Monthly Archives: March 2011
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – Split Your Lip
Hardcore Superstar – Split Your Lip [UK Import] (2010, Nuclear Blast Records)
1. “Sadistic Girls” – 4:06
2. “Guestlist” – 4:02
3. “Last Call for Alcohol” – 3:24
4. “Split Your Lip” – 3:19
5. “Moonshine” – 3:57
6. “Here Comes That Sick Bitch” – 3:21
7. “What Did I Do” – 3:51
8. “Bully” – 3:28
9. “Won’t Go to Heaven” – 3:04
10. “Honeymoon” – 3:28
11. “Run to Your Mama” – 4:58
Band:
Jocke Berg- Vocals
Vic Zino – Guitar
Martin Sandvik – Bass, Backing Vocals
ADDE Andreason – Drums
Producer: Tobias Lindell
As is the case every year, I end up picking up a few albums from the previous year that I either didn’t know about or just never got around to picking up. I had honest intentions for purchasing Split Your Lip in 2010 but I think import prices were kinda high so I was price-watching for used copies on Amazon. The only album I was familiar with by Hardcore Superstar previous to this album was 2007′s Dreamin’ In A Casket, which I liked but didn’t knock my socks off. I almost picked up 2009′s Beg For It when that was released but feedback seemed to be so mixed I decided against it. Well, given that album cover to Split Your Lip was right up my alley, I HAD to have this CD reviews be damned.
So is the music just as awesome as the cover is cunning? YES. I’ve said it many times in the past but had I heard this album last year, I think it would have definitely made my Top 10 list. If you’re not familiar with Hardcore Superstar they are heavy metal, they are sleaze metal, they are glam metal and they drag it all into modern times. They aren’t a retro act, it’s modern sleaze metal but it still retains a heavy quality that could have the band opening comfortably for either Motley Crue or Avenged Sevenfold. I’ve even seen some sites list them as thrash metal, which gave me pause and after I thought about it, I guess some parts of their music can be thrashy (such as the opening moments of “Honeymoon”) but the thrash influence is just a drop in the sleaze bucket and I would have never thought to have categorized them as that myself.
They’ve been at it for over 10 years now and it’s a shame they haven’t found success that parallels what they have achieved in their home country of Sweden (#1 singles and Grammy awards over there. Even a cult following seems like it would be appropriate given the band’s looks and sound. Maybe something for the Hot Topic crowd? The anthemic “Sadistic Girls” and the ballad “Run To Your Mama” (which is just epic to me) seem tailor-made for the tattooed, pierced and pale. Meanwhile, “Here Comes That Sick Bitch” seems like a great single for U.S. radio. If I was a deejay I’d play it! But what do I know?
Split Your Lip is an album full of sleaze the way it should be played — with big choruses and big hooks. I’m definitely amongst the converted now and plan on going back and checking out the older material.
Highlights: “Sadistic Girls”, “Last Call for Alcohol”, “Split Your Lip”, “Moonshine”, “Here Comes That Sick Bitch”, “Honeymoon”, “Run to Your Mama”
http://www.hardcoresuperstar.com
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialHardcoreSuperstar
http://www.myspace.com/hardcoresuperstar
SALIVA – Under Your Skin
Saliva – Under Your Skin (2011, Island Records)
1. “Badass” … 3:05
2. “Better Days” … 3:40
3. “Nothing” … 3:07
4. “Hate Me” … 4:02
5. “Never Should’ve Let You Go” … 3:33
6. “Prove Me Wrong” … 3:30
7. “Burn It Up” … 2:57
8. “Toxic Suicide” … 2:45
9. “Turn the Lights On” … 3:49
10. “Spotlight” … 3:11
Band:
Josey Scott – Lead Vocals
Wayne Swinny – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Dave Novotny – Bass, Backing Vocals
Paul Crosby – Drums
Producer: Howard Benson
With the band seemingly topping themselves with each new release, when I found out a new Saliva album was underway, I took notice. Cinco Diablo was easily the best of the band’s catalog so I was pretty interested in hearing this one. I first got into the band when most people did — with Every Six Seconds. Though I don’t think the band has ever delivered a knockout album, everything they *have* released has at least qualified as good.
