Sinkadotentree For me there are three AC/DC albums that are essential : "Highway To Hell" , "Back In Black" and this live document "If You Want Blood You've Got It".I had this one on vinyl back in the day and let me tell you that in the early eighties it was in constant rotation in my house.I've said before that AC/DC became my favourite band almost instantly after hearing "Highway To Hell" for the first time.I have seen AC/DC live twice.The first time at the CNE in Toronto for the "Who Made Who" tour.The thing that sticks out most in my mind about that concert was when the band went off for their break Angus stayed out and played until the band returned.I was in awe.I found out from the newspaper a couple of days later that the reason he did that was because "Who Made Who" turned gold in Canada first.It was a gift to the fans.I wouldn't see them again until Sarsstock at Downsview Park in Toronto.THE ROLLING STONES had put this concert together to help Toronto's economy after the negative effects of the Sars outbreaks.They asked AC/DC to help and they obliged.AC/DC had been opening for the STONES in Europe and they had developed an admiration for the Ozzies work ethic and the way the audiences loved them.RUSH would also play at this event and many other bands in this all day affair.There were between 450,000 and 500,000 people there including me.Afterwards everyone i talked to said AC/DC stole the show and i agreed even though my favourite band at this time was RUSH.Interesting that of the 12 songs AC/DC played 8 were from the Bon Scott days.That was surprising but so enjoyable.It was funs when the STONES finished up the night with their last song AC/DC came out and played with them including Mick and Angus trading barbs by way of vocals(Mick) and Guitar(Angus).It was really funny watching them go at it.I think my favourite track on this live album is "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be".I just love this song but then this whole album is like a greatest hits of the Bon Scott era. Thanks for letting me remember the good old days guys and i have to mention the You Tube video i watched tonight from 1978 of this band doing "Let There Be Rock".Absolutely incredible.Angus you are a god.

Sinkadotentree My second favourite VAN HALEN album after the debut.I know a lot of this has to do with the year 1980 because i was having the time of my life and this cassette was a big part of 1980 along with "Highway To Hell","Back In Black","Permanent Waves","Heaven And Hell" and more. I met the green eyed blonde after i had already purchased tickets to this concert,so it was one of the rare concerts she didn't go to with me.Instead me and three buddies went down to Toronto on a hot summer's night to see the boys play at Maple Leaf Gardens on their "Women And Children First" tour.Probably the hottest i've been at a concert.We were way up in the Grey seats and it was so humid and hot in there.I even remember after the concert in the parking lot after 11 pm how warm it still was.They put on an amazing show.That was the only time i've seen them live. "And The Cradle Will Rock" seems pretty immature now but as a 19 year old i loved it.I remember giving my girlfriend's sister and her boyfriend a ride somewhere and i put this on.After we got to the destination he said "I've got to get that album !" My sound system was really good and the second track "Everybody Wants Some!!" sounded amazing.Love the tribal drumming to start.Eddie comes in half way through lighting it up. "Fools" is dark and and Eddie puts on one incredible performance early on on this the longest track."Romeo Delight" is where they pick up the pace.Ripping it up !"Baby please,can't take it anymore !"Killer stuff.Attitude man. "Tora! Tora!" is only a minute long and half way through it turns SABBATH-like then blends into "Loss Of Control".Love this song. "Take Your Whiskey Home" is my favourite song on here.I like how it starts with acoustic guitar and Roth singing before it turns dark and heavy.Check out the bass here."Could This Be Magic?" is a good acoustic tune. "In A Simple Rhyme" is a song that moves me for some strange reason. This album is all about bringing back those crazy memories from a time long gone.

Sinkadotentree AEROSMITH was my favourite band when i was 18 years old and i loved "Toys In The Attic" and "Rocks" as well as the "Live Bootleg".I didn't get this album until long after they stopped being my fav band.Sure i knew "Dream On" and "Mama Kin" from this the debut but the rest of these tracks i didn't know at all, and on top of that i wasn't too impressed with them.I was surprised by this only because our Classic Rock station in Toronto had this "Top Albums" of all time list and they rated this as the best AEROSMITH record so i was expecting more i guess.Still a good record but the three other recording i mentioned earlier are much more dynamic than what we have here.

Sinkadotentree If you like your Prog-Metal in the traditional way you'll probably enjoy this one a lot.These guys are from Greece and this is their debut album from 2007.The vocalist reminds me of Ray Adler at times and i like the way the synths are used mostly to create atmosphere or used in the background.They contrast the heavier sections with the more laid back passages very well.Lots of mood and tempo changes on this album.I can see someone complaining that it's not adventerous and it doesn't pave any new roads and that's true,but this is how i love my Metal.A great debut album !

