Rock Music

www.youtube.com Check out former KISS guitarist Mark St. John featured in a 1989 music video by American TV actor David Hasselhoff.

www.youtube.com In episode #24 turn the reins of the show over to Tommy who has a grab bag of topics to discuss including the rumors of a brand new KISS stage for the Monster Tour.

Review by kev rowland — While the sound quality of this CD may not be the best in the world there are plenty of warnings, both in the title and the booklet. What is important is that the first half of the CD contains four live cuts from the line up which included Carl Palmer on drums, and these are the only live recordings known to exist from that era. Recorded at the Paris Theatre with Mr. John Peel introducing each number, and giving the fans some history, such as the fact that John Du Cann had only been in the band a month. All of these four songs are interesting but to me the highlight must be the instrumental "Gershatser" which contains some great Hammond Organ from Vincent Crane, but also a drum solo from Carl. This is how ELP would have sounded if they had become a hard rock band. By the time that Rooster returned to the Paris Theatre a year later Carl had left to join some other guys, and he was replaced by Paul Hammond. This is a very different sounding band, as John had by now removed a lot of the jazz influences and had made them very much a hard rock band. Of the four songs, one is "Tomorrow Night", which was their second biggest hit. Originally appeared in Feedback #58

Review by kev rowland — This American band came together in 1997, and pursues an interesting avenue of prog/techno metal. No keyboards for these guys, just a lot of clever things going on with the melody, and plenty of riffing from guitarist Chris Maytus. It is the guitar work that sets this album apart from many, as Chris proves that he is much more than a guitarist with his amp set on ten, while at the same time he is not a huge fan of the widdly widdly either. This four-track debut CD offers a lot in the way of promise, and it will be interesting indeed to hear the new full-length album 'Dawning' when it is available. If I had to pick fault it would be with vocalist Chyle Vagner who seems to be struggling at times, but given the fact that he only joined the band two weeks prior to going in to the studio he ought to be given the benefit of the doubt. Overall a very intriguing and interesting band with a lot going for them. Occasionally reminiscent of Q?eensryche or Winter, this is a band that is worth discovering. Although they are American they have a Danish management company and are probably best contacted by e-mail at archetype@intromental.com or visit their website at www.intromental. com/archetype.Originally appeared in Feedback #58

Review by kev rowland — Although released on Inside Out and being described as being progressive metal this album has little to do with the world of prog. This is a melodic hard rock band who have far more in common with Stratovarius than they do with IQ. In fact, the band they sound quite similar to is Savatage, who they have toured with in the past. Although they are clever, and I know that I really ought to like this, I couldn't get a handle on it somehow. There is a spark missing somewhere. That is not to say that this is a bad album, far from it, but even though the guitars and keyboards sometimes rattle along at breathtaking speed and intensity I found myself easily distracted. Perhaps it needs to be played a great many times to be fully admired, but as I probably won't be returning to it again I don't think that I will ever find out. Originally appeared in Feedback #57

Review by kev rowland — The last supergroup of the 20th Century is here. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) thought it might be fun to work with Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), and a few e-mails later the line-up was completed by Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion). The impression coming strongly through the music is that Neal and Roine have been the two largest musical influences, although Neal plays much more Hammond organ than would normally be found with the Beard. The opener manages to kick in at over thirty minutes in length, and there are two other tracks (one of which is a Procul Harum cover, "In Held (Twas) I") which are over fifteen minutes long. They make the other two songs (both over five minutes long) seem very short in comparison. This is much more about traditional Seventies sounds, with a huge chunk of Steely Dan style sound being incorporated at times. Neal and Roine both sing lead vocals, while the others provide harmonies. The music is very intricate, very complex, very prog, but doesn't move into the prog metal style beloved by Mike and (at times) Neal. It is certainly the most progressive album to involve Pete for some years.... It is an album that any proghead will be queuing for when it hits the shops on April 10th. These guys prove that it doesn't need loads of volume. All it needs is a tune, some vocals, and some interplay (okay, so the tune is moving through different time signatures, and is extremely complicated and diverse while the vocal harmonies are spot on). "Mystery Train" is the one that sounds as if it could have been lifted straight from 'Day For Night' as the restrained verse leads into a very Spock's Beard style soaring chorus. Just simply, a superb album. Originally appeared in Feedback #57

