CD REVIEWS A-C

CD REVIEWS- A

• AMEN-*We Have Come for your Parents* (Virgin)-I saw these guys open for GWAR last year. AMEN consists of three ex-members of SNOT and drummer Shannon Larkin from WRATHCHILD AMERICA. It has that 90s/2000 modern day new hardcore sound that is all the rage. I would guess, considering who is in the band and the fact that they are on Virgin, alot of people already know about this band. I found it OK but nothing to write home about. Look for them to be on Ozzfest 2001.-Chris Lee
• AMAZING CROWNS-*Royal* (Time Bomb Recordings)-THE AMAZING CROWNS combine rockabilly, punk, and occasional swing to create their brand of rock. Bands like THE CRAMPS, THE CLASH, THE STRAY CATS, as well as 50s stuff like EDDIE COCHRAN all sound like influences. Psychobilly done well. These guys rock. Time Bomb Recordings, 6 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019.-Chris Lee

CD REVIEWS- B

• BURN WITCH BURN-self titled-(Razler/LIghtyear)-BURN WITCH BURN are a new band with Rodney Anonymous from the DEAD MILKMEN. This is very original sounding as far as I can tell. Violin, mandolin, and various other instruments give this a simplistic celtic feel kind of like THE POGUES. I really enjoyed listening to this CD and recommend fans of rock music pick it up for something alittle different (www.razler.com, www.lightyear.com)-Chris Lee
• BANDERJAM-self-titled-I would describe BANDERJAM as progressive power rock. Reminds me alot of URIAH HEEP. The production even sounds like something done on vinyl in the 70s. Fans of 70s progressive rock like the above mentioned HEEP, KANSAS, and HAWKWIND will want to check this out. You can check out the band more extensively at http://www.banderjam.com and http://www.mp3.com/banderjam or email them at info@banderjam.com-Chris Lee
• DAVE BROCKIE EXPERIENCE-*-This is yet another side project from the mad crazy folks of GWAR. Rock's Reigning Kings of Theatrical Madness are known for their side projects (X-COPS, DEATH PIGGY, RAWG) and this one doesn't disappoint. Featuring GWAR members Dave Brockie (Oderus Urungus), Mike Derks (Balsac, the Jaws of Death), and Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha), *Diarrhea of a Madman*, with such songs like '40,000 Times', 'Too Much Stuff', and 'Helium Creed', is filled with catchy songs that fans of GWAR and fans of humor filled punk rock will completey get into. Want to get the party going with some sing-a-long punk that? Pick up *Diarrhea of a Madman* as it will turn any gathering into a drunken, slammin,mosh happy good time. Metal Blade Records, 2828 Cochran Ste. 302, Simi Valley CA 93065, www.metalblade.com-Chris Lee

CD REVIEWS- C

• CHILDREN OF BODOM-*Follow the Reaper* (Nuclear Blast)-The new one from CHILDREN OF BODOM contains more of the progressive meets thrash meets melodic death meets power metal riffing that orginally turned me on to this band. A little more thrash influenced this time around with less melodic riffs, CHILDREN OF BODOM continue to showcase an unbelievable technical prowess on their instruments displaying some of the best guitar/keyboard harmony runs this side of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's stuff. And the cover of the WASP song 'Hellion' is one of the best cover versions of a song I have heard in awhile. This is an album that has been in my CD player constantly since I got it and is one of the best releases of 2001. Nuclear Blast, 1453-A 14th Street #324, Santa Monica CA 90404 USA-Chris Lee
• CHRONIC FUTURE-*4 Elements* (Beyond/BMG)-Generic rapcore that sounds like a million other bands. Very predictable. It sounds like they would have a high energy live show so they might be worth catching live if you are into this genre of music. And what's up with all these style of bands having their lead vocals sound as if they are going through a megaphone?-Chris Lee