"Leadhead's Lounge"
Album Reviews by Shane Copher
Sponsored In Part By
Vanilla Ice - Hard to Swallow
Republic Records
A new album and a new "tough guy" image, same old garbage... Wherever you
disappeared to in the past few years, I wish you’d just go back. Hey, Ice...
I think your mom is calling you.
Judas Priest - '98 Live Meltdown
CMC International Records
Halford is gone, but does it really matter? While he’s left to wander in
hardcore obscurity, Priest has gotten its shit back together and taken
it on the road. Whether it’s classics like "Hell Bent" and "Grinder" or
fresh cuts like "Death Row," this metal beast has still got the fire and
the fury, and from the sounds of the crowds on this live collection, is
still "Delivering the Goods." A blistering double disc of metal the way
it was meant to be played... and "Ripper" proves that he can more than
hold his own with the "ghost" of Rob Halford... Hot Stuff!
Cheap Trick - Cheap Trick/In Color/Heaven Tonight
Epic/Legacy Records
These re-mastered reissues contain bonus tracks, along with full liner
notes, and an "expanded edition" sound. Although sounding slightly dated,
the band’s current reformation and tour has once again sparked interest
in these pop/rock anthems. Cheap Trick’s Beatlesque qualities remain undisturbed
on these reissues, while the bonus cuts, including studio outtakes from
the album recording sessions, along with alternative tracks, give fans
of the band something more for their money.
World of Silence - Mindscapes
Black Mark Production
This progressive band boasts sonic drumming, surreal melodies, and driving
rhythms. Not quite metal, but edgier than you’d expect from a progressive
band.
What really sets this album apart are the strong, clean vocals. On "Times
To Come" and "In Search," World of Silence shows its true colors, as a
top of the heap band that’s a good leap ahead of its competitors. A top
notch release that soothes as well as sears... look it up!
16 Volt - Supercoolnothing
Slipdisc/Mercury Records
The guitars get forced down your throat, while the drums batter you senseless.
The music is heavy edged "alternative" and contrasts nicely with the soulful
vocals and dark melodies.
Hard enough to appeal to the metal crowd, hip enough to get favored
on college radio, 16 Volt has a combination that’s sure to garner them
the kind of exposure most young bands only dream about.
"I Fail Truth," "Keep Sleeping," and "And I Go" are perfect examples
of what 16 Volt has to offer -- well-penned modern rock with aggression
to spare and a super studio mix. Hot Stuff!