De Van - Planet Botox

Damn, what the hell are them Swedes drinkin' over there? This stuff ROCKS.It has been awhile since a new band kicked my ass, and man I wish it happened more often.  The world of hard rock and metal seems to be flourishing now more than it has in years.   I wouldn't say the scene is getting saturated, but there is now more to listen to than there has been in quite sometime.  It takes alot for me to replay a CD after it has been reviewed, but if you kick as much ass as Swedish newcomers De Van do, then it is inevitable.  De Van mix the sounds of hard rock, goth, industrial with metal to make one killer sound.  The band reminds me of Crematory but with a bit more melody and more of a hard rock vibe.  I think the reason for the hard rock vibe is the vocals of Eric De Van.  He just has one of those killer hard rock type voices.

Planet Botox is the group's debut record on Jamsync Music.  It is an 11 track offering full of ear candy.  The CD is packed full of tunes that will get in your head and not leave.  Tracks like the melodic first single Shine will get in your head and will not let go.  It has one of those chorus' that tattoos the senses, so that it will be embedded in the brain for days.  Another track that is toxic is the track Plastic Surgery,  which is probably the catchiest tune on the CD.  It is an uptempo rocker that is sure to be a staple in their live set.  I'm not the biggest lyric guy, but these will give you a chuckle if you pay attention.  All in all a solid debut from another solid Swedish rock band.  Man, what is in the water over there?   Sweden is the new mecca for hard rock and heavy metal.

Bottom Line: Solid debut that will kick your ass.  A nice blend of several styles within the genre to create one killer sound.  Well-written songs that will stick with you.  A CD full of catchy/melodic songs with an edge.

Standout Tracks: Shine, Plastic Surgery, Rain, and Here in Shalaland

- Ragman was thinking about hair plugs until he heard Plastic Surgery...

Mas Alejandro Silva, Por Favor?

In case any fans want to catch some more of Alejandro Silva (Chile), here's a sweet video of him doing some south of the border shred...

- Genghis ain't seen a fretboard that scalloped since Maestro Malmsteen...

Podcast #111: Zombied

It wouldn't be Halloween without zombie ass kicker, Sean Peck of Cage!

Yes, Halloween came and went without our usual show - but we promise we had a good reason!  Apparently, that bastard John, jealous that we would even think of doing the show without him this year, did his best to utterly destroy misplace the tapes.  Luckily, they've been found, Blair Witch Project style and the mysteries of our time spent in central Texas killin' zombies and such are yours to be enjoyed.  Sorry about the generator noise, we had a problem with that, but hopefully you'll be able to understand us.  As for Mel...nobody really understands him anymore anyway, right? Then the boys get a call from our West Coast correspondent (hunkered down out East this time), Sean Peck of Cage, whose z-killin' skills are unmatched.  Sean takes a little time out from whoopin' undead ass to tell us some mouth-watering news about the new CD (appropriately titled, War of the Undead) and DVD, and even drops a world premiere exclusive track on ya!  Zounds!

Beer(s) of the Show:  Rouge Dead Guy Ale (Beer Rating: 3); Southern Star - Buried Hatchet (Beer Rating: 4)

Featured Tracks: Fastway - Trick or Treat; Dimmu Borgir - Gateways; Cradle of Filth - The Persecution Song; Amon Amarth - Twighlight of the Thundergod; Slipknot - Duality; Immortal - Mount North; Cage - Scarlet Witch and War of the Undead (World Exclusive); Vinnie Vincent Invasion - Love Kills; Mercyful Fate - Welcome Princess of Hell; Cage - Planet Crusher and Stranger in Black; In Flames - Episode 666; Twisted Sister - Burn in Hell; Slayer - Not of this God

 - Ragman is still cleaning zombie shit off of his shoes...

Podcast #111: Zombied

Podcast #110: Poseurs

Triumph: More than just "that other power trio from Canada"...These days it seems like everybody's throwing the horns up sign like they're running for office, with Hollywood starlets wearing classic (and probably original – meaning they cost $100-200 from some vintage clothing store) metal band t-shirts.  The question is, how should we as metal fans feel about this?  Is it cool?  Is it disrespectful?  Should we be happy or angry?  And what does it mean for the state of metal? Join Genghis and Ragman as they ponder this topic and much more, following with legendary Triumph bassist Mike Levine for a chat.  Mike Discusses Triumph's latest greatest hits package as well as the future of the classic band.

DVD of the Show: Twisted Sister - The Video Years

Beer of the Show:  Rouge - John John Ale   Beer Rating:  3

Featured Tracks: De Van - Shine; Twisted Sister - You Can't Stop Rock n' Roll; Motörhead - Killed By Death; Testament - The Greenhouse Effect; Triumph - Spellbound, Magic Power, Never Surrender & Follow Your Heart

Genghis' Pick of the Week:  Alejandro Silva - K2

Ragman's Pick of the Week:  Sonic Syndicate - Break of Day

Classic of the Show:  George Bellas - God's Garden

- Ragman is wondering where those Halloween tapes are...

Podcast #110: Poseurs

Podcast #109: Alcohol

Hey, man, *hic* what's wrong with a little alkie-hol between friends?What effect does alcohol have on an artist and their music; does is make it better or worse?  We have lost several of our heroes to the juice - as well as other extra-curricular activities - so is it a good thing or a bad thing?  Considering that some of the best music ever made was by artists under the influence, is it really worth it?  Join Genghis and Ragman as they explore the effects of alcohol on artists and the music they make.  After which, the boys bring in Harry Hess for a one on one as he discusses life after Harem Scarem as well as his latest rock release, First Signal.

DVD of the Show: Black Label Society - Skullage

Beer of the Show: Ommegang - Kup O' Kyndness  (Beer Rating: 2)

Featured Tracks: Soilwork - Let This River Flow; BLS - Crazy Horse; Rush - Camera Eye; WASP - Jack Action; AC/DC - Livewire; Drowning Pool - Turn So Cold; Damageplan - Save Me; Harem Scarem - Stranger Than Love;First Signal - Yesterday's Rain, This City, Goodbye to the Good Time, Part of Me; Harem Scarem - Killing Me

Classic of the Show: Roxx Gang - No Easy Way Out

Genghis Pick of the Show: Red Circuit - Homeland

Ragman Pick of the Show: Black Veil Brides - Knives and Pens

- Ragman is a little behind...

Podcast #109: Alcohol