Lenny Kravitz
It Is Time For A Love Revolution

Lenny’s new CD offers over an hours worth of music and kicks in with a “love train” kind of vibe with “Love Revolution.” It has a funky groove and Lenny’s message of love and bringing people together has its mark all over this one. The first single that was released late in 2006 is the second song “Bring It On.” The song “Love, Love, Love” is a song that talks about how he doesn’t need some of the necessities that you would think that someone in his position or stature would need or be accustomed to (country clubs, private planes, and drugs.) The ballad “I’ll Be Waiting” is an outstanding ballad and starts off with Lenny showcasing his talents on the piano and he also plays the bass, drums, lead guitar and background vocals. This song really just shows how amazing a musician he really is! Great lyrics and total arrangement on this tune! “A Long and Sad Goodbye” talks about the divorce of his parents and how it left an impact on him. The song “This Moment is All There Is” has a jazz feeling to it. It’s a typical Kravitz song where he incorporates other styles of music to make his own. The last two songs have to do with the current war situation “Back in Vietnam” and “I Want to Go Home.” The song “Back in Vietnam” reminds me a lot of “Dig In” off the “Lenny” CD. It seems to have the same hook and groove. It worked the first time and works here as well.

This release has 14 songs and all of them were produced and arranged by Lenny himself. Lenny wrote all of the songs besides “Good Morning” which was co written by Tony Lemans. This CD is probably the most emotional recording that Lenny has done and reinforces how he wants the world to come together for a “Love Revolution.” Make Love not War….right Lenny???

Rating 8.5

Review by Gus Griesinger

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Whitesnake
Good for Bad

UPDATED!

We at GlamMetal received the entire release of Whitesnake’s “Good To Be Bad” from SPV Records. The 11 track CD kicks off with the opening track “Best Years” and revels in front man David Coverdale’s current state of happiness! The third track “Call On Me” shows Doug Aldrich’s talent’s as a guitarist and how he truly fits right in as David’s current wingman. If your looking for the classic track that reminds you of those earlier Whitesnake CD’s then “Good to Be Bad’ fits your request. New drummer Chris Frazier takes flight on this song along with more great guitar work from Doug Aldrich. The acoustic driven “Summer Rain” is one of the ballads that will be ok for the men to hold a cell phone up to and at the same time keep your woman’s panties wet. The bluesy “A Fool in Love” has that traditional Whitesnake sound more than any other song on the CD. It hits you with hard pounding drums and melodic, yet searing guitar when needed. I like “Got What You Need” as it’s the heaviest tune on the CD.
All of the songs were written by singer David Coverdale and guitarist Doug Aldrich. The album was produced by both Coverdale and Aldrich along with Michael McIntyre. The rest of the 2008 version of Whitesnake is: Reb Beach on rhythm guitar, Uriah Duffy on bass, and Timothy Drury on Keyboards.

We hope to have some features on Whitesnake coming up in the next couple of months so stay tuned to GlamMetal.com! Look out for Whitesnake on tour this summer in Europe with Def Leppard. For more information on Whitesnake go to: www.whitesnake.com 

The official release in the USA and Canada: April 22nd 2008
Germany: April 18th 2008
Europe: April 21st 2008

The tips of our tongues were treated to a taste of the upcoming release of Whitesnake's CD "Good To Be Bad" from SPV Records. We received a three-song CD sampler containing the songs: "All For Love," "All I Want All I Need" and "Lay Down Your Love." The track "All For Love" is a blazing guitar song that displays the familiar Whitesnake sound with solid vocals laid down by Mr. David Coverdale. What's a CD released by Whitesnake without a fine ballad? "All I Want All I Need" serves as that staple here. Maybe the band will release a video to go along with the song??? 
"Lay Down Your Love" opens up with a vocal harmony from Coverdale and kicks out with lots of balls and attitude. The song totals over 6 minutes in length with loads of great guitar work by Doug Aldrich.
 
Coverdale hasn't lost a thing vocally as evident by the songs mentioned. The three songs were written by singer David Coverdale and lead guitarist Doug Aldrich. The rest of the 2008 version of Whitesnake is: Reb Beach on rhythm guitar, Uriah Duffy on bass, Timothy Drury on Keyboards, and Chris Frazier on drums.
 
