hard rock

#352: “It’s All Helix’ Fault!” – The Story Of My Tooth

WHITE LACE

RECORD STORE TALES MkII: Getting More Tale
#352: “It’s All Helix’ Fault!” — The Story Of My Tooth

I know I’m not alone, among men who once had an intense fear of the dentist. Β As soon as I was old enough to refuse to go, I stopped going. Β (Prior to that, I simply hid the reminder cards that periodically arrived in the mail!) Β I’m not saying that was a smart thing. Β It wasn’t. Β I’m over that fear now, but as these old journals reveal, that phobia later came back to bite me in the ass…with a weird connection to the rock band Helix.

Date: 2006/11/25 17:28
Title: The Big Update: “It’s All Helix’ Fault! — The Story Of My Tooth”

So just to get up to speed:

Until today, I haven’t seen a dentist since 1989. I have an intense fear of doctors and dentists. That has kept me away, until now.

This morning Jen and I headed out to United Rentals to drop off a CD I burned for one of the ladies there (Bon Jovi hits & B-sides). From there we went to the grocery and candy stores to mow down on a feast of goodies. And that is where this story truly begins.

I was chewing on some Laffy Taffy, and it was terrific. After I was done, however, I felt a throbbing in my upper left jaw. It was my troublesome wisdom tooth. It’s been causing me mild to medium painΒ for a little while. Normally, I’d just kill it with Advil and it’s fine. I knew the tooth was impacting on the other teeth, because when it was sore, they were all sore. Being the stubborn person I am, I just popped Advil. I knew it would have to come out one day. I kept putting it off because of that phobia.

Lately the tooth hadn’t even been bothering me. I think I’ve had one toothache in the last month. All seemed well for the forseeable future.

I should have known there would be an imminent problem when Jen presented me with our Helix tickets for next Friday. You see, last time we saw Helix, she had to have an emergency tooth extraction just before. She was still in pain by the day of the concert. It really hampered her enjoyment of the show, but she still gave them an R.

So here she’s presenting me with the Helix tickets. The very next day I’m in agony with a fractured wisdom tooth! I don’t blame the Laffy Taffy, I have only myself and Helix to blame!

I sat here in agony for a short time this morning. When I say “agony” I am not kidding. Those of you who’ve had this problem know what I’m talking about. The entire left side of my face was paralysed with pain. The upper and lower jaw were throbbing, and there was a stabbing from the wisdom tooth. Jen started calling dentists that are open weekends.

After probably an hour of calling around, she found a doctor that did extractions on Saturdays, but was booked solid. That doctor referred her to the hospital, who referred her to a guy named Dr. A. Jones. Dr. Jones had no bookings today. My dad drove us down because I couldn’t even see straight.

The whole way there I was freaking out, because I couldn’t even remember what a dentists office looked like. Β But we got in, and it wasn’t so bad. The doctor was good, he pumped me full of painkillers, and pulled that dirty cocksucker out of my mouth. I’m here now and the painkillers are only starting to wear off. I’m going to pop a T3 soon.Β I’m about to try to eat. Life is good once again.

I forgive you, Helix!

#351: Three Concerts in One Week

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RECORD STORE TAKES MkII: Getting More Tale
#351: Three Concerts in One Week

I love digging through old journals. I don’t get out to concerts very often anymore, but these journals bring back memories of an awesome week featuring three different concert experiences. Dig it! Some interesting autobiographical facts:

1) These journals record the date that I met Brent Doerner of Helix, thus beginning a long buddy-ship (December 1 2006).
2) I noticed that there was something in here about the flu shot. I got sick immediately afterwards. I was feeling it during the Jim Cuddy concert and got full-blown flu right after. Never had the flu shot since.


 

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Date: 2006/11/29 06:13

Tonight we have second row seats to see BRENT BUTT! (Corner Gas) I’m sure it will be awesome and I’ll be sure to write about it later.

Then Friday is Helix…

Then Sunday is Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo).

Talk about an awesome week.

Date: 2006/11/30 06:55

Brent Butt was awesome, hilarious, 90 minutes of pure Canadian humour. True stuff, like, “In America, there’s no corresponding word for ‘touque’. I could understand it if they had their own word for it. Like, ‘oh, that’s what we call a nurn!’ But no, they say, ‘hey you got one of them wool knit winter cap things!’ If we said that in Canada, our brains would freeze by the time we could get out the door. ‘Honey, could you get my wool knit winter cap thing?’ zoink, you’re frozen.” So true.

There was an opening act by the name of Jamie Hutchison, guy from the Maritimes. Equally hilarious!

 


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Date: 2006/12/01 06:14

Tonight Helix! We’ll be giving them an R around 11 o’clock at Molly Bloom’s. Helix are one of the best shows I’ve seen, and this will be my fourth or fifth time seeing them. Hopefully they’ll play their new single “Fill Your Head With Rock” which is garnering some record company interest….

Flu shot today too. Ugh.

Date: 2006/12/02 00:39

Helix were AWESOME! Right when we walked in the door, there was Brian Vollmer. He saw my vintage-style Helix shirt, walked up and said “hi”. He was so cool. He said, “I just have to go make the rounds and say hi to everybody here, but thanks for coming and have a good time tonight!”

So we wandered around, saw a couple old friends (The Infamous Taylor Brothers) and lo and behold…there was Bruce Arnold (original Helix drummer 1974-76)! A glance around the room revealed the Doerner brothers and Keith Zurbrigg as well! There were five current Helix guys on stage and four ex-Helix in the audience! I introduced myself to Brent and told him how much I liked his new CD.

Track list, to the best of our memories:

  1. No Rest For The Wicked
  2. Get Up
  3. Baby Likes To Ride
  4. Running Wild In The 21st Century
  5. Heavy Metal Love
  6. Boomerang Lover
  7. Dirty Dog
  8. You Keep Me Rocking
  9. Make Me Do Anything You Want
  10. Deep Cuts The Knife
  11. Wild In The Streets
  12. Kids Are All Shakin’
  13. Animal House
  14. I Believe In Rock And Roll
  15. Does A Fool Ever Learn (dedicated to some schmuck at EMI (“Every Mistake Imaginable)
  16. Rock You

I know I’m missing a couple in there, but it was a totally awesome hits night. Right now my ears are ringing and I’m buzzing!


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Date: 2006/12/04 06:19

The Cuddy show was awesome, thus ending my three-concert-week. It was a three hour show. The opening band were a part of the whole show as Jim brought various members back out to augment his own songs. He played two songs from his first record, most of the second record, and about six Blue Rodeo songs. He threw in a Neil Young cover, bassist Bazil Donovan sang one of his own, and they also performed one by the opening band!

So terrific show, there were even two Blue Rodeo guys in his backing band. However the real star of his band was violinist Anne Lindsay. She was on fire!

Tom and Meat’s Top Whatever of 2014

For my Top Five of 2014, click here.

For Dr. Dave’s Top Ten of 2014, click here.

For the Top Whatever of No Pre-Determined Amount from two of Canada’s most knowledgeable rock gods, stay tuned right here. Β From Meaford Ontario, weighing in at XXX lbs, it’s Iron Tom Sharpe, who turns it up to 11.

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Tom’s Top Eleven of 2014

BEN WARD11. Various Artists – RONNIE JAMES DIO: This Is Your Life
10. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE – Single Mothers
9. MASTODON – Once More ‘Round the Sun
8. EARLY MAN – Thank God You’ve Got the Answers For Us All
7. OPETH – Pale Communion
6. JOHN GARCIA – John Garcia
5. ST. PAUL & the BROKEN BONESΒ – Half the City
4. sHEAVY – The Best Of sHeavy – A Misleading Collection
3. DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS – English Oceans
2. BRANT BJORK and the LOW DESERT PUNK BANDΒ – Black Power Flower
1. ORANGE GOBLIN – Back From The Abyss


Saving the best for last, here’s Uncle Meat. Β For added rocket sauce he’s also given me his top movies of 2014.

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Meat’s Top Eight of 2014

Copy of IMG_20140706_0857128. MASTODON – Once More ‘Round the Sun
7. ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN – Meteorites
6. FOO FIGHTERS – Sonic Highways
5. “WEIRD AL” YANKOVICΒ – Mandatory Fun
4. FLYING COLORS – Second Nature
3. BRANT BJORK and the LOW DESERT PUNK BANDΒ – Black Power Flower
2. DRIVE-BY TRUCKERSΒ – English Oceans
1. ORANGE GOBLINΒ – Back From the Abyss

