SMITH/KOTZEN Smith/Kotzen | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

    

Released by BMG on March 26th, 2021

Smith/Kotzen 

Smith/Kotzen is the self-titled debut album from Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Smith is an English guitarist, best known as a member of Iron Maiden from 81 till 89 and then from 2000 till now. While in Maiden he increasingly became an important song writer. Before leaving the band he released a solo album as guitar player but also as lead singer, Silver and Gold in 1989. He also released two albums with Psycho Motel, two amazing albums with Bruce Dickinson and since returning to Maiden in the year 2000, he also released a Primal Rock Rebellion album in 2012. Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. As a solo artist, Kotzen has back catalogue of more than 20 album releases. He was a member of glam metal band Poison, Mr. Big, and since 2012, has been the frontman of the band The Winery Dogs.

So now for the first time both have joined forces for the new bluesy rock project Smith/Kotzen. Long time friends both share a passion for classic and blues-based rock. The duo co-wrote all the songs and also share lead vocals and trade off on guitar and bass duties throughout the record. 

Let's already from the get go address the fact that this album has nothing to do with Iron Maiden or Glam Metal. It has more resemblance to Steve Harris solo band British Lion than with Maiden. That's because the album embodies the spirited attitude of 1970s classic rock. But with more blues and R&B influences. The one common ground with all those bands is the use of powerful melodies and harmonies. The production is contemporary and bright. It was produced by the duo and mixed by Kevin "Caveman" Shirley.

The album features 9 tracks and clocks in at 48 minutes. It flows really well with song lengths varying from 4 to 7 minutes. From the first single and opening track "Taking My Chances" we are blessed with the trading vocals. I've always knew Smith can sing, but in this album is quite a positive surprise. He brings the bluesy voice to the mix, almost on the lines of SRV or Joe Bonamassa. On the other hand, Kotzen reminds me of Chris Cornell and therefore highlight the rock sound of the duo. This song is actually not that bluesy, the guitar tone is quite modern. Same goes for another single "Running" which is a rocker with some very fuzzy guitar tones, very Audioslave-ish. This  song is also an example of the guitar duo taking the time to deliver some very cool bass lines. "Scars" is the first song to get really bluesy, but notice that still sounds quite modern. Most of the songs from there are deeply rooted in the blues. It goes without saying that the guitar work is quite enjoyable with cool licks, riffs and most importantly many bluesy and melodic solos. On a different note, I had fun with the lyrics of "Some People". I think many can sing this one at the workplace.  

The Picky Guy

I am not a big fun of the production. Musically, I thought they could have gone to a full blues album and to me it stayed in between wanting to be blues but restraining themselves to keep a hard rock radio sound. Also, and this is very personal, I am not a big fan of Kotzen voice.

Wrap Up Opinion 

Smith/Kotzen is pleasant to listen to and certainly has good moments, mostly from the singles. But I don't see myself coming back to this album. When I'd be in the mood for this kind of music, I'd reach out to the classic blues or blues rock albums such as Cream or SRV. I appreciate the effort and maybe it will serve as a gateway for some metalheads to familiarize themselves with blues, but for me it's a mixed results getting 76/100.

SCORE: 76/100

Genre: Rock/Blues

Released by BMG on March 26th, 2021

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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Iron Maiden Dream Set Lists

My Iron Maiden Dream Setlist: No restrictions, 2 Acts + Encore, 3hr show

Act 1

Satellite 15

The Final Frontier

Sea Of Madness

Flash Of The Blade

The Talisman

Stranger in a Strange Land

Lord Of The Flies

Alexander The Great

Infinite Dreams

Killers

Still Life

Charlotte the Harlot

22 Acacia Avenue

Act 2

Murders In The Rue Morgue

Wrathchild

Prowler

Children Of The Damned

Flight Of Icarus

Remember Tomorrow

Where Eagles Dare

No Prayer For The Dying

The Clairvoyant

Afraid To Shoot Strangers

The Great Unknown

Brighter than A Thousand Suns

To Tame A Land

Encore:

Brave New World

Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)

Cross-Eyed Mary

A 3hr show with three acts with all albums (2020)

Act A (Modern Era)

If Eternity Should Fail 

Speed of Light 

Paschendale

The Great Unknown 

The Red and the Black 

The Talisman

The Wicker Man

The Book of Souls 

Act B (90's)

Be Quick Or Be Dead

Lord Of The Flies

No Prayer For The Dying 

The Clansman

Man on the Edge

The Assassin 

Blood on The World's Hands 

Afraid To Shoot Strangers

Holy Smoke 

Act C (80's)

Intro: Churchill's Speech

Aces High

The Evil That Men Do

Still Life

Revelations

Flight Of Icarus

Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

Infinite Dreams

Killers

Wrathchild

22 Acacia Avenue

Encore:

Murders In The Rue Morgue

My "believable" dream Setlist with songs that have been played live before and usual length (1988) 

Murders In The Rue Morgue

The Evil That Men Do

Revelations

Flight Of Icarus

Sea Of Madness

Stranger in a Strange Land

Still Life

Where Eagles Dare

Wrathchild

Children Of The Damned

Infinite Dreams

Killers

Wasted Years

Charlotte the Harlot

22 Acacia Avenue

Prowler

Encore:

Intro: Churchill's Speech

Aces High

Run to the Hills

Dream Setlist with never played live songs only

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XcaT1hEO6uT5Wf54Rq192?si=087c3bdf83424404

Dream Setlist of the Legacy of the Beast Tour

Intro: Churchill's Speech

Aces High

Where Eagles Dare

Paschendale

Afraid To Shoot Strangers

These Colours Dont Run

Alexander The Great

Revelations

For the Greater Good of God

No Prayer For The Dying 

Sign of the Cross

Flight Of Icarus

Charlotte the Harlot '88

22 Acacia Avenue

Encore:

The Evil That Men Do

Hallowed Be Thy Name

AGENT STEEL No Other Godz Before Me | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

   

Released by Dissonance Productions on March 19th, 2021

Quick Background

Agent Steel is an American speed metal band from LA, formed in 1984 by vocalist John Cyriis with drummer Chuck Profus. The band released two classic full-length albums: Skeptics Apocalypse (1985) and Unstoppable Force (1987),  before disbanding in 1988. After a revival without Cyriis that lasted a few years, the band reformed again in 2018, this time with Cyriis returning as the vocalist and without any previous members.

No Other Godz Before Me

Under this new lineup and after long delays, Agent Steel have just released their first studio album in 14 years (and their first one in 34 years to feature Cyriis), No Other Godz Before Me. Spoiler alert, if you are not into high-pitched vocals this is not the album for you. Cyriis's high-pitched vocals is the band's classic albums trademark and 80% of the singing is done in this fashion. The full album is a high-tempo speed metal avalanche. Imagine a full album based on the Judas Priest classic songs such as "Exciter" or "Screaming for Vengence", that's to me how No Other Godz Before Me sounds. It also reminds a lot of early Fates Warning (but more aggressive and less progressive) with Arch on vocals  fused with Dave Mustaine, if that's make sense. The album clocks in at 41 minutes, but notice that the intro and outro songs sum up for a total of 5 minutes. So we actually have 9 proper tracks in 36 minutes. The format is pretty much aligned with their 80's albums. Even the production values are pretty much a retro effort to capture a murky 80's sound. But with less reverb on the vocals. It's a very direct, raw and in your face album. All the songs are fast and short, never going over the 4-minute mark. The lyrics are typically dominated with sci-fi subjects. That's already very obvious with the track 2, "Crypts of Galactic Damnation". This song opens the album with a summary of what to expect during the next 30 minutes. High tempo and well executed guitarwork with great solos, engagig riffs and twin guitars. And of course the over-the-top high pitched vocals from start to finish. But also note the cool vocalizations and vocal harmonies performed by Cyriis. He created nice effects and I belive that's what an alien would actually sound when communicate with terrestrials.

