Jade Warrior – Wind Borne -The Island Years 1974-1978 (Esoteric Recordings)

Jade Warrior were a progressive rock band from the 1970’s.  This box consists of four album the band recorded for Island Records.  The records in question are Floating World, Waves, Kites, and Way of The Sun.  Many of these albums were difficult to find, and this boxset sums it all up in one place. 

Jade Warrior were rather an experimental band with a lot of ethnic influences.  They were not a typical progressive band either.  One has to have a very specific taste in order to fully understand Jade Warrior.  Don’t expect Genesis or Yes here, but rather a band that reaches a bit more into the music, and tries to locate its deepest secrets.

The music on those four records sometimes comes across sounding very minimalistic.  This band loves a lot of space and their sounds can be scarce at times, but extremely colorful.  The use of flute makes the music feel very delicate, and mysterious.  Each album, has slightly a different twist and approach, and it is actually a plus that all four are included here. 

Jade Warrior might be considered strange or unusual, but their madness makes a lot of sense.  This band was very unconventional, they took a lot of chances, and probably risked a lot of label support.  What is left behind is an uncompromising musical trip into the unknown.  Old fans will certainly know what they are getting, but any potential new fans of progressive rock are in for a pleasant surprise.

Mark Kadzielawa

The Church – Thalia Hall, Chicago, Illinois 3/26/23 (images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

The Church made history in Chicago playing songs from their new album, The Hypnogogue, and plenty of classic tracks from their 40 year-old career.  In fact, it was probably hard to narrow down a set list that would make everyone happy.  The Church provided a very nice breakdown, and a great show.

This was also the first introduction of the new line up to the Chicago audience.  The three-guitar blend provided an unbelievable sonic mix of sounds that elevated the songs to a new level.  It was absolutely amazing to see this band deliver track after track with so much attention to detail, and still having fun with little improvised parts here and there.  The new songs were absolutely brilliant live, and the old tracks got a new lease on life with this combination of players.  It was a great experience all the way through.

Vocalist/bassist, Steve Kilbey, looked happy and completely content with how things turned out for his band.  He was having fun on stage, even improvising his own version of Hey Joe in honor of the band’s tour bus driver, whose name you can only guess.  Great guitar interaction between Ian Haug and Ashely Naylor.  What a great understanding these two guitar players managed to develop in such a short amount of time.  Add, multi-instrumentalist, Jeffrey Cain, into the mix, and true magic begins to take place.  Drummer, Tim Powles was forced to sit out this tour due to visa problem.  Nicholas Meredith was handpicked and schooled by Powles.  Meredith was absolutely marvelous behind the kit.  He provided great feel for the songs, and will continue to be part of The Church family alongside Powles.  Great songs, outstanding musicianship, and blinding creativity!

Much has to be said about the new music from The Hypnogogue.  Those songs were received enthusiastically.  As good as the classic material is, it was obvious how much more the new tracks stood out from the rest.  The Church could’ve easily played the new album in its entirety, and that would’ve been fully justified.  This could be the defining moment for the group, despite its 40-year history.  The musical leap forward is evident here!

This concert, like many other shows from The Church, was once again a spiritual experience.  At one point you realize this band is playing these songs just for you, despite the number of people in the audience.  The beauty of it is that it’s a shared experience that appeals to everyone's individual senses.  There were a lot of surprises the band prepared for the fans, but what was most attractive thing was the actual delivery, and how they did it.  Notice, no songs titles were given in this review for that reason alone.  Add some creative lights, and the charm of a place like Thalia Hall, and you’re in for an evening you won’t forget anytime soon.

Mark Kadzielawa

PHOTO GALLERY

Arrows – The Complete Collection (Cherry Red)

 

Arrows were a British glam band from the mid 70s.  This trio released one album, and several singles before calling it a day.  Their big claim to fame is I Love Rock N Roll single.  Yes, it’s the same single that was heard by Joan Jett.  Jett of course played around with the tempo, applied a new level of aggression, and made a huge hit.  Arrows however were a very cool band with places to go.

First Hit was the only album Arrows released.  It’s a good record, but you can clearly see a band that is trying to find an identity.  The songs vary in styles.  There is rock, pop, glam, and even a bit of gospel.  It’s actually quite amazing how spread-out Arrows were, but at this point there really isn’t one common denominator that unites these tracks with a certain style.

The album and the singles are still a rewarding listen, and things can get very nostalgic at times.  For this writer, 1970s happened to be childhood years, and the radio played a lot of music like Arrows.  Good memories were attached to those times, and while some songs were hard to remember, the sounds quickly signal the vibe.  Having such background makes appreciating Arrows very easy.  This is fun record from a very special time in rock music that will never repeat.

The Complete Collection is a beautifully put together set.  The sounds on both discs are great, there are plenty of bonus tracks, and a great booklet with photos and memorabilia.  The booklet is very informative, and there is some surprising information, but giving it all away here wouldn’t be fair.  This set has a very special charm, and will grow with each listen.

Mark Kadzielawa

Angel - Once Upon a Time (Cleopatra)

 

In 2019, Angel was officially revived by vocalist, Frank Dimino, and guitarist, Punky Meadows.  Dimino and Meadows put together a very solid group around them, and released an excellent comeback album, Risen.  The album set very high standards, and showed Angel as a band that can still deliver the goods, and surprise many fans. 

