Volbeat, John 5 + More
Here are some of the new albums that come out today:
Volbeat – Rewind, Replay, Rebound
I have to admit I was a huge fan of Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood, as well as Beyond Hell Above Heaven, but the band totally lost me with their following two releases, Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, and Seal The Deal & Let’s Boogie. In my opinion, they lost their bite, while pursuing a more radio-friendly approach. Totally their prerogative, and I get it, they were trying to sell more albums.
Most bands will tell you they would do anything to make a living off of their art, and not have to struggle like 99.9% of the bands out there, but tracks like “Cape Of Our Hero” and “Lola Montez” just turned me off to the album. Sorry, just my opinion. The follow-up had a few decent tracks on it, but nowhere near as good, in my opinion, as their earlier releases.
Now I keep stressing the word opinion because what I am posting is my, Victor M. Ruiz’s opinion. It isn’t Mark Stigl’s or anyone else loosely associated with Talking Rock.net. And to have a band or their supporting cast go after a publication, website, or podcast because they don’t like an album or a performance is a bunch of horseshit.
Sorry, I don’t have to like everything a band releases, and that band does not have to share the same opinion as me when it comes to music either. If a band thinks that they’ve never had a misstep, well they either have a huge ego or a ton of yes men around them. Very few bands over the years have not released a shitty track or two.
In any event, there is enough good music out there that if you don’t like something, just change the dial, change the track, find something you do like. If someone doesn’t agree with you, so be it, move on.
I’ve heard some good tracks off of this album, and I’ve heard others I don’t care for. I know the aforementioned “Lola Montez” is a huge hit that a lot of people love, and the band will continue to have a huge fan base. The album will no doubt be a big seller, and my comments are in no way shape, or form made to dissuade anyone from checking this album out, quite the opposite, I encourage people to do so, and form their own opinion.
As what I post is just that, MY opinion, which is neither right nor wrong, is just my preference. What got me into the band was them channeling, Misfits, Metallica, and bands like Social Distortion, the track “Pelvis On Fire” reminds me of this, other tracks I’ve heard off of the album, well not so much.
John 5 And The Creatures – Invasion
John 5 is a creative genius, whether it’s music, album covers, graphic design, his look, his videos, etc. You can always expect something entertaining, and different from him. His albums are never about just guitar pyrotechnics, you can listen to other “guitar heroes” and hear them soloing for what 45 minutes non-stop, but the rest of the track is shit.
Never the case with John 5, whether it’s chicken picking, blues, flamenco, hard rock, or metal, his albums are very diverse, completely fleshed out, and just entertaining. If you love his work, well then you’ll need this for your collection, if you’ve never heard of him beyond his work with Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, David Lee Roth, or zoinks K.D. Lang, this may be a good introduction to his solo work. Check out his Scooby-Doo-inspired video here, hence the zoinks!
Satan’s Taint – Destruction Ritual
Who? Remember Bobby Gustafson of Overkill? Well, he’s finally back, after years in the making, Destruction Ritual is finally here. He spoke to me about the band several years ago when recording an interview about his work with his former band. You can debate if Satan’s Taint is heavier than what he did in Overkill, it is certainly tuned differently, but it is also 2019, and not the 80s or early 90s.
His early work would probably sound like this if it came out today, his playing is still just as tasty as ever, just the right amount of notes to stand out, without having to be all over the fretboard. Would recommend it to anyone that is remotely a fan of his previous work.
Here are some other albums that may interest you:
Skillet – Victorious
The New Roses – Nothing But Wild
The Offering – Home
Head Automatica – Popaganda
Russian Circles – Blood Year
Northlane – Alien
Lou Dibello – American Hard Rock
Carnifex – World War X
Underoath – Erase Me Deluxe Edition
Neurosis & Jarboe – Neurosis & Jarboe Re-Release
Prong – Cleansing Vinyl Re-Release
Cro-Mags – Don’t Give In Vinyl Re-Release
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – The Bizarre Years Vinyl Re-Release
Bad Company – The Swan Song Years 1974-1982
Saxon – The Eagle Has Landed 40 (Live)
Riot V – Live In Japan DVD/CD
Ministry – In Case You Didn’t Feel Like Showing Up Live
YES – YES: 50 Live
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Live at Woodstock
Blur – Live at the BBC 10-Inch
Article by Victor M. Ruiz of Mars Attacks Radio & Podcast, and Galaxy Of Geeks Podcast. Connect with him on Twitter: @vmr907