We hope to have some features on Whitesnake coming up in the next couple of months so stay tuned to GlamMetal.com! Look out for Whitesnake on tour this summer in Europe with Def Leppard. For more information on Whitesnake go to: www.whitesnake.com  

The official release in the USA and Canada: April 22nd 2008 Germany: April 18th 2008
Europe: April 21st 2008

Review by Gus Griesinger
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Iron Maiden
Live After Death DVD


This double disc concert/documentary is a must for all of you Iron Maiden fans, and for all of those who have never made amends with the band. The DVD is far out a testimony to a band who broke the mold in more ways than just being a heavy metal band who were always shrouded with the cover of being in the leagues of “satanic music.” However, as anyone who knows, a greater musical genius was at work, and it wasn’t Satan, it was the hard working, never say die attitudes that catapulted these guys into a metal tour frenzy.

Disc One of this set shows Iron Maiden at their peak. Performing their four night, sold out March 14-18, 1985, “Live After Death” tour in Long Beach Arena, California, it was obvious that Iron Maiden was definitely in for the long run. They established a presence in metal-rock history that can never be duplicated. From their spandex and hair to their Egyptian backgrounds and masks, they really spoke volumes with their music and words.

Disc two is a documentary with current interviews from the band. It’s a definite must see for those who want to not only hear about their ground breaking “World Slavery” tour from 1984-85, but to see the many transformations of the band members (physically, if not emotionally). It’s worth your time to see band members relay the facts of an historical tour that began behind the Iron Curtain in Warsaw, Poland. Take a look at this DVD, and I know that you will gain a huge perspective on the enormity that Iron Maiden’s music has had on this world.  


Rating: 9 out of 10
Reviewed by: Jessica Skipper
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Fight
War of the Words DVD


Formed in 1992, Fight, led by Rob Halford (Judas Priest) showed just what metal could add to the changing musical scene. The result is a sweet combination of Halford’s incredible vocals mixed with incredible young musicians who added a depth that combined the 80’s metal flare to the 90’s grunge infused sound. The result, a great band which Halford chose member by member to expand upon his musical vision. 

Halford sought to find a new musical format. What he discovered was that his tattoo artist, Jay Jay, could play bass, and that Jay Jay’s friend, Brian Tilse (guitar), were actually in a band together. The rest resulted in a dynamic forming of Fight, which would prove that musical influences could cross many paths to create something original and true. 

The DVD consists of a fifteen-minute documentary showing how Halford and the rest of the band members of Fight came together. Halford describes their music as, “hard core and heart felt metal.” He also refers to this band as, “exciting, powerful, strong, and dramatic.” Absolutely.

The rest of the DVD consists of five tour dates from 1993 in Portland, Paris, Bonn, Denver, and Munich.  The footage is top notch, and the overall energy and excitement of this band are truly felt. The concerts were definitely an experience by those who were in attendance, and this DVD will help the rest of us experience the essence and soul that is Fight. 

Incredibly, “No overdubs to recorded audio show have been made,” which is another reason you should check out this DVD. Fight’s sound is right on. Halford and his band, Fight, have really created a brief moment in musical history that should not be forgotten. Check out “Immortal Sin,”(church boy choir to Satan) and you will know what I mean.


Rating: 8 out of 10
Reviewed by: Jessica Skipper

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Winger
Live at the Galaxy
Shrapnel Records


Winger released their first “live” DVD on January 15th, 2008 via Shrapnel Records. I was very surprised that it took them this long to release a live DVD considering that the band has been around for over 20 years now. The 17 track DVD was filmed at the Galaxy Theater on March 3rd, 2007 in Anaheim, California. It was done in support of their latest studio release, Winger IV. The DVD opens up with a great kickoff track, “Blind Revolution Mad.” This DVD covers all of their hits “Easy Come, Easy Go,” Headed for a Heartbreak,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Seventeen,” “Miles Away,” and “Madalaine.” This was shot using multiple camera angles with black and white video slated into certain parts as well. Everything was mixed pretty good and the crowd shots weren’t too overbearing as the video focused on the band for the most part. Due to the stage being as low as it was, the back camera angles couldn’t grab great shots of the band without close-ups as the feeds were getting the backs of people’s heads. Winger are a “no frills type of band” and really let their music do their talking. Now that the Galaxy is closing down, there is a great video to purchase not only to remember “The Galaxy”, but the band Winger as well!

The DVD was produced by Jack Edward Sawyers with the executive and management of the DVD by Jamie Talbot.

Rating 7.5 out of 10
Review by Gus Griesinger

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Kil Jaden
Kil Jaden

This very young band from Las Vegas has only been playing together for about a year and a half, but they have already made their stamp in the hard rock-metal world. Led by Kil Brian on vocals/guitar, the rest of the band consists of Cory Kay on bass, Ronnie Griego on lead guitar, and Paul Von Klock on drums. The result is a powerful sound consisting of some fairly interesting and complex melodies.

The five tracks are easy to listen to rock and roll, no doubt about it. The lead track, “Fallen Angel” is quite catchy, but I believe they really shine on their upbeat ballad, “Pick Up the Pieces.” Overall, Kil Jaden has proven that they can create original rock that is beyond the status quo. Definitely a band to keep your eye on!

Track Listing
Fallen Angel
The Broken
Start To Fade
Pick Up the Pieces
Krazy 

Rating 7 out of 10
Review by Jessica Skipper

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Lions Share
Emotional Coma

It may have taken them six years, but Lions Share has created a disc that reestablishes themselves as true masters of metal in the classical sense. This Swedish band provides a diverse assortment of music ranging from fist clenching frenetic metal to dreamy landscapes, to mosh pit infused fun. The sound is fueled by an urgency that is established through the amazing guitars and tortured yet sweet vocals of Patrik Johansson. All of the mind-blowing music comes together for an outstanding effort that sounds polished and raw at the same time.

The lead off track, “Cult of Denial,” sets the desperate, dark mood of urgency that permeates throughout the disc. The title track, “Emotional Coma,” is nothing short of brilliant. In fact, Lars Chriss, Lions Share’s founder, refers to it as a “Doom ballad.” Right on! Adding to the song’s grit and grace, is Megadeth’s Glen Drover on lead guitar. What an absolutely stellar addition! One stand out line seems to sum up the lead track perfectly, “Paradise can turn to Hell,” which is exactly how this track will make you feel.

Other stand out tracks include: “The Edge of the Razor,” which is more in tune with Lion Shares former sound and features KISS’s Bruce Kulick on lead guitar, the gritty guitar driven, “Arsonist,” the pop infused, “Trafficking,” the classic metal sound of, “Soultaker,” and the final track which is an Angel Witch cover, “Sorcerers.”

Overall, “Emotional Coma” is a top notch, kick ass metal album. All of the eleven tracks are of the highest quality, and you can tell that a huge amount of effort went into this production. Check them out!

Track Listing:
Cult of Denial
The Arsonist
Emotional Coma
Clones of Fate
The Edge of the Razor
Toxication Rave
Trafficking
Bloodstained Soil
Soultaker
Hatred’s My Fuel
Sorcerers

Rating 9 out of 10
Review by Jessica Skipper

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Simpler Machine
2013

Hailing from Hollywood, Simpler Machine are a raucous quintet with enough energy and “fuck you’s” to make your mom’s head spin. The adrenaline rush never ceases from the lead off track, “Pretty Good Looking,” to the closing track, “Go Wild.” In between is a fun crazy mixture of rock, metal, and punk with all abandonment of couth. These guys really don’t care who they offend, which makes them all the more appealing.

Taking their lead from the angst ridden vocals of Jon Nicholson, Dave Isaac and Joey Sanchez lead the powerful driving guitars, with Anoush Saboktakin on bass and Jason Brunk on drums keeping the frenetic pace alive. Granted this is not music for everyone, but they succeed in making an enjoyable mixture of clever if raunchy lyrics that will leave you short of breath after one listen. Stand out tracks include: “Ratfuck,” “Let’s Fuck in the Van,” and “Mental Karate Chick.”  If you want to piss off your neighbors on a hot summer day with all of the windows open, then this band is for you.

