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MARTY FRIEDMAN - LOUDSPEAKER

Mascot Records
Out Now
 

Former Megadeth lead guitarist Marty Friedman is back with what his label are touting as Marty's most aggressive album yet. High octane music, very guitar driven and very hard rocking, displaying his unique style and dynamic playing. Now to compare to the aggressiveness shown on Megadeth 'Rust In Peace' it falls short but it is certainly up there with the heaviest moments from Marty's solo albums. Loudspeaker follows up from Music For Speeding and to be honest when compared to that previous release it falls some way short. 

The album is home to 11 tracks and features guest appearances from amongst others John Petrucci who mails in an unexciting and tonally dull solo (Dream Theater) as well as numerous bass appearances from Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr Big,. Vai) and even these  cannot pull the album out of anything other than average for the most part.  I have no problem with Marty's lead work which for the main is as exemplary as ever for the majority of the album, but my main gripe comes in the form of the backing tracks which are either ruined by guite god-awful guitar tones which at times sound like Marty is demonstrating his latest multi-fx unit for the sake of it, and this to my ears cheapens the sound somewhat - this is quite a way from the tight tonesheard on the Megadeth albums or previous solo offerings..

I really tried to get into this album but each time only found 2 tracks that really said anything to me which were 'Glycerine Flesh', home to some truly great phrasing from Marty and a well suited keyboard solo from Stratovarius and ex Malmsteen keyboardist Jens Johansson and "Viper" with Steve Vai.  All the rest have extremely competent playing but seem to lack any real substance.

I really was looking forward to this album but was disappointed after really enjoying 'True Obsessions'.  Hoping for better next time Marty.

Rating - 55%
 

MOTÖRHEAD - KISS OF DEATH

SPV / Steamhammer
Out Now

Motörhead's longevity is now clocking in  at 30 years plus and there seems no let up from main man Lemmy Kilmister backed by guitarist Phil Campbell (part of the line up for over 2 decades) and drummer Mickey Dee who joined in the early 1990's.  To say this album is a tighter than a vice is an understatement and being something of a long time Motörhead fan found it to be the bands best since my favourite "1916".  Kiss of Death continues the Motörhead legacy of fast, hard and incredibly loud music.  Sure there is nothing really new here but when its done in this kind of style you just have to turn it up and enjoy. 

Opener "Sucker" is a powerful statement of intent of what the album has in store, with lyrics such as "I may be a dog, but honey you're a bitch!" from Lemmy whilst the rock n' roll boogie of "One Night Stand" tells tales of the roads excesses and successes!  Next up is the all conquering "Devil I Know" which although owing a little to Trouble in the riff department sees the band at full tilt with a riff so nasty it would sooner kill you than look at you...great great stuff. "Trigger" is next and one of the weaker moments on the album, although still pretty solid followed by "Under The Gun" which is home to more trad Motörhead fare.  Next is the power ballad of sorts (yes really) of "God Was Never On Your Side" which is another victory for Lemmy, although the inclusion of a solo from Poison guitarist CC DeVille came as a shock (and mixed quite low too!), great lyrics, great chorus and a very heartfelt vocal delivery from Lemmy.  Side 2 so to speak is not quite so strong but contains the rock n' roller "Christine" which is sure to see the fans bopping in the live arena which is home to another cracking riff before leading into a 12 bar boogie that transforms into a highly addictive chorus.. 

Overall Kiss Of Death doesn't really offer anything new from the band, but with a career of over 30 years would you really want it any other way?  I think not and this is Motorhead's best album in over 15 years.  Buy it and crank it.

Rating – 88%