Molder – Engrossed in Decay (Prosthetic)

Molder is a like a melting pot of death metal and thrash.  They take some classic influences, blend it, and come up with a great style of their own.  There are riffs on this album you swear you’ve heard before, but upon closer examination, you realize that you may be familiar with the feel of it, but not the actual riff.  Molder takes the best from the past, and gives it back to you camouflaged and mixed.  Combine that with brutality and great delivery, and you have a great record  Those boys are definitely going places, and we will be hearing some great things about Molder in years to come.

Engrossed in Decay is a very catchy and melodic album.  The riffs are brutal and gut punching, and the sense of melody drives this band forward.  The songs are memorable, and will certainly please even the most hardened of crowds.  There is a sense of formula and style Molder developed over the years, and now they are just strengthening every aspect of it.  Having seen the band live on several occasions, this writer can attest of their crushing stage power.

Vocalist/guitarist, Aaren Pantke, has a very distinctive sound and style.  While riffing uncontrollably he can growl, and add fire to the mayhem the band is displaying.  Bass player, Dominick Vaia is a one-of-a-kind character whose personality shows through his cryptic rhythms.  Drummer, Kyle Pooley, batters the drums and provides a solid springboard for Molder to cause hell.  Carlos Santini empowers the riffing on second guitar, and adds that sonic component taking this band into the stratosphere.

Molder made a great record that will be noticed throughout the death metal scene and community.  Engrosses in Decay will cement this band's position in general.  They are young and ambitious, and have already recognizable style and sound.  This is a solid album that will entertain you for months to come, or simply until the new one becomes available.  Brutally excellent!

Mark Kadzielawa

 

Riot Act – Closer To The Flame (Global Rock Records)

 

Riot Act is a new band formed by former Riot guitarist, Rick Ventura.  The name isn’t coincidental either.  This band was formed to pursue the vision Ventura started back in the glory days alongside Mark Reale.  After few spins it is very clear that Riot Act got everything right.  This album rules!

The songs reflect the style Riot was known for, but there are few twists and turns added along the way.  The music is great, and so it the delivery, but it’s the vocalist, Don Chaffin, that takes it to another level.  Chaffin is the most perfect vocalist for these songs.  He has a very characteristic voice and great charisma.  A frontman like that is not easy to come by.

The songs on Closer To The Flame are catchy, melodic, and full of groove.  The band feels at ease playing them.  Nothing is forced here; every aspect of the music works well naturally.  There are few tracks here that could go places if the radio got behind them, but nowadays that’s a very difficult prediction. 

Instrumentally, this is as good as it gets.  Rick Ventura is a great player, and the combo he put together is absolutely fantastic.  The rhythm section consisting of Paul Ranieri and Claudio Calinski is absolutely superb.  The more you listen to the album, the more you realize how much attention to the detail these players paid.  It's a great sounding record, but nothing is accidental here.  It's the pure professionalism at its finest.

There is a second disc available with the album.  In addition to the new tracks there is a disc of re-recordings of the classic Riot songs.  Those sound very impressive too, and once again, Chaffin puts his own stamp on those.  Both discs add up to one pleasant listen.  Whether you’re in a car, or at home, this music rocks your soul. 

Closer To The Flame is a very prophetic title.  One may interpret it as getting closer to the flame that was the original Riot.  If that was the case, the mission is certainly accomplished.  If there is another meaning behind this title, so be it.  Find your own message and enjoy the music.  Having had a chance of experiencing the band live, this writer can assure you it is just as good as on stage as it sounds here.  Riot Act delivers gold here.  Give this band a chance, and they will go straight for your heart!

Mark Kadzielawa

Tubular Bells – 50th Anniversary Celebration (Cleopatra)

Tubular Bells was Mike Oldfield’s debut album that he released 50 years ago.  It was a groundbreaking record that launched the careers of Mike Oldfield and Virgin Records.  To this day, the album is very unique, and since then there really wasn’t anything like it.  Mike Oldfield wrote many albums where he explored similar themes, and eventually started writing songs with lyrics and vocals.  He was successful in both areas, but Tubular Bells was his calling card.

This album does not include any contributions from Mike Oldfield.  His music is being performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Contemporary Voices Choir, and some sessions musicians.  It is a really well put together project.  There is definitely love for the music, you can feel it in how this recording flows.  There were other orchestral attempts at Tubular Bells, but this one by far is the best one.  In many ways, any flaws of the past are brought to perfection here.

