Detritus
Issue #437
Week of December 17, 2007
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*
*** CAST OF CHARACTERS ***
*
Patrick Brower, Editor
patrickbrower@...

Sean P. Gahgan, Editor
lof@...
http://www.lakeoffire.net/

Tim Wadzinski, Owner
tsw512@...

Steve Shumake, Co-owner
vongoober@...
http://www.myspace.com/kdsteve

*
*** LET IT BE KNOWN ***
*
-Gettin' close to Christmas. Hopefully all the shopping's done and
you're about ready to slide into "kick back" mode for the next few
days. Have a good one! - Tim

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*** PRESS RELEASE #1 ***
*
-"Van Halen - A Visual History: 1978-1984"

From 1978 to 1984, Neil Zlozower was the "fifth member of Van Halen,"
touring, partying with, and capturing images of the band during the
David Lee Roth era, a time when the band was at the height of its
powers. His photos capture the all-out, spandexed, high-kicking, high
energy, blazing glory and backstage antics of the band as they became
legends and helped their image as the ultimate rock and roll party
band.

Now the definitive Van Halen hardcover coffee table photo book has
arrived, "Van Halen - A Visual History: 1978-1984." The 232 page
treasure is jam-packed with hundreds of classic and never-before-
published photos.

This visual history collects includes members of Led Zeppelin, Guns N'
Roses, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Kiss, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai,
Motley Crue.

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*** PRESS RELEASE #2 ***
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-Rocknation: Get Your Weekly Metal Dose With "Rocknation" TV Now!!!!

Featuring videos from Halford, Babylon A.D., Jetboy, 3 Legged Dogg,
Roxx Gang and members of Kiss, Dio, Black Sabbath, Dangerous Toys,
Warrant, Queensryche, Lynch Mob, Ozzy, Shadowsfall, David Lee Roth,
Quiet Riot, Saliva & Dokken.

TV show featuring worldwide rock videos on Time Warner & Comcast
network starting January, 2008 in selected cities nationwide such as
Denver, CO; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; Atlanta,
GA; Medford, OR; Sacramento, CA; Southfield (Detroit area), MI;
Austin, TX; Lansing, MI; West Hollywood, CA; Seattle, WA; Las Vegas,
NV; New York, NY; Miami, FL; Raleigh, NC; Schenectady, NY; Tampa, FL;
Waukegan, IL; & more to be announced soon.

"Rocknation" is now airing in:

o Omaha, Nebraska on channel 109 Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
o Lincoln, Nebraska on channel 13 Friday & Saturday nights at 12
midnight.
o Novi & Farmington (Detroit area), Michigan on channel 12 every
Saturday at 1:30 a.m. and Sunday nights at 11 p.m.

If you would like "Rocknation TV" in your city contact
rocknation@... for more details.

The first three shows are online now for viewing at
http://www.rocknation.us/ .

Show Details at:
http://www.rocknation.us/
http://www.myspace.comn/rocknationtv

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*** PRESS RELEASE #3 ***
*
-Z Records News

Opening Act For Z Rock 08 Confirmed

We are pleased to announce that the much sought after unsigned band
opening slot at Z Rock 08 on May 17th has been given to Birmingham
based act Redline, who have been attracting a fair bit of attention of
late in the U.K. For further news regarding Z Rock 08 visit
http://www.zrecords.net/ or http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

Z Reveal Their January And February Releases

Z Rock Records are set to forge their way into 2008 with three
releases during January and February.

January 28th: Scream In Eden - ORIGINAL SIN

Z have high hopes for this release which is in the vein of Tesla /
Babylon A.D. [debut] and Dokken. The album was briefly available as a
minor pressing on the CCM market a few years ago and features Rex
Carrol of White Cross. Most will agree that when hearing the album it
does not portray its CCM origins and Z felt that it just had to be
released to the mainstream rock market repackaged and re-mastered to
do the album justice.

January 28th: Lillian Axe - FIELDS OF YESTERDAY +2

Originally released during 1999 FIELDS OF YESTERDAY has been
repackaged and re-mastered with two bonus tracks!

