I hope you all had a good holiday season. While I didn't do as much listening to review material I was able to catch a cracking show at Earls Court in lovely seats with my beloved and a bandmate.
CD reviews
Benedictum: Uncreation
Classic metal as sung by a woman with the pipes more normally associated with people like Ronnie James Dio. While not a growler like Angela from Arch Enemy, this woman can deliver powerful low vocals with oodles of oomph. No singer songwriter style whine from this lady.
The CD is only 11 tracks long, and two of those are covers: decent versions of 'Heaven & Hell' & 'The Mob Rules', delivers the goods in great dollops. One can be in no doubt why people have been raving about the band. Ok, the lead singer makes for the perfect rock chick as well, which adds to the appeal. Much of the guitar work on this CD has a Zack Wylde feel about it, rather than a Tony Iommi feel. Granted the band wear their influences on their sleeves, but when the results are this good who gives a damn. I rather like the band-named track with its snatches of Latin. Another highlight is tribute to fallen witches called 'Wicca.'
Oh sod it, if you like good heavy metal and don't mind a woman on the vocals (I know some do), then this is a rather essential purchase.
Joe Bonamassa: You & Me
Those in the know about blues have been lauding this chap for quite a few years now. Despite his young age, he has three albums and numerous tours under his belt. If you have tired of the Clapton-esque over the top/over-produced playing, then this guy is for you. He has a strong feel of Stevie Ray Vaughn or Gary Moore about him. More importantly the lad just lets his fingers do the talking; he has a great voice that really shines on tracks like 'Asking Around for You'.
This is blues played incredibly well delivered with oodles of class and talent. It is an absolute pleasure to listen to and one that every blues lover will just adore. Whether you got 'em bad or just want to be reminded of what the blues are like, this is the CD for you. Not one duff track and certainly the blues album of the (last) year.
Live reviews
Trivium & Iron Maiden
Earl's Court, London
23 Dec 2006
You know it's love when your betrothed gets you two tickets to Iron Maiden on the last night of their most recent tour in their home town. The fact the seats were some of the best in the house...ok, the best seats in the house made it even sweeter. The kicker comes later.
Article comments
1 - Mike
What do you mean about Fear of the Dark being less played? They play it just about every tour.
2 - Chris Beaumont
You aren't kidding about Trivium's "Metallica album." Hetfield's royalty check should be in the mail.
It isn't that bad of an album, but it belies the talent that was demonstrated on Ascendancy, which I think is a much better album. Still, they are one of the dimly shining lights of metal, they have the potential.