Top 5 Bands To See in Concert Post CVD-19

With the CVD-19 virus putting everything on halt, I've been wondering what band's I've seen in concerts and who I would like to see in concert.  As much I appreciate that bands are streaming performances, it's not the same as actually seeing the band in concert.  The energy a band gives off when you see them live is like nothing you can experience through a computer or a t.v. screen.  The audience engaging with the band is awesome.  The sound of a bands playing is so much better in person vs streaming.  With that, here are 5 bands I recommend to see in concert post CVD-19.

5.  Megadeth

Considering that Dave Mustaine has recovered from his caner and is still able to play guitar and sing,  I would put this band high on your list.  One reason is that Megadeth is a great live band and are all phenomenal musicians.  Another though is that we don't know much longer Dave Mustaine can last.  True he recovered this time, but cancer can return and has for many other musicians.  I hope and pray that this doesn't happen to Dave Mustaine, but you can't be sure.  So for both great music and the possibility of not being able to see them live again, gotta check out Megadeth.

4.  Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper was originally supposed to be retired but decided to hit the road again and that is a true blessing.  Not only do I recommend him for his shock stunts during live shows, but he has an amazing band line up.  Chuck Garric is a good musician and good bassist and Nita Strauss is an amazing guitarist. When you see a line up of great musicians like that, how can you now want to see that.  Alice Cooper is also very good about giving his band their time to shine.  They are not his touring band, he makes them a big part of his show.  If you want to Alice Cooper as well as an amazing band, you got to check out Alice Cooper.

3.  The Gazette

I have personally seen this band live twice and both times were amazing.  The band has a great energy and just dominates the stage.  The singer and bassist do a great job interacting with the audience.  They also sound very good live.  Their guitar tone is amazing and the drums sound great.  I have seen some of this band's concert DVDs and I can assure you that they don't do justice.  They use to not come to the U.S. but they are doing it more frequently now and I highly recommend listening to them.

2.  Sabaton

Sabaton has developed a reputation over years a band that just dominates at festivals.  Their singer is famous for how much he interacts and engages with the audience. He does a great job of making the audience feel like they are part of the show and it has really helped  launch them further.  If you want to see a good concert as well as be part of it,  this is one band you need to check out.  

1.  Trans Siberian Orchestra

I have seen Trans Siberian Orchestra three times and every time I was blown away.  They have a lot of lights, lasers, and pyro in their shows that really takes it over the top.  More importantly though, they have the music to back it up.  Every musician in this band is amazing and gives it all they got.  What I find really interesting is the wide range of demographics they attract.  If you are metal head or a rocker, this is up you ally.  However, if you are also a classical music fan and/or Christmas music fan, this is for you as well.  Despite the fact that they clearly are rockers, they can still attract many demographics and that is something unique about them.  If  you and to see a show with great theatrics as well as fantastic music.  I recommend TSO.  

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Top 5 Anime Opening Songs

I've stated in the past that I am a fan of Jrock, mainly because of how diverse the music in that rock scene is compared to the American music scene.  I am also a fan of anime as well.  In fact, it was because of anime that I started to look deeper into the Japanese music scene to begin with.  I didn't pay much attention to anime openings at first but the more I got into music, the more I started to pay attention to them.  In time I would always want to watch the openings while my friends would want to skip it and get straight into the anime. It is still something that they find annoying about me, but I don't care.  So I would like to countdown the top 5 Anime Openings.

5.  Fly High 

Artist: Burnout Syndromes

Anime Haikyuu

Fly High is the 4th opening song for the Volleyball anime, Haikyuu.  Haikyuu has a lot of great openings and to be honest, this one actually wasn't my favorite at first.  However, the more I listened to this song, it really grew on me and has now become my favorite opening for this anime.  The slow intro is the great build up to the intro that really hooks you into the song.  The song lyrics also match the tone and theme of the anime as well.  Basically, the song is about never giving up and pushing forward to reach your goal.  The music and lyrics work well with the tone of the anime and sets you up for a great viewing of this anime.

4.  Gurenge

Artist: Lisa

Anime: Demon Slayer

Lisa first caught my attention with her song "Crossing Fields", used as the opening song for the first season of Sword Art Online.  A lot of people know Lisa for that opening, and while I think that song and opening are both good,  this song has stuck with me more.  Lisa takes a more deeper, darker tone with this song and I think it works better. Considering the tone and plot of Demon Slayer, that musical tone fits it perfectly.  Also, while both Crossing Fields and Gurenge are about over coming weakness, I think that Gurenge is more relatable.  What I mean by that is that instead of saying the pain will fade away, like in Crossing Fields,  Gurenge is more about pain sticking with you and using that to grow.  If we are honest with ourselves, the pain never goes away and we never forget it.  In one way or another, it shapes us going forward and I think this song touches on that pretty well.   Considering what happens in Demon Slayer, I think this is one of the best songs they could have picked for that anime.

