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  • CREYE – Creye IV, The Aftermath (Album Review)

    CREYE have a problem. 4 albums, 4 singers, and this album also features a completely different line-up, with only guitarist Andreas Gullstrand left to represent the original band. Described as the man behind the band’s vision and its driving force, he’s the one testing fans patience with these changes.   Creye III ‘Weightless’ was a glorious slice of Scandi-melodic rock which I claimed had found the band reaching ‘full blown musical maturity.’ This album, the aptly titled ‘Creye IV – The Aftermath’ is unfortunately a big step backwards. It still has moments of the Scandi-brilliance the first 3 records delivered, but at the heart of the problem here for me – I just don’t like the new singer.   The material in large part tries to replicate the band’s sound, but it lacks the spark the Creye name has come to represent and the vocals are a big part of that problem. New singer Simon Böös sounds like he could be singing out of his comfort zone. It just sounds forced, especially on the higher notes. It’s not easy to listen to. There are also a few different styles at play within this album, as if the band is trying to find themselves again (no surprise with an all-new line-up). Shame, as they nailed it last time around.   Still plenty of keyboard and guitar driven AOR in the truest sense of the term, but the highlights are a few songs here and there rather than a slather of gloriousness that the band and their last album in particular have previously delivered.
    Categories: 
    Reviews
  • CREYE – Creye IV, The Aftermath (Album Review)

    CREYE have a problem. 4 albums, 4 singers, and this album also features a completely different line-up, with only guitarist Andreas Gullstrand left to represent the original band. Described as the man behind the band’s vision and its driving force, he’s the one testing fans patience with these changes.   Creye III ‘Weightless’ was a glorious slice of Scandi-melodic rock which I claimed had found the band reaching ‘full blown musical maturity.’ This album, the aptly titled ‘Creye IV – The Aftermath’ is unfortunately a big step backwards. It still has moments of the Scandi-brilliance the first 3 records delivered, but at the heart of the problem here for me – I just don’t like the new singer.   The material in large part tries to replicate the band’s sound, but it lacks the spark the Creye name has come to represent and the vocals are a big part of that problem. New singer Simon Böös sounds like he could be singing out of his comfort zone. It just sounds forced, especially on the higher notes. It’s not easy to listen to. There are also a few different styles at play within this album, as if the band is trying to find themselves again (no surprise with an all-new line-up). Shame, as they nailed it last time around.   Still plenty of keyboard and guitar driven AOR in the truest sense of the term, but the highlights are a few songs here and there rather than a slather of gloriousness that the band and their last album in particular have previously delivered.
    Categories: 
    Reviews
  • Review TEMPLE OF VOID “The Crawl”

    Temple of Void hail from Detroit, a city with a storied and influential musical legacy. Formed in 2013, the band have released four full-length albums to date. With “The Crawl”, their fifth longplayer, Temple of Void add another powerful chapter to their musical journey. Known primarily for their death/doom metal roots, the band’s earlier albums… Continue Reading →
  • Live Review: The Hara – Norwich

    Live Review: The Hara – Waterfront, Norwich

    6th March 2025
    Support: Profiler

    Words & Photos:
    Tom Atkin

    Early doors on a week night, even on a Friday, are a great thing! The Waterfront Studio is tonight venue of choice, a small venue which is perfect for intimate gigs, 7pm doors means that people are able to get ready and out early.

    Opening band is Profiler, an outfit referred to as a re-awakening of nu-metal. This is a statement that is backed up substantially with tonights performance. From the word go we have ingredients from so many first generation nu-metal bands; vocals that shift effortlessly between haunting and melodic verses that wouldn’t feel out of place on the soundtrack to Queen Of The Damned to excellent screams/shouts that made the Nu Metal genre stand out in the first place.

    Profilers live presence is spot on, a great amount of energy and what looks to be a great bond between the members. The band don’t let up, with only a thirty minute set they manage to cram in seven songs, all of which welcomed by the audience. 

    There was no down points, no parts that feel like a lull in their performance, a great way to get the show warmed up for the night, with majority of the fans already head banging along.

    Photo Credit: Tom Atkin

    Now it’s time for the main attraction, The Hara, a band that is consistently growing in popularity, hitting festivals and tours throughout the UK and America. 

    Instantly, the band are demanding movement from their fans and they oblige with no protest with the pit stirring before the end of their opening track. This peak level of energy stays at this heightened level throughout the evening, helped by guitarist Zack Breen leaving the stage to open up a circle pit around him. Josh Taylor, brings a crazy amount of confidence to the band, almost arrogance but with enough charm to not come across as some one that feels entitled. As a band they have worked incredibly hard in the nine years since they were formed, and it is now starting to pay off.

