ALBUM REVIEW: SNAKECHARMER - SNAKECHARMER

Snakecharmer's debut is one of those rare releases that will have classic rock fans firmly believing they have died and gone to heaven. For starters how about a line-up comprising of former members of Wishbone Ash (Laurie Wisefield), Whitesnake (Neil Murray/Micky Moody), Thunder (Harry James), and Heartland (Chris Ousey)?! Add 12 pumping tracks that transport you back to the blues infused rock of early Whitesnake and top it off with Chris Ousey's rasping vocals that draw comparison with the sheer class of Paul Rodgers and you have an absolute stunner of an album. It's all too easy to imagine 'The Cov' belting out 'Guilty As Charged' and 'Smoking Gun' but Mr. Ousey lends his own distinctive vocal tones to the AOR influenced 'Accident Prone', 'Stand Up' and power ballad 'Falling Leaves'. A truly 'unique' record from the very best of British!

Christopher Franklin
ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION - AFTERGLOW

Black Country Communion return with their third studio offering ‘Afterglow’, another blistering blues and soul infused rock album. No drawn out improvisations here, just solid and instantly 'catchy' songs ('Midnight Sun', ‘Big Train’, 'Confessor' and 'The Circle' being prime examples) featuring great playing from musical masters Bonamassa/Bonham/Sherinian, an excellent production job courtesy of Kevin Shirley and sublime 'Purplesque' lead vocals from ‘The Voice of Rock’ Glenn Hughes. The epic title track features an understated Led Zep intro before taking off in a totally different direction allowing guitar god Joe Bonamassa to launch into a spectacular solo. Perhaps the real uniqueness of BCC is the seamless way they transcend the notion of rock sub-genres delivering a clearly defined classic rock sound that is both organic and original!

Christopher Franklin

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: MAGNUM - ON THE 13TH DAY

Magnum return with a much anticipated studio album that, in addition to delighting their sizeable and loyal fan base, may offer this hard-working and quintessentially English of bands another shot at success. Guitarist Tony Clarkin, has penned another finely crafted, yet instantly memorable set of songs, the first single 'So Let it Rain' being a prime example. Storyteller Bob Catley's voice is still warm and inviting, injecting just the right amount of emotion without ever becoming over sentimental. That trademark melodic touch is still evident throughout, enhanced by Mark Stanway's atmospheric keys, and no more so than on 'Blood Red Laughter' and 'Shadow Town'. Magnum can still rock out with the best of 'em as demonstrated by 'Dance Of The Black Tattoo' which features Clarkin cranking up a heavy riff, reminiscent of 'Kingdom Of Madness'!

Christopher Franklin

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: UFO - SEVEN DEADLY

UFO’s 21st studio album 'Seven Deadly' represents a return to the classy hard rock sound upon which their reputation was originally founded. Line-up stability has paid dividends with a solid release that is full of top tunes that stay in your head right from first play, foot stomping opener 'Fight Night' being a prime example. The rocking 'Wonderland' showcases Phil Mogg's voice, as distinctive as ever, whilst the blues tinged 'The Last Stone Rider' features another classic guitar riff and a great chorus, underpinned by Paul Raymond's classic hard rock keyboard textures. Guitarist Vinnie Moore is prominent throughout, his playing both melodic and bluesy. On 'Burn Your House Down' he lays down some breathtaking lead breaks reminiscent of his early virtuoso period. UFO are back on true form with an album that is essential listening!

Christopher Franklin

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: JON ANDERSON - SURVIVAL AND OTHER STORIES

Legendary Yes vocalist Jon Anderson survived a serious health scare in 2008 and upon recovery, found himself out of the band. Undeterred, he set about writing new material and (via the internet) collaborated with a range of musicians on a new set of songs. 'Survival & Other Stories' is uplifting and encompasses a variety of styles. 'Understanding Truth' and 'Effortlessly' both feature sparse acoustic arrangements whilst 'Incoming' and the re-recorded 'Just One Man' (a track originally recorded with Rick Wakeman) are more symphonic, echoing the sound of classic Yes. 'Unbroken Spirit' comes across as a personal statement whilst album closer 'Cloudz', is nothing less than an ambient masterpiece leaving the listener in no doubt that Jon's distinct alto-voice remains intact and as emotive as ever. A must have for all Yes fans!

Christopher Franklin

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: QUEENSRYCHE - DEDICATED TO CHAOS

With their 12th studio album, Queensryche continue to push boundaries and explore new musical territories whilst retaining an 'unmistakeable' musical identity. With its stripped down arrangement, opener 'Get Started' would not have sounded out of place on 'Empire', however, any thoughts that this might be an early 90's retro trip are dispelled the moment track two 'Hot Spot Junkie' kicks in with a modern industrial vibe. The Pink Floyd influenced closer 'Big Noize' is a particular highlight and the perfect counterpoint to heavier cuts such as 'At The Edge'. Kelly Gray's top notch production features Eddie Jackson's intricate bass runs and Scott Rockenfield's drums high in the mix, creating at times a dance-like groove that might come as something of a shock to long-time fans. That said, the band's trademark ‘big rock’ sound remains intact!

Christopher Franklin

ROCK iKON Magazine