February 18th: Alibi - VOICE OF REASON

artwork not yet available

Featuring Vince O'Regan [Bob Catley, Cold Sweat] Alibi's second studio
album VOICE OF REASON will impress from the outset. The band's debut
was criticised in certain quarters regarding production, but this time
out the band have got it right and are set to stamp their mark as one
of England's leading melodic rock acts.

Z Rock 08 Venue Revealed

The time has come to disclose the location of the Z Rock 08 venue. The
all new venue "The Asylum" is in Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham
and will open its doors during late March 08. Acts already confirmed
for Z Rock 08 include Bonfire, Britny Fox, Von Groove, Shy, Stormzone
and Redline with at least three more to be announced during early
January for the two-day event on May 16/17, 2008.

Tickets are on sale now at http://www.zrecords.net/ or
http://www.myspace.com/zrockfest .

http://www.zrecords.net/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #4 ***
*
-Killer Metal Records New Release Out Now

[Note: This is a severely edited version of the press release. - Tim]

Stormwarrior - AT FOREIGN SHORES - LIVE IN JAPAN LP
Killer Metal Records KMR-LP004
Released 06. December 2007

Germany's Speed Metal vikings with a bunch of their best songs live in
Japan! Tracks like "Thunderer," "The Axewielder" or "Signe Of The
Warlorde" will strike you down! Stormwarrior follow the tradition of
old Helloween but have their own trademarks and style. (CD was
released 2006 on Remedy Records.)

The LP is strictly limited to 500 hand-numbered copies as follows:

o 100 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in white vinyl! w/ inlet
15 EUR
o 400 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in black vinyl! w/ inlet
12 EUR

prices plus postage!

Ritual Steel - INVINCIBLE WARRIORS LP
Killer Metal Records KMR-LP003
Released 13. June 2007

The new LP is finally finished. Released on CD on Karthago Records
with different cover. LP has bonus track. Cover artwork was done again
by Vicente Feijoo (Zarpa).

The LP is strictly limited to 500 hand-numbered copies as follows:

o 100 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in blue vinyl! w/ lyric
inner sleeve 15 EUR
o 400 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in black vinyl! w/ lyric
inlet 12 EUR

prices plus postage!

Ritual Steel - "Knights Of Steel" 7"
Killer Metal Records KMR-S003
Released 06. October 2006

The return! Completely new lineup formed by band's masterman Martin
Zellmer with the mighty John Cason (U.S.A.) on vocals. The band has
not much to do with the band you heard up to the BLITZ INVASION album
(2005). Two brilliant tracks in the typical mid-eighties Metal vein
(non-LP/CD!!!) recalling early Iron Maiden at its best. Great
melodies, catchy choruses, melody lead guitars, riff attacks!!
Appetizer for the coming third full length album INVINCIBLE WARRIORS.
This is one of the best singles you will ever hear in your life -- if
you love the typical HEAVY METAL thing!!! Cover artwork was done by
Vicente Feijoo (Zarpa).

The single is strictly limited to 600 hand-numbered copies as follows:


o 200 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in green/blue vinyl! w/
lyric inlet 7 EUR
o 400 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in black vinyl! w/ lyric
inlet 5 EUR

prices plus postage!

soundfiles: http://www.ritualsteel.net/

Metalhead - "Demon" 7"
Killer Metal Records KMR-S002
Released 19. June 2006

Germany spits out another great traditional Metal act: Metalhead!
Their first single "Demon" features three old school Metal tracks
everyone out there will love! Influenced by old Iron Maiden, Judas
Priest and Mercyful Fate they have created their own mix full with
brilliant ideas and great tunes. A-side has the neck-crushing "Demon"
as well as the fast-paced "Heavy F*cking Metal" while on the B-side
the nearly 8-minute Epic track "Legions Of Death (March Of
Destruction)" gives you the last minutes to breathe. Sixteen minutes
playing time. The single front cover was done by Kris Verwimp (After
All, Ritual Steel).

