Band:Kissin' Dynamite
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Work Of Art - Framework
Band:Work Of Art
Album:Framework
Date Released:Sept 19th 2014
Tracks:
Time To Let Go
How Will I know
Shout Till You Wake Up
Can't Let Go
How Do you Sleep At Night
Over The Line
The Machine
Hold On To Love
Natalie
The Turning Point
My Waking Dream
Band Members:
Lars Säfsund – vocals
Robert Säll – guitars, keyboards
Herman Furin - drums
Located: Stockholm Sweden
Formed:1992
Genre:AOR Melodic Rock
Influences:Toto, Journey, Giant, Big Money
Label:Frontiers Music
Quality & Originality:Framework is a great melodic rock album that has such great overtones of bands like Toto and Journey. Work Of Art spent roughly a year and a half on this album and it shows in the magical passionate songs that are so well produced and written. The Swedish band has put together such unforgettable songs with soaring melodies that AOR fans will find this to be a must have album to rock out with.
My Opinion:Work Of Art really hit big with there third release bringing back that old school melodic rock that fans have loved since the mid 80's. Since there first 2008 release ''Artwork'' the band have grown and matured so much and it shows in the amazing song writing on the new album. Framework will please soft rock, AOR, and melodic rock fans alike.
Overall & Favorites:Hold On To Love, Time To Let Go, My Waking Dream. I give Framework a solid 7 for such a melodic passionate album that lifts the soul and pleases the ears!!
Contact:www.facebook.com/musicofworkofart/timeline
www.woa.se
Stryper - Live At The Whisky
Band:Stryper
Album:Live At The Whisky
Date Released:Sept 19th 2004
Tracks:
Legacy
Marching Into Battle
You Know What To Do
Loud And Clear
Reach Out
Calling On You
Free
More Than A Man
The Rock That Makes Me Roll
No More Hell To Pay
Jesus Is Just Alright
All For One
The Way
To Hell With The Devil
Soldiers Under Command
Band Members:
Michael Sweet: Lead vocals, guitar
Oz Fox: Vocals, guitars
Tim Gaines: Bass, vocals
Robert Sweet: drums
Formed:July 1983
Genre:Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Label:Frontiers Records
Quality & Originality:Stryper is alive and well with a new live album that shows that this band is not just a studio band. Stryper is about as original as a band can be but have always graced us with more of a christian spiritual metal that is like a gift from God himself. This is a great live album that makes you feel you are in the front seat watching the band. So many live albums are cold and stale but Stryper made sure to give the fans the best of the best from all sides.
My Opinion:For the die hard fans this goes hand in hand with a DVD (I have it on order). Stryper has always gone against the grain and done things there way. Most bands in the metal community that are open about being christian usually get sunk to the bottom of the sea but Stryper has always had a massive following that realizes that there music is about as metal as any band on the block. This is such a great album that will rock and roll the soul and remind us why we fell in love with the band back in the 80's. Having the original band playing on this live album is a show of strength cause not many bands can roll 30 plus years and then have the same gang rocking them black and yellow instruments. I love the cover they do of ''Jesus Is Just Alright'' Stryper pays tribute but adds that flair they do to any song!!!!
Overall & Favorites:No More Hell To Pay, The Rock That Makes Me Roll, To Hell With The Devil. I give this christian bands live album a full on 9 for giving us a long set list of the best rocking songs ever made!!!
Contact:www.facebook.com/Stryper/timeline
www.stryper.com
Sept 2014 Spotlight Artist Mindcage
Sept 2014 Spotlight Artist
Mindcage
Mindcage formed in 1996 but the core members of the band Dietrick Hardwick (guitar), Brian Howell (bass) and Craig Nudo (drums) — have been connected personally and through music for almost thirty years. With the addition of power vocalist Jeff Hignite in 2012 the circle become complete to form this stellar band with a very original sound. Mindcage had some of there music from the latest release debut at ProgPower and have a fast growing loyal fan base.
Mindcage's sound revolves around Harkwicks guitar style that draws influences from icons of the 80's metal like Micheal Schenker, Uli Roth and Wolf Hoffmann. Brian Howell and Craig Nudo's roots lie more with prog bands like Yes, Rush and Irom Maiden. When adding in powerful vocals of Jeff Hignite the band takes on its own personality and style while paying tribute to there influences.
Reviews By Jon caught up with Jeff Hignite and talked a bit about the band the music and his own personal music journey!!!
RBJ
When did you start singing?
