In This Moment Find Their Sound

In their early career, In This Moment had reached a pivotal crossroads when writing began for their third CD. Their first CD, “Beautiful Tragedy”, was heavy and introduced the world to the screamo vocals of one Maria Brink. Their sophomore release, “The Dream”, was a more polished and melodic sounding CD on which Maria focused more on singing than her trademark screams. This sound seemed to alienate their early fan base while, at the same time, it exposed them to a whole new audience. How could they bring the best of both of those elements together to please such a diverse audience?

The hype behind their third CD, entitled “A Star-Crossed Wasteland”, began to build with Maria and lead guitarist Chris Howorth stating in interviews that they had finally found their defining sound. The first song and video released, “The Gun Show”, was an indication of what was in store. The intro sounds like you have just walked up on a good old fashioned gunfight, but instead of Billy The Kid you are confronted by Maria the Hottest Chick in Metal ripping your head off with her signature screaming. The song is heavy and intense with drummer Jeff Fabb displaying a style that we really haven’t heard on any of their prior releases. When listening to this song, you can’t help but want to start pumping your fist in the air.

“Just Drive” meshes both sounds into one from their earlier stuff. Don’t let the acoustic guitar intro fool you because this is no ballad. Maria combines both her screaming vocals with her more melodic and smoother vocal style on this one. The lyrics are definitely universal on this song, as we have all just wanted at one time or another to just get in the car and drive to get away. Chris also shines on this one with a blistering solo. A very nice surprise to hear him let loose and take some chances musically.

“The Promise” may be the best track on the CD. It’s a duet with Maria and Adrian Patrick of the band Otherwise. It is a great song full of powerful lyrics and emotion as the two go back and forth trading off vocals. The two definitely compliment each other in very similar styles. When they sing to each other “My promise is I will hurt you” it is believable and real.

The title track starts off with a beautiful piano solo and Maria’s vocals. The song builds intensity towards the chorus and turns more into a power ballad. “Blazin” is another full throttle ahead song with its chorus sounding very similar to “Violet Skies” from “The Dream”. Again, Chris shows off his skills for us with another blistering solo. “The Road”. One of my favorite songs lyrically on the CD about being on the road but never losing focus on what is waiting for us when the road finally leads back to home. One thing that shines on this song is the use of Chris doing background vocals. It really gives the song depth with his vocals behind Maria’s.

The next track entitled “Iron Army” seems to have taken on a life of its own with the fans. An in your face power metal song that has Maria singing the lyrics until the chorus and then she unleashes a fury upon the listener unlike no other. I recommend not listening to this with your headphones on as the fury of her vocals will leave your ears bleeding if not just totally rip your face off. This is an intense song and should be one included in their live show at some point.

The “Last Cowboy” starts with Maria, in spoken voice, telling us a story of a cowboy looking for that elusive kiss to bring his cold, dark heart back to life. The chorus again is a great example of layering Chris backing vocals behind Maria and creating a great addition to the song.

“World In Flames” closes the CD with an emotional bang. Maria, as well as the rest of the band, has proven to us on each of their releases that they are no one trick pony. This is a power balled for this generation of younger fans that missed out on the great power ballads of the eighties. An emotionally charged song of death on the verge of taking us away, but not even that can keep the love of two people apart. Maria’s vocals are top notch as you can shut your eyes listen to her and feel as if you are in that room with the flames on the other side of the door. The song starts to build at the 3:27 mark to a powerful climax with Chris laying down a solo worth of the Hall of Fame for power ballad solos. The way the song builds towards the end is very much along the lines of one of my all time favorites by Aerosmith “It’s Amazing”.

Have the band found their sound? I think time will tell, but the initial reaction has been very favorable across the board. The lyrical content of “Beautiful Tragedy” is very deep and may have a slight edge on this release lyrically. Overall, I think this is a stronger release from the band as a whole. Everyone seems to have stepