ProgPower USA VII CD/DVD, Lucid Lounge Studios
For the past seven years, promoter Glenn Harveston has brought the world’s best progressive and power metal acts to the US. The success of ProgPower USA has opened the doors for many European bands to tour the US, and for similar festivals to start up. Last year, at ProgPower VII, footage was recorded for a special double CD and DVD release. Whether you were there for this amazing show or just wish you could have been, this is a must have for any fans of this musical genre.
Both the CD and DVD include two songs from nearly every band that weekend - including the pre-party. While two bands decided to opt out, Evergrey, Circle II Circle, Savage Circus, Vision Divine, Thunderstone, Circus Maximus, Epica, Freak Kitchen, Pyramaze, Theocracy, Mercenary and Zero Hour all contributed. DVD extras include interviews with Evergrey, Mercenary and Zero Hour. To order, go to www.lucidloungestudios.com/Prog Power7TheDVD/Buy.htm.KKKKKK (Andy Laudano)

Slow Burn - Self-Titled, Self Recorded
Spencer Durrett (vocals/guitars), Mat Nicks (bass) and Big Daddy J (drums) know how to stir up some good Southern-tinged rock and roll. This eight-song offering conjures up images of Collective Soul, Three Doors Down or Days Of The New.
The guitar-driven sound is rounded out by a funky rhythm section and a bluesy vocal style that shines on “Under A Rusty Bridge” and a cool cover of “Voodoo Chile.” (Kevin White)

Atreyu - Best Of, Victory Records
Fans of Atreyu and their quasi-heavy emo/metal will not be disappointed. The package includes a music CD and a DVD of videos. The CD wisely includes fan faves “Ex’s and Oh’s,” “Right Side Of The Bed,” “The Theft” and “Lip Gloss And Black.” The hilarious cover graphics and inclusion of lyrics is good for casual listeners interested in learning more.
The DVD however, is a waste of time. The sound is only decent, but the video content is boring as hell and lacking in imagination - strange considering imagination is an Atreyu strongpoint. It is definitely a worthwhile pick-up.
(Mark Beneventi)

The Valentine Failures - Hearts Halos Hate, self-released
This five-song EP is a great example of why the Valentine Failures are getting recognition around the Metroplex. The guys may look a bit emo, but don’t be fooled. They can play. Songs like “Dead To You” and “Friday Night” show flairs of old school metal riffing and some serious garage rawness, not polished emo. The drumming is right on time, and the guitarist does a nice solo on “Friday Night,” though it could have been ‘out front’ a little more. The vocals, working well with the harder sound, are closer to a punk rage than any screamo whine. The disc was recorded in two different places and, unfortunately, the band’s attempt to cover Dramarama’s Gen X classic “Anything, Anything” is muddied up. All in all, a worthwhile pick-up at any VF show. (Mark Beneventi)

Southern Culture on the Skids - Countrypolitan, Yep Roc Records
Don’t let the title fool you. This latest record from North Carolina’s finest is a whiskey-injected, hard-kicking, knee-slapping, toe-tapping beauty of mostly somewhat unknown covers. The best-known are The Who’s “Happy Jack,” CCR’s “Fight Fire” and Mary Huff’s (bass) sweet vocals on a jacked up version of the huge 70’s hit “Rose Garden” plus the well-done “Tobacco Road.”
There’s a nice James Brownish “Te Ni Nee Ni Nu,” a great duet between Rick Miller and Mary on “Life’s A Gas” and then “Have You Seen Her Face,” that sounds like it’s straight out of the 60’s. Once again the mighty Scots really mix it up (like always). They’ll be playing all week long during SXSW at the Continental Club, but will take a break to hit Dallas on the 25th. Don’t miss them.
(Angus MacMannus)

Alabama Thunderpussy - Open Fire, Relapse Records
Thank god for the band with the world’s greatest name. Now they just may have an album to match, most likely due to a line up change with new vocalist Kyle Thomas. Along with better singing, the band’s songwriting got a little better too. Highlights of Open Fire are “The Cleansing,” “A Dreamer’s Fortune,” “None Shall Return” and the title track. What’s most impressive about this album is that it doesn’t slow down, and there are no boring Black Sabbath rip offs.
(Angus MacMannus)

Glenn Hughes - Music For The Divine, Demolition Records
Vocal legend Glenn Hughes has made some incredible music over the last 30 years. From Trapeze to Deep Purple to Black Sabbath, as well as a huge catalog of solo offerings, the prolific performer never fails to deliver the goods.
His latest solo release finds him collaborating with guitarist JJ Marsh, keyboardist Mark Kilian and drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Smith’s band mate, guitarist John Frusicante, even makes an appearance on “This Is How I Feel.” Hughes, of course, handles the vocals, as well as bass, acoustic guitar and “funk” electric guitars. Funk is an underlying word throughout this record, as Smith’s drumming style and Hughes’ guitar work lends itself to it considerably. But the outstanding thing here, as with all Hughes’ work, is the voice. The man is simply an amazing singer, and his incredible range and dynamics are as evident now as they were 30 years ago.
(Kevin White)

Vixen - Live & Learn, Demolition Records
Do NOT be fooled. This is not a reunion of the ‘80’s all-girl band, Vixen. Sure, the band members are all still female and quite talented, but founder/guitarist Jan Kuehnemund is the only original member left. New vocalist Jenna Sanz-Agero has a good voice, but sounds nothing like original singer, Janet Gardner. In fact, the band (which also includes bassist Lynn Louise Lowrey and drummer Kathrin Kraft) sounds nothing at all like ‘80’s era Vixen. Don’t get me wrong; there are some good songs on the album including the title track, “Anyway” and “You Wish.” The problem is that when a band changes its sound and its lineup that drastically, they really should change their name as well. (Are you listening Skid Row?) Otherwise you risk alienating longtime fans with the new direction, while driving away potential new fans that are unwilling to give an older band a chance.
(Andy Laudano)

Unsane - Visqueen, Ipecac Recordings
What a sad paradox: Some of the most bad-ass riffs of the year and some of the year’s worst production. The vocals are buried so deep, they become a constant distraction and total annoyance. Hit the studio and get this right. It’ll be worth it!
(Mark Beneventi)

Lana Lane - Gemini, Think Tank Media
“The Queen of Symphonic Rock,” Lana Lane has been making albums for more than ten years. With eight studio releases and various live albums and compilations to her credit, she returns with her second disc of classic rock covers. Gemini is the astrological sign for twins and the theme of “two” runs throughout the CD, as two songs were chosen from each artist she covers.
Joining Lana on the album are husband/producer/keyboard virtuoso Erik Norlander, guitarists George Lynch (Dokken) and Mark McCrite (Rocket Scientists), bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder) drummer Vinnie Appice (Dio/Black Sabbath) and Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge) adding additional background and harmony vocals. Highlights include Foreigner’s “Starrider,” Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” and the amazing “Pink Moon Suite,” which combines Heart’s Johnny Moon with side one of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.”
(Andy Laudano)