John Lennon - 40 Years Gone (a personal reflection)

 A great man was shot and killed 40 years ago.  John Lennon was not only a music icon, a person with very idealistic views about humanity, peace, and equality.  His message of love and harmony is still very vital among his followers and beyond.  His life was cut short just as he was about to re-launch his career into a new decade.  With a new and exciting new album, the future looked bright.  No one saw it coming. 

The world mourned, and after all those years the myth of John Lennon is still as strong as it ever was.  His achievements with The Beatles, and solo are forever written in the musical history.  The world could certainly use a visionary like John Lennon today, and his message is more relevant than ever 40 years after his untimely death.

Where was I when all of it went down?  Literally on the other side of the world.  I was in 4th grade, living in communist Poland, and having my first-ever English lesson.  That’s where I found out about Lennon’s death.  The lesson turned out to be a little bit of a joke, but it certainly laid some mental foundations for the life to come on this side of the Atlantic.  Prophetic really.  The news was widely reported in the Polish media for days to come.  The Beatles and Lennon were widely celebrated figures bordering on sainthood, and rightfully so.  It was a tremendous loss, the radio devoted hours to the music Lennon was involved with.

Lennon never compromised.  He truly stood for what he believed, and he fought for it with all his might.  Even if the whole world thought he was wrong, he was clearly pursuing his path.  When his fame got in the way, he turned his back on that too.  All he needed was love and nothing was going to change his ways.  It sounds so simple, yet not always easily achievable, but certainly worth fighting for.

For years I wanted to visit the Dakota building in New York, where this tragedy took place, and I have to say I’m scared to go there.  Maybe one day I will overcome this fear.  I celebrate his passing every year on December 8, by wearing a t-shirt or a button with Lennon of The Beatles to work.  In fact, there were few of us who used to do that, and now it’s down to me.  People retire, or move on, but I’m glad to be carrying the torch for John. 

John Lennon is now gone for 40 years, also the age he was at the time of his death.  Had he lived, he would’ve been 80 years old.  Who knows how many great songs he still had in him.  Each Beatle managed to pull some great music late in their career, and Lennon certainly would not have been an exception.  But we could only wonder, as we had for the last 40 years.  Rest easy John.

Mark Kadzielawa

Repentance - God for a Day (AIW Records)

 

Repentance is a new band put together by a Chicago metal veteran Shaun Glass.  Joining Glass is a former Stuck Mojo vocalist, Robby J. Fonts.  This is a really powerful outfit that simply delivers the goods.  If you listen hard enough, you’ll spot some traces of the former bands, but generally speaking this is a brand-new venture for everyone.

God for a Day feels very fresh.  Solid riffing, melodic tunes, plenty of catchy hooks, and great lead work.  Glass’s guitar tone always reminds me of that classic Swedish death metal from the 90s, only far more modern and polished.  At The Gates comes to mind, but that’s where that comparison ends.  It’s a great tone, I’ve been enjoying it in his previous bands as well.  There is certainly a signature as to how he plays and sounds. 

Fonts fits the music perfectly.  His vocals dominate each track, and he sounds deadly but completely audible.  The tone of his vocals truly qualifies as another instrument trying to balance the music.  It is a good mix, and I can tell a lot of thought went into putting this band together and writing the material. 

Markus Johansson is a very melodic lead player, and a great match for Glass’s unstoppable riffing.  Mike Sylvester and Kanky Lora complete the band as the rhythm section.  All very solid, well-rehearsed, and super tight.  It’s hard to believe this is a new band, but the experience pouring out of the speakers is undeniable. 

The album is fairly short, only 9 tracks that add up to 32 minutes, but there is no need for more.  Repentance makes a solid statement and leaves the listener begging for more.  The songs are well structured with plenty of mood swings, well-paced and flowing.  It’s a great debut and it keeps you wondering what else does Repentance have up their sleeves?  And as for this writer, I can’t wait to hear it.  Raging metal from a new Chicago band!

Mark Kadzielawa

Macabre - Carnival of Killers (Nuclear Blast)

 

Macabre is Chicago’s metal trio specializing in writing songs about serial killers.  They’ve turned murder and horror into art form with a good dose of humor in it.  Carnival of Killers is their first album in nearly a decade, and it certainly has the makings of a classic.

What really strikes me about this record is the excellent musicianship.  This isn’t just a regular heavy metal record; these guys can play.  That’s been obvious for years, but they continuously get better as the years go by.  It is safe to say the members of Macabre are extremely accomplished in their respective fields of instrumentation.  Adding elements of jazz and fusion really enriches their brand of heavy and makes it unique.  Also, there are very unusual time changes which will challenge the listener into repeated plays.  The excellent production makes all of these factors stand out even more. 