3.  Cha La Head Cha La

Artist: Hironobu Kageyama

Anime: Dragon Ball Z

As a kid, Dragon Ball Z was my favorite animes as a kid.  It is easily one of the most famous anime shows in history and is still watched by many today.  Among many things that stick with me in this anime, the opening theme, Cha La Head Cha La, is one of them.  The keyboards and chorus are great hooks that will stick with you after you hear this song once.  The song title may seem like gibberish, but what is interesting though is that the phrase is an English phrasing for the Japanese word, hetchara.  Hetchara is a Japanese slang for no problem or I can handle it.  A perfect fit, considering the characters and overall plot of the anime.  The lyrics are basically about not letting obstacles bother you and not being afraid of them.  It goes along with the anime very well but the chorus and the music is what people remember most about this song and for good reason.

2. Tank

Artist: The Seatbelts

Anime: Cowboy Bebop

This instrumental jazz opening is catchy as heck and is still one of my favorite anime openings to this day.   Some people have compared this opening to they same style of older spy shows from the 50s and 60s and I think there is a lot of truth to that.  However, I would say that this song is better executed then a lot of those older openings.  The music is much tighter and the many hooks in this song make it much more memorable then most of those.  This anime debuted in 1998 and I still remember it better then most intro songs in general.  Not just in in anime but in most television shows and even movies.  This song is composed very well and while it may not have lyrics, it doesn't need them.  The music carries the anime on its own.

1. Mayday

Artist: Coldrain

Anime: Fire Force

I think that rock and metal music are some of the best kinds of  music to use as openings for a show and the 2nd opening to Fire Force is a good example of that.  The way the music blends with the video is spot on.  The Intro guitar riff in this song is a great hook to get you pumped for the anime, or headbang to.  The Lyrics also fit the anime well and are a little unique for opening songs.  Instead of being uplifting and overcoming obstacles, this song is about tyrants and ignorant people destroying society and I think it works well with the anime.  I actually wish that the first opening had a song like Mayday.  I like the first song fine on its own but I feel it is softer then it should be considering all the action taking place in the opening.  Mayday not only works with the opening but I think it is a better representation of the anime in general.     

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Black Tide Honest Eyes Review

I remember getting ready to play Street Fighter x Tekken with my friends when the game came out. My friend preordered the game because he is a huge street fighter fan and couldn't wait to play it.  I personally thought the game was good but wasn't a huge fan.  However, the one thing about the game I really did like and still listen to, til this day, is the game's opening song, Honest Eyes by Black Tide.  

The intro to this song is awesome, it kicks right off with at heavy, high energy opening that is great and I couldn't help to to headbang to it.  The dual guitar work in the intro is spot on, both guys do an amazing job playing together and it continues through out the entire song.  The drum work in this song is also great as well.  It is fast, but not overpowering and works well with the guitar work.  The vocals in this song work very well.  The guitarist and bassist do a great job sharing lead vocals in the verses, which then leads into an epic chorus.  The bridge does a nice job building for the final chorus.  The way the song ends is very cool as well, with a great combination of guitar solos and singing.  Musically, this is a very solid song.

If you are someone who is angry at the world or at yourself, this song is perfect for you from a lyrical stand point.  This song is basically about trying to not give in to the corruption of the world.  They make this point clear with lines such as "I'll rise above it all" as well as "I'm filled with hate and you will regret.  The other message that people get from the song is that it is about rising above your own demons.  Both messages make sense to me and I think both messages are good.  The lyrics work very well and are executed.  They are sung well and the music really compliments them.

This is one song I highly recommend.  Even though the band isn't around anymore, this is still a song that deserves a lot more recognition then it got.  I still listen to it and you should too.  You can get it on Spotify, Itunes, Apple Music, and Amazon.  I give this song a 5 out of 5.

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Coldrain Maday Review

When I first started listening to the Side Effects album, I had a mixed opinions on it at first.  I thought that Coexist was good, but I wasn't a big fan of Side Effects and had mixed feelings See You.  The album overall is pretty good, but the song I have come to love from it most is Mayday!

