Opening Act: 
The Vault in New Bedford, MA closes down
Stadium Tour underway with Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison

Ear Candy: 
Iconic - Second Skin (2022)
Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos (2022)

Rockversation - Joey Cassata
Matt spoke with the drummer, actor, writer, and producer about ZO2, the ZRock show, playing with the Eric Martin Band, Star Wars, and more. Follow Joey on Twitter at  twitter.com/JoeyCassata.

Bonus Track: - Michael Schenker Group - Emergency
From the new album Universal, 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 

Just because you combine quality ingredients doesn’t guarantee a good meal! In the case of Iconic’s debut album, SECOND SKIN, not only are the ingredients of serious quality, but the finished product is exactly what you hoped for! The album isn’t Inglorious, Stryper, Black Star Riders, Black Oak Arkansas, or Whitesnake, it is an amalgam of the bands that influenced them, at least that is what I hear.
 
For many American listeners, this may be their introduction to vocalist Nathan James who is a throwback to the greats like Paul Rodgers, Glenn Hughes, and David Coverdale. Trading vocals with Michael Sweet creates a bigger and more electric sound especially on the title track. Creating more fury and excitement is the play between Sweet and Joel Holkstra, who challenge the music without compromising the song, something a band like this can do, unintentionally. Holding it all down is the collected talents of bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Tommy Aldridge who know a thing or two about working with brilliant musicians. Helping it sound as clean and crisp as possible is the amazing Alessandro Del Vecchio who helps Sweet with production and provides keyboards and an extra voice.
 
SECOND SKIN is an album of many moods and textures, from full on rockers like It Ain’t Over and Nowhere To Run (a song Stryper fans will love) to passionate slower songs like All I Need (my favorite on the album) and World’s Apart (my second favorite on the album). I mentioned it above, but the worth of this album, what makes it so strong and brilliant, is the songs are so good. With each individual member setting the bar pretty high, you will happy to know that collectively, this a unified alb0um, a fantastic listen that should be in everyone’s Top Ten.
 
My first hope is you will listen to this album, love everything about it, and feel good, knowing that awesome music is still being made! My second hope is you then go and buy the entire Inglorious catalog.

MATMAN RATING - 5 out of 5 eye patches
 
ICONIC - SECOND SKIN (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) will be released on June 11, 2022
 
For a live review listen to the next episode of 53:5 – The Official Stryper Podcast and also the Power Chords Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts from! 

Opening Act: 
Sad things are afoot at the Circle K
Ghost announces new tour with Mastodon
Holy Diver super deluxe edition release
Stryper album reissue controversy

Ear Candy: 
Reckless Love - Turborider (2022)
Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra (2022)

Rockversation: Mark Tremonti
Matt recently spoke with the guitarist, singer, and songwriter about his Take a Chance for Charity initiative, and the first project of that initiative, Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra. You can pre-order Tremonti Sings Sinatra and learn more about Take a Chance for charity at tremontisingssinatra.com.

Bonus Track: Iconic - Fast as You Can
From the upcoming album Second Skin, coming this July from 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: 
Autograph’s Randy Rand passes
Joel Hoekstra and Michael Sweet’s new project Iconic
The Ratt reunion that almost was
Def Leppard’s new album Diamond Star Halos
Robert Sweet’s Cleanbreak project

Ear Candy: 
Aerosmith: Rock in a Hard Place (1982)
The Linda Lindas  - Growing Up (2022)

Rockversation: Simon Daniels
Matt recently spoke with the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Autograph about his musical influences, moving to L.A. in the 80s, his journey to Autograph, the band’s upcoming album, and more. 

Note: This interview was recorded prior to the passing of Randy Rand. 

Bonus Track: Cleanbreak - Coming Home
From the debut album Coming Home, releasing in August 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 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)

A few months back I had the pleasure of interviewing Jean Beauvoir for the podcast, Power Chords. During the interview, Jean told me about his autobiography coming out and while we were still talking, I preordered it as we spoke. A few days ago, I received a copy to review from the publisher (now, I’ll have two books) and four days later here I am writing my review of BET MY SOUL ON ROCK ‘N ROLL – DIARY OF A BLACK PUNK ICON, from Chicago Review Press. 

I have been a huge fan of Jean Beauvoir ever since I saw him with the Plasmatics on the ABC comedy show, FRIDAY’s! There I saw Jean with a white tux and blonde/white mohawk playing bass and keeping it all together amongst the uncontrolled chaos and fury of the band. From there I followed him to his time with Little Steven and the Disciples Of Soul and when his first solo album DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK was released, I was obsessed with his style, his look and most important, his music.

