Heavy Metal In Baghdad (2008, Vice Films)

• Main documentary (84 mins)
• Bonus material (88 mins)

(Region 1, NTSC, Total Running Time = 2 hrs 52 mins)

Acrassicauda is:
Marwan - Drums
Firas - Bass
Tony - Guitars
Faisal - Lead Vocals & Guitars

Heavy Metal In Baghdad
Acrassicauda MySpace page

Heavy Metal In Baghdad is the story of Iraqi Heavy Metal pioneers Acrassicauda. Directors Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi turned their attention to Acrassicauda based on a magazine article that chronicled the Metal scene in Iraq as the regime of Saddam Hussein fell in 2003. The film follows the band from 2004 through 2007 as they try to find a way to survive and keep their Heavy Metal dreams alive in their war-torn homeland.

The documentary shows a history of the band from their early beginnings in 2000-2001 up until early 2007, depicting not only their struggles as a Metal band but also as human beings. One of the most striking things about the film was the real look inside devastated Baghdad that Alvi & Moretti made sure they captured. Seeing the destruction, danger and despair from a different angle than what we are shown on the U.S. news brought everything down to earth. The band is more than a Metal band, they are just regular people and all they want is to have the freedom to live. Their is a bond among the members and their family that is pure and their only goal is to find a better life somewhere.....all the while missing the country, and family, they left behind. The film follows the band from Iraq to Syria then to Turkey as each new challenge to survival means relocating. Everyday brings new problems, new hassles, in an effort to make a better life. Shows you just how lucky we are here in the U.S.! There is music on this DVD too, it's not all doom and gloom. Their is footage from various gigs over the years, as well as the band in the studio during their first recording session, makes you remember that this is about a band. These guys love Heavy Metal.....they like to play it, listen to it, and live it.

Bottom Line:
The basic premise of the film is to show how Acrassicauda has survived with their lives turned inside-out by the war that has ravaged their country for the last few years. The band is more than a band, more than simply Iraqis.....they are people with hopes, dreams, and ambitions and a specific desire to have a better life. I have to give the directors credit for bonding with the band and their families and trying everything they can to help them. This DVD is a step in the right direction for the awareness of the plight of millions of innocent Iraqi people as told through a Heavy Metal band's survival. Definitely a must see and one of the best Metal documentaries I've seen. It's a bit more political and focused on the effects of the war than on actual music but it is a fascinating and riveting story.

If you go to the Heavy Metal In Baghdad website, there is a link for donations that go directly to the effort to help the band continue their daily survival and quest for a stable life.

I'm a very lucky guy because I get 4 weeks paid vacation every year and every year I take July 4th week, the 2nd week of August, and the week of Halloween for vacation. (The 4th vacation week I use as individual vacation days for things like concerts or football games.) So here I am starting my first full week of vacation since Halloween 2007 and all I did was sleep and setup my Metal week.....

So what do I have planned for my vacation?

The first thing is to catch up on all the CDs piling up on my desk.....I am going to listen to music 24/7 even if that means sacrificing sleep!

The second thing is I'm going to catch up on this site. I'm going to try to write up as many reviews in advance so I can post more often. I may also tweak a few things in the sidebar, etc.

I have a few more Metal related projects that I would like to get a move on: cataloging my collection is the priority and creating a want list is also at the top of the list. I'm also going to start to frame some of my vintage posters this week hopefully.

Stay tuned.....

Countdown, descending down to zero
Bursting into flames
Can't you see the coming of a hero
On this enchanting day

So stand up and be counted
In the solar glance in the desert sand
No longer the hunted
United we are 'till the day we fall

A chain unbreakable
Every link is allied to our mighty vow

We're Blood Bound - We aim for the sun
The luminous moon will take us high over ground
We're Blood Bound - Collecting the stars
We hold a power that is greater than all
We're Blood Bound

Watch out, the heathen's all around us
Always watch you back
We've got a lust for freedom
Whatever they say we know we'll stay

We are indestructible
And no matter what happens we will rise above

We're Blood Bound - We aim for the sun
The luminous moon will take us high over ground
We're Blood Bound - Collecting the stars
We hold a power that is greater than all
We're Blood Bound

Look into my eyes
Tell me what is hidden deep inside
Chains about to break
It's the everlasting freedom for us all

We're Blood Bound - We aim for the sun
The luminous moon will take us high over ground
We're Blood Bound - Collecting the stars
We hold a power together

We're Blood Bound - We aim for the sun
The luminous moon will take us high over ground
We're Blood Bound - Collecting the stars
We hold a power together - Blood Bound
Power forever - Blood Bound
Power - We're Blood Bound

--- Steve

Swimming in a pool of sharks
Diving in a sea of snakes
Oh, I´m going insane

The needle still injects my blood
A blazing pain, a burning flood
I´m nailed to the cross

Consequences melting down reality
My face turns black,
I´m off the radar screen

Inside of a demon - he said: burn, burn, burn
The mind of a devil - like a rollercoaster
Inside of a demon - he said: burn, burn, burn
In need of an angel to protect me from myself

Standing in the line of fire
Running through the fields of war
When my hope´s been stolen now

Please help me
Mend my broken wings
I have no hope,
But still believe
before I lose my faith

No evidence remains,
When I will fly away
I´ve disappeared,
I´m off the radar screen

Inside of a demon - he said: burn, burn, burn
The mind of a devil - like a rollercoaster
Inside of a demon - he said: burn, burn, burn
In need of an angel to protect me from myself

Journey still up there as their new album grows more and more on each play. Easily their best album since' Raised On Radio'. AOR heaven with Brother Firetribe and Khymera, the latetr who recall the glory days of Guiffria.

