By Lisa Finning

As if we neede further proof that Ben Watkins prowess in electronic music exceeds most expectations. Aptly titled, Juno Reactor’s Gods & Monsters is ethnically diverse with tasty layers blended perfectly together.

I can easily see each unique track fitting seamlessly into a movie. How does one describe such a CD? Space odessy meets western elements, meets eastern, meets african, meets japanese elements, meets trance? Usually I’d describe each track individually but on this particular occasion I think that words could only reduce this fantastic musical voyage.

It’s rare these days to find an artist that defies description like Juno Reactor does. For those who enjoy electronic/industrial music, this CD is a definite must have. My favorite Juno Reactor CD to date.

Juno Reactor will be touring during 2008, check out the tour dates and album on their official site: http://www.reactorleak.com/

Spirit Creek: A Culture of Unaccountability

by Melissa Smith

A Culture of Unaccountability is the 5th release from this Milwaukee, Wisconsin quartet formed in 1996. Released early in 2008, the recording was produced, mixed and engineered by lead singer Doug Shea, who also acts as chief lyricist on the tracks.

Although 13 songs are listed, the opener is a minute in length and “Odium Rising”, the beautifully atmospheric instrumental that comprises track 7 is only 30 seconds long.

Spirit Creek site their influences as Radio Head, The Cure and Morrissey amongst others, but their powerful stadium rock sound on the remaining 11 tracks will likely appeal to fans of a more driven sensibility.

The harder rocking songs such as “The Black Co.”, “Within a Grin” and “In Hell” channel Metallica while the last two tracks of the album have a slight feel of Tool. Throughout the album, often unexpected but well executed harmonizing adds to the soundscape. Spirit Creek have previously played with Nickelback and the vocal stylings from their slower songs like “Mirror Track” and “I Am” are reminiscent of their neighbours to the north, with the ghost of Chad Krueger at his finest, hanging over several tracks on the album.

With its anthemic angsty sound, power ballad “I Am” is the standout track on the album. If the song receives airplay, it has the potential to catapult this band into stadium filling capacity. After 12 years of plugging away, they’ve earned it.

By Kat B.

When I heard Steve Stevens was releasing his first solo record in almost 8 years, I must admit I was stoked to hear the results.

Just who is this Stevens guy? Most Billy Idol fans will recognize his memorable guitar skills on rock anthems like “Rebel Yell” but aside from Idol, he’s worked with the likes of Vince Neil, Robert Palmer, Joni Mitchell, and Michael Jackson to name a few.

I knew Stevens had a talent for creating memorable licks and hooks but I wasn’t sure what I’d find on his solo release, Memory Crash.

The CD features nine original tracks and one cover, all of which have their own unique flavour infused.

The CD kick things off with “Heavy Horizon” and then heads straight into “Hellcats Take The Highway”. “Water on Ares” is a melodic, moody track that showcases Stevens ability to marry catchy melodies and solos without compromising on either one.

There is also a very hip rendition of Robin Trower’s “Day of the Eagle” which features Dug Pinnick of King’s X. There’s a little bit of a Stevie-Ray (Vaughan) flavor going on here but still with Stevens uniquely identifiable sound.

“Small Arms Fire” is definitely one of my favorite tracks off the CD. It starts off with a Flamenco inspired segue leading into pure, classic Stevens electrified riffs and rhythms.

The CD isn’t overly produced and Stevens playing is at the forefront. Memory Crash showcases Stevens talent with composing and his ability to convey a lot without overdoing it.

Web: www.SteveStevens.net

By Lisa Finning

Inflikted is the perfect title for the first release from Cavalera Conspiracy. The album is a sledgehammer, beating you senseless until you succumb to this musical voodoo.

You may remember this dynamic duo from the band Sepultura from which they left in the 90’s. At the same time the Cavalera’s, Max and Igor, walked away from each other. Thankfully they reunited for this fierce album and happily the magic between them is still there.

