Dee Snider, Halestorm, Otep + More

This week we have a ton of new releases, check them out below!

Dee Snider – For The Love Of Metal

After dabbling in Broadway tunes, and doing his best to latch onto pop-punk fans, Dee Snider has come back to his senses and decided to record a hard rock/metal album. I’ve always felt he was misguided with not wanting to do another Twisted Sister album.

If your opinion is “who cares about a new album by TS” then let’s be honest, who would actually care about a solo album by one of the members of the band? I have to think there is more to it than that.

I loved Dee’s work with Widowmaker and always wanted to hear him return to a much heavier sound that was very apparent on that band’s second album Stand By For Pain. Looks like twenty some odd years later I got what I wanted!

Halestorm – Vicious

Three years after the release of Into The Wild Life the band has confected an album that may actually be considered their best. It is being heralded on many sites, as the band is pushing themselves on this album beyond anything they’ve done in the past with their melodies, musicianship, solos, and lyrics.

The album is called Vicious, but it could have easily been called infectious given how easily these songs get stuck in your head. As much as I’ve enjoyed the band in the past, this is the album that has finally hooked me.

Michael Romeo – War Of The Words Pt. 1

I’ve always felt that the Symphony X guitarist was progressive metal’s hidden secret. Don’t get me wrong, they have a rabid fan following, but I don’t think they receive the same individual recognition other bands like Dream Theater have received.

In the heyday of metal magazines, and issues dedicated to guitarists, Michael Romeo would have certainly been featured. Romeo professes that this album is him taking all of his musical interests and throwing them into a blender, mixing in elements that you may not expect from him.

The album is rounded out by JD DeServio from Black Label Society on bass, former Symphony X touring drummer John Macaluso, and Rick Castellano on vocals.

Otep – Kult 45

Otep Shamaya has always been known for her politically charged poetry and lyrics. She has always stood on the side of those that have been looked down upon by certain sectors of society and championed causes that have fought for the rights of women, and gender rights among other things.

Having a right-wing president in power has often brought out angst and anger in artists, Kult 45 pours gasoline on an open wound and sets it ablaze. Provided you haven’t been living with Wilson on an island for a few years, there is no ambiguity as to who she is referencing with her lyrics.

Other releases of interest:

Chris Caffery – The Jester’s Court

Ironcore Resistance – For The Fallen

Redemption – Long Night’s Journey Into Day

Rise Against – The Ghost Note Symphonies, Vol. 1

Saxon – Destiny Reissue

Saxon – Innocence Is No Excuse Reissue

Saxon – Rock The Nations Reissue

Tarja – Act II

Ultra-Violence – Operation Misdirection

Article by Victor M. Ruiz of Mars Attacks Radio & Podcast, and Galaxy Of Geeks Podcast.  Connect with him on Twitter:  @vmr907