The intro to the song is great and hooked me right away.  The lead guitar is pretty good in the intro, but I personally really liked the rhythm guitar work better.  The lower sounding guitar stood out to me more and is what I remember more in the intro.  The verses are well executed with great melodic vocals that leads into a very heavy prechorus.  That then leads into a very epic chorus that is intense and fun to sing with.  They then end the chorus with the  singer screaming mayday and I think that is a fantastic way to end the chorus. I do wish that there was a little more in terms of lead guitar work.  You can tell that it is there but it doesn't really stand out and I wish it stood out more.  Having said that, I still think the music is very good overall.  

The lyrics are classic angry lyrics that you expect out of Coldrain.  It reminds me of songs like Envy, You Lie, and Runaway, where they are singing about being angry at somebody.  It is within the norm for this band but they are well written and way they are sung proves that they work really well.  While safe, they are written effectively and are executed very well.

This is a very solid song from this band and in my opinion it's one of there best, I have listened to this song many times since it came out and I am still not sick of it.  If you are a Coldrain fan, this song is more of the Coldrain you love. If you are a metal fan,  I highly encourage you to check this song out.  I give Mayday a 4 out of 5. 

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Charamel A Strange Band

I have come across many strange rock and metal bands in my time but few compare to the likes of Charamel.  This band displays what is called a Yuru Chara look. Yuru Chara is basically mascot looking characters except more diverse and can represent anything from video games to corporations to even creatures in mythology.   Another thing that is interesting is how anonymous they are.  There really isn't much info out there about this band other then their character names and the instruments they play.  As far as who they are under the costumes remains a mystery to this day.  The members consist of Nyango Star, the red cat apple on drums, Funassyi, the pear fairy on vocals, Akkuma, the demon bear on guitar, and Kapal, the water goblin on bass.  

This band's story starts when music publicist, Eric Alper, posted a video on twitter titled, "When You're Over Qualified For The Job".  This video displayed Nyango Star displaying some awesome drum skills and as a result, the video wen't viral with tons of retweets thus began Nyango Star's career.  Nyango Star would start a youtube channel covering many metal classics such as "Before I Forget" from Slipknot, "Faint" by Linkin Park, and "Raining Blood" from Slayer.   

Aside from his videos, he would also play at conventions and collaborate with other Japanese rock bands.  He would even gain the attention of X Japan drummer, Yoshiki.  Yoshiki had Nyango Star play some famous X Japan songs for him and Yoshiki was very impressed with his skills on drums as seen below.  

Somewhere down the road he met the rest of the band and they teamed up to create Charamel.  They debuted with their song, " Funnasy" in 2017 and have since gone on to develop a cult following in Japan and thanks to Nyango Star, the bands popularity continues to grow.  They would even get to perform at the famed Tokyo Dome in 2018.  

I must admit that this band has grown on me with time. While I'm not a fan of the look, I have to admit that these musicians are good at their instruments.  I have looked up some of their live shows and I got to say, the fact that whoever is in those costumes and play their instruments pretty well, while in those costumes, is very impressive. Some people complain about the vocals, but that's clearly part of this band's shtick and I have never found it annoying to the point that I had to turn a song off or not enjoy it.

I would also like to point out Akkuma's guitar playing.  Akkuma plays some great rock and metal riffs that I find myself wanting to headbang to.  Even though he is not the most famous member in this band, he is a good guitar player and I think deserves more attention than he currently has in the band.  

Even though these guys are far from the traditional rock band, I still recommend checking them out.  Their music is good and the fact that they can perform as well as they do  in those costumes is something to be admired.  We don't know much about them currently but in time that will change I'm sure. Until then, all we can do is enjoy the music.     

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Dokken Burning Like a Flame Reiew

When it comes to the 80's metal scene, you could argue that Dokken was one of the best bands from that era.  With the great vocal work of Don Dokken and the amazing guitar skills of George Lynch, you have a band destined to go places.  These two men did not get a long well, but that didn't stop them from being able to make good music together for a decade. Dokken was one first bands that introduced me to 80s and the first song I heard from them was Burning Like a Flame.

Musically, this is one of the bands more simpler songs for sure.  The rhythm is more simple and George Lynch's playing isn't over the top like in other songs.  Instead of trying to be fast and technical, Lynch is more simple and melodic and it actually works.  The melodic guitar solo sounds pretty good and works well with the layout of the song.  Don Dokken sounds good in this song as well.  The man is a good singer and he continues to display great vocal skills in this song.  Overall, a simple but still fun to listen to.