JH
I had this old black 84 Firebird when I was a teenager. When I was alone cruising around I would try and belt out tunes from what I now call my influences. No formal training....Just went for it. I always played guitar and did the band thing. I ended up working with a group of guys and the guitar player was much better then I, So I tried the lead mic. Meanwhile....20 years later lol
RBJ
Was there a lot of music in the home growing up and other musicians in the family?
JH
Not really at all, My Dad once taught me how to make a kazoo out of a hair comb and a tissue paper...lol. As a kid I had one of those small organs that had the note letters above the keys and a song book with a bunch old crusty tunes that were super simple to play. I remember that was a cool feeling to be able to make music that I heard before. It was not long before I was making up stuff. Once I seen Kiss and Ace's guitar catch fire and fly away....I focused on guitar, I chased it!!
RBJ
What is the band up to right now any shows coming up?
JH
We just released the special edition for the digital download, The last two years have been very busy. I think this next month or so we are going to kick our feet up and relax a bit. We have some stuff lined up between California and Texas after the first of the new year. Something could come up between now and then and we will post it, Keep an eye on us though.
RBJ
The new album is amazing what was the writing process on it and is it a concept album?
JH
Thank you man, The writing was a crazy thing. Dietrick and I met back in early 2012 we exchanged some song clips that had us knowing we wanted to work with each other. He sent me one of the songs that is now one of the tunes on Ow Own Devices. In August of that year he had the concept idea and using that ...I ran with it. He sent me more songs and within the first week or so I had already scratched out two of those songs and we knew we were on to something. I knew he was friends with Micheal Wagener and I suggested Deke to send him one of these scratch tunes to him. Deke was not sure about that because he did not think Micheal would be into the whole progressive type of metal we had going on. I pushed a bit more with the thought that at least we may get some advice,, You know,, Who would be the right person to talk to about something like this. Dietrick agreed and sent Micheal an email with one of those songs and a couple weeks went by and we got a response. He wanted us in the studio at the beginning of December and told us we had a chance to make it happen....get to work on it!!! By then it was already well into September and we had the rest of the album to write!!! From that moment on every free moment I had was writing the vocal melodies and recording scratches. Deke would send me lyric ideas and I would chop them up and add my own, make it work with that melody flow I had. I wrote a lot of lyrics on my own as well and together we tweaked everything into line with the concept. The writing process continued even after we walked into Micheal's studio on December 4th. It was chaos and somehow it all fell into place. Meeting Julie Westlake (Hydrogyn) settled the nerves when she nailed her parts in a way we never imagined...So Yeah Crazy!!
Micheal Wagener
JH
RBJ
Our Own Devices has some amazing artwork who designed it and how did it come together?
JH
Mattias Noren is the man Dietrick works with the most. I'm not sure about any of the rest, That would be a question for Deke.
RBJ
You did a amazing video for the track ''The Human Race'' Tell us about what filming that video was like and where did you film it?
JH
We filmed it between the Pensacola Little Theater and a scrap yard. It was directed by Jason Thomsen and produced by Kinematic Music. That crazy outfit was hot as hell...but it was fun. Jason is a great guy to work with. Jeanna Kapetanis did an amazing job and brought the character of ''Arabella Vash'' to life in the video. Good people and good times.
RBJ
Why music? Why not a lawyer, doctor, accountant or pizza delivery driver?
JH
Well, I never wanted to be a doctor or lawyer, I did my time delivering pizza many years ago...lol. This day in age it takes some really great things happening to get music to pay the bills. Especially music you wrote. I did my time in the cover band thing too. I'm not saying I'd never do it again...Maybe in the nursing home circuit, If I live that long...lol. Maybe the right question to ask a musician in an original band that has not scored a gold record is ''So, what do you actually do for money'' lol. Yes we all have our ''Day Jobs'' for now'' We are all seasoned musicians and we have all done the due paying...aka Living out of a van and thriving off the dollar menu. We have been taking steps in the music world that makes sense for us. I don't believe there is one only way to do things in this biz. The whole industry has changed from what it was into something that is hard to get going without 1. A great product, 2. Some money to pay people to push PR and promote it for you. Full service recording contracts for non main stream bands are pretty rare these days. So we do what we do and wait for those right moments to throw everything we got into it. I choose music because it is part of me, I would not consider doing anything else if I could sustain life as just a musician. That sure...is my dream. To be nothing but....a musician, minus the ten can on the street corner.... lol
Julie Westlake (Hydrogen) and Jeff Hignite
The band Mindcage is such a great band with so much passion that flows into there music. The latest release is such a great concept album that really shows off the pure raw talent this entire band has. I for see this band pushing there way into the ears and hearts of the metal and prog community cause they are the real deal in every way. Jeff was a pleasure to talk to and he really is such a amazing singer and music is his life and his love!! Reviews By Jon has also done up a review of the album cause it is not every day we get albums like this that come in that show such power and diversity.