Once Upon a Time finds Angel in a great shape, and they have another great record to offer.  The album is focused, well written, and beautifully delivered.  Not only are Dimino and Meadows on top of their game, but the band truly shines here.  There is a definite feeling of harmony within the music here.  The album sounds and feels good.

The songs are melodic, with plenty of catchy hooks.  Dimino’s vocals drive each song, and he sounds fantastic from track to track.  It’s a very varied album with plethora of moods being explored.  From powerful rockers to teary ballads, and all in between, Once Upon a Time has it all.

Angel makes a powerful rock statement once again, and they make it look simple and easy.  This is an excellent release, and you will be turning this record over and over.  As Dimino sings, “Music gets me high,” in one of the songs, and he’s not kidding, this album is addictive.  Once Upon a Time is a perfect blend of rock in any shade available!

Mark Kadzielawa

The Church – The Hypnogogue (Communicating Vessels)

 

The Hypnogogue is a great achievement by a veteran band who never stopped on their quest towards perfection.  The Church still continues to evolve, and introduce new elements into their music.  This time, the band is back with a new line up, and of course plenty of new and exciting music.  The sound however is still The Church, and it’s an album that goes in deep.

The beauty of The Church is their reflective mood which they cast upon the listener.  This album is a nearly 65 minutes, and you instantly fall under the imaginary spell.  All of the sounds come at you, take hold of you, and make you travel in variety of different directions.  Each listen takes you somewhere else even though you think you know the songs, and are expecting certain emotions to be repeated. 

It feels like The Church began a new chapter in their career with Further/Deeper back in 2014.  The music became completely unrestrained and without any borders.  The songs are still reaching deep into one’s conscience and provide a spiritual oasis for the soul.  There is a dark beauty to this music, and The Hypnogogue stretches it even more.  If you’re looking for hits, you won’t find any, but you find an incredible collection of songs that work together very well.

It's quite unbelievable how this band was reassembled, and they were able to process this vision with such amazing effects.  This writer certainly misses Peter Koppes, and his signature guitar tone, but even Koppes himself would most likely agree this is an exceptional record.  The current members of The Church created a magical album.

For many years, the Church was often dismissed as a one hit wonder, when in fact they are one of the best kept secrets in music.  Their journey is fascinating, and records like The Hypnogogue are worth the wait.  It’s an album full of mirrors where you can see your face in every reflection possible.

Mark Kadzielawa

Blind Illusion – Wrath of The Gods (Hammerheart Records)

 

Blind Illusion was one of the most unique bands from the Bay Area.  They always had this cool rock element in their music, and their take on metal always stood apart from the rest.  This new album fully supports the above-mentioned claims.

Wrath of The Gods is a very heavy record, well written, with plenty of catchy hooks.  The music takes you on a journey here.  It’s a mix of heavy metal with rock mysticism, incredibly original approach.  After the repeated listens the album continues to surprise with its textures and arrangements.  Each song is crafted with a lot of thought and understanding of music in general.  If Blind Illusion appealed to you back in 1988, then that appeal should be even stronger now.

Guitarist/vocalist, Mark Biedermann, is the only returning member from the line-up that produced The Sane Asylum back in 1988.  Joining him are Doug Piercy on guitar, Andy Galeon on drums, and Tom Gears on bass.  This is a very solid line up, made of veterans of the San Francisco scene.  The performances are very strong, and Piercy’s lead work is truly impeccable.  Biedermann’s guitar and vocals still define Blind Illusion's sound, and his presence is very strong, but it’s great to feel the positive influence of the other band members.  This is a very tight unit of talented players.

The album has a great feel, at times sounds very mysterious, but with definite clarity.  The songs beam with strength and heaviness, and the record is a great listen all the way through.  Wrath of The Gods proves that Blind Illusion was always the engine that powered the great Bay Area metal scene.

Mark Kadzielawa

Munition – Visions (self-release)

 

Munition is a brand-new heavy metal band from Chicago, and Visions is their debut release.  It’s an excellent record, and feels more like 2nd or 3rd record.  There is a strong a sense of experience here, even though these players are relatively young.  Well, they are definitely on the right path.  The goods are delivered!

Visions is a well written and produced album.  It charges with electricity from beginning to the end.  The songs are catchy, and flowing.  Instrumentally, these guys are just absolutely perfect in every way possible.  Very tight rhythm section consisting of Dal Dash and Jorey Guillermo.  Those two players lay the ground for Casey Tremont and George Sizos to perform their riff and lead magic.  Vocalist, Syl Smith, is an absolutely brilliant singer, he takes Munition to another level.  It’s a great team effort here, every player on this album appears to be in the right place and essential to the overall magic.

Munition has a great traditional heavy metal sound with tasty dynamics, and bursting melody lines.  One may wonder how kids so young understand this genre so well, but they do, so let’s just enjoy the music.  The songs Visions come out at the listener with sheer force, and as soon as the record is done, you want to press play again!  The more you listen to this album the more hooks jump out at you. The lead work is also very impressive.  There is a lot of emotion and feel coming from both guitar players.

Visions concludes with Judas Priest cover of Dreamer/Deceiver, which is a very challenging song musically and vocally.  Munition delivers true gold here, and shows they are capable of great things.  Syl Smith's soaring vocal delivery in incredible.  He will shine for many years to come.

Visions is a great starting point for Munition.  The album is very solid, and displays a lot of potential for even greater things to come.  Chicago can certainly be proud!!!

Mark Kadzielawa