CD Reviews

Zakk Sabbath “Vertigo” Album Review

Published

4 years ago

September 9, 2020

A lot has happened in 2020 so far. In music, arguably, the most important thing to happen is the 50th anniversary of the first album from the mighty Black Sabbath. To celebrate and pay tribute to the release Zakk Wylde and his Black Sabbath tribute band, Zakk Sabbath, recorded the album Vertigo. Which is the self-titled Black Sabbath album re-recorded from start to finish. Done live in the studio just like the original. They wanted to pay as close attention as they could to make sure they did it the same way Sabbath did back in 1970. In my opinion they succeeded. They literally just took those songs and threw a fresh coat of paint on them, there’s not much else that can be done to really improve upon the source material.

Save for Tony Iommi himself, no one guitarist has been steeped in all things Sabbath more than Zakk Wylde. This album easily showcases his love and reverence for the source material. From the thunderstorm and first riff of the titular track, Black Sabbath, to the final medley of the album “A Bit of Finger/Sleeping Village/Warning” and everything in between, this album is a must for any fan of Sabbath or Wylde.
With Zakk’s capable guitar playing and an outstanding rhythm section (Blasko Nicholson & Joey Castillo), you can almost hear the amount of fun coming through the music, especially in their renditions of “The Wizard” & “Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/N.I.B.” Its hard not to listen to this album and sing along to each track as they come on. Its not often that I get to review an album that I already know all the lyrics to, but in this case, I’m not even mad. As a matter of fact, I think its an awesome effort from three guys having fun and paying homage to one of the greatest bands of all time.
Vertigo was released on 09/04/2020. There will be no “official” digital release according to the labels website. Anyone interested in picking it up can do so at https://magneticeyerecords.bandcamp.com/album/vertigo

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JJ Ulizio

JJ has been a contributing writer and huge asset to Empire and Empire Extreme since the very begining. He is always digging for new bands and has a true heart and desire to see the bands grow and succeed.

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CD Reviews

Marilyn Manson is Back

Published

4 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

Ron

Marilyn Manson just released his 12th album “One Assassination Under God-Chapter 1” on November 22nd 2024.

This album in my opinion is the best album Manson has put out since Holy Wood. It has a feeling of albums old and new with little hints of Antichrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and Holy Wood.

The album opens up with “One Assassination Under God” which just gets you ready for what’s to come. With Manson Just finishing his tour, This is the Manson we have been needing for years now. He looks good and sounds great.

Putting out a few singles from the album , the overall feeling of this album is great. It’s been a while since I’ve like a full album of Manson, while this album isn’t perfect it’s as close as perfection of those early albums were. Of course I love the singles “As Sick as the Secrets we Keep” and “Raise the Red Flag” but I also really enjoyed songs like “Death is not a costume”, “Nod if you understand” and “Sacrilegious”

I think this new chapter of Mansons life and music is exciting , I hope we get more tours in 2025 and maybe some over the top stage shows like we did in the late 90s early 2000s. I feel the younger generation hasn’t experience a real “Full” on Manson show yet and it’s time for the King to take back his throne at the top of the Shock Rock mountain.

ALL HAIL MARILYN MANSON

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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CD Reviews

BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

Ron

I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.

The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.

I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.

With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.

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Ron

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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Published

3 months ago

October 3, 2024

Ron

Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue