Tag: Breaking The Silence
5 Rob Rockitt’s 20 Best Hard Rock & Metal Albums’s of 2010
Choosing the Top 10 Hard Rock & Metal CD’s of 2010 was the most daunting task ever. 2010 was a terrific year for music. There were so many great releases to consider this year. I can’t remember the last time I had this much trouble formulating a year end list. There were over 40 quality hard rock & metal releases that I re-listened to. With so much good music, it was very hard to choose the best twenty, but these were the best of 2010 in my opinion.
20. VAIN – All Those Strangers
Vain’s All Those Strangers was supposed to be released in 1991, but the financially strapped Island Records buried it. I am grateful that Davy Vain finally led this disc see the light of day. To my ears, this CD sounds like a natural continuation on Vain’s awesome debut, No Regrets. It may have been recorded in 1991, but it was officially released in 2010. It is a worth # 20 of 2010. If you are a fan of Vain, you need to get this disc now!
19. Sister Sin – True Sound of the Underground
I used to avoid hard rock bands with female lead singers. I just haven’t found very many that I liked. Sister Sin is one of many bands that totally changed that notion. I loved their last album, Switchblade Serenades, and their new disc True Sound of the Underground is quite good as well.
18. Wig Wam – Non Stop Rock N’ Roll
Wig Wam released their third CD, Non Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll in 2010. Much like their prior releases, their new CD is one heck of a fun listen. If you are a fan of hair metal, or even The Darkness, you need to check out Wig Wam’s latest opus. I think you will enjoy it!
17. Taking Dawn – Time to Burn
It was refreshing to see Roadrunner Records sign a band with a sound that brings 80’s hard rock to mind. Time to Burn is a pretty solid debut from the Las Vegas rockers. Check out the Hard Rock Hideout Review at the link above.
When Ozzy Osbourne’s latest effort Scream came out, I didn’t really get into it that much. I did like the title track, but found the disc a little lacking. I don’t know if I didn’t give it a fair chance, but a few months later, and Scream has really grown on me. It is much better than I originally though. I like this one enough now, that I am actually considering picking up the Tour Edition (released October 5th) with the added bonus tracks. Sure, it isn’t Diary of the Madman, or The Ultimate Sin, but Scream does rock!
I have listened to Slash’s new solo CD a ton in 2010. After listening to this disc, I must admit that Slash is either a complete genius, or a total nutjob. Never in my wildest dreams would I think a song with Slash & Fergie would work, but it does. I think far too many people didn’t give the song “Beautiful Dangerous” a fair chance due to Fergie’s involvement with the Blackeyed Peas. After hearing this tune, I wondered why she is wasting her time in a pop act. She can flat out sing. Myles Kennedy, M. Shadows, Ian Astbury, Chris Cornell, Lemmy Kilmeister all turn in some solid vocal performances. Sure, I would rather have another Slash’s Snakepit CD, but there are some good tunes on this disc. After hearing the tunes with Myles Kennedy, I would love to see him take the Velvet Revolver job, but I know that won’t happen.
14. Jettblack – Get Your Hands Dirty
Best new band of 2010? There are several great new bands who made their debut in 2010. UK Rockers Jettblack make a strong case as one of the best new acts with their debut effort, Get Your Hands Dirty. This is another CD that I have played a ton this year. I love it!
13. SKIN – Breaking the Silence
SKIN may not be a household name in the United States, but they should have been. They have been putting out quality releases since the mid nineties. Breaking the Silence is SKIN’s final release. It is a shame that the band is calling it a day, but at least they are going out on a high note!
Olli Herman aka H. Oliver Twisted the former lead singer of Crash Diet, returned to his band Reckless Love full time in 2008. The end result is the awesome debut from Reckless Love. Glam metal has never sounded so good in 2010. If you haven’t picked up this CD yet, look for the band’s recently released Cool Edition of the debut, with bonus tracks and an acoustic cover of Def Leppard’s Hysteria! If you haven’t check out Reckless Love yet, I highly recommend that you do. This is a great band with a big future ahead of them!
11. Broken Teeth – Viva La Rock Fantastico
You gotta love Jason McMaster ! This guy has been blasting out quality hard rock since his Watch Tower days. In 2010, he has put out the best Broken Teeth record yet with Viva La Rock Fantastico. This disc has been a staple on the Hard Rock Hideout Radio show all year.
10. Hinder – All American Nightmare
Hinder’s All American Nightmare didn’t come out until December, but quite honestly, I think they have put out their best effort yet. This CD gets better with repeated plays, and is easily worthy of the top 10 at Hard Rock Hideout. “Red Tail Lights”, “Hey Ho”, “Put That Record On”, and “Waking Up The Devil” are amongst my favorite songs on this CD.
Armored Saint’s lated disc La Raza kind of came and went without a lot of fanfare. The band didn’t tour for La Raza, and it is a crying shame. La Raza is one of the better releases from Arormed Saint.
8. Airbourne – No Guts, No Glory
I consider myself one of the biggest Airbourne fans on the face of the earth ( ok maybe # 2 behind Pascal Carrière). Either way, I knew before No Guts, No Glory was released that I was going to love it, and I do. The band’s debut Running Wild blew me away, so maybe I was expecting to raise the bar with their sophomore effort.While I love this CD, I think No Guts, No Glory is more of a continuation of Running Wild. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it still kicks ass!
7. Accept – Blood of the Nations
Metal album of the year? I say yes! Who would have thought that former T.T. Quick singer Mark Tornillo would have done such a great job as the new singer of Accept. He fits in perfectly, and helped to deliver what is in my opinion one of the best Accept CD’s since the 80’s. No metalhead should be without Accept’s Blood of the Nations.
Krokus is the band that gets no respect in my opinion. The band returned to their classic lineup, and released what is one of the better CD’s in the Krokus Discography with their new CD Hoodoo. This CD has an awesome classic feel to it, and is one that I love to put in my car CD player, and crank up for a long drive. Marc Storace still sounds exactly the same after all of these years. If you are a Krokus fan, you need to get this.
5. Black Tora – Rise of the Tora
The band formerly known as Warryor, released their debut album Rise of the Tora in 2009. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to hear this CD until 201o. To my ears Black Tora is a band that is very worthy to crack my top five for 2010. These former Rocklahoma participants blast out classic 80’s metal as if they were born in the era. I am very glad that there are bands like Black Tora to carry on with the classic metal sound that I love. Rise of the Tora is a CD not to be missed.
Sweet Jesus, when Christine Sixx introduced me to Taddy Porter, I had no idea what to expect. What I found is a killer rock band that brings together the classic sounds of bands like Led Zeppelin, Bad Company & Grand Funk Railroad. Taddy Porter’s music has more of a 70’s classic rock feel that gives a big boost to revival rock.If you like The Answer, Black Stone Cherry, or Jaded Sun, you need to grab Taddy Porter’s debut CD! It is a great one!
The reunion of Stephen Pearcy with Ratt was a great one for sure. Having Carlos Cavaso as the band’s newest guitar player didn’t hurt either. He helped write some of the better tunes on Infestation. If you are a fan of RATT & Roll, you need to get Infestation now!
2. Scorpions – Sting in the Tail
The Scorpions narrowly missed coming in #1 in 2010. Sting in the Tail is an awesome way for the band to bid farewell to the fans.If the band would have released the Premium version of their CD first, which has the awesome “Lets Rock” tune, plus five more bonus tracks, this CD without question would have been #1. (The Premium version is only available as an import as of today).
1. Kissin’ Dynamite – Addicted To Metal
Picking a # 1 CD for the year was extremely difficult this year. There was a ton of great music, but when I look at the CD that I kept replaying, and kept going back to, it was Addicted to Metal from Germany’s Kissin’ Dynamite. I have enjoyed this CDa ton. Having a guest vocal from former Accept front man Udo Dirkschneider didn’t hurt the band one bit. This band’s revival rock/ 80’s metal sound always puts a smile on my face. If you missed Addicted to Metal, you need to find this CD now!
Honorable Mentions!
The following releases nearly cracked the Top 20, are certainly worth your hard earned cash!
KEEL – Streets of Rock & Roll
Black Label Society – Order of the Black
Iron Maiden – The Final Frontier
Black Water Rising – S/T
Social Code – Rock N Roll
Treat – Coup De Grace
Crazy Lixx – My Religion
Hansel – Never Say Die
Jetboy – Off Your Rocker
Crazy Lixx – My Religion
Overkill – Ironbound
Helloween – 7 Sinners
Dirty Skirty – Long Live Rock N’ Roll
0 SKIN – Breaking the Silence (2010)
When I first discovered the UK band SKIN in the summer of 2009, I never expected that the band would release new music. I absolutely loved their debut, so when I received the press release about SKIN’s latest effort, Breaking the Silence I decided right away that that I would spend the extra money to have the CD imported. After playing the heck out of this CD the last couple of weeks, I can certainly say that SKIN’s Breaking the Silence was worth EVERY penny. I didn’t know what to expect with this CD being an independent release by the band. I have to give major kudos to guitarist Myke Gray who wrote the majority of the songs on Breaking the Silence. Not only is Gray a talented guitarist, but his song writing skills shine on Breaking the Silence. This CD is a good mix of upbeat rockers, and solid classic rock numbers. I can happily say that there isn’t a bad song to found on this CD anywhere.
Nev MacDonald has to be one of the most under rated vocalists in the UK today. His vocals are fantastic on this disc. Music this good needs to be heard all over the world. As for now SKIN might just be the UK’s best kept secret.
Sadly, SKIN has announced their farewell tour which is taking place this December. Breaking the Silence could easily be considered “The Comeback album of the Year”. I can only hope that it isn’t SKIN’s “Swan Song”. If so, the band is certainly going out on a high note!
You can purchase SKIN’s Breaking the Silence in the band’s webshop at this link. I Highly Recommend it!
For more information on SKIN, check out the band’s website.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1- Good To Be Back
2- Don’t Call It Love
3- Stronger
4- Can You Feel It
5- The Book Of Your Life
6- When I’m With You
7- Trigger Inside
8- Indestructible
9- Redemption
10- Bad Reputation
11- Born To Rock & Roll
SKIN is:
Nev MacDonald – Vocals
Myke Gray – Guitar
Andy Robbins – Bass Guitar
Dicki Fliszar – Drums
Additional Musicians:
Colin McLeod – Keyboards & Hammond Organ
Jackie Gilbert – Backing Vocals on “Born To Rock & Roll”,” Bad Reputation”, “Stronger”, “When I’m With You”, and “Redemption”
Bob Marsh – Trumpet on “The Book of Your Life”
2 Two For Tuesday Videos – SKIN – “Born To Rock and Roll” & “Stronger”
“Born To Rock and Roll” & “Stronger” are just two of the kick ass songs you will find on SKIN’s new CD, Breaking the Silence.
Like what you hear? You can pick up Breaking the Silence in the band’s webshop at this link.
0 Skin’s Breaking the Silence Now Available in The Band’s Webshop! Tour Dates Announced!
Skin were formed in the early 1990s by ex-Jagged Edge members Myke Gray and Andy Robbins (also formerly of Tokyo Blade & Shogun) along with former Kooga vocalist Neville MacDonald and drummer Dicki Fliszar, formerly from Bruce Dickinson’s touring band and band Vamp. Originally called Taste, they went through a number of names (Obsession,
Bad For Good, Phoenix) as they played a smattering of small club dates throughout 1992. The band showed enough quality on these dates to be offered a management deal with Sanctuary Management, who also handled Iron Maiden and, ultimately, a record deal with Parlophone. Through Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, the band came to the attention of noted American producer Keith Olsen who offered to produce their debut at his ‘Goodnight LA’ Studio. During 1993, the band flew to LA and began recording. Once the
sessions were finished, the band listened to the finished product and decided more was needed so another three songs were recorded with Shay Baby producing.
Prior to the release of the album, the band finally decided upon the name Skin (someone had written it down on a wall) and embarked upon a 14 date UK tour supporting Little Angels. Another support tour, this time with Thunder helped swell their growing fan base and, in 1993, they released their debut single The Skin Up EP. This was followed by House of Love before their first UK chart single “Money”, which peaked at no 18. The debut album, entitled Skin sold even better, breaking into the top 10 and peaking at no 9.
Another single from the album, Tower of Strength which was backed with live material from their Donnington Monsters of Rock appearance, also broke into the top 20 and reached no 19.
Another single from the album, Tower of Strength which was backed with live material from their Donnington Monsters of Rock appearance, also broke into the top 20 and reached no 19.
1995 saw Skin consolidating their fan base by recording and releasing Live at the Borderline. A very limited edition CD of classic rock cover versions given away free with Kerrang! magazine, only 50 were available and it has become one of the most prized collectors items among Skin fans although a Japanese import version was released shortly after. In order to capitalize upon their appearance at Gateshead Stadium supporting Bon Jovi, the band also recorded and released Take Me Down to the River as a double CD along with some of the Borderline cuts.
The Bon Jovi appearance marked a high and low point in the career of Skin. A gig that would potentially give excellent exposure was marred by a fault with the band equipment as a voltage converter was incorrectly installed to USA settings by a stage tech which resulted in blowing Myke’s guitar amp and Colin’s hammond organ.
1996 marked the first time that touring keyboard player Colin McLeod was featured in promotional artwork as well as the music video for single “Perfect Day”. Despite this, Colin was a part time member as he wanted maintain a funk orientated direction he was continuing at the same time.
Neither the second album, “Lucky” or the two singles, the first being “How Lucky You Are” and “Perfect Day” achieved the chart success of the debut album. The progression of British chart music at this time, along with the lack of backing for rock music in the mainstream media, led to the band being dropped by Parlophone. Despite this, Skin still held a Japanese record contract and the third album “Big Fat Slice of Life” was finished and released in 1997. Awaiting a UK release, the band released a self-financed two track CD single “Degeneration” that was distributed through the fan club. Later that same year they released their fourth, and final, studio album Experience Electric on Snapper Music. “Experience…” marked a revised version of the Japanese release with several tracks being reworked. “Ride The Blue Wave” evolved into the title track from the album, but “Big Fat Slice…” and “Degeneration” were omitted due to the fan club release. The album went on to top the indie charts at number 1.During this period, Skin toured relentlessly. The
albums was shopped to several American record companies, and met with mogul Jonathan King. Following the culmination of the tour to promote the album, skin announced they would be embarking on their farewell tour in 1998.
albums was shopped to several American record companies, and met with mogul Jonathan King. Following the culmination of the tour to promote the album, skin announced they would be embarking on their farewell tour in 1998.
The final Skin concert at the LA2 in London, was recorded and released as a double live album Hasta La Vista, Baby! on Reef Records (a subset of Snapper Music). Since the band’s demise, a number of un-official releases have been issued featuring rare and unreleased tracks. These tracks combined of what would be the fifth UK album, and a large collection of demos that didn’t make it on the debut.
An odd twist of irony was that after the final gig, both “Experience…” and “Hasta…” were released in North America for a limited time, and unknown to the band themselves. Despite this, Skin remained inactive from 1998, until it was announced on the 16th March 2009 that Skin would be playing their first live show since 1998 at the Download Festival 2009, UK. Warm up shows in London and Wolverhampton were announced, the London show quickly sold out and another London warm up show was added.
After Skin’s successful appearance at the Download Festival the band decided to reform permanently. An acoustic album titled “Up Close and Personal” was released shortly after with a brief UK tour in the winter of 2009. Following this, a new album was being written for release in the summer of 2010, following another appearance at the Download Festival
and a UK tour.
and a UK tour.
Band Line Up:
Nev Macdonald – Vocals
Myke Gray – Guitar
Andy Robbins – Bass
Dicki Fliszar – Drums
Track Listing:
1- Good To Be Back
2- Don’t Call It Love
3- Stronger
4- Can You Feel It
5- The Book Of Your Life
6- When I’m With You
7- Trigger Inside
8- Indestructible
9- Redemption
10- Bad Reputation
11- Born To Rock & Roll
1- Good To Be Back
2- Don’t Call It Love
3- Stronger
4- Can You Feel It
5- The Book Of Your Life
6- When I’m With You
7- Trigger Inside
8- Indestructible
9- Redemption
10- Bad Reputation
11- Born To Rock & Roll
The Farewell Tour Dec 2010 – Tickets On sale Now
Plus supports:
Toby Jepson (Little Angels/Fastway/Gun) Acoustic.
Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge) Acoustic.
Wed 8th – Glasgow
Tue 14th – Bournemouth
Thu 9th – Newcastle
Wed 15th- London
Fri 10th – Manchester
Thu 16th – Birmingham
Sat 11th – Norwich
Fri 17th – Oxford
Sun 12th – Bristol
Sat 18th – Nottingham
Tue 14th – Bournemouth
Thu 9th – Newcastle
Wed 15th- London
Fri 10th – Manchester
Thu 16th – Birmingham
Sat 11th – Norwich
Fri 17th – Oxford
Sun 12th – Bristol
Sat 18th – Nottingham
You can pick up Skin’s new album, Breaking the Silence in the band’s webshop at this link.
