Sarah Perrotta – Blue to Gold (Third Star Records)

 

It’s been a long time since a record this beautiful graced my ears and soul.  Sarah Perrotta is a masterful songwriter with a great sensual feel in her music.  Her songs and melodies have a very deep reach, and once they get in there, they don't leave. 

At first “Blue to Gold” gives the impression of a very minimalistic sounding record, but each listen opens up new avenues of expression coded within the music.  The melodies develop, and sometimes the pace of the record picks up or slows down.  Perrotta’s sound is based on the piano.  It’s always the lead instrument, and everything is build around it, even if it sometimes falls into the background. 

There are plenty of amazing songs on this album.  Some have very strong hit potential.  Tracks like “Echo of Joy,” “The Wilderness,” “Firestorm,” or “Circles” have all it takes to become radio staples.  All of the songs mentioned here have a great sense of emotional touch, and make the listener feel like something very big is about to happen; a magical feel indeed.

The album is full of musical surprises.  There is a lot going on here, and plenty of instruments make all of this happen.  Everything is beautifully arranged, the music flows, so hold on Speedracer, and enjoy the mood.

Sarah Perrotta created a very special record here.  “Blue To Gold” is a soul-bearing album with a sincere spirituality.  It’s perfectly delivered, and has that something special that will make it timeless.  Perrotta is a very gifted writer with a very gentle touch.

Mark Kadzielawa

Crystal Viper – The Last Axeman (Listenable Records)

Crystal Viper is one of the more exciting heavy metal bands hailing from Poland.  The group is lead by an aspiring metal queen, Marta Gabriel.  They work hard, and go from strength to strength.  Crystal Viper is very consistent, and continues to release music on regular basis. 

“The Last Axeman” is described as an EP, but time-wise it offers nearly 40 minutes of music.  If you were a Crystal Viper fan for some time, you may remember the title track.  “The Last Axeman” gets a complete make over here, and it is a vast improvement over the original.  This song is a true heavy metal anthem.  “In The Haunted Chapel” is a brand new song, “Ulitsa Roz” is a cover from Russian band Aria, and finally Diamond Head’s “It’s Electric” rounds up the EP.  The release includes four more live tracks.  All come from the recent album, “The Cult, “ and were recorded live in the studio.  There are some great guitar harmonies throughout these songs.  Very catchy and melodic.  Also, "Ulitsa Roz" is delivered here in Russian.  Diamond Head's track with female vocals sounds very powerful.  After hearing two covers, the voice inside screams, "give us more!"

“The Last Axeman” has a very fresh feel.  It shows a band coming back to life.  After two years of limitations due to pandemic, the ice is breaking, and the bands start to function again.  Crystal Viper is a great unit with an amazing drive to succeed.  They are pure metal and need to be heard.  Marta Gabriel’s relentless riffing and her piercing vocals dominate the music, but that’s what the core of Crystal Viper is all about.  Good times and glory days of traditional metal!

Mark Kadzielawa

Immolation – Acts of God (Nuclear Blast)

Immolation continues to deliver quality death metal albums!  Acts of God consists of 15 crushing songs that will please the band’s old and new fans.  No trips into prog rock, or getting soft and emotional.  Immolation does not compromise.  While other band sway, Immolation kills!

Acts of God is a state of the art death metal album.  At this point, the band perfected their formula.  They continue to add new elements into their music, but they move within clearly designed parameters.  Immolation is absolutely great at what they do, and they are very sincere about it. 

The album features the same line up as Atonement, which was released back in 2017.  In many way Acts of God continues the feel Immolation developed on Atonement.  The two albums supplement each other.  Heavy rhythms, blasting beats, nerve wrecking riffing, and guttural delivery.  In other words, an instant hell!

Immolation made another record they can be proud of.  In fact, it would be great to hear the entire album being played live as opposed to few selected tracks.  The songs are strong and should be celebrated.  Acts of God will send tremors into your spine with each listen!

Mark Kadzielawa

Voivod – Synchro Anarchy (Century Media)

Voivod managed to achieve something quite unimaginable in the last few years.  They had maintained their sound, feel, and songwriting.  The big credit for this has to go to guitarist, Daniel Mongrain, who replaced the deceased Denis D’Amour.  It seemed like an impossible task, but Voivod is breathing its own air again. 