The single is strictly limited to 1,000 copies as follows:

o 100 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in blue vinyl! w/ lyric
inlet 7 EUR
o 100 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in clear vinyl! w/ lyric
inlet 7 EUR
o 800 strictly limited copies, hand-numbered in black vinyl! w/ lyric
inlet 5 EUR

Prices plus postage!

Killer Metal Records
killermetalrec@...
http://www.killermetalrecords.de/

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*** PRESS RELEASE #5 ***
*
-MAXIMUM ROCK ATTACK, A New Compilation Offered By Maximum Rock
Magazin

MAXIMUM ROCK ATTACK is a compilation which will be distributed in
3,500 copies together with Maximum Rock Magazin, a rock magazine that
usually has a compilation with the latest and most important audio
tracks released (and also video clips). So, we are working on a new
issue of Maximum Rock Magazin which will have two-CD compilations.
More than 500 copies of the magazine will be sent to labels, radio
stations and magazines.

If you are a young band, you can send us a track (no longer than 4
min.), and for 55 euro you can be included on MAXIMUM ROCK ATTACK. For
more details, please send an e-mail to maximumrock@... .

Maximum Rock Magazin Crew

Promusic Prod. & Maximum Rock Magazin

P.O. Box: 1-421, Cluj-Napoca / Romania
e-mail: info@..., maximumrock@...
tel: 0040.264552340 / 0040.742.040604
http://www.promusicprod.ro/
http://www.promusicprod.ro/maximumrock
http://www.promusicprod.ro/mrfest

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*** PRESS RELEASE #6 ***
*
-New Metal And Goth DVD / CDs | MVD Entertainment Group

Society 1 - CREATION OF SOUNDAND FEARING THE EXIT

Instilling mortal fear in conservatives, unbearable lust in
schoolgirls, and blind loyalty in fans across the nation, Society 1 is
a band of extreme people doing extreme things. This DVD contains the
entire record-breaking "Suspension Show," filmed live at The Key Club
in L.A. (March 2004). It also includes a Society 1 live set filmed on
tour in Tampa, and "One Way To Hell" -- an exclusive Society 1
documentary unavailable anywhere else. In addition, all three Society
1 videos are included: "Nothing," "All You Want," and "Hate," plus,
behind the scenes footage at "Sin's Ultimate Photoshoot" and on the
set of the "Nothing" video. Bonus program on the reverse side of the
disc includes additional interviews and performance footage, + more!
Jump on board the Society 1 hellbound caravan or fester and perish in
your self-imposed cage of mediocrity!

Bonus Materials:
o Interviews with Matt "The Lord" Zane and the rest of the members of
Society 1
o Performance Footage
o Backstage Chaos
o Slide Show
o Lyrics Sheet

DVD
SKU #: MVDV4687
UPC: 022891468790
SRP: $14.95
BOX LOT: 30
RUN TIME: 180 mins.
LABEL: EARACHE
GENRE: Metal
PRE-BOOK DATE: 01/15/2008
STREET DATE: 02/19/2008
HI-RES IMAGE: http://files.dvdnote.com/images/300dpi/mvdv4687.jpg
SALES SHEET (PDF): http://files.dvdnote.com/pdfs/mvdv4687.pdf

Earache - I CRUSHER COMPLETE

This incredible DVD compilation from the world renown heavy-metal
label Earache Records combines the contents of both iCRUSHER 1 and 2.
It contains music videos from the label's fiercest artists such as
"Parasite God" by Mortiis, "Bury Your Dead" by The Haunted,
"Christbait Rising" by Godflesh, "Nothing" by Society 1, and many
more. Also included are live performances from Napalm Death, Carcass,
Cathedral, and more. In addition, it includes Exclusive Bonus Audio
tracks from Rabies Caste, December Wolves, Insision, Ultraviolence and
more! A whole lotta METAL for your money!

Bonus Materials:
o Society 1 - Up Close & Personal with Matt Zane
o December - In the Studio recording THE LAMENT CONFIGURATION CD
o Society 1 - Behind the scenes filming the "Nothing" clip

DVD
SKU #: MVDV4690
UPC: 022891469094
SRP: $14.95
BOX LOT: 30
RUN TIME: 200 mins.
LABEL: EARACHE
GENRE: Metal
PRE-BOOK DATE: 01/15/2008
STREET DATE: 02/19/2008
HI-RES IMAGE: http://files.dvdnote.com/images/300dpi/mvdv4690.jpg
SALES SHEET (PDF): http://files.dvdnote.com/pdfs/mvdv4690.pdf

The Wake - BLACKLIST

This two-disc set (CD+DVD) comes from one of the most influential
Gothic Rock bands of the '90s -- The Wake. It features 10 Classic
Hits, two Rare Tracks, one Unreleased Track, six Tracks of Unreleased
Live Video Footage, two Studio Produced Videos (one Rare from 1989)
and lyrics! The Wake is a band that has been snaking in and out of the
shadows for over two decades. In addition to The Wake's three well
received releases -- MASKED (1993), CHRISTINE EP (1995), NINE WAYS
(1996) -- the band has also been featured on 30+ compilations
worldwide. Touring extensively in the U.S. and playing successful
dates in Europe and Mexico, the band has amassed an impressive and
diverse list of opening dates with bands such as: Nine Inch Nails,
Skinny Puppy, Christian Death, Innocence Mission, Alien Sex Fiend, And
Also The Trees, Shadow Project and more. After more than 10 years of
waiting, this is a must have for fans of The Wake. It may well also be
a hint of things to come as rumors abound of a Wake reunion complete
with brand new material.

Bonus Materials:
o Studio Videos: "Christine" (1996) and "Locomotive Age" (1989)

DVD/CD
SKU #: MVDV4697
UPC: 022891469797
SRP: $14.95
BOX LOT: 30
RUN TIME: 45 mins.
LABEL: CLEOPATRA
GENRE: Alternative/Punk
PRE-BOOK DATE: 01/15/2008
STREET DATE: 02/19/2008
HI-RES IMAGE: http://files.dvdnote.com/images/300dpi/mvdv4697.jpg
SALES SHEET (PDF): http://files.dvdnote.com/pdfs/mvdv4697.pdf

MVD
on the web - http://mvdb2b.com/
phone - 800-888-0486

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*** PRESS RELEASE #7 ***
*
-Silent Majority Group ( ILG / WMG ) Update

Course Of Nature front man Mark Wilkerson has just been nominated for
a Grammy Award for his part in writing Daughtry's smash single "It's
Not Over." Mark wrote the song as a demo for his sophomore album but
the song was submitted to and picked up by Daughtry and released on
Daughtry's multi platinum debut album. Course Of Nature has now signed
with SMG and the single "Anger Cage" is on the active rock charts with
the album DAMAGED coming in stores January 29th. The single is
currently available on iTunes at:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?
playlistId=266128127&s=143441&i=266128133

Candlebox is currently in an L.A. studio writing songs to their highly
anticipated album of new material that is due in late Spring. The band
plans to start touring in late Spring as well and has initial plans to
play a series of Florida radio shows. Check out new Candlebox music at
http://www.myspace.com/candlebox .

Meanwhile, Tantric welcomed Candlebox singer Kevin Martin who recently
made a guest appearance on the song "The One." The new Toby Wright
(Korn, Alice In Chains) produced Tantric album will be released in
early April with a single going to radio in early February. Tantric
will be hitting the road with label mates Fosterchild in March. You
can check out new Tantric music at http://www.myspace.com/tantric .

Fosterchild (Kevin Miller from Fuel's new band) is releasing a digital
EP in March to coincide with the Tantric tour which will be followed
by a new single this Spring and a new album early this summer. The
album will be a combination of tracks from their indie debut
INDEPENDENCE DAY and new tracks written this Fall. Check out the new
Toby Wright mixed single "On My Own" at
http://www.myspace.com/fosterchildmusic .