Inflikted features 11 brutal tracks that don’t let up until the last note dies. The album is a blend of speed, hardcore, punk, thrash, with a dose of tribal elements thrown in. It’s a battle cry for the masses and a must have for any fan of the Cavalera’s.

Web: www.cavaleraconspiracy.com

By Gregory O

If at first you don’t succeed, get the hell up and try again. The Sammus Theory’s second full-length album See (it) Through did just that and we should be grateful for it. This album invades you with fourteen high-energy tracks exposing many of the bands observable influences. The Sammus Theory has been rocking the streets of Phoenix since 2004 but this latest offering should allow them to reach out to fans far beyond the Copper State.

Lyrically evolved, this album does things that often take bands many albums to achieve. I guess it comes as no surprise that all this originated seven years ago in small town Idaho Falls. Big bass lines right in your face, complex, precise drums and fiercely manipulated strings seem effortless for these guys.

“56 Blank” gives you its first glimpse of the big ride See (it) Through is about to take you on. Their serious sound builds throughout this album as they narrate their dark and twisted tales. Tracks like “Pure” and “Inside Out” continue this trend as they force you to crank it up a few notches.

The last four titles on this record offer a soothing denouement to a great album full of lengthy, elaborate and polished tracks allowing you to absorb everything fully. Feel free to get lost in this one. After all isn’t that what a great album should permit you to do?

Web: www.thesammustheory.net

By Gregory O

Montreal band Forty Birds is making some big noise with their inaugural album Shotgun Therapy. This five-piece ensemble is sure to please your senses with its hard hitting percussions and their intoxicating guitar rhythms. Front man Matt Pelletier certainly delivers on this record and right from the opening track “Antonio” he shows what he is capable of. Matt’s complex voice soars through the lyrics as Forty Birds attack you from all directions. Like a unified flock, Forty Birds certainly flies as one, writing and producing all tracks on Shotgun Therapy.

Not to be out done, the rest of the band has plenty of opportunity to shine with some sick drawn out solos. Led by Cory Lacombe on drums, the band pulls you to the edge of your seat on tracks like “Period of Consequences” and “Dead Luck.” Swift and heavy riffs contaminate the record from start to finish. Guitarists Dave Seguin and Kevin Marple feed off one another to create a distinctive and energizing sound. They say that one should often save the best for last and in this case they did. “Shotgun Theory” completes this solid debut with intensity aggression that leaves you craving for more.

www.fortybirds.com

If you’re in love or if you’ve lost love, everyone who needs music in the veins knows that some songs sum up the way you feel far better than you could…

LOVE

Foo Fighters / “everlong”
“Everlong” is a contender for the best Foo Fighters track ever and a firm crowd favourite from an era before Foo Fighters became a household brand. Whilst first single from The Colour and the Shape kicked our doors in to demand attention, “Everlong” soothed us and reminded how everything would be okay.

Pearl Jam / “Last Kiss”
Pearl Jam’s cover of a 1960s country song by Wayne Cochran became an unexpected underground hit before it was properly released. This song makes no apologies about mixing a love story with a car crash and it is as bitter as it is sweet. Pearl Jam were one of the rock bands that helped define the American rock in the 90s and whether or not you agree with them covering a 60s country track, Eddie Vedder’s baritone vocals are undeniably well suited to sing about tragic love.

Goo Goo Dolls / “Iris”
This song changed the definition of success for a band who occupy a rare ground between rock and mainstream attention grabbing. “Iris” is one of the few film soundtrack songs that outlive the mass appeal of their accompanying music video made entirely of action film clips. Probably the only song that could ever make watching a woman through a telescope sound romantic, or perhaps it’s simply the anticipation of being so close yet so far which appeals.

Tool / “Schism”
“Schism” reminds us that rhythm is an art form; this song hit the public consciousness like a baseball bat and ushered in a new era of Tool, as the first single from the epic album, Lateralus. A prime example of music from a band that can’t be imitated; this song looks at one single aspect of relationships communication. As a relationship starts to rot we all face the frustration of knowing everything that we used to agree on has somehow broken down.