This is a very pleasant and relaxing listen.  The whole album is a very nice surprise.  Normally such tributes tend be done in a hurry, and with little preparation, but that’s not the case here.  Every little sound is accounted for, and some arrangements are quite inventive and interesting.  The album has a very cool mood to it.  After few listens it still feels very fresh, and you get the impression that you’re hearing Tubular Bells unlike any other time before.

It's a double disc set, and there are some bonus surprises mainly on the second CD.  What you get is Ommadawn Pt. 1, some parts of Hergest Ridge, and Moonlight Shadow.  The last one of course was a European megahit for Mike Odlfield back in 1983.  The vocals performed by Ella Shaw.  The packaging goes along with the original Tubular Bells theme, only the bells are twisted to resemble number 50.  This is not a new Mike Oldfield release, but still incredibly well put together and entertaining. 

Mark Kadzielawa

Held By Trees – Solace (Tweet Jacket)

In every aspect, this is the most wonderful tribute to Mark Hollis and Talk Talk.  Hollis was a true visionary who took Talk Talk from new romantic pop into progressive minimalism.  This album is the closest thing that Mark Hollis would’ve done if he was still alive, and still musically active.  Even the album cover is related to Talk Talk releases.  Also, there are number of musicians here involved who played alongside Hollis during his years of activity.

The music itself has variety of moods, it can create or alter certain feel.  In many ways, you feel here like you interact with the music.  Sometimes you hear the sounds that simply aren’t there, but your mind takes you to that place.  This by far might the most beautiful impact of this album.  It challenges your mind in the most unexpected ways.  There is a trance element that allows you to go places while experiencing this album.  Solace is what you feel under this record’s spell.  That title couldn't be more accurate.

The music has very odd qualities, some tracks give you that feel of the evaporated love that you're trying to reach so hard, and it’s always an inch higher.  There is also feeling of gentle rain drops coming down at you, and no real reason given as to why.  Imagine looking at the stars, and you get the feeling that in fact, it’s them watching you.  You put this record on another day, and it’s a completely new scenario of feelings.  Sometimes it’s too much, and then you turn this record off, but you keep coming back to it because it takes you places.

Solace is a truly wonderful album that thrives on its own.  Despite the obvious Hollis influences, Held By Trees has plenty of fluids of its own.  The more you listen to this album, you abandon any opinions, and let the music direct you into the unknown.  There is a spiritual feel that can beautiful and haunting at the same time.  Each listen is like a throw of the dice, you get something different out of it.  Those who’ll get it will experience a repeated state of bliss.

Mark Kadzielawa

Vicious Rumors - The Atlantic Years (Dissonance Productions)

 

Vicious Rumors were once signed to Atlantic Records.  They released two great studio albums, but the label didn’t know how to push this band to the next level.  The coming of grunge didn’t help things either, but that never stopped a band like Vicious Rumors to do what they do best.  They never stopped being true to themselves.

What we have here is a reissue of three classic Vicious Rumors albums that came out between 1990 and 1992.  The great, Carl Albert, was still singing for the band, and the music was as a always great.  The albums in question are the self-titled, Vicious Rumors, Welcome To the Ball, and Plug In and Hand On-Live In Tokyo.  These albums have been unavailable for a number of years.  It’s great to get them back, and re-live some cool memories associated with this band.  Plug In and Hang On-Live in Tokyo was released in Japan only, so it’s great to get it back as a part of this package. 

Vicious Rumors plays a traditional heavy metal with some heavier thrashy overtones.  They focus on melody and great delivery.  Both studio records made for Atlantic were very much ground-breaking efforts from Vicious Rumors.  The band toured extensively in Europe, Japan, and United States.  They played big and small shows, but always gave it their all.  The live album in this package certainly reflects it as well.

This is a very nice and comprehensive package.  It captures and explains the times in which these albums were recorded and released.  It is definitely meant for the enthusiasts and collectors, or perhaps both at the same time.  Let’s not forget the new fans who might only be discovering Vicious Rumors now.  It is a very representative overview of what this band was all about back then.  Vicious Rumors is still a band that is active, and they certainly could use any additional support.  The Atlantic Years captures a very special time in the history of the band, and the heavy metal movement in general.  Hearing these records again after few decades, makes you appreciate them even more now.