The Framing Hanley track "Hear Me Now" has just passed Red and Bullet
For My Valentine to become the second most played track on Sirius
Octane for 2007. "Hear Me Now" is still getting 14 plays a week there
and is expected to take the number one spot, passing the number one
most played song "Breath" by Breaking Benjamin, by the end of the
year. Check out the Sirius Active Rock Song of the year here:
http://www.myspace.com/framinghanley .

New SMG signing Signum will be releasing a digital EP in March that
will be followed by a radio release of their new single "Down," and a
Summer release of their Brett Hestla (Dark New Day, Virgos, Creed)
produced album SOUNDS LIKE MORPHINE. See what all the chatter is about
at http://www.myspace.com/signumwired .

Look for SMG's "Not So Silent" Summer tour to kick off in May
featuring all of the SMG artists!

Music from all the SMG artists can be heard now at
http://www.myspace.com/silentmajoritygroup .

*
*** PRESS RELEASE #8 ***
*
-Two Minutes Of Your Time To Vote For Evile On Megadeth Tour Please!!

Evile have made the shortlist to be supporting Megadeth on their
European tour. It's such an honor to be given this chance, they are
close to winning the poll -- BUT NEED YOUR LAST MINUTE VOTE!!

All you have to do to vote for Evile is visit
http://www.theliveline.com/ , click the box next to "Evile" then click
"Submit". The page is slow to load, so please be patient, thanks.

We urge that you PLEASE e-mail anyone you know loves Megadeth, re-post
this in a BULLETIN on MySpace (messages on Facebook) asking your
friends to vote for Evile and generally spread the word.

YOU CAN HELP DECIDE at http://www.theliveline.com/ .

A VOTE FOR EVILE IS A VOTE FOR THRAAAAASH!!

Let's get some THRASH supporting MEGADETH!

*
*** NEWS/RUMORS ***
*
-About Heavy Metal's "Best Heavy Metal CDs Of 2007" list is online now
at http://heavymetal.about.com/b/a/258256.htm .

-An MP3 of Curse Of Disobedience's new track "The Aftermath" is now
available at http://www.myspace.com/curseofdisobedience . See
http://www.curseofdisobedience.com/ and new fan site
http://www.myspace.com/codstreetteam for more.

-Here's the track list for the Dead End Kidz' comeback album
UNFINISHED BUSINESS, due out soon: "It's Now Or Never," "The One,"
"One Way Ride," "Take A Shot," "I Know What I Want '07," "Do It
Yourself," "Time To Go," "1000 Lies," "Let Me In." See
http://www.myspace.com/dekmusic for more.

-Emperor Multimedia's Derek McDonald's Cut Throat Radio show "State Of
The Empire Address" has a cover feature in the "international music
trade news wire service and on-line magazine" Music Industry News
Network. See http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=105617 for the
article, and check out http://www.cutthroatradio.com/ for more on Cut
Throat Radio.

-Fight's song "Christmas Ride" was originally released as a promo CD
single in 1994, and it's now available for free MP3 download at
http://www.halfordmusic.com/ .

-Imhotep has once again polled many cool metalheads for their lists of
favorite albums of 2007. Check out http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9072783
for contributions from folks such as Rob Halford, Rudolf Schenker,
Steve Vai, Kai Hansen, Chris Caffery, Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth, Lizzy
Borden, Jeff LaBar, Michael Weikath, Jack Frost, Erik Turner, Mick
Box, Gary Holt, Ralf Scheepers, Mat Sinner, Jim Matheos, and more.

-Manowar recorded English and German versions of the traditional
Christmas carol "Silent Night" / "Stille Nacht," and free MP3
downloads of each are now available at http://www.Manowar.com/ .

-A new five-part Rush documentary entitled "Backstage Secrets" is
being finshed up by WhistleStop Productions. It was shot earlier this
year on the Canadian leg of the SNAKES & ARROWS tour. Hype: "Each one-
hour episode follows various members of the Rush road crew during a
typical day out on the road with the band." According to
HeadbangerNYC.com, it will air "in February on Rush HD in Canada --
available in HD via satellite on Bell ExpressVu. It will be broadcast
in the U.S. on Rave HD."

