ALBUM REVIEW: BLACK SABBATH - 13

'13’ heralds a very welcome return of the old-school signature sound reminiscent of 'vintage' Black Sabbath. The synths and theatrics have been stripped away to reveal just the right amount of light and pure darkness. That earthy essence is revealed on album opener ‘The End Of The Beginning’ with clean, sharp and youthful vocals from the great Oz but with a mature, deeper, confident twist. ‘God Is Dead' has a relentlessly melodic, Zen-like dark quality coupled with a somewhat amusing, quirky use of rhyming. 'Loner' is very infectious, the more you listen the more you want to. Echoes of ‘Planet Caravan’ can be heard within ‘Zeitgeist,’ proving that the old Black Magic is still very much alive. Sabbath are back to basics in no uncertain terms…  Like a good whisky age, depth, knowledge and experience will always produce 'true' class!

Amanda Gentle

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE LUKATHER - TRANSITION

Renowned for his flashy six-string work with Toto, Steve Lukather has opened a new chapter with his seventh solo release. Lyrically 'inspired' by his troubled past and struggle to regain full health 'Transition' showcases an intuitive melting pot of musical styles which finds him again at his creative peak. Steve's vocal strength is prominent throughout especially on the swampy blues laden 'Creep Motel' which exposes all of his signature whammy moves. In contrast the epic 'Right The Wrong' is a perfect example of the guitarman's songwriting prowess, a slow heartfelt ballad which harmoniously grows into a euphoric rock anthem, while on standout cut 'Rest Of The World' Lukather recreates the charismatic classic rock of guitar legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton. A pleasure pool of jazz, rock and blues which oozes pure emotion!

Jonathan Crampton
ROCK iKON Magazine

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

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: PAUL GILBERT - VIBRATO

Regarded as one of the finest guitarists on planet rock Paul Gilbert is at it again with his latest solo effort 'Vibrato'. As a pioneering member of both Racer X and Mr. Big a musician of such high caliber could well be forgiven for resting on his laurels but has consistently delivered the goods due to a tremendous work ethic. Opening cut 'Enemies' sets the standard, in a blend of blistering blues and red hot rock embellished with jazzy overtones. The mind expansive 'Atmosphere On The Moon' demonstrates the 'Big man's vocal talents, as well as allowing space for his keyboard playing wife Emi and master sticksman Thomas Lang to flex their expertise. Mr. Gilbert's ability to throw conventional musical concepts out of the window is an apparent theme on an album which effortlessly fuses rock, funk, and blues into a cohesive collection of pure artistry!

Jonathan Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine