by Matman
Today is like Christmas with some incredible new releases for those who like it classic, melodic and even blistering!!!!! Here is a look at three of them... SUMMON THE HORDES - Protector (High Roller Records) - As someone is very selective about their thrash music, I decided to give the latest disc from Sweden's Protector an 'open minded' listen and was quite surprised at what I found. Musically the band is on fire, featuring Michael Carlsson (guitar), Mathias Johansson (bass) and Carl-Gustav Karlsson (drums). The songs are heavy and I mean heavy, reminding me of Megadeth's KILLING IS MY BUSINESS heavy, but with more growl and snarl in the vocals by Martin Missy. Tracks like Realm Of Crime, Steel Caravan and Summon The Hordes have what you would want and expect, but there are a lot of time changes, adjustments and style that make these guys more than just a thrash band. AND the cover... holy crappers!!!!!! This is an album that will appeal to listeners of the Thrash It Out Podcast!!!!! THE SECRET - Alan Parsons (Frontiers Music) - Alan Parsons is a musical legend! From his production and engineering work with the Beatles and Pink Floyd to his own Alan Parson's Project, the man knows his way around amazing songs and working with talent. On THE SECRET, Parsons has brought in some incredibly talented folks like Lou Gramm, Steve Hackett and on the first single Magic, Jason Mraz. Amid the heavy rock I tend to gravitate too, this album is pure pleasure to listen to and is another one that will be fighting for a spot in my top 20 of 2019. If radio played good music and someone played videos, I Can''t Get There From Here would be a huge hit because of its arrangement, vocal performance and heartfelt playing. Welcome back Mr. Parsons... we have missed you and your talent. THE GOD MACHINE - Steel Prophet (Rock Of Angels Records) - A band with a deep history, Steel Prophet hits the bulls-eye with their latest, THE GOD MACHINE. Containing ten songs that will not give you a chance to catch your breath, R.D. Liapakis (vocals), Steve Kachinsky (guitar/keyboards), Jon Paget (guitar), rVince Dennis (bass) and John ‘JT’ Tarascio (drums) have crafted a full listening experience. The title track, Crucify and Soulbunter are some of the best songs the band has ever recorded and flow perfectly together. Musically, there is an Iron Maiden feel to the songs meaning there is some epic playing on some very challenging songs. As heavy as this album is, the stand-out track for me is the slower, but quite powerful Buried And Broken. An easy album of the year candidate!!!!
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by Matman
When I got the word that Paul Raymond passed away, I was absolutely gutted and at a complete loss for words! I did send UFO bassist Rob DeLuca a message expressing my sadness and support for everyone, but in times like this... I feel like I should do more, I just don't know what. Paul Raymond began his music career moving from one band to another until he found some stability with Savoy Brown in 1974 and stayed until 1976 when he joined UFO for their landmark album, LIGHTS OUT. Raymond added a new element and depth to UFO's music being able to shift from keyboards to guitar when needed. He played on UFO's next three albums; OBSESSION, STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT and NO PLACE TO RUN before leaving in 1980 to join the Michael Schenker Group. Raymond stayed for one studio album, MSG and the live ONE NIGHT AT BUDOKAN and left to join another ex-UFO member, Pete Way in his band Waysted. Raymond would rejoin UFO in 1985, come back in 1995, left and returned in 2004 and would remain with the band until his passing. UFO are currently on their final tour called LAST ORDERS 50th Anniversary. As our heroes all get older, we still are shocked when they leave us and Paul Raymond left us with a long life (73 years old) and so many great musical memories. It isn't known how this will effect the US dates of their farewell tour, but as someone who was excited to be at their last show possibly ever in November, I wouldn't fault them for just calling it a day right now. To his family, friends, band mates and his many fans... it is a sad day.
Opening Act:
Ozzy postpones tour after fall Def Leppard inducted into Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Ghost announces fall tour (10/21 at DCU in Worcester) Rammstein debuts new song Deutschland (https://youtu.be/NeQM1c-XCDc) Asia tour details Ear Candy: L.A. Guns--The Devil You Know (2019) Megadeth--Peace Sells (1986) Six Degrees of Frankie B. Music Matinee: The Dirt Rockversation: Phil Lewis Matt spoke with the frontman of L.A. Guns about the band’s new new album The Devil You Know, which is out now! You can also catch L.A. Guns on tour right now. Bonus Track: Jim Peterik & World Stage--Without a Bullet Being Fired From the new album Winds of Change, our April 26th on Frontiers. 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 [email protected]. by Matman
As the co-writer of some of the biggest hits of the 1980's Survivor's Jim Peterik knows how to write uplifting, melodic rock. WINDS OF CHANGE is the second release from Jim Peterik & World Stage, Peterik has surrounded himself with some of the best and most recognizable voices in rock history to create an album that sounds current as it takes us down memory lane. But don't think the trip is all just 80's radio style hits, there are some nice nods to other eras and styles including the Beatles. WINDS OF CHANGE contains 12 songs that musically and structurally have all the Survivor/AOR trademarks you would hope for but each vocalist makes the song their own. The album kicks off with the title track featuring Dan Chauncey and Don Barnes of .38 Special and sets the tone and pace for the magic inside. Proof Of Heaven features Dennis DeYoung and is a musical love letter to the radio heyday and pageantry of Styx. The albums first single, Without A Shot Being Fired features Loverboy's Mike Reno and after listening, made me go back and revisit the Canadian band's vast musical catalog. Just For You is a tender song featuring the smooth and silk voice of REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin and wow... amazing. The albums coolest track features one of my favorites, Danny Vaughn (Tyketto) on The Hand I Was Dealt and is just amazing!!!! But wait... I Will What I Want (Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger), You're All I Want (Jason Scheff formerly of Chicago), Avalanche (with Gunnar and Matthew Nelson).... enough, let me please catch my breath! The album ends with the emotional, Love You All Over The World features the voice of the late Jimi Jamison, a previously unreleased song that gives us one last listen to the great Survivor vocalist. But the album isn't just amazing because of the 'big name' vocalists! Sometimes You Just Want More (Kevin Chalfant), Home Fires (Toby Hitchcock) and Where Eagles Dare (Lars Safsund and Robert Sall) are just more of the same... well crafted songs that are well produced, superbly performed and just make you feel good. If you are not a fan of 80's rock, you may not like this album and frankly have no taste in music. When I listen to WINDS OF CHANGE (which has been non stop since it was sent to me), the air smells fresher, the world seems a lot safer and my music lovin' brain is so much happier. Matman Rating - 5 out of 5 WINDS OF CHANGE by Jim Peterik and World Stage will be released on April 26th from our friends at Frontiers Music s.r.l |
Let's Rock!The Power Chords Podcast is a twice-monthly podcast celebrating rock and metal music of the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond. The show is co-hosted by Matt Herring and Brian LeTendre. Archives
June 2020
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