Sinkadotentree I still remember buying this cassette in the city of Barrie and popping it into the cassette player in my car as i took the 35 minute drive home.I got a lot of mileage out of that cassette over the years.And while i prefered the earlier "Pyromania" recording there's just too many great tunes on here to dismiss it.I went and saw them on that tour down in Hamilton,Ontario where QUEENSRYCHE opened up for them.It was a great show although i must admit i was wired for sound that night.On a side note i would write off my TransAm in a car accident in 1988 and bought a pick-up truck.I wanted to put "Comfortably Numb" on the sides of the truck but thought that would draw too much attention to me from the cops so i put "Hysteria" on it.Looking back i'm not sure why i did that because this wasn't even close to being my favourite album.I guess i just thought it sounded cool. Three great tunes to start in "Women" , "Rocket" and "Animal".They're all so catchy and easy to "rock out" to."Animal" especially did a lot for me.A feel good tune if there ever was one. "Love Bites" was the ballad and "Pour Some Sugar On Me" the big single.Not too impressed with either but at the time they were okay. "Armageddon It" was great.Some attitude there and so catchy. "Gods Of War" was well done with the affects early on then this beat that was addictive.Good song. "Don't Shoot Shotgun" never did a lot for me. "Run Riot" was better.Lots of energy. "Hysteria" makes me smile.Those were the days with that green eyed blonde at my side."Hysteria when your near"."Excitable" was hard not to bob your head to. "Love And Affection" was okay. A good Pop-Metal album that i still get a kick out of.

Sinkadotentree Late in 1979 i started buying cassettes instead of LPS because most of my listening back then was in my Trans Am.This was one of the few recordings i actually had on vinyl and cassette.The first time i ever heard of this band was when reading a Rock magazine and there was this picture of them all wearing t-shirts with different band names on them.They were all bands that i loved so i remembered the name DEF LEPPARD.I still remember buying this cassette and popping it in as we left the store for the 35 minute ride home.I had some Jensen triaxle 3 speakers in the back and a power-booster/equilizer so i could crank it.I remember the music being so loud at times i couldn't hear myself when i'd cough.Hey do you guys remember the video for "Photograph" with Elliott in that Union Jack t-shirt and Steve Clark with that low slung Les Paul ? Love these bands with the two lead guitarists.Phil Collen was the other one.Joe Elliott looked so much like this guy named Bobby i used to hang with in High School.Sadly he overdosed out in British Columbia many years ago."Pyromania" was my favourite recording from the band.Sure there was nothing too complex about it but it rocked out pretty good and had lots of great sounding tracks.My favourite was "Foolin'" but i liked them all."Comin' Under Fire" was probably the darkest and heaviest.Great tune.Anyway as i re-visit it there are defintetly lots of issues but this will always have sentimental value to me.Driving around the beaches with the t-roof off in the summer was a blast and this was a big part of it in the early eighties.

Sinkadotentree I bought this on vinyl back in 1976 or so not long after i bought a used turntable and speakers from a mutual friend.I did have quite a few records at that point as my parents had this big honking piece of furnture in the livingroom about 6 feet long that had a turntable and am/fm stereo inside with speakers,i'm sure most of you know what i'm talking about.It was just good to have my own place(bedroom) to listen to tunes.Anyway based on the strength of this album AEROSMITH became my first real favourite band.In fact my first concert i would go to would be AEROSMITH at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto not long afterwards.What sticks out in my mind as far as the concert goes is the anticipation of them coming on.There was this big black curtain across the stage when suddenly this strobe light of some sort started going round and round then we heard the start of "Back In The Sadle" as the curtain went up and Tyler came out screaming "I'm baaaack! Back in the sadle again".Best part of the show. As far as this album goes it's not perfect by any means. "Big Ten Inch Record" and the ballad "You See Me Crying" make sure of that.The rest though is amazing.The rocking title track with that great chorus that i would usually be belting out in my bedroom."Uncle Salty" is a song i liked a lot with those words "ooh it's a sunny day outside my window". "Adam's Apple" was even better with that classic AEROSMITH sound. "Walk This Way" is well known of course.I love the bass. "Sweet Emotion" is not only the best track on here but for me it was one of my favourite songs of all time.The dark mood,the lyrics,everything is freaking perfect.And it kicks ass ! "No More No More" is excellent as well.It just makes me feel good. "Round And Round" is surprisingly heavy and dark. This album and the next one "Rocks" are my favourite studio albums from the band.In fact i'm not really into the rest of their records especially since they turned commercial many years ago.The only other release i still play from them is "Live Bootleg".

Sinkadotentree I first heard this in 1979 and i honestly had never heard the guitar played like this before.For me this is the Eddie Van Halen show as he takes the spotlight on every single track.I have this magazine interview with DOKKEN's George Lynch and he talks about seeing Eddie when he was just starting out and he talked about Eddie's fire and tone and how he was embarrassed for himself and he went home and stayed up all night practising.Man this album "sounds" so good too.Of course there's this guy named David Lee Roth the flamboyant lead singer who can't be ignored.A great voice with those frequent yells throughout all added to the appeal.I love that these guys never took themselves too seriously,i mean just about every album had one silly song on it.I love every track on here,there are no fillers.Tough to pick a fav though although "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" might be it.So serious and heavy and the lyrics are killer.And i also like how the albums back in my day were usually under 40 minutes.This one is under 36 minutes.Back to Eddie.This is an article i still have as he talks about "Eruption" a track that spawned a generation of shredders."What got me was back in the early seventies when LED ZEPPELIN was still together,Jimmy Page was doing his "Heartbreaker" solo,and he'd stand by his amps and he'd have his right hand in the air and do pull-offs with his left hand.I thought,"What happens if you move the nut?" I put my right hand over my left and used it as a movable capo.Then i said,"What if i move my finger to the other side of the fretted note?" That's where i came up with the idea.Then i started adding harmonics to it,because harmonics are all relative too.If you can hit it open,you can move it up and play 12 frets away or five or seven frets away.It's math.I didn't know it it was mathematical.I thought it was magic: "Wow it only works in E" No,it doesn't.You can move everything and it's all relative.The first time i actually did full harmonics was on "Van Halen II",on "Woman In Love".The whole intro sounds like clocks,because i tapped them all". This is one of those albums i played to death in the early eighties and there's no way it's less than 5 stars.

Sinkadotentree I just found out about this band recently which is kind of surprising considering they are from Canada too.I loved this from the very first listen as it has that sort of eighties Metal flavour going for it.It's melodic with excellent instrumental work that isn't that complex but extremely well done.The vocals are different and probably the deal breaker for most.He sounds similar to Bon Scott which is a good thing of course but he can get a little wild at times.The focus of this EP is the almost 25 minute "Darkness Suite" i'll call it.It opens and closes with nature sounds but in between we get lots of mood and tempo shifts,it's a real ride.They end the album with a cover of THE POLICE's "Synchronicity II" which pales when compared to the original but it's okay,and they end it with an acoustic track of their own. I really like their style and look forward to listening to their most recent release.

Sinkadotentree 1980 was such an amazing year for me,well it actually didn't start out all that great.I had went back to High School in September of 1979 to get my grade 13 and lets just say i spent more time partying and getting into trouble than i did on my homework.By the end of the first semester the Principal had a meeting with my mom and i stating that when the semester was over i wasn't welcomed back,that i was failing all my classes but if i behaved i could finish the courses.So when the end of January 1980 came i was looking for a job and found one quickly at our local grocery store.I did go back to that High School to visit my girlfriend in February and when the Vice Principal saw me he yelled at me and told me if i ever came back on school property the police would be called.My High School days were apparently over(haha).Fast forward to late Spring and it's the weekend and i'm in one of the many parks in our tourist town getting intimate with Mary Jane when Darlene(a girl i hung out with quite a bit during my last semester of school) yells at me from across the park.We meet up(she liked Mary Jane too)and started talking when this beautiful young thing walks by with her boyfriend holding hands.Darlene and her said hi to one another and i'm thinking she must go to the other High School because i would have remembered her.Anyway Darlene and i continue to talk and she says "You have to come over to my place and hear the new album i got". She kept going on and on about it so over we went in my car and into her bedroom where she took out of it's sleeve a vinyl copy of "Highway To Hell" and put it on the turntable.The rest my friends is history.I had never heard anything like this in my life! The vocals,the lead guitar,the energy.I fell in love and soon bought my own copy.I didn't know when i listened to that album for the first time that day that Bon Scott had died just a few months before that.By the way that was such a significant day for me.AC/DC would become my favourite band for many many years and i heard them that day for the first time.Also that girl i saw with her boyfriend? I ended up marrying her,and that same day was the first time i laid eyes on her.Coincidnece? I think not(haha). The only album i have played more than "Highway To Hell" is "Back In Black".They were my 1A and 1B for many years."Highway To Hell" is an album full of lyrics about sex with lots of humour.This sounds so incredible cranked up to 10 which was how i usually listened to it as i drove around the beaches back in the early eighties.I knew every detail about that album back then and listening to it tonight for the first time in years was a complete blast!I love every track.What a legacy for Bon Scott to leave us with."Beating Around The Bush" is all Bon and his theatrical performance.So many highlights from both Bon and Angus but then i am a fanboy.This is the easiest 5 stars i've given so far.Thanks for letting me reminisce.