Lyrically, there isn't anything ground breaking.  Like many other songs that came out of the 80's metal scene, this is a song about woman.  To the band's credit, there are more relationship based points in this song and not just of focus on wanting sex like most other songs.  However, elements of the sex message are still there in lines such as "cause every time I touch you, you just make me go insane".  Having said that, the lyrics are written well and Don Dokken does a great job singing them.  

While I certainly do like this song, I do admit that it isn't their best, especially when you listen to other songs such as Breaking The Chains, In My Dreams, and Dream Warriors.  However, this is still a solid song and I think it is worth checking out.  I give Burning Like a Flame a 3.5 out of 5.  

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Coldrain Envy Review

I remember hearing this band for the first time when I came across their song We're Not Alone.  I thought the song was pretty good and it caused me to listen to the band from time to time.  Little by little the band grew on me and I got more into them.  However, it wouldn't be until Envy that I really got into this band.

Right at the beginning, the song hooked me with the intro.  The guitar riff, the drums, and the energy at the beginning of the song is amazing.  Sugi starts the song off with that cool opening riff that carries the intro.  Then YKC plays a pretty awesome guitar solo half way through that leads to a heavy verse.  Here, the guitar work continues to be heavy and energetic and to match that energy, Masato busts out some heavy screaming vocals.  The chorus is pretty good as well, this is where the clean vocals take over and it carries the entire chorus.  The bridge is more slow and softer on the energy, but it does fit in to the song very well and doesn't feel out of place.  The ending of this song is a great way to end the song.  YKC busts out a good solo and Masato supports the him by adding some vocal work that operates more as background rather then the main focus.  This guitar solo isn't super technical or over the top, but it sounds good and it really works well with the tone of the music. When it comes to the music, this song is solid.  

The lyrics in the song are good to vent to if you are angry at someone and feel they have wronged you.  The lyrics are about someone who is in a feud with someone the person thought was a friend and then the person feels that the friend betrayed them and now they don't get along. The lyrics flow well I didn't feel like any lines were out of place or unneeded.  I also like this message because it is something that everyone can relate to.  Everyone feels that they have been betrayed by someone at one point in their life and they need someway to let that anger out.  I think this song is a healthy way to let the anger out without getting mad at the wrong person of picking the wrong battle to fight with the person who wronged you.  

Weather you are a metal head, a rocker, or angry and need some way to vent, this is a song you should check out.  With really good music that makes you want to head bang and lyrics that helps you vent your anger, this one solid song.  Coldrain was already gaining momentum in Japan and world wide, but this song gained them a lot of traction and rightfully so.  I give Envy a 4.5 out of 5.     

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Top 5 Queensryche Songs

5.  Take Hold of The Flame

I remember when my Dad got me the Warning album as a kid and how awesome it was.  I loved every song off that record and I consider it one of my first introductions to rock and metal music.  While I love all the songs on that record, the one that always stood out to me most was Take Hold Of The Flame. The soft opening makes you think your getting into a ballad and then the heavy intro comes in and the combined power of Geoff Tate's vocals and guitars blew me away.  The guitar riffs in the intro hooked me and I couldn't stop listening from then on.  The chorus is very cool in this song as well.  The combination of Geoff Tates vocals and the back up vocals of the rest of the band makes a very memorable chorus you can't help but to sing along with.

4.  I Don't Believe In Love

The guitar work really carries this song for me.  The combined guitar playing of Chris Degarmo and Michael Wilton is sounds awesome throughout the entire song.  They are able to bring a style of emotional and mystery that makes this song for me.  The mystery feel shows in the verses and then they bust out emotion in their guitar solos.  The two guitarists really brought their a game to this song.  Eddie Jackson's bass playing in this song is pretty superb as well. The notes are simple, but the way he plays them really works well with the mystery feel to the song.

3.  Jet City Woman

 

Geoff Tate's does a great job show casing his softer side in this song.  His vocals give a great emotional vibe that sounds and feels sincere.  Eddie Jackson delivers some great bass work in this song as well.  His bass intro at the beginning is really catchy and is a good build for the song.  The best part of this song, for me though, is the guitar playing of Chris Degarmo.  His melodic playing really caries this song through and his solo is very solid and superb in this song.

2.  Eyes of A Stranger

This song was a great way to wrap up to the Operation Mindcrime album.  The dual guitar playing in the intro and guitar solos in this song sounds really cool and has a dark feel that really sets up the rest of the song.  The depression in the verse and then the anger of the chorus and second verse works together very well and does a great job letting you know the fate of the protagonist in the albums story.  The structure of the song is very well executed and creates one of the most memorable songs of the album. 

