Family – Fearless (Expanded Edition) (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Fearless is a fifth album from the Family, released back in 1971.  This expanded version truly offers the most bang for your buck.  Not only do you get the album in the remastered version, but there are two additional discs of Family treasure.  The second disc includes the BBC Sessions material, and the third has a BBC Radio One in Concert.  All of the material was performed and recorded in the same time frame as the record, which makes this a complete package.

Family was a band riding on a wave of progress.  Fearless is an interesting album, and the title truly reflects the spirit of the music.  It was fearless, the band was exploring, and the rules were being created as they went along.  It was a very exciting period in the history of rock music.  The line of the Family at the time, included John Wetton on bass.  Wetton of course went on find success with King Crimson, and later with Asia.  Here he is as part of the unit.  He’s not a driving force that he later became, but a very solid and reliable band member.

Fearless is a brave take on what was popular back in 1971.  Here you see a band pursuing their own vision, and not compromising one bit.  Vocalist, Roger Chapman, is in his prime here, and he sings with a lot of feel and emotion.  The material certainly requires a fair amount of attention from the listener, but once you figure this record out, you enjoy it tremendously.  The expanded edition will certainly fill an evening worth of music with the contents of all three discs.  Add some fine tea, or a glass of wine, and you have yourself one great experience.

Mark Kadzielawa

Iron Savior – Firestar (AFM Records)

 

There are bands that have a definite formula on how to make an effective power metal record, and make it work every single time.  Iron Savior is definitely one of those bands.  They established a certain style years ago, and now they execute with precision and heaviness.

Not to say their albums sound robotic, or manufactured.  Not at all, Iron Savior still sound very organic in their approach.  The songs have a lot of personality, and there is a level of sensitivity.  It’s that what they do, they do it really well, and reached certain level of excellence from which there’s no return.

Firestar is an explosive album, and it rocks hard.  The band offers 11 tracks of pure power, and closes with a Judas Priest cover.  Instrumentally, this is an absolutely perfect album.  There is not a note out of place.  Everything is worked out to the last detail.  Firestar is a very smooth and satisfying listen.  Each spin opens this record more, and you find the melodies that at first seemed hidden.

Iron Savior can definitely be proud of such great catalog, and Firestar is a worthy addition.  It would be great to finally see the band do some touring in America, so the fans could finally experience the band face to face, and enjoy all of those great tracks in a live setting.  Firestar is a power unleashed from a top notch band!

Mark Kadzielawa

Stackridge – Mr. Mick (Esoteric Recordings)

 

Stackridge is a British rock band from 1970s with a progressive edge.  The band was fairly successful, but never quite managed to get massive.  Their music survived the test of time, and with the recent series of reissues, new generation of listeners can discover this very unique band.

Mr. Mick originally came out in 1976, and it’s a concept record about the life of an elderly gentleman and his adventures.  This was also the band’s last album; they broke up shortly after.  This deluxe version has two different versions of Mr. Mick.  The original version which the band intended to release, and the final version that actually was released.  The two versions differ in the track running order, and the inclusion of The Beatles’ cover, Hold Me Tight. 

Mr. Mick is a very clever record, you can see the band doing something quite ambitious, and having some fun with this concept.  The more you listen to both of these discs, you realize how much more clarity there was to the original version.  What was actually released is an example of how a record company was able to apply pressure on the band.  And even with that in mind, it is still a great album, but once you hear the original you realize what it was meant to be.

The album is filled with narration, variety of vocals that require a character, and some really awesome music to illustrate it all.  Stackridge absolutely excels at the instrumental passages.  Coniston Water is an absolutely breathtaking track in that regard. 

Mr. Mick is truly an adventurous listen, and it gets richer with each spin.  The choice of the two versions gives the listener the alternative to choose which they like better.  That creative spirit of music is definitely present here, and it is meant to be enjoyed.

Mark Kadzielawa

Nuclear Assault – Radiation Sickness (Dissonance Productions)

 

Radiation Sickness is a live record from Nuclear Assault that goes back all the way to 1986.  At that time, the band released their Game Over album, and were instantly hailed as the new purveyors of thrash.  There was a very strong factor of coolness Nuclear Assault possessed, and it certainly worked in their favor.  Their album was strong, the fans quickly accepted the fans, and needless to say things were happening for the band.

This show was originally released on a video tape, and it really captures the moment in time.  The songs played here come from the first album, and show the band still learning the ropes of touring, and making their mark.  The show captured here, in England, catches the band on their first overseas trip.  Nuclear Assault is very precise here, and delivers a very scripted show.  The sound definitely improved since that import video tape became available back in the 80s.  At times, it sounds kind of echoed, but this is a strong show, and those songs simply can’t be touched. 

