Dio - The Legend Live

This is classic old Dio with Vivian Campbell in his prime - back when he played like a motherfucker.If you're like me, you're going to try to get you hands on any vintage Ronnie James Dio footage you can.  The latest thing to grace my DVD player is Dio - The Legend Live.  (*Note: Don't be deceived by the photos on this DVD case.  This is a classic show, not a recent show) This DVD is comprised of some live footage of the original Dio band, on the Sacred Heart tour.  Unlike the Sacred Heart - The Video DVD, which featured Craig Goldy on guitars, this DVD features Vivian Campbell in his prime.  This DVD was a real treat.  The footage comes from a Japanese broadcast from 1985 before Campbell exited the band.  The track listing is rather short, only clocking in at 7 tunes, but the footage makes up for it.

As with most TV broadcasts, the footage is shot well and looks professional.  The only knock on this DVD, other than the lack of tracks, is that the editing is not too good.  Apparently, this was a live show that the broadcaster would break for commercials (really?) or something, and then go back to the show.  The songs on the DVD don't flow because there are minor interruptions in the footage.  That being said, it didn't matter because the footage on this DVD is amazing.  the band sounds great and plays very well.  If you're a Dio fan, you must own this DVD.

Bottom Line: Vintage Dio with the classic line-up.  Need I say more?

- Ragman is reminded of how bad-assed Vivian was and wishes that he still played that way...

Triggersoul - Restoration

A strong debut CD from a band with big hooks and catchy choruses.Three years is a long time to wait to have your debut CD released, but if you lose one of your bandmates in the process, then it makes a lot of sense.  Triggersoul went through this unfortunate set of circumstances right around the time that their debut CD was about to be released.  The band was coming off of a major high by signing their first deal - as well as having their CD mixed by legendary producer Michael Wagner.  It seemed like there was nothing stopping this band, until the tragic loss of guitarist Aaron Roe, after which the band disbanded until just recently.  In 2010, the band regrouped and released their debut CD Restoration on Jamsync Music.  Not sure what the fate of the band is today, but now we'll be able to hear what they were all about.

Triggersoul has a heavy modern rock sound like Godsmack or Mudvayne mixed with the heavier sounds of Pantera and BLS.  They really remind me of a lesser known band called Doubledrive, but I digress.  The songs on Restoration are well-written and delivered with lots of attitude.  I'm not sure if these guys are a Christian hard rock band, but they do have some lyrics that would lead the listener to think that might be the case.  The CD is full of rockers and ballads, but I think I leaned toward some of the ballads on this CD because they're so strong.  Two of the strongest ballads on the CD are Forgotten and Affliction.  Both tracks are modern rock ballads that could be heard on any buzz station with the right push.  All in all a solid release.  Looking for some modern rock with an edge?  Then check these guys out.

Bottom Line: Guitar-driven rock with catchy chrouses and big hooks.

Standout Tracks: Forgotten, Affliction, Enemy Lines and Wasted Years

- Ragman likes him some radio rock every once in a while...

Absence - Enemy Unbound

Melodic death metal of the highest order: big riffs and insane axework!It seems like the Swedish Death Metal scene has started to die down over the last couple of years.  It has morphed into more of a melodic mix of death and clean vocals in the style of bands like Bullet for My Valentine.  There are a few bands out there that are still flying the flag, and they aren't all from Sweden, believe it or not.  Tampa Bay, Florida bashers The Absence are back and have just released their 3rd CD entitled Enemy Unbound.

Enemy Unbound picks up with the last 2 records have left off, keeping the same formula that has made them what they are today.  This is Swedish death metal at its best.  The band have a brutal, The Haunted vibe mixed with a classic, melodic, In Flames sound.  Sounds cool, doesn't it?  Check out the first real track on the CD Erased and you'll hear what I mean: this CD is packed full of great tracks with big riffs, and catchy melodies.  I really dig the title track which exemplifies my point - and it will rock your balls. 