1.  Queen Of The Reich

 

The opening for this song amazing and  it lead to a very cool guitar riff in the main intro.  The main intro is a great metal opening riff and leads into a heavy verse and a powerful chorus.  Geoff Tate sounds really cool in the songs chorus when he hits that long note at the end.  This then leads into a cool dual solo that then goes into one of  Chris Degarmo's best solo's, in my opinion.  The combination of speed and melodic playing is awesome and is very memorable.  Making this one of the best debut songs for a metal band.  

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Therion Birth of Venus Illegitima Review

Therion is a band that has had many changes in their long career.  Having gone through over 20 members and putting out 16 albums they have done a lot over time.  When a band has so many changes, it can lead to a lot of debate over which era is the best.  For a lot of people thought, this band started to really reach their full potential with Birth of Venus Illegitima.

This isn't one of the heaviest songs I have ever heard, but the mysterious tone of the song does catch my interest and keeps me listening to the song all the way through.  The vocals in this song are very impressive.  The male backgrounds vocals sound great and add a real chilling feel to the song that I think works very well.  Martina Astner did a great job on lead vocals for this song.  Her opera style vocals sounds great  and really helps to carry the song.  The the music is simple but it does work well with the song.  The musicians knew not to go to crazy musically otherwise it would hurt the feel they were going for.  The guitar solo continues with the simplicity and like the rest of the music, it doesn't try to hard and in this song, that is a good thing.  Overall, this song has a very mysterious feel to it that I enjoy.

The lyrics in this song are a bit of a mix bag for me.  They flow very well and a executed with great excellence by the vocals, but they are also very repetitive and don't go anywhere.  I get that they are singing about the Goddess Aphrodite (AKA Venus) but because both verses are exactly the same and there isn't really a bridge to help add on to the lyrics, it kind of falls short of an overall story or message.  I get the sense that the music and tone of the song was a bigger priority than than the lyrics.  

Overall, this song delivers some good music and great vocals.  The vocals really carry this song well and I got plenty of enjoyment listening to them.  The guitar solo was good in it's simplicity and kept to the songs tone well.  However, the lyrics didn't do much for me and as a result hurt the song a little for me.  Having said that, if you are looking for a mysterious sounding song, I recommend giving this song a listen to.  I give Birth of Venus Illegitima a 3.5 out of 5.  

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Sabaton Fields of Verdun Review

Sabaton is considered by many to be one of the best and most unique modern metal bands.  With the way they convey history through music and the amazing performances this band display's it is very understandable why they have gained so much traction in the past few years.  As a history guy myself, I can certainly appreciate a band like this that brings attention to so much history that often gets overlooked and doesn't get the recognition it deserves.  One period of history that is often overlooked is the World War 1.  World War 2 is what more people remember because of the higher loss of life and all the events that happened outside of the battle field such as The Holocaust.  World War 2 certainly is a very important part of history and deserves all the recognition it has.  However, the carnage of World War 1 is something that should never be forgotten and Sabaton gives us a good reminder with the Field Of Verdun.

Musically, this is the classic Sabaton sound,  melodic guitars and powerful vocals.  The guitar work in this song is nothing too fancy or tricky but it sounds great and carries the intense feel that is very fitting, considering the songs topic.  Joakim Broden's vocals are superb for this type of music, as he is able to convey the intensity of the battle field perfectly with his voice.  The powerful vocals really carry this song and makes you really want to sing along and add on to the intense vocals.  This shows up most in the big chorus this song gives off.  I also really like the guitar solo in this song.  It has a cool melodic style to it that gives a nice emotional feel, almost to make you feel sympathy for the men who died.  The music is great, but the lyrics are where this songs really shines.

This song's lyrics perfectly depict how harsh and brutal the Battle of Verdun was.  With lines like "father and son fall under the gun" you get a sense of how intense the battle was.  The rhyming in the chorus is very well done and well executed.  Like the big vocals, the way the chorus plays out (lyrically) also makes you want to sing along and get more into the song.  This one of this band's biggest strengths and the continue to display it here.

This is a great song and it really pays great service to men who fought at what is considered the bloodiest battle of World War 1.  The music and vocals are superb, the lyrics are great and convey the message very well.  The way that Sabaton conveys history through music is unique and very masterful.  I think this song might actually be one their best songs yet.  I give Fields of Verdun a 5 out of 5.