-Some winners of the recent Rockies '07 awards were Mitch Perry for
Outstanding Male Guitarist, and Jani lane for the Career Achievement
Award. See http://www.rockcitynews.com/ for more.

Thanks to Chip Ruggieri, Chad Bowar, Paul Hill, and
Mikey@... for help gathering some of this information.

*
*** ROCK HARD RIDE FREE ***
*
by Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

-This brought back memories. Longtime readers may remember that, years
ago, I'd include a few funny "Chicago Band Names Of The Week" in each
column. A buddy of mine just sent me a link to The Onion's A.V. Club's
list of "The Worst Band Names Of '07." Check it out at
http://www.avclub.com/content/node/71396 . Some samples: Penguins With
Shotguns, Dyslexic Speedreaders, The Hobbits Of The Shire, Baboon
Torture Division, Chevy Metal, Ballcock Assembly. (Thanks, Arn!)

-Kinda cool to get those noticed about freebie Christmas MP3s from
Fight and Manowar in the same week. Go get 'em!

-Now in my current playlist: Seven Witches - DEADLY SINS (Screaming
Ferret Wreckords), Roller - CANDY IT UP (Perris Records), Vendetta -
TYRANNY OF MINORITY (Lion Music), Prong - POWER OF THE DAMAGER (13th
Planet Records/Megaforce Records).

*
*** REVIEWS ***
*
EVIL MASQUERADE - THIRD ACT (B+) Nightmare Records, 2007
13 tracks, RT: 54:09
[ http://www.EvilMasquerade.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/evilmasquerade ]
[ http://www.henrikflyman.com/ ]
[ http://www.Nightmare-Records.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/nightmarerecords1 ]
Originally released last year, THIRD ACT is out now in North America
courtesy of Nightmare Records. I swear I saw press materials somewhere
billing the disc as "goth rock" or "goth metal" but, um, no way. What
we have here is a very pleasing mix of chuggy, Germanic melodic metal
a la Helloween and bands of that ilk, and splashes of neoclassical
brilliance. New vocalist Apollo Papathanasio (Firewind, Vitalij
Kuprij, Majestic, etc.) is a top-notch singer whose power and measured
control suit the theatrical presentation perfectly. The musicians are
guitarist/song writer/producer Henrik Flyman (Wuthering Heights,
Moahni Moahna, ZooL) plus Sinphonia rhythm section Thor Jeppesen
(bass) and Dennis Buhl (drums), with guest keyboardists Richard
Andersson (Time Requiem, Majestic, etc.) and David Rosenthal (Rainbow,
Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.) popping by for good measure. While "Black
Ravens Cry" has some commercial appeal -- thanks largely to its chorus
-- overall THIRD ACT kind of lacks that one signature/album-defining
song, but it more than compensates by being remarkably consistent
throughout. It should be noted this version contains two bonus tracks,
"The Wind Will Rise" from 2004's WELCOME TO THE SHOW and "Bozo The
Clown" from THEATRICAL MADNESS -- both featuring the previous vocalist
-- that will drive you to seek out those older discs as well.
- Tim Wadzinski (tsw512@...)

SEREE LEE - VARIATION-A (B+) Lion Music, 2007
11 tracks, RT: 40:55
[ http://www.myspace.com/sereelee ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/artists/Seree_Lee.htm ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Now here is an exciting debut from a new face on the instrumental
guitar scene. Seree Lee hails from Thailand but is apparently quite
familiar with contemporary and classic American and European axe
masters. "Stumble" hits you right away with its subtly cool groove and
tasty playing, while follow up track "Dragon's Fight" rocks with a
killer riff and slick melody lines. For comparison, Seree's playing
sometimes reminds me of Blues Saraceno or early Michael Lee Firkins,
like on the exquisitely crunchy "Tough Guy." One of Seree's strengths
is note selection, as he avoids self-indulgent displays in favor of
well-chosen licks and catchy phrases, pulling out his practiced
technique only when the song calls for it. One of my favorites off the
album is "Victory," where Seree manages to channel a bit of Joey
Tafolla circa OUT OF THE SUN for some really melodic shred. Has it
been done before? Sure, but when it's this well-executed I'm not
complaining, and Seree does seem to be finding his own voice and
that's a real plus in this genre. A mention must also go to the
excellent mastering job done by Lars Erik Mattsson, who brings a great
crisp, punchy sound to the album. One of the better instrumental
guitar releases this year, I recommend you get acquainted with this
fine player. Ripping good stuff.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

