SHRAPNEL - The Virus Conspires

Shrapnel is a band that comes from UK, and made it's presence back in 2009 with the release of an EP and this is their first full length album so far. Right from the first note, the band shows it's intentions, which are no other that playing Thrash the way it was introduced back in the 80's. Blending all the good elements from both US and European scene, the band presents an album that is an absolute must have for every fan of the genre. The album starts with a blast and leaves no room for breathing till the end, providing an endless assault of intelligent riff works combined with some super technical drum performance. The vocals are very good, aggressive, mostly high pitched with few Death-like moments, but always fitting with the style. The influences of the band are more than obvious, but the musicians have the skills and the talent to support their ambitious vision. Excellent work in guitars, from the expected fast Thrashy riffs, to the slower banging parts, with everything being carefully worked to the last detail. And then comes the rhythm section, with the drummer giving the tempo, most of the times fast and sometimes in a frenzy groove, but the rest of the band always performing with the same quality and skill. The arrangements are very good, with some less good moments, but what really impresses here is that they are never sound like copycats. While the music often sounds familiar there is no single moment where a "I know this" comes in mind, and this works in favor of them. As the album finishes you want to spin it over and over, with the good tracks being instant favorites, while the few less good moments need some more time to grow. For a debut album, it definitely is a hit. But I am sure that more will come from the in the future. For the moment, grab some cold beers, and prepare for some serious headbanging time.

SPELLBLAST - Nineteen

This album was a stream of fresh air coming out from our speakers! Power Symphonic Metal from Italy ...mature, technical and catchy compositions and influences unprecedented for the genre: Spaghetti Western touches reminiscent of Ennio Morricone and Luis Bacalov color the whole thing with originality.  
Without musical chatter and mostly without fillers, full of pleasant surprises and twists "Nineteen" is an album that will keep your interest from the first to the last second.

Rating: 5/5

ALICE COOPER performs "Rock Candy" with Sammy Hagar and Richie Sambora

 

January 2, 2014 - Drummer Glen Sobel (IMPELLITTERI, ORIANTHI, SIXX A:M, PAUL GILBERT) has posted footage of the MONTROSE classic "Rock Candy" from the annual ALICE COOPER benefit for the Maui Food Bank which took place on New Years eve in Maui, Hawaii.

 

Alice Cooper and band were joined on stage by actors and rock legends performing their biggest hits, covers and some left field surprises with the AC band members serving as house band. Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH), Sammy Hagar (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), Richie Sambora (BON JOVI), 'Weird' Al Yankovic, Pat Simmons (DOOBIE BROTHERS), producer Bob Rock (METALLICA, MOTLEY CRUE) and actor Keith Carradine all performed along with actor Tom Arnold as the evenings emcee.

 

Original MONTROSE frontman Sammy Hagar and Richie Sambora took the stage with the band on "Rock Candy" which can be viewed at this location: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di153Q83xaM. Alice's band for the night consisted of  Orianthi and Ryan Roxie on guitars, Chuck Garric on bass, and Glen Sobel on drums.