Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Whitesnake, Carthagods, Crazy Lixx, Sandness, and First Signal

Index

It's hard to believe that Whitesnake have now surpassed 4 decades in the business. 'Flesh & Blood' is the band's 13th album with the previous studio album with new original material having been released back in 2011. This latest slab of music has the band sounding really good. Songwriting is very solid and you could make the case that it sounds both old and new. There are indeed elements from earlier in the bands tenure, but also there is a lot of that flash here that was also present in the late 80's era Whitesnake. Joel Hoekstra helped write 6 of the songs offered here and really shows what a talent and force he has become for the genre. Having Hoekstra and Reb Beach together is amazing chemistry in guitar work. I'm not sure that a lot of fans back in the day would have believed the band would still be going this strong, but believe it! This one is absolutely solid!

Release Date: May 10, 2019

A few days ago, I had no idea who Carthagods even was. I see so many different bands in my inbox, it all becomes a blur after a bit. I checked out the band's video and knew this band had something very cool to offer. The music is heavy in a fairly traditional way, but also offers up sounds that would appeal to more modern fans as well. There is a decent amount of depth here as well. There is a lot going on. The guitar playing is impressive as well. It all comes together in a great cohesive package that lets the listener know this band is the real deal. The album has 8 tracks total and clocks in at around 48 minutes. Trying to come up with a description of the music, to me it sounds bold and confident. I loved the difference in 'The Rebirth' and the orchestral version of the same song. Keep an eye on this band, I sense great things coming!

Release Date: April 26, 2019

It's always a treat to get another dose of classic sounding hard rock from these guys. Crazy Lixx always gets it done by just being true to themselves. You don't go in expecting anything but what the band always offer with each release. 'Forever Wild' is another release up to the band's usual good standards. If you are a fan of the mid to late 80's hard rock sounds, this release is for you. Melodic hard rock that would have fit into that scene so many decades ago. I think the songs are very strong this time. They are always good, but this album feels special to me. The band keep the styles tight, but at the same time do offer a variety of sounds. Take for instance 'Silent Thunder' compare to 'Eagle'. Both great songs, but in different ways. It shows the growth and potential this band has. A great traditional melodic hard rock record that comes as a very easy recommend!

Release Date: May 17, 2019

I spent a lot of time with albums similar to this one back in the 80's. It was a lot of fun to have lived that whole scene. Great music and every concert was an event. It's nice to see so much interest so many decades later in younger musicians. Sandness is a band I was not familiar with, but have them firmly on my radar as I love their sound. It's definitely a traditional melodic hard rock sound. Drop these guys back in time into that era of the 80's and they do very well. Probably even better than some of the bands back then. The band is Italian and 'Untamed' is their third record. It times in at around 37 minutes and even if that feels a bit short, it's very fulfilling. 11 tracks total with all being well done. The band have a video up on Youtube for 'Tiger Byte' that will give you a good idea of what they sound like. A modern times album that would fit well in the 80's!

Release Date: June 14, 2019

I became a pretty big fan of this band with their previous release 'One Step Over the Line'. How can you go wrong with Harem Scarem's Harry Hess? Adding to the chemistry is Daniel Flores, Michael Palace, and Johan Niemann. These guys are all currently strong names in the modern melodic hard rock genre. This new platter is once again very good with songs ranging from mid tempo to melodic in style. It's been my experience with this band's music that it is always pretty consistent in terms of sound and quality. No real need to reinvent the wheel here. These guys are good at what they do as they embrace their strengths. I always mention chemistry as it is one of the things that makes or breaks a band. Chemistry is very strong with this group of musicians. Another very worthy melodic hard rock release from these veterans of the current scene! Recommended!

Release Date: May 17, 2019