MCM - 1900 - HARD TIMES (A-) Lion Music, 2007
12 tracks, RT: 56:50
[ http://www.alexmasi.net/ ]
[ http://www.johnmacaluso.com/ ]
[ http://www.randycovensite.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/thealexmasiallaudiopage ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/johnmacaluso1 ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/alexmasi ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/randycoven ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/lionmusiclabel ]
Here's one for the heavy fusion fan on your Christmas list: MCM, that
electrifying trio consisting of Alex Masi, Randy Coven and John
Macaluso, have released one of the best fusion albums of the year in
1900 - HARD TIMES. Now I know what's mesmerizing to one is meandering
to another -- and this collection of largely improvised live tunes is
not going to sit well on everyone's ears -- but for those who love
high level musicianship played extemporaneously, this one is sure to
do the trick. Check out the opening title track for a teaser of what's
to come, all three of these accomplished artists locking in for an
eerie excursion suggesting that some kind of astonishing telepathy
must be responsible. Alex has asserted that 80% of the album is
improvised, which is an incredible feat for any musician, but these
guys not only make it up on the spot but manage to inject interesting
passages frequently, keeping the listener's attention on such pieces
as the heavy metal flavored "Raw Extremities," swingin' groove-based
workout "Emergency Poncho," technical overdose marvel "The Ground
Above," and '70s jam meets shred rocker "House Of Deviants." MCM also
know how to back off effectively at times, ramping down the intensity
(just a bit) on "30 Seconds Over Your Land." John Macaluso's
performance is as tight and intuitive as it gets, with captivating
fills jumping out at you in unexpected places. Randy Coven really
comes into his own here as well, delivering what may be his most
realized work on record, a good example being his turn on "Them Ain't
Us." What can you say about Alex Masi? The guy's a certified guitar
god, his extreme picking and intervallic runs soaring over the
rhythmic complexities. Often reminiscent of Shawn Lane's
collaborations with Jonas Hellborg and Jeff Sipe, make no mistake --
1900 - HARD TIMES kills. Get it and get slain.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

SAGA - 10,000 DAYS (A-/B+) Inside Out Music/SPV, 2007
9 tracks, RT: 50:56
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[ http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
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There seems to be some confusion about this latest Saga album; is it
the band's final statement, or specifically vocalist Michael Sadler's
swan song? After some investigation, it appears that indeed Saga will
live on with an as-yet-unchosen singer, while Michael Sadler has opted
to say farewell in order to spend more time with family (a worthy
reason, methinks). In any case, 10,000 DAYS is pretty much a typical
Saga album, which means it's very good but falls short of topping last
year's excellent TRUST release. "Lifeline" opens things up in
characteristically majestic fashion, with one of those keyboard/guitar
intros that grabs you from jump street. "Book Of Lies" continues with
a great bass line and urgent vocal from Sadler, who sounds fantastic
throughout. "Sideways" sounds like a great pick for a single, with a
real '80s feel that will take longtime fans right back to the glory
days of the band. One of the true highlights of 10,000 DAYS is
"Corkentellis," an amazing instrumental that shows just what these
guys are capable of when they want to show off their considerable prog
chops. Fantastic stuff. There are a few areas where the inspiration
kind of dips, like on the rather standard "Can't You See Me Now?," but
overall this is a fine coda for Michael and one that should have Saga
fans smiling for awhile.
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@...)

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