Meat’s Top TwelveΒ Movies of 2014

WHIPLASH12. Lucy
11. X Men : Days of Future Past
10. St. Vincent
9. Interstellar
8. The Lego Movie
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
5.Β The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
4. Guardians of the Galaxy
3. Get On Up
2. Birdman
1. Whiplash


#350 The Year in Review / Top Five of 2014 (and 2004)

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RECORD STORE TALES MkII: Getting More Tale
#350 The Year in Review / Top Five of 2014

Another year come and gone! Β Am I older and wiser? Β I think so, musically speaking anyway! Β It was a great year for music (and a baffling year too, hello Scott Stapp and Phil Rudd)! Β Narrowing down my favourites to a Top FiveΒ wasn’t all that difficult once I thought about it. Β There were some clear contenders so it was more about sorting out the order. Β I’ll save the Top Five(s)Β for last.

I lost two friends this year, both of whom went way too soon. Β Both had moved out of town long ago (one out of the country), but we recently reconnected via social media. Β WarrenΒ was the guy who helped get me started on this crazy journey of writing, being the first to publish me. Β George, an old friend from childhood,Β helped me discover Kiss. Β Both left this earth in 2014, and the world is sadder for it. Β Rest in peace boys.

That aside, my proudest writing achievement was finallyΒ finishing the Record Store Tales. Β I had so much fun sharing those stories over the years. Β I took my time ending it;Β I was having a good time. Β But IΒ knew there were people who wouldn’t like it; that’s happened before. Β  Again I’ll apologize to the two who complained, for any offence I caused them. Β These two guys were friends from the store, butΒ neither had really expressed any support for what I was doing, and I don’t think they particularly liked it. Β I never had anything bad to say about either of them, but I get that they might not like things I had to say about their friends; I totally get that. Β I also get that they had different experiences at the Record Store than I did. Β That’s fine. Β I want to be clear that my experience was mine alone. Β I cannot speak for anyone but myself. Β (Interesting footnote though: Β Back in Part 170, I mentioned that our accountant Jonathan used to talk about who he trusted at the store, and who he didn’t. Β One of the people he never trusted was one of those two guys, because of his personal friendship with the higher-ups. Β Just a footnote.)

Anyway, I don’t want to focus on the negative. Β I did some rough calculations and by reckoning, the number of Record Store Tales that were negative towards the store was only about 16%.

So! Β Onto the lists! Β My Top Ten Favourite Record Store Tales of 2014:

Part 258: Uncle Meat
Part 264: Garbage Removal Machine
Part 265: A Nightmare on Cocknuckles Street Redux: Special Edition
Part 269: CD Singles (of every variety) featuring T-Rev
Part 270: Star Trek vs. Star Wars
Part 281: People of Walmart
Part 285: Chinese Democracy
Part 289: Tom’s Frozen Beater
Part 319: The Musical Crimes of LeBrain (by Mrs. LeBrain)
Part 320: End of the Line #2 (The Last Straw)

And my of courseΒ Top Five Abums of 2014:

5. FLYING COLORS – Second Nature
4. PINK FLOYD – The Endless River
3. HELIX – Bastard of the Blues
2. ACE FREHLEY – Space Invader
1. JUDAS PRIEST – Redeemer of Souls

As an added bonus, I also found my Top Five Albums of 2004 among my journals! Β For shits n’ giggles, here is a “bonus” installment of Record Store Tales for you! Β And Happy New Year to ya!

BONUSΒ RECORD STORE TALES Part 350:
Top Five of 2004

5. BRANT BJORK – Local Angel
4. PEARL JAM – Live at Benaroya Hall: October 22, 2003
3. THE KILLERS – Hot Fuss
2. THE HIVES –Β TyrannosaurusΒ Hives
1. MARILLION – Marbles

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Stay tuned for more Top Lists of 2014 in the days ahead!

 

REVIEW: AC/DC – Rock or Bust (2014)

NEW RELEASE


IMG_20141227_171303AC/DC – Rock or Bust (2014 Columbia)

We all know the story, now. Β Malcolm Young, felled by dementia, and his brother Angus carrying on without him (and possibly without drummer Phil Rudd). Β AC/DC don’t want to dwell on the negative, and neither do I. Β Angus assembled 11 new songs from parts that he and Mal had worked on together before he was too sick to continue. Β Nephew Stevie Young, who filled in for Uncle Mal in 1988, stepped up again to do so, this time in a permanent capacity. Β But you wouldn’t know any of that by hearing Rock or Bust.

