Music Discovery Monday – 7/11/16

Music Discovery Monday – 7/11/16

Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.

In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
 

 

 

 ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher, Hard Rock Daddy)

HALESTORM – “I Like It Heavy”

One of the things that sets Lzzy Hale apart from most other female hard rock vocalists is that she has the delivery and attitude of the male vocalists that influenced her sound, while maintaining a distinct feminine quality.  Hale has found the perfect balance between sexy and ballsy, masterfully infusing just the right amount of each quality into her vocals.  It’s not just her delivery that makes her stand out; it’s also the comfort in singing lyrics that, at times, could make a sailor blush.

“I Like It Heavy” is a fun track that pays direct homage to influences like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Lemmy in a groove-oriented, Kid Rock anthem kind of way.  Back in 2001, Kid Rock referenced Hank Williams Jr., Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) and Willie Nelson, and paid homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird,” in his bombastic song, “You Never Met A Motherfucker Quite Like Me.”  Like Kid Rock, Hale has a way of making “motherfucker” seem like a perfectly acceptable word to sing along in unison.

Just when you think that “I Like It Heavy” has come to an end, there is an unexpected bonus in the form of Janis Joplin seemingly being reincarnated through Hale, with a closing that conjures up memories of “Bobby McGee.”  Hale was already my favorite female rock vocalist.  “I Like It Heavy” further confirms my feelings about her place in the hierarchy of women rockers.
 

 
AIRBOURNE – “Breakin’ Outta Hell”

There were many (myself included) who thought that Airbourne frontman Joel O’Keeffe would have been a better choice to front AC/DC than Axl Rose.  Although I still believe it to be true, the silver lining is that O’Keeffee continues to put out new material with Airbourne.  “Breakin’ Outta Hell” has a definite AC/DC vibe, albeit with an edgier sound than the legendary band’s recent material.  The gritty, enraged vocals on this track are reminiscent of Blackie Lawless from the early days of W.A.S.P.  The title track of the band’s upcoming album release also features some nice Angus Young-esque lead guitar work from O’Keeffe.
 

 

 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

DENNER/SHERMANN – “Angel’s Blood”

Being a longtime fan of Mercyful Fate, I was excited to hear the about the reincarnation of the band (minus King Diamond).  With the original shredders – Michael Denner and Hank Shermann – who are probably two of the best guitar duelists in metal history, their new album, Masters of Evil, does not disappoint.  This album also sees the return of Snowy Shaw, who is one of my favorite drummers of all time.  “Angel’s Blood” is classic metal at its best.  The only thing that would make the album better is if King Diamond made a guest appearance on a song or two.

 

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM – “Time To Go”

Flotsam and Jetsam has been around forever.  Since 1981, they have released 12 albums, the newest one being their self-titled release.  Their brand of power thrash metal has held its form over the years, and their new album is no different.  With original founding member Eric Knutson on vocals, and newcomer Jason Bittner on drums (another one of my all-time favorites), Flotsam and Jetsam is a heavy reminder of how a well-written and composed thrash metal album should sound.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

SCORPION CHILD – “My Woman In Black”

“Ethereal and turbulent.”  That’s the sound this Austin, Texas band was going for on Acid Roulette, the follow-up album to their eponymous debut.  They found it, along with tons of groove and raw energy. There are strong Led Zeppelin and stoner rock influences, but with a heavier and more contemporary sound.

 

WILDHEART – “On My Way”

Wildheart’s music could have come straight out of the ‘80s, but they do it justice with clean vocals and blazing guitars.  This glam metal band out of Belgium writes some catchy tunes and performs them with tons of energy.
 

 

 

   CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout

ASTRALION – “Wastelands Of Ice”

Finland’s Astralion has released their second full-length album, Outlaw.  “Wastelands of Ice” has a steady, mid-tempo pace that mixes well-timed changes of pace between respites of calm, heavy, powerful refrains.  The bright and hopeful theme is emphasized by the guitar solo work of Hank Newman and rousing vocals led by Ian Highhill.  A high-quality, clean and refined production sound provides the finishing touch.

 

FATES WARNING – “From The Rooftops”

“From the Rooftops” is a track off of Fates Warning’s latest album release, Theories of Flight.  Tranquil beginnings give way to driving aggression in true prog metal style.  Ray Alder’s renowned vocals navigate through time shifts with expert precision.  It’s a great backdrop for a song about time: however tranquil it may seem, it is unstoppable and ‘ends all things.’  The terrific percussion work of Bobby Jarzombek sets the pace with complex rhythms with Joey Vera on bass, topped off by Jim Matheos’ mind-bending shred on lead guitar.

 

SUBMISSIONS

To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com