Reviews by Paul Mpnkhouse for MPM
Koburg – ‘Rise’
Symphonic rock perfection that is absolutely jaw dropping, this is one of the most epic and beautiful pieces of music you’ll ever hear.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORkZyaYhwKo&w=560&h=315]That’s all you need to know. Stop whatever you’re doing and download it . NOW. https://koburg.bandcamp.com/album/rise
Evanescence – ‘Use My Voice’
Born of a frustration that could no longer be held back, ‘Use My Voice’ is one of the most powerful and gloriously huge things ever released by Amy Lee’s world conquering troupe.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KAa5woluuM&w=560&h=315]With all five members firing on all cylinders and attacking it’s mountain sized majesty like their lives depended on it, this stands head and shoulders above the competition and sees an all star cast of guest artists join the tumultuous gang vocals of the chorus.
Enraged and spitting fire, you know that this roar is strong enough to stop hurricanes. One of the most explosive tracks of the year.
Chemia – ‘Modern Times’
If you didn’t know better you’d think that Polish crew Chemia were born and brought up in the dust plains of the Mid West. Deep soulful bluesy hard rock, ‘Modern Times’ immediately brings to life an image of long hot days, rattlesnakes and sweat.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blbn1bsFXzs&w=560&h=315]Co-written and produced by ex Duran Duran axeman turned solo artist, this has all the style and huge hooks of his famous previous clients Thunder and the sonic sheen he brings to this echoes the peerless work he did on the Londoners ‘Back Street Symphony’ debut. Anthemic, down and dirty, this should be seen going down a storm in front of massive festival audiences. https://youtu.be/Blbn1bsFXzs
Voodoo Six – ‘Gone Forever’
Rampaging modern hard rock that’s sharpened to razor edged precision on the road, Voodoo Six haven’t held back at all with this prime cut from their forthcoming ‘Simulation Game’.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHDjnERjf4E&w=560&h=315]With a huge riff and monstrous hook, this insistent belter tears the place apart whilst showing the musicianship and songwriting chops that’s led to the band opening for huge acts like Iron Maiden, UFO and Extreme.
Impossible to ignore, it’s inevitable now that the band will be making their mark on the big league and their combination of hard work and killer tunes will see them move onto the big stages across the globe.
You have been warned.
Cerebellion – ‘Redemption’
The fact that the lyric video for Orange County’s Cerebellion new single is accompanied by images of a boxer couldn’t be more apt as it brings to mind the thought of what it would be like to be facing Muhammed Ali, surely the greatest pugilist of all time, in the ring.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfEBTrfhs8M&w=560&h=315]All the beautiful style and devastating punch of the master craftsman, ‘Redemption’ flips between gentle kisses of melody and then juxtaposes them with pummeling heaviness that will leave you dazed and seeing stars.
A fine example of their work, this one should come with a mouthguard and a gift card for the dentist. File under ‘Bruising’.
Jakko M Jakszyk – ‘The Trouble With Angels’
King Crimson are rightly legendary, their prog rock catalogue the envy of many and the band has seen an incredible array of talent in their ranks. Guitarist / vocalist Jakko M Jakszyk shows why he is worthy to be part of that stellar roll call in no uncertain terms with this new single, a taster from his forthcoming ‘Secrets & Lies’ solo album.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIIUjJJFByI&w=560&h=315]Utterly gorgeous, this flows and ebbs on a gentle tide, its gentle rhythms wash over you as fellow King Crimson member Tony Levin adds his bass magic into the mix and Amber Jakszyk’s vocals bring an added layer of splendor.
Unreservedly celestial in sound, whilst being totally grounded in human emotion, ‘The Trouble With Angels’ is like being kissed by a cloud.
DE(TOUR) – ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll)’
What more could you want: an all-star cast performing one of the best songs by the greatest hard rock ‘n’ roll band of all time.
Featuring G ‘n’ R’s Gilby Clarke, Matt Sorum, Blasko, Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander and the seemingly busiest woman in the business, Lzzy Hale this awesome slice of primal boogie heaven has been recorded and released to support the MusiCares Foundation.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99_mZkp6jag&w=560&h=315]Adding their own fresh coat of paint and textures to the AC/DC classic, this rocks hard and is as dirty and glorious as you could ever hope for.
You could never beat Angus & Co at their own game but this stands up proudly shoulder to shoulder and is possibly the most fun you could have whilst remaining clothed. Go, you know you want it.