Sinkadotentree Of SHADOW GALLERY's first four albums this is by far my favourite.Interesting that the story-line of this one would be continued 7 years later on my favourite disc by them called "Room V".I gave this one a spin tonight because it's been a while and i'm still very impressed with not only it's power but those mid-tempo tracks as well.I was kept interested through it all and considering it's 74 minutes long that has to be applauded.The late Mike Baker is fantastic on vocals and we do get a couple of guest vocalists helping out in James LaBrie and D.C. Cooper. If you want to hear some seriously good American Prog-Metal then look no further than "Tyranny".A solid 4 stars.

Sinkadotentree CHROME SHIFT are a good young Prog-Metal band from Denmark.I just had a listen to them again tonight and i do like so many things about this album but i do have some issues.I wish the synths weren't so upfront and that there was more bottom end overall.And for whatever reason i'm not feeling any emotion towards this album,it sort of leaves me cold.I like the rain and thunder samples that open and close the song "Through" but inbetween the focus is on the vocals."Ripples In Time" is a four song suite for a total of over 20 minutes of music that is the highlight of this album.A good album but it's just not that great.Worth checking out though for Prog-Metal fans.

Sinkadotentree This was Rusty Cooley's band and this was the only album they released in 2006.This album is huge ! I love the lyrics,the heaviness and especially Sundown Carpenter's vocals.I liked them so much that i sought out BEYOND TWILIGHT's "Section X" album from the year before just to hear him on there as well.So many highlights on this one.I like when Cooley sounds like ZERO HOUR's Jasun Tipon on a few tracks.That's just a complex and unique sound.Some good variety on this one as well.My top three tracks are "Warcry" a heavy and hard tune with Carpenter's vocals stealing the show.Also the title track where we get some atmosphere before it turns violent.And "I Thanatos" with those riffs in that dark atmosphere.Check out the guitar late that goes on and on.Amazing ! A must for Prog-Metal fans and a very solid 4 stars.

Sinkadotentree DEGREE ABSOLUTE are from Portland,Oregon and released this their sole studio album in 2006.This is very technical and often really heavy.There are vocals which are well done.By the way they are a three piece band who create a lot of thunder.Some might find this too heavy and complex but man is this impressive."Confession" is a little different as it opens with lots of atmosphere as the bass plays.Keyboards a beat then reserved vocals join in.We do get some power when the guitar comes in with some heaviness then back to the more laid back music.Cool song.It's one of the few tracks without brutal riffs and an all out onslaught.Another song that is similar is the over 11 minute closer "Ergo Sum".I really like this album and highly recommend it.These guys are so skilled !

Sinkadotentree STRIDE are an American Prog-Metal band who released three albums in the 00's and this was the last one from 2005.I know a few people who find their sound a little too AOR and maybe the vocals don't help in that department.I like the vocals and the sound because it reminds me of the eighties.ENCHANT did come to mind at times.This is very melodic Metal with a virtuoso guitarist.It can get quite heavy at times in fact ZERO HOUR came to mind on more than one occassion.Keyboards play an important role as well, at times providing background atmosphere and at other times taking the lead or filling out the sound. A low 4 stars and recommended to those who like their Metal melodic.

Sinkadotentree ILLUSION SUITE are a relatively new Prog-Metal band out of Norway with a strong Power-Metal flavour.Lots of double bass drumming and the drums always seem to be the most upfront sound you hear.The sound quality seems fuzzy to me,i'm not sure what the reason is for this but it's not as clear as i would like it.This is their first studio album and it was released in 2009.Very little in the way of guitar solos and when we do get one it's brief.The vocals are good but not great.I've noticed on other sites there has really been mixed opinions about this one,i guess i'm luke-warm to it overall.3 stars is all i can muster.