Mark Kadzielawa

Raven – Rock Until You Drop – The 4CD Over The Top Edition (HNE Recordings)

 

Rock Until You Drop was legendary first release from Raven.  It kickstarted the band’s career back in 1981, and they are still with us, stronger than ever!  This album was absolutely outstanding for its time, the songs still get the blood boiling.  What we have here is a an amazing reissue, clearly a labor of love on the part of the label and the band. 

This little boxset is absolutely sensational, and by far the most definite version of Rock Until You Drop.  There are several versions out, but this is the one you need!  The box includes the album with some great bonus tracks, all on one CD.  The 2nd disc digs deep into the demo stages of Raven.  There are demos from 1980, but there are even older tracks, dating back to 1978.  You are hearing an absolute history here.  Yeah, the quality may very here and there, but you are on the road very few had travelled.  Pure gold here for sure.

The other two discs include two live shows from 1982.  One from Bologna, Italy, and the other one from Manchester, England.  Here’s a chance of witnessing Raven in the early stages as a professionally signed live band.  Both shows are very dynamic, and display a lot of energy, much of which is still present with Raven today.  Historically, this is another outstanding find from band’s own private archives.  If that wasn’t enough, there is a radio interview with the boys from the same time frame.  You hear pure Newcastle band talking in their natural environment.  Not only is it awesome, it is fun.

The booklet includes very detailed noted from John Tucker.  The band was clearly involved in putting this feature together.  I simply love the attention to detail here!  Tucker leaves no stone unturned as far as Rock Until You Drop is concerned.  Visually, the package includes some great photos, many of them were never seen by the wider audience.  Once again, historical finds dominate this release.

This is the most complete, most comprehensive, and best sounding version of Rock Until You Drop.  It’s a real joy to listen to this material, and investigate the early days of Raven from the notes and photos.  This is very likely a limited release, so grab yours while you still can.  It has a collector’s item written all over it.

Mark Kadzielawa

Accept – The Arcada, St. Charles, IL 10/14/22 (images and words by Mark Kadzielawa)

 At one point of their career Accept reached the spectacular level of their live shows, and they never went down beyond that point.  This writer had seen over a dozen of Accept shows, starting in 1985, and it was always powerful and perfect.  Even the ill-fated 1989 show at the Vic with David Reece, after which the band broke up was still great.  There was no indication that things would turn sour within minutes after getting off stage.  The current incarnation of Accept delivered another spectacular show at The Arcada.

The band was extremely well prepared, and ready to roll.  The show was perfected by now, and every little part worked.  Accept had fun on stage, and the audience loved it.  The three-guitar attack was definitely very intense, and gave the music an extra heavier edge.  Instrumentally, the band was untouchable.  They flew through every song at ease and never looked back.  Vocalist, Mark Tornillo, was in his element; just having fun on stage, and delivering every line with excitement.  After several albums and tours, he certainly earned his stripes as a seasoned Accept vocalist.

Accept opened with Zombie Apocalypse and Symphony of Pain off their latest album, Too Mean To Die.  Afterwards, they jumped into Restless and Wild, only to revisit the newest album with Overnight Sensation, and The Undertaker.  The new track jelled well with all the new and old classic material.  Accept albums still rock, and despite the line-up changes that took place over the last few years, the quality is still there.  Since reuniting with Mark Tornillo on vocals, every single Accept album delivered the goods.

Plenty of classics tracks for the audience to enjoy and re-live their youth or do.  Some of the songs included were: Living for Tonite, Princess of the Dawn, Son of a Bitch, and I’m a Rebel.  The band also played a meddle of few other classic tracks just to pack in as much bang for your buck as possible.  The Arcada was brought down by Fast as a Shark, Metal Heart, and the anthemic, Balls to the Wall.  No one could argue with this combination of songs that instantly generate an enthusiastic response.  Pandemic was very timely, and also well received.

The addition of Philip Shouse on third guitar made things very interesting.  Shouse is a very visual player who gets the crowd going.  He’s also a very accomplished lead player.  His interaction with Wolf Hoffman was quite impressive.  As odd as it may looked on paper, it works beautifully on stage.  Let’s not forget Wolf Hoffman, who once again had an amazing night, and played as good as only he can.  Accept’s music revolved around his riffs, and his style.  Hoffman is clearly the brains behind this operation, and he’s pushing Accept into eternal excellence. 

Seeing Accept on Friday evening was a great way to conclude a week on a very high note.  The band provided a great show, and it was great to celebrate with them the end of the week, or simply forget of any ongoing problems or pressures that may be.  This was an evening of heavy and melodic songs with a touch of traditional metal class.

Mark Kadzielawa

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