    Photo Credit: Tom Atkin

    For that hour and a half of the set they give everything, mixing in some occasional humour, but all the time being the absolute centre point of attention. It is almost fan service half of the time as it seems they are playing all the songs that the crowd wants to hear, with almost every word being sung back to them. In reality, their fans are just that dedicated to them.

    It is hard to place the sound that they create, they mi so many styles together, all of which works perfectly. I am certain they picked their set intentionally to stay on the heavier side of their catalogue to keep the level of energy up. Only slowing the pace for one song.

    Playing around twenty songs in to their set, at no point does this feel too long. Tonight it feels very much the opposite, they could have continued for another thirty minutes and it still would only feel like a short set. The energy, atmosphere and diversity of the songs makes time just disappear during The Hara’s show.

    Norwich was the first stop on their Southern tour. If you are a slight fan of even just one or two songs get out there and support them. I can guarantee you will enjoy the whole night and come away from it liking a lot more than what you went in liking. 

    Photo Credit: Tom Atkin
    Photo Credit: Tom Atkin

    Photo Credit: Tom Atkin

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    The post Live Review: The Hara – Norwich appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

  • Rest In Peace, Tommy DeCarlo

    Photo from Frontiers Music srl Facebook.

    From Frontiers Music srl Facebook:

    We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great Tommy DeCarlo.

    Tommy will forever be remembered by fans around the world as the powerful voice behind the album ‘Life, Love & Hope’ with Boston, as well as for the other music that he created with us. Through the years we had the privilege of working with him on several releases, including ‘Lightning Strikes Twice’ and his solo album, ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’.

    Tommy also joined us on stage at the Frontiers Rock Festival in 2019, delivering a memorable performance that perfectly captured his passion for music and connection with the fans.

    Beyond his extraordinary voice, Tommy was a kind and genuine person who will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.

    Our thoughts are with his family, friends, bandmates, and fans around the world.

    Rest in peace, Tommy.

    God Bless The Soul Of Tommy DeCarlo.

  • The Skies The Limit With BENNY WHISKEY From THE FINAL FALL

    The Final Fall have never been a band to rush things. Instead, they have always written and released material when they are ready and feel like they have something relevant and important to say. After a prolongued period of inactivity, The Final Fall resurfaced in 2024 with the single Sold, reminding fans and music punters […]
  • KRAAN Offer Fans An Inclusive Experience

    KRAAN Offer Fans An Inclusive Experience

    Since KRAAN returned to the fray in 2000, the Krautrock veterans have added not one but two chapters to their story, the first ending with the band’s third post-reunion record, “Diamonds” from 2010, and the second starting with their fourth, … Continue reading

    The post KRAAN Offer Fans An Inclusive Experience appeared first on DMME.net.

  • Gabe Stillman announces “What Happens Next?”

    Blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Gabe Stillman will release his sophomore album What Happens Next? on March 27 via Gulf Coast Records, marking his official debut on the label.

    Stillman has spent the last decade steadily building his reputation through relentless touring and a growing body of recorded work. The Pennsylvania native first gained widespread attention after winning Gibson’s Best Guitarist Award at the 2019 International Blues Challenge. His debut album of original material later reached the top 10 on the Billboard Blues Chart, helping establish him as one of the rising voices in modern blues.

    What Happens Next? finds Stillman continuing to expand his sound while staying rooted in the blues. The album blends grit, groove, and emotional depth as Stillman explores themes of self-reflection, loss, pride, and renewal. Throughout the record, his songwriting balances moments of vulnerability with humor and confidence, supported by strong musicianship and his expressive guitar work.

    The album reflects an artist navigating change and personal growth while pushing forward creatively. From introspective moments to high-energy performances, What Happens Next? captures Stillman stepping further into his identity as both a guitarist and songwriter.

    With the release of the new album, Stillman also joins the roster of Mike Zito’s Gulf Coast Records, a label known for championing contemporary blues artists who honor tradition while pushing the genre forward.

    What Happens Next? arrives March 27.

    TRACK LIST

    What Happens Next?
    Yesterday’s Donuts
    The Man I’m Supposed To Be
    Someone In My Mirror
    Shame Shame
    Scremin’
    I’ve Got To Use My
    Living Your Life
    Gentle On My Mind

    The post Gabe Stillman announces “What Happens Next?” appeared first on Blues Rock Review.