I was kind of disappointed when I read some statements from Josey Scott where he talked about going back to the rap metal that the band originally was so fond of. Sure, it was fine for the time but it just seemed like an unnecessary step back as I don’t think the nostalgia factor has kicked in yet for that subgenre. Hopefully it never will and luckily this album isn’t really to relive 1999 or 2001. “Badass” and “Burn It Up” are really the only two songs that retread Saliva’s earlier sound and they are fine for what they are. They sound like Saliva.
As much as I liked Cinco Diablo, I like Under My Skin that much more. This is the band’s finest moment. For my money, the band has turned in their best effort yet. 10 songs and very little filler here. Whether it’s the bravado chest-thumping “Badass”, rock radio ready songs like “Nothing”, “Better Days” & “Spotlight” or the ballads “Never Should’ve Let You Go” & “Turn The Lights On” (Saliva has always done very well with their ballads), the album has stuck me and I can’t get it out of my head. “Toxic Suicide” is another favorite of mine, it has a slightly darker edge to it than the rest of the songs.
I bought this album to the day it came out and I must have listened to it nearly 10 times all the way through in that short amount of time. Some albums I listen to and even though I enjoy them I’m ready to move on to the next album but Under My Skin has stayed in my player for the majority of the week. I’m not getting tired of it and there’s no reason this album should not be a big hit. Well, other than the fact that the music industry has screwed itself to oblivion. So far, “Badass” and “Nothing” have been released as singles. I’m surprised neither has charted but I definitely think “Better Days”, “Turn The Lights On” and/or “Never Should’ve Let You Go” all deserve to get released to radio as well. Really, most of this album is radio ready though. The hooks, catchy choruses and melodies are all over the place.
Anyone who likes Saliva will like this album as well, I think. I guess Saliva is one of the more mainstream sounding rock bands that I listen to but they are so much more catchier than most of what makes it onto radio so that’s why I keep coming back for more.
Highly recommended, strong contender to make my Top 10 list for 2011.
Highlights: “Better Days”, “Nothing”, “Never Should’ve Let You Go”, “Toxic Suicide”, “Turn The Lights On”
Press Release: MODERN SUPERSTAR Ready New Single ‘Devil’s Playground’
Modern Superstar is set to release their first single, ’Devil’s Playground’. The single is the first served up from the debut release ’Under My Skin’ due out May 3rd on Jamsync Music. ’Devil’s Playground’ was also chosen as the theme song in the upcoming reality show’Tattoo Tony’s Under My Skin’.
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Modern Superstar will tap into new markets for the first time during the tour later this summer. World famous tattoo artist and television personality Tattoo Tony will be making special appearances on select dates. The April dates previously reported are as follows:
Fri Apr 8 – Planet Live, Battle Creek, MI
Sat Apr 9 – Baltimore Tattoo Convention, Baltimore, MD
Wed Apr 13 – Scooters Bar New, Castle, IN
Thu Apr 14 -The Berlin Music Pub, Fort Wayne, IN
Fri Apr 15 – The Carriage House, Louisville, OH
Sat Apr 16 – The Fishbone #1, Vienna, WV
Wed Apr 20 – Olde Towne Tavern, Frederick, MD
Thur Apr 21 – FM Bistro, Beaver Falls, PA (Early Show 8:00pm)
Thur Apr 21 – Bella Luna, Monroeville, PA (Late Show 11:00pm) w/ Tattoo Tony
Fri Apr 22 – JAXX, Springfield, VA w/ Tattoo Tony
Sat Apr 23 – 36th Street Lounge, Wyoming, MI
Wed Apr 27 Smokin’ Joes, Milwaukee, WI
Thu Apr 28 – Gentleman Jacks Little Chute, WI
Fri Apr 29 – Silver Dollar Saloon Elizabeth, MN
Sat Apr 30 – Route 15 Greenville, WI
Fri May 13 – M3 Festival Columbia, MD w/ Tattoo Tony
Sat May 14 – M3 Festival, Columbia, MD w/ Tattoo Tony (Main Stage)
Fri May 27 – Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK w/ Gypsy Pistoleros and Tattoo Tony
