By John Jeffrey

Any day Megadeth unleashes a new release upon the world is a good day!  September 7, 2010 will be one of them, as Megadeth will release "Rust In Peace Live," via Shout! Factory Records.  "Rest In Peace Live" is a multimedia release, as it is being released on three different formats - CD, DVD & Blu-ray.

After popping in the disc in and starting the main concert portion of the video (the concert is split into 2 parts, the first part being the complete "Rest In Peace" album in it's entirety, the second part is made up of "bonus" fan favorites performed from various other Megadeth releases), one thing was clear, not only is Megadeth's music timeless, but the band appears to be ageless!!
Dave Mustaine and the boys don't look like they've aged since 1990, when they first toured for the "RIP" CD.  Although two of the members of the "RIP" lineup (guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza) did not return for the CD's 20th anniversary tour (their replacements, Chris Broderick - guitar- and Shawn Drover - drums - do more than a adequate job), one member who DID return was original Megadeth bassist, Dave Ellefson.

After watching this current lineup tear through song after song from "RIP," it reminded me of how important the bass guitar is to the songs on that album, and watching "Dave Jr." playing those bass parts, reminded me of how important he is to Megadeth.  I don't feel that the songs would have had the same level of authenticity without him, which really comes through, when watching and listening to this great DVD.

Speaking of authenticity, when Megadeth set out to do this tour, the band made a conscience effort to replicate everything from the original "RIP" tour, from the stage itself, to the attire the band members performed in.  From the Vic (Megadeth's album cover mascot) backdrop, to the radiation symbols on the bass drum heads, all the way to Mega Dave's bullet belt and wristbands, everything was almost identical to it's 1990 counterpart.

In addition to the live concert footage, the DVD includes behind-the-scenes footage, showing fans line up outside the legendary Hollywood Palladium - waiting to get into the concert, the band doing a photo shoot (which wouldn't be complete without Dave doing the classic Mustaine sneer) and the band rehearsing in their dressing room as they prepared to take the stage.

After watching the DVD, one cannot come away without being impressed at how perfect this live performance is.  You might question what amount of studio trickery was done when making this DVD, or is Megadeth just that good live?  I say they're just THAT good!!
Droogies rejoice and "Rust In Peace!!!!"

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

The great American Southern rock institution known as Lynyrd Skynyrd has just released a passionate, hit filled CD/DVD combo entitled “Live from Freedom Hall.” This CD/DVD combo is a fitting tribute to and celebration of a band, which has faced more adversity and heartbreak then any band on the face of the planet. This spectacular concert was recorded on June 15th, 2007  at Kentucky’s Freedom Hall and was one of the last performances with original keyboardist Billy Powell and bassist Ean Evans in the line-up. Tragically, both Powell and Evans passed away in 2009 while the band was in the middle of recording their 2009 release “Gods & Guns. “

During the intro on the DVD, Lynyrd Skynyrd members Gary Rossington-guitar, Johhny Van Zant –vocals and Rickey Medlocke discuss the fact that it’s been 30 years since infamous plane crash that killed vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and injured many of the other band members.  But because of the strength and timelessness of the songs, the band has been able to carry on even with all of the line-up changes the band has endured. Johnny Van Zant eloquently states “They are great songs and great songs will out live all of us.”

After the short interview intro, “Live at Freedom Hall” kicks off with a “Travelin’ Man” a hard rocking anthem which features a unique duet with vocalist Johnny Van Zant and a video tape of his late brother Ronnie Van Zant. Throughout this performance there is several times that video footage of the classic Skynyrd line-up appears to the delight of the diehards.  The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers crank though 15 classic tracks including a newer ballad called “Red, White and Blue.”

The most amazing aspect of this concert is the chemistry of the band. Van Zant is a great frontman and really engages the audience. He is truly the only person on the face of the earth that could have stepped in and replaced his older brother. Guitarist and former Blackfoot member Ricky Medlocke is a guitar god. He is charismatic and just rips through note for note perfect renditions of the classics and he looks like he really appreciates the opportunity to be in Skynyrd.  Original guitarist Gary Rossington is still sharp and even with his health problems he was facing at the time he was still an integral part of the band. Keyboardist Billy Powell was flawless and it’s truly heartbreaking that we will never see him play again. And the same goes for Bassist Ean Evans who was only in the band for a short time, but will not be forgotten.

The  DVD ends with one of the greatest songs in rock history “Free Bird.” This line-up does it great justice; Medlocke is brilliant on this one. This is an appropriate conclusion to a phenomenal performance. And while this isn't the original line-up of the band, this version of Skynyrd deserves great respect. So,if you are a fan of southern rock or even classic rock for that matter, you need to find a spot in your collection for this fantastic and historical release.

for more info including tour dates check www.lynyrdskynyrd.com

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

Rock legend OZZY Osbourne has just released "Scream" his 10^thstudio release and first CD in three years.  This 11 track, well written, lyrically profound, hard driving release was produced by OZZY and Kevin Churkois. While OZZY's performance is solid, the most noteworthy aspect of this release is the brilliant guitar work courtesy of new guitarist Gus G. This 29 year old Greek virtuoso guitarist and member of the power metal band Firewind was hired in place of longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde. Although Wylde is a true guitar star, OZZY's music was starting to sound a little too much like ZAKK's solo band Black Label Society, so in that aspect, this is a welcomed and refreshing change.