Synchro Anarchy is a third album with Mongrain on guitar, and once again it feels like the band never lost a bit.  Not only does Mongrain have a perfect understanding of D’Amour’s playing, he is able to add things that are clearly his.  All of this, and the contribution from drummer, Michael Langevin, bassist, Dominic Laroche, and vocalist Denis Belanger, make Synchro Anarchy an amazing album.  And let’s be clear, all Voivod members are crucial in creation process.

It is safe to say that Voivod is like King Crimson of thrash metal.  The music is very innovative and adventurous.  Nothing that happens here is predictable, and even after several listens you can still find sounds you didn’t think were there before.  The combination of heavy riffing with emotional musical landscapes is what makes Voivod stand out from the crowd.  Also, let’s not forget their specific sound that drives it all forward.

Synchro Anarchy is sometimes reminiscent of Nothingface, but in no way is the band repeating any of the music from that album.  It’s just the feel.  In fact, with each spin new connections form, but that happened to be the initial one.  The album has every making of becoming a late career classic.  The songwriting is strong, and the group is still in the experimental mode.  Tracks like “Sleeves Off,” or “Quest For Nothing,” truly show how creative things can get.

While Voivod is not being mentioned as one of the big four, they are in a category of their own.  The band always strived for originality, even in their most primitive days.  There was always something there that made the listeners come back for more.  Voivod rewarded their loyalty with amazing albums; Synchro Anarchy is another milestone forward.

Mark Kadzielawa

 

Overkill – The Atlantic Years 1986-1994 (BMG)

 

This set combines six albums from Overkill during their time with Atlantic records.  If it included the debut, “Feel The Fire”, the entire formative years from the band would be in one box of records.  Atlantic Records picks up the trail from “Taking Over,” and stops with “W.F.O.”  For many, those are the key Overkill records, but the band is just as strong today and full of energy.  Namely, this set includes the following albums: “Taking Over;” “Under The Influence,” “The Years of Dcay,” “Horrorscope,” “I Hear Black,” and “W.F.O.”

The records included in this set certainly deliver solid metal, and show how Overkill developed their style, and how that style matured.  For this writer, who was there when all of those albums were released, many of these records, or even individual songs are related to certain life events.  Various concerts come back to mind where the band was seen promoting these records.  And if you weren’t there, you simply enjoy great music from one of the greatest thrash metal bands of the genre. 

One thing about Overkill is that they are a very consistent band.  Overkill did go through line up changes, down time due to personal reasons, but it never felt like they were away for too long.  There always was a new Overkill record on the horizon, and a tour that followed.  And it’s still true to this day; the band consistently delivers despite of what might be going on.  Also, their style is very unique and original.  With different personnel coming in and out over the years it’s down to Bobby Ellsworth and D.D. Verni to maintain band’s style.  As long as those two will be in the band Overkill will always be Overkill.

The six albums included here shine with metallic precision, melody, and enthusiastic delivery.  Most of the fans, including this writer, have their favorites, so there is no need to force anyone to listen one record over another.  All of them are great in their own way.  And if some of them are not as commonly available, this is the place to get them.  Also, it’s a great way to start your trip into the world of Overkill.  This set delivers the good on every level.  Don’t wait too long because another Overkill album is always around the corner.

Mark Kadzielawa

Saxon – Carpe Diem (Silver Lining)

 

Every time I see Biff I ask him, how many more albums do you have left in you, and he always says, “Two or three.”  “Carpe Diem” is a sixth album since the “Two or three” answer was given.  Needles to say Saxon albums had been spectacular over the last three decades.  Ever since finding their groove back with Solid Ball of Rock, the band delivered a handful of great records.  “Carpe Diem” is another rocking addition to a great discography.

“Carpe Diem” is a great listen from start to finish.  The album is very well balanced and full of songs that Saxon fans can and will appreciate.  With so much material at their disposal it must be a nightmare to create a well-balanced set list.  Saxon, however continues to be creative.  As they claim, they love to play, they love to write, and see no reason why they should stop.

