Opening Act:
Music Industry protests racism and police brutality with Blackout Tuesday and The Show Must Be Paused www.theshowmustbepaused.com Singer Brian Howe passes Guitarist Bob Kulick passes Ratt’s Round and Round back in the Billboard Top 20 New Kansas album coming Ear Candy: Bumblefoot: Barefoot 2 & 3 (2020) Firewind (2020) Rockversation: Paul McSweeney Matt recently spoke with the lead singer and guitar player from the band Parts per Million out of Boston, MA. Check them out at partspermillionband.com. Bonus Track: Bumblefoot: Come On Eileen From Barefoot 3, out now at bumblefoot.bandcamp.com. 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.
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 iy Matman It seems like a lifetime ago when Kansas released their last album, 2016's THE PRELUDE IMPLICIT. I will always be thankful for that album because it brought me back to the world of Kansas in a big way. I also consider that album one of the best and most complete releases in their outstanding history. In other words, they seriously have a tough act to follow. How did they do? THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE (Inside Out Music) is the sixteenth studio album from Kansas and features the line-up of Phil Ehart (drums), Rich Williams (guitar), Billy Greer (bass), David Ragsdale (violin), Ronnie Platt (vocals), Zak Rizvi (guitar) and the new guy... Tom Brislin (keyboards). Many times, new band members tend to just be a part of the process, but Brislan is all over this album, co-writing or writing almost all the songs, singing one and creating a musical canvas that the band fill in, creating the Kansas sound. Kansas has a unique sound and style that makes them so unique to American music, 70's bands and progressive rock, always able to go in one direction, then at the drop of a hat, move into something else. Songs like The Absence Of Presence, Throwing Mountains and Circus Of Illusion seems to incorporate all these elements with rich vocals, amazing harmonies, virtuoso playing all within the framework of the song. An issue that most progressive bands struggle with is keeping a song together between musical indulgence... and Kansas doesn't do on this album. There are some unique songs like Animals On The Roof (one of my favorites) that have a different energy than the others but fits in perfectly with the beautiful Never (another one of my favorites) and the near perfect Memories Down The Line, one of the most expressive and beautiful songs the band has ever recorded... and yes, another one of my favorites. The last song on the album, The Song The River Sang (yup, another favorite) is an interesting song and not just because it is sung by Brislin. It has a quirky feel to it that reminds me of something from YES' DRAMA album, a release I consider their best work. The song shifts between styles and sounds, giving me at times a nod to Marillion, UK, Electric Light Orchestra, RUSH (I do hear it Zak) and old school Genesis! I have so many takeaways from my 20 or so listens to THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE, the biggest is Kansas, once again are in top form! Songs, music, performances, running order.. the album is one of their best and so well put together and produced. When the world opens up and Kansas can hit the road for yet, another never ending run of shows, I would love to hear at least six of the album's songs to be included in the set. How many new releases can you say that about? The final word on this album, or final three words... brilliant, just brilliant! I can't wait for the rest of the world to hear this one from start to finish and feel the way I do. Writing this review was incredibly (and surprisingly) difficult because at times I honestly couldn't find the words to convey what I was feeling. Kansas fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated fans in all of music and the reward for your/our many years of unwavering loyalty is THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE! Matman Rating - 9.5 out of 10. THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE will be released on June 26th 2020 from InsideOut Music. www.kansasband.com
Opening Act:
10th anniversary of Dio’s passing Pretty Reckless release new single Scorpions trying for old school vibe on new album Alice Cooper releases new single New releases from Metal Church, Bumblefoot, Dennis DeYoung Ear Candy: Black Sabbath: Never Say Die (1978) Tower--Tomorrow & Yesterday (2019) Boston Cover: https://youtu.be/oqW3V5H3e2M Bandcamp: https://towernyc.bandcamp.com/releases Top of the Pops Billboard Hot 100 for May 8, 1982 Rockversation: Kurdt Vanderhoof--Metal Church Matt spoke with the guitarist and founding member of Metal Church about their most recent album and more. Bonus Track: Autograph: Souls on Fire You can purchase the new single from Autographn at https://autographofficial.bandcamp.com/track/souls-on-fire. A portion of all proceeds go to Trinity Health of New England, to support frontline health care workers in the fight against COVID-19. 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
OZ - FORCED COMMANDMENTS (Massacre Records) - release date 5/22 In the 1980's OZ used to scare me, mostly from their adds in music magazines. Now, in 2020 they don't scare me at all! In fact, their new album, FORCED COMMANDMENTS is an album that should be on every metal fan's radar! Not only is it heavy and aggressive, but it is very technical, dare I say, almost progressive? The first single Prison Of Time has an old school Iron Maiden feel to it and is very representative of what the rest of the album sounds like. But my favorite song on the disc is the Accept inspired Switchblade Alley, because... WOW!!!! OZ is Vince Koivula (vocals), Juzzy Kangas & Johnny Cross (guitars), Peppi Peltola (bass) and Mark Ruffneck (drums) and I hope the boys are proud of this one!!!! 8 out of 10, because i'm not scared anymore! Axel Rudy Pell - SIGN OF THE TIMES (Steamhammer/SPV) - release date 5/8 It is hard to imagine that SIGN OF THE TIMES is Pell's 18th album and this could be his/the band's best! Featuring 10 songs that showcase the guitarists amazing skills, and this is important, not at the expense of the songs or the other players. Although his solos are amazing (just listen to Gunfire and Living In A Dream), Pell lets the songs breathe and doesn't use them as a place to just dump a solo. With amazing vocals from Johnny Gioeli (Hardline), the band is rounded out with Ferdy Doemberg (keyboards), Volker Krawczak (bass) and Bobby Rondinelli (drums). if you have never listened to Axel Rudi Pell before let SIGN OF THE TIMES be your gateway in... you will thank me! 7.5 out of 10!!!! Darker Half - IF YOU ONLY KNEW (Massacre Records) - released March 27th Knowing nothing about Darker Half, except they are from Australia and i missed their first three albums. It is hard to describe the band because Vo Simpson (vocals/guitars), Dom Simpson (drums), Simon Hamilton (bass) and Daniel Packovski (guitar) play it close to so many metal genres without committing or being pigeonholed to one. The are fast and in your face on tracks like This Ain't Over and Glass Coloured Rose but then play it somewhat melodic on Into The Shadows. Despite the melody and nice backing vocals, the album has a real dark side to it... and that makes it even cooler! 7 out of 10!!! One Desire - MIDNIGHT EMPIRE (Frontiers s.r.l.) - release date May 22 They are an easy listen, One Desire is another amazing band from Finland that realty has captured the magic of melodic rock! Like Foreigner, Night Ranger, Giuffria, Europe and so many of the sub genre, One Desire have incredible songs full of hooks and great backing vocals. The first three singles, After You're Gone, Shadowman and Heroes brought me back to a simpler time in life, when music was meant to be fun with no strings attached. The band; Jimmy Westerlund (guitars), André Linman (vocals/guitar), Ossi Sivula (drums) and Jonas Kuhlberg (bass) really know how to make music that is just perfect for the ears and the soul! 8 out of 10!
Opening Act:
Lamb of God push back new album to June Armored Saint finish mixing new album New Hall & Oates album in progress Tokyo Motor Fist almost done Scott Fish: The Quarantine Sessions Ear Candy: Scorpions: Return to Forever (2015) Testament--Titans of Creation (2020) Comin Atcha Live A year without concerts? Rockversation: Michael Sweet Matt recently spoke with the Stryper frontman about the upcoming album, Stryper weekend, and dealing with the challenge of this current time. To keep up with Michael and all things Stryper, head to michaelsweet.com and stryper.com. Bonus Track: Vega--I Don’t Need Perfection From the upcoming new studio album Grit Your Teeth, which will be available via Frontiers Music Srl on June 12, 2020. 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.
Opening Act:
Adam Schlesinger passes from Coronavirus Helloween finishing vocals for new album Stryper podcast update Rock and Pod cancellation Ear Candy: Church of the Cosmic Skull--Science Fiction (2018) https://churchofthecosmicskull.bandcamp.com/album/science-fiction DeadRisen (2020) Top of the Pops: Billboard Hot 100--April 5, 1980 Rockversation: Tommy DeCarlo Matt recently spoke with the frontman of Boston and DeCarlo. Lightning Strikes Twice, the debut album from DeCarlo, is out now on Frontiers Music SRL. Find out more at www.decarlorocks.com/. Bonus Track: One Desire “After You’re Gone” from the album Midnight Empire, out now on Frontiers Music SRL. 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.
