JASON BECKER
Here are some of the albums that come out today, December 7th, 2018.
Jason Becker – Triumphant Hearts
Most of us that love hard rock and metal know the story of Jason Becker, part of Cacophony with Marty Friedman. The future was so bright, Marty went to Megadeth, and Jason went to write and record with David Lee Roth, following in the footsteps of Steve Vai, and Eddie Van Halen.
But while recording A Little Ain’t Enough, Jason was diagnosed with ALS. His story and battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease are well documented in the movie Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet. This is the first batch of new music from Jason since 2008’s Collection.
These songs were all composed by Jason, but all of the guitar tracks are performed by guests that have helped record the album. And what a guest list which is dubbed The Magnificent 13, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Marty Friedman, Uli Jon Roth, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen, Jeff Loomis, Trevor Rabin and many, many more. A must have for any fan of Jason’s work or fans of the Shrapnel players of old.
Metal Church – Damned If You Do
The Seattle band returns with their second album since they welcomed Mike Howe back into the band. This also marks the first album with long-time W.A.S.P. drummer Stet Howland.
For some reason, they remind me of Accept, in the sense that since they have returned they have done nothing but release quality material, that easily fits in with what the band released during their initial rise in popularity during the 80s.
And it seems much like Accept welcoming in Mark Tornillo to help refuel the band, the return of Mike Howe has done much the same for Metal Church. They aren’t reinventing the wheel here, but they are providing you with the sonic ass-kicking you’ve come to love from the band.
Alcatrazz – Parole Denied: Tokyo 2017 DVD/CD
I don’t usually feature live albums, or reissues in the top half of my new release posts unless I feel that there something monumental or ridiculously good is coming out. The occasion here is pretty obvious, as people that are fans of the band, or the legendary voice of Graham Bonnet know that this is the first time in decades, thirty-three years to be exact that he’s recorded and released anything with Jimmy Waldo, and Gary Shea.
Bonnet is 71, and his voice still roars as loud as ever and has been releasing nothing but quality new material these past few years. Rounding out the band are members of Bonnet’s solo band, as this show was recorded during the Japanese portion of his The Book tour.
Johnny Gioeli – One Voice
This is Johnny’s second release in 2018, the first being his collaboration with Dead Daisies’ drummer Deen Castronovo, under the name Gioeli / Castronovo. Deen also played in a band called Journey, whose founder, and mainman Neal Schon previously played in a band called Hardline, with Johnny and his brother Joey, small world!
This is Johnny’s first solo album, and it won’t disappoint fans of his previous work, as it doesn’t fall that far from his previous work. He did run a crowdfunding campaign for this album, his reason for doing so was to help give money to Joe Barber who became paralyzed after an accident in 2017.
There are also plenty of re-issues, greatest hits, and live releases for the holidays!
Gotthard – Defrosted 2
Mayhem – Grand Declaration Of War Re-Release
Myrkur – Juniper EP
Nightwish – The End Of An Era DVD/CD Re-Release
Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone Reissue
Steelheart – Rock’n Milan DVD/CD
Article by Victor M. Ruiz of Mars Attacks Radio & Podcast, and Galaxy Of Geeks Podcast. Connect with him on Twitter: @vmr907