Sharp as ever, “Rock or Bust”, the current single boasts one of those menacing AC/DC riffs paired with that slow groove they do so well. Β “In rock we trust, it’s rock or bust”. Β Nothing has changed! Β There is little difference between Rock or Bust and the AC/DC back catalogue since 1980 in general. Β New batch of riffs, songs, and melodies. Β That’s about it! Β “Play Ball” has that familiar “AC/DC single” vibe. Β Not too heavy, not too fast, but just right for radio. Β Brian Johnson’s voice has changed very little since the 1990’s. Β He doesn’t screech like it’s 1981 (duh), but he gets the job done fine. Β Johnson reported that he found it hard to continue on without Malcolm but his performance is full of the joi de vivre that you need in an AC/DC song.

IMG_20141227_171334“Rock the Blues Away” has future single written all over it. Β This old-timey AC/DC riff is one of those classic rock and roll licks that they used to do with Bon Scott on albums like Dirty Deeds. Β True to its title, the song does indeed rock the blues away and I can’t wait to give it a test run in the car. Β This is a summer time song, not a December song! Β However I should point out that it’s more or less the same song as “Anything Goes” from Black Ice. Β A left turn on “Miss Adventure” yields some funky AC/DC grooves not unlike what they were doing in the mid 1980’s. Β It’s unfortunately the first dud on the album for me. Β “Dogs of War” redeems it, with a “Razor’s Edge” dark vibe. Β The only real noticeable difference from past AC/DC albums is a slicker production on the backing vocals.

Do you need some rock & roll thunder? Β AC/DC got it. Β “Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder” has one of those jangly AC/DC riffs, backing a catchy chorus. Β This sounds a bit like material from Stiff Upper Lip, which is a good thing to me. Β “Hard Times” also sounds similar to that era. Β They’re good enough songs to serve as AC/DC album tracks. Β Then there’s “Baptism of Fire”, back to those fast AC/DC beats that you need every once in a while.

ROCK OR BUST_0001A track that I think should be played live is “Rock the House”. Β This has classic written all over it. Β Taking on a “Whole Lotta Love” groove, it’s hard to resist the urge to bang your head. Β Go ahead, try.

“Sweet Candy” is an ode to strippers, of course. Β What did you expect? Β Look forward toΒ another singalong slow AC/DC groove. Β I have a feeling a few strippers are going to add this song to their repertoire next year. Β Then, ending the album on a funky note is “Emission Control”. Β  There are also nods and winks to the Mutt Lange era of AC/DC with the thick backing vocals. Β The song throws me for a loop a bit; I’m not sure if I like it or not.

I found Brendan O’Brien’s production to be a bit thuddy and less bright than Black Ice. Β It still gets the job done, as does Rock or Bust.

3.5/5 stars

#349: Christmas Eve

Every year at this time I take a break from posting to spend a little more time relaxing with my family. Β Enjoy this final post before Christmas, and I’ll see you all again soon in a couple of days! Β Feliz Navidad!

JABBA

RECORD STORE TALES Mk II: Getting More Tale
#349: Christmas Eve

So here we are once again, Christmas Eve. Β When I was a kid, you were my favourite day of the entire year. Β  It’s hard not to get excited about you, today in 2014. Β Christmas Eve, you were the center of everything, 30 years ago! Β  Such a short but exciting day. Β Inevitably, relatives would start handing us colourfully wrapped boxes, the best ones saved for last. Β Then the ritual of steps: Β Shake the box. Β Give the card a cursory read and give it a toss. Β Rip the paper. Β Peer inside. Β 30 years ago, there would have been Star Wars figures inside. Β Perhaps my Jabba the Hutt gift set. Β An Atari game, possibly. Β I wasn’t into music that much until about 1985, when Kiss really opened my eyes.

Around that time, Christmas Eve changed a little bit, but only in a subtle way. Β Instead of racing downstairs to play our new Atari games, we would race upstairs to play our new cassette tapes! Β Some Helix, Kiss, or Twisted Sister would have been among the music received back then. Β We also would have received our fair share of GI Joe and Transformers toys. Β I remember the year I got the GI Joe Hovercraft from “Santa”! Β Oh boy. Β My dad won’t let me forget that one. Β I woke up at 1 in the morning to play with it. Β Yeah, the parents weren’t overly thrilled to be woken up by the noise at that hour. Β I just couldn’t stay asleep! Β Having a younger sister meant the whole Santa thing went on longer than its normal sell-by date, but I wasn’t complaining. Β It was a lot of fun.

I’m sure tonight won’t be that different. Β If I’m lucky, I will receive a CD or two from somebody who loves me. Β I won’t race anywhere to go and listen to it right away, but it will be just as appreciated. Β After I got older, got a job, and started buying people gifts with my own money, I’ve realized that it’s the giving that is so much more fun. Β I cannot wait to see the look on people’s faces, especially when forced to open my elaborately disguised surprises. Β That’s what I get a kick out of the most now.

This year, I wish each one of you all the best, and indeed a Merry, Merry Christmas. Β Whether you celebrate it or not, have a good day, eh? Β Be safe. Β Please drink responsibly, and please call a cab if you have been drinking. Β But that’s enough serious talk. Β I’ll leave you with one of my favourite Christmas videos (still unreleased on CD to this day), and some links to past Christmas posts. Β Enjoy! Β Ho ho ho!


Winger’s cool traditional / funky version of “Silent Night”!

RECORD STORE TALES:

WHALE

#348: More Journals — SAUSAGEFEST 2007 Reportings

LEBRAIN

RECORD STORE TALES MkII: Getting More Tale
#348: More Journals — SAUSAGEFEST 2007 Reportings

If you’ve been reading along, then you know I kept a journal back in the Record Store days, from which Record Store Tales was partially culled. Β The journals didn’t end there, and I’m still sifting through them looking for gold. Β This entry might not be gold per se, but there may be some nuggets. Β There are also some good rock n’ roll memories! Β This was my second ever Sausagefest. Β And it sounds like it wasΒ interesting at least.

Date: 2007/07/09 17:25
Title: SAUSAGEFEST 2007 Reportings

“What happens in the valley, stays in the valley”, but here are someΒ Sausagefest memories for the record books. It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times….

BEST OF TIMES:

  1. Helix made the list. Twice! At #100 was “Wish I Could Be There” and smokin it up at #13 was “Billy Oxygen”! Scott and I air-guitared like mental.
  2. “Zero The Hero”, my all time favourite Sabbath track from my all time favourite Sabbath album made it.
  3. More Maiden and Lizzy than I could shake a sausage at.
  4. Mmmm, lamb.
  5. Swimming.
  6. “Mandarin Dumpshoot”.

WORST OF TIMES:

  1. It is my own fault. Jen asked me to open up the tent she loaned me and to practice putting it together. I, however, did not. I said, “There will be like 20 guys there. We’ll figure it out.” However, you can’t assemble a tent without the tent posts, and those I was lacking. Sure, I could blame Jen, but it’s my own fault for not checking. So I slept in my car. Second year in a row. It wasn’t so bad until the morning when I was crippled by a wicked leg cramp.
  2. No portapotty. I took a shit in the river. I had little choice.
  3. On the Saturday, I ate too much sausage (maybe a little undercooked, that last one), and vomited all over a scarecrow.

It was an amazing rock n’ roll party and I can’t wait for 2008. Since I’m getting married in August of ’08, this will be my BACHELORSAUSAGEFEST!

But that, dear friends, is another story.

GALLERY: A Sven Gali Christmas

Being a pack rat has its advantages. Β It means I have loads of fun little pieces of memorabilia to share. Β Enjoy these scans of some seasonal Sven Gali mailings! Β First is the 1992 Christmas postcard they sent out, signed by all five members. Β Including drummer Gregg Gerson (Billy Idol) who left the band not long afterwards. Β A cool set of autographs to have, and they’re real. Β And let’s not forget it also has the lyrics to a naughty Sven Gali version of “The 12 Days of Christmas”!

The second item is from 1993, and it’s their fan newsletter. Β Kinda neat. Β The Sven Gali logo on this is not one I’ve seen before. Β It was never used on an album. Β Cool little keepsakes!

#345: Tyler and LeBrain episode 4 – Return of the Monster Truck

MEAT TRUCK

RECORD STORE TALES Mk II: Getting More Tale
#343: Tyler and LeBrain featuring Seb episode 4 – Return of the Monster Truck

This time we take on leather vests, the 90’s,Β Katy Perry, best singers ever…and Uncle Meat.

REVIEWS: Leatherwolf – New World Asylum & World Asylum (Japanese import)

Epic Review Time! Β Here’s a two-fer for you!

LEATHERWOLF – World Asylum (2006 King Record Co. Japan)

Leatherwolf were one of my favourite bands in the late 80’s. They had a unique sound, a potent mix ofΒ traditional metal, glam rock, and thrash elements. In addition they sportedΒ the Triple Axe Attack: 3 lead guitar players, and before Iron Maiden did it. Β When they reformed in 1999 and released the live album Wide Open, I was excited for some new music. Then, lead singer/guitarist Mike Olivieri quit, and the band hooked up with Jeff Martin (ex-Racer X, Badlands) on lead vocals. With him they did an excellent 3 song demo: “Behind The Gun”, “Burned”, and “Disconnect”, plus one instrumental called “Tension”. (Track them down!)

Then for whatever reason Martin was out and Wade Black (Crimson Glory) was in. I’m sorry, Glory fans, I’m just not that into Black. His voice is fine, particularly on the three Β more melodic songs that they originally did with Martin (Note: Β “Burned” has been re-named “The Grail”). I’m just not feeling it. Β On some of the otherΒ songs, he’s verging on nu-metal territory too much for my taste, like on the downbeat “Institutions”. Β And for some reason his voice grates on me after the length of a full album. Β Maybe I find it a bit too shrill.

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World AsylumΒ album is heavy, the heaviest thing Leatherwolf have ever done. The guitar solos are highlights, but the riffs are just not as memorable as the old days. Β The drumming by Dean Roberts is fast, precise and hit the spot. Β The keyboards of old are gone. Β I found the first five songs to be excellent, but after that the album tends to slide. At times, those metal guitar harmonies are back. At others, there’s nothing to grab me. Β Lyrically the “asylum” theme runs through the record, but I wouldn’t call it a concept album or even that interesting.

This Japanese edition has one bonus track, which is the great “Tools of Discipline”, originally heard on the old Wide Open live album. Β (It also comes with stickers!) Β Gotta say I prefer Olivieri’s vocals better than Wade Black’s. Β I prefer Jeff Martin’s vocals to Wade Black’s as well. Β Sorry guys. Β If it all came down to the singer, Black doesn’t do it for me. Β But in a weird twist, Michael Olivieri returned the following year, and he re-recorded all the vocals. That album was issued as New World Asylum (without the bonus track). The original singer is usually best suited to the job, but more on that in the next review below.

2.5/5 stars


LEATHERWOLF – New World Asylum (2007 Leatherwolf Music)

So Michael Olivieri, the original Leatherwolf singer came back on board to stay this time. Β So did guitarist Carey Howe, replacing Eric Halpern. Β This restored 4/5 of the classic Leatherwolf lineup. Β It made sense to have them re-record their parts on their latest album and re-release it. Β No sense promoting a lineup that doesn’t exist anymore, right? Β I think it was the right move for another reason. Β I’m just not that into Wade Black, the singer on the originalΒ World Asylum. He verges on nu-metal teritory too much for my taste. I’ve never liked nu-metal; I appreciate the talent that goes into writing and performing nu-metal, but it’s not musicΒ I enjoy listening to, largely due to the vocals. I like traditional metal vocals, in general.

With the new lead vocals,Β World Asylum wasΒ retitled New World Asylum, and released with differently coloured cover art. This is my version of choice, metal fans! Maybe it’s familiarity, but Olivieri’s voice just sounds right. Β The character of Leatherwolf feels like it’s in his voice. Β I prefer his version of every single track. The melody and recognizable character are there, and he throws in a couple of those old-school screams. The end result is not necessarily a better batch of songs, just a more enjoyable listen.

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Strongest tracks here include “King of the Ward”, a slamming song with a teasing chorus. Β Strange how I didn’t like it on the Wade Black version. Β I think “Behind the Gun” is probably the best tune here. Β Having heard it with three different singers, I have to say this version is champion. Β “I Am the Law” and the groovy “Dr. Wicked (Rx O.D.)” are also pretty cool. Β But again, I didn’t like “Dr. Wicked” on the Wade version. Β It all comes down to the vocals.

The original album’s bonus track, “Tools Of Discipline”, was not re-recorded here, I guess because there is a live version available with Olivieri singing on Wide Open.

My recommendation: Leatherwolf fans, pick this up rather than World Asylum, unless you’re a die hard. Casual fans and the curious, go with New World Asylum as it’s just a better listen.

3.5/5 stars

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