The album has a very solid production, courtesy of Andy Sneap and Biff Byford.  Sneap also mixed the album.  The band definitely played around with the sounds they were known for over the years.  The title track echoes how they sounded back in their Crusader days.  “All For One’s” main riff brings back the “Power & the Glory” feel.  Each listen generates a new connection, or perhaps this writer overdosed on Saxon over the years; and can no longer be objective.  Whatever it is, it makes me coming back for another listen, and that’s a good thing.  When you’re drawn to an album like that you know there is something there, and the band knows it too.

Saxon is a proud band with another great record under their belt.  “Carpe Diem” offers a dose of classical heavy metal with a great touch of musicality.  The lead work on this record is beyond outstanding.  These guys live for the music, and still have fun making it.  Also, it’s great to observe a new generation of Saxon fans referencing the recent releases as classics, which of course contrasts what the older fans prefer.  In the great scheme of things “Carpe Diem” unites all Saxon fans.

Mark Kadzielawa

Tankard - Stone Cold Thrash by Mark Kadzielawa

 

Tankard is a legendary German thrash metal band.  They formed back in 1982, and by 1986 they were signed to Noise Records, and released their first album Zombie Attack.  Tankard remained with Noise Records for six more studio albums, and then they moved on to other labels and continued to release albums.  Tankard can be described as a heavy band with a great sense of humor, and strong taste for quality beer.  All of which can be tracked down in their lyrical content.  If you love thrash, beer, and fun, Tankard is a band for you.

For a Thousand Beers is a brand new boxset highlighting all of the Noise Records albums from Tankard.  Those are the essential records, and show how this great band had developed.  Many of these albums are not easy to find anymore, especially on this side of the Atlantic.  For a Thousand Beers is a great set of German thrash metal.

Bassist, Frank Throwarth, goes back in time, and remembers the early Tankard years on Noise Records.

When you formed back in 1982 what were your short-term goals?

There were no goals at all. We were just some classmates who wanted to have fun, having some beers and playing metal.

You initially sang for the band, and Andreas played bass, how did you switch roles?

Unfortunately Andreas, we call him Gerre, didn't want to go to music school alone and asked me to join. At the end we found out that I'm a better bass player and he's the better singer. Hahahaha !

How did you get signed to Noise Records?

Well, we’ve send around our 2^nd demo tape and and Noise just replied with an offer. For us it was unbelievable. We were so happy and met in a pub, had some beers and signed it without really understanding the content. Luckily the contract was not so bad.

What do you remember from recording your first album, Zombie Attack?

It was very interesting and exhausting, because it was the first time we recorded in a professional studio. But what I really remember, are parties with heavy drinking and smashing hotel rooms.

How do you feel about that album now?

I still like it very much. Even the sound is not bad for an 80s recording. Additional to this we still play songs from it like Zombie Attack and Acid Death.

Chemical Invasion shows the band really pursuing the “beer” direction.   Can you explain the process?

This was never planned. The whole beer story started with our 2^nd demo tape “Alcoholic Metal”. At the time a lot of different very “Evil” metal styles came up and we found this very funny. As we’ve never slaughtered any virgins or fought in medieval wars, we thought it would be nice to sing about things we know. But nevertheless, we really didn’t want to get rid of the German purity law for beer. Hahahahaha!

At this point, how was the band promoting their albums?  Were you able to tour?

Yes, we toured a lot in Europe. It was a great time for us.

Morning After showed a lot of musical progress, what was happening in the band at that time?

I can’t remember any special reason for this. I think it was just the normal process of learning and  getting routine. 

Also, it was an album very popular in the States, how come there never was a tour in the Unites States?

That’s a good question. Come over to the States is relatively expensive, because of flights and visa etc. and it was just  to expensive for us to go for just a short trip. As we all have regular jobs, we are not able to tour for several weeks. Maybe we will do when we have retired.

Do you have any regrets not trying to capture the U.S. market?

Yes, absolutely.  We have missed to tour there at the time.

How did you feel the band was progressing through the next three albums, The Meaning of Life, Stone Cold Sober, and Two Faced?

We always try to learn and to improve. But to be honest, we don’t plan our music. It just comes what we have in our mind at the time of writing and recording.

Many of your songs have a great live feel, how would you describe a typical Tankard concert from that time?

Pure energy, sweat, beer and crazy bastards on stage.

