Friday, January 30, 2015

CD REVIEW: THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT by The Temperance Movement




THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT 
by The Temperance Movement  
(Fantasy/Concord Records)

After touring like what seem like forever in Europe since 2012, UK' s Temperance Movement are set to win over new fans in America with the release of their self titled debut. The Temperance Movement draw inspiration from such as The Stones, Faces, Little Feat, Bobby and acknowledged catalysts The Black Crowes, into their own authentic blast of blues n soul drenched rock n soul. Each track on this album is excellent, all of them destined to become classics! It's gritty, it's bluesy and it grabs your attention and holds it until the very last song. The album begins with the 1-2 punch of "Only Friend" and "Ain't No Telling", both songs full of swagger and suggestive lyrics sung by the band's powerhouse singer, Phil Campbell. Then there is "Midnight Black", a shot of rock and soul adrenaline that will make you move and groove. "Chinese Lanterns", a soulful emotion filled song that Phil Campbell's vocals will move you in ways unimaginable.The guitar tandem of Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer are a match made in heaven. While the rhythm section of Nick Fyffe on bass and Damon Wilson on drums brings everything together for one unforgettable music experience.  As they showcase on, "Morning Riders", this one will get your rock and roll juices flowing in no time flat. "Loves and Fighters" is the quintessential blues ballad, served up with a pack of smokes and some slow gin. "Smouldering" is another great example of how amazing this band truly is. The album closes with, "Serenity", this song just floored me! I kid you not. It touches on every emotion you have and goes in deeper when you think that you just can't take any more. The song wraps around you and with each listen you discover another layer. The Temperance Movement is an excellent lesson to aspiring musicians on what pure soulful passion and energy is a lot about and how it should be done. The proof is in the pudding folks and this pudding taste oh so good! It's hard to call an album 'perfect', but this one gets just about as close as humanly possible. In 30 years, The Temperance Movement will still sound great and amazing, whereas most of the other musical offerings out today will be long forgotten, and more than likely, unlistenable. - Highly Recommended 
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine


CD REVIEW: DENIM DEVILS by Bonafide




DENIM DEVILS by Bonafide
(Off Yer Rocka Records)


Well you know what they say. "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Swedish rockers Bonafide have proven this 5 times now, and you know what? I love them for it! The band returns with their fifth studio release, 'Denim Devils'. Pontus Snibb: Vocals & Guitar,  Anders Rosell: Guitar,  Martin Ekelund: Bass and Niklas Matsson: Drums. The band's new album is loaded with fist pumping, head banging, screaming rock n' roll. Serving up twelve new hard rocking, hard partying songs chock full of HUGE riffs, catchy rhythms about women, wine and partying hard. As is evident once you press play and the album opener, "Round And Round" blasts out of your speakers. One thing is for sure when comes to delivering the rock and roll goods Bonafide bring it big time! Other songs guaranteed to rock your senses, "Hold Down The Fort", "Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle" and "The Game". Honestly though, there's not a single dud on this album. Bonafide bring the attitude and swagger back into hard rock, that's been missing for a good while. High engery rock n roll with loud chords that will knock you down! This one's a no-brainer. If you liked the band's previous outings, you're going to love, 'Denim Devils'. High energy from start to finish.  Good workout tunes to keep the adrenaline pumping! Classic-style Hard Rock, ala AC/DC & the like. A definite must-have for hard rock afficionados.  There just isn't anymore I can say. If your a huge fan of AC/DC, Krokus, Rhino Bucket, or any hard rock from the 80's 'Denim Devils' by Bonafide is MUST HAVE. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine



Tuesday, January 27, 2015

CD REVIEW: ELEGIA-BALCANICA by Alogia





ELEGIA-BALCANICA by Alogia
(Miner Records)

'Elegia-Balcanica' the fifth studio release, from Serbian prog rockers, Alogia showcases an accessible, sleek and powerful sound. The band is comprised of, Nikola Mijic on vocals, Srdjan Brankovic on guitars, Miroslaw Brankovic on guitars, Vladimir Ranisavljevic on bass and Srdjan Golubica on drums. The songs on 'Elegia-Balcanica' have a definite melodic influence and are radio-ready. This is not a detriment however. This is accessible music done right. The melodies are compelling, the arrangements intelligent. Also, the production is absolutely perfect. Everything is crisp, clear and powerful. The album opens with the instrumental powerhouse "Almagest” then flows into “Callis Ad Astra" with Nikola Mijic showcasing his vocal prowess. The there is "Galija” an aggressive melodic mover powered by Srdjan Golubica's amazing drum work and aggressive rhythm guitar.  Other highlights include;  the metallic vibe of “Vreme Je”, the upbeat rocker “Ona Zna (Lilith)”, while “U Tišini" and the album's bonus track, “Intentionally Blind" put the band's super-tight talents as musicians in fine form. If you're new to the Alogia party like me, here's what to expect...a ridiculously tight rhythm section, uplifiting guitar and key solos, tremendous vocal performances, and world-class song arrangement. Whether you speak Serbian or not, AlogiA’s 'Elegia-Balcanica' is an amazing album musically.  If you're a progressive rock/metal fan just now discovering the band, then kudos to you! You're now in on a well-kept secret.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society / All Access Magazine