Radiation Sickness can be a lot of things to a lot of people.  Yes, it’s just another archival live record to many.  If you were there, and saw Nuclear Assault on those first tours, it takes you back to that magical time, and reminds you what a great time you and your friends used to have at those shows.  Those early Nuclear Assault shows were special, and whether it was Chicago, or London, the band always gave their best, and everyone left feeling satisfied.

This is a great tribute to those amazing times of mid 80s thrash scene.  Everything was new and fresh at the time.  The bands were making up history as they went along.  It was a great scene to be part of, and Nuclear Assault certainly made it special.  It is also a great live tribute to Game Over, one of the best thrash metal debuts of all times.  Please remember this material was not recorded with the idea of being a live record, but over the decades it became a reality.  The recording has an incredible spirit, and shows the band in a very unique setting.

Mark Kadzielawa

Vendetta – Black as Coal (Massacre Records)

 

Vendetta is a veteran speed metal band from Germany, although the only remaining member from the old days is the bass player, Klaus Ullrich.  The rest of the members joined the band within the last 20 years or so.  Black as Coal delivers the goods in a big way, and it totally feels like Vendetta.

This is a very dark and heavy album.  It does have a feel of the 1980s thrash, but it also has a modern flavor, and a top-notch production.  It’s a great album all the way through, each track attacks you with a punch.  Solid riffing, and plenty of twists and turns.

Black as Coal continues a great legacy that began back in the 1980s.  The current version of Vendetta wrote some heavy tunes and delivered an outstanding album.  Make no mistake about getting this album, and playing it repeatedly.

Mark Kadzielawa

Meddle Reimagined: A Tribute to Pink Floyd (Cleopatra)

 

At first the idea seemed little weird, but the final effect is more than impressive!  Nearly 30 artists were put together to have a go at Pink Floyd’s Meddle album.  Not the most known album, but certainly a great one.  What we have here are different tracks performed by different musicians, all adding their own stamp on the songs, and often taking it somewhere else. 

There is a sense of adventure here, and it’s what makes this album exciting, and not another boring tribute.  Some of these guys completely removed from the world of Pink Floyd.  Some examples that come to mind is Graham Bonnet of Rainbow fame, David J of Bauhaus, or Captain Sensible from The Damned. 

This project is really all about taking risks, not following the obvious, but not losing the sense of it all.  Each listen is a surprising one, there’s something special about this record.  Even after repeated listens it’s difficult to pinpoint as to what that is.  Pink Floyd fans may actually be taken with what was achieved here.  You will hear Meddle unlike any other time before for sure!

Mark Kadzielawa

Firewind – Still Raging (AFM Records)

 

Still Raging is a 20th anniversary live record!  Firewind celebrates two decades of music in this very special show.  Presented here in audio and video versions, and it’s all in one package.  That right there is a great deal!

This is a pure heavy metal show, the band is in great shape, and the audience responds accordingly.  Great exchange of the energy throughout the entire show.  Firewind brings the best it has to offer, and this celebration is grandiose.  Even watching this in action builds up some sweat!

Gus G may be known as the guitar player who once played with Ozzy, but this is old news.  This set is all things Firewind.  Gus G is definitely navigating the mothership on his own, and his vision is quite clear as to what he wants to achieve. 

Still Raging will invite you into a Firewind show, and in no time, you will feel like you were there.  Whether you listen, or watch, the effect is the same.  This set is beautifully put together, and a real treat for the fans.  Perhaps a good point of entry for a new fan who wants to find out what Firewind is all about.  Excellent overview of the last 20 years!!!

Mark Kadzielawa

Jack Starr's Burning Starr - Metal Generation 1985-2017 (Global Rock)

 

Jack Starr is one of the more distinguished heavy metal personalities in the United States.  The guitarist got his start in Virgin Steele, but then continued on his own, eventually starting his longest running project, Jack Starr’s Burning Starr.  The band released Rock the America Way back in 1985, and they are still doing just that.  Over the years, there were many configurations of Burning Starr, all of them very distinct and unique sounding.  This set is a fantastic overview of a very long and impressive career.

Metal Generation 1985-2017 includes seven CDs filled with Burning Starr albums, side projects, rarities, and live recordings.  The albums in this set include: Rock the American Way, No Turning Back, Blaze of Glory, Burning Starr, Under a Savage Sky, Land of The Dead, Stand Your Ground, and Keep The Metal Burning: Live in Germany.  In addition to these records, there are recordings of the Strider Project from 1991, and a disc or rarities, From the Vault.  Many of the records included here are out of print, or difficult to track down.  Keep The Metal Burning: Live in Germany was only available digitally up until now.  One of the biggest surprises is Under a Savage Sky.  Originally it was released back in 2003, as Jack Starr’s Guardians of The Flame.  It was a band, Starr had with the late singer, Shmoulik Avigal, of Picture fame.  It was an incredible album that never got properly recognized.  Here’s your chance to hear it, although it now presented as a Burning Starr record.  Technically speaking, besides Defiance from 2009, and the most recent, Souls of The Innocent, this set includes everything Burning Starr ever did.

