Saga - 20/20

I gotta say I was never a big Saga fan, until their last release The Human Condition.  I always thought of them as a pop band, because of their video, from back in the day, for On the Loose.  It wasn't until 3 years ago, that realized what a great prog band Saga is.  I really dug the last album as well as the vocals of (previous) new vocalist Rob Moratti.  Moratti was in the band for about a second (3 years), until original vocalist Michael Sadler announced his return to the band.  Not being a long time fan of the band, I was kind of bummed, because Moratti delivered so nicely on their previous effort.  20/20 is the result of the band's reunion, and it is promised to be return to form for the band, let's see if they delivered.

Like the previous record, the musicianship on this CD is incredible.  I still can not believe I came to the party so late.  It is easy to hear where Dream Theater got some of their influence, at least from a melodic side.  The band is not over the top progressive, because they stay very melodic and somewhat commercial, while still holding onto a nice edge.  The first 4 tracks on the CD are stellar.  It is one killer tune after another, which get better with every listen.  Out of the 4, my favorite, at the moment, is Spin it Again.  It is a killer mid-tempo rock with a sweet ass groovin riff which drives it.  The CD is well balanced and has some nice ballads included like the memorable Lost for Words.  All in all a very solid CD.  A very nice platter of music here. 

Bottom Line: The band come back with a nice re-union record.  The band prove they still got it.  Solid songs that get better with each spin.

Standout Tracks: Six Feet Under, Spin it Again, Lost for Words and Anywhere You Wanna Go.

-Ragman thinks he likes the last record just a little more. 

Slipknot - (sic) nesses (Live at Download)

Slipknot is one of those bands, that not a lot of old school metal fans get.  I'm not sure if it is due to the intensity of their music, or their over the top stage show, that frightens some us off, but there is just something about them that doesn't jive with some older fans.  I happen to dig them, and have been a fan since Iowa.  For newer fans this is their band, and they are loyal.  Out of all the bands out their today, from the newer generation, I think Slipknot is probably the biggest.  This band, unlike many others, can command an audience and a fanbase that is unheard of today.  Many people ask me which band will carry the torch when Maiden, Priest and Scorpions hang it up, and I always say, for my money it's got to be Slipknot.

The Knot have just released their killer set from the 2009 Download Festival on Blu-Ray (Previously released on DVD), and oh what a treat it is.  The band are in top form and kill live.  The picture and the sound on this Bluray are amazing.  It is one of those live show, that you catch on the big screen, which makes you feel that you're in the front row.  I've seen this one on DVD, but the Bluray is far more superior.  The show was filmed in Hi-Def and it shows on this Bluray.  This show also marks one of the last performances from late bassist Paul Gray (RIP).   This show is a great representation, as to why this band is going to take the torch and convert into a flame thrower.  Slipknot rock and this Bluray is the evidence.

Bottom Line: Slipknot proving why they are worthy to take the metal torch from the veterans.  A killer show in which the band man handles Download.  If you're not brave enough to see these guys live, then this is a good alternative.

-Ragman was wondering how Michael Myers got to Download.

Tyketto - Dig In Deep

Tyketto are back with their first new studio release in 17 years.  The band have just released their 6th album Dig In Deep.  The band has been around 20+ years, but has been on and off again since the mid-90's. They just recently stabilized in 2008 and have been going strong ever since.  Tyketto is one of those bands that you scratch your head at, because there is no reason they were never bigger than they actually got.  I know the dreaded Grunge killed them..sigh...  Hopefully with this new release they will get some of the acclaim they much deserve.

 Dig In Deep is a different animal than past releases, to an extent, because the sound is reminiscent of vocalist's Danny Vaughn's solo work.  I think the reason for this is because the sound and vibe of the record is heavier than past releases.  No complaints here.  The CD starts off strong with the rocking opener Faithless.  It is a mid-tempo rocker backed by a killer riff.  Another track that should blow your doors, is the track The Fight Left In Me.  It is also a mid-tempo rocker that comes out the gate with some blistering axe work from guitarist Brooke St. James.  The ripping on this tune will definitely raise an eyebrow and throw you into air-guitar mode.  Dig In Deep offers a nice variety of rockers and ballads.  The songs are well crafted and memorable.  It is a nice return from the band, which will leave you craving more.

Bottom Line:  Tyketto are back showing that they can still do it.  A nice variety of melodic hard rockers that will stay with you.  One that will stay in the deck for awhile.

Standout Tracks: Faithless. The Fight Left in Me, Sound Off and Here's Hoping It Hurts.

-Ragman is glad to see this band come back in a big way.

Staind - Live From the Mohegan Sun

I've always kind of liked Staind, but from a distance.  They are one of those buzz-rock bands, that are either hot or cold with me.   I've bought a few of their releases over the years, but they are not a band I follow on a regular basis.  I usually wait to hear something on Octane (Sirius/XM) before deciding whether or not to pluck down the money for the CD.  To me, Staind fell into the same pattern, as so many of their contemporaries, by scoring it big with a ballad, and then going more commercial.  The funny thing about this band, is that they can turn it up when they want to, but unfortunately they only get recognized for their more commercial material.  That being said, the band has just released their first live CD, Live from the Mohegan Sun, which proves that they are more than just a pop band.

I got to say I was very impressed by this CD.  The band comes off sounding aggressive and pissed off.  This recording demonstrates just how heavy these guys can get.  Also while listening, I realized just how much of their material I knew.  I knew just about every song on the disk.  Of course, all of the hits are there, and there are quite a few, but there are a few hidden gems included as well.  The band sound well, which makes for a stellar live recording.  I never thought I would say this prior to listening to the disk, but I cannot wait to see this one on DVD.  They made me a believer.

Bottom Line: Staind showing that they can sound heavy, while still crossing over to the mainstream.  A killer 16 songs set played to perfection.

-Ragman was surprised with this one.

Zombie Undead

With the success of films like Shaun of the Dead, the remake of Dawn of the Dead and the TV series The Walking Dead, it seems like zombie flicks/shows have made a comeback.  Once this genre started making some coin, like vampire movies/shows, the public got bombarded with product.  I swear every time I go to a Blockbuster or Redbox, it seems like there is at least a half a dozen zombie flicks to choose from.  Don't get me wrong, I love good zombie flick, ask wifey, but when these things get mass generated the way they have, then you have to separate the shit from the shine-ola.  My latest endeavor into zombie mania was Zombie Undead.  Let's see how it fares.

Zombie Undead is about a zombie infestation that is created by a guy that sets off a dirty bomb in the form of a grenade, which transforms most of the people in this small village into zombies.  Pretty damned strong grenade huh?  Long story short, the movie focuses on some sole survivors that are trapped in a hospital trying to locate their relatives, before they are eaten by zombies.  Sounds good on paper, but this one turned into somewhat of a bore-fest.  Not enough action and too much dialog.  If you're watching a zombie flick, you need action and plenty of gore, and this one fell short on both.  The only positive is the special effects weren't bad, unfortunately everything else was.

Bottom Line: A zombie soap opera.  Lots of drama and dialog, but not enough action and killing.  Too bad this one had promise.

-Ragman thinks this one was dead before it made it to the DVD player.