One of the interesting things about this album is that Cyriis utilized his Brazilian roots. This is first noticed on the sound samples from the intro track. Then there's a whole verse in Portuguese during "Sonata Cosmica", but that's not all, the song “the incident” is based on the UFO incident which happened in the city of Varginha, Minas Gerais and is fully sang in Portuguese. Those are cool moments that give the album some much needed variability. 

The Picky Guy

There are some foods that I love like eating cheese or caramel. But if I have too much of those things I will feel sick. Sorry for the stupid analogy but that's how I feel about No Other Godz Before Me. While I love the speed, the vocals and most of the songs, when listening to it from start to finish is too much. There's not enough dynamics and variability and it becomes tiring, specially due to the vocals.

Wrap Up Opinion 

While not a huge fan of the production and the lack of variability, Agent Steel's No Other Godz Before Me is still a decent good album. If you are into thrash/speed metal and high-pitched vocals, this will certianly please you. For those reasons I am giving it 81/100 and a cutions recommendation.

SCORE: 81/100

Genre: Heavy/Thrash Metal

Released by Dissonance Productions on March 19th, 2021

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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ORDEN OGAN Final Days | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

   

Released by AFM Records on March 12th, 2021

Quick Background

Orden Ogan is a German power metal band with progressive and folk metal elements (early on). The band was formed in 1996 by Sebastian Grütling (drums) who left the band is 2011 and Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann (lead vocals and producer). Seeb also used to be the second guitar player, but thanks to a hand injury in the summer of 2018, he was forced to tour as a singer only. After the experience, the band decided to keep like that and moved bass player Niels Löffler as guitarist. The long-time guitarist Tobi decided to take a break and Patrick Sperling took the other guitar last year. So it's almost like a new band.  

Final Days 

After a few delays, the new and 7th album Final Days is finally out. The successor of the very good Gunmen (2017) was once again produced by band leader “Seeb” . The dark-science-fiction-concept-record features 10 track and clocks in at 51 minutes. This concept was the perfect theme for the band to modernize their sound. It is still very much a power metal album, but it has also a flavor of this decade. For example, the high tempo video single "In The Dawn Of The AI" features huge heavy riffs and a modern flavor which ties well with the lyrics. It even reminds me of Trivium (note how he sings 'Fire in the sky'). Some computer sound samples are also appropriate in this case. In track 3 "Inferno" Orden Ogan continues the modern sounding approach to the point that is almost metalcore-ish (think latest  Parkway Drive), the song features a nice groove and not-over-the-top gang vocals. Now, to make sure you don't get the wrong impression I must highlight  "Let The Fire Rain" as one of the best songs of the album. And it's a power metal delight. The chorus is huge, epic and so impactful. Then there's a whole part of "oh oh" that works, it's almost like Maiden's "Heaven Can Wait". I'm sure a future live favorite. Also the album opener "Heart Of The Android" with the big chorus and vocal melodies is a strong opener and another power metal anthem, although in this case I am not big fan of "oh oh", totally unnecessary. 

Final Days also features two interesting collaborations. On the song “Alone in the Dark”, a melancholic ballad with symphonic elements, Seeb is supported by Ylva Eriksson (vocalist of Swedish band Brothers Of Metal). But this song is too much of a ballad for me, it's a almost like a Hollywood romantic film soundtrack. And for “Interstellar”, ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G. contributed with a nice solo. This song chant brings us subtly back to Orden Ogan's folk metal roots. The appropriated named "It Is Over" song closes the album, although not a bad track, it doesn't add much. It's dark and mid tempo and lyrically fits well the concept though.

The Picky Guy

My issue with Final Days is that the album is frontloaded with 5 great tracks while the second half 5 tracks is a hit and miss journey. While "Black Hole" and "Hollow" work, the first being another punch the sky singalong heavy anthem and the secong a dark and heavy track, the other songs in the second half like "Absolution For Our Final Days" don't add much and are skippable tracks. But the good thing is that the track order makes it easy to get theough the valleys and it's worth the journey.

