CD REVIEWS D-F

CD REVIEWS- D

• DIO-*Magica* (Spitfire)-DIO returns once again! This time around DIO gets abit mellow with his latest, *Magica*. But mellow does not mean bad. *Magica*, which brings to mind what would be if Ronnie James Dio and Roger Waters wrote songs together, is a DIO masterpiece. The songs flow from one to another much like PINK FLOYD's *The Wall* with each part being an important part of the puzzle. Fans of DIO that worship the *Holy Diver*/*Last in Line* era may denounce this but they aren't listening deep enough. Dio's voice is top notch. One of rock's best ever! And the band backing Ronnie James Dio consisting of Jimmy Bain on bass, Craig Goldy on lead guitar, and Simon Wright on drums, are rock solid. Pick this album up, then sit back and let the music just flow into you. DIO RULES!!!! (Spitfire Records, 101 Bay Ave., Hicksville, NY 11801, www.spitfirerecords.com)-Chris Lee
• DROP SHADOW-*Blue*-DROP SHADOW are a band that combine industrial, alternative, and hardcore to create an intense sound that demands to be heard. The band create their own unique sound with the closest comparison I can think of being a mix between STABBING WESTWARD and the DEFTONES. Some of it even reminds me of early 90s metal band ANACRUSIS. Simply put, this 9-track CD smokes. Heavy enough to satisfy the hardcore crowd and catchy enough to satisfy any hard rock radio DJ, DROP SHADOW deliver a hard hitting debut that is sure to attract national attention (the band's live show already has). From the opening track , 'Needles' all the way through to the final slam 'Something New', this disc keeps the listener attentive and when it is over the urge is to want to hear more by the band or just listen to the CD a second time through. Contact the band at P.O. Box 42311, Cincinnati, OH 45242, check out their website at http://drop-shadow.com, and email the band at dropshadow@email.com-Chris Lee

CD REVIEWS- E

• ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN-*Annie's Grave* (Victory)-The latest recording from ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN offers up more of the straight up biker rock and roll that has become the band's signature trademark. If you like MOTORHEAD, the DEAD BOYS, AC/DC, SOCIAL DISTORTION or even newer stuff like NASHVILLE PUSSY, then this is for you. 100% in your face pure rock at it's finest. Victory Records-www.victoryrecords.com-Chris Lee
• ESTUARY OF CALAMITY-*The Sentencing*-ESTUARY OF CALAMITY's seven-song CD combines European Dark Metal, death metal, and even what sounds like renaissance classical to create a dark sound rarely found in the Cincinnati area. Fans of DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH, and/or MOONSPELL should grab a copy immediately because this CD kicks ass. This band sounds as good songwise, and as professional as any band I have heard doing this genre ofmusic. There is no reason at all that they have not already been signed. Given good distribution, ESTUARY OF CALAMITYy would make a huge impact on the international scene. Labels take notice immediately and fans grab a copy before they get signed. Contact them at 7321 Hickman St., Cincinnati, OH 45231 USA or email the band at eoc77@yahoo.com or lamelia@yahoo.com. Check out the ESTUARY OF CALAMITY website at http://www.geocities.com/estuaryofcalamity-Chris Lee
• EVENT-*Human Condition* (Inside Out)-Progressive rock that brings to mind a KING'S X meets 80s KING CRIMSON type vibe. The band-Matt Scurfield on drums; Jay Rigney on bass; Shaun Michaud on lead guitars; and Dave Delugo on lead vocals, display excellent musicianship and a tightness that comes across great on record. The songs are complex enough to satisfy the prog rock fans yet have a certain accessibility that could take the band into the mainstream. This CD I recommend highly and hopefully the band will tour sometime because I imagine them to be a great live band also. Inside Out Music, 344-TB Oakville Dr., Pittsburgh PA 15520-Chris Lee

CD REVIEWS- F

• FIREBIRD BAND-*The Setting Sun and it's Satellites* (Cargo)-Ex-BRAID member, ex-JOAN OF ARC member, current member of GHOST OF VODKA, former BULL IN CHINA member, and former PILOT IN HIATUS member [note-I have no clue who any of those bands are but that's what it says in their bio] converge to write simplistic indie pop rock. Didn't do much for me. Sounds like they know what they are doing. Might make a dent in the 120 minutes/Alernative Press scene (might already have). CARGO, Inc. 4901-906 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117-3432-Chris Lee