The Michael Des Barres Band – Carnaby Street 2012

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Well Michael Des Barres is, without any doubt, a very famous guy. I’m sure that most of you are aware of his work in music & acting generally since the late 60s. He’s mostly known for playing the Murdoc role on the TV show MacGyver and for replacing the late Robert Palmer in Power Station, fronting the band in the 1985 Live Aid concert. He formed the bands Silverhead & Detective in the 70s as well. Anyhow, his career is far too long to be mentioned in a CD review so let’s better focus on his new work.

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THE SLAUGHTERS – Brothers in Blood 2012

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“They play with death as with other cards …” The Slaughters

There was a time when I wondered if the French metal scene would finally explode in the face of the world! I think in France we will have to wait a long time! I will not deny that cares a little too much the balls! Yet! Yet in our country there is talent! Many talents just waiting to be known and recognized! Since the time I listen to metal bands French I think it’s time to put the record straight. Yes, in France we have a good big sound to our ears of metalheads! This is not Metal Zone that say otherwise …

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THE FORGOTTEN – One Step Ahead 2012

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The Forgotten started in 2004 just one guitar and one voice. They started playing anywhere that would allow them.It stayed a 2 piece for about 4 years until three new band members transformed THE FORGOTTEN into an extremely diverse musical group that has shared a stage with bands such as SHINEDOWN, BUCKCHERRY, SEVENDUST, DROWNING POOL, 10 YEARS, SEASONS AFTER, PUDDLE OF MUDD, and CHEVELLE. The Official line up for The Forgotten is Chase Coles- Vocals, Tony O-Guitar, Colby Coles-Bass, Logan Brundy- Lead Guitar, and Travis Taylor- Drums/Percussion

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Heart Of Cygnus – The Voyage Of Jonas 2012

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California based duo of Jeff Lane and Jim Nahikian. Jim handles all the percussion and Jeff everything else. Its amazing how these guys are able to channel the sound of 70s classic rock. They’ve come up with a perfect balance of prog and hard rock. From the band’s name you would suspect a Rush influence and its quite apparent. Its obvious these guys spent a lot of time dissecting Farewell To Kings. Lane’s vocals are quite similar to Steve Walsh but with a touch of Geddy Lee in the upper registers. Kansas is definitely an influence. I’m not sure I hear the often referenced Iron Maiden and Queen feel but I’m sure its in there somewhere. If someone told you this was a long lost album from 1977 you’d wouldn’t give it a second thought. Highly recommended.

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My Black Heart – My Black Heart 2012

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Guitar driven melodic hard rock. If you like crunchy guitars and undeniable hooks then this Detroit based band is for you.My Black Heart is a combination of 3 of Detroit’s best rock bands all rolled up into one. Scott Christy (Ballz Deluxe) on guitar, lead singer Kevin Kanka and lead guitar Tommy Furbacher (Panic Trigger)…bassist Michael Massie and drum god Zo (Overloaded, Choking Susan, JoCaine) unite to form a Motor City super rock extravaganza! Their debut self titled E.P. was produced and mixed by Chuck Alkazian (Pop Evil, Trust Company, Bobaflex) and features 5 undeniable radio ready hits. Sit back and enjoy the magic of ROCK!

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PHANTOM-X – THE OPERA OF THE PHANTOM 2012

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I’m a long time of Texas metal band Phantom-X. If for any reason is that they’re honest about their music. Vocalist Kevin Goocher has noted on their website that their music reflects their chief influences: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Dio. It’s not that they sound like them but, rather, it’s there frame of reference. It’s all good.

Here’s what you need to know about their fourth album The Opera of the Phantom: it’s a concept album that attempts to finish what they began over the last three albums. Previous albums included ‘chapters’ of a concept (whatever that may be is anyone’s guess) that finishes here. Therefore, the first 10 songs here are re-recordings of those previous songs. The album rounds out with six songs, with one, Your Majesty, being a tribute to Ronnie James Dio.

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LESBIAN BED DEATH – Riot Of The Living Dead 2012

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With a stranglehold on the title for coolest band name, ever, Lesbian Bed Death are set to unlock the casket and unleash their third album, Riot of the Living Dead – plus, it’s also the first album to feature new singer, Kittie Racchea.

A little bit of horror, a dash of goth, a splash of punk, and a whole lot of rock – that’s pretty much Riot of the Living Dead in a nutshell, folks. Splattered with blood, guts, ectoplasm and a sense of humour, the album consists of 13 wicked tracks about the macabre side of life.

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BUTTERFLY STONE – Butterfly Stone 2012

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Pyramada – Now Is The Time 2012

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Hailing from West New York and New Jersey is Pyramada with their debut disc, Now Is The Time. Brothers Paul (Bass) and Pete Pollio (Vocals/Guitar) started out as a garage band doing covers and later developed into a tribute band. These experiences likely account for the depth of Pyramada’s songs.

The larger canvas is classic melodic hard rock, yet with notes of heavy metal. Madman, People Talk or Mind Abuse easily fit this category. Then there’s also some modern nuances, perhaps a taste of post-grunge rock, with Walk Away, If I Should, and Wild Child. Yet that last song easily straddles the fence between both old and new school rock. And I think that’s what Pyramada is going for throughout this album.

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SOUTHBOUND SAINTS -FROM THE CLUTCHES OF GRACE 2012

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When I first heard that former Crank County Daredevils guitarist Adam Stevens had a new project I almost wet myself in anticipation — that’s how good his previous band was. So I was a bit disappointed when I first spun the Southbound Saints debut EP From The Clutches Of Grace — not because it is horrible, but because it doesn’t come close to CCD in the sleaze department. These really are two different beasts — the Crank County Daredevils were a sleazy outfit that proudly gave the mainstream the middle finger while the Southbound Saints often sound as if they are trying too hard for some recognition — although I can’t blame anyone for craving success in their chosen field.

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