Tag Archives: Arena Rock

Saint Asonia – Saint Asonia

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saint asonia

Super groups, as we have discussed in this space many times are a) sprouting up everywhere, and b) are a risky proposition for the bands and fans. Saint Asonia has all the makings of a “big deal” new band in an age of shrinking headline acts. With Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace and Mike Mushok of Staind, the collective radio hits and platinum records sold between just the two of them, that is impressive for any era, but especially this one. Added to the mix are Rich Beddoe (ex-Finger Eleven) and bassist Corey Lowery (Eye Empire, Stuck Mojo, Stereomud), and you have enough talent and power to create an impressive beast of a band. On Saint Asonia (RCA) the band has certainly made a good first impression. Let’s see if they answered the hype bell, or not.

First single ‘Better Place’ has been everywhere this summer and rightfully so, since it rocks. It’s great to hear Gontier’s voice wailing again. Especially with the full use of his dynamic vocal range, his thoughtful lyrics hit you hard. The song also features a terrific shreddy and soulful guitar solo from Mushok, which is cool, since he did almost none of that with Staind. Best of all this track is heavy and catchy, which is definitely the secret sauce for this band. Second track ‘Blow Me Wide Open’ is a strong, sensual track that is rough enough to please. These two songs are indicative of confident modern album rock writing at its finest. Third track ‘Let Me Live My Life’ might be the best track on the entire album. With an ear-worm for a chorus so hummable, the marketing boys ought to hashtag that title!

Where Saint Asonia has all of the members former bands’ beat is in the heavy rock department, some of the ballads prove to be a possible Achilles heel. ‘Even Though I Say’ is fairly solid, but it’s not special. ‘Fairytale’ roars back in next, wakes you up and cements the fact that this groups’ best musical moments are when they just scream out and let it fly.

The second half of the album has more arena-ready ragers such as ‘King of Nothing’ and ‘Happy Tragedy’. Rich Beddoe’s drumming stands out a lot on these songs, providing some fierce beats when needed to match the riffage. ‘Dying Slowly’, ‘Trying to Catch Up’ and the folksy ‘Leaving Minnesota’ have might some legs at radio, but also could be stronger. It’s hard not to imagine the many hits Mushok has had a hand in crafting and Gontier’s ability to deliver a penetrating impassioned verse, you wish there was a little bit more of that on here. Still, credit goes to both for not regurgitating old sounds either. The potential is definitely all there in this band to be enormous.

saint asonia band 2015

 

Despite their lineage, Saint Asonia has much more in common with Alice In Chains and Sevendust in terms of melody, grooves, and bringing the feels. Get used to seeing them at a lot of festivals in the coming years.

7.0/10

KEITH CHACHKES


Muse – Drones

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Muse drones album cover 2015

Muse didn’t become one of the biggest bands in the world by accident. They put in years cultivating their style of smart arena rock, dreamy synthy pop cadences with a super intellectual, cynical bent. Usually once you become to successful, your art starts to suffer. Muse proves on Drones (Warner Bros.) that they have entered their second decade as a band as hungry as ever.

In typical fashion, the lead track and bona-fide hit single ‘Dead Inside’ is the album’s catchiest ear-worm, yet is highly subversive. I giggle to myself thinking of teenagers bumping this song on the way to school, parents unaware of the lyrical nature of the track. The slick pop rock of the tune aside, you can tell a well written song when you hear one, with clever key changes and great singing from Matthew Bellamy. He shines throughout Drones.

‘Drill Sargeant’ gives way to ‘Psycho’ which could give Marilyn Manson a run for his mascara in the goth-rock swing he perfected so well; right down to Christopher Wolstenholme’s distorted bass rumble. One thing that Muse has done well historically is to infuse their dystopic visions of the future with slivers of hopefulness. ‘Mercy’ is a rousing anthem of pain and possibility. Initially I was put off by ‘Reapers’ weak opening: kind of a slo-mo guitaring ‘Hot For Teacher’, but without the great drumming. But the full track itself is an ass kicker. Punk beats, big riffs and a great delivery from Bellamy again. To say that ‘Handler’ sounds like it could have easily been written by Trent Reznor 10 years ago, is a high compliment. Another giant, ebullient chorus you will be singing for days. The last third of the album is not quite a strong as its opening however, with tracks such as ‘Defector’ and ‘Revolt’ being a little too ELO sounding, even for a nerd like me. This is the part of the album where producer Mutt Lange flexed his muscles, so hard. ‘The Globalist’ saves the day though. Epic in scope, rain drops falling, lonesome Western-themed whistle, despondent protagonist going through an epic transformation emotionally, and all the musical movements reflecting that change. Amazing! The title-track/finale is a gorgeous display of chorale style singing and heart-string tugging words and solid way to put a bow on another release from modern rock’s royalty.

Muse, Photo by Danny Clinch

Muse, Photo by Danny Clinch

8.5/10

KEITH CHACHKES


Horisont – Break the Limit (Single)

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Break the Limit (Rise Above Records) is the latest single to come from Nordic warriors Horisont who have recently finished a tour of Europe and are settling in to record their fourth album as we speak. This catchy number would sound epic belted out in a stadium or at a festival but is just as enjoyable sat on the sofa at home. The opening riff is instantly reminiscent of Black Sabbath whilst the main bulk of the tune is similar to Iron Maiden in style and vocals whilst retaining their own individuality.

The second track on the single ‘Yellow Blues’ follows Horisont’s distinctive style and is another easy listening anthem which gets stuck in your head for hours after listening.

This single gives a good taste of what is to be expected in their new album.

 

7.0/10

KT KTHULU

 


Black Stone Cherry- Magic Mountain

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BSC Magic Mountain

 

As ascents go, that of Black Stone Cherry to a major rock band has been a quiet and seemingly almost sudden one. Without huge amounts of press from some circles, these Southern rockers have steadily risen to recently announcing UK arena shows including the prestigious Wembley Arena; and achieving high (for a rock album) UK album charting on this, only their fourth album.

 

Often unfairly lumped with (likely for ease and laziness) with the over sanitised, lacking in substance hordes of post grunge arena rock Nickelback clones, Black Stone Cherry have always had a greater affinity with the grittier, classic periods of rock. Magic Mountain (Roadrunner) is evidence of this, harking back to their debut album with greater focus on faster paced, beefier songs and cutting hugely cutting down on the overly sugary ballads. The likes of ‘Bad Luck And Hard Love’ and lead single ‘Me And Mary Jane’ show that these still young lads are amongst the elite for writing good old fashioned rock songs that will have you tapping your feet away.

 

Production wise this has clarity and sheen without being completely sterilised, and still with a little dirt under its nails like the old greats they clearly hold in high esteem. It still has some hiccups along the way however; mostly losing momentum when the pace slows. ‘Runaway’ is nothing but the obligatory ballad whilst the over sentimental ‘Hollywood In Kentucky’ should prove too cringe worthy for most.

 

Black Stone Cherry were hardly going to venture into avant-garde territory, but Magic Mountain just shows what these guys are good at, and that is making music which is the perfect companion to the sunny festival season as you roar along with a pint in hand.

 

7 / 10

Black Stone Cherry on Facebook

 

CHRIS TIPPELL