Pro-Pain - No End In Sight, Regain Records
Okay, we got this in December, but it’s been in my damn CD player ever since! This is the 11th release from the planet’s most brutal hardcore band, and it kills as much as anything they’ve ever done.
In typical Pro-Pain style, opener “Let The Blood Run Through The Streets” is a sucker-punch to the groin. From there, the intensity is unstoppable as Gary Meskil (vocals/bass), Tom Klimchuck (lead guitar), Marshall Stevens (guitar) and new drummer, Rick Halverson, spew timely tales of life on the hard side. This record continues the band’s exploration into melody, with songs like “Halo” and “Where We Stand” leaning as much on an underground 80s punk influence as they do on traditional metal.
The band will make a rare Texas appearance at Lola’s in Fort Worth on July 20. In the meantime, their CD is available and check them out at myspace.com/propainspace. This is one band that never disappoints.
(Kevin White)

Thin Lizzy - Still Dangerous, VH1 Classic Records
It’s a crime that a band like Thin Lizzy doesn’t get more recognition than they do. Led by their charismatic frontman/bassist, the late Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy was one of the greatest live guitar bands of the 70’s. Still Dangerous captures the band’s classic lineup of Lynott, Scott Gorham (guitar), Brian Robertson (guitar) and Brian Downey (drums) in all their glory.
This was one of those rare occasions where everything just clicked. The band was at the top of their game, and the crowd hung on Phil’s every word. The show was recorded October 20, 1977 - the first of two shows at the Tower Theater, just outside of Philadelphia. The live set is a nice combination of Thin Lizzy anthems, “Boys Are Back In Town,” “Cowboy Song” and “Jailbreak” mixed with lesser-known gems like “Soldier of Fortune” and “Don’t Believe A Word.” A must have for all Lizzy fans.
(Andy Laudano)

Ian Gillan - One Eye To Morocco, Eagle Records
Ahh, Mr. Gillan - the voice of Deep Purple and easily the most colorful character in the industry. There isn’t a more quick-witted, agile-minded person on Earth. His humor, although subtle, permeates everything he writes. One Eye To Morocco displays that in spades, and in addition to the humor, there are some great grooves on this album. Prime examples being “No Lotion For That,” “Ultimate Groove” and “Texas State Of Mind.” The only thing on this CD that sounds anything like Deep Purple is Gillan’s voice. In fact, there are moments on One Eye To Morocco that sound like something Chris Rea might have done. So yeah, no metal and really not that much in the way of rock. Sort of a soundtrack for afternoon drinks with friends, shooting pool or playing cards. It’s just great music from one of the industry’s greatest.
(Dale Lammers)

Battlefields - Thresholds of Imbalance, Translation Lost Records
This compilation is full of rich talent that’s produced greatly textured material. Song structures are complicated and progressive, but those vital components are what make Battlefields so interesting. On “Blueprint,” Rob Schmidt’s slow simple drumbeats are peppered with bright samples by Rusty Steele and teeter-tottered between the Andrew Wallin and Rusty’s hardcore vocals. Each arrangement, from musical form to lyrical content, brilliantly conveys a concept - the evolution of religion or the environmental impact of humans - perfected with acre-width doom sound waves. If you like the relaxing sounds of drone followed by sporadic explosions to wake you up, Thresholds is your D.O.C. Battlefields has once again made a soundtrac that brings a post-apocalyptic world to life, as if it’s just around the bend. (Misty Johnson)

Drowning Pool - Loudest Common Denominator, Eleven Seven Music
Recorded on the Full Circle Tour, Loudest Common Denominator brings the energy of DP’s high -intensity show right to your speakers. Ryan McCombs rips it up on classics like “Bodies,” “Sinner” and “Tear Away.” There are also great new songs like “Enemy,” “Shame” and “Soldiers,” dedicated to those who serve our country. Added features are acoustic demo versions of “37 Stitches” and “Shame.” While waiting for that next chance to see Ryan, CJ, Mike and Stevie back home on stage, slip on Loudest Common Denominator to help pass the time.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Riverboat Gamblers - Underneath the Owl, Volcom Records
Denton originals Riverboat Gamblers have outdone themselves with Underneath the Owl. On record and live, they translate as a fun band. Most of the lyrics are self-explanatory, but isn’t most punk? Well, yes and no. There are surprises on UTO, like the country-twang-boot-scooter, the appropriately named song, “The Tearjerker,” and the light-hearted vibraphone-induced “Robots May Break Your Heart.” Catchy opening track “DissDissDissKissKissKiss” contains a Ramones-like vocal melody. Mike Wiebe (vocals – aka “Rookie Sensation”) could be the popular link between punk pioneer Joey Ramone and Swedish wild-man Pelle Almqvist (The Hives). Underneath the Owl isn’t complicated or pretentious, allowing the listener an open invitation to dance silly and have fun doing so.
(Misty Johnson)

Crown The Lost - Blind Faith Loyalty, Cruz Del Sur Music
What first stands out on Blind Faith Loyalty is lead guitarist Joe Bonaddio. His opening run on “Defame The Hypocrites” immediately catches you. He and fellow guitarist David Gehlke provide some great rhythm and melody lines throughout - like “Symbiotic” and “Drawing The Parallel.” Chris Renaldi has a powerful voice and a style reminiscent of Ted Pilot (Fifth Angel) and Ray Alder (Fates Warning). One blemish on this great assortment is the occasional backing, scowling vocals. Renaldi has such a great voice that these, which sound poorly mixed, take away from songs when they appear. Also at times, the drums seem overbearing or out of place. Kevin Antonacci (drummer) is definitely talented but, it’s not necessary to cram in a million beats every chance you get.

(Travis Tutwiler)

Fejd - Storm, Napalm Records
Storm is Fejd’s (pronounced “fade”) first full-length record. Opening track “Offerok” begins with slow ambient bagpipes then morphs into an upbeat Irish jig. All of Patrik Rimmerfors vocals are sung in his native tongue. With inflections of medieval folk from instruments like the Jew’s harp, willow pipe and a keyed fiddle, Stom really sounds like something made in the Middle Ages. Back when people lived in castles, fought battles with swords, and soldiers wore full-armored suits. However, Fejd’s talented metal influence gives the CD its needed girth, keeping it from being another old world-sounding album. Sweden’s Fejd has mastered a refreshingly listenable, true medieval folk metal album - something that many have tried but always fell short.
(Misty Johnson)

Lacuna Coil - Shallow Life, Century Media
All the elements that you’d expect from Lacuna Coil are here. Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro continue to trade vocals effectively on tracks like “Survive” and “Spellbound.” They still capitalize on the low-end groove they’ve honed over the years, and it works well on the sludgy-groove of “Underdog” and “I’m Not Afraid.” There are a few slower tracks, but that’s where Cristina really shines. You can hear the passion in her voice on the heartfelt “Wide Awake” or the piano and light tech groove of the title track. “The Pain” is a funky track that has a slow, bumpin’ groove that you’ll be bobbing your head to. Shallow Life doesn’t break too much new ground but, when a band can consistently put out good music, why stray from what you’re good at?
(Travis Tutwiler)

The Forecast - Alive for the First Time, Whiskey Dead Music
It’s been three years since the pride of Peoria, IL released an album. Although this one is only an EP – it’s a great laid-back affair with all the kick-ass qualities of their earlier full-length works. Speaking of such, they have acoustic versions of “Carry Me Home” and “And We All Return To Our Roots.” Although these were fantastic in their earlier format, the relaxed feel the unplugged version provides is simply effing awesome. Shannon Burns and Dustin Addis still have dueling vocals throughout, but they seem to have embraced more of a duet style on this one. By doing so, the group keeps their trademark style, but they keep it fresh. If you’re a fan of Tom Petty, you’ll enjoy the cover of “You Wreck Me,” which, like totally, kicks ass.
(Shane Epting)

Big B - American Underdog, Suburban Noize
You might recall Big B from TV’s Inked early episodes. Luckily this album is better that his work on said show. The overall sound leans toward gangster rap, but he does it well enough for trucker-hat-sporting frat boys to enjoy while they drink forty ouncers paid for with trust-fund dollars. Don’t get the wrong impression. Big B has some tight rhymes and good beats. The best track (which doesn’t appeal to notions of getting drunk) is “Life Lessons.” During it, B makes good on his rhythmic abilities – addressing such matters as credit card debt. Though this is an atypical subject matter for gangster rapt, he makes it work like union labor.
(Shane Epting)

Black Label Society - Skullage CD/DVD, Eagle Rock Entertainment
Want more BLS than you can handle all in one big, metal slab? Well, here ya go, muthaf*ckas! It’s got greatest hits, live shows, acoustic performances and the obligatory interview piece with metal’s resident mad man, Zakk Wylde himself.
You can just taste the whiskey, weed and stale beer oozing from this thing as Wylde & Co. assault all your senses at once. Tracks like “Doomsday Jesus,” “Stillborn” and a cool clip from The Blessed Hellride publicity tour highlight this package. Not everyone ‘gets’ BLS, but if you’re in on it, you’re not gonna want to live without this.
(Kevin White)