The debut album by progressive metal band Saint Deamon is well worth a listen and is one of the strongest debuts in this genre of music I have heard for a long time. Can't wait for their second album. The new album from King's X has some real gems although like many of their recent albums there are a couple of songs you keep skipping across. Ayreon's new(ish) album is still getting regular plays along with the song ‘Rage' of their last album as the great Devin Townsend features on that song.

Bit of 60's pop rock/psychedelic rock with The Move who are very underrated when it comes to key bands in the late 60's. Considering this band spawned the chart success of Roy Wood and Wizzard and ELO they certainly deserve more exposure and credit in my view.

Robb Johnson and the Irregulars are a perfect mix of folk, rock, singer/songwriter and pop. Robb Johnson pens some wonderful tunes and hopefully a new album is due later this year.

Finally my all time favourite band (along with ELO) Queen make this week's top ten after digging out ‘The Works' album.

[audio=http://fshelp.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/01-maniac-dance.pdf]

This year has been a nightmare
I've been so low, I don't care
I've dwelled in depths of darkness
Swam across the ocean of pain

I've fed the tabloids, the media
It's a bottomless pit, a redia
Front pages, gossips, knifings, drunken nights and days

Sadness, rage, hopelessness
I am nothing without you

Again the dance
I do the maniac dance
Just like in trance
I do the maniac dance

This demon severs me well
It wants to send me to the depths of hell
A roller coaster ride it has been I can tell
I'm a walking miracle of medicine
A real catastrophe on legs
A proud member of human race known as the dregs

Xanaax, Remerin, Therapy, Buspiron
Anger, Fear and Shame

Again the dance
I do the maniac dance
Just like in trance
I do the maniac dance

Presentacion especial de una banda no muy conocida pero que tiene mucho por ofrecer y una gran carrera musical por delante, Symphonic Power Metal es el genero que ellos manejan, originarios de Finlandia, asi que no se sorprendan si les suena parecido a Nightwish, porque no cabe duda que tienen alguna influencia de ellos, que mas puedo decir buenas canciones, buenos riffs, letras con mucha doctrina sobre el evangelio, realmente considero este disco de gran bendicion, altemente recomendado...

Genero: Symphonic Metal
Año: 2008
País:Finlandia
Dirección de la banda:http://www.myspace.com/hbmetal
Uploader: UndarkjosH
Pass: www.undarkmetal.net

Canciones:
1. Intro
2. God Has All Glory
3. It Is Time
4. Be Aware
5. Holy Secret
6. Frozen Inside
7. Years Go By
8. Ambition
9. Way
10. The Lovesong

http://www.shareonall.com/HB_-_Frozen_Inside_por_UndarkjosH_qdnq_rar.htm

La mas reciente produccion de esta exelente banda de heavy/power con sonido setentero, muy recomendable para aquellos que les gusta el sonido al estilo maiden y bandas de esa misma generación, espero que lo disfruten

Genero: Power Metal
Año: 2008
País: U.S.A.
Dirección de la banda: http://www.myspace.com/jacobsdream
Uploader: Death Alive
Pass:

Canciones:

1. Demon World 05:29 
2. Can't Break 05:27 
3. Curse Of Antikythera 06:19 
4. Hands Of Doom 05:02 
5. Don't Talk 04:47 
6. Hero 05:20 
7. Dark Alliance 05:51 
8. Embraced By Sorrow 08:29 
9. Dissolution Of Purity 05:27 
10. Violent Kingdom 05:48 
11. Awaken The Man 05:50 
12. End Of Days 06:08 
13. Mercy Killing 07:38

Parte 1

http://www.mediafire.com/?n4iuzb2fbxp

Parte 2

http://www.mediafire.com/?0ynmitcuh0y

Heidevolk - Walhalla Wacht (2008, Napalm Records)

1. Saksenland
2. Koning Radboud
3. Wodan Heerst
4. Hulde Aan de Kastelein
5. Walhalla Wacht
6. Opstand Der Bataven
7. Het Wilde Heer
8. Naar De Hallen Der Gevallenen
9. Zwaarden Geheven
10. Dageraad

Band Lineup:
Joost Vellenknotscher - Drums
Joris Boghtdrincker - Vocals
Mark Splintervuyscht - Vocals
Reamon Bomenbreker - Guitar
Rowan Roodbaert - Bass
Sebas Bloeddorst - Guitar
Stefanie Speervrouw - Violin

Total Time = 41:34

Heidevolk official website
Heidevolk MySpace page
Napalm Records

Until this album arrived at my doorstep, I had never heard of Heidevolk. WALHALLA WACHT marks the band's second album and is the follow-up to 2005's DE STRIJDLUST IS GEBOREN. This band from The Netherlands plays a very melodic brand of Pagan/Folk Metal that relies on clean vocals, traditional folk instruments, a heavy guitar and drum sound, and the use of their native Dutch for all the lyrics. Unfortunately, I don't speak the Dutch language so understanding the lyrics is a problem but it's the upbeat battle cry of the music and the way the words are sung that catches the ear.

