Testament, 'Dark Roots of Earth' -- Album Review

Everyone knows the story. There was the Big 4, and then those bands who seemed just outside that group, but still there from the start. Bands like Exodus and Testament. Alex Skolnick was always more than a "metal guitarist," and in fact left Testament to play in a jazz trio that, realistically, got most of it's sales from metal fans and through doing metal covers. I am not qualified to comment on his abilities as a jazz player (although I have some CDs), but he was always a hyper melodic guitarist, with his solo on "Electric Crown" being perhaps my favorite solo of all time.

Fast forward to 2012 and Testament, after years of diminishing returns and sub-standard work, have reunited with most of their original line up, Alex included, and released two albums, the most recent of which is Dark Roots of Earth. Let me say from the outset, I buy a LOT of CDs and it's rare for a CD to stay in my rotation list for long. This CD has been a constant for me since I got it. Imagine if Metallica had stayed a metal band, and James Hetfield had continued to drink, so that his voice got a little rougher instead of cleaner through the years. That's pretty much what you get here. I hate to belabor the Metallica comparison, because it's not perfect at all, but, the riffs here really would not be out of place on Master of Puppets, even though they certainly have their own character. The same is true of the complexity of the songs overall, the harmony leads, the melodic soloing, basically everything you love about metal is on this album in spades.

Even the artwork is awesome.

After a couple of faster tracks, the title track is a slower song, but bone crushingly heavy. 'A day in the death' starts with a bass riff, and then the guitars take over. "Cold Embrace" slows things right down with a ballad. I've read reviews that state that this is the one song that makes this CD less than the one before, but, let's not forget that Testament didn't just record a ballad back in the day, they CALLED it "The Ballad." This is nothing new, and it's a great piece of music, and a good break around the middle of the CD. It also shows that Chuck can really sing, as well as his customary bark. In any case, it doesn't sound like a Neil Young song, it has it's share of heavy guitars and solos.

The rest of the album rounds out in suitably heavy fashion, with only "Throne of Thorns" starting soft before kicking in. I have the bonus edition which includes covers of "Dragon Attack" (Queen), "Animal Magnetism" (Scorpions) and "Powerslave" (Iron Maiden). The "Powerslave" cover sticks to the original pretty much until the solos, which are much better than the original. There's also an extended version of "Throne of Thorns" (nearly eight minutes as opposed to seven). There's also a DVD with some live tracks and a making of documentary.

Testament joins a growing rank of bands (Metallica is not one of them) whose later work is so good that I'd be happy to go to a show where next to no older songs are played. That has to be good for metal as a whole, as well as hugely satisfying for the bands in question. If you like metal, buy this CD.

Vince Neil Performs 'Girls,Girls,Girls' With a Porn Star... In Front of Kids

Vince Neil Performs "Girls, Girls, Girls" with teen group Going Dark and porn star Lisa Ann... for a bunch of kids.

This all happened last weekend at a Motley Crue after party in New Jersey. I'm not saying the performance was right or wrong... but I bet there were some ticked off parents in the crowd! At any rate, it's very cool that the kids got to perform on stage with Vince.

Vintage Trouble Are Amazing

Do you know the band Vintage Trouble? I had never heard of them until The Who announced them as the support act for their upcoming North American tour. Note: Vintage Trouble are not a glam band. They are not even a hard rock band. They are definitely a Motown-esque rock act. And they plain rock. I am just stunned at their quality.

Vintage Trouble formed in California in 2010. They have one album out called The Bomb Shelter Sessions. We need more bands like this: real talent, with real songs.

Listen:

The New Avenged Sevenfold Song 'Carry On' Is Awesome

Avenged Sevenfold releases the song "Carry On" today via iTunes. The song is for the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. I don't know if the song is an outtake or if the band got together to record it specifically for the game, but it sort of seems that way. I don't know much about video games, but it seems like the song is telling a story that would go along the Call of Duty. Maybe one of you gamers can fill me in?

The new game is out November 13.

This Shinedown Video For 'Enemies' Rocks

For whatever reason, I missed picking up the new Shinedown album Amaryllis on the day it was released. Usually I pre-order things on Amazon way in advance so I never have to think about it again, but this one just slipped through my fingers.

So anyway, Amaryllis came out at the end of March and the band has been doing the requisite promotions. This includes creating an awesome video for the song "Enemies." The video is so well done... and probably really true to life. Sometimes it's nice to have a video tell a real story without anyone extra -- just the actual guys in the band.

How many have picked up this album? Thoughts?

This Passat Commercial Is Awesome

I'm always impressed when our favorite bands are used in major ad campaigns. As ad buys go, it doesn't get much bigger than beer or cars. So, imagine my joy when I see the new Volkswagen Passat commercial featuring the Rush tune "Fly By Night." As a professional marketer, it honestly made me happy -- and that means a crucial goal was achieved.

I wonder how much VW paid Rush for that little 30 second snippet?

The commercial is really well done. Be sure to watch for the end to hear the tagline so it all makes sense. And shoot, I'll admit I even did a double-take at the MSRP. Seemingly affordable and that means a lot coming from me because when it comes to cars, well... let's just say I don't spend money on cars.

So Saigon Kick Is Finally Reuniting

The original lineup of Saigon Kick will reunite. That means Matt Kramer, Phil Varone, Jason Bieler and Tom Defile are hitting the road soon. It's been 20 years since Saigon Kick performed with all original members.

Guitarist (and off and on SK member) Chris McLernon will also join the band on the road.

The band announced their big reunion with a simple tweet that reads:

"Saigon Kick has reunited with original members Matt Kramer, Phil Varone, Jason Bieler, Tom Defile and Chris McLernon. Dates to follow soon."

I wonder who Saigon Kick will tour with this fall? I'm sure the band will be packaged up on a tour and I suspect it will all happen in clubs. Are you interested in this reunion? I'm intrigued to be sure. If the show comes around me, I'll go.