Music Review: Guns n' Roses, Cryonic Temple, Crystal Eyes, Symphony X, Uli Jon Roth, Weapons of Musical Defence, and Bible of the Devil

What a week! We have the much anticipated new Guns n' Roses to behold. Can all that time and money produce something of brilliance. Other than GnR I seem to have hit on a theme of power prog/metal this week. No reason, it just seemed to happen.

CD Reviews

Guns n’ Roses: Chinese Democracy

Well one thing can be said for this album and title track before you listen to the rest of it: The title and lyrics are going to really annoy the Chinese government. Considering all the sycophancy coming from the sporting world over the last summer, it's good to see rockers set the world straight on China. And the title track is by far the strongest one on here. It would be harsh to call it the only decent track, but that would not be far off.

The album is their weakest original release with nothing much to match the hype and wait. Other that the title track, there is nothing that is the slightest bit memorable. There are so many bands out there just nailing it with releases. This one has far more in common with the lacklustre new one from Metallica than some of the better stuff from veteran bands.

There is just nothing that leaps out and grabs hold. It’s a case of “is that it?” rather than an amazement at the quality of the album. There are hints of industrial, grunge, and even modern angst. It just lacks that oeuvre that you want from GnR. Yeah, “IRS” is a bit amusing but its doesn’t stick with you and neither does the ballad “This is Love”. You just get the feeling that the album lacks passion and the drive that is GnR.

It couldn’t even hold my attention for less than a week. For the once mighty GnR that is just sad. It would have worked fine as a stop gap album while the band solidified. If we knew there was another cracking piece of music coming in a few years, then most people would be placated. But to wait so long for such a load of dross is just a bit lame.

Its clear Axl is out of ideas and has totally lost his passion and angst. The album just smacks of “contract obligation” and desperation to finally get it out.

Cryonic Temple: Chained

Never heard of this lot, but that did not preclude me from rather enjoying this CD. It's not anything breathtakingly new or unique, it's just so bloody well executed. They know how to pen a good power metal tune without the cliches and cringe-worthy lyrics so common in the last few years.

Article Author: Marty Dodge

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