After 35 years in the business, Macabre had developed a style, or a brand if you may.  What they are able to show now is how comfortable they feel navigating within that style.  There are plenty of left and right turns, use of the nursery rhymes, or some classic folk melodies.  Their creative juices (and blood) are still flowing.  It isn’t just a thrash metal record, but a cultural experience.

Carnival of Killers proves that murder metal is alive and well, and Macabre is still full of crazy ideas well translated into music.  This is an excellent record that only gets better with each listen.  If you were a Macabre fan already, you will find it very enjoyable with some unexpected surprises.  If Macabre is a new band to your ears, this is a great start, but be ready for a long ride into the past.  And if you’re from Chicago, we’ll be seeing each other at the Macabre’s annual Christmas show, and I hope they will play this gem in its entirety.  No need for further deliberation, Carnival of Killers is an instant winner!

Mark Kadzielawa

UFO - The Arcada, St. Charles, IL 10/25/19 (words and images by Mark Kadzielawa)

The name of this tour is called Last Orders, and as the name indicates, it is supposed to be the final goodbye from UFO.  It is a big loss for many UFO fans who are used to seeing the band on yearly basis.  Also, band’s relationship with the Chicago audiences is legendary, and it will be a void hard to fill.  Despite the mood of the impending doom, the band soldiered, and delivered the goods.

From the first sounds of Mother Mary, the band pressed hard, and one could sense they are giving the fans their best.  Vocalist, Phil Moog, was very animated and in good shape.  Despite the advance age and the history of self -abuse, he was singing great, and not missing a note.  Also, his charisma made up for a lot of funny moments throughout the show.

Early in the tour, keyboardist/guitarist, Paul Raymond, passed away.  Raymond was replaced by Neil Carter to complete the tour.  Carter has a history with UFO.  He was with the band from 1980 to 1983, and was responsible for writing and co-writing many songs from that time.  We Belong to The Night is a perfect example of that, and it was a second song of the evening.  Carter added a lot of energy to UFO.  He has a very intense presence.  In fast trying to properly capture him in a photo was a bit of a challenge.  Also, Carter is much heavier player than Raymond, so there was a different dynamic to how the band sounded.  It was actually very cool to hear UFO with a rougher edge.  Not to take anything away from Raymond who generally had a much blues-oriented approach.  Both players are very special and unique in their way.

 I remember seeing the band three times last year, but this felt different.  UFO certainly wanted to give more.  They were not holding back.  It was as if on both sides of the stage everyone knew that this was it, and it felt like it too.  No chance this will turn into one of those 10 year-long farewell tours.  There was unusual vigor and determination to give the audiences the best show possible.  Phil Moog had an amazing night.  He sang beautifully, and did not have a single moment where things would go wrong.  It was perfect.  Vinnie Moore played very smoothly, often adding his flavor to already great guitar-oriented material.  He clearly enjoyed partnering with Carter, and really let it rip.  It certainly was the heaviest UFO in years.  Let’s not forget a very solid rhythm section consisting of Andy Parker and Rob De Luca.  Parker is a powerhouse on drums, and De Luca provides very solid and melodic bottom end.  Players like that are a joy to watch.

The set list mostly consisted of all UFO classics, which the majority of the Strangers in The Night live album.  There were two newer songs, Run Boy Run, and Burn Your House Down.  The biggest surprise was the inclusion of Fighting Man from album Sharks.  It was the last record with Michael Schenker, and there was no tour that followed.  It was a great spectacle of great songs, great memories, and a long and sincere goodbye.  Whatever may come next, one thing is sure, five decades of UFO was one great flight!

Mark Kadzielawa

GALLERY:

Aftermath – There is Something Wrong (Zoid Entertainment)

After nearly a lifetime away Aftermath is back with a brand-new album.  Many newer fans may have a difficult time understanding where the band may be coming from whereas as the long-time fans will get it right away.  The reason for that is that Eyes of Tomorrow album was the only recording available from Aftermath for many years, and everyone assumed that’s the way the band always sounded.  Wrong!  Aftermath was a speedcore band upon their formation, and as the time went on, they matured and changed.  The new album offers a fine mix between the old and new with more push towards harder and faster material.  In recent years, the old Aftermath recordings are surfacing again, so the fans may get to know the whole history.

This is a very interesting record.  Not only is it musically intense but it bears a very deep lyrical message.  As the life went on, the band members found themselves questioning the reality, politics, and all shady deals that go on under the table.  It does not produce a pretty picture, and that’s what Aftermath is focusing on this album.  It’s all one big conspiracy in the eyes of (tomorrow.)  The lyrics will certainly make you think, and question your immediate surroundings.  Also, the manner in which it is delivered is very angry and in your face.   

Despite the long absence from the scene the band still sounds technically superb.  Instrumentally, the band members deliver the goods on every single track.  Singer, Kyriakos-Charlie Tsiolis, adjusts his delivery and tone to fit the individual tracks.  Tsiolis works hard here to get his point across, and his performance truly reflects that.  Drummer, Ray Schmidt, is just unstoppable.  One of the fastest drummers ever, and his attention to detail is second to none.  Guitarist, Steve Sacco, just burns with plethora of riffs, some at a break-neck speed.  Bassist, George Nektarios Lagis, completes the line up with a very solid bottom end.  Aftermath is a well-oiled machine ready to go to war!

There is Something Wrong is a record that requires a lot from the listener.  It’s also a record that opens a new perspective with each listen.  It does make you feel very uncomfortable at times, and it’s like a code that needs to be broken.  And that’s your job as a listener.  The album feels very fresh, and very much apart from what we are being served in 2019.  Intriguing and very much against the current!

Mark Kadzielawa

Judas Priest / Uriah Heep - Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL 5/25/19 (Images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

Two great legends come together for an evening of classic hard rock.  Judas Priest and Uriah Heep pair up in this one of a kind tour, and simply deliver the goods to an ecstatic audience.  It certainly was a special night for variety of reasons.

Uriah Heep opened the show, and got things going instantly.  The band looked and felt very fresh, and their approach was very energetic.  The group is very active on the touring circuit, and an excellent live band to begin with.  Guitarist, Mick Box, was in great shape and mood.  His signature riffing and moves energized the audience.  Singer, Bernie Shaw, worked the crowd, and sang beautifully delivering note after note.  Keyboard player, Phil Lanzon, was adding color to the music, and often set the mood to the tracks.  His role was extremely important as many Heep classics are based around the keyboards.  The rhythm section was incredible.  Drummer, Russell Gilbrook, and bassist, Davey Rimmer, were super tight taking each song to the limit, and beyond.  It was very joyous to watch this outfit on stage.

Uriah Heep had an enormous task ahead of them.  How do you narrow down so much great music into an hour-long set?  They played many of their classic tracks from the golden age, and those went down like a storm.  No one could argue with the greatness of those tracks and their immense impact on the rock music.  Uriah Heep still do these songs with great detail and fury.  Gypsy, Look At Yourself, Stealin’, and Easy Livin’ were just exactly the songs the audience came to hear, and the band gave it to them.  In addition to the classic Heep, the band played some new music from their newly released Living The Dream.  It’s a superb record, and the new songs simply rock.  Grazed By Heaven which opened their set went down like a storm, as did Knocking At My Door. 

Uriah Heep delivered a very solid set.  They seemed very happy with how the audience was responding.  The only problem with their performance is that it was too short.  Once the audience got the groove of Uriah Heep it quickly came to an end.  It certainly left many longing for more as many Uriah Heep t-shirts were spotted in the audience.  Uriah Heep did an outstanding job!

Prior to Judas Priest taking the stage, the band warmed up the audience to another band from Birmingham.  A few minutes of War Pigs filled the room, and the audience quickly joined in singing along.  It was certainly a classic moment to experience.  Few minutes later it was Judas Priest with Necromancer, and the then we were Heading Out to The Highway, a first big surprise of the evening.  Prior to this tour Judas Priest promised to really shake things up in their set list. 

Rob Halford added the drama to the spectacle with his various costumes and one ear piercing voice.  He sounded great, and seemed to be completely concentrated on his delivery.  Then another surprise, Sentinel, and the crowd was going berserk!  Judas Priest was mixing the new tracks from their Firepower album, with older classic tunes.  And as promised, they really looked deep into their catalog. (Take These) Chains was probably a highlight for this writer, and it was absolutely an awesome track to hear on stage.  There were few rarities which really elevated this show above anything the band’s done recently.  The tracks in question include:  Out in The Cold, Starbreaker, Steeler, Tyrant, and All Guns Blazing.  As a center piece, the band brought back Victim Of Changes, and that was a definite highlight.  New songs rocked hard too showing that Priest is far from finished when it comes to writing and releasing new music.  Spectre, Traitors Gate, and No Surrender were just perfect song to prove Priest’s vitality.