Burning Starr plays a very traditional metal, in fact Jack Starr is one of the pioneers of the genre on this side of the Atlantic.  While the band wasn’t always the flavor of the month, they always delivered uncompromising albums that stood on its own.  Even after so many years later, these albums still rock and feel fresh.  The production wasn’t always top notch, but the spirit was always there.  Listening to this set is a trip down the memory lane.  Not only do you hear the music, but see events that were taking place as this music was being released.  In many ways one may realize how significant these songs were.

Metal Generation 1985-2017 is a great set of heavy metal history.  The discs are accompanied by a very informative booklet.  The whole story is very nicely explained with many great details, and some interesting trivia.  It makes this box a whole.  If you never heard of Burning Starr, this is a great place to start, if you already a fan, you want this for the rarities and completion purposes.  It’s definitely a must have either way!

Mark Kadzielawa

The Mission, The Chameleons, Theatre of Hate - Thalia Hall, Chicago 10/6/23

 

What an amazing evening of alternative new wave music from the British Isles.  The three bands that performed tonight are very specific in their respective subgenres, and incredibly influential in the world of new wave music.  You simply couldn’t dream of better pairing that could speak to the audience on so many different levels.

Theatre of Hate got on stage first, and quickly established a very good rapport with the audience.  The band was well rehearsed and flowing, and there was a bit of mystery about the way they played.  This legendary outfit goes back all the way to 1980, and represents the post punk underground at its absolute best.  Vocalist/guitarist, Kirk Brandon, was commanding the show, and setting the tone song after song.  Bassist, Stan Stammers, added a lot of feel with his very colorful rhythms.  His interaction with drummer, Chris Bell, was extremely impressive.  Saxophonist, Clive Osbourne, was the key element here.  While not completely up front, it was Osbourne’s saxophone parts that brought each song to life. 

There was amazing musical interaction between the four members of Theatre of Hate.  They even played, Grapes of Wrath, a song by Spear of Destiny, which another legendary band that Kirk Brandon is part of.  It was great to hear that song, as much as Judgement Hymn, or Do You Believe in West World.  It’s odd how these songs take on a different meaning decades after they were written.  Theatre of Hate proved they are a timeless band, and should definitely enjoy more than a cult status on this side of the Atlantic.

The Chameleons were next, and it yet another legend to grace the Thalia Hall stage in the same evening.  They came on strong with A Person Isn’t Safe Anywhere These Days, and this couldn’t be more-true when you’re in the middle of Chicago.  From the first song onward, The Chameleons had the crowd captivated and engaged.  Each song took the band to a new high, and the audience was there right along with them.

Bassist/vocalist, Mark Burgess, was very charismatic, and delivered a very good show.  There was a bit of trauma, as Burgess’s mother passed away only few days before this performance.  He carried through, and added a lot of sorrow and spirituality into his delivery.  The Chameleons worked well as a unit, left the crowd more than satisfied with their brand of post punk rock.

The Mission were the main attraction of the evening, and they hist the stage with Beyond the Pale, setting the right mood for the rest of the evening.  There was a very natural flow in how The Mission acted, and played the songs.  There was nothing forced about their show, just a band having fun, and making their audience happy.  Even though the nature of many of their songs may be melancholic, or even outright morbid, there was a lot of humor in how vocalist/guitarist, Wayne Hussey, handled himself.  At 65, Hussey, sounded great, and seemed just as vital as he was back in 1988 at the Metro.  Hussey himself may argue the point, but the fans were happy to see him again playing those great songs.

Besides Hussey, the band featured Craig Adams on bass, and Simon Hinkler on guitar from the original line up of the band.  Alex Baum, was playing drums for The Mission, and he did a mighty good job with those songs, even scoring a short drum solo.  These players knew each other inside out, you could feel the good vibes coming from the stage, and a perfect execution of the songs that followed. 

The Mission played a very varied set.  There was a combination of classic tracks like Wasteland, Severina, Deliverance, or Butterfly on a Wheel which brought the house down with each chord.  The band played several deeper cuts from the middle part of their career.  Songs like Met-Amor-Phosis, or Afterglow, which also worked great, and got great reactions from the audience.  The band closed their most ultimate classic of all, which is Tower of Strength, and that was a great way to conclude the show.

There was a very relaxed atmosphere throughout the show.  The bands were great, and you could sense of community of commitment within the ranks of the fans.  Everyone was having a great time, hearing some great tunes, and seeing legendary bands bringing back some of the best memories from the past.  But let’s not stay too deep in the past, all three groups are very much forward thinking, and they still write and release new music, which deserves your attention, and support.  Amazing evening of three very special and unique bands.  Catch them if they come through your town.

Mark Kadzielawa

GALLERY

THE MISSION

THE CHAMELEONS

THEATRE OF HATE