by Matman

How does Dream Theater follow-up their amazing and quite ambitious last release, THE ASTONISHING?  Exactly the way they plan to on February 22nd. 

Dream Theater has a well deserved reputation for their musicianship but I feel here listeners may now begin to appreciate their skills as songwriters and visionaries.  DISTANCE OVER TIME is nine killer songs (and one bonus track) that has heavy riffs and lightning fast leads that take their already complicated rhythms to a new level of excitement.  

Unearthed Angel, Paralyzed and Barstool Warrior are just three of the tracks that speak to my love of classic progressive rock and old school heavy metal; beautiful melodies that grab you and take you on a journey.  As someone who follows singers more than the musicians, James LaBrie gives me a lot to follow and enjoy in a band that is known for their musicality.  He is a vocalist who can sing the high and the low with perfect balance.  The best song on the album (and possibly their entire career) is the epic, Fall Into The Light.  For seven plus minutes we are treated to an amazing performance with every player getting a chance to be heard... and shine.

Since the beginning of Dream Theater's history, John Petrucci has always been an excellent player but on this album I hear so many players I love; Steve Howe, Robert Fripp, Michael Schenker, Alex Lifeson and Steve Rothery.  Heavy when he needs to be (Room 137) and soulful when it calls for it (Out Of Reach). 

Jordan Rudess (Keyboards), John Myung (Bass), and Mike Mangini (Drums) rund out the band  and all make every note count.  I imagine it must be hard for these guys to keep it all together and not go off on tangents, but they do nothing but serve the song. 

DISTANCE OVER TIME is an album that has so much going on you will need multiple listens to soak it all in.  When I was done with listen #4 I thought, ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2019... so far.   ​

Matman Rating - 5 Out of 5 trips down Prog Memory Lane

DISTANCE OVER TIME, the 11th album from Dream Theater will be released February 22nd via InsideOut Music. 

To find out more, www.dreamtheater.net 

Opening Act: 
Ozzy Hospitalized
Tesla Debuts New Song “Taste Like” https://youtu.be/GCxRVi6vEbA
Sammy Hagar and the Circle new album
New supergroup Spirits of Fire releasing debut on 2/22
Upcoming John Wetton box set

Ear Candy: 
Weezer--The Teal Album (2019)
Quiet Riot--One Night in Milan (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Stryper 2/1 @ Mohegan Sun

Rockversation: Frankie Banali
Matt recently spoke with the legendary drummer of Quiet Riot about the band’s history, his time in W.A.S.P.,  the new Quiet Riot live album, and much more. You can get One Night in Milan now, and follow Quiet Riot online at www.facebook.com/quietriot.

Bonus Track: Last In Line--Landslide
From the upcoming album II, releasing February 22nd from Frontiers Music s.r.l.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

This past weekend, Stryper played three shows, in three days... in three states.  Sure the states are close together but it is a real cool thing to do.  I was able to catch the band at show and state number two... at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

Once again, Stryper were absolutely amazing!  They hit the stage with the heavy Yawegh and for the next 90 minutes, it never stopped.  Stryper pulled out everything I wanted, I mean what everyone else wanted to hear; All For One, Calling On You and Soldiers Under Command to name jut a few. But, one of the things I have always loved about the band is that they don't rest on their own laurels and just spend time in their history, they mix in a lot of newer songs.  These songs; The Valley, Sorry, Can;t Live Without Your Love and Revelation fir in perfectly with To Hell With The Devil, Free and The Sing Along Song.    

As far as players, Robert Sweet is still one of the best and most underrated drummers in hard rock history.  He went old school playing so the fans could see him and how hard he hits the skins. Oz Fox is the guy who holds it all together; rhythm when its called for and leads when needed. Michael Sweet still possesses one of the best voices out there and his playing is second to none. He also is a great front man who knows how to energize a crowd and really adds so much to the show.  And then there is the new guy, bassist Perry Richardson. Perry is so heavy as a player and his backing vocals bring a whole new dimension to the band on stage. 

