Diamond Head-What's In Your Head? (Cargo Records) 2007

Being a big Diamond Head fan, I didn't think they could go on without Sean Harris. "All Will Be Revealed" proved me wrong. Nick Tart is a very good singer, just perhaps not quite as distinctive as Harris was. Anyway, "What's In Your Head" is another good heavy metal album from Diamond Head, with those classic, infectious Brian Tatler riffs. It's no "Lightning to the Nations" of course, but still awesome, albeit a little more modern sounding. To me, it's kind of like Anthrax with John Bush: Awesome but a little less awesome then they were Belladonna.

Rating: 7.8/10

Best songs: Skin on skin, Killing me, Victim, Nothing to lose




Metallica-Death Magnetic (Warner Bros.) 2008

After the much hated "St. Anger", Metallica decide to stop evolving and return to their old sound. Don't be fooled though, "Death Magnetic" is not the killer thrash metal you might expect from my description. It's a return to the more progressive sound of "And Justice for All". I had heard the first single "The day that never comes" and was impressed. Within seconds of playing this album, you know it's already better than "St. Anger". Also, welcome back guitar solos! That was my biggest complaint of their last album. I'm glad they didn't have the same "clikkity clak" drum sound of "And Justice..." because I hated that even more than the St. Anger tin can. James' voice sounds pretty good sometimes, but other times like he's just forcing it out. Another complaint is that the production, while not too bad, is really loud. Seriously, it is LOUD. "Death Magnetic" is a very good album, and a welcome return to what Metallica does best: playing metal.

Rating: 8/10

Best songs: Judas Kiss, Broken, Beat and Scarred, The Day That Never Comes, All Nightmare Long




Ozzy Osbourne-Black Rain (Epic) 2007

I've heard mixed reviews of this CD. I got it as a birthday present, so I can't complain. Anyway, Ozzy's old now, and his voice isn't it's best anymore. Thus, "Black Rain" has Ozzy sounding very unnatural, which I don't think is a good approach for him. But Ozzy aside, this is one heckuva heavy album! Seriously, "Not Going Away" and "I Don't Wanna Stop" could break your neck. Zakk Wylde and the rest of the band do an excellent job here. Some people have said this sounds like Black Label Society and I agree, but they are one of my favorite bands, so I'm okay with it. The Ozzman even manages to pull off a few ballads, which are all good. Anyhoo, Black Rain is a pretty good album, but Ozzy is simply not what he used to be.

Rating: 7/10

Best songs: Not Going Away, I Don't Wanna Stop, The Almighty Dollar, Trap Door

Good job on the reviews Schbopo

I don't like Death Magnetic or Black Rain. On a side note, both albums have lousy packaging as well.

i thought the cut out was a different idea to do. sure its bad that some lyrics get cut out. in terms of black rain packaging we did not get the crappy card slip case we got the jewel version. i dig both albums

Why bother printing the lyrics if you're going to take a big chunk right out of the middle? And for what; a three-dimensional coffin-shaped hole. Stupid idea IMO.

yeah it could have been done better it think in regards to the lyrics but at least the coffin looks quite cool

I bought the special edition of Black rain just so I can get a jewel case with real art work on the front cover. I hated that thin cardboard plain package it was orginally released in.

Yellow Death Machine-Alzerus (Friggin' Sweet) 2008

Yes, I'm biased because I'm the bass player but Alzerus is a much better album than our debut! No this is not a metal album, it's heavy alternative, kind of progressive rock with a large Primus influence, so the bass is up front a lot of the time. The production is rather weak, but hey, our budget was $10. Vocals....I don't have a very good voice, but a huge range, so expect a lot of high pitched shrieks. That may not sound very good, but it works, trust me. On guitar is Wesley Hendrix, who rips out some very cool solos, and on drums is Trevor Carey, who is freakin' awesome. Anyway, A very good album, but it's not for everyone.

Rating: Somewhere between 6 and 9

Best songs: On the Hunt, Satan's Pigeon, Return to Snarkington

We have 12 fans and we're number 64 on the Fuzz charts.

Not too bad. :metal:

Checking out your myspace....didn't know you were in Ult's neck of the woods.