The music is melodic, upbeat and very grand sounding. The blend of the electric and acoustic guitars with the double bass drumming gives the listener what I like to call the "gallop" effect. Think of Iron Maiden, Manowar, Tyr.....there's an adventerous epic feel to the music like you're riding into battle or starting some sort of adventure. This gallop rhythm drives the songs and, when put together with the choir singing style, it moves you. Throughout many of the songs more traditional instruments like flutes and violins can be heard giving the songs a more cultural feel ('Hulde Aan de Kastelein', 'Naar De Hallen Der Gevallenen'). The album is heavy as most of the songs are full of heavy riffs and some pretty cool solos to go along with the heavy backline.

As I mentioned, the vocals are sung in Dutch and are mainly a gang/choir style that almost sounds like a chant. Everything is sung cleanly except for the occasional heavy growls ('Walhalla Wacht', 'Opstand Der Bataven', 'Het Wilde Heer') that lend another dimension to the battle-cry. Most of the time both Boghtdrincker and Splintervuyscht sing together and that adds a certain operatic power and depth to the words. I envision the vocals as soldiers singing in unison as they ride into battle, a very powerful image.

Bottom Line:
I'm only starting to explore the realm of Epic/Folk/Pagan/Viking Metal so I'm fairly new to the genre. What strikes me about Heidevolk, and the genre, is the ease at which the band incorporates the traditional instruments and their native language with the heaviness of the music. I have listened to some Folk Metal that is really more like Power Metal-light but every song on WALHALLA WACHT has a heaviness and a depth to the music, there are layers of sound to explore, different instruments to hear. The only negative is that I can't understand the words but that is a small problem because I learned many years ago that the music is what drives Metal, not so much the words, and the music on WALHALLA WACHT is very good. Heidevolk will be a band I watch in the future and I will be tracking down their first album for a listen.

Aunque son una banda de power con toques muy "electrónicos" su música desprende una potencia y pasión que me pone las pilas.

Te propongo este tema a modo de representación de un disco, que para mi está de puta madre de principio a fin.

[dailymotion id=x5zow2]

Más info en: http://www.angel-dust.de/

Yngwie Malmsteen va concerta la Bucuresti pe data de 28 septembrie 2008 la Sala Palatului, anunta un comunicat  PromusicProd. Promusic afirma in continuare ca detine informatii conform carora evenimentul ar putea fi mutat pe data de 3 decembrie 2008. Deocamdata, pe site-ul oficial al artistului nu apare nici o informatie care sa confirme prezenta chitaristului suedez intr-un recital in Romania.

Sursa: metalfan.ro

Woohoo, super tare :D

[audio=http://fshelp.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/16-russian-roulette.pdf]

Well, beggars can't be choosers
But winners can be losers
Now you're all dressed up
With nowhere to go
Just let the good times roll
As the night unfolds
You're like a loaded gun
You're on the run

You are all alone
And there's no more bets
You're in the danger zone
This is Russian roulette
Eye for an eye
Life on the street
I've got some humble pie
For you to eat

Try it again
It's no sweat
Try it my friend
It's Russian roulette
It's Russian roulette

I can see you laughing now
But you'll cry much later
Cause I hold the power of your fate
The bullet is in the chamber
But now you are feeling strange
You can't be very wise
Cause this is suicide

You are all alone
And there's no more bets
You're in the danger zone
This is Russian roulette
Eye for an eye
Life on the street
I've got some humble pie
For you to eat

Try it again
It's no sweat
Try it my friend
It's Russian roulette
It's Russian roulette

[Guitar solo]

You are all alone
And there's no more bets
You're in the danger zone
This is Russian roulette
Eye for an eye
Life on the street
I've got some humble pie
For you to eat

Try it again
It's no sweat
Try it my friend
It's Russian roulette
It's Russian roulette

Sin mas preámbulos, disfruten la canción:

[audio http://xniper.podbean.com/medias/web/aHR0cDovL21lZGlhMi5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS81MTk4My91L3NoYWFtYW4tZm9ydG9tb3Jyb3czMTkubXAz/shaaman-fortomorrow319.mp3]

Grupo: Shaaman

Canción: For tomorrow

Año: 2002

Album: Ritual

Descargar

DRAGONFORCE PREPARES THE WORLD FOR AN ULTRA BEATDOWN

Attention heavy metal warriors and guitar heroes across the land. DragonForce are pleased to announce Ultra Beatdown as the title of their forthcoming new album for Roadrunner Records, due in stores on August 25.