And now for the venue... The Wolf Den!  This is one of the best places to see a band.  The sound is perfect and there isn't a bad vantage point at all.  For the 5 times I have seen Stryper live (I know, only 5) the two best were at the Wolf Den.  I go to so many shows there (over 200 by now) and this show was the most packed I've seen it since Mr. Big in 2017.  If you have never gone to a show at the Wolf Den, please join me for one very soon. 

It was great to see some fans of the band who have become good friends of mine! But my big thank you goes to Chris Jensen who caught a Stryper Bible, already has a few and gave it to me... because he is tired of me complaining that I never got one.  Next tine I see any of the guys I will have the Bible so they can throw it to me, then I can say I finally caught one. 

I know I work with Stryper, but please know that if I didn't enjoy the show I would say so or I would just say nothing.  Stryper is one of the best bands to see live, so please if they come to your town, go see them.  You won't be disappointed... just mad you waited so long to see them. 

Enjoy the pix!  One of them has recently broken the internet!!!!              

www.stryper.com

b,y Matman

​In the 1970's  and 80's, live albums were HUGE! For KISS, Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick, the live album gave their careers a serious kick and for RUSH, Iron Maiden and Scorpions... it was a showcase of the rock experience, and a way to get all the hits in one package.  It seems that after a bit of a hiatus, the live album/concert experience is making a comeback and I've got two awesome ones to share, both amazing in their own unique way! 

Up first is the metal band who in 1983 struck gold (and platinum) with their album METAL HEALTH and in 2017 released their 13th studio album, ROAD RAGE. Last year Quiet Riot played the Frontiers Rock Festival last year and the result is a killer album that proves the band still has what it takes to put on an amazing show.  ONE NIGHT IN MILAN (Frontiers SRL) contains 16 songs guaranteed to make you remember why you first loved this band, the amazing catalog! Cum On Feel The Noize, Run For Cover, Party All Night and my favorite, The Wild And The Young all sound amazing and feature longtime members Frankie Banali (drums), Chuck Wright (bass) and Alex Grossi (guitar). On vocals is James Durbin, the American Idol contestant who sings these songs with the passion and fire of the late Kevin Dubrow in his heyday. ONE NIGHT IN MILAN is a celebration of everything good about Quiet Riot who prove here (and on the live DVD/Blue-Ray from the show) that they are at their best onstage, making fans happy.

On the other side of the metal spectrum is Raven, the British trio that for me was my introduction to the world of speed metal!  Playing with power, danger and a sense of humor, Raven release this week their latest, SCREAMING MURDER DEATH FROM ABOVE, LIVE IN AALBORG! from SPV/SteamHammer.  To know Raven is to understand what you will be getting on this live album; controlled chaos with a "what the hell" attitude.   Led by founding members, the brothers Gallagher; Mark (guitar) and John (bass/vocals) and new drummer Mike Heller, Raven attack with an in your face collection of 11 songs covering their incredible history.  From album opener Destroy All Monsters to the closer Crash Bang Wallop, this recording made me remember what a Raven shows was like, despite the fact I haven't seen them live since 1988. 

Two amazing live albums from two bands that are so different in their approach... but the same in what they give to their audiences.    
   
  

by Matman

Listeners of the podcast and people who know me will tell you what a HUGE fan I am of vocalist/ bassist Glenn Hughes!  Since I first heard the Deep Purple classic, Burn and knew what part he sang, I've been a fan.  I loved his work with Hughes/Thrall, his brief stay with Gary Moore, his underrated album with Phenomena and of course... he sang on my favorite Black Sabbath album, SEVENTH STAR. 

Sadly, Hughes missed the chance to capitalize on those works because of heavy drug use that destroyed his reputation and almost killed him.  For me, as moving as his music is, his story of faith, survival and regeneration... becoming the musician and the man he was destined to be. 

Recently, Hughes has had a prolific solo career as well as work with Black Country Communion, California Breed and (for me) the recently discovered Voodoo Hill.  He has also worked in the past with my dear friend, the late John Wetton and my kinda friend, Geoff Downes.  

Last year Hughes and his solo band took part in an incredible tour celebrating the amazing music of Deep Purple with CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE. Unfortunately I missed his New England appearances last time due to my work promotion and training in Arizona... but the time is already taken off to enjoy this show in Norwalk, CT on April, 24th. 

For dates near you click the link here TOUR DATES and get ready for an incredible evening with the Voice Of Rock himself!!

For more information on Glenn Hughes click here

Opening Act: 
Ratt's Pearcy has knee surgery
Foreigner donates song proceeds to Shriners
Overkill debuts first episode of new documentary series
The return of John Sykes

Ear Candy: 
Ratt: Invasion of Your Privacy (1985)
Flotsam and Jetsam: The End of Chaos (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Liner Notes:
Best of 2018 episode feedback

Rockversation: Ken Mary
Matt recently spoke with the drummer of Flotsam and Jetsam after a stop on their tour with HammerFall.

Bonus Track: Johnny Gioeli--Drive
From the album One Voice, which is out now!

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

On December 9th, 1980, I heard the shocking news about the death of John Lennon the night before.  As a 12 year old Beatles fan, this destroyed my world.  The previous summer I began to really get into music and the Beatles were my obsession, an obsession that has never left me.  Until that night in December I never experienced a death of anything and this was my introduction to how crappy the world could be. 

For the next week I buried my sadness and pain in the world of the Beatles and of course, John Lennon's solo work.  I would listen to everything; the albums, the radio specials... everything.  I wanted to know everything about Lennon's life and over the span of a month or so, I would become inundated with every part of his life.  At the time of his death, Lennon's single (Just Like) Starting Over and the album DOUBLE FANTASY were marking the return of Lennon to the world of music.  I was incredibly frustrated because as a 'little kid' I didn't know what to do or how to channel my feelings.  Sure my parents helped me work through it but I wanted to do more.  I would see fans gathering at John's home in New York City, The Dakota and I wanted to be there... with everyone else hurting. 

At the time of his death I was living in Broad Brook, CT, a small town about 2 1/2 hours from New York, but in 1980, it might as well have been a million miles away.  As the years went on and I started making trips to New York City I never wanted to go to the Dakota, because I wasn't ready.  I walked around Strawberry Fields with my family and saw the Imagine mosaic, but standing near or on the site where John Lennon was shot was a hard one. 

Yesterday, on another trip to New York City, I decided it was time.  As I walked towards the building with my wife Amy, daughter Rebekah and her fiance Lucas, we walked by the infamous gate and just stopped to soak it all in, the place where so many lives changed back in 1980.  I've never been one to hide my emotions and I am incredibly in tune to peoples feelings but as I stood there, I couldn't think or even speak.  As I tried to focus my thoughts and prayers, all I could hear was Elton John's amazing and passionate Empty Garden in my head.  My feelings; sadness, optimism, happiness, depression, confusion, clarity all hitting me at once.  For the next few hours I kept trying to figure out why so many emotions all at once and as I sat to type this I realized I was just feeling everything I felt as a 12 year old who wanted to be there in 1980.  It seems so weird in  2018 to now feel like i'm finally at peace with this.               

 the last episode of 2018, we recap our favorites of the year! And the categories are:

Favorite Albums of 2018 
Favorite 3 Songs of 2018
Favorite 3 Album Covers of 2018 
Favorite 3 Concerts of 2018 
Favorite Live Album
Favorite Reissue

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

​​by Matman

It is mind boggling that THE END OF CHAOS is lucky album '13' for Flotsam And Jetsam.  The band made their debut in 1986 with the classic album DOOMSDAY FOR THE DECEIVER and for most of their career have been lumped in and pigeonholed as a thrash band. To me there has always been so much more to the band than that and here, the band get to prove it!