Opening Act:
Keith Olsen passes Styx cancels tour Biff Byford solo tour canceled BLS recording new album this year KKs Priest Volbeat breaks Billboard record Ear Candy: Ozzy Osbourne--Ordinary Man (2020) New England--New England (1979) Comin Atcha Live: Sons of Apollo in Boston Rockversation: Steve “Lips” Kudlow from Anvil Bonus Track: House of Lords “One More,” off the upcoming album New World-New Eyes, coming March 24th. 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
When I got the email this week that a band I was going to cover/interview was forced to postpone their current tour due to 'the virus', it all became very real! I'm not one to get involved in the hype, the hoarding ad the panic. For me, it is always business as usual, but I do understand that things are going on, beyond our control and certain precautions need to be taken. I don't like, but I understand the why of cancelling concerts, schools and sports (gulp) and know we all have to do our part, to not spread the virus and also help those who will financially be drastically affected by this. Many, if not almost all of the bands I/we love and support rely on touring to make their living. The days of millionaire rock stars are over and physical sales just don't pay the bills. In fact, for most bands, a new CD is a break even proposition... if they are lucky. There are no labels to float money for bands/artists on tour, so if they are not making money to cover travel expenses, it can become a hardship. This is why merchandise sales and extras like Meet And Greets are so important. Since I go to most shows as a guest of the band, or to cover the show, I don't pay for my ticket. What I will always do is get a shirt, a CD or hot sauce to do my part for whoever I see. Think about the disappointment for artists who want to/need to get out there? A dear friend should be in Europe now with his new band on stage, but it was cancelled! Another band I'm close with is making their long awaited return to the stage and that is now in jeopardy. 30 years away with momentum going their way for a successful tour, now in doubt. I'm so disappointed that I may not get to see them and so sad for my brother that things are up in the air. These guys are family and when family hurt, I try to do something. So here is what i'm asking y'all to do!!!!!! Ready????? If you have a concert that you were planning on going to just get cancelled/postponed, go to the bands website and get some merchandise like a shirt, some music... whatever!!! This will help in a small way to keep some revenue coming in for the band. If you live near the venue and they serve food, order a meal, eat in or pick up and tip like you ate there. Keep the commerce flowing. I spoke to a few promoter friends of mine today who told me some of the hits they take when a show gets cancelled/postponed! Remember, the promoters are the ones who put the money up front and take the chance on a show and bring the bands to us. They don't make money until the show is over, so no show, no money to book future shows. Also, promoters pay advertising costs and if a show date is changed, more money to advertise the new dates. A good friend of mine told me he can't book any new shows because he isn't sure if/when there will be make-up dates or when the gathering concerns will be lifted. In August, I will be part of ROCK 'N' POD in Nashville, Tennessee and my friends putting on the show are concerned, but are continuing like it will be business as usual, and so am I! I will be booking my flight, connecting with friends to meet me there and I will be continually telling everyone about it and not giving into anything! Wash your hands, keep up close/group contact to a minimum, help those in need who may be feeling a big economic hit by this. At breakfast out today, my wife and I tipped WWAAAYYYY above what we should have. Why? Because the normally crowded restaurant was empty and we want to help. I share this story not because I want you to think of us as awesome people... but to put an idea in on how you can help!!! Everything in life is a learning experience and for almost all of us, this is all a learning experience. Lets not be the ones hoarding toilet paper, but be the ones spreading the love!!!!  by Matman Every word that has been used to describe Sons Of Apollo's talent and abilities really rang true last week in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club. Here, I was witness for the first time (as a collective) the talents of Mike Portnoy (drums), Derek Sherinian (keyboards), Billy Sheehan (bass), Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal (guitar) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals) on stage. Following their 15 song set (not counting solos and stories), I have NO WORDS to describe what I saw and heard, but i'll try. First off, Sons Of Apollo are all the best at their craft. Judging by all the musicians in the audience, this isn't a statement lost on anyone or insulting to any other bands out there. Following in the tradition of RUSH, UK and Marillion, the band display their immense talents on every song; progressive yet easily listenable and enjoyable. Epic songs like New World Today and Labyrinth are filled with so much skill and technical brilliance, but for the audience, they are just awesome songs! At their core, Sons Of Apollo are a hard rock band and on stage, the 'heavy' is provided by the thunderous double neck bass attack of Billy Sheehan. On stage you not only see and hear him, but you feel him... all night for 90 minutes. Sheehan provided the path and rhythms for everyone else to follow along to. For me, the biggest treat was watching and hearing vocalist Jeff Scott Soto make his presence known. Not only is he an incredible singer (he has to be with these guys), but he controls the stage and has an incredible sense of humor that humanizes the band's amazing presentation. There was a moment in particular when a drunk fan just walked on stage and sat down. In the climate we live in, and with the tragic incident involving Dimebag Darrell on the concert stage, there was a bit of fear in the audience and on stage, but Soto (and Bumblefoot) made a smirk that put myself and others around us at ease. The set list was as perfect (see below) as they could make it considering there is a time limit to the time a band can play without getting tired and bored. The show was finished with an amazing encore of my gateway hard rock song, Deep Purple's Burn, with the band joined by opener and legendary, Tony MacAlpine. Watching Tony and Ron trade riffs and solos... no words can describe. With the tour over (for now), keep an eye out for more shows. If you have never seen Sons Of Apollo live. you need to. I just feel bad for the next concert I go to, because this one was one that will be very hard to top. (Set List) Goodbye Divinity Fall To Ascend Signs Of The Time Wither To Black Asphyxiation Labyrinth (bass solo) Lost in Oblivion Desolate July King of Delusion Alive New World Today Figaro's Whore (keyboard solo) God Of The Sun Burn Coming Home
Opening Act:
Neil Peart passes Last in Line recording new album Megadeth plays first show since Mustaine’s return Megadeth Mayhem Fest Joey Kramer and Aerosmith drama Ear Candy: Megadeth--United Abominations (2007) Pink Floyd--The Wall (1979) Comin Atcha Live: Stryper Fan Weekend Rockversation: Brendan Clark of Alice Loves Alien Bonus Track: LoveKillers featuring Tony Harnell Higher Again 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. |