Ultra Beatdown is an epic, sweeping, grand collection of infectious guitar anthems that'll inspire all who listen to either pump their fists in the air or pick up a guitar, whether it be real or virtual. DragonForce's single from 2006's Inhuman Rampage, "Through The Fire and Flames," exploded on the public beyond the metal world thanks to its appearance on the massively popular guitar simulator game. The single has been RIAA certified Gold in the U.S.

The track listing for Ultra Beatdown is as follows:

1. Heroes of Our Time
2. The Fire Still Burns
3. Reasons to Live
4. Heartbreak Armageddon
5. The Last Journey Home
6. A Flame for Freedom
7. Inside the Winter Storm
8. The Warrior Inside

Melenas al viento (el que las tenga), al ritmo del headbanging, manos terminadas en cuernos desafiando al infinito o recorriendo esa imaginaria "flying v" air guitar, y voces desgarradas acompañando a aquellos DIOses que nos marcan el ritmo musical y existencial.

Pero... ¿¿¿Cuándo??? descubres aquello que pugnaba por salir y que no entendías... Ése es otro cantar.

Mi caso es más bien tardío. Casi a los 30. Pero cuando te enfundas tu primera camiseta negra (da igual de qué grupo), y te embarga la emoción al escuchar esa guitarra, quizá algo distorsionada, la batería un poco baja, y la voz más metálica de lo normal..., ya no hay vuelta atrás. "Sweet Surrender" como decía aquel.

No quiero parecer agorero. Si acaso invitar a la reflexión. Pero escribo con la preocupación de que algo que forma parte de mi, algo que quiero, no está pasando por su mejor momento.

Hemos disfrutado hasta ahora de verdaderos "héroes" de la guitarra, titanes de la batería y DIOses con voz de trueno, pero como a todo en este mundo, se les pasó el arroz. Cuarenta años consagrados al Rock dan para mucho pero también desgastan. La mala vida que les rodea y el devenir del tiempo, se acaban pagando. La calidad innegable de sus voces, las tablas, y la unidad entre las filas, hacen que pese a la edad, cada actuación atraiga a masas enfervorecidas de seguidores, que desde cada punto cardinal se desplazan cual borreguillos a postrarse ante su pastor, saliendo más que satisfechos, y no viendo el momento de volver a verlos, oírlos, adorarlos...

Esta gente ha hecho historia. Y de ello quedará constancia lo mismo que de Mozart (¿¿¿podría ser el Kiske del clasicismo musical???), Bethoven, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky...

Se harán covers en su honor, serán versionados, sampleados, pasarán de generación en generación. Ya son clásicos. Pero el heavy de a pie (nunca mejor dicho) está siempre abierto a nuevos grupos, estilos: que si el "hobbit metal" (en honor al amigo KOKO), speed metal, power metal, trash metal, death metal, black metal, hard rock, AOR, rock'n'roll, stonner, etc., que beben de lo mismo, que han sido influenciados por los mismos y que por mucho riff tocado a velocidades impensables, son más de lo mismo (¿el Canon de Pachelbel, quizá?). En estos momentos está todo inventado y lo que queda no son más que meros clones que (las comparaciones son odiosas), no atraen (ni lo harán) como estos señores.

¿A qué grupos acudió más gente durante el Kobetasonik? A Judas, a KISS, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Saxon,Tesla, MSG,... Que suman de media de edad 57 (por decir algo, aunque dudo que ande desencaminado). ¿Se hubieran desplazado tantos para ver a Angela Gossow & cia, Airbourne, GOTTHARD y alguno más del pelo? Como mucho, los locales. ¿Que pasará cuando los grandes nos vayan dejando con cuentagotas? Os voy a decir lo que pienso. Los festivales masivos irán desapareciendo porque los cabezas de cartel no serán lo suficientemente atrayentes como para arrastrar al respetable. Así que los grupetes tendrán que hacer giras más largas, en salas de aforo limitado o mini-festivales con unas pocas bandas más. Vamos, que el heavy está avocado irremisiblemente al "underground".

Quizá no sea malo. Así las bandas dejarán de andarse con tonterías de si el frontman tiene más protagonismo que el guitarra, o la cantante es demasiado Diva para el body, o de si quiero lanzar mi carrera en solitario. Muchas tenderán a desaparecer, pero las que continúen, se olvidarán de sacar discos como churros, que no son más que calcos del que supuso su gran éxito (o recopilaciones). Y con los LPs más elaborados ganaremos en calidad y quizá veamos una nueva revolución metalera, que es lo que este mundillo necesita. Porque las canciones que nos aportan estas superbandas de viejales, son inmortales si, pero no son nuevas. Viven de las rentas y de este tipo de conciertos y giras.

