DVD REVIEW: LED ZEPPELIN - CELEBRATION DAY

'Celebration Day' heralds the unique, creative chemistry and craftsmanship which first immortalised Led Zeppelin with 1975's classic 'The Song Remains The Same'. With Jason Bonham eloquently and capably filling his father’s footsteps (demonstrating an ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’ of the essence of Zep rhythms), John Paul Jones on keyboards and bass and Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in the driving seat, the stage is set for a memorable DVD event for the millions who were unfortunate enough not to be present for the sold out London gig in 2007. This 16 track exultation of well loved tracks and gig footage (from 'rousing' opener 'Good Times Bad Times' to an epic rendition of 'Kashmir') enables rock's premier band to stand up and be counted ‘to a fresh young audience’ as suggested by guitarman Jimmy Page. The old magic is still strong!

Amanda Gentle

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: NEAL SCHON - THE CALLING

Every once in a while guitar virtuoso Neal Schon takes a major detour from his main day job as Journey's lead guitarist to indulge in a different side of his creativity. His seventh solo offering 'The Calling' sees him re-united with former Journey partner-in-rhyme Steve Smith who lends his drumming artistry to all 12 instrumentals. The tittle track is a beautifully crafted collage of well executed musical muscle, whilst the monstrous back-drop of 'Back Smash' is reminiscent of a modern day Led Zeppelin, embossed with the tenacity and flair of a well seasoned guitar ace. Neal 'personally' and powerfully exemplifies his technical versatility in the emotional 'Blue Rainbow Sky' (a tribute to the late great Ronnie James Dio) a charismatic cauldron of stylistic and heart-felt melodic guitar hooks. Nothing short of a six string symphony!

Jonathan Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: EUROPE - BAG OF BONES

Swedish hard rockers Europe have gone back to blues basics for their 9th studio album 'Bag Of Bones' with the help of producer Kevin Shirley who has worked his magic yet again. Opener 'Riches To Rags' sets the standard whilst lead cut 'Not Supposed To Sing The Blues' (an addictive Led Zep workout) burns the house down. Inspiring compositions such as the title track (which features Joe Bonamassa on slide guitar) and the Deep Purple-esque 'My Woman My Friend' add depth. Elsewhere the straight-forward hard rock of 'Firebox' and the stripped-down acoustic tingle of ‘Drink And A Smile' are stadium-filling hallmarks.The shining twin stars of singer Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum stand-out trumps here providing perfect interplay. Europe were born to sing the blues... contender for rock album of the year!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine