Marcus Bonfanti “What Good Am I To You?” (The Guitar Label)

There is no doubt that Marcus Bonfanti is the real deal when it comes to authentic bluesmen, however, despite doing a convincing job of sounding like a traditional American blues player, he is in fact from North London. With a bluesy/raspy voice that is almost certainly likely to draw comparisons to Van Morrison and Chris Rea- yet also reflecting the blusier side of both Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.

Bonfanti is about to release the follow up to 2008’s debut album “Hard Times”, and a very good effort it is. The slower songs, such as “Don’t Wanna Come Home”, “Bleecker Street” and the acoustic “Sweet Louise” are full of depth and feeling. Title track “What Good Am I To You?” grooves along nicely, “Tweed Blazer” is a frantic instrumental whilst other highlights on the album include the laid back feel of “Devil Girl” and the livelier “Goin’ Down”, “Messin’ Round No More” and opening track “Will Not Play Your Game”.

Listening to “What Good Am I To You?” it is not hard to see why blues fans in the UK seem to rate Bonfati so highly as both a singer and guitarist. There will be live dates in support of the album’s release.

Nikk Gunns
3 out of 5

Kendal Sant “One Night” (Sorcy Productions)

Kendal Sant could quite easily find himself in the Top 40 when new single “One Night” is released this month. With a sound that lies somewhere between Ryan Adams and the current crop of chart hugging singer/songwriters, Sant has a song that is well written and catchy- and one of those that stays in your head for ages after hearing it. “One Night” was produced by Stuart Epps (Elton John, Oasis) - as was the untitled debut album that is due to be released this summer.

No doubt “One Night” will be all over the radio shortly and Sant himself will be a likely fixture at this year’s music festivals.

Nikk Gunns

Shoot The Breeze “Angels Avenue EP” (www.shootthebreeze.no)

Norwegian band Shoot The Breeze have taken elements of the melodic, progressive and classic rock sounds of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s and have used modern production techniques to create a sound that is ideally suited to today’s American music market. The result is the newly released “Angels Avenue EP”- riff based, packed with hooks and backing vocals- this may be the heavier end of melodic rock but it will no doubt ignite interest in the band.

Formed as a trio in 2004, the band soon expanded to a four piece and has been hard at work since, recently teaming up with TNT guitarist Ronni le Tekro, who produced the EP. “Angels Avenue” is a strong release, featuring 5 tracks, the highlights of which are “Higher Ground”, “Feel as a Victim” and “What Have We Done”, which has a late ‘60’s West Coast vibe to it.

With US dates in the pipeline and the band receiving positive feedback to this EP, I doubt it will be too long before we get to hear a full album from Shoot The Breeze.

Nikk Gunns
4 out of 5

Plank “Plank EP” (Dieseled Entertainment)

Boston based band Plank have a sound that is not too dissimilar to Nickelback, albeit it with a twist of late ‘80’s heavy rock. This is where producer Beau Hill comes in, having previously worked with the likes of Warrant, Ratt Winger and many more, he has done a good job of capturing the band as you would expect to hear them live.

Featuring the single “So Wicked”, this 6 track EP is a good introduction to the band. Good solid hard rock with plenty of harmonies and guitars. Other highlights on the EP include “Standing on the Edge” and “Some Kind Of Mistake”

If you like bands like Nickelback, then check Plank out- you won’t be disappointed.

Nikk Gunns
4 out of 5

KISS “KISSology Vol. 3 1992-2000” (Eagle Vision)

Let’s not beat about the bush here, KISS has become one of the hottest tickets around for their upcoming European tour- and God bless the Gene Simmons marketing machine as he and fellow original band member Paul Stanley have plotted an almost perfect comeback. The band may be missing original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, but their places (and faces) were taken in the Naughtie’s by long-time KISS associates Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer- and last year’s “Sonic Boom” album was a triumphant return to form for the band, perfectly recapturing the spirit of the bands most successful period.

Previously released in the US, the band are about to release the 4 DVD “KISSology Vol. 3 1992-2000”-and just like to 2 previous instalments, this collection is a real fan-fest containing over 9 hours of material. This 18 year period in the band’s history saw the addition of Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer to the KISS family, the rejuvenated and reunited original line-up and the eventual second departure of Criss and Frehley.