Otra, es la opción que nos brinda ese nuevo mundo sin productores ni discográficas (sin entidades de gestión que se aferran con los dientes a un modelo de explotación caduco del salen como únicas beneficiadas; al interprete que le den) y aún por explotar, que es Internet (y el P2P), que puede obrar el efecto contrario a la anterior opción: que salgan bandillas a porrillo, de las que, por estadística, alguna tiene que dar el bombazo.

Os invito a todos, desde estas lineas, a aportar vuestro granito de arena: a comprar esa guitarra de segunda (nada de "Guitar Hero", ni "Singstar"), a juntarse con cuatro amigos en el garaje del colega, y a dejar todo el estrés descerrajando a bocajarro potentes notas "METALLICAs", escupiendo poesía urbana y reivindicativa, cantando al amor y a la hermandad, aupando al "Heavy Metal" al escalón que una vez retuvo y que, con el tiempo, ha ido cediendo a estilos más descafeinados y sinsorgos.

Yo prometo poner el mio: me bajaré todo lo bajable y animaré a otros a que lo hagan.

¡¡¡Larga vida al METAL!!!

Night Ranger - Hole In The Sun (2008, VH-1 Classic)

1. Tell Your Vision
2. Drama Queen
3. You're Gonna Hear From Me
4. Whatever Happened
5. There Is Life
6. Rockstar
7. Hole In The Sun
8. Fool In Me
9. White Knuckle Ride
10. Revelation 4AM
11. Wrap It Up
12. Being
13. Don't Tell Me You Love Me (acoustic version)*
14. Sister Christian (acoustic version)*

(* bonus track)

Band Lineup:
Kelly Keagy - Drums, Lead Vocals
Jack Blades - Bass, Lead Vocals
Jeff Watson - Guitars, Vocals
Brad Gillis - Guitars, Vocals
Michael Lardie - Keyboards, Vocals

Total Time = 1:03:42

Night Ranger official website
Night Ranger MySpace page
VH-1 Classic Records

(NOTE -- Original release in Europe & Japan was April 2007)

It's hard to believe that it's taken almost a year for Night Ranger to secure a U.S. distribution deal for their ninth studio album, HOLE IN THE SUN, but the album has finally arrived on American shores to celebrate the band's 25 year anniversary. Night Ranger has seen the highs and lows of the fickle music business: riding chart success in the mid-'80s with five Top 20 singles and four platinum albums to disbanding at the end of the decade. As Night Ranger ended, singer/bassist Jack Blades went on to more platinum excess with Damn Yankees and guitarists Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson explored solo careers.  Drummer/singer Kelly Keagy soldiered on in the early '90s under the Night Ranger banner, with Gillis & Watson joining him, but it wasn't until the reunion trend started in 1996 that the original Night Ranger lineup (including keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald) reformed. The reunion saw a resurgence in the band's popularity overseas and the band released two studio albums: NEVERLAND (1997) & SEVEN (1998). Both albums were a return to the AOR/Melodic Rock stylings that sold out arenas and put their videos on heavy MTV rotation.

So what has really changed in 9-10 years? More lineup changes! Alan Fitzgerald has moved forward to a career as Van Halen's hidden touring keyboardist and has continued to release new music with Alliance, he was replaced on the album with keyboardist Michael Lardie (Great White). Jeff Watson is working on a solo career again and had a cameo appearance in Disney's 'Enchanted' movie although he did write & perform on HOLE IN THE SUN. The touring lineup right now consists of Blades, Gillis, Keagy and newcomers Joel Hoekstra (guitar) and Christian Cullen (keyboards). Jack Blades has been producing and performing with Tommy Shaw (Shaw/Blades) and Kelly Keagy released two solo albums - TIME PASSES (2001) & I'M ALIVE (2007).

'Tell Your Vision' kicks things off with a big guitar/drum sound that reminds me of the band's DAWN PATROL (1982) roots. Kelly Keagy handles the gritty vocals with Jack Blades harmonizing in at the bridge and chorus. One strong point the band has always had is the blending of the two vocal styles and it still works well as 'Tell Your Vision' sounds like the early '80s melodic rock the band became famous for. 'Drama Queen' is another upbeat rocker that's guitar driven and sounds similar to their more modern work on SEVEN. 'Drama Queen' is really a showcase for the guitars as Gillis and Watson trade solos mid-way through the song and continue to weave in and out of the main riff. Another guitar showcase is 'You're Gonna Hear From Me', no surprise as it's co-written by Brad Gillis with Jack Blades. It's heavy for Night Ranger, less melodic, and there's a bit of what seems like a stadium chant of "Hey!" after the solo. If there's one song that's not typical Night Ranger, it's this one. Musically it's good but I just can't get into it.

