Slave to the System: (self titled)
With two members of Brother Cane (Damon Johnson and Roman Glick), the drummer from Queensyche Scott Rockenfield, and a former Queensryche guitarist Kelly Gray (who also does vocals), this CD is an intriguing prospect to be sure. It has Audioslave/Velvet Revolver potential in abundance. I have to admit, with great amusement, that this band sounds a bit like the half-way point between the above two bands musically veering into each band's territory and back again repeatedly. Now it would be terribly unfair to suggest that this band is trying to ape either of the two supergroups. It just seems as if they have taken old style heavy rock and combined it with modern influences and come up with a similar outcome. As you would expect with the players on this CD, it is all tight as hell and of the utmost quality. Take a listen to the title track, with its killer solo and tell me this ain't great stuff. "Live this Life" is a wonderful flowing power-ballad. If you initially don't think it's up to much...give it time. It's truly a grower. It will no doubt be a contender for heavy rock album of the year.
Single Reviews:
NFD: "Light My Way"
Goth is back with a vengeance, well if left in the hands of these guys. With the Sisters touring again, it's ripe for another NFD release. Of course the lads are happy to create their own market as they are starting a goth club in London. This song is available for download. The CD single includes a radio edit and "Fog Descends" version of the title track taken from their new album Dead Pool Rising as well as "Unearthed." Need I say it's miserable as f***, but still catchy?
Well, that is my lot for this week. I should have plopped The Trews CD into this collection of reviews, but I wanted to be able to listen to it for another week. It's that bloody good. Let's just say you should forget the poxy "the" in front of the name cause it ain't one of them "the" bands kicking around now.
Stay safe and stay rocking...oh yes...go see live music while you're at it!
Article comments
1 - Laurie
Slave to the System: (self titled)
"It has Audioslave/Velvet Revolver potential in abundance. I have to admit with great amusement that this band sounds a bit like the half-way point between the above two bands musically veering into each band's territory and back again repeatedly. Now it would be terribly unfair to suggest that this band is trying to ape either of the two supergroups."
Funny, I thought the same thing about Velvet Revolver copying STTS when I first heard them since the original Slave to the System Album actually was self-released in 2001 :-).
2 - Andrew Ian Dodge
Laurie...touche. I do rather like SttS however and enjoy the CD more than Audioslave's efforts. Its just a great CD; one that I think needs a few listens to truly sink in properly.
3 - Laurie
Well luckily I think there's room for all of these groups in anyone's collection, and I personally enjoy all of these bands and their songs. Audioslave's video for "Like a Stone" is one of my favorite videos of all time. In all its simplicity it still drives home the music in a powerful way.