Coney Hatch 9/10
Four Record Label: Frontiers Records
Released: 27 September 2013
Highlight of the album: Blown Away Website: http://www.coneyhatch.com/ Reviewer: Paul Nicholls
This is the bands first new album in more than 20 years, and ladies and gentlemen I have to say...it’s been worth the wait!
that only a band whose track record resembles Coney Hatch could pull off. Overall “Four” has some very intelligent song writing coupled with guitar riffs that will remain in your mind, superbly backed up with sharp vocal lines and harmonies.
I’ve never been the biggest CH fan but I have to say this time, the penny has dropped and I think I get it!
You know when you have a great record when it stays on play when you’re off air as this one has.
Opening with the aptly titled “Blown Away” it leaps from your speakers making no apologies for pummelling it’s way into your ears.
Coney Hatch on the strength of this album are going to be a force to reckon with when it comes to The album, to coin a phrase, rocks along quite nicely “Album of the Year “ stakes, a band that knows how thank you, holding its own against the competition to rock and yet also is aware what NOT to play on a very well indeed...it’s not all out and out rockers, song ... One of the most successful of the “reformed there are some superbly written numbers on offer bands” category, Coney Hatch are back to stay!
Dream Theater 9/10
Dream Theater Record Label: Roadrunner Records
Released: 24 September 2013
Highlight of the album: The Enemy Inside Website: http://www.dreamtheater.net/ Reviewer: Tony Corner
Dream Theater have just released their eagerly awaited 12th studio album, self titled as they didn't want to give anything away to the fans on what to expect from this album. Its the second release to feature Mike Mangini on drums and for me the band have well and truly hit their stride after Mike Portnoy's departure… All the elements that us fans love are still there but have been toned down a little at times, there's a lot more melody and the whole album seems to this listener to be a much more rounded and fuller sounding affair. Don't get me wrong, the intricate passages are still there but seem to fit the songs so much better.
As with all DT albums this one has a long and complex track, at 22mins plus “Illumination Theory” is not for the faint hearted but it's these sort of tracks that are a must for any DT fan and this one is no exception. It runs the gamut from soft gentle keys, through intricate instrumental passages, intense riffing, brutal metal, complex time signatures and key changes before easing off into a wonderfully classical influenced symphonic mid section and then starts all over again. The album is filled throughout with outstanding musical ability, wonderful songs, lots of melody and this is one fantastic album that really shines (on headphones especially!)!
Starting with a short but very sweet instrumental it goes straight into the awesome single “The Enemy Inside” – vintage DT and has all the elements you would expect and so much power! “Enigma Machine” is a classic and complex instrumental track and “The Bigger Picture” just oozes class. Other highlights for me are stunning tracks “Behind The Veil” and “Along For The Ride”, plus of course the following track....
Top class music and a strong contender for prog metal album of the year, it's certainly been worth the wait and one I can't wait to see live. The boys from Dream Theater prove that they're still top of their game and are still improving after all these years. I guarantee each listen will make you appreciate something different in each song. One to keep you company on the long winter nights that are fast approaching.
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Firebrand Magazine