Following up 2016's self titled album is going to be tough, considering I look at that album as the best in their career... until now!  THE END OF CHAOS is a non-stop barrage of heavy riffs, pounding rhythms and amazing vocals that set a new standard. 

The songs are all amazing... not a clunker in the bunch!  From the double bass drum attack of Prepare For Chaos, the chugging of Architects Of Hate or the the brilliance and balanced Prisoner In Time, THE END OF CHAOS is the perfect album for anyone who considers metal 'their music'.  Vocalist Eric 'AK' Knutsome's voice just keeps better and better and has an aggressive quality to it, yet is very pleasing to the ears especially on Demolition Man.  The guitar duo of Steve Conley and Michael Gilbert are amazing!!!  The duo match heavy riffs and leads that give the music a new dimension on every song and are given that freedom by bassist Michael Spencer and new drummer Ken Mary who are just brilliant.  I compare this album to Iron Maiden's classic POWERSLAVE, one of the first metal albums that seemed to rise above the norms of the day and created an experience, not just a record. 

Over the past few years I have felt a few bands have put out their most complete and satisfying albums like Armored Saint with WIN HANDS DOWN and Metal Church's latest DAMNED IF YOU DO.  Like Flotsam and Jetsam, these bands have the freedom to make the music they want to make and who wins? We do!!  

After a few solid 10 to 12 listens front to back, Flotsam And Jetsam prove that heavy metal's best days are not in the past, but in the future.  THE END OF CHAOS will be a great way to welcome in 2019!     

Thanks boys... y'all did real good here!

THE ORDER OF CHAOS on AFM records will be released on January 18th 2019 on AFM.

Flotsam And Jetsam hit the road in May. For more information go to their official site, www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com  

Look for interviews wit Flotsam And Jetsam's 'AK' and Ken Mary in upcoming episodes of Power Chords.    

by Matman

As I try to catch up on my albums to review I decided to pick one based on its title and cover art.  For those who don't know, I am a 46 year comic book collector who gravitates towards anything superhero or comic book related... so why not listen to an album called SUPERHERO? WOW... i'm so glad i did!

Not knowing anything about State Of Salazar I didn't know what to expect at all, but just a few minutes into the albums first track, If You Wait For Me and I was hooked... and hooked bad! The band have a sound that combines the best of commercial hard rock and the pop aspects of progressive rock.  From song to song, State Of Salazar takes the musical pedigree of ASIA, the ear candy of Journey, the grooves of Toto and combines it with the hard rock push of Europe and UFO. What you get is an album full of amazing songs and brilliant performances. 

The band; Marcus Nygren, guitarist Johan Thuresson, keyboardist Kevin Hosford, bassist Johannes Hansson and drummer Kristian Brun are amazing and certainly wear their influences on their collective sleeves. The danger of a modern band making AOR style music is that the material and performances can be at times cringe worthy, but here, everything is just... perfect.  A perfect example of this is the ballad, Lie To Me, features a duet with Kristina Talajic and it just melts your heart with its passion. 

Now for the bad!!!!! I am a week away from presenting my Top Ten albums of 2017 and with the late release of SUPERHERO, my list is all screwed up!!!! Good for State Of Salazar... bad for me.  As I listen to the album over and over (x20) I just fall in love with the brightness, clarity and very clean production.  With each pass I keep hearing elements of Kansas, Kate Bush, Shooting Star, GTR, Meat Loaf, Survivor, Chicago, Phil Collins, A-ha... this album is so good! 

Sweden has been the home for some of the best new music in recent years and State Of Salazar has found a nice spot with bands like Ghost, Manimal, Palace and Perfect Plan.  If you love your rock with a certain bit of sophistication, sweetness and 'pomp',  SUPERHERO is your album.  it's my album!!!!

Matman Rating - 5 out of 5