Pure melodic Night Ranger revives with the Jack Blades led 'Whatever Happened' that recalls the classic '80s sound that was resurrected on NEVERLAND and SEVEN. 'There Is Life' is the first ballad of the album with Mr. Sister Christian himself, Kelly Keagy, putting in a fine vocal over a gentle Lardie piano. If you've heard a Night Ranger ballad before then you know what to expect but I hear more of Kelly's solo work on this track, especially from I'M ALIVE (2007). 'Rockstar' is another Blades/Keagy vocal trade-off but the sound reminds me of some Red Hot Chili Peppered sound during the verses moving into typical Ranger harmonies for the bridge and chorus. Again, the guitar work is excellent and the solos are effortlessly done but the song has an experimental quality like some of the songs on SEVEN. The title track is an upbeat rocker that sounds similar to 'Sea Of Love' from SEVEN, especially when Blades and Keagy sing together throughout the song. 'Hole In the Sun' is another melodic, catchy tune but I've heard it all before.

'Fool In Me' is ballad #2 and is just basic percussion, acoustic guitar, and Kelly Keagy's vocals. Of course the harmonies with Jack Blades are there and it sounds like a song from Kelly's solo albums or from Shaw/Blades - INFLUENCE (2007). 'White Knuckle Ride' is another gritty guitar song that has a push and pull to it with the guitars but they cut out for some of the verses leaving the vocal alone. I'm not sure about the keyboards here, there is an annoying "beep" that you can hear throughout the song that just distracts me. I would pair this with 'You're Gonna Hear From Me' as two songs I'm just not enjoying off this album. 'Revelation AM' sounds like a leftover from Keagy's TIME PASSES solo record.....solid vocals, personal lyrics, and acoustic driven with a touch of power chords come the chorus. The song is part ballad (verses) and mid-tempo (chorus) and is a nice blend of the overall Night Ranger sound. The acoustic guitars shine, especially at the solo. Brad Gillis penned two songs by himself (he also co-wrote three others) so guitarist Jeff Watson steps to the plate with two songs he wrote: 'Wrap It Up' & 'Being'. The first song is a guitar driven tune that sounds like more DAWN PATROL-era Night Ranger with more Keagy grit, the solos are especially good on this song. 'Being' starts with a harmony vocal and a quiet acoustic guitar with soft percussion. It's a good ballad but three on one album is sometimes too much but Night Ranger has always been able to pull off a good ballad.....kind of like the Scorpions! 'Being' is soft and subdued and kind off ends the album on a quiet, laid back note that threw me off because the bulk of the record is so guitar driven.

The U.S. release not only gets new artwork but it also gets two bonus tracks with unplugged versions of two big Night Ranger hits: 'Don't Tell Me You Love Me' and 'Sister Christian'. Fans already know these two songs well and these new versions are basically the same as the originals except for the acoustics. The Japanese release in April 2007 already had the unplugged 'Don't Tell Me You Love Me' included as a bonus track and the European version didn't include either.

Bottom Line:
Night Ranger does AOR and Melodic Rock well and HOLE IN THE SUN is a continuation of that pedigree. Most of the songs are uptempo and guitar driven with solid twin riffs and impressive solos. Keagy and Blades don't really break a ton of new ground as a rhythm section, they do a good job keeping the songs together, but they shine as songwriters and vocalists. The album's best performance goes to Kelly Keagy for his lead vocals, I was impressed that he was the primary vocalist on most of the album, he sounds the same as he did in the classic era but with a little more grit. Blades is no slouch vocally as he handles his lead vocals well as usual but the strong point is always the vocal trade-offs and harmonies the guys have always excelled at. There are a few experimental and modern traits to some of the songs but overall it's melodic rock that Night Ranger has always done. The first couple of spins really didn't grab me but the album has really grown on me with subsequent listens, it's a continuation of what the band did on their two reunion albums. I'm not really sure what the delay was on a U.S. deal for the album but it seems like the band has lost some momentum because the Japanese and Euro editions have been widely available online. The new artwork doesn't really fit for me, it fits the title but it doesn't fit the band. Obviously they needed to make a change from the original silhouette cover with the latest lineup changes but it just doesn't fit for me.

Favorite songs: 'Tell Your Vision', 'There Is Life', 'Revelation AM', 'Drama Queen', 'Fool In Me'

So what do you do when the wife and kids leave for the day and all you have is the dog? You listen to as much music as possible!

Judas Priest - Nostradamus (2008): There is so much debate on this album but I can't stop listening to it, there is just so much to take in at once. Overall, I like it.

Motley Crue - Saints Of Los Angeles (2008): Playing this non-stop since Tuesday and I like it but there are a few songs that are filler.....then again, every Motley Crue album has some filler!

Night Ranger - Hole In The Sun (2008): Finally getting a release Tuesday (July 1) but it's been out for about a year in Europe and Japan. It's a more modern flavored AOR affair but there are still a lot of the trademark Night Ranger sound.

Infernophobic - Spark It Up (2007): Solid female fronted Hard Rock with a lot of guitars. I've been enjoying this all week so thanks to the band for sending it in, a review to come soon.

The Doors - Morrison Hotel (1970): I like me some Classic Rock and I have been a big Doors guy since I was a kid. How could you not turn on the local Rock station and not hear The Doors back in the early '80s? This is my favorite Doors record, favorites here are 'Blue Sunday', 'Ship Of Fools', 'Land Ho!', 'The Spy, 'Indian Summer'. I used to sing 'Indian Summer' to my oldest daughter when she was a newborn.

The Doors - Waiting For The Sun (1968): Keeping with the Doors kick, I pulled this album out just to hear 'Spanish Caravan', 'Yes, The River Knows' and 'Five To One' but I listened to the whole thing. I love the riff in 'Five To One', you know the one Ace Frehley borrowed for 'She'?

Krokus - Metal Rendezvous (1980): I have been on a huge Krokus kick the last couple of weeks. Many people think this is the debut but it's actually the band's 4th record, it is the debut of Marc Storace on lead vocals though. 'Bedside Radio', 'Tokyo Nights', & 'Heatstrokes' were big time players on the old boombox back in the day!

Armed Forces - Let There Be Metal (1984): I was looking through some old Metal Forces magazines from back in the day (I collect those too!) and the ad for this Brooklyn, New York Metal band stared me right in the face! I remembered this from my record store experiences as a kid but I have never heard it. Thanks to the good people at Vibrations Of Doom who were kind enough to post the E.P. up for everyone's listening pleasure.

Armed Force - Heavy Artillery (1986): Well.....after a demo, Armed Forces split and became Armed Force. Original band name, huh? Lineup change at singer and drummer from the Armed Forces days and the sound is more Hard Rock than the E.P. Thanks again to Vibrations Of Doom who have this album up also for everyone's listening pleasure.

[audio=http://fshelp.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/04-phoenix.pdf]

I am facing the truth
I got to change the way I live
Can't go on this way
The price is too high to pay

Like the Phoenix I fly
Leaving the lies behind
Future's golden for me
There is no one who can stop me now

We saw the writings on the wall
When heathens ruled above us all
Tormented, we still heard the call
You come to bring us down
Wield the scepter, steal the crown
Time on the throne is running out

'Cause seasons change but we are still the same
Even though the cold winds blow the fire burns inside

Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Burning for the steel

Hearts On Fire

For years shunned by society
Outcasts, condemned for our beliefs
Our legions grew in secrecy

And now, the time is here
I see the Templars everywhere
The Freedom Call is drawing near

We hold our rebel banners up with pride
The colour's crimson and the Hammer is the sign

Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Burning for the steel

Solo: Stefan

Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire

(Hearts) Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
(Hearts) Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
(Hearts) Hearts On Fire
(Hearts) Hearts On Fire

(Hearts, Hearts, Hearts, Hearts) Hearts On Fire...
Hearts On Fire!

Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Hearts On Fire, Hearts On Fire
Burning, burning with desire
Burning for the steel
Hearts On Fire

Voy a contaros cómo viví el festival desde la zona VIP, a la que tuve acceso gracias a ser la dj de la discoteca metalera que se montaba en la carpa después de los conciertos.

El viernes, después de ver a Gotthard, mi amigo Sebas y yo junto con el otro dj -Ieltxu- emprendimos la subida a la zona VIP. O, más bien, podría calificarla de Paraíso del Metal.

Lo primero, reconocimiento del terreno: Una txozna (carpa-expendedor de bebidas en recipientes de plástico, propio de las fiestas) en lo alto de la colina, junto con sillas y mesas para degustar tranquilamente la consumición. Frente a la citada txozna, la carpa de camerinos. La entrada estaba formada por un hall bastante grande con sofás, pantallas gigantes para ver los conciertos que estaban teniendo lugar en ese momento y una barra de bar con café, galletas, caramelos y demás. A ambos lados del hall estaban los pasillos con acceso a los camerinos propiamente dichos.

Junto a los camerinos, la carpa de catering, donde había un excelente buffet libre con ensaladas, paella, macarrones, pollo, tarta, fruta y bebida, todo ello servido en mesas grandes redondas con mantel de tela, vasos de cristal y platos y cubiertos como en los restaurantes. Mando un saludo a Jesús y Arantxa, encargados del catering y clientes del Azzurro, por el trato recibido y lo bien que comimos. Seguro que los de Slayer y Shane Embury, guitarrista de Napalm Death -No me preguntéis qué hacía ahí- se lo agradecen tanto como yo, podríamos decir que no podían parar de comer.

Al poco tiempo de llegar aparecieron los miembros de Gotthard, y tuve la ocasión de contarle a Steve Lee con mi inglés guachinero el por qué de que les tiren camisetas del Azzurro cada vez que vienen a Bilbao. Creo que también entendió que la última camiseta era mía, cosa que le hizo bastante gracia. La verdad que es una persona muy sencilla y cercana, daba gusto hablar con él.

Poco después llegaron los chicos de Gamma Ray, me dio pena no poder saludarles porque se les notaba que venían cansados y llevaban las maletas, así que no quise decirles nada. Ya había estado con ellos en su anterior concierto en Bilbao y son gente estupenda.