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Children of Bodom Under Grass and Clover Review

When is comes to band musicianship, few have it together as well as Children of Bodom does.  From the guitar work of Alexi Laiho, to the keyboard skill of Janne Wirmen, this band demonstrated that they have real chemistry as a band.  With their unique blend of melodic euro metal and death metal, they have created one of the most unique styles ever and they continue to demonstrate that with Under Grass and Clover.

As far as the music goes, this is one of my favorite songs from Children of Bodom.  The opening duel solo with the keyboards and guitar sounds amazing and has a cool melodic style to it that hooked me from the beginning.  I also like the few lead lines that Daniel Freyberg plays through out the intro as well.  they are brief, but they are executed very well and are a nice addition to the intro.  I also like how they go about the verses in the song as well.  The way the music comes in after Alexi Laiho delivers the lyrics is awesome and the bends they play in those sections helps to keep you hooked to the song.  Alexi Laiho's guitar solo is very impressive.  With the combination of speed and melodic playing, he continues to display his amazing talent as a lead guitarist.  I really enjoyed listening to this solo and it could possibly one of my favorite parts of the song.  Musically, this one of the best Children of Bodom songs I have every heard.

The lyrics in this song are good but they are not anything special.  The lyrics are basically about someone trying to remember something awful they did but are unable to.  They then turn to the bottle to try to forget and have hope but still battles the memory.  This is the one weak link I would say this band has.  They don't tend to write very memorable lyrics and it certainly isn't the main strength this band has.  I think they are well aware of this though, as they clearly always put more focus on the musical side then their lyrics and in their case, I think it is for the best.  Because what they lack in terms of lyrical ability, they more then make up for with their music and musicianship.

While the lyrics are nothing special, the rest of the song is amazing.  Everybody is on point and everybody plays very well.  Alexi Laiho continues to show that he is a very talented lead guitarist and this is one of my favorite solos from him.  I give Under Grass and Clover a 4 out of 5.  

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Sabaton The Last Stand Song Review

When it comes to making history rock, few do it as well as Sabaton.  Since they started in 1999, Sabaton has become famous for taking acts of heroism, historical battles, and other historical events and turning them into great metal songs.  Some of their most famous songs include Ghost Division, Primo Victoria, Winged Hussars, and Last Dying Breath, all about war history and told very effectively.  One of their biggest hits currently is "The Last Stand".

Musically, Sabaton continues their signature big, heavy sound in this song.  The combination of guitar and keyboards sounds awesome.  You can tell that they are trying to capture the time period they are singing about and they do it very well.  The guitar solo in this song is simple but very effective.  The melodic and medieval combination really sounds great and gives a good heroic feel that the song is themed on.  One of my favorite parts of the song is the chorus. It sounds big and the way it is written makes you want to sing along with it.  Joakim Broaden has a voice that is meant for historical music.  His voice really works well in this song and it is able to communicate the intense situation the song is based on very well.  When it comes to the music, this song is very solid.    

Lyrically, I think this is where this band really shines.  This song is specifically about the 189 Swiss Guard that defended the pope's escape during the Sack of Rome in 1527.  The whole song is telling the story of this event and they tell it very well.  The phrases are written very well, and like I said before, you really want to sing along with the band on this song.  The message in this song is clear and you can really understand the story that the band is trying to depict.  

Sabaton is certainly a unique power metal band.  The way they choose to communicate history through music is very well done and brings a fresh take to the power metal genre.  The Last Stand is yet another great song from this band.  With good music and awesome lyrics, this song is a must for history lovers and metal heads.  I give The Last Stand a 4.5 out of 5.    

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Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas The Sun Also Rises Review

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is one of the most interesting bands I have ever come across.  They have an interesting sound that I haven't really heard out of too many bands.  Their combination of metal core and electronic music has made them very unique.  While there are elements of this band I don't like, there are elements of this band I like a lot.  Like I said in my review of their song "Let Me Hear" they are overall good musicians with a good sound.  Let's see if their newest song, "The Sun Also Rises" holds up.

Musically, this is not one of my favorite songs from this band.  Usually, this band has a good balance of electronic music and metal, but in this song the metal takes a back seat to the electronic and it isn't as balanced as I like.  While the metal music is there, it is more subtle then most of their other songs.  It only sticks out briefly in a few sections of the song.   The rest of the song is more driven by auto tune vocals and synth. While I am not a fan of auto tune, the basic vocal melody is pretty good and sounds decent.  The band also continues their unique song structure that they use in most of their songs and I really like that about this band.  The way they structure their songs is very uncommon but it still sounds good and it flows very well.  Nothing really sounds out of place and it sounds smooth.  I just wish that they were more balanced like they normally are.  Because certain elements are taking a back seat in this song, it sound more like a generic electronic song then a interesting mixture of genres, which what people like about this band.  Overall, the music isn't bad, but it isn't their best.

Lyrically, this an uplifting song about overcoming obstacles you come across in life.  It is saying that you will have to make decisions to either give in to your obstacles or take them head on and defeat them. While I do think the lyrics could have been written better, they are not all that bad and they are effective at getting the message across.  Overall, the lyrics have a good message and they make it clear what the message is.  The way they are written could be improved but it is a minor problem.  

While I am not a big fan of the music in this song, I don't think the song is flat out bad, it is misguided.  Clearly, the band is experimenting in this song and trying something new.  I give them credit for trying new things, it just isn't my taste.  If you are a big fan of this band then you might like this song.  For me, it is an okay song.  I give The Sun Also Rises a 3 out of 5.  

Mejibray Divergence Review

Mejibray is a band that is a hit or miss for me.  Some songs I love, while others I don't care for.  It isn't because I think they are a bad band, it's just that some of their songs are not my taste. This could be argued as a good thing though because it shows how diverse of a catalog this band has. Some times they are a melodic metal band, sometimes they are an angry thrash band, and other times they are a dark death metal band.  Let's see how I feel about one of their earliest songs, Divergence.

First off, the music in this song is some of their best.  The bass riff played by Koichi at the beginning of the song is very catchy.  It catches your interest and then when the main intro starts, the song really picks up.  That intro riff that Mia plays sounds awesome.  It is a great melodic solo that really sets up the rest of the song very well.  His guitar solo in this song is very impressive as well.  In the guitar solo, Mia plays a solo that combines both melodic and fast playing.  The guy is a great guitar player and he demonstrates that well in this song.  Meto does some good drum work in this song as well.  He is not a great drummer, but he is still pretty good and his drum work in this song is very solid. I don't think that Tsuzuka is that great a singer, but he does have an interesting voice that helps to make this band unique.  I think of him like Geddy Lee of Rush or Vince Neil of Motley Crue.  They are not the best singers in the world but their voices give their bands something that no one else has. As a result no one else can take their places in the bands they are in.  That is what Tsuzuka is to Mejibray, not that great a singer but works very well for the band he is in.

Lyrically, this is a deep song about not settling and wanting more.  Basically, the entire song is about not being happy but not giving up.  It is about wanting to push yourself to become better, no matter what obstacles come your way.  I like songs like this that try to inspire people to want to improve themselves and to keep going to reach their goals.  I do think that the phrases and lines could have been written a little bit better but it is a very minor problem that doesn't turn me off to the song.

Overall, this is a pretty solid song.  The musicianship is great and the song writing is pretty good.  I may not be this bands biggest fan but I cannot deny that they are talented and this song proves that.  They play well together and they clearly have a lot of skill.  Mia is without a doubt a very underrated guitar player that deserves more recognition world wide.  The songs message is very good and makes you want to push yourself in life.  I give Divergence a 4 out of 5.    

  

     

Mr. Big Green Tinted Sixties Mind Review

Most people who know of Mr. Big "in America" know them for their popular ballad " To Be With You".  However, through out the rest of the world they are a pretty popular band with many hits.  Fortunately, with the metal resurgence of the mid 2000's and the fact that this band has great musicians, they have been able to reclaim some of their former glory in the U.S. and get more popular through out the rest of the world.  One song that is starting to get more recognition their debut song "Green Tinted Sixties Mind".

Musically, this song is very good.  That intro guitar riff that Paul Gilbert plays is very catchy and gives a great glimpse into the mans abilities as a guitar player.  The main intro to the song  sets up a great musical tone that is both hard rock and relaxing.  This tone is maintained through out the song and it is executed very well.  The guitar tone is balanced well and the vocal work in this song is amazing.  Eric Martin is a very good singer and this song brings out some of his best.  The back up vocal work of Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan should not be ignored either.  They sound great and they do a good job when they are singing along with Eric.  Some people have a problem with the music because it isn't technical enough.  I understand that criticism, however, you have to remember that these guys didn't just want to showcase their musical abilities, they also wanted to prove that they could right good songs.  While this song doesn't have a lot from a technical stand point.  It still sounds good, and the band proved that they know how to write good music with it.  