Track Listing:
Pretty Good Looking
Let’s Fuck in the Van
Monkeytrap
Some Kind of Friend
Desiree
Mental Karate Chick
She Likes to Fuck A lot
Local Iron Worker’s Blues
5 Minute Fuck
Ratfuck
Black Bra
Monday Man
Go Wild

Rating 7 out of 10
Review by Jessica Skipper

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Comstok
Try Something New

The sounds of Anthony Dilorenzo’s vocals automatically grasp the listener into the world that is Comstok. Finishing the trio are Tanny Chavez on guitar and Eric Eppel on drums. For the unassuming listener, one would assume that there would have to be a larger musical backing for this band out of L.A., but Comstock does a wonderful job filling out their sound with a minimal amount of instrumentation. Note to band, a little bass never hurt anyone, and although there is a “bass” presence, it would make you sound even better with a full time bass.

So the vocals are definitely the thing going for Comstok. Dilorenzo sings with a passionate baritone reminiscent of Astbury, Morrison, and Martin (Tea Party), and at times whining to the merit of Axl and Weiland. He has the charismatic soul that a lead man should always possess. From track one, “Don’t Blame Me” until the last track, “Positive,” this band proves that they have what it takes to create a disc full of cerebral remembrances. The lyrics are smart, the instrumentation is right on, and what else can be said. Comstok Rock. They have a sound that is familiar, yet their own. They’re not hiding anything here. All of the members are extremely talented and the result is a rock disc that speaks of madness, loss, and optimism…an eclectic mix that will not leave you disappointed.

The hi-lights of the disc are too numerous to mention, but the lead off track, “Don’t Blame Me,” is a hook that creeps into your head at the most unlikely of times. They also show their true musical talent on track number 4, “Showtime,” which is one hell of a tune. “I Am “ track 7 is a busted out tortured song that really gets to the point, and “The Way You Are” is there to remind us all of the unpredictability of those we know as well as ourselves. Right On. They also have the ability to slow things down such as the almost reggae/Zeppelin/mystical infusion on “The Myth” and the crying guitar ballad, “Climb,” which reminds us that, “try to climb and the illusion’s in your mind .” Well there’s no illusion here; Comstok is the real deal.

Overall, this is a super effort from a band with real heart. I will listen to this disc for a good while to come, and will never tire of the band’s many musical merits.

Track Listing:
Don’t Blame Me
The Myth
Climb
Showtime
Truthful
Intermission (instrumental)
I Am
The Way You Are
Say To You
Positive

Rating 8 out of 10
Review by Jessica Skipper

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Doro “All We Are –The Fight”
Locomotive Records
DVD/CD

We just got our hands on this special package of half audio/half video release from the German Metal Goddess Doro Pesch. The package contains 5 audio and 5 video tracks that highlight some of Doro’s live appearances and a special remake of “All We Are” for her friend and German boxer Regina Halmich. The CD/DVD also contains a very heartfelt cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Going to Leave You.” This song shows Doro’s soft side with tremendous vocal range. The song “On My Own” features vocals Krokus frontman Marc Storace that is from a Swiss movie Anuk - The Path of the Warrior that they both star in. The package also includes videos of some live clips and some footage of the movie mixed in. The video “Above the Ashes” is in the same type of realm with live feeds mixed in with some behind the scenes footage of her band on the road.

All in all a cool little CD/DVD release. The only fault with this release is that the videos are a little difficult to get to. This CD/DVD is a special release for the US fans as a way to say “Thank You” from Doro Pesch herself. Doro will be making another North American trek in the spring of 2008 so go to www.doropesch.com website for more details on that.

Tracks

Audio:
All We Are
Thunderspell
Everything’s Lost
On My Own
Babe, I’m Going to Leave You

Video:
All We Are
Above the Ashes
Warrior Soul
You’re My Family
On My Own

Review by Gus Griesinger
Rating 7 out of 10.

Buy this CD/DVD here
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