Without Waves - Lunar

Chi town gives us another great metal band, Without Waves, who know how to craft some tasty licks.Right off the bat let me tell you that Chicago ensemble Without Waves is an impressive outfit. You don't often encounter musicians talented - or bold enough - to fuse elements of jazz fusion, extreme metal, and stoner rock so well and in such a compelling way. As such, you can't really cherry pick from an album like their latest, Lunar (their first on Prosthetic Records), and get a true sense of the breadth of their sound.

Sewing Together The Limbs, the album's opener with a Mastodon-esque groovy chorus, is followed by the Damn The Machine proggy-jazz metal opening of Poetry In Putrid Air that gives way to the trippy, Opeth-y, clean tone groove of Us Against. And it just goes on and on, carrying the listener on the ebb and flow of the band's sonic ocean. It's just damn fine music that offers more than just variations on a core rhytymic style. Granted, that's sort of how your average band works, I know, but the bands that make stylistic diversity their signature sound while still maintaining a strong sense of identity really get my blood pumping.

The Bottom Line: Coming from a famous blues town like Chicago, Without Waves displays some very impressive musical ideas that are both sophisticated and laid back in a way that seems comforting and hugely satisfying. This is clear Spring morning, open the windows, and crack open a nice fruity IPA music for sure.

- Genghis really wants to have one of those mornings right about now...

KXM - Scatterbrain

The trio from another familio (go with it) is back with some groovy heavy tunes for your pleasure.Just a little (6 days) over 3 years since their debut album, dUg Pinnick (King's X), George Lynch (Lynch Mob) and Ray Luzier (Korn) - better known as the power trio KXM - have returned with a great followup, Scatterbrain...

What makes this project so interesting is the band's insistence on maintaining the jam session mystique that signed professional bands these days have a hard time even coordinating. Whether that's due to the current reliance on technology is a debate for another time, but recording the entire album in just 10 days with no pre-written material or preliminary meetings is nothing short of amazing. And it's not like the lads cut corners, by recycling riffs from song to song, as the album as a whole displays an impressive range of styles from prog to ska to punk. Take the quasi-reggae bounce of Not A Single Word punctuated with George's thick, juicy chording, or the Zeppelin-esque stomp of Obsession's verse. Even the mellow ballad Angel defies traditional rock rhythyms without losing a melodic thread thanks to dUg's liquid vocal harmonies. All in all, this is a damn fine album from some talented cats. Cross your fingers for more.

The Bottom Line: While dUg is in his rock trio element, Ray and George have no problem filling their respective roles, as this one and done album session is packed with unique and energetic performances. This is what rock and roll is about, kids. 'Nuff said!

- Genghis would love to see this band play some clubs...

Podcast #216: Image

We still may not know what the heck is an alter bridge, but Myles Kennedy did talk about other stuff.Well it seems that the boys are finally back on track - 2 shows in a row (A big Marv Albert "YES!"). Can you ever know too much about the bands that you dig and if so, can it destroy the image and mysticism that you have created in your mind about said artist? Join Genghis & Ragman as they explore this subject and many more.

Next, the boys caught up with Alter Bridge vocalist Myles Kennedy for a heart to heart as he discisses their new album The Last Hero as well as how he copes with his tinnitus. Join us for a jam packed show.

DVD of the Show: Night Ranger - 35 Years and A Night in Chicago

Beer of the Show: Cherry Chocolate Stout (Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.)
	Appearance: 4.0 Aroma: 4.0 Palate: 4.0 Taste: 4.0 Overall: 4.0	"Yes, we're suckers for a good dessert beer, and Sierra Nevada's CCS hits the proverbial spot."

Featured Tracks: Sabbtail - In the Eye of the Beholder, Night Ranger - Reason to Be; Accept - Neon Nights; Brad Gillis - Mr. Lollipop; Judas Priest - Johnny B. Goode; King's X - We Were Born to Be Loved; Kansas - Point of Know Return; Alter Bridge - One Day Remains, My Champion, You Will Be Remembered, Poison In Your Veins, Rise Today

Ragman Classic of the Show: Black Roses - Paradise (We're on our Way)

Genghis' Classic of the Show: Talisman - Frozen

Ragman Pick of the Show: Kansas - The Unsung Heroes

Genghis' Pick of the Show: Words Of Farewell - My Share Of Loneliness

- Ragman is wondering how long this roll will last...

Podcast #216: Image

Podcast #215: Group

Ozzy's gunslinger, Gus G, chats with us about the spotlight - and shredding, of course.Contrary to popular belief Genghis & Ragman are very much alive. And their latest discussion takes you into the world of groupies. Are they still a thing? If so, what drives them and who are they? Join the boys as they drink bubblegum-flavored beer and get stupid - as if this isn't what they always do.

Following that, check out Ragman's interview with the one and only Gus G, who talks about his band Firewind's latest album and possible tour plans as well as what it's like being Ozzy's main man. HORNS UP!

Video Of The Show: Doro: Strong And Proud - 30 Years Of Rock And Metal

Beer of the Show: Voodoo Doughnut Grape Guerrilla (Rogue Ales)
	Appearance: 3.5 Aroma: 3.5 Palate: 3.5 Taste: 4.0 Overall: 3.5	"Rogue once again manages to capture the essence of one of Voodoo Doughnut's wares in a well-balanced grape-rific ale."

Featured Tracks: Persefone - Prison Skin; Doro - Caught In A Battle; Firewind - Hands Of Time; Yngwie Malmsteen - I Am A Viking; KISS - Plaster Caster; Def Leppard - Promises; Steve Perry - You Better Wait; Judas Priest - Rock Hard, Ride Free; Dayshell - Carsick; Enuff Z'Nuff - Runaway; Donnie Vie - Wunderland; Firewind - Cold as Ice, Ode To Leonidas, Live and Die By the Sword, Back on the Throne; Gus G - We Are One

- Genghis is anticipating the live concert windfall coming in April...

Podcast #215: Group

Podcast Interview: Kee Marcello

The boys caught up with guitarist/vocalist Kee Marcello, a few months ago, after the release of his band's latest album Scaling Up.  Kee discussed his latest release as well as his upcoming tour plans.  Kee also discussed his Superstitious solo as well as some Europe tunes that he gave new life to. 

And if you dig his music as much as we do, show the band some love by purchasing their latest album, Scaling Up, from your favorite online store, won't you? HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks:  Europe - Halfway to Heaven, Kee Marcello - Black Hole Star, Don't Miss You Much, Finger on the Trigger, Europe - Superstitious.

-Ragman is making progress.

Podcast Interview - Kee Marcello