Después de tomar unos katxis en la campita decidimos bajar a ver a Judas Priest, juntándonos con los demás redactores del blog y clientes-foreros de MOD-PC y el Azzurro. Sólo puedo decir que ese rato me lo pasé de cine, estábamos todos bastante perjudicados y Halford para la edad que tiene está hecho un campeón, nos quedamos sin voz de corear las canciones. Después de Judas tocaban Slayer pero con gran dolor de corazón no pude verles, tenía que ir a cumplir con mis compromisos en la carpa-hangar.

Esa noche con la música tanto Ieltxu como yo lo pasamos casi sin enterarnos, había muy buen rollo y los que fueron participaron muchísimo. Como había unas máquinas de humo bastante potentes no veía bien a la gente, pero aun así la sensación de tener delante a 500 personas saltando a la vez es increíble.

Al día siguiente me levanté después de la hora de comer absolutamente desguazada y con agujetas por todo el cuerpo, pero me armé de valor y volví a subir, llegando al recinto sobre las 6 de la tarde. Después de saludar a todos los que pude, volví a ir al Paraíso con Ieltxu, a la espera de la llegada de Dio. Mientras tanto merendamos algo y pudimos ver a Michael Schenker en un lamentable estado físico, y como ya dije a algunos, ese hombre parece un clon de Mickey Rourke.

Nos dirigimos a la carpa de camerinos y una vez allí ocupamos los sofás mientras la gente de nuestro alrededor se mostraba cada vez más frenética. No era para menos, fijándome un poco pude darme cuenta de que entraba Paul Stanley, con un look muy parecido al que llevaba en el video "Lick It Up", solo que con más operaciones. Como le ví muy distendido paseando por allí, intenté acercarme a él, pero uno de los de seguridad casi me come. Decidimos hacer como que no les conocíamos, era lo más adecuado. Unos minutos después entraba Gene Simmons, por Tutatis qué feo es, como un enorme sapo. Se puso delante nuestro a mirar las pantallas donde emitían los conciertos hasta que uno de los jefes de Last Tour nos dijo que nos cambiáramos de sitio, los señoritos querían sentarse en los sofás.

Acto seguido, por fin, llegó Dio. ¡¡Qué nervios!! Conseguí acercarme a él y contarle lo mucho que nos había gustado su aparición en la película "The Pick of Destiny". Hasta le canté un trocito de la canción. El hombre, muy majo, me dijo que era muy amigo de Jack Black y que se lo había pasado muy bien participando en su película.

Llegaron también los miembros de Blind Guardian. Uno de los guitarristas llegó con su mujer e hijos, todos clónicos. Me recordaban a los hermanos Dalton. El vocalista, Hansi, se hizo también unas fotos con nosotros:

En fin, aquella tarde fue un momentazo contínuo. Ahí sentados tranquilamente tomando algo junto a toda esa gente fue muy especial, me quedo con un gran recuerdo.

Esa noche bajamos Sebas y yo a probar la oferta especial de la cervecera de Kobetas: Medio pollo asado, patatas y una cerveza por 8 euros, todo ello en un sitio organizado, tranquilo y con baños limpios. Después, a ver a los Kiss. Tengo que decir que no me gustó demasiado (lo siento por los acérrimos de la banda), aun sabiendo que ese grupo es un espectáculo en sí para mí fue eso: espectáculo. Música, poca. Igual es que estaba ya bastante cansada, o que me quedé muy atrás, el caso es que quitando determinados momentos me dejó bastante fría.

Para finalizar el día, vuelta a la carpa sin poder ver a Saxon (snif). Mi compañero Ieltxu desertó enseguida y me quedé ahí con todo el tinglado hasta las 7 de la mañana que mandaron quitar la música y los metaleros que quedábamos -bastantes a pesar de la hora y el cansancio- comenzamos el descenso del monte. Algunos acabamos en cierto bar de Basurto desayunando cubatas, pero como dijo Michael Ende, eso es otra historia y será contada en otra ocasión...

Os dejo, para finalizar, unas fotos:

El festival desde arriba:

Uno de los componentes de Apocalyptica llegando del concierto:

Unos cuantos del megagrupo:

Tercer disco de esta gran agrupasion de power metal con algunos toques progresivos y voces guturales, simplemente potencia en metal, rapidez, sentimiento y un mensaje muy especial de edificacion y poder,simplemente paradisfrutarse, esta es la edición especial de este disco, disfrutenlo...

Genero: Power Metal
Año:2008
País:Suecia
Dirección de la banda: http://www.divinefire.net/

Canciones:

1. Vision Of The New Dawn 01:44
2. Passion & Fire 05:02
3. Time's Running Out 03:29
4. Into A New Dimension 03:44
5. Facing The Liar 04:18
6. Live Or Die 04:06
7. Masters & Slaves - 3:56 (Japanese Bonus Tracks)
8. Alive 04:21
9. All For One 04:31
10. The Final Victory 05:09
11. The Last Encore 03:22
12. Special Message To Japan - 0:45 (Japanese Bonus Tracks)

Download:

http://rapidshare.com/files/50762238/DivineFire-2006-Into_A_New_Dimension_ruso_.rar