Lyrically, this song is not bad as well.  While the message is a generic 80's rock message that is about a girl, the phrases and rhymes really make the lyrics pretty decent.  For example, they have a couple of lines that go "you be lookin groovy, in a sixties movie" the way they tie those lines together with that rhyme scheme is very good.  This plays a big part in making the song sound catchy and helps to keep the audience interested.  While the message is nothing new or impressive, the band shows that they know how to write good lyrics. 

This is without a doubt one of most underrated songs in rock.  Part of the reason for this was that their timing wasn't good.  By the time Mr. Big got big Nirvana was just around the corner.  However, they are making a comeback and more of their music is getting the recognition it deserves.  If you are a fan of 80's metal, or just looking for a good rock song, then I highly recommend Green Tinted Sixties Mind.  I give this song a 4.5 out of 5.     

Arlequin Eclipse Review

Arlequin is interesting band in to me. They have some songs like "Paranoia" that I like, but others I am not a fan of like "Makka Na Uso".  When they keep a song to a specific tone they are great, but sometimes they try to merge tones musically and they don't do it well.  Where songs like "Libra" by Nocturnal Bloodlust  are able to transition between ballad music and heavy metal smoothly, Arlequin has trouble with that in some of their songs. They try to merge metalcore and power ballads together and sometimes they don't merge the two styles well and it leaves you confused.  However, one song I have come to appreciate from this band is their song "Eclipse".

The guitar work in this song is very well done.  With the guitars being tuned down, they have a deep sound that creates a great intro and hooks you into the song.  The verse keeps the energy of the intro going and the melodic vocal work really works with the music and stays true to the tone of the song.  The guitar solo is very good, very melodic.  It isn't anything super technical but it still sounds good and sets up the final portion of the song well.  My only problem with the song musically, is the form of electronic dubstep they have in the intro and at the end of the guitar solo.  While it doesn't ruin the song for me, it seems unnecessary and it doesn't really enhance the music.  If they left it out, the guitar work, the drums, and bass easily have enough to make this song great.  

When it comes to the lyrics this song is a good form of building charisma.  The lyrics are basically  start out about people doubting you and saying you can't do anything.  Then the pre chorus is when you decide not to listen to them. Then the Chorus is you saying your going to rise above.  The lyrics are very well constructed and carry the message very well.  It is uplifting while at the same time addressing hardships you go through in life.  Overall, a great song lyrically.    

As far as I'm concerned, this is one of Arlequin's best songs.  The music is good, the vocals are good, and the lyrics are written well.  The energy is great and it really keeps you engaged in the song from beginning til end.  While the dubstep hinders the song a little bit, it doesn't ruin the song and I still enjoy listening to it.  I give Eclipse a 4 out of 5.  

  

Breaking Benjamin Diary of Jane Review

Breaking Benjamin is a fairly controversial band among rockers and metal heads.  To some people, they are a decent rock band, while others see them as posers that were just part of a trend.  Whatever you think of the band, they are one of the most successful bands of the 2000's and still have a good career going today.  Where as a lot of other bands of the 2000's have faded, such as Trapt, Three Days Grace, and Seether, Breaking Benjamin has still been able to maintain a decent following.  In my opinion, this band was at their best when they came out with "Diary of Jane". 

Musically, this is one of the heaviest songs of their discography.  It starts out with a soft, slow build up that then breaks out into a heavy, hard hitting intro.  While the instrumental work in this song isn't the most impressive I've ever heard, it is still pretty good.  It has a good energy and the guitar work really hooks you.  Benjamin Burnley's vocals work very well in this song.  His deep voice really works well with the lower tuned guitar and he is able to really carry the song.  One of the things that I consider a flaw in this song is the guitar solo before the bridge.  In my opinion the guitar solo was too short and not a lot was done with it.  It wasn't awful but it was short and not executed to the best it could be.  This isn't a huge fault though and it doesn't kill the song for me musically.  

The songs lyrics are about wanting to be in a relationship.  The message of the song is about someone who is in love with a girl but she is not in love with him.  The entire song is basically telling a story of how this man is trying to win her love even though she is not interested in him.  I must say, that the lyrics of this song are constructed very well.  The phrases are well executed and they have a good flow. Overall, the band did a great job with this song lyrically. 

With good music and lyrics that flow like a story, this is one of the best songs that this band has ever made.  The heavy guitar hooks you and the lyrics are really catchy and tell an interesting story.  While people believe that these guys are not worth paying attention to, they have to at least give them credit for this song.  With "Diary of Jane" they proved that they were a talented band with huge potential, and it explains why they still have appeal today, even though so many other bands of their time have faded.  I give"Diary of Jane" a 4 out of 5.