Music Review: Guns n' Roses, Cryonic Temple, Crystal Eyes, Symphony X, Uli Jon Roth, Weapons of Musical Defence, and Bible of the Devil - Page 3

Part of: Marty's Musical Meltdown

A classically influenced concept album is not something that should be attempted by many without coming across as foolish. UJR on the other hand, bolstered by supporting his old band on a series of dates, has yet again proven that he can manage anything he puts his mind to.

There is strong Rainbow influence that wafts over the rockier parts. This influence is highly helped along by the addition of singer, Mark Boals, who sounds a dead ringer for Joe Lynn Turner and has used his pipes on behalf of the aforementioned Malmsteen. Just check out the interplay on “Land of Dawn”.

This is a symphony, but doesn’t scream that it's one. There is the right level of confidence without the preciousness or pomposity that can be found so often on this sort of recordings. And enjoyable way to pass the time and listen to some great musicianship.

Weapons of Musical Defense: Imagine Jihad Part 1

Take a equal dash of Pink Floyd, Queen, and symphonic metal then garnish it with a message to get something close to what we have on here. A bunch of concerned musicians, have pooled there talents to release this concept album. The gist as you might have gathered from the title is the theme of Islamist Jihad.

In the light of the atrocities in India the examination of this phenomena by any means is probably apt. Whether it be the the hard-hitting “Dhimmitude” or the blunt “Appeasement” this lot is not cutting any PC inspired corners. That is not to say the music is anything less than what you would expect from a quality release.

Unlike many such “issue” or “cause” releases the band make a clear effort to make an enjoyable album. While not quite The Wall or Operation Mindcrime this is certainly good enough to be the upper-tier of concept albums. Let’s face it tyranny, enslavement, religious extremism, and genocidal violence are not an alien subjects for conceptual albums.

The band’s influences are rather clear and there is a power prog element at its core. The Queen sensibilities seem to come in to add a rather more approachable element to the music. This is meant to be easy to get into and be recognizable, but original at the same time.

I am looking forward to the next part of this epic undertaking.

Bible of the Devil: Freedom Metal

The title rather intrigues and gets you ready for what lies therein. This is a great slab of rather straight ahead rock 'n' roll. That said there is an element of some of the power metal kicking around and there is a clear nod to Thin Lizzy on “500 More”. There are all the hallmarks of the classy Lizzy sound on here. What is funny, of course, is the lead singer has a very Gene Simmons quality to his voice.

In fact, the whole album has serious Kiss vibe to it… if Kiss did music that was less poppy and a bit more power metal. Would you buy a mixture of Kiss, Iron Maiden, and Thin Lizzy? The band manage a great combination of influences that make it a great listen. Enough there that is familiar but not enough to sound like copyists. The band even manage to get away with their highly ludicrous moniker without too much fuss.

Continued on the next page Page 1Page 2 — Page 3 — Page 4

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for Marty Dodge

Article Author: Marty Dodge

Latest CD
Gathering Dark & other tales
Lagwolf merchandise

Visit Marty Dodge's author pageMarty Dodge's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • Chinese Democracy Chinese Democracy

    The wait is over. The new album from Guns N' Roses, Chinese Democracy, has arrived. The album, which features 14 brand new songs from Axl and company, has garnered rave reviews and is easily the most ...

  • Immortal Immortal
  • Chained Chained
  • Paradise Lost 5.1 (CD/DVD) Paradise Lost 5.1 (CD/DVD)
  • Under A Dark Sky Under A Dark Sky
  • Freedom Metal Freedom Metal
  • Warmaster Warmaster
  • The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.

blogcritics lists for Jul 09, 2009

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for June

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs