King Crimson - Ravinia Festival, Highland Park 8/29/21

King Crimson is truly a seven-headed monster.  This band took many surprising turns throughout their career.  Never compromising just moving forward.  Just when you thought there was no place for King Crimson to go, the three-drummer solution was the total ace under the sleeve of Robert Fripp.

Let’s just say the latest King Crimson concert was probably the most ambitious show ever put together by any rock band.  It’s a case where the band completely relied on the music, and the music spoke volumes.  It was a spectacle projected by the most complicated simplicity imaginable.

The three drummers took the center stage, and everyone else was elevated in the second row.  From the get go, it was understood, the drummer were the common denominator here.  It was an absolute perfection how they exchange a simple roll with each player adding a twist, and the ability to stop at a moment’s notice.  It was as if the drummers developed their own language, and they were just sending out coded messages to each other, and the rest of the band.  This review could’ve easily been about the drummers alone.  Pat Mastelotto, Jeremy Stacey, and Gavin Harrison are something to see.

King Crimson played a combination of songs from many of their phases.  They presented their songs with some interesting arrangements.  You could feel the music evolve right in front of your eyes, and there wasn’t a moment to be missed.  Going to the bathroom or getting a drink was simply not n option.  Guitarist/vocalist, Jakko Jakszyk, did an amazing job delivering the vocals, and finding a way of connecting with the great singers of the King’s past.  Not only was he a great singer, but played his guitar parts beautifully and with complete conviction.  Robert Fripp definitely found a musician with an extensive instrumental vocabulary he can play with.

Tony Levin provided a very solid bottom end, and with three drummers at his disposal he really had his hands full.  It wasn’t anything a bass player of this caliber couldn’t handle.  Levin moved swiftly between bass, standing bass, and the mesmerizer (which is what this writer to call the Chapman Stick prior to learning its proper name.)  Mel Collins was constantly present adding variety of saxophone sounds, and flute.  His gentle approach to the music was absolutely perfect, and elevated each song to new heights.  Drummer, Jeremy Spencer, often switched between drums and piano, the man was certainly busy and very effective.

Robert Fripp was the captain of this ship, and his easy-going navigation took King Crimson from heights to heights.  I don’t think I saw a band climax so many times within one evening.  Fripp’s playing as always interesting, but very much to the point.  He does not overplay nor is he trying to be a guitar hero, but what he does is incredibly effective.  Sometimes down to very few notes, but it’s those notes that channel the energy of the whole band.  Robert Fripp clearly understands his purpose.  No need to to explain that any further.

There songs King Crimson selected to play this night brought in many highlights and memories.  “Epitaph” comes to mind right away.  It’s perhaps one of the finest songs ever crafted, and it dates back to 1969.  Some things just don’t get old.  “Red” took the band in yet another motion.  “Islands” provided incredible balance, and kudos to Jakszyk for a beautiful rendition of this classic track.  “Level Five” came across incredibly powerful.  It was a track to wrestle with, but what a delivery from every member.  “Starless” always sounds so deep.  The song was electrifying with its flowing energy, yet there was something incredibly relaxing about it.  King Crimson came back for an encore with “21st Century Schizoid Man,” a classic track with an incredible drum solo from Gavin Harrison. 

King Crimson managed to take its audience into another dimension.  Away from pandemic, daily stress, and anything else that sends negative vibes.  It was a musical performance for a very certain audience.  Many young kids in the audience alongside the old guard, which only underlines how powerful the music is.  King Crimson felt like a ship from another dimension that landed in Ravinia, delivered magic, and took off into infinity.  It was powerful with touch of sensibility, and three drummers up front.

Mark Kadzielawa

Destruction - Born To Thrash (Deko Music)

Destruction couldn’t think of truer statement than the title of this new live record.  Born to Thrash is a combination of live CD and a DVD.  You get it both ways, and it’s an absolute win-win situation.  Recorded at a festival in Germany back in 2019, this set is just delivers the maximum energy.  Destruction is primarily a live band, and hell breaks loose when they hit the stage. 

It’s a festival set of 10 songs, so they go for the most effective and proven tracks.  The only exceptions are the two new tracks from the recent Born To Perish album.  Also, this marks a live debut of the current Destruction line up, and it’s very powerful.  Drummer, Randy Black, and guitarist, Damir are a great fit for the band, and instantly add energy to already a live powerhouse.

Destruction revolves around the two key members, bass player/vocalist, Schmier, and guitarist, Mike.  Both initial founders of the band, and the men responsible for the artistic output of Destruction.  Mike is perhaps the most precise guitar player of the thrash metal genre.  His riffing is unlike anyone else’s, and he simply shines on this release.  Schmier is a very intense frontman who not only delivers his parts perfectly and with conviction, and gets the crowd going wild!  His stage presence is a statement in itself, for further details simply view the DVD

Destruction is very energetic on stage, you can hear it and see it.  Either way you chose it, the effect is the same; they kill!  Very few classic thrash bands can maintain that type of intensity and enthusiasm.  And this isn’t just for the sake of live record.  It happens every time I see this band.  Watching them go at it on stage makes me sweat.  The band is not holding back one bit.

The group still continues to release great studio records, and tours the world regularly.  There is a very youthful feel about Destruction, despite some criticisms.  I’ve known Schmier, since 1989, and I can assure you that we’re both crazy motherfuckers who never want to get old.  This attitude reflects in the band’s music and live performances. 

Born To Thrash is an awesome set of classic thrash metal that will melt your face.  It is beautifully packaged with a painted cover, and band’s logo filled with flames.  The DVD includes some behind the scenes interviews, and the overall look at how Destruction operates.  What you see is what you get.  Destruction forever!!!!

Mark Kadzielawa

AC/DC - POWR/UP (Columbia)

Getting new AC/DC music is like visiting an old friend, you know things will be great, and they are!  The new album delivers everything this band is known and what one would expect.  After suffering the loss of Malcolm Young, the band appeared to be in limbo.  Add Brian Johnson’s hearing problems, which made him quit the road during last tour, Phil Rudd’s legal problems, and Cliff Williams’ retirement.  Well, everyone is back and ready to rock.  Malcolm’s place is now occupied by Steve Young.  Steve often filled in the past, and a has a good understanding of AC/DC’s music.  The band is back and the music flows.

POWR/UP feels very fresh, and we see the band rocking rather hard.  This record has no fillers; it’s just one rocking tune after another.  Outstanding guitar performance by both Youngs, and Angus’s soloing as extraordinary as always.  It has a great sense of melody, but above all a solid punch for the 41 minutes of the record’s duration. 

I keep hearing opinions comparing it to Back In Black, but that’s not the case here.  Back In Black was a carefully sculpted monster that took AC/DC out of theaters into the arenas.  POWR/UP is an album that assures band’s position as an arena act.  Plenty of great tunes here that could easily be included in band’s set list, but with such impressive catalog, what do you drop? 

POWR/UP is another gem in band’s discography.  It is a well-produced record, and the performances are superb.  What a great way to recover when things did not look bright.  AC/DC overcomes all of the odds, and proves once again they are a brand that does not bend easily.  While the age of these players may be the factor, don’t expect them to give up easily.  There are plenty of great riffs left up their sleeves.

Mark Kadzielawa

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

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