You can find Mindcage on the web at
http://mindcageofficial.com/
www.facebook.com/mindcageband
Mindcage
Mindcage formed in 1996 but the core members of the band Dietrick Hardwick (guitar), Brian Howell (bass) and Craig Nudo (drums) — have been connected personally and through music for almost thirty years. With the addition of power vocalist Jeff Hignite in 2012 the circle become complete to form this stellar band with a very original sound. Mindcage had some of there music from the latest release debut at ProgPower and have a fast growing loyal fan base.
Mindcage's sound revolves around Harkwicks guitar style that draws influences from icons of the 80's metal like Micheal Schenker, Uli Roth and Wolf Hoffmann. Brian Howell and Craig Nudo's roots lie more with prog bands like Yes, Rush and Irom Maiden. When adding in powerful vocals of Jeff Hignite the band takes on its own personality and style while paying tribute to there influences.
Reviews By Jon caught up with Jeff Hignite and talked a bit about the band the music and his own personal music journey!!!
RBJ
When did you start singing?
JH
I had this old black 84 Firebird when I was a teenager. When I was alone cruising around I would try and belt out tunes from what I now call my influences. No formal training....Just went for it. I always played guitar and did the band thing. I ended up working with a group of guys and the guitar player was much better then I, So I tried the lead mic. Meanwhile....20 years later lol
RBJ
Was there a lot of music in the home growing up and other musicians in the family?
JH
Not really at all, My Dad once taught me how to make a kazoo out of a hair comb and a tissue paper...lol. As a kid I had one of those small organs that had the note letters above the keys and a song book with a bunch old crusty tunes that were super simple to play. I remember that was a cool feeling to be able to make music that I heard before. It was not long before I was making up stuff. Once I seen Kiss and Ace's guitar catch fire and fly away....I focused on guitar, I chased it!!
RBJ
What is the band up to right now any shows coming up?
JH
We just released the special edition for the digital download, The last two years have been very busy. I think this next month or so we are going to kick our feet up and relax a bit. We have some stuff lined up between California and Texas after the first of the new year. Something could come up between now and then and we will post it, Keep an eye on us though.
RBJ
The new album is amazing what was the writing process on it and is it a concept album?
JH
Thank you man, The writing was a crazy thing. Dietrick and I met back in early 2012 we exchanged some song clips that had us knowing we wanted to work with each other. He sent me one of the songs that is now one of the tunes on Ow Own Devices. In August of that year he had the concept idea and using that ...I ran with it. He sent me more songs and within the first week or so I had already scratched out two of those songs and we knew we were on to something. I knew he was friends with Micheal Wagener and I suggested Deke to send him one of these scratch tunes to him. Deke was not sure about that because he did not think Micheal would be into the whole progressive type of metal we had going on. I pushed a bit more with the thought that at least we may get some advice,, You know,, Who would be the right person to talk to about something like this. Dietrick agreed and sent Micheal an email with one of those songs and a couple weeks went by and we got a response. He wanted us in the studio at the beginning of December and told us we had a chance to make it happen....get to work on it!!! By then it was already well into September and we had the rest of the album to write!!! From that moment on every free moment I had was writing the vocal melodies and recording scratches. Deke would send me lyric ideas and I would chop them up and add my own, make it work with that melody flow I had. I wrote a lot of lyrics on my own as well and together we tweaked everything into line with the concept. The writing process continued even after we walked into Micheal's studio on December 4th. It was chaos and somehow it all fell into place. Meeting Julie Westlake (Hydrogyn) settled the nerves when she nailed her parts in a way we never imagined...So Yeah Crazy!!
RBJ
The
latest album is mixed and pre-mastered by rock legend Micheal Wagener
(Metallica, Ozzy, Skid Row, Dokken, Megadeth) How was it working with
someone that has been involved with some of the most legendary stuff
ever made?
JH
Micheal
is a fine tuned, seasoned, battle hardened, creative, direct
professional. He has an awesome personality and adds just the right
amount of intensity into a recording situation that makes you want to
deliver all you've got. If you have a solid idea...that man will help
you turn it up a notch or ten. He can hear what is needed where and
you're like wondering ''Ok where is this going'' while he is pulling out
different instruments to add to the mix. I can say my time working with
him has been a complete honor. I hope to one day work with him again
with a good load of work, and a budget that can keep us at it longer
then a month.
RBJ
The music is different then most music in similar styles what would you classify the music as far as genre?
