Barrage Of Noise
GWN Records
Here's a band that hasn't united since the late '80s. Barrage Of Noise is the band's latest effort and it delivers the same intense power/punk-metal attitude as their debut nearly 15 years ago. Leader/vocalist Katon DePenna is a true old-school metal and punk aficionado. I remember, back in the day, hanging with Katon at Anaheim nightclubs like the Woodstock and Radio City, witnessing Metallica's very first shows to an empty concert hall. Katon has come a long way from the LA Kaos days and his hunger, drive and integrity seems to be stronger than ever before, which is evident after hearing his belting vocals on tracks like the opener "Murder One" and "Broken Neck." He is also a one-man promotion machine, forming his own label and handling just about all the band's promotion and publicity himself.
The riffs on this CD are classic punk metal, hinting traces of early Slayer, Minor Threat, and Channel Three. Barrage Of Noise would likely be considered an EP, containing only 8 songs, most of which are under 3 minutes, but the impact is imminent. Good to see the band back in action and sounding just as fresh as they did after all these years. BN
PLANET X
Moon Babies
InsideOut
This I like. I wasn't too crazy about the band's last studio effort but this I like! Nothing mind-blowingly original on this instrumental rock/fusion album, but there are certainly some stellar moments. The musicianship is incredible, which is to be expected from this band, but what I like about this CD is the killer chord progressions and Tony MacAlpine's precise and flowing lead work. His guitarwork seems to blend in so well with the other musicians, it definitely seems as though he's spent a great deal more time arranging his leads on this effort. This record was also produced by drum extraordinaire Simon Phillips this time around (I believe keyboardist Derek Sherinian produced their previous releases) which can have very well added to their overall improved sound. The band seems much more confident this time around and far less sporadic. Derek Sherinian shreds as usual on the keyboards, laying low when necessary, letting his fellow musicians shine, and going off like a madman when it's his turn to burn. Drummer Virgil Donati is a truly phenomenal musician and is one of the best beaters I've seen in some time. Catch this band live and you'll see him truly shine! Moon Babies features guest musicians Tom Kennedy, Jimmy Johnson, and Billy Sheehan. Again, this not for the mainstream rock fan, but if you're appreciate true musicianship, add this one to Santa's list. BN
Shockwaves CD REVIEWS ISSUE 8 Page 19