www.rockcamp.com Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Announces Upcoming Camp With Original KISS Drummer Peter Criss Get ready, NYC! Rock ‘n' Roll Fantasy Camp is bringing the rock to the city that never sleeps for Campalooza! Don't miss out on this special east coast edition of Rock ‘n' Roll Fantasy Camp! Ever daydreamed at work about shredding next to guitar legends Yngwie Malmsteen and Johnny Winter? Maybe bangin' on the drums with original KISS drummer Peter Criss? Or how about getting funky with American blues, jazz and rock guitarist Robben Ford? Or do you want to jam with Leslie West of Mountain? Campers will get the opportunity to jam and perform next to Grammy winners and epic guitar legends, as well as record with one of the most significant producers to work with the unforgettable John Lennon. You will take the stage at the legendary BB King's in Times Square, in front of screaming fans and your family! You will perform your original songs on the stage that Yardbirds, and BB King himself have performed on! The fantasy continues when you write and record next to your favorite Rock Stars at Gibson Rehearsal Studios, formerly The Hit Factory. The Hit Factory has had amazing artists record at their NYC facilities. Hits that have been recorded there include Michael Jackson's "Thriller", as well as Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The USA" and Stevie Wonder's "Songs In The Key Of Life"! On Saturday Night, you will play at The Cutting Room. The Cutting Room has hosted huge rock stars in the past. You will get the opportunity to stand and perform on the same stage that rockers David Bowie, Kid Rock, and John Mayer have all performed on! If that's not enough, there will be special guests and speakers from the world of music. If you join our recording package, you can work with Grammy Award Winner Jack Douglas in Avatar Studios (formerly The Power Station) in NYC for an exclusive recording session. The Power Station is where heavy hitters Aerosmith, Jon Bon Jovi, Iggy Pop, Madonna, Blondie, Joan Jett, Journey, and so many more have recorded. Acoustically, this is undeniably one of the great recording facilities in the world. More information HERE: www.rockcamp.com/campalooza.php

Review by kev rowland — I am a big fan of the debut album by Platypus, 'When Pus Comes To Shove', so I was pleased indeed to receive the follow-up 'Ice Cycles'. Platypus was formed by bassist John Myung (Dream Theater), Kings X guitarist and vocalist Ty Tabor, keyboard player Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Kiss etc.) and drummer Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs, Winger). While not as Beatlesque as the debut, this is an equally as impressive album with some great pop moments. Although these guys can all blast away or prog with the best of them, it is for pure pop combined with rock and great songs that they are renowned. Although as they prove in the closing instrumental "Partial To The Bean", which is over ten minutes long, they haven't lost sight of their day jobs. By the way. that song is divided into seven parts, "Intro Pompatous", "Yoko Ono", "Yoko Two-No", "Yoko Three-No", "Platmosis", "Yoko Againo" and "Yoko Outro". That isn't the only instrumental either with "25" showing that great rock numbers don't needs words as an instrument can quite easily carry the melody line. On "Cry" they can even make the listener believe that Tony Iommi is involved with the project as they kick off with some great "Iron Man"-style riffs. Another great album which has plenty for the music lover. Originally appeared in Feedback #57

Review by kev rowland — It is not surprising, given the title, that this is the fourth album by Kamelot. They have used a guest keyboard player, along with choirs and string sections, and these have all added depth to what is a stunning melodic metal album. There are parts of it, such as the introduction to "Desert Reign", which give no hint of the power and force of the music as it is not what one would expect to find on a rock album. But, songs such as the title track show Kamelot in their true colours, flying high on a wind of anthemic intricate melodic metal with Casey Grillo pounding those double bass drum pedals for all he is worth. The fact that they have attempted to make their music much more than just another metal album is definitely in their favour, and Noise have also done their part with some evocative artwork for the booklet. If you are intrigued by bands such as Stratovarius then this is an album you must discover (distributed in the UK by Koch International). Originally appeared in Feedback #57

Review by kev rowland — According to the press release this is previously unreleased and it is not hard to hear why. While collectors will always want a copy of every gig a band plays, if possible, they will avoid poor quality boots if at all possible, and this sounds like one of those. From the reaction of one person when they kick into "Brainstorm" this is almost definitely an audience recording, with sound quality as muddy as the fields at Glastonbury where this was recorded at 5 am. If you are a die-hard must have everything Hawkfan then don't say you haven't be warned, otherwise leave well alone. Originally appeared in Feedback #57