One of the strongest things about this band/CD are the great harmonies and hooks that guitarists Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle whip out.  These guys work well together and they can rip.  All in all, a very strong release.  If I were to criticize anything it would be that the instrumentals could have been better; they kind of drone on without really going anywhere.  The band doesn't necessarily break any new ground, but they do deliver some killer metal.

Bottom Line: Great melodic death metal. Cool songs with big riffs.  Nice melody and extraordinary axemanship. 

Standout Tracks: Erased, Enemy Unbound, Deepest Wound and The Bridge

- Ragman has been looking for a CD like this to get him thrashing again...

Circle II Circle - Consequence of Power

Circle II Circle finally starts sounding like a different band from Savatage - and it rocks.I've been very curious to hear what the new Circle II Circle CD would sound like after vocalist Zak Stevens came back from Machines of Grace.  MOG was a bit of a departure for Stevens, being that the band is rooted more in hard rock than metal, so it will be interesting to hear if he brings that influence to Circle's 5th offering.  Consequence of Power brings the return of Circle II Circle and the band have decided to shake things up, just like I hoped they would.  The new CD finds the band finding their own identity, allowing them to crawl out of the shadows of the mighty Savatage.  The band has incorporated several styles on this CD, to give the listener a nice variety, and to keep them on the edge of their seats.

The first couple of tracks are good, but it wasn't until the 3rd track Out of Nowhere, that my ass started to get kicked.  The track starts out with a cool bass lick before kicking into this mid-tempo rocker.  The track is fueled by a killer groove, with double helping of balls and chunk.  Great Track.  The thing I like most about this disk, is how that band have mixed in groove, prog and power metal all in to one sound.  The band have finally found their identity with this one, distancing themselves further away from the Savatage sound.  With the exception of the ballad, Blood of an Angel, this CD gives you a more distinct sound from the band.  Not to bad mouth their previous efforts, but it is nice to hear them branch out.  If I were to critique anything, it would be the somewhat stale production, but other than that, this one is a keeper.

Bottom Line: Circle II Circle coming into their own, and finding their sound.  A 10-track CD full of heavy melodic rockers.  Circle II Circle sounding less like Savatage and more like themselves, and that is a good thing.

Standout Tracks: Out of Nowhere, Take Back Yesterday, Remember and Blood of an Angel

- Ragman wonders if there will ever be a Savatage reunion...

Frank Zappa - The Torture Never Stops

I'm just gonna say it: "This mother had some invention!" Eh? EH?!I have to admit I am not the biggest Frank Zappa fan.  The most notable thing that I can remember Zappa doing was fighting the PMRC in the 80's and that Steve Vai played with him for a short time.  Other than those two items, I'm clueless.  I couldn't name a song or hum a melody, even if I had a gun to my head.  Zappa has always intrigued me, but never brought me to the point where I said to myself, "I have to check this guy out".  It wasn't until the recent release of The Torture Never Stops (TTNS), that I decided to see what all the hype was about.  TTNS is a 1981 MTV concert, filmed on Halloween, from the New York Palladium; a concert that has not been available in its entirety, until just recently.

To say Zappa and his band were eccentric is quite the understatement.   On a scale of 1 to 10, these guys were an 11 - and being that it was Halloween just made these guys even kookier.  Don't get me wrong, even though these guys look a bit off, they are all excellent musicians in their own right.   Not being a fan of the band beforehand, I feel this DVD is a good introduction in to the twisted world of Zappa.  I had heard that Zappa was a good guitarist, but never got the chance to witness his playing until this DVD, and I have to say I was impressed.  I can't say that the songs or his vocals blew me away, but I did enjoy watching he and the band do what they do.  If you're a Steve Vai fan, you will love this DVD, because you get to see some very early footage of this living guitar legend.  Also, if you listen closely, you will realize what a huge influence Zappa was on Mr. Vai.  All in all a very enjoyable watch that'll keep you entertained throughout.

Bottom Line: Zappa and his band looking freakier than ever on this Halloween bash.  A well-shot vintage video that has resurfaced for a reason...because it rocks.

 - Ragman can't believe Frank could play like that...