JH
I
call it ''Metal'' I have heard other call it classic metal, and
progressive metal. The guys count past 4 so yeah, it has a prog elements
to it...lol. I hear some of everything I like in metal in what we do.
I'm not a fan of the whole genre label stuff. Of course your influences
will show...some bands it stands out more then others. I'm happy that
OOD seems to be translating to people a sense of being taken back to the
day they first got into certain types of metal. But saying at the same
time that Mindcage does that wile being unique, and original. I seen
review after review with comparisons that just blow my mind I'm just
happy people like it!
RBJ
Our Own Devices has some amazing artwork who designed it and how did it come together?
JH
Mattias Noren is the man Dietrick works with the most. I'm not sure about any of the rest, That would be a question for Deke.
RBJ
You did a amazing video for the track ''The Human Race'' Tell us about what filming that video was like and where did you film it?
JH
We filmed it between the Pensacola Little Theater and a scrap yard. It was directed by Jason Thomsen and produced by Kinematic Music. That crazy outfit was hot as hell...but it was fun. Jason is a great guy to work with. Jeanna Kapetanis did an amazing job and brought the character of ''Arabella Vash'' to life in the video. Good people and good times.
RBJ
The band had there music debut at Progpower last year what was it like and what all happened
JH
We were one of the sponsors of the event. We came into the fold a little late and there was already a huge list of amazing bands playing. We set up a meet and greet booth there and each night between the two main acts of the night they played our video on the big screen for everyone. That venue was the actual video debut. Dietrick has many years and old ties with friends in the prog community I met a lot of awesome people there. I'm a newbie to the prog stuff, I wish I could make it this year. Jon Oliva would be amazing to see live, That is one of my influences.....For Real.
JH
We were one of the sponsors of the event. We came into the fold a little late and there was already a huge list of amazing bands playing. We set up a meet and greet booth there and each night between the two main acts of the night they played our video on the big screen for everyone. That venue was the actual video debut. Dietrick has many years and old ties with friends in the prog community I met a lot of awesome people there. I'm a newbie to the prog stuff, I wish I could make it this year. Jon Oliva would be amazing to see live, That is one of my influences.....For Real.
RBJ
Why music? Why not a lawyer, doctor, accountant or pizza delivery driver?
JH
Well, I never wanted to be a doctor or lawyer, I did my time delivering pizza many years ago...lol. This day in age it takes some really great things happening to get music to pay the bills. Especially music you wrote. I did my time in the cover band thing too. I'm not saying I'd never do it again...Maybe in the nursing home circuit, If I live that long...lol. Maybe the right question to ask a musician in an original band that has not scored a gold record is ''So, what do you actually do for money'' lol. Yes we all have our ''Day Jobs'' for now'' We are all seasoned musicians and we have all done the due paying...aka Living out of a van and thriving off the dollar menu. We have been taking steps in the music world that makes sense for us. I don't believe there is one only way to do things in this biz. The whole industry has changed from what it was into something that is hard to get going without 1. A great product, 2. Some money to pay people to push PR and promote it for you. Full service recording contracts for non main stream bands are pretty rare these days. So we do what we do and wait for those right moments to throw everything we got into it. I choose music because it is part of me, I would not consider doing anything else if I could sustain life as just a musician. That sure...is my dream. To be nothing but....a musician, minus the ten can on the street corner.... lol
The band Mindcage is such a great band with so much passion that flows into there music. The latest release is such a great concept album that really shows off the pure raw talent this entire band has. I for see this band pushing there way into the ears and hearts of the metal and prog community cause they are the real deal in every way. Jeff was a pleasure to talk to and he really is such a amazing singer and music is his life and his love!! Reviews By Jon has also done up a review of the album cause it is not every day we get albums like this that come in that show such power and diversity.
You can find Mindcage on the web at
http://mindcageofficial.com/
www.facebook.com/mindcageband
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Moon Land Featuring Lenna Kuurmaa
Band:Moon Land
Album:Moon Land
Date Released:Sept 19 2004
Tracks:
Heaven Is To Be Close To You
Open Your Heart
Crime Of Love
Poison Angel
When Love Is Gone
Out Of Reach
Live And Let Go
Cold As Ice
Over Me
Heart Made Of Steel
Look At Us Now
Another Day In Paradise
Band Members:
Lenna Kuurmaa- Lead Vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio- Keys, Percussion, Backing vocals
Francesco Marras- Guitars
Bruce Gaitsch- Nylon Guitar
Anna Portalupi- Bass
Alessandro Polifrone- Drums
Genre:Rock/Metal/Symphonic
Label:Frontiers
Quality & Originality:Moon Land blew my doors off with such a great original multi genre release. This is Rock, Symphonic, Metal, Pop, Prog all wrapped up into a great album. These songs are amazing, original and very powerful. I can tell these songs were written for Lenna's vocal range cause she totally nails every part of this album. The band that is backing that beautiful voice and the song writing is stellar and well structured from top to bottom.
