Lords of Salem-Hell Over Salem

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Based in Stuttgart, Germany and lead by vocalist Postel (a powerful and highly-expressive front-man that is easily the biggest selling point of this up-and-coming group!), Lords of Salem is a goth-laden/horror rock-infused hard & heavy rock/metal band that has one stellar EP to it's name. Released on October 31st of 2018, "Hell Over Salem" is the debut recording from this four-piece outfit that looks as if it just stepped straight out of a 1980-something post-apocalyptic movie!

Starting off with the upbeat, groovy, and ghoulish "Monster Girl" (a horror rock and roll number that oddly recalls both The Cult and the likes of Rod Zombie & Wednesday 13!), this four-track EP by Lords of Salem clocks in at under 15 minutes in length, but that's more than enough time to get the job done. Boosted by the strength of the title track and "Zombie Monkey Woman", Lords of Salem's first offering showcases a young band that already knows how to write catchy material that is filled with great hooks, inspired-samples, and colorful lyrics! Mixed and mastered by Achim Köhler (Primal Fear, Brainstorm, etc), "Hell Over Salem" is a quirky fun recording that takes its cues from everyone from The Misfits to Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction. A short and sweet EP, this release should find a huge fan base with anyone that loves the likes of (later day)White Zombie, Rob Zombie, Wednesday 13, and quite possibly even The Murderdolls.

Crime Scene-Vengeance EP

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Cologne, Germany's Crime Scene plays a hard & heavy brand of (somewhat sleazy) rock and roll on  "Vengeance EP". Starting off with the heavy rock of "Hey", this four-track EP almost sounds as if it could have come from Los Angeles, California...circa 1985. For those of you who might not get the reference point, Crime Scene could have been Germany's answer to Guns N' Roses. It's not a perfect match, but at nearly 17 minutes in length, "Vengeance EP" certainly tips it's hat to Axl and company! From the looks of things this brand new EP appears to be Crime Scene's studio debut. It might not be perfect, but thanks to the strength of numbers like "Hey", "Sex Drive", and "Back To Cologne" it is a fun listen. This one is recommended to anyone that likes like hard rock with a little bit of sleaze and muscle.

Demon Head-The Resistance

The Sign Records
2018

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Demon Head is a five-piece band that self-describes itself as "Diabolic Rock". The group is fronted by Ferreira Larsen (Alucarda, Scavenger Brats) and they have been active since 2012. On April 20th, 2018 this (spooky/sinister) hard & heavy rock/doom metal outfit with release the EP "The Resistance". Limited to a mere 500 copies, this atmospheric 7" includes the songs "River of Mars" and "The Resistance". That is the running order on my promo link so we will tackle the two tracks in that manor. With truly inspired lyrics and eerie rock music to match the mood, "Rivers of Mars" is the first single from this EP and arguably the better number of the two tracks. As the promo material correctly explains, this four minute plus song will haunt you long after the EP ends! Blessed by a vocalist that would make Glenn Danzig crack a crooked smile, Demon Head has constructed a true masterpiece with "River of Mars! This two-track release is well-worth it's weight in gold for that number alone!! With that being said, the title track of this 7" is great in it's own right. The aptly-titled "The Resistance" is a slow & steady (classic rock-infused) goth rocker that (ever so slightly) flirts with doom rock and vintage psychedelic rock. There's also a little bit of jingle-jangle guitar playing going on with the title track. When you put these two cool tracks next to each other you get a slick soundtrack for this retro outfit that is bound & determined to make it's own mark in the world. Serving as my first official taste of Denmark's Demon Head, "The Resistance" is a 7" that I plan on adding to my personal collection. For anyone that likes (seventies-inspired) hard & heavy rock/doom rock I would highly-recommend that you do the same thing too.  

Free Metal Monday: DamseL-Demos

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia and falling somewhere between hard & heavy rock and roll and (working man's) heavy metal, DamseL (sic) is a slightly-sleazy five-piece band that knows how to write some damn catchy material! Sadly there are only two songs on the group's "Demos" ("Obscene Machine" and "Dead of Night"), but when they are both awesome(!) that helps to ease the pain!!! So far this seems to be the only release from DamseL. Hopefully that will change in the near future. In the meantime this two-track release in free to download. If you ask me (and really, more people should!*) that is a absolute-steal for hard & heavy rock and roll songs like this, but seeing as I don't set the prices for these things who am I too complain?


*It's a joke folks...

Old Mother Hell-Old Mother Hell

Cruz Del Sur Music
2017

Formed in 2015 by two ex-members of the thrash metal outfit Hatchery (bassist Ronald Senft and drummer Ruben André), Old Mother Hell is a German metal band that is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Bernd Wener (Shapeshift, ex-Refuge, ex-Maladie). The self-titled "Old Mother Hell" serves as the debut EP for this three-piece band and it clocks in at just over thirty four minutes. With the passionate and powerful vocals of lead singer Bern Wener proving to be a real highlight (as in wow, that voice leaves a lump in your lump!), Old Mother Hell magnificently combines elements of epic heavy metal, doom metal, hard & heavy rock, and traditional heavy metal into a eye opening sound that is all their own. Recorded at Rama Studio Mannheim by producer/engineer Jens Siefert, this six-track EP has a vibe that is both modern and vintage. In a very remarkable way, "Old Mother Hell" also happens to feel both sorrowful and hopeful. In that regard, credit goes to both the group and Jens Siefert. Further props must go to Cruz Del Sur Music. They have caught lightning in a bottle with this signing! Thanks to this cool label, "Old Mother Hell" will be released on CD and LP. Obviously the highlighted link above will lead you to a digital version of this exceptional release, but I cannot help but feel as if this is a recording that you need to be able to physically hold. In closing, "Old Mother Hell" is simply a blast to listen to! Like the band that created it, the EP is strong and confident. At the end of the day this one gets a A+ rating!! Whatever you do, don't snooze on this power rock/metal trio. In no time at all this is going to be a very successful act.

Owl Maker-Paths Of The Slain

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Owl Maker is a (doom-laden) hard & heavy/stoner rock rock band from Connecticut that is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Simon Tuozzoli (Vestal Claret). Formed in late 2016 by bassist Jessie May and drummer Chris Anderson, Owl Maker will release this 6-track EP on March 16th, 2018. Opening by way of the excellent "Ride With Aileen"*, the versatile " Paths Of The Slain" serves as the studio debut for this captivating trio. It is filled with extremely catchy material and a handful of songs that (blissfully) split the difference between riff-heavy hard rock and (dive bar-worthy) heavy metal. Mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Code Orange, Power Trip), Owl Maker's debut EP showcases a up-and-coming metal band that is all set to chop down the competition, riff by amazing riff! The stunning string-work of Simon Tuozzoi is a thing of beauty. Matched only by Simon's stellar vocal delivery, Owl Maker's choice of a front-man is a stone cold duel threat as both a singer and musician. When combined with the (simply-gorgeous) bass work of Jessie May, Simon is an unstoppable force that is hungry for greatness. With drummer Chris Anderson keeping everyone in check (even as his bangs away on his kit in fine fashion!), Owl Maker has the potential to be your next favorite (doomed & slightly-stoned) hard & heavy rock and roll band. Easy on the ears and twice as good for your heart and soul, this release gets a A rating!



*"Ride With Aileen" is a song about serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Overhung-Moving Ahead

Test Your Metal Records
2018

Overhung is a hard & heavy rock band from Mumbai, India that is fronted by Sujit Kumar. Formed back in April of 2010 and (lyrically-speaking) obsessed with sex, rock n' roll, and good times, Overhung lists the following bands as their primary source of inspiration: Poison, AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. In addition to lead singer Sujit Kumar, Overhung includes Howard Pereira (guitars), Crosby Fernandes (bass), and Sheldon Dixon (drums). Originally released in 2016 as a independent recording, the 10-track "Moving Ahead" is the full-length debut album from Overhung. It is a self-produced affair that also owes a debt of gratitude or two to the likes of Kiss, Whitesnake, Ratt, and Extreme. Thanks to the good folks over at Test Your Metal Records the album is being re-released. That should really help the group out as far as exposure goes. Opening up with the catchy number "Sex Machine", Overhung's debut album is a good first effort and should appeal to fans of Poison, Kiss, AC/DC, and Guns N' Roses.

Oblivious-När Isarna Sjunger

Gaphals
2018

Oblivious is a hard & heavy rock/proto-metal band from Linköping, Sweden that has a handful of recordings to it’s name. Due for release in early February, "När Isarna Sjunger" is the band’s latest release. With eight smashing cuts in all, "När Isarna Sjunger" is the group's forth full-length album as well as my first taste of these (groove-heavy!) riff-rocking rebels! And what a fine introduction it is!! On one hand some of the inspirations come from the underground rock and hard rock scenes of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Sung in their native tongue, Oblivious' new album also owes a debt or two to the better aspects of southern rock and the (very) early years of  heavy metal. Mix that all together with sincere love and admiration for not only their their idols, but all of the hardworking rock and roll bands that came before them and you get one band that might have a wild and crazy spirit, but they also have a hell of a lot of heart and soul. Even at it's heaviest moments this album has a charming warmth to it that is all it's own. From the music to the vintage-vibe this Swedish heavy rock band has a real winner on it's hands with their new album. It would be a real shame if people got all hung up on the foreign language bit before giving this one a chance.

Psychocide-Alcohol & Bad Decisions

Self-release/Independent
2017

Formed in 2013 in New York City by vocalist/guitarist Goldwyn Thandrayen, Psychocide is a upbeat hard & heavy rock band that now calls Montreal, Quebec it's home base of operations.  The self-produced "Alcohol & Bad Decisions" serves as Pyschocide's debut album and it is a strange (if not somewhat satisfying) offering. Seeing as the band's influences range from Mötley Crüe to Muse (by way of System of a Down and any number of radio-friendly mid-90's pop punk bands!) you're bound to have that! If not for the catchy nature of this material (memorable lyrics and well-structured songs are the name of the game here) and the energetic attitude of Goldwyn Thandrayen and company this could have been one huge mess. For whatever reason though it works. If you have ever wondered what a hard rock band would sound like if they drew inspiration from all the best things that the eighties and nineties had to offer (Depeche Mode and Dangerous Toys influences on a lone album? I'm in!) then this is the group that you've been waiting for! You can check out this album at your leisure by heading to the highlighted link above. For more information on this interesting band by sure to clink on this link. It will take you to the band's official website.

Free Metal Monday: Ripple Music-Fully Jacked

Ripple Music
2017

California's Ripple Music has a brand new compilation available and I for one couldn't be any more thrilled! This digital release features eighteen different bands and while I haven't had a chance to listen to them all*, "Fully Jacked" seems poised to live up to it's epic title!! You have group's like Mos Generator, Geezer, Zed, Bonehawk, Foghound, Devil To Pay, and Switchblade Jesus. Heavy street rock and roll band The Watchers opens things up with the slick track "Sabbath Highway" and from that point forward it all looks so promising...



*I jumped around on this comp. and just sampled a few cuts.

Sunday Singles: Snakewine-"Brood of Vipers"

Phonector
2016

Released back on February 10th of this year, "Brood of  Vipers" is a drop-dead AWESOME single from German heavy rock/hard & heavy band Snakewine. This ass-kicking quartet is solid as fuck in regards to both their songwriting skills and actual performances and it was it just last week that I covered Snakewine's unreal album "Serpent Kings". Seeing as this rock and roll-fueled outfit is as much influenced by bands like Guns N' Roses and Rose Tattoo as it is Motörhead and Zeke there is no shortage of good times when you plug into tracks like "Brood of Vipers"! In fact the more I hear from this up-and-coming band the more I fall MADLY in love with them and it's the same kind of special feeling that I've long felt for Motörhead and "Appetite For Destruction"-era G N' R!! This is another band that I can't believe is flying so far below the radar especially in this day and age when this kind of dirty underground rock could save us all!!!!

Free Metal Monday: Haze Daze 4/20 EP

Ripple Music
2016

This is the second Free Metal Monday feature of the day and even though it is short (length-wise) this free digital sampler from the wonderful folks over at Ripple Musicit is jam-packed with good music from some great HEAVY rock bands! "Haze Daze 4/20 EP" features one song each from the bands Foghound, Gozu, and The Judge and all three of these cool rock bands have releases that are due out this summer on Ripple Music. Of the three Gozu is probably my favorite, but really you can't go wrong with any of the bands that appear of this highly-recommend digital EP. You can find "Haze Daze 4/20 EP" by heading here and if Ripple Music happens to read this then by all means PLEASE contact me about covering your forthcoming releases! Simply put, "Haze Daze 4/20 EP" is the kind of rock that gets right to me and makes me want to get the fuck down!!!! I'm just saying....

