Rob Marcello: Vestry
This guy is one of those journey men guitarists who has played with virtually everybody you can think of in the old West Coast hard rock field. From his current gig with Danger Danger through MVP to Iron Horse with Ron Keel. This is yet another solid collection of 80's tinged hard rock this time featuring singer Frank Vestry. While not necessarily being an essential release it certainly puts a smile on your face if you like slightly goofy well written West Coast AOR. Nothing serious here; it's about the subjects that matter to every heavy rocker. In other words getting laid and having a good time. Perfect fodder for top down summer motoring.
A New Revolution: Rise
Modern heavy metal done well by a bunch of guys who obviously know what they are doing and can produce the goods. While nothing, ahem, that revolutionary, this is pretty good stuff that I am happy to review. Part of the new wave of American heavy metal these guys might need a bit of polishing but certainly there is a strong element of quality showing through. If you are looking for some fresh young faces producing decent heavy metal then these guys are worth checking out. The CD features the single "Done". A pleasant surprise.
Xasthur: A Gate Through Bloodstained Mirrors
There is dark ambient metal and there is Xasthur. To most people this will be an impenetrable morass of dark bleak music. This is a re-release of a 2001 release with an entire bonus disc of material. If you like your metal dark and dreary, but heavy and threatening, all at the same then this is just what you've been waiting for. The soundtrack to the bleakest darkest winter day, it takes a special kind of person to truly enjoy this. Lovecraft whence the name for the band comes, would be proud to hear one of his creations inspiring such music.
This time I have done many shorter reviews to clear my rather obscene backlog of material. I hope you enjoyed this meandering trot through recent releases. As always check out live music whenever you can and stay safe whatever you do.
Article comments
1 - ashfatsuha
The band is "helloween" not 'Halloween'