Walking With Kings, Self Titled, 2012
Some names behind this band are more known than others, but the origin of this new band lays with the so far unknown Terry Chism (singer / keyboards) making contact with Stuck Mojo and Fozzy guitar player Rich Ward (whose solo venture The Duke – My Kung Fu Is Good I also really like). Other band members come from nearby, with Stuck Mojo and Fozzy drummer Frank Fontsere and Simon Farmery (Pride, Furyon and… Fozzy!) on bass. Now Stuck Mojo is an unknown entity to me (yet – please forgive me), so I can´t really tell how close this is. But since TC reckons Steve Perry, Bryan Adams and Michael Sweet to his musical greats, I think it is a pretty safe bet to say this is a far more melodic outing. Yet this is no Journey or Stryper clone.
It may be bold, but these guys are just too good to be copycats. This is melodic hard rock yes, with emphasis on a positive message (read on the website where Chism comes from), but it is too damn good to ignore. Some may hesitate because of the references to Christian Music. For me, this is an true uplifting album with inspired playing, catchy songs, with more balls than the average melodic rock album, and still succeeding in avoiding the obvious routines. And the best thing is, for now they are giving it away free! Just head on over to their website, and make sure their name is heard. This deserves a big crowd and your support to start with!
The Wheel, Self Titled, 2011
Okay, take a look at the cover on the left. Screams symphonic rock you say? Well, then you got it all wrong, as this new Norwegian band is a hard rocking affair. And I might add, a very convincing one at that!
Just try to imagine that Chris Cornell and Robert Plant had offspring (yeah I do know that is impossible) who would sing in an updated version of Badlands. Okay maybe too difficult to see before you, but what I am trying to say is that these guys have managed to give us an album that is firmly rooted in 70´s hard rock, but transferred it to modern times.
It grooves, it is pure and raw with hardly overdubs besides to enhance the solo parts, vocals (both lead and harmony) are stellar, songs showcase all the talent on board and are melodic, dynamic and hitting home hard. I just love this thing! It is just impossible to resist the energy and feel pouring out of the speakers and for once I am gonna take the advice the band themselves give ” To be played at Maximum Volume”.
So anyone into bands like Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Badlands and cohorts, you gotta hear this to believe it. They are touring Europe soon, so please go check them out and support this treasure.
Konchordat, The New Crusade, 2011
Ahhh, sometimes this life is just great! Like when you get to listen to a new artist and they just tick all the right boxes. The artist in case of course being Konchordat, with their recent album The New Crusade. New artist you should not take literally, this is not the band´s first album, I just never heard of them before.
The music from this duo (Stuart Martin on voice, guitars and keyboards, and Steve Cork on bass, Moog Taurus and keyboards, with Liam Green guesting on drums), to me is like Threshold as being played by early Marillion. So a less metal version if you like. But they are no copycats, and the voice of Stuart resembles none of Threshold lead vocalists what so ever. I just thought of those bands while listening to this. Must be the grandiose themes, the keen use of catchy choruses, or the instrumental breaks….
The album has 6 tracks, clocking in between 4:34 and 14:29, giving us a total of over 55 minutes of damn good progressive rock. Ever track here has a vibrancy and energy that hold your attention with ease. Some fine melodies all around and all the variety and musicianship one could hope for with this type of music.
So it is really easy I think, all people into Threshold, early Marillion, or with a love of quality progressive rock, head on over to their site and buy the thing!
Classic: Frank Zappa, Sheik Yerbouti, 1979
It is about time this blog pays attention to the man who asked if humour belongs in music, the genius and legend that is Frank Zappa. From I don´t know how many albums, I choose Sheik Yerbouti because it can serve as a perfect introduction to all Zappa stands for. That is, if there is anybody on the planet that does not know…
So here we go. that humour question? Just listen to Bobby Brown, Dancing Fool, I´m So Cute or about any vocal track here, and you will realize how damn funny the man was. Often tongue in cheek, many times with explicit sexual implications (and often he kept you guessing), but always good to put many a smile on your face.
Then there is the guitar question. There is a reason a man like Steve Vai was so adamant to join. A track like Rat Tomago shows how good a player Frank himself was. And where son Dweezil got his playing genes from. In a unique style with lots of free jazz like phrasing, but always spell binding.
The music Zappa wrote was very melodic, but always full of intricate arrangements on every level. From impossible time signatures to breathtaking instrumental interplay, to massive lead and harmony vocals, he would never let you down. One of the most impressive things about the band being they were supposed to be able to play to a click so Zappa could record them live and later combine the best parts to release as a live album. Imagine a bass part from Oslo, a guitar from Bremen, drums from Anaheim and vocals from Amsterdam… He did that! So fantastic musicians, great songs, stunning instrument abuse, fun as hell, is there any reason NOT to like this? Mandatory stuff… One Two Three Four!
Bolus, Delayed Reaction, 2010
What do mellotron, acoustic guitars, piano, hammond, flute, progressive metal drumming, rock guitars, harmony vocals, groove, AOR, symphonic rock, fusion and prog rock have in common? Besides the fact I love all that of course… Well, the band Bolus put them to great use on this album!
From the opening sequence of Those Who Saved Us my attention is caught. And not only because it reminded me of old Chinawhite track Concert For Chaos (visit the member page if you´d like to compare). Well the comparison ends pretty quick because the songs are completely different animals, but the concept of the intro is very similar. Evolving into an enticing prog rock track with great riffing, my attention is raised high. Next track Outside is a whole different affair with the beautiful melodies, acoustic guitars and mellotron again. I am won over!
And if you are reading this and thinking, okay, isn´t this all too patchy? No it is not. The two man band manages to keep it all together with ease. Well you might disagree if you are stuck with 3 chord pop songs your whole life, but then I think you wouldn´t be reading this at all.
In my book this is a very strong release in the progressive rock domain. Accomplished musicians, entertaining songs, authentic instruments with great character, this deserves a large audience. My only question, who do those lead vocals remind me of?… Exciting CD, buy it!







