Avernus - Sleeping Village, Chicago, Illinois 12/7/24 (visual review - all images by Mark Kadzielawa)

 

VARAHA

Storace - Crossfire (Frontiers)

“Crossfire” is a second album from Storace, and of course it’s a solo band created by vocalist Marc Storace. Marc, of course, is known for being the vocalist for Krokus and one of the most signature voices in hard rock/heavy metal. This album, however, isn’t trying to prove anything or break any new barriers within the genre. It is all about enjoyment and having a great time. 

Marc Storace wrote this album with Tommy Henriksen of Alice Cooper, who also produced the record. The results are very pleasing. It’s a cool album that puts a smile on your face and works in just about any setting. Whether you’re coming back from work or want to rock out on Saturday night, “Crossfire” has the groove that can just lift your spirit. 

It’s great to see Marc Storace still exploring his voice and seeing how it works in different settings. There are plenty of influences on “Crossfire.” There are tracks that could easily work in Krokus (“Sreaming Demon”), some that AC/DC (“Love Thing Stealer”) wouldn’t mind composing, and a few that bring that big arena Def Leppard (“Rock This City”) feel. Cohesively, it all works, and with great results too. Marc Storace is very open about touring with Def Leppard on their “Pyromania” album and acknowledging the influence of that record. His voice works quite well with those big choruses, and the songs are good too. And then there’s “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” a beautiful ballad that is in a league of its own.  This particular track beautifully captures that John Lennon feel, and it's sincere too.

“Crossfire” is just a ballsy rock’n’roll record made by a rock veteran who is still having fun. Retirement is not something Storace is looking at anytime soon; this rocker will be there until the very end. When you still got the goods and are able to deliver, then that’s all you should and must do! “Hell Yeah” to that!

Mark Kadzielawa

Red Box – Anthology 1980 – 1990 (Cherry Red Records)

 

Red Box was a very difficult band to classify.  They came out in the early 80s, along with a plethora of new romantic/new wave bands, and they seemed somewhat attached to that movement, but in reality, Red Box was always doing their own thing.  In 1984, the single “Chenko” showed up, and instantly gained a following, it was followed by “For America,” and then the album “The Circle and the Square,” showed up in 1986.  “Chenko” once again became a single in 1987, and this time, it really made history.  That’s how Red Box did it.

This set focuses on band’s original run which ended in 1990, they since reformed in 2010 and continue to this day.  There are 4 CDs in this box, and they include the above-mentioned debut album, the follow up, “The Motive,” a disc of remixes, and a disc of demos.  All in all, this is as comprehensive as it can get when it comes to Red Box recording from the early part of their career.  In addition, there is a great booklet explaining how this band was functioning, and what was important to them when it came to their music.  There is a strong vision here that guides everything they did, and how distinctive it still sounds.

Red Box had a lot of great influences, in a way they were a world band, combining vibes from variety of places they enjoyed, or even visited.  Although the feel of the South American sound is undeniable in many of the tracks.  Red Box kept things interesting, and it’s perhaps why they are still remembered today.  Also, there is a certain mysticism to what they do.  It’s a like a code that you can break through multiple listens.  Red Box definitely presented the listener with a lot of challenges in what they initially did, and what they continue to do. 

Mark Kadzielawa

House of Lords - Full Tilt Overdrive (Frontiers)

 

Full Tilt Overdrive” is a very fresh-sounding record from House of Lords. The band clearly caught whiff of a new wind and made a great album. This one rocks hard, and you don’t want it to end. The songs are full of catchy hooks and plenty of vocal lines that you can sing along with. In other words, a winning combination of melodies with creative arrangements and excellent vocals.

The addition of Mark Mangold into the House of Lords team was certainly very beneficial for both parties. Mangold certainly brings a lot of great ideas into the songs and works well with Christian and Bell. At the end of the day, it has to be about music, and this band delivers the goods. The songs vary in feel and display a plethora of emotions. Each listen takes you into different territory, and you discover something new, or become attracted to a track you failed to notice before. This album is charming all the way through.

Any of the songs on “Full Tilt Overdrive” could become your favorite. The material is strong, and there really is no filler. House of Lords spent a significant amount of time on this album and made sure only top-notch material made the final cut. There is one epic highlight that needs to be mentioned. It’s the closing, “Castles High,” completely delivered by Mark Mangold. The song is 9 minutes long and has a great build-up. As a culminating point, James Christian is joined by his wife Robin Beck on vocals, and brings it to a dramatic conclusion!

“Full Tilt Overdrive” is a state-of-the art melodic rock album! The songs are outstanding, and so are the performances from the individual musicians. James Christian is on top of his game vocally; Jimi Bell supplies great riffs and very ingenious leads; Johan Koleberg’s solid drumming gives the album a bit of a dangerous edge; and Mark Mangold finds a way to fill any space available on his keyboards. It’s a very tight unit, and it’s quite amazing how these players supplement each other within every track on this album. As a result, this album flows and glows with beauty entangled in intensity.

Mark Kadzielawa