ROOM FULL OF SINNERS: THE CURSED
Locomotive Records
There hasn't been an album in a long time which is this bursting at the seams with huge, super heavy, rumbling, meaty, crushing, Sabbath-inspired, fret board smoking riffs. The monstrous debut from The Cursed, 'Room Full of Sinners', rocks from beginning to end, with no let up. The band features, Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth - vocals (from Overkill), Dan Lorenzo - guitar (from Hades), Mike Cristi - drums (from Non-Fiction) Job the Raver - bass (from Murder 1). "Blitz" Ellsworth and Dan Lorenzo began collaborating together in late 2005, and came up with a style that while still heavy, is a departure from the intense metal of Overkill or Hades. The riffs are amazing. It is definitely throw back type metal, the kind of metal that pulls no punches and goes for the throat with reckless abandon! As is evident on tracks like, the opening battering ram, "Sweeter" and the Sabbath vibe of, "Evil In the Bag". While tracks like, "Breaking Her Down" and "Serpentine Slither" are just plain brutal. If you like headbanging, ball breaking metal, The Cursed is for you. In the spirit of bands like Black Sabbath and Motorhead, The Cursed compound thunderous rhythm guitar riffs with dangerous leads for a catchy sound straight from the late 70's hard rock/heavy metal movement. The Cursed's 'Room Full of Sinners', to put it quite simply, is a frigging MONSTER that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
YOUNG MODERN: Silverchair
Eleven Music Company
This is the first album from Silverchair since 2002, and as an avid Silverchair fan, I have to say, it's been a long five years. Just like any talented band, Silverchair evolves with every album they create, and the band's latest, "Young Modern" is no exception. You've got all the Silverchair basics, enormously-layered harmonies, intelligent orchestral sounds, and, of course, good old fashioned rock. Hands down, the richest, most dense offering of the band's career. Silverchair have traded their melancholy grunge for power pop laced rock and still managed to save the huge choruses and catchy hooks. As is evident on tracks like, "Young Modern Station," the heaviest rock song on the record. "Straight Lines" is a celebratory pop fête, and "If You Keep Losing Sleep" makes Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" sound almost quiet. Van Dyke Park's renowned talent shines on the tracks with orchestral arrangements like "All Across the World" and the three-part epic "Those Thieving Birds." If you liked the band's earlier material and are in the mood for something that stretches the limits and sounds like nothing and no one else out there, than "Young Modern" is your oasis. They may have left grunge far behind, but they still write great songs and make good music. The entire album is seamless and offers new facets with each listen. Once again, Silverchair has clearly taken another giant step forward.
HUMANITY - HOUR 1: Scorpions
New Door Records / Universal Music
The Scorpions have been doing this for years now, so it shouldn't come as a bolt from the blue to anyone, when they have yet again released another killer album. The band's latest release, 'Humanity - Hour 1' is a solid recording that packs one hell of a sting. This time around the band bring in acclaimed songwriter/producer, Desmond Child as well as James Michael wearing the hat of producer. Both doing an amazing job in taking the band to levels they have never reached before. Melding the classic hard rock Scorpion sound with modern elements of today's musical style. Klaus Meine's vocals sound amazing. While the Teutonic six string samurais Rudolph Schenker and Mathias Jabs are deadlier than ever. Their guitar work on this album is simply amazing. Then you have the powerful rhythm section of drummer James Kottak and bassit, Pawel Maciwoda that provide the band with its rock solid foundation. With 'Humanity Hour 1', the Scorpions offer the best of both worlds. First, they return to their classic sound but still innovating and not repeating old formulas. The tracks are all linked to a single theme and even when they are sequenced in concept, each song is strong and has its own personality. Hard to find a weak song on the record, I specially liked "The Game Of Life" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive" a couple of groove laden rockers that will definitely move you. Then there is "321", the next Scorpions anthem that reaches the energy level of such Scorp classics like, "Rock You Like A Hurricane" or "No One Like You". Making a cameo appearance is Smashing Pumpkins frontman, Billy Corgan on the song, "The Cross". 'Humanity Hour 1' without a doubt is the Scorpions best effort in a number of years, as it sees them returning to what I'd like to call their glory days. If you loved the Scorpions of the 80's, you'll be absolutely blown away with this recording. For those who feared that Scorpions career was close to the end, I am here to tell you that they are back and stronger than ever.
ON MY WAY: deSol
Adrenaline Music
Based in Asbury Park, NJ, deSoL is a brotherhood whose music mixes melodic rock hooks with sizzling Latin rhythms, sung in English and Spanish. Inspired and very talented musicians whose collective name means "Of The Sun". The brotherhood of the sun return with their highly anticipated sophomore release, 'On My Way'. I have to admit, after being blown away by their debut, I was curious to hear if the band what come up with next. Let me make it perfectly clear, WOW! An amazing recording that will move you in ways unimaginable. deSol's style of music will get you out of your seat and dancing to their beat in no time. Just imagine an updated version of Malo mixed with Santana with a dash of Ruben Blades thrown in for good measure. From the opening adrenaline pumping title track and "Letter From San Juan", just two songs in and deSol have their sights on making sure you get your groove on. I know I got my groove on big time. Then you have the lead off single, "Sing It All Night", the album also features a Spanish version. The song is radio friendly and will, without a doubt have people dancing in the streets. Other highlights include, "Mona Lisa", "Teardrops" and the intoxicating, "Vivir En Tu Aire", highlighted by Albie Monterrosa smooth vocal delivery. All in all deSol have come through with an incredible album. The Latin infused rock rhythms the band plays will just overtake you and leave you with a very lasting impression. If you love music, I mean real music that will rock and move your soul, 'On My Way' by deSol, IS A MUST HAVE.