Do you feel your live album, Fat, Ugly and Live, reflects that feel?

A little bit, because it’s just audio and even a video doesn’t reflect the whole thing.

The self-titled album, The Tankard, gained very good reviews.  Do you think this was the pinnacle of your time with Noise Records?

It could be. On this album, we’ve tried to be more melodic and worked very hard especially on the vocals.

How would describe your relationship with Noise, after nearly a decade long relationship?

I’m not aware about any problems etc.. The contract run out and we’ve received a better offer.

Do you feel that a special time in the history of the band ended once you left Noise?

Just the ironical comments from Karl-Ulrich Walterbach (boss of Noise). I had the feeling that he always had something to complain. Just kidding, it was a good time with him.

All of your Noise records were recently released in a set titled For A Thousand Beers, were you involved in putting this box set together?

Yes, we had to collect and review all the old pictures and videos. It was so funny. We had a lot to laugh about.

When you listen back to these records, how do you feel about that time?  Would you do things differently?

As this was my time as a young and stupid man I would say that it would have helped to drink less alcohol. But at the end, I didn’t learn it until yet. Hahahaha

Tankard is till with us, and there were many records released after you left Noise.  What keeps the band going?

We still love what we do. This is our life. That’s the one thing we are very proud of: we never gave up! Currently we are recording a new Album which will be released later this year and a lot of shows are planned. For me personally I feel the same energy like I had in the 80s.

Mark Kadzielawa

Cactus – The Birth of Cactus – 1970 (Purple Pyramid)

 

Cactus is a great blues rock band from the 70s.  The band is still with us, and their latest album rocks hard.  This is a love release from Philadelphia 1970.  I have to admit that I’m a collector of Cactus’s live recordings because this band was simply unpredictable on stage.  This recording is new to me, and it simply blows me away.

Cactus in the studio is great, but Cactus on stage is even better.  This band was meant to project its magic in front of the audiences.  You can always count on a solid jam when Cactus is involved.  It’s a shame Cactus was always a little overlooked, but they are a monster that refuses to go away.

This show is only 40 minutes long, but what 40 minutes it is.  The band packs a solid punch and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  I suspect they must’ve been an opening act for a bigger act, or perhaps it was part of a festival.  Either way, whoever had to follow this performance had their work cut out for them. 

Cactus delivers a blistering from the opening “One Way…or Another” to closing “Parchman Farm.”  The Philadelphia crowd goes wild, and that energy pushes the band to work even harder.  This performance also captures a very special moment in rock music.  What Cactus was doing over 50 years ago had no musical boundaries, and was very free-spirited.  They were writing the rules as they went along.

There are several of those Cactus live recordings released over the years, and all of them are great.  Even if the quality is not perfect, they make up for it in the spirit of the delivery.  Cactus is still rock’s best kept secret, and based on their latest release, they still haven’t said their last word.  This release is archival, but an essential piece of the puzzle.

Mark Kadzielawa

King Crimson – Music Is Our Friend – Live in Washington and Albany, 2021 (DGM)

Only few months ago this writer was enjoying King Crimson on stage.  Everything was perfect, the band was on, and they appeared to be having fun.  Since then, an announcement was made that King Crimson is switching into silent mode, and suspending any further activities.  This live album appears to be a swansong release. 

Each spin brings back memories from that hot August night.  The band definitely ended their activities at the top of their game.  These live performances are superb.  Nothing here is out of place, a mathematical precision indeed.  Yet, the songs sound very analog and organic.

The album covers just about every phase of the band, and that’s a very wide spectrum of music.  The odd thing about that is that a lot of the music sounds very different much like the line ups that functioned in the past, but there is something that connects it all.  There’s this common denominator, I can’t quite name it, but I can definitely feel it.  It would be easy to say it’s Robert Fripp, but it’s much more than just a single player, even if it’s the key player.

The double CD set is a great listen from the beginning to the end.  The songs flow, and the sound is enormous.  With so many King Crimson live albums available, every single of them appears to be essential for different reasons.  Even if this was not the final set from King Crimson, it would still be a killer live record.  It captures the group at their absolute best, in the moment of time.  If there are no more audiences with the King, this is certainly a satisfying one.

Mark Kadzielawa