Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Filter, Megadeth, Burning Rain, Volbeat, & The Poodles

Index

The latest from Industrial rockers Filter is a pretty decent effort. The album is a bit of a mix with sounds that are a bit heavier and similar to recent albums while some of the other tracks are much more melodic and lean towards the sound of the now classic 'Take a Picture'. I find that I enjoy both sides of the coin with this album.I became a Filter fan from the first album and have really enjoyed most of what they have done. I tend to really like the more aggressive stuff, but this album offers some good catchy and memorable lighter stuff. Pretty decent album here once again.

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This album took a few spins. Upon my initial listen, I wasn't quite sure about it. Being a pretty big Megadeth fan, I came back to it and wanted to give it another shot to see where my opinion would end up. I quite like it at this point. It may not be the bands most aggressive music to date, but the typical Megadeth flair is evident. For fans who listen to sound samples, you will not get the overall feel of this album. Take for instance 'Dance in the Rain'. Starts off sounding mid tempo, but eventually bursts into a bit of a frenzy. Give it a good honest lesson. The album is a worthy addition to the bands catalog.

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One of my favorite guitarists is definitely Doug Aldrich. Been following his work for a long time now with bands like Lion and Bad Moon Rising, and more recently Whitesnake. You really don't want to forget the band he has worked with off and on in the last 10 or 15 years, Burning Rain. This too me is Aldrich at his core. Guitar is absolute bliss to listen to on a Burning Rain album. The music is straight forward, balls out rocking stuff. Add a fusion of some blues here and there and you have the makings of a solid record. If you haven't given this band a look, now would be a good time with this record.

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Honestly, I really had just kind of missed Volbeat. Saw the name here and there, but really never took the time to see what they were all about. Enter Rob Caggiano after his departure and I had to see what this band was all about. 'Cape of Our Hero' to me was catchy and memorable. Enough to get me into this band. Where this band clicks with me however is the heavier stuff like 'Doc Holliday'. King Diamond also guests on another track 'Room 24' and shows another 'metal' side of this band. I also love the different influences this band incorporates. Definitely a fan now and owner of the back catalog!

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If you are looking for solid melodic hard rock, look no further than The Poodles. This band has been churning out album after album of quality hard rock music for awhile now. They are pretty consistent from album to album. 'Tour de Force' is another solid slab of memorable tunes. Album to me is pretty even in terms of quality and tempo. It packs a punch through most of the tracks and showcases very good musicianship. Aside from the great rockers, there are some decent melodic and lighter tracks such as 'Leaving the Past to Pass'. If you are familar with The Poodles, you'll know what you are getting here.

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