Metal Church
Masterpeace
(Nuclear Blast America)It has been way too long since there was new Metal Church music out there, and now, with the release of Masterpeace, we get not only new tunes, but the return of the original line-up! (Don't get me wrong, however. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the band when Mike Howe was singing and "Badlands" is still the greatest metal song of all time. But there's just something about the original...) Every track on this "masterpiece" is great, but the ones that really stand out are "Sleeps With Thunder", "Falldown", "Into Dust", "Kiss For The Dead"... oh wait... I seem to be listing every song! You get the point. "Into Dust" has one of the most incredible instrumental breaks ever. The weakest track is "Toys In The Attic". It's not bad for a cover, but like I said... there's just something about the original. But even at it's weakest point, Masterpeace more than lives up to its name.
Space Age Playboys
New Rock Underground
(Dream Catcher)This album from Kory Clarke's latest band isn't actually new, but as it is a hard-to-get import, I have only just recently managed to get a copy. The Playboys seem less serious and more of a party rock band than Clarke's prior band, Warrior Soul, but the music is still high energy and high quality. Rumor has it that the band has had some members leave recently, but that doesn't really matter much. As long as Kory Clarke is at the helm, the Playboys are guaranteed to blast more great music! Stand out tracks include "Buzz On", "Rocket Girl", and "Ambient Guru". Now if only a US label would wise up and sign these guys!
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Edge Of Forever
(CMC International)Edge Of Forever is the best post-Ronnie Skynyrd album. It's that simple. "Workin'" has been getting airplay in some areas, but the best track has to be "Preacher Man". If you have ever been a Skynyrd fan, and even if you haven't cared for the "re-united" band, this is an album that would make Ronnie proud.
Megadeth
Risk
(Capitol)Depending on which fan you talk to, Megadeth either gets better with each release or worse with each release. I happen to be one who thinks they get better each time out. Admittedly, their sound has become more and more mainstream, but I prefer that as opposed to a band that keeps churning out the same album over and over again. This album actually is a bit more experimental than past efforts. "Insomnia" is a fast-paced rocker that opens the CD and sets the tone for the album. "Crush 'Em", "Breadline" and "Seven" are the best of the tracks. Though they may alienate a few fans along the way, I hope to see Megadeth continue along this road for a long time to come.
Doctor Butcher
Doctor Butcher
(Gun)Another hard-to-find import, this album from Doctor Butcher has become almost legendary. The band features Savatage's Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery. "Lost In The Dark", "The Altar", and "Season Of The Witch" all bring back the feeling of classic Savatage and that is definitely fine with me! I would love to see Doctor Butcher signed in the US and releasing more music. I'll still pick up each and every Savatage / Trans Siberian Orchestra release, but this is more like what I would like to hear from Jon Oliva.
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