Timo Tolkki - Saana Warrior of Light (part 1)

The amazing Tolkki works out his classical jones in an effort that could possibly alienate his fans.Timo Tolkki was once the driving force behind power metalers Stratovarius, but since his departure from the band, he has been shredding with power metal outfit Revolution Renaissance.  At one time, Tolkki was slated to be one of the breakout guitarists of the genre before suffering a mental breakdown.  Towards the end of his time with Stratovarius, Tolkki started experimenting with operatic and classical themes that just didn't fit well with the band, but he made it apparent that was a direction he wanted to explore further. 

Tolkki has just released his latest project, Saana Warrior of Light, where he explores his classical side once again.  At the risk of sounding too critical, all I can say is that Saana was a major disappointment.  I wasn't sure what to expect with this record, but hoped it would be better that what I got.  The CD is a mix of classical and operatic compositions.  The music is stale and the vocals are mediocre at best.  As far as guitars go, forget about it because there aren't any (well, not too many).  Don't get me wrong, I'm open-minded enough to enjoy music for what it is, but I do have one stipulation; it has to be good.  This CD starts off boring and quickly becomes annoying; I hate to admit this, but the CD was so bad I had to turn it off about 75% of the way in - I couldn't take anymore.   I better not say any more so this review doesn't get too ugly.  Purchase this one with caution.

Bottom Line: Timo Tolkki trying something new and not succeeding, with a record that will probably alienate his core fans.  Had the songs been more memorable and the vocals been stronger, this might of worked, but the jury's still out on that one.

Standout Tracks: NONE

- Ragman will not be anticipating part 2...

Testament - Live at the Fillmore

A re-issue of a classic live album that captures the energy of the moment, albeit with a less than perfect mix.Back in 1995, Testament released their first full length live record entitled Live at the Fillmore.  This was an important album for the band, because it showcased the [then] new lineup.  After the departure of Alex Skolnick and Louie Clemente in '93, fans were unsure what to expect, though after the band's 1994 release Low, there were no questions left in any of the fan's minds; Testament had not skipped a beat, and they were still kicking ass.  That being said, Prostetic Records has just re-issued the "out of print" Live at the Fillmore.  This CD presents the band in their hometown supporting the Low record back in '95 and includes 14 live tracks as well as 3 classics given the acoustic treatment.  Many hail this as one of the best live CDs of all time, so let's see if they're right.

Live at the Fillmore boast a very impressive set list.  All of the favorites are there, from The Preacher to Into the Pit.  The band sounds well, though I think the production comes off a little hollowl; it's not as heavy as with their studio releases.  The bottom end sounds okay, but the guitars kind of get lost in the mix. 

There are some highlights like Alone in the Dark, The Preacher and The New Order, but unfortunately some of the songs get buried in the aforementioned mix.  I would have to say that the acoustic versions of Return to Serenity, The Legacy and Trail of Tears were the highlights for me.  These tracks really come alive in the acoustic arena and ended up being a real treat for me.  Not a bad live CD, but not one of the best.  Had the production been heavier, I might've had a different opinion.

Bottom Line: Testament on the rebound.  After losing 2 key members, the band bounces back with a solid live performance, albeit with a bit of a muddy mix.  This re-issue will be essential for fans that didn't get it the first time around.

Standout Tracks: Return to Serentity, Alone in the Dark, Eerie Inhabitants and The New Order

- Ragman is adjusting his amplifier...

Anywhere USA

Not bad for an independent movie, but the trend of loosely interconnected story lines just doesn't work for me.Anywhere USA is a movie that involves three separate plot lines which are loosely connected to one another.  Not sure why Hollywood continues to intertwine stories this way seeing as how it rarely seems to work.  I believe most films with this format would work much better separated into 3 shorts - but I digress.  

The first story involves a couple wherein the woman beats the man once a week for pleasure (at least I think), until she finds out he has cheated on her, at which point she throws him out.  This is the best story of the 3 because it comes off very comical.  She then hooks up with a new guy online.  The fun comes in when her ex-boyfriend and his friend come to the conclusion that her new beau is a representative from Al-Qaeda.  Good stuff.  The next story is about a little girl coming of age and discovering that the tooth fairy doesn't exist.  This story is more dramatic and brings things down after the strong comedic start of the movie.  The last story is about an upper class man who realizes he doesn't know any black people.  At first glance this storyline could be funny, but unfortunately the filmmaker takes a dramatic route rather than playing on the potential humor of this scenario.

All in all not a bad movie.  For a low budget independent film, this movie looks highly professional.  One rip I have is that I think they should've kept more of a comedic vibe throughout the movie.  Another thing that bothered me about this film, is that the stories didn't really mix too well with one another.  There was no real connection.  But the thing that saved this movie for me was the first story; it definitely had some classic moments.

Bottom Line: An artsy fartsy film, with a bit of an edge.  Three loosely connected stories that mix comedy with drama.  Not a bad watch, but not sure when it will hit the player again.

- Ragman is jonesing for the Hangover 2...

The Metal Minute #2

Genghis is back with the second installment of snarky newsmanship known as The Metal Minute.  In this episode:

• Vinnie Vincent tries to dance all over his wife's your face.
• The crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavor gets a morning Rush on Victoria Day.
• You get to peep the CD releases for the week of May 24, 2011.

- Genghis is finally starting to get the hang of recording and editing this shebang (if only the equipment would cooperate)...

The Metal Minute #1

In this edition of [the return of] The Metal Minute for the week of May 17, 2011: 

• Def Leppard is making a lullaby album of their greatest hits.  Oh, good.
• The Vegan Black Metal Chef seems at odds with the principals of black metal.
• Album releases for the week of May 17, 2011, because Facebook said so.

- Genghis is actually going to enjoy making this segment (be on time? maybe not so much)...