My Opinion:Since Vinalla Ninja went on hiatus Jenna has kept herself busy with many projects including acting. She really has hit a whole new height with Moon Land and shows that she is not just a one trick singer with the styles of these songs that take us all on a magical journey with powerful song writing. This album really has a lot of emotion built into it with ballads like ''Live and Let Go'' and I can see fans of almost all genre's loving part or all of this release. Kudos really need to also go to the entire band cause they all did such a killer job cause a great voice is only as good as the band and writing that backs them.
Overall & Favorites:Out Of Reach, Heaven Is To Be Close To You, Live And Let Go. I am a sucker for such a powerful singer and a fan of Vanilla Ninja and Lenna won me over with a solid 9/10 on this album.
Contact:www.facebook.com/pages/Moon-Land/770915106281279?sk=timeline
Adrenaline Rush - Adrenaline Rush
Band:Adrenaline Rush
Album:Adrenaline Rush
Date Released:Aug 22 2014
Tracks:
Black n' Blue
Change
Generation Left Behind
Girls Gone Wild
When We're Gone
Want It All
Too Young To Die
Oh Yeah!
No No No
Playin To Win
Hit You Like A Rock
Band Members:
Tave Wanning - Vocals
Ludvig Turner- Lead Guitar
Alexander Hagman- Guitar
Soufian Ma'Aoui- Bass
Marcus Johansson- Drums
Formed:2012
Loated:Stockholm
Label:Frontiers
Quality & Originality:Adrenaline Rush has a great straight up rock with a influence of 80's wrapped into the sultry vocals of Tave and a dash of punk that equals a really great rock album. The songs are all just great hook songs that are really easy to get into. This is not the most original band I have heard but I get the feeling that was the point for the songs was to just rock and have fun. Tave has come a long way since the pop duo peaches she was in and really nails a rock genre!!! The album has a great production sound from the mix and master very clear and solid.
My Opinion:If you are into bands like Warrant and Danger Danger or just a huge fan of straight up rock album with killer hooks you are going to love this album. The sassy feel of Tave and the powerful riffs this is a clear cut and dry killer album. This album took me back to a time when you did not need a 50 piece orchestra or tons of keys and a lot of instruments to make a good album just the basics and a great looking front man or woman in this case. I cannot wait to see where this band goes from here cause if you have not heard of this band I have a feeling you will very shortly!!
Overall & Favorites:Black n' Blue, Want It All, Hit You Like A Brick. I give this powerful 80's infused rock riff album a solid 8/10 cause any woman that can sing like that and look that good deserves a solid rating!!
Contact:www.facebook.com/adrenalinerushofficial/timeline
http://www.adrenalinerush.se/index.html
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Damnations Day - Invisible, the Dead
Band:Damnations Day
Album:Invisible, the Dead
Date Released:Sept 13 2013
Tracks:
Invisible The Dead
The Meaning
I Am
Reaper
A Ghost In Me
Lucid Dreaming
Reflections
Carried Above The Sun
A World To Come
Band Members:
Mark Kennedy: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Jon King: Lead Guitar
Luke Vinken: Bass
Dean Kennedy: Drums
Formed:2005
Genre:Prog Metal
Location:Melbourne Australia
Label:Nightmare Records
Quality & Originality:Invisible, The Dead is was written by the bands singer Mark Kennedy and produced by Teramaze's Dean Wells. This thrashy metal infused prog metal masterpiece blends the best of both of them genre's. I love how high octane this album is almost expecting more of a rough voice and then these almost Rob Halford style voicals come screaming out at times is simply mind blowing. This is such a well put together and produced album that is so original that it almost deserves its own genre.
My Opinion:To say I was blown away on this album is the understatement of the century. Damnations Day is a serious heavy band with such a balance that fans of everything from Metal Curch and Accept to Hammerfall and Nightmare will all have a blast rocking and headbanging to this melodic masterpiece of bad ass metal. This is one of them bands where you are already itching to get another album from cause you cannot wait to see where they are going to go from here!! If you have not heard this band I can promise you that you will!!!
Overall & Favorites:The Meaning, Invisible The Dead, Reflections. I give this album a 9/10 cause my arm was to tired from fist pumping the air to aim it even higher. This is a headbangers paradise album!!!!
Contact:http://damnationsday.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Damnations-Day/121332311238696?sk=timeline
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