Guitarist, Richie Faulkner, was on fire!  Not only was he nailing every riff and every lead, but he’s developed into a great showman.  He clearly understands what Judas Priest is all about.  Great effort from Faulkner.  Andy Sneap was the other guitar player in the band.  Sneap is a temporary replacement for Glenn Tipton who is dealing with serious health issues.  Sneap did a very solid job.  His harmonizing with Faulkner was very effective.  Sneap’s stage manner was not as flashy, but his playing was great.  He was having fun, and you could clearly see that. 

Drummer, Scott Travis, is just so incredible to watch.  His playing is so powerful yet it does not appear like he’s putting much effort into it.  A fact that makes him one of the best drummers out there.  Bassist, Ian Hill, may not like to take the center stage, but his presence is really what drives this group.  His sense of rhythm and Travis’s powerful drumming make up one winning formula.  They are the secret weapon to Judas Priest’s success.

Judas Priest were incredible!  Rob Halford was in great form, and his voice was shattering!  This show was much more enjoyable than the last few, mostly due to an exciting set list.  The band really took some great chances and it paid off in a big way.  One can only hope they will continue re-visit their catalog and bring back some great tracks, and there is plenty available!  They dropped some of the obvious songs people were used to, but this exchange was great.  After the show there were many fans raving about the material they did play.  It worked, people loved it, keep it going!

Mark Kadzielawa

Gallery:

URIAH HEEP

JUDAS PRIEST

Angel / Starz - Reggies, Chicago, IL 5/10/19 (Images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

This was a definitely a great night of fun.  It was also a trip back into the 1970's rock.  Two bands that toured together back in those days, got together again, and did what they do best.  They rocked hard!  

Starz were a 1970s great hard rock band.  They were not overly successful, but incredibly respected and liked by the fans and peers alike.  The band took the stage, and sizable crowd began to form in front.  There were all kinds of people in the audience, young and old.  Some able to remember the band's glory days from the 70s, and some seeing the group for the first time and counting their luck.  

Starz started with Live Wire, followed it with Tear It Down, and Fallen Angel.  The band felt very comfortable on stage, and delivered one great tune after another.  Singer, Michael Lee Smith appeared in a Scottish kilt.  He was in great shape vocally, and told some very cool stories and anecdotes between the songs.  Guitarist, Richie Ranno, played a very smooth set, even unleashing his double neck guitar.  And Joe X Dube provided a solid beat, and his one of a kind attitude.

It was clear that Starz had a great time on stage.  Their sleazy rock approach found quick approval from the audience who was enjoying this set tremendously.  Chip Z-Nuff added a local flavor and joined the band for one track.  It was fun.  They could've been the headliner.  Nobody would mind.  Judging from the crowd's response, Starz better make another visit to Chicago very soon.

Newly reformed Angel was the main attraction of the evening.  Angel were another legendary band from the 1970s who a great cult following.  This incarnation of Angel features vocalist Frank DiMino, and guitarist, Punky Meadows as the two key players.  The rest of the band was rounded up by newer players who were very good at carrying out the great music.  DiMino and Meadows were responsible for the majority of the writing the Angel material.

The band appeared in their signature white uniforms, which added a lot to the overall spectacle.  They gave the show they were known for, and the fans loved it.  It quickly became very clear that both DiMino and Meadows still had what it took to put on a great show.  DiMino was nailing some high notes he is known for, and meadows showed some great guitar work.  The man can definitely solo, and he is very unique in his approach.  

It was great to hear the classic Angel material from all of their albums.  Those were seasoned and well tested songs.  The band simply couldn't go wrong.  The delivery was superb, and the backing players really stepped up their game to make sure it was an absolutely perfect performance, and it was.  This really felt great and both sides of the stage felt the energy being channeled.  Songs like On The Rocks, Mirrors, Can You Feel It, or Wild and Hot were instant hits with the audience, and many sang along with DiMino.  

Angel is about to record a new album, and validate their reunion.  This performance certainly indicated that all is well in the Angel camp.  The band was tight and well rehearsed, but above all, they connected with the audience at ease.  Their set was dynamic and well planned.  We can only hope for more activity from this great but very underrated band.  

As mentioned above, this was a very fun night.  There were a lot of true fans for both Starz and Angel who left very satisfied.  There was some people who complained about this and that, but you simply can't have it all.  Let's be honest, both bands had players in their 60s, and that is a very demanding age.  But just the fact they were willing to get on stage, have fun, play a solid set, and give some joy to the fans needs to be admired.  As for this writer, I loved this evening and would gladly repeat the experience!

Mark Kadzielawa

Gallery:

STARZ

ANGEL: