This month, Managing Editor Adam Moore and Senior Editor James Egolf take a look at four new releases, from balls-out metal to some cool jazz fusion from below the equator.
Megadeth That One Night – Live in Buenos Aires
Don’t cancel that Kerrang! subscription just yet; this live set from Megadeth’s DVD of the same name shows that metal is anything but dead. From the “Air Force One has been shot down!” voice-over on “Jet Intro” to the last strains of “Holy Wars,” Mustaine and company show that the years haven’t taken any of the edge off, but the added maturity does show up in the spotless arrangements and surgically precise dual-guitar interplay of Dave and Glen Drover. Disc one is a blast, but disc two alone is worth the asking price. It might just be time to dig through the hamper for that old “Peace Sells…” t-shirt. - JE
For more information:
megadeth.com
Billy Walton Band Billy Walton Band
On the epynonymous debut from the Billy Walton Band, it quickly becomes apparent that the band’s specialty lies in frentic blues jams. Through six remarkably fast-paced tracks, guitarist Billy Walton (who counts effects guru Roger Mayer as a fan) demonstrates his deep knowledge of the fretboard, alternating frequently between bluesy guitar heroics and road-worn vocals. Astute listeners will notice a melange of influences here, but in short, this 20-minute disc finds the band channeling Stevie Ray Vaughan’s most upbeat moments (perhaps with some bluesy John Mayer thrown in for good measure).
While Billy spends his time noodling, bassist William Paris and drummer Marcus Croan never miss a beat. No matter where the music goes, whether it be the firey opening of “Electricity Divides,” the stilted groove of “Octavia America” or the gentle strumming of “Summer Days,” the rhythm section provides a solid foundation for this disc, proving that no bluesman can go it alone. In the end, this disc provides an exciting, if not abbreviated, listen, and fans of solid summertime blues should definitely take notice. -AM
For more information:
billywaltonband.com