Saturday, January 24, 2015

CD REVIEW: II by Devil's Train





II by Devil's Train
(Ear Music/Sony)


Devil's Train return with their highly anticipated sophomore release, 'II' and just like with self-titled debut these boys deliver the rock and goods big time! Devil's Train is powered by R.D. Liapakis – vocals (Mystic Prophecy, Valley’s Eve), Lakis Ragazas – guitar (Mystic Prophecy), Jari Kainulainen – bass (Masterplan, Ex. Stratovarius, Evergrey) and Jörg Michael – drums (Ex. Running Wild, Saxon, Stratovarius).  What a monster of an album full of flavor and rifftastic moments! An album that is loaded with all the attitude & energy you would expect from Devil's Train. All thirteen tracks go for the throat and pull no punches! Every track has it's own groove to it and really fits nice with the collection of songs on the album. Some of my favorite standout tracks are "Hollywood Girl", "Mr. Jones" and "Girl Like You". The band also serve up to killer covers, a smoking cover of the Steppenwolf classic, "Born To Be Wild" and a killer take on Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song". The overall vibe of this new recording is much heavier, meaner and grittier and bite you in the ass.  If you like hard rock with great vocals, killer bottom end, and groove after killer groove , look no further, II' by Devil's Train has what you crave in spades!! Contender for "Hard Rock Album Of The Year"! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine

Friday, January 23, 2015

CD REVIEW: S/T by Farmikos




S/T by Farmikos
(Independent Release)


The long-awaited return to the music scene of guitarist, Joe Holmes comes in the form of his band Farmikos. Some may remember Joe from his stints with Ozzy Osbourne and David Lee Roth. Backing Joe up are, Vocals - Robert Locke on vocals,  Robert Trujillo on bass ans Ken Schalk on drums. The band's debut is guaranteed to rock your senses from start to finish. Once you hit play and sonic blast of adrenaline that is "Scapegoat" fires out of your speakers Joe Holmes and the boys have your undivided attention. Upon hearing this band some may compare singer Robbie Locke's vocals to Chris Cornell  and you know what.. I have absolutely no problem with that. This kid has a great set of pipes. He sings like a man possessed. Which he puts on display with attitude and passion on, "Am In One",, the metallic groove of, "Kings Of Dust", to the bombastic groove of, "Exit Stencils" and the Alice In Chains meets Soundgarden vibe of "The Sound Of My Gun". The songs on this album are simply awesome, mixing in a heavy sound that just catch you straight on. There is not a spot of filler anywhere on the album, at least not to my ear.  Joe Holmes' playing sounds as dangerous as ever it's inventive and full, reminding me why he's so highly regarded.  With all of the crap that is literally forced down our throats by the record companys, radio stations, media and reality tv this past decade and beyond it is refreshing to once again have a "True" rock album to enjoy. Farmikos' debut release is a juggernaut of the some of the best heavy metal/hard rock captured on record. Farmikos is addicting- hear it once, you enjoy it-listen to it any more than that and your hooked. A must for any fan of the hard rock/heavy metal in genre period. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine

Thursday, January 22, 2015

CD REVIEW: CROSSFIRE by ISSA




CROSSFIRE by ISSA
(Frontier Records)

Norwegian melodic rock queen ISSA returns with her fourth studio album ''Crossfire''. Powered by incredible soaring female vocals, excellent  lyric content, incredible musicianship courtesy ofTom Martin (bass, guitar), James Martin (keyboards) and Michael Cruise (drums). One the album highlights is Issa teaming up with FM vocalist Steve Overland on the powerful and heartfelt ballad "Raintown".Other guest musicians stepped up when asked upon to perform solo's include Daniel Palmqvist (XORIGIN), Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE), Steve Newman (NEWMAN), Robert Sall (WORK OF ART), Daniel Johansson (DEGREED), Stephen Chesney. As well as powerhouse choir including Pete Newdeck (IN FAITH/TAINTED NATION), Matt Black (FAHRAN) and Michael Kew (VEGA). 'Crossfire' features no shortage of quality melodic rockers such as the title track, "New Horizon", "Long Time Coming" and "Heartbeat". What the album may lack in terms of attack, more than makes up for through well crafted melodies both instrumental and vocal. Issa has indeed moved from melodic hard rock to adult oriented rock which makes for a fresh sounding new album. A breath of fresh air for the genre and for female fronted melodic rock/AOR. It took me a couple of listens to warm up to 'Crossfire', but after the second  spin I was hooked! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine




Tuesday, January 20, 2015

CD REVIEW: LIVE AT KOKO by Uriah Heep




LIVE AT KOKO by Uriah Heep
(Frontier Records)

Uriah Heep, who indisputably invented Hard Rock in conjunction with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, having sold in excess of 40 million albums since their inception in 1969. From their early incarnation as Spice (joined by members of the Gods), through record breaking tours, gold and platinum selling albums, timeless chart scaling anthems and a fiercely dedicated fan base of worldwide proportions, Uriah Heep can rightly claim to be one of the greatest U.K. progressive heavy rock bands of both the 20th and 21st centuries. The band's latest offering comes to us in the form a two CD, one DVD set, 'Live at Koko'. The latest formation of the band is comprised of, Mick Box (guitar), Philip Lanzon (keyboards), Bernie Shaw (vocals), Dave Rimmer (bass) and Russell Gilbrook (drums). Disc One features songs from the band's last three studio recordings. Highlights include;  "Against The Odds", L "Overload", "I’m Ready", "Between Two Worlds" and "Nail On The Head".  Disc Two represents the cream of Uriah Heep's early career featuring band classics like "The Wizard," the fast paced shuffle "Easy Living," the Woodstock-era "July Morning," and the bluesy "Stealin'" whose rock-and-roll-as-outlaw-cowboy predates both McCartney's "Band on the Run" and Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive." Disc Three is a DVD capturing the entire performance on video. The bottom line is, 'Live at Koko' is a must have for Uriah Heep fans and for anyone appreciates great music period. You can hear the power blasting out of the speakers, the band are in top form. Great music by a band that has been underrated for many years. Every bit as good as DEEP PURPLE and LED ZEPPLIN. Play it LOUD! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine



CD REVIEW: ARMAGEDDONIZE by Eclipse




ARMAGEDDONIZE by Eclipse
(Frontier Records)

21st Century AOR rockers, Eclipse are back with their highly anticipated new release, 'Armageddonize' after the critically acclaimed album “Bleed & Scream” from 2012. Without a doubt Eclipse is one the best AOR bands to breakout onto the scene. The band is comprised of, Erik Mårtensson: lead vocals, guitar, Magnus Henriksson: lead guitars, Magnus Ulfstedt: bass and Robban Bäck: drums. Frontman, Erik Martensson over the last few years has been one of the busiest song  writers in the industry providing countless high quality AOR rock. Well when it comes to AOR hard rock, well it really does not get any better than this.  'Armageddonize' proves, once again, why this band is a force to be reckoned with. The production is outstanding as usual, and the song writing is considerable more concentrated than their debut offering. Eric Martensson's vocals are also easy on the ears and well suited to this style of music; while he also plays guitar to boot. My favorite tracks from the album are "Don't Wanna Say I'm Sorry", "Blood Enemies", "One Life - My Life" and the album closer, "All Died Young".  Sweden appears the be the promised land for all things AOR. Eclipse is another band from Sweden, and this release does not disappoint. If you are a fan of driving guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and thumping double-bass drums, then you'll love 'Armageddonize'. The album is strong throughout and I can't imagine any melodic rock fans being disappointed. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine


Monday, January 19, 2015

CD REVIEW: RIDE by Motor Sister




RIDE by Motor Sister
(Metal Blade Records)

The long awaited and highly anticipated debut release from Motor Sister, 'Ride', is loaded with huge riffs, heavy bass, loud drums, killer vocals and just great songs. This is as good a record as any that you will find these days. Motor Sister is made up of, Jim Wilson (Mother Superior/Henry Rollins Band) on vocals, guitar. Scott Ian 
(Anthrax) on guitar,  Joey Vera ( Fates Warning/Armored Saint) on bass, John Tempesta ( White Zombie, The Cult) on drums and Pearl Aday on vocals. If you love riff driven  rock music then you'll love what Motor Sister bring to the table. Blues soaked rock music influenced by Zeppelin and the Stones laced with a modern day hard rock vibe.  There are some really dynamite songs guaranteed to get your rocks off on this rocking debut. The lead off single “This Song Reminds Me Of You" , "Beg, Borrow, Steal" and "Fool Around" are just as killer. Other highlights include, "Fork In The Road","Little Motor Sister", "Dog House" and "Devil Wind". Motor Sister have produced an album filled with solid rock songs that are well-performed and catchy to boot. If you have been looking for a new band that plays rock music with swagger and one hell of attitude, Motor Sister will be your favorite band. For all those who believed that gutsy, balls to the wall adrenalized rock was dead, I have only two words for you: MOTOR SISTER. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine


Thursday, January 15, 2015

CD REVIEW: CANNIBALS by Richie Kotzen




CANNIBALS by Richie Kotzen
(Headroom-Inc Music)

'Cannibals' the latest release from Richie Kotzen is very much forged in a funk rock direction. I always get the sense that when Richie Kotzen leans towards his natural funk/soul tendencies, you always get the better, more honest material out of him. Richie's voice is as superb as ever and the production is first class.  Songs like "You", and "Time For The Payment" are laid back; cool and pleasantly intoxicating like a fine chilled champagne, going down easy. However, this does not mean that rock fans should despair. There are plenty of groove laden riffs to get your blood pumping. The title track, "In An Instant", "The Enemy" and the stimulating "Come On Free" come to mind. The beauty of Richie Kotzen's spirit and the fire of passion it holds shines through consistently with this recording without a doubt. By the end of the album I can't help feeling that Richie Kotzen has produced an album that he surely won't be able to top. It's that good. It staggers me that He can keep on producing album year after year and can keep amazing us with his genius like this. I'm a Richie Kotzen fan - plain and simple. The guy has been putting out the highest quality music. If his name is written on it, it's going to be good. I've never been disappointed. 'Cannibals' is a welcome and worthy addition to my Richie Kotzen collection. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine





Saturday, January 10, 2015

NOW PLAYING @ The Dedicated Rocker Society



NOW PLAYING @ The Dedicated Rocker Society 
Playlist compiled by The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker for Dedicated Rocker Productions

Wasted Time by Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker 
(from, 'Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker')
Scapegoat by Farmikos
(from, 'Farmikos')
Turn Back Time by Revolution Saints
(from, 'Revolution Saints')
Die For Me by TEN
(from, 'Albion')
We Are One by The Winery Dogs
(from, 'The Winery Dogs')
Sleeping My Day Away by D-A-D
(from, 'No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims')
I'll Be The First by Kill It Kid
(from, 'You Owe Nothing')
Let The Wind Blow by Texas Flood
(from, 'Young Dogs Old Tricks')
The Wire by Skam
(from, 'Peacemaker')
Red On The Sleeve by Gotthard
(from, 'Bang')
Garden Of Eden by Harem Scarem
(from, 'Thirteen')
Burning Sky by Lynch Mob
(from, 'Sun Red Sun')
The Storm by Eclipse
(from, 'Armageddonize')
You're The Captain by .38 Special
(from, 'Rockin' Into The Night')
Back At The Double by House Of Spirits
(from, 'Psychosphere')
Heart Of A Lion by Twentydarkseven
(from, 'Roar')
Cry No More by Level 10
(from, 'Chapter One')
Red Barchetta by Rush
(from, 'Moving Pictures')
Diggin' A Hole by Big Sugar
(from, 'Hit And Run')
Red Dress by Massive Wagons
(from, Fight The System')
New Horizon by The Answer
(from, 'New Horizon')
Does It Feel Like Love by In Faith
(from, 'There's A Storm Coming')
Walking On Water by Jorn Lande & Trond Holter
(from, ' DRACULA - Swing Of Death')
Judgement Day by Whitesnake
(from, 'Slip Of The Tongue')
Aces by Rival State
(from, 'Youth Tax')
The Fall by Soto 
(from, 'Inside The Vertigo')
The Silence Is Broken by Damn Yankees
(from, 'Don't Tread On Me')
Life's What You Make It by Captain Black Beard
(from, 'Before Plastic')




Friday, January 9, 2015

TOP 10 Cds For The Week @ The Dedicated Rocker Society




Here's a list of the Top 10 Cds that have been rocking the speakers (and the walls) this week @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

1. S/T by Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker 


2. You Owe Nothing by Kill It Kid


3. S/T by Revolution Saints


4. Albion by Ten


5. Armageddonize by Eclipse


6. Peacemaker by Skam


7. Ascension Of Kings by Nth Ascension


8. Something Supernatural by Crobot


9. Thirteen by Harem Scarem


10. Sun Red Sun by Lynch Mob