Sevendust - Kill The Flaw

Dude, just try to tell me this cover art isn't waiting to be someone's tattoo, Oh and Sevendust is back, by the way.Love me some Sevendust. The coming together of some truly aggressive groove metal riffage and the amazing voice of the one and only Lajon Witherspoon makes for some of my favorite jams. And with the leaving - and subsequent return - of guitarist Clint Lowery, the band's sound has evolved into a more song-oriented approach, giving more dynamics to the otherwise aging formula of the genre, on their latest studio release Kill The Flaw.

Things start out as you might expect, with opener Thank You's bottom heavy rhythym section (courtesy of Vince Hornsby on bass and Morgan Rose on drums) churning the waters as does Death Dance. Forget, however gets a little more interesting construction-wise as a piano interlude sets up a solo section (something I'm not used to with Sevendust), while Letters has a nice touch of the progressive to it. All in all, while I'm still unquestionably a Sevendust fan, I have to ask why the soloing? I mean, I always thought of the lack of soloing as one of the things that made the band stand out, perhaps even forcing them to focus on the groove and power rather than rely on the solos to keep the guitarheads happy. Ah, well. This is still a pretty good album in the end.        

The Bottom Line: After jamming to these cats for nearly 20 years, I still find their particular sound as appealing as the first time I came across them. The addition of solos doesn't thrill me, as Sevendust was one of the few bands that made me forget about them - I didn't even miss them, to be honest, the groove was just so monstrous. But that doesn't take away from the music on this disc, so long time fans should still be pleased.

- Genghis does love the shit out of some good groove metal...

21 Octayne - 2.0

There are not too many bands out there, that I can say, offer it all.  This is hard task for many band to do.  If a band can offer more that one style, and kick ass at each one, then that's saying something.  21 Octayne is one of those bands.  This band can bring aggression, melody and prog and mix them up into one big ball of savory ear candy.  21 Octayne have just released their second record 2.0 and it is bound to be one of the top picks of 2015.  Okay, your saying Ragman, but what do they sound like, well imagine if Whitesnake, Dokken and Harem Scarem had a baby, and you'd be pretty close.  These guys are the real deal.

2.0 start off in fine form, with the Dokken-esque barn burner, Devil in Disguise.  It is an uptempo rocker, that has that classic (Back for the Attack) Dokken feel to it.  It is a solid start to a solid disc.  The next track, Take Me Back, has one of those infectious choruses, that will stay in your head for weeks.  The next track, seeing a pattern here, When You Go, has that classic 87 Whitesnake vibe, mixed with some Harem Scarem.  This song is probably my favorite, because it mixes in all of the great things, that I look for in a song.  Melody, great hooks and a killer chorus.  Once you think you have gotten these guys, then they throw a progressive curve ball, with the track Tale of a Broken Child.  Solid from start to finish.  You must add this to your collection.

Bottom Line:  21 Octayne is one of those bands that get it, because they can mix several styles of music and make it work.  The guys are solid musicians, and it shows in the final product.  One of the best CD's to come out this year.

Standout Tracks: When You Go, Take Me Back, Take Me Away, The Circle

-Ragman is looking to add some nitrous to his Murano, when he's playing this one.

Adam Ant (The Blueblack Hussar)

Adam and the Ants, were a punk band, that I got into in the early 80's.  Once Adam dropped the Ants, and went towards more of a pop sound, I checked out.  To be honest, I haven't given too much thought to Adam and Ants, over the past decade or two, but now and again I have pulled out Prince Charming, for a spin.  I really didn't know what Adam was up to, until I got wind of a new documentary about him called The Blueblack Hussar.  Apparently it is a documentary about Adam and his comeback. 

Bueblack Hussar is just what it states, in the press release, a documentary about the return of Adam Ant to the music industry.  Adam is back with a fresh new band called The Good, the Mad and the Lovely Posse.  The doc. gives a behind the scenes look of Adam at home as well as on the road.  It is a very intriguing documentary, that shows who Adam Ant really is as a person.  He is a fun loving guy, who is a little quirky.  It doesn't seem that there is too much that bothers the guy.

The doc. also takes you behind the scenes in the studio.  It is pretty interesting seeing Ant create.  It also showcases a fair amount of live footage, from clubs to over 50,000 at Hyde Park.  Even though Ant is a fun loving guy, his music is full of angst and aggression.  As you will see in the documentary, Ant has very much gone back to his punk roots.  A solid documentary about a guy, who was one top of the world, then hit rock bottom, and now rising from the ashes. 

Bottom Line:  A very entertaining documentary about a punk legend.  I was hoping for more of a chronological type film, but it only touches slightly on Adam's past glories.  A real behind the scenes look of how Adam plans to make a glorious comeback.

-Ragman is looking for his best Napoleon costume.

Podcast Interview: Jens Johansson

Tonight, we chew the fat with Jens Johansson, who's one bad mofo on the keys, tell you what.Ragman chats with the one and only Jens Johansson who made a name for himself by playing with some of the best guitarists in the business (Malmsteen, Tolkki, Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, Mike Stern, any of those ring a bell?) and by just being an all around bad-ass keyboardist, be it power metal or jazz fusion. Join us as Jens gabs about how Stratovarius managed after Timo Tolkki left as well as future plans.

And be sure to check out Stratovarius' latest album, Eternal, available from Edel Records. And if you dig their mix of modern and old school power metal, you might consider checking them out on next year's 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise. HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Playing with Fire, Shine in the Dark, Lost Without a Trace, Feeding the Fire, and Black Diamond

Jens Johansson Interview

Podcast Interview: Will Crafton

Listen as Ragman discusses Separation's debut album with lead singer Will Crafton.Ragman goes one on one with newcomer Will Crafton, lead singer for Atlanta's Separations, who talks about what it takes to make it as a new property in today's 21st century hard rock scene. Join The Right To Rock as we delve into what this new band is all about, their views on social media, and upcoming tour plans.

And be sure to check out Separations' debut release, Dream Eater, available from Imagen Records. And if you dig their sound, by all means make sure to check them out when they come to a town near you. HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Dream Eater, Promises, Upper Hand, and Revolution

Will Crafton Interview