Sat May 28 – Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK w/ Gypsy Pistoleros and Tattoo Tony Sun
May 29 – Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK w/ Gypsy Pistoleros and Tattoo Tony
Hunted – Welcome The Dead
Hunted – Welcome the Dead (2010, self-released)
1. “Welcome The Dead (Intro)” … 1:20
2. “The Silence of Minds” … 6:04
3. “Chosen” … 4:29
4. “Aria (In Memoriam)” … 8:49
5. “The Incident” … 0:34
6. “Impaled” … 5:11
7. “Scars” … 5:23
8. “I Want Nothing” … 5:42
9. “Shadows” … 7:01
10. “The Heart Collector” … 5:49
Band:
Chris G – Vocals
Steven Barberini – Guitar
Jon Letson – Bass
Matt ‘Animal’ Thomas – Drums
Produced by: Tim Hamill & Hunted
Based out of Wales, Hunted are a band that’s 100% metal but they provide a few slight twists and turns throughout Welcome the Dead. Progressive, thrash, power and melodic metal really seem to be the key ingredients in making up this album. These guys were obviously influenced by bands like Metallica, Dream Theater, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, Helloween and Nevermore (who they cover on this album with “The Heart Collector”). Vocalist Chris G reminds me a lot of Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens and Warrel Dane so he’s certainly more than able to handle these songs with power, precision and pitch. The production is great and I felt the drums especially were captured very well.
To be honest, this album took me a few spins to get into it. That’s not a knock on Hunted, that’s usually the norm for me when it comes to any band with a progressive sound. I’ve since been able to sit back and soak in the wonderful hooks, melodies, riffs and vocals. Hunted is really a band that should be on some type of label somewhere, they’re just that good. Songs like “Scars” and “The Silence of Minds” are pretty fantastic and need a wider audience. This band obviously knows what they are doing. The music and the CD packaging have superior production values, so hopefully this album will get them onto a label so they can gain some more exposure.
Welcome the Dead is a very good find for progressive/power metal fans.
Highlights: “The Silence of Minds”, “Chosen”, “Scars”, “Shadows”
Press Release: ASPHALT VALENTINE announce tour dates
4/8 The Rock House Fayetteville, NC
4/9 DIVEbar Raleigh, NC
4/16 Sweetwater Bar & Grill Duluth, GA
6/11 SOHO Bar & Grill Columbus, GA
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King Lizard – Viva La Decadence
King Lizard – Viva La Decadence (2010, Psycho Devito Records)
1. “Viva La Decadence” … 3:36
2. ”Rain On You” … 4:10
3. ”Rock N’ Roll Me” … 3:09
4. “Hell Yeah” … 3:43
5. “Video Lover” … 3:13
6. “Kan’t Kill Rock N’ Roll” … 3:25
7. ”Never Be Mine” … 6:06
8. “Not For Me” … 5:11
9. “Riot” … 5:20
10. “Taste The Hate” … 2:59
11. “Outrageous” … 3:11
12. “Late Nite Dynamite” … 3:54
Band:
Flash Roxx Sawyer – Lead Vocals, Piano
Niro Knox – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Alice Rain – Bass, Backing Vocals
Sky London – Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer: King Lizard, Andy Brook and Chris Tsangarides
The modern rival of glam and sleaze metal is still going strong and while Sweden usually is the top exporter of such bands these days, it’s good to see some British bands finally making a splash. London’s King Lizard has been around for a number of years but this is their full full-length album and the first I had heard of the band. When I was first contacted about this band I was immediately sold upon hearing “Viva La Decadence” and seeing the album art! And yes, there is an uncensored version of the album cover and it is spectacular. Easily the best album cover of 2010!
As for the music itself, the band delivers the kind of party rock I enjoy. If you’re not on board by the time the title track is done playing, then you’re not going to get the rest of the album either. “Rain On You” is a great middle-finger song about not letting anyone stop you. “Rock N’ Roll Me” and “Hell Yeah” are both dirty rockers. “Not For Me” is the album’s lone power ballad, it rocks as well just enough so that it doesn’t come off as sappy.
“Riot” I found to be a really good and interesting song on the album due to its unique piano intro. Reminds me of something that you might find on a SIXX A.M. or Avenged Sevenfold album. After the intro, a really cool bass line starts up and the song starts to rock and it’s one of the heavier songs on the album. “Outrageous” and “Late Nite Dynamite” close out the album in a good sleazy fashion.
With contemporary production values and an obvious love for all ’80s rock and metal, King Lizard’s Viva La Decadence is definitely an album worth seeking out.
Highlights: “Rain On You”, “Rock N’ Roll Me”, “Hell Yeah”, “Not For Me”, “Riot”, “Outrageous”, “Late Nite Dynamite”
http://www.kinglizard.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/kinglizardmusic
http://www.myspace.com/kinglizardmusic
Press Release: SALIVA returns from Memphis with ‘Under Your Skin’, new album to be released March 22nd
Pre Order Saliva’s Under Your Skin today to guarantee your spot on the poster. Upload an image of one of YOUR favorite tattoos. Your tattoo will be featured in an official Saliva collage poster. All posters will be available for download after street date!
Pre Order Under Your Skin NOW: http://idj.to/SalivaUYS
Press Release: Cover art & track listing for new MODERN SUPERSTAR album!
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- Hollywood Dirty
- She Likes Girls
- Txt U Gud’Bye
- Grow’n Old
- Love/Hate
- You
- Blue
- Devil’s Playground
- Generation Star
- We All Die Young
‘Under My Skin’ (previously titled I Part Saint II Parts Sinner), was re recorded at The Recovery Room in Arkansas. ‘Under My Skin’ was produced by Ty Sims (Bombay Black). ’Under My Skin’ is due out May 2011.
More on Modern Superstar @jamsyncmusic.com
Hurtsmile – Hurtsmile
Hurtsmile – Hurtsmile [IMPORT] (2011, Frontiers Records)
1. “Just War Theory” … 2:41
2. “Stillborn” … 3:51
3. “Love Thy Neighbor” … 3:42
4. “Kaffur (Infidel)” … 4:29
5. “Painter Paint” … 2:30
6. “Tolerance Song [Edit]” … 3:23
7. “Set Me Free” … 4:19
8. “Jesus Would You Meet Me” … 3:15
9. “Slave” … 5:19
10. “Beyond The Garden/Kicking Against The Goads” … 6:25
11. “Just War Reprise” … 4:19
12. “The Murder Of Daniel Faulkner (4699)” … 5:35
Band:
Gary Cherone – Vocals
Mark Cherone – Guitar
Joe Pessia – Bass, Mandolin
Dana Spellman – Drums, Percussion
Producer: Gary Cherone & Joe Pessia
One of the year’s best albums is one that I didn’t even know existed until just as it was released and even then I didn’t give much thought to buying it. Hurtsmile is a new side-project from Extreme vocalist Gary Cherone (his brother Mark is in the band as well) and I found out about this new venture thanks to a Frontier Records advertisement in a recent issue of British magazine Classic Rock. I thought to myself that it could be an interesting listen because afterall I was a fan of Extreme’s Saudades de Rock but the last time Cherone fronted a new band (Tribe of Judash), I remembered not caring much for the one song I heard on the radio. I ended up checking out some YouTube clips from this album and really liked what I had heard.
Extreme did a good job of updating their sound with Saudades de Rock and many of these songs I could envision being on a new Extreme album, like the beautiful ballad “Painter Paint” or the reggae of ”Just War Reprise” and “Love Thy Neighbor”. But this isn’t “Extreme featuring Gary Cherone”. The lyrics are a lot more serious and political and there’s no funk to be found. “Just War Theory”, “Kaffur (Infidel)”, “Tolerance Song (Edit)” and “The Murder of Daniel Faulkner (4699)” tackle heavy issues. “The Murder of Daniel Faulkner (4699)” is a Dylan-esque ballad that details the 1981 murder of a Philadelphia police officer. Meanwhile, the infectious upbeat bluegrass sounds of “Jesus Would You Meet Me” sees a man (Gary Cherone?) asking Jesus if he’s going to meet him on his dying bed.
What I really love about this album is that you can’t really peg this album down to any certain style. “Painter Paint”, “Just War Reprise” and “The Murder of Daniel Faulkner (4699)” are three completely different sounding songs: a sweet ballad (and not the “More Than Words” kind), reggae and bluegrass. Then on the flip side “Just War Theory”, “Set Me Free” and “Stillborn” feature enough modern hard rock crunch to be radio hits if anyone would actually pay attention.
Much credit due to the Cherone Brothers. Gary is really one of rock’s most underrated vocalists. He’s taken a beating over the years for Van Halen III but the guy is a great performer live and in the studio. He sings his butt off on this album, no small feat considering the genre hopping being done. He’s just as comfortable singing softly as he is screaming about war and tolerance or singing reggae. As for his brother Mark, this guy is a great guitar player. I didn’t even know Gary had a brother! Where has he been hiding him? Nuno is amazing but Mark more than holds his on this album with some great riffs and leads.
I can’t see this album budging from my Top 10 list for 2011. This band isn’t an Extreme clone but I think anyone that is an Extreme fan will love this album.
Highlights: “Just War Theory”, “Stillborn”, “Painter Paint”, “Jesus Would You Meet Me”, “Slave”, “Beyond The Garden/Kicking Against The Goads”
http://www.hurtsmile.com
http://www.facebook.com/Hurtsmile
http://www.myspace.com/hurtsmile
Hoodless – Music For Jerks
Hoodless – Music For Jerks (2010, Hoodless Music)
1. “Touch & Cry” … 4:17
2. “Waiting” … 3:27
3. “Innocent” … 4:13
4. “Down” … 4:29
5. “GAPO” … 4:19
6. “Say It Loud” … 5:03
7. “Run Away” … 4:52
8. “Be My Whore” … 3:14
9. “Underground” … 3:42
10. “Why So Serious” … 2:35
Band:
Twon – Vocals
Paul Allan – Guitar
Finn – Guitar
B Lee – Bass
Carter – Drums
Producer: Joe Lambert
When this band was brought to my attention, I was excited because I had read they were being compared to Guns N Roses. Of course, GNR’s name is often thrown around for and by many unknown bands who are trying to get noticed. So what was my honest take after listening to the first handful of songs? They aren’t similar to GNR at all.
I have listened with an open ear (two, actually) and I just do not hear where you can draw the line between these two bands but I do not think it would be too far off to say that GNR fans would appreciate Hoodless. The band’s sound is something that I think would appeal to old school rock heads and to the alternative crowd as well. In fact, I can’t help but feel like ex-Warrant vocalist Jani Lane is singing on this album as Twon’s vocals sound very much like him at times and some of these songs sound similar to Saints of the Underground or some of the later (aka- alternative) Warrant albums with Lane.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to say these guys are some Warrant-worshipping retro act. Not at all. They are a completely modern band. It’s just that I can’t get over Twon’s vocals sounding so similar to Jani’s.
What I really like about this album and band is that they aren’t heavy just to be heavy or trying to sound like a party band or angry band or whatever. There’s tons of groove to this album, some nice melodic moments. There is a balance between heavy and harmony that many young bands completely miss the boat on. ”Be My Whore” and “Why So Serious” are pretty heavy numbers but then there are lower key moments like “Run Away” or “Innocent” that, while heavy own their own terms, still show a ton of musical sensitivity. They aren’t beating you over the head with thick guitars just because they can.
So Music For Jerks turned out to not be what I was expecting but it is still a very good album. Besides, who needs another GNR Lite? We’ve had hundreds of those dating back more than 20 years! Hoodless is doing their own thing and that’s all they need to keep doing. Definitely an album worth checking out.
Highlights: “Waiting”, “Innocent”, “Down”, “Run Away”, “Underground”
http://www.hoodlessrocks.com
http://www.facebook.com/hoodlessrocks
http://www.myspace.com/hoodless