Wrap Up Opinion 

Orden Ogan has been delighting us with solid power metal albums for a few years now. It's a modern and dark side of power metal. The songs feature fat and modern riffs, epic choruses and melancholic orchestral arrangements. Despite some lows on the second half, I'm still having lots of fun with it and am giving 82/100, again a very good album. I can't wait to see them playing those songs live.

SCORE: 82/100

Genre: Power Metal

Released by AFM Records on March 12th, 2021

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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WITHERFALL Curse Of Autumn | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

   

Released by Century Media Records on March 5th, 2021

Quick Background

Formed in 2013, by Jake Dreyer (guitar / ex-Iced Earth) and Joseph Michael (vocals and keys / Sanctuary) and without a label behind them, Witherfall released the great debut Nocturnes And Requiems in 2017. The Los Angeles-based dark melodic metallers joined forces with Century Media Records for A Prelude to Sorrow released in 2018. In addition the band today consists of bassist Anthony Crawford and drummer Marco Minnemann. It's hard to describe the sound of Witherfall . There's a lot of Progressive Power Metal, but also Traditional Heavy Metal plus some Thrash/Speed metal in the mix as well. The one thing is certain, those guys don't limit themselves to genre labels.

Curse Of Autumn

Curse Of Autumn is their 3rd full length studio album. It consists of ten tracks clocking in at 54 minutes. Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth) produced the album with Michael and Dreyer. A tasteful acoustic guitar intro builds up quickly to some heaviness and soon enough the first voracious guitar riff of the album leads us into the heavy track "The Last Scar". It's almost like as if Malmsteen was part of the very early Iced Earth albums. From the get go Michael shows his range and versatility. Some harsh heavy vocals but also melodic parts and high pitched screams. All in one song and without being over the top. At this point we also already get confirmation that Dreyer is a monster on the guitar. Impressive speed and technique which culminates with the instrumental "The Unyielding Grip of Each Passing Day". The musicianship is also superb on the rhythm section with Crawford and Minnemann. The production is clear and the mix allows us to appreciate all the details and instruments.

Overall, one of the things I dig about Witherfall is their creative freedom and lack of boundaries or rules. The songs are different from each other, they take different genre paths, use different instruments and techniques, and there are no rules for song lengths or structures. Nothing is really conventional or formulated. The song "Tempest" is a good example. In the middle section if I am not mistaken Crawford uses a fretless bass and over it Dreyer plays some cool Spanish influenced guitar. How great is that? "Another Face" shows the melodic and mid-tempo side of the band and it's the perfect blend between Edge of Thorns-era Savatage and Something Wicked-era Iced Earth. But I must say that as a Power Metal enthusiast, probably my favorite song is "As I Lie Awake". Here after this groovy and distinct intro, the band goes more into the melodic power metal area with a Verse/Bridge/Catchy Chorus structure that will be tattooed in your head. Yes, anthemic and goose bump inducer, I can only hope to see this live one day. But there's more, the heavier side of the band is show on "The Other Side of Fear" for example. At moments, Witherfall also reminds a bit of Blind Guardian or 70's prog rock, the acoustic "The River" being an example of it. And if all of that wasn't enough the album delights the prog nerds within us with the almost 9-min aforementioned "Tempest"  and closes with the 15-min epic "...And They All Blew Away". 

The Picky Guy

I don't have a lot to complain here and I do like the album from start to finish. If I'd stretch to find some flaws, I'd say that some moments sound too much like Iced Earth (e.g. "Another Face") and the title track can leave me with some disappointment as it's so short that gave me the feeling of unfinished. 

Wrap Up Opinion 

Witherfall's Curse Of Autumn is one of my favorite albums of 2021 so far. A very good album that easily deserves the 85/100 I am giving it. Witherfall executes excellent modern progressive power metal. It's dark and heavy and yet melodic and catchy. Can't go wrong with it.

SCORE: 85/100

Genre: Progressive Metal

Released by Century Media Records on March 5th, 2021

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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