The discs include 5 concerts, these are Detroit - 1992 (featuring Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer and showcasing the band’s “Revenge” album), Detroit - 1996 (Tiger Stadium, the first gig by the recently reunited original line-up), Los Angeles - 1998, New Jersey - 2000 (the alleged Farewell Tour) and Queens, New York - 1973, the band's first-ever concert filmed in make-up and in its entirety, this is a real treat for fans of the band. There are also over 100 live performances amongst the footage here and this includes the bands performance under Brooklyn Bridge for the 1996 MTV VMA Awards show, the premiere party for 1999’s “Detroit Rock City” film, and the thing that led to the event that KISS fans never thought they would see again, the complete KISS MTV Unplugged from 1995.

It was not long after Criss and Frehley sat in with the band for this MTV show that the original line-up announced that they would be performing together and within a year the band were live at the Tiger Stadium, Detroit - the costumes were back, the theatrics were back and the black and white grease-paint was back. The band was playing like the years 1981-1996 were just a distant memory and the fans loved every minute.

There is also a bonus disc that features KISS' performance at the KROQ Weenie Roast on June 15, 1996, the warm up to the Detroit show.

All good things come to an end though and that could have been where the story ends, however, back to current tour and material amassed by the band in its current incarnation- there are plans to release KISSology Vol. 4 later this year, and I for one cannot wait.

Nikk Gunns

TITAN 'Steps' (2009) www.myspace.com/titantheband

With a name like Titan you maybe expecting a power metal band but not this band, who are a very young (average age eighteen) melodic rock/AOR band. Of the six songs on offer here nothing is earth shattering apart from the keyboard drenched 'Steps' which would put many an established band to shame. Vocalist Gustav Larsson has a soothing yet high vocal range with 'Top Of Your World' the other pick of the songs on here. The band certainly show promise and definatly have youth on their side making them a name to watch out.

***
Jason Ritchie


Last edited Mon Feb 8 09:40:40 2010

LYRIEL 'Paranoid Circus' (2010)

Folk metal, now there's two musical genres you wouldn't automatically put together but of late there have been a host of Celtic/folk metal bands coming to the fore. Blimey at this rate we may see the grandaddy of folk metal Skyclad come back! Lyriel are a German band who release this, their third album and in vocalist Jessi they have a truly amazing talent.

Where Lyriel differ from bands like say Mostly Autumn or more symphonic metal bands like Epica is they really do tap into traditional folk music. 'Welcome' and 'Like A Feather In The Wind' mix traditional folk sounds with a metal guitar and rythmn section to great effect. The music is so damn catchy and has you hitting play again after the song has finished. 'Foeman's Bride' will keep the metal fans happy, although again the band cleverly add cello and violin to stop it becoming to metal for some.

'So Long, My Love' would certainly be enjoyed by fans of Mostly Autumn and again the song shows just how good Jessi's vocals are. For a good metal flavoured jig look no further than 'The Wheel Of Fortuna'.

A truly amazing musical journey from a band who should do well on the back of this album. I'd be very surprised if this album doesn't make my year end top 20!

****1/2
Jason Ritchie

Last edited Fri Feb 5 21:54:57 2010

Chinawhite “Challenges” (Rock Company)

Norwegian band Chinawhite have been together since 1989 and are about to release new album “Challenges”. Part melodic rock, part progressive and even combining symphonic elements to some of the tracks, this album is not bad- although slightly lacking in originality. This may stem from the fact that the band’s live set includes a number of covers, or it may just be that Chinawhite want to pay homage to their influences (Rush, Kansas, Journey etc) - either way, the songs are catchy and the band works well together.

The band make good use of Hammond B3 sound, this gives a good ‘70’s rock feel- the best example of this being “Better Than You”. There are also a number of tracks that come in at over 7 and a half minutes long- the best of these being “My Venus Rising”. Other highlights include “Stranger”, “I Am I” and “Dive With A Dolphin”.