In his autobiography (no spoilers, I want you to read this book), Beauvoir goes deep into his unique family history, a Haitian/French/American upbringing that gave him not only passion and desire in his music, but his ability to somehow navigate a music scene not closed to, but necessarily opened to black musicians. The book talks in detail about his time leading up to his break as a solo artist, the successes, struggles and the pitfalls that all come with it. But more than the typical story of success, failures that are just part of rock and roll, Beauvoir speaks of all the friendships he has made, the opportunities that have presented themselves, and no matter what, he and his glorious mohawk have always risen above it.

​Fans may know the music, but this book tells the story... how he became a punk, how he fashioned his amazing look, but for me, the most interesting part was reading about his love of the business side of the ‘music business’. Who ever would have thought behind the scenes, Beauvoir was running his own show financially and then would become CEO of his friend’s soon to be thriving music ventures. Jean's writing (with John Ostrosky) is as clear and focused as his music and tells a colorful picture of an incredibly colorful man.

A big takeaway for me (as a reader and fan) is that Jean Beauvoir never changed or compromised himself in any way! He fought (sometimes unintentionally) the fight for racial equality in music and has earned the respect of an entire generation of music fans and his peers. Beauvoir has had an amazing journey that we can all take together and as you turn each page you get to revisit amazing music and moments from an amazing man.

Thank you Jean for the choices you made, because your story has had an amazing impact on my life! Beaucoup d’amour et merci!!!!! 

Opening Act: 
Mark Lanegan passes away at 57
Testament announces the return of Dave Lombardo 
Asia and Asia touring in 2022
Peacemaker Soundtrack

Ear Candy: 
Saxon - Carpe Diem (2022) 
Kissin’ Dynamite - Not The End of the Road (2022)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin' Atcha Live: 
Ghost and Volbeat  - Worcester MA - 2/11/22

Bonus Track: Zadra - Nothing More to Say
From the album Guiding Star, 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: 
Meat Loaf passes at 74
Stryper’s upcoming album and documentary
WASP Touring in US after more than a decade
Megadeth, Lamb of God, and Trivium coming back around in 2022
New and Upcoming Releases 

Ear Candy: 
Meat loaf: Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Battle Beast: Circus of Doom (2022)

Rockversation: Eric Martin
Matt spoke with the singer about Mr. Big, the Eric Martin Band, and almost joining Van Halen.  

Bonus Track: Mecca - Can’t Stop Love
From the album 20 YEARS, releasing February 18, 2022 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.

by Matman

Is there a better way to celebrate live music than with a fun trip down memory lane? Hitting the Wolf Den stage littered with an 80's feel, vibe, and a marshmallow man was Rubix Cube, one of the best and tightest bands I have ever seen live, despite the genre. Not only did the band just present a 90 minute, 17 song set... they changed costumes to make it more of a show.

Lead singers Cherie Martorana Neve and Scott Lovelady took turns bouncing from Billy Idol, Tina Turner, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, and Prince, not only providing pitch perfect renditions, but the look, the style and the mannerisms. What 80's show could be complete without keyboards and a keytar, provided with skill by Mike Hunter,  shifting in and out of very distinct sounds, from Basil to Buggles, Behind the drum kit (and buried) is John Laspina who made me realize that no matter the speed and sub genre, Van Halen or Dexy's Midnight Runners, it all starts with a solid beat!

Rubix Kube features two rock legends, bassist P.J. Farley and guitarist Steve Brown, both veterans of the mighty Trixter and the duo bring so much more fun to the stage, adding a nice rock texture to some songs not traditionally known for their 'rock' chops. Nice wig, P.J., unless that is a secret, then please disregard that sentence.   

When you experience a show like this, you can walk away going "wow... they didn't play (fill in that song you wanted to hear), or you can leave the venue, load up on Krispy Kreme donuts, and take the ride home discussing how their set list was a great representation of the decade, what great players they were and be tankful you got to experience the hair, sounds and color of the greatest decade to grow up in.      

For more information on the band, including upcoming shows, http://rubixkube.com/  
​For upcoming shows at the Wolf Den, click here

Enjoy the pictures... I hope you can see the fun!     

In our last episode of 2021, we look back on our favorite albums, songs, shows, and more from this past year.

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.

Opening Act: 
Moody Blues’ Graeme Edge passes
Rock ‘n’ Roll Nosferatu
Richie Faulkner feeling good after heart surgery
Disturbed’s new album might be two

Ear Candy: 
Bullet for My Valentine (2021)
Black Veil Brides: The Phantom Tomorrow (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin’ Atcha Live
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy - 11/19

Rockversation: Jean Beauvoir
Matt talked to singer, songwriter, and musician about the Plasmatics, his solo career, and his autobiography that is coming out next year.

Bonus Track: Don’t Answer Me - The Alan Parsons Project
From the album Live: The Never Ending Show, which was recently released through 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 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.