from. Performers such as Yngwie Malmsteen made sure to expand on this format in the eighties but way back in the early seventies Uli was one of the key reasons for it coming into play. All players of the form owe him a world of thanks and respect. This was also an easy DVD to sit through and watch from start to finish (an important factor for any film). I did not find myself bored or scanning through tracks at any time.
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Features, PiercingMetal Says

PiercingMetal’s “Best Of” 2005: Music – Video – Concerts

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Having only launched PiercingMetal.com in April, this list is not a super long one. However, it does feature some of the releases that we found most favorable along with the shows that we enjoyed the most. Maybe you agree with us on some so please take a look.

Logo - The Best Of

The Best CD’s of 2005:
Mercenary “11 Dreams” (Century Media Records): One of the finest mixes of Metal genre to come out of Century Media records this year

Soilwork “Stabbing The Drama” (Nuclear Blast Records): This CD made a fan out of me, and is likely to do the same for you.

H.I.M. “Dark Light” (Sire Records): First official US Release and mixes elements of their previous work to a fine blend. Try this melodic gothic act out and you will not regret it.

Judas Priest “Angel Of Retribution” (Epic Records): Reunion, simple as that, they show why they are Metal Gods to this very day.

Iron Maiden “Death On the Road” (Columbia Records): The 40th live album from Iron Maiden shows up their last try and is quite enjoyable.

Korpiklaani “Voice of Wilderness” (Napalm Records): Ever hear Folk Metal? You will be a changed person when you do.

Leaves Eyes “Vinland Saga” (Napalm Records): Atmospheric Gothic Metal and this CD take you to another world.

Journey “Generations” (Independent): Anyone who stopped supporting Journey because of Steve Perry leaving is an idiot because Steve Augeri rocks. This is one of the best Rock records of the year.
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Reviews, Videos

“Too Hot To Handle (1969-1993)” by UFO

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Artist: U-F-O
Title: “Too Hot To Handle (1969-1993)”
Label: Music Video Distributors
Release Date: 12/6/2005
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 8/10

There are not many people who would argue with you when you discuss the legendary status of the British band U-F-O. For many years the group has been cited as being very much the inspiration to the careers of groups like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard and as you look upon their back catalog this reason comes to you very clearly. The early lineup of the group that featured Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Andy Parker and Michael Schenker is revered to this very day as being forefathers in Hard Rock music. Songs like “Lights Out”, “Too Hot To Handle” and “Rock Bottom” still sound as fresh today as they did when they were first introduced. When you look at how many bands have fallen by the wayside while U-F-O still carries on you understand better when you listen to the quality of these particular tracks. Today in 2005 we find a different lineup in the band which is still helmed by Mogg and Way for the most part but this DVD focuses on the earlier years and features the one and only Axeman Michael Schenker. That alone will appeal to the staunch supporter of this group. The DVD is a direct transfer of the video film originally on VHS that was released in 2001.
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Reviews, Videos

“Showtime” (DVD) by UFO

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Artist: UFO
Title: Showtime
Label: SPV Records
Release Date: 11/8/2005
Genre: Hard Rock
Rating: 8/10

The music of UFO has long been a reference point in many of the popular Hard Rock and Metal band histories and you read about this in interview after interview. This might be the case because the band is perhaps one of the best Hard Rock acts to have ever come around and the fact that they still perform today is a statement on its own. For many years legendary guitarist Michael Schenker was a part of the band but through it all the signature bluesy voice of Phil Mogg gave this band the consistency that it still holds strong to this day. After years of lineup changes the band now finds three core original members (Phil Mogg, Pete Way and Paul Raymond) and the addition of dynamic players to round out the lineup. On guitar is Vinnie Moore who is a legend in his own right and admits an inspiration from Schenker as do most guitarists. The drumming is adeptly handled by Jason Bonham, son of the one and only John Bonham. Many will state that this is the strongest lineup that the band has had since the days that Schenker a member. The double DVD Set brings you to the front row for a performance the band did in Wilhelmshaven Germany at the club “Pumpverk”. All around 2004 the group was supporting their SPV Records release “You Are Here”. There is a lot to enjoy on this straight live shoot and USA fans who got to see the band will appreciate the fact that they finally are able to see Pete Way perform. The reason for Pete’s absence in the States was due to some VISA problems and as a result he had to remain in England. In his place for those shows was bassist Barry Sparks who seemed to fit right in very well.
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