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.
Article comments