Sinkadotentree This is a fairly young Prog-Metal band out of Finland who play a melodic yet heavy brand of Metal.The vocals are well done and in English.Crunchy guitars and in your face drumming throughout.There's no keyboardist in the band but we get some guest keys on the final track called "Fragile Pages".This clocks in at 50 minutes and the longest track is just under 10 minutes.Tough to pick a favourite track as they are all in a similar style but "Expidition" fits the bill.I like the calm section followed by the ripping guitar solo. A low 4 stars for this one but i enjoy it too much to go lower.

Sinkadotentree I reviewed this in 2006 and mentioned at the time that it was the best EP that i had ever heard.Well i still feel this way some 4 1/2 years later.John Arch made a triumphant return back in 2003 with this 28 minutes EP.Two long tracks that are very personal for Arch.Helping out are long time friends Jim Matheos,Mike Portnoy and Joey Vera.This rocks big time but really it's the emotion and John's vocals that make this stand above just about every Prog-Metal album i have heard.The first track "Relentless" deals with John's childhood and the fact his dad left him and his mom when he was a kid.A lot of the lines start woth "I remember..." it's all so touching.And yes this is also a killer track instrumentally.The second tune "Cheyenne" deals with John's ancestry as he is part Native Indian.Man this track is amazing.Again a lot of emotion and really the two tracks are linked by the fact that the Cheyenne people and John personally were treated horribly by someone more powerful than themselves.A twist of fate.I love the vocal melodies late where he sings it in the Native chanting style.Gulp.Then he spits out the lyrics with "Save your pity...".What's done is done just leave us alone are the feelings you get from the words.It's cool too when a native actually takes part in speaking during one section of the song. For me it doesn't get any better but then Arch is my favourite singer.

Sinkadotentree I have sentimental feelings towards this EP.I still remember the first time i listened to it on the way to work some time in 2004 and at times laughing out loud because i was so impressed,especially with the heavy sections.This was my first DREAM THEATER experience and the 23 minute title track had me itching to hear more from these guys.This would be the first recording without Kevin Moore as Derek Sherinian makes his debut here.He's in fine form too with some heavy synth work on the title track.I must admit i'm not as enthusiastic towards the live cover songs that follow even though they do a great job overall.And that's why i understand some 3 star ratings for this because the covers make up the bulk of this album.As for me 4 stars is my rating simply for the title track alone.One of their best creations no doubt about it.A Prog-Metal journey if there ever was one.

Sinkadotentree TIME MACHINE from Italy have been hit or miss with me over the years.I can't believe how many vocalists they've gone through either.This particular EP is important in that none of these tracks showed up on any of their studio albums.The only place you'll find them is on the double cd compilation release called "Hidden Secrets" which i highly recommend.If your not into shelling out for that one please don't hesitate to check this one out.This is melodic Metal with great vocals from Morby who's voice has a timbre similar to Geoff Tate of QUEENSRYCHE.I guess it's because i already know these songs from the compilation recording but man i've enjoyed this cd.FATES WARNING's "Parallels" album is a good comparison because of the catchy,melodic tracks on that one.One of the bonus tracks is "Heaven And Hell" a cover of the BLACK SABBATH classic.These guys are faithful to the original and it is a killer version.I like the ending where the two guitarists play intricate guitar melodies together with no other sounds to be heard.It's great. So is this EP.

Sinkadotentree This is MOONLIGHT's third album and their best so far.They're still fairly heavy at this point but less metalic and they've added more atmosphere.My album has a different cover than the one shown here.Mine has picture of dead leaves with a face that can be seen in it much like ANGLAGARD's "Epilog" album.Man there are some amazing tracks on this one like the title track that opens with thick atmosphere as Maja offers up these vocal melodies.It does kick into a heavy uptempo melody."Do Ojca" kicks some ass with lots of synths and heaviness.Catchy stuff."Jeszcze Raz" is a top three for me.Atmosphere early but that changes as it kicks in and Maja sings with passion,then back to the dreamy mood again."Flos" is a top three as well.I like when the fat bass comes in with a wash of synths.It's building.It kicks in with powerful vocals then settles back as contrasts continue.The other top three is "Nie Moge Zmienic Nic" which opens in a pastoral way then the heaviness with vocals kicks in.Atmosphere follows as contrasts continue.Incredible.I also want to mention "Enjoy The Silence" which is a DEPECHE MODE cover.Great track and she sings her heart out. I'm a big fan of this band and highly recommend this one.