Gus has an unique axe shredder elegance that incorporates styles of previous OZZY guitarist Randy Rhodes as well as Zakk Wylde. The haunting arpeggio minor chord intro to "Diggin Me Down" is very reminiscent of the 1981 track "Diary of a Madman." In addition,the roar of Gus' guitar intro to "Fearless" is brutally fierce. And the interplay contrast between Gus' ferocious guitar lead break and keyboardist Adam Wakeman elegant classicial piano on "I Want More" is simply breathtaking.

Rounding out the OZZY band for this release is former Rob Zombie bassist and drummer Blasko and Tommy Clufetos respectively.

 OZZY ends this Cd with a tribute to his faithful fans with the short track "I Love You All." On this closing track he eloquently sings "We all must end together now, or one by one we fall, for all these years you all stood by me, God bless, I love you all." A fitting way to end what may very well be his swan song recording. 

For more info on this release and OZZfest tour dates check out www.ozzy.com

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

“Tattoos & Tequila” is the third studio solo release by Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil. And while the majority of the Cd is cover songs, this shouldn’t be disregarded as just a quick cash grab. Neil injects passion and new life into his renditions of deep catalog gems from classic rock pioneers such as Aerosmith, the Sex Pistols, Scorpions and Cheap Trick. His resurrection of the obscure Sweet track "AC/DC" is worthy of the price of admission alone. 

Equally impressive is the hard hitting aggressive attack of Neil’s band, which consists of Slaughter’s Jeff Blando-guitar, Dana Strum-bass and Zolthan Chaney-drums. Blando's killer tone and lightning fast licks are impressive especially on "Another Piece of Meat" and the Elvis classic "Viva Las Vegas."

The first single and also title track "Tattoos & Tequila" is one of the two original tracks on the Cd. This modern rock,  party hard song cleverly recapitulates the decadence that encompasses Neil’s existence and was applauded by critics and fans alike when released as a download over a month ago. The other original track is the mid-tempo"Another Bad Day." This was a left over song written by Motley's Nikki Sixx during the sessions for "New Tattoo." This is great track and should be considered for release as the next single. It's a wonder why Crue didn't use it for their "New Tattoo" release.

In summary, if you are looking for the ultimate hard rocking, party Cd for summer 2010, you need to look no further. Vince Neil's "Tattoos & Tequilla" delivers the goods on a shiny silver platter.

Also, Vince Neil's autobiography and companion to this Cd will be released on Sept. 23, 2010. For more info check out www.vinceneil.net  

By Thomas S. Orwat Jr.

During the late 70's, the Washington DC based glam rock band Angel was on the verge of superstardom.  This was a great and highly competitive time in rock music with bands such as Kiss, Boston, Aerosmith , Styx and Queen all being in the prime of their careers. Angel had the looks, the chops, a great stage show and a major label pushing them in Casablanca records  However,  they were never able to break into the mainstream because they lacked that all important ground breaking  major rock anthem.

Last August, Lovember Records re-issued the band’s 1977 lost classic “On Earth as it is In Heaven.” This was the band’s third release and a bit of a departure from their previous two releases in that it was more commercial and less progressive sounding.  This record was produced by legendary producer Eddie Kramer. The band which consisted of Punky Meadows (Guitar), Mickie Jones (Bass), Gregg Giuffria (Keyboards), Barry Brandt (Drums), and Frank DiMino (Vocals), delivered a ten track hard rockin’ release that was infused with infectious songs killer riffs and typical 70’s synth.  Make no doubt about, this definitely sounds like a typical hard rock 70’s record. And that’s a very good thing.

The lead off track “Can You Feel It” is a powerful hard driving track.   “You’re not Fooling Me” is a great epic song featuring some Brian May like leads compliments of Punky Meadows. “That Magic Touch” has a progressive taste in the flavor of Yes provided by Greg Giuffria.  “White Lightning” is an anthem like hard rocker. The closer “Just a Dream” could have fit in nicely on a Styx record.

But still lacking on this album was that elusive song that could rock the charts and send millions to the record stores.

After this record, Angel would release two more studio albums and a live record as well, but still failed to achieve their quest for commercial success. This classic line-up of Angel broke up in the early 80’s. Today Angel exists with only original members Frank DiMino, Barry Brandt still in the band.

Angel could have easily been disregarded as nothing more than a poseur band based solely on image, and maybe in some cases they were. But there is much musically substance to this band.  If you are a fan of 70’s rock, you should consider adding this to your collection. With the added linear notes and re-mastered sound it a nice reminder of the greatest era in rock history.

myspace.com/AngelOfficialSite