Alabama Thunderpussy: Open Fire
Losing your lead singer for any band is a tough thing but for AT it seems to have taken a bit of wind out of their sales. While Kyle Thomas has a good voice it seems to be a bit the same throughout the CD. There is not the variety needed in today’s metal world. This is a good album, no doubt, but it seems to be a bit transitional as the band gets used to their new reality.
It lacks a certain fire and pathos to makes you stand up and say “yeah!” Never the less, if you like a combo of Molley Hatchet and Metallica this lot produces some decent redneck metal. Tracks like "Whiskey War" and the title track emphasize the point. This is pretty good album, just not as good as you would expect from such a band. Think of it this way though, this lot were doing it long before supergroup upstarts "Hell Yeah."
Guy, McCoy and Torme: Bitter & Twisted
A supergroup of sorts, this lot has played with far more people than this column has room to list. Their resumes would make most musicians weep with frustration. There are a couple bands that have clearly influenced the sound on here however… those being Ozzy and Desperado. There is a strong hint of the attitude of Ted Nugent on this album as well, which is a very good thing indeed. There is also a Thin Lizzy vibe here because of the hint of Irish. Two of this lot met while in Gillan.
If you like your hard rock with lots of whiskey and grit then this is album for you. Just take a listen to "Rocky Road (from Dublin)" or the title track. This is cracking heavy rock, played with talent, ability, and a dose of attitude… what else do you need really?
Vader: Kingdom EP, Darkest Age Live ‘93 & Live in Japan
A whole mess of heavy from this trio of Vader re-issues. Metal Mind is doing a good line and helping the rest of us discover bands we might have missed the first time. This lot is no exception. They are dark and brutal as hell but willing to try new things. Check out the re-mix bonus track on Kingdom called "For Eternal Darkness," it's heavy and grim but still danceable. Live in Japan features a video clip of the track "Kingdom." This lot was formed in 1986 in Poland, while it was still behind the Iron Curtain, and is still going strong today.
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