If you like any of the bands mentioned above, then “Challenges” should appeal to you. It would be interesting to see the band play live as these songs will no doubt hold their own against the more well known numbers in the band’s repertoire.

Nikk Gunns
3 out of 5

GAMMA RAY 'To The Metal' Ear Music/Edel (2010)

Decent power metal albums are like buses, you wait ages then two come along at once. First there is Freedom Call's excellent new album and now we have Gamma Ray. This is their first since 2007's 'Land Of The Free II' and they are on a new label, having left SPV.

Overall it is classic Gamma Ray - the lightning fast guitar solos, memorable choruses and a powerful rythmn section. The one song bound to be a talking point amongst fans is 'All You Need To Know', a richly built song and it features ex-Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske on vocals. Good to see Kiske in a metal setting as opposed to his recent more melodic rock solo output. The title track is a hark back to 80's metal and is slightly spoiled by the long fade out chants. But close your eyes and you'd swear you were back in the 80's listening to Quiet Riot or W.A.S.P.

'Shine Forever' has an instant chorus with Kai Hansen doing a very passable impression of the Metal God himself, Rob Halford. The song has a very latter day Priest feel to it right down to the Tipton/Downing approved solos. 'Mother Angel' slows the pace down and 'No Need To Cry' sees the band in full power metal ballad mode.

Kai Hansen and his band Gamma Ray have far surpassed his former band Helloween, who really seem to have lost their spark. A strong set of songs that are sure to stand the test of time.

****
Jason Ritchie

Last edited Wed Feb 3 21:55:44 2010

Slomber “Dirty Drinks & One-Night Stands” (Naked Hollywood Records)

Mixing the energy of early Guns N Roses, the rawness and power of Motorhead and The Stooges with a healthy slice of Scandinavian sleaze rock attitude, Norwegian band Slomber are about to release debut album “Dirty Drinks & One Night Stands”. This album could have been released any time from the late ‘70’s onward as the band’s sound has managed to capture an almost timeless feel, with guitars that slice through the current crop of alternative rock bands and even the odd drum solo. The tight rhythm section and use of 2 guitarists gives the band a big sound, which vocalist Billy McBarbie takes full advantage of.

The problem that some of the more recent sleaze rock bands have had is that some of the songs have an almost cringe factor to them, this is not the case with “Dirty Drinks & One-Night Stands”- the songs are consistently well written and deliver punch after punch. Highlights amongst the 10 tracks on the album include “XXX.Cum”, “Highway Of Love & Hate” with it’s undertones of Hanoi Rocks, “Livin’In The Gutter”, “No Ones’ Fool”- which has an almost Dogs D’Amour meets The Almighty feel to it, and the raucous “Slut The F**K Up”.

If you like hard edged, sleazy Rock N Roll then “Dirty Drinks & One-Night Stands” is an album that you should definitely investigate further.

Nikk Gunns
4 out of 5

RHAPSODY
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret (2LP)

MOLLY HATCHET
Silent Reign Of Heroes (2LP)
SPV

Now this is good rock music should be presented. These two reissues come on thick vinyl, double LPs, gatefold sleeves and innersleeves with lyrics. Oh, and bonus tracks too. And in both cases the music more than stands up to the superb packaging.

Rhapsody's Enchanted Lands II mixes melodic power metal with operatic speed metal and baroque and classical too. Sound effects, orchestra, narration from Christopher Lee, intricate keyboards, plenty of guitar shred, and in places a little gothic too. This is an essential, fantastic and brilliant album. If Lord Of The Rings was made as a heavy metal opera, it wouldn't be too far from this.

The press release calls them Symphonic Hollywood Metal, but that doesn't do them justice.

Second up is Molly Hatchet's Silent Reign Of Heroes, from 1998. The band became resurgent in 1996, with Devil's Canyon putting them back on the map, and 2 years on this album continued the form. The band's debut in the late 70s salvaged Southern Rock, giving the genre a harder and bluesier edge, with other bands bands going (or having gone) the country, Americana or AOR routes. Here the band are on fire and with a dark edge too. Again lavish packaging with the Frank Frazetta styled art looking good in 12" form.

Two fantastic albums, superbly packaged, top marks.

both 5/5
Joe Geesin