Well, I can finally see the bottom of my pile of review discs. I have also exhausted my review books thankfully, and can prepare for the pre-Christmas onslaught of material that is about to start.

I am heading to London, postal strike notwithstanding, to attend a few gigs, including one which will feature 5 bands and ostensibly be my 40th birthday party. Any of my readers wishing to attend who will be in London town on the 22nd of November and fancy a peek at the newest version of the Marquee club can email me for more info. Industry types can get on the guest-list of course.

CD Reviews

Baroness: The Red Album

I've been hearing about this lot for quite a while; but never managed a listen. I am glad their latest didn't pass me by. This type of Sabbath with a touch of Rush sieved through a touch of the modern metal mystique works rather well. Much of the modern metal scene rather bores me to be honest, trying to be too much for too many people, but not truly sticking to their roots. This, on the other hand, is heavy rock done right with oodles of class.

Given the choice between this and High On Fire I have been opting for this whether it's for a drive or just chilling out. It is timeless heavy music well played and the CD doesn't hang around too long at 10 tracks (one short hidden one). If you ever wondered what the hell the fuss was about with this lot; check it out. Another pleasant surprise for 2007.

High on Fire: Death is the Communion

This is another band everyone is going on about it metal circles. While the opening strains of "Fury Whip" bring to mind Sabbathy drone, once the singing kicks in you call tell they are heavily modern. This certainly isn't a bad album by any means, but it just doesn't seem to be that special. A modern take on stoner metal is not exactly unique now, is it?

Why is the title track so bloody long for instance? It just gets dull along the way. I like the acoustic intro to "Cyclopian Scape" but then it just goes into something that sounds like the rest of the tracks. It is possible that this album is a bit of a grower. Colour me nonplussed on the HoF. Bet they are pretty awesome live though.

Puddle of Mudd: Famous

This bunch don't bother waiting around to nail you with a great track. The title track and opener is great and oozes LA sleaze of the 80s. It's the first single and there is no doubt why this track got picked. Co-written with Brian Howes of Hinder, everyone just knew this had hit written all over it. The rest of the album continues along the same vein, with hints of Nirvana creeping in as well as the modern pop rock sound. What this CD reminds me of is the last release from Buckcherry.