The Phoenix-My Turn To Deal

Demon Doll Records
2016

Formed back in March of 2011 (and citing bands such as Crucified Barbara, Halestorm, and Velvet Revolver as their primary influences*), The Phoenix is a up-and-coming Italian band whose sound & style splits the difference between heavy rock and hard rock/heavy metal. The recently-released "My Turn To Deal" is the first studio recording  from this young band that is made up of rhythm guitarist/vocalist Alice Schecter, lead guitarist/vocalist Lena McFrison, bassist/vocalist Luna Rocket Queen, and drummer Giuli Mousse. This short but solid EP was recorded by Danger Zone's one and only Roberto Priori (!) and it features four songs including the uncompromising title track. The other three songs on "My Turn To Deal" are "Dangerous Girl", "You Can't Stop The Rock 'N' Roll", and "Party Hard". While the beer-soaked "My Turn To Deal" and this EP's wicked fun closing number, "Party Hard" showcase the more laid back/garage band approach of this talented quartet (read: These two tracks put the rock in rock and roll and they rock hard!) the other two tracks on The Phoenix's debut differ in that they offer technical leads in place of punk rock enthusiasm. "Dangerous Girl" (which sadly doesn't live up to it's title) moves matters into power rock/melodic metal territory and for it is (a way to show off the mad lead skills of Lena McFrison) it does work. Meanwhile "You Can't Stop The Rock 'N' Roll" (which unfortunately does not live up to it's name either!) is savvy and a wee bit sassy with all kinds of guitar techniques on display. Even though these two songs are more well-thought out and better-structured they lack the carefree attitude of "My Turn To Deal" and "Party Hard". On one hand it is good to see a band that offers variety. That really isn't something to complain about. But if we're to be completely truthful here (and why shouldn't we be?) this EP has an odd vibe to it and in the end the age-old saying "sometimes less is more" really comes into play. In essence "My Turn To Deal" features two separate versions of this all-female band and for better or worse one side is more appealing than the other. With time this can all be evened out so I really do look forward to hearing more from this Italian heavy rock/hard & heavy band down the line.


*In reality The Poenix is influenced by not just those three previously-mentioned acts, but anyone and everyone from (early) Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, and Kiss to The Ramones, Foo Fighters, Girlschool, The Misfits, and The Runaways!)

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Salem-Dark Days

Pure Steel Records
2016

Regular visitors to Heavy Metal Time Machine should know that I am a long-time fan of the British metal band Salem. It was back in late November of 2011 that I covered this group's superb 2010 compilation, "In The Beginning...", and I followed that review up with write-ups of the 2013 EP, "X-Rated" and the group's last full-length album, "Forgotten Dreams". I've even had the honor of interviewing this legendary N.W.O.B.H.M. band so when I first heard about their brand new 11-track album here I was stoked! I'm here to today to lay down some cold hard truth for fans of Salem and that is as follows. With a due date of April 29th, "Dark Days" is not only a proper follow-up to Salem's 2013 disc "Forgotten Dreams", but it is easily  the best thing that this British band has ever laid to tape! Hell, "Dark Days" might just end up being one of my favorite hard rock/heavy metal albums of the year if not my undisputed number one!! Opening by way of the catchy-as-hell hard rocker, "Not Guilty" (Man alive I love this sick number with it's perfect mixture of  melody and metal madness!), "Dark Days" finds lead singer Simon Saxby (ex-Deep Fix) in top form and as these 11 tracks unfold he makes the case for being one of N.W.O.B.H.M.'s most underrated front man! Simon's not the only member of Salem to shine on "Dark Days" though. In fact he's just one key piece of the overall puzzle that is Salem the cult N.W.O.B.H.M. band. Guitarist Paul Macnamara and his brother in arms, Mark Allison, weave a deeply magical spell when it comes to Salem's new masterpiece. From the heavy rock/hard rock of "Not Guilty" all the way through to the powerhouse rocker "Tank"* that closes things out the technical guitar work on Salem's new album is nothing short of exquisite! The lead guitar solos are so good in fact that I found myself getting lost in the moment on more than one occasion!! Phrases like smoking hot and words like wizardly immediately spring to mind when you're talking about the six-string majesty that is Paul Macnamara & Mark Allison work on "Dark Days"! And how about the rhythm section of Salem? Can we just stop and have a little chat about bassist Adrian Jenkinson and drummer Paul Mendham (Innersylum, ex-Infobia, ex-Outland, ex-Q, ex-Rise, ex-The Hidden) for a moment? This pair adds the explanation point (!) to red hot British metal thanks to musicianship that is second to none! With the added benefit that comes from solid gold bass lines and impact is immediate drumming a band like Salem zips their merry way WAY past good hard rock/heavy metal and into the realms of the almighty epic!! Collectively-speaking, Salem is comprised of five top-tier musicians who have obviously taken the time to craft one of 2016's finest records. While I could work my way through each and every number on "Dark Days" let's just settle things right now and just say that they are ALL gems! In conclusion I'd just like you to take a moment and close your eyes for second. Now try to imagine a perfect hard & heavy platter where the likes of AC/DC, Deep Purple, Def Leppard, Diamond Head, Fifth Angel, Gillian, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Maineeaxe, More (N.W.O.B.H.M. band), Praying Mantis, Rainbow, Saxon, the Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, TKO, UFO, Van Halen, and Wild Spirit all come together for the sole purpose of creating long-lasting & highly- memorable music that is as catchy as it is clever. Add in the sound and style that is all Salem and Salem alone and you're talking about the greatest that is "Dark Days"! My friends it simply does not get better than this...




"Tank"* features a collaboration with former Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton! 

Broken Teeth-Bulldozer

Texas Metal Underground Records
2015

"Bulldozer" is the latest release from Austin, Texas' hard rock/heavy metal band Broken Teeth. This EP arrives nearly 16 years after the release of Broken Teeth's self-titled (and highly recommended!) debut album and while it might not be the full-length release of originals that long-time fans had hoped for this 7-track recording does pack a shit ton of rough & rugged hard rock into it's short run-time! As per usual the band is lead by former Dangerous Toys & Watchtower front-man Jason McMaster and in addition to this group's well known love of all things AC/DC you'll discover nods of appreciation dished out to likes of ZZ Top, Riot, (early) Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, and even Motörhead! And speaking of Lemmy and company, "Bulldozer" finds Broken Teeth covering Motörhead's "The Hammer" in grand fashion. Of course Broken Teeth also cover the Aerosmith' song "Lightning Strikes", but for my money "The Hammer" is where it's really at! With these two rock-steady covers joining five original compositions (all of which are really good!) this EP does have a lot to offer. It's definitely been made to order for die-hard fans of the band, but even casual  hard rock and heavy metal listeners should appreciate tracks such as "Raining Fire", "Red River Rising", "The Rough and the Tumble", and "Flamethrower". As a tied-over release, "Bulldozer" hits all the right notes and finds Broken Teeth rocking out like there's no tomorrow. Needless to say it's good to have this band back!

Free Metal Monday: Tower-Tower

Self-Release/Independent
2015

For today's Free Metal Monday feature we have Tower from New York City. The band is expertly fronted by Sarabeth Linden and the name-your-own-price "Tower" looks to be the group's first studio recording. Produced, mixed & mastered by Jeff Filmer and the band-members themselves, "Tower" features three cool tracks in the form of "Flames", "Mountains", and "Hold on to Me". That last number is arguably the best of the lot and on this EP the line-up looks to be Sarabeth Linden (lead vocals), James Danzo (guitar),
Zak Penley (guitar), Philippe Arman (bass guitar & vocals), and Joey Bouchard (drums). Tower is every-bit as real and rock-steady as the city it hails from (after all this city gave us everyone from The Ramones to Nuclear Assault)! and because I believe in giving credit where credit is due this is yet another fine suggestion from the one and only Paul Rote! There are a lot of  good reasons why I follow Paul on Bandcamp, but the biggest one would have to be the fact that the two of us share similar tastes in music. In the case of  Tower that would be heavy rock/heavy metal with a none-to-subtle eighties tint! Paul was more or less spot on when he said "This lies somewhere between Mötley Crüe and Accept", but let's make sure to clarify that comment by adding the word "early" to Mötley Crüe and rewriting the last bit so that it says "Restless and Wild" through "Metal Heart"-era Accept. Otherwise that is Tower in a nutshell and on this three-track EP these New Yorkers want nothing more than to share their love of old-school hard rock and heavy metal with the old and young alike! As this is (potentially) the band's first recording there is obviously room to grow, but from what I hear on "Tower" this is one group that could do some serious damage if given a fair shot. I'd love to see what this band could do with a legit budget and hear how they would fare on a full-length album. For now this EP is a great addition to any one's personal collection and I will eagerly be hyping it to friends and fellow collectors!

Free Metal Monday: Dogzilla-Demo

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Observant readers will no doubt recall how I previously covered Dogzilla's song "Winnetou" as part of another Free Metal Monday feature. Now this hard & heavy/sludge trio from Tarnów, Poland returns with a full-fledged demo that tacks on "#3" and "Massive Impact of Lethal Force". While the buzz-saw aggression of gritty opening number "Winnetou" is nearly-impossible to top these two additional cuts further showcase Dogzilla's ability to craft fuzzy hard rock with plenty of heavy riff rock appeal. For band-members Karol Wałaszek (guitar, vocals), Jakub Sroka (bass) and Nikodem Zawirski (drums) these three songs are more than enough to get fan's drooling in anticipation of a full-fledged album! I sure as hell count myself in that category!! To my fellow promoters and PR friends I have to say the following. Someone needs to scoop in and sign this trio up while there's still time! These guys are too good to be toiling away at cutting demos no matter how good these particular demos just might be! Speaking of which, this demo is free for the taking and you will want to add it to your collection especially if you are a fan of fuzzed-over, hard & heavy metal that is guitar-driven and drenched in sludge for your listening pleasure!

LostPray-That's Why

Pure Steel Records
2014

LostPray is a relatively new metal band that was formed in Istanbul by childhood friends Tufan Çiğdem (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Burak Gündoğdu (lead guitars, backing vocalists). Independently-recorded, "That's Why" is the band's full-length debut album and with LostPray rocking the thin line between hard & heavy and power metal it's easy enough to see why Pure Steel Records approached this young band to begin with! These days bassist Vyacheslav Babienko and drummer Nikolay Dovdopolov round this quartet out and considering the fact that it started off life as a independent studio product and all the 8-track "That's Why" is a remarkably smooth and consistent affair! For a debut album it not only shows this young band's raw talent, but it also points toward this band's full potential! "That's Why" has a run-time of over 41 minutes release and at the end of the day it should easily help LostPray make a name for itself. Recommended for fans of "Black" and "Load"/"Re-Load"-era Metallica, "That's Why" is a stand out release in a day and age when sadly two many new bands just blur together. Hopefully we'll be hearing more from this Turkish band in the near future.

Witchingseason-"The Healer" Single

Hey! Hey! Listen up!!! All you hard and heavy alt-rockers look this way. You're going to want to place a huge X on April 27th. Why? Because that is when Witchingseason will release their brand new single, "The Healer"! With a full-length album due for release later in 2015 this single is a nice treat for hardcore fans of this UK act as well as those who just love to watch rock and roll get consumed by the fires of the night! Now, I first heard this band back in August of 2014 when I covered their single "Spiders" and later on in October of that same year I had the extreme pleasure of reviewing their self-titled EP. Given the band's oddly cool and collected (dark arts of rock) approach to what was then some of the tastiest post-grunge/heavy garage rock even I couldn't help but feel a little tinge of happiness in this black heart of mine! With "The Healer" my heart has grown too big to describe as this band's songwriting and overall performance seems to get better the deeper Witchingseason goes underground! Featuring vocals from Leogun's Tommy Smith, "The Healer" is jingle jangle trash rock for a naive generation that likes to think that they've heard it all when it comes to post-grunge, hard rawk and stripped to it's core garage metal. If this trio's new album is anywhere as good as this is then we are all going to be dancing in the darkness together and having a wonderful time!

 www.facebook.com/witchingseason

Free Metal Monday: Dr. Crazy-Demon Lady

Superhot Records
2014

Dr. Crazy is heavy/hard rock band made up of Tony Reed (Mos Generator), Chris West (ex-Trippy Wicked) and Mazz (Groan). In addition to the EP's title track, "Demon Lady" features the songs "Burger and Fries", "Powerzone" and the group's own signature song, "Dr. Crazy". Released back in July of 2014, "Demon Lady" is available as a name-your-own-price download and it seems as it would be best suited for fans of classic hard rock. Or more preciously classic hard rock of the seventies and early eighties variety as everything about this Dr. Crazy seems geared towards being as retro as humanly possible. And yes, we are including the awesome artwork of "Demon Lady"! Painted by the very talented Justin T Coons, "Demon Lady"'s artwork paints a fairly accurate portrait of the music within as this is slightly easy & sleazy/loose & reckless rock and roll we're talking about! With another EP due to be released sometime later this year, "Demon Lady" is worth a quick listen if riff rocking hard rock is your drink of choice!