ANT-LOVE

Killswitch Engage / “My last serenade”
Writing songs about a girl is one of the best ways to charm her. This song explains what happens when love turns to rust and it’s complete with the aggression that you would expect of anyone who knew they were delivering their last serenade. The anger of this song makes a rare balance with the harmony in the chorus.

Tool / “Pushit”
Love is both an adventure and a struggle at the same time, this is a fact, and “Pushit” is one of the few songs ready to admit it.
“Pushit” first appeared on Ænima and was later reincarnated for the live album Salival, which starts the song with lead singer Maynard Keenan explaining that they’ve been looking “at one of their songs in a new light” before launching into a song that was even more epic and meaningful than the original.

Stone Temple Pilots / “Sour Girl”
This slow and reflective song felt like a contradiction for a band better known for loud ‘n’ fast songs, yet it remains one of their best. Lead singer Scott Weiland tells the tale of two people who were happy when apart and sour when together. It doesn’t make any profound statement on love, but it has one of the best and most effective choruses of any love song, giving the song an uplifting yet melancholy edge.

Nickelback /“How you remind me”
The song that single handedly made millions of people run out and buy Nickelback’s Silver Side Up tells the story of falling in love with someone who will happily stamp on your heart. Many of us have been there, and the smart amongst us will not go there again. It tells the story of learning to value yourself in a world full of other people through loud guitars, rather than through self-help DVDs featuring a man in a jumper insisting “you can…” do whatever it is you’ve been stalling on due to lack of spine.

Andrew S Valentine

From the desk of Kat B.

Dearest rockoholics, since this was our premiere issue, I wanted to focus on some of the music that I felt fell into the “Best of 2007”.

So here are my picks for 2007 in no particular order. These are items that I feel are worth spending your money on. There were lots of singles that were good this year too but these are the CDs that stood out as a whole.

CD: Die So Fluid, Spawn of Dysfunction
Ok, so this one wasn’t released this year but you won’t find a bad track on it. With lead singer/bassist Grog’s venomous take no prisoners iron-lunged singing backed by solid lyrics, a wicked bass line and guitar riffs, it simply kicks ass from start to finish. http://www.myspace.com/diesofluid

CD: H.I.M., Venus Doom
I listen to a ton of music each year and it’s rare these days for me to listen to a CD from start to finish. Listening to this CD was one of those rare occasions because I was drawn in by each track. All of the tracks are solid and have their own persona; you won’t find any filler tracks here.

Sonically, this CD has a more guitar driven, heavier sound than their previous release. That combined with the angst injected vocals makes for great listening.

I absolutely love and admire that they didn’t put together a disc of 9 songs formed into perfectly formatted 3.5 minute radio ready turds. Instead they included a 10 minute rock epic, “Sleepwalking Past Hope” and even a short intimate interlude (1.11) “Song or Suicide”. Easily one of my favorite releases from this year.
www.heartagram.com

CD/DVD: Heart - Dreamboat Annie

This was released in the Fall this year. It’s Heart performing some of their classic tracks live, how could this not be good? If you like to go a little retro once in a while then you’ll probably like this one. This was recorded live in LA and contains some of their greatest hits like Barracuda, Crazy on You, Magic Man. I don’t feel like I really need to explain this one do I?
http://www.heart-music.com/

Book: Heroin Diaries
This book covers a year in the life of Nikki Sixx who at the time was hooked on Heroin.
This is definitely not a candy-coated version of addiction. It pretty much lays it out on the table and I found this to be an interesting read. So whether or not you know someone who is/was suffering from addiction, this book is worth a read.
http://www.theheroindiaries.net/

Book: Clapton – Autobiography
If you’ve ever seen him interviewed then you know he’s a pretty private man. The book however, provides a pretty honest look at his life from childhood to current. After reading this it really gives you some sense of who Clapton is as a person and what makes him tick. So if you are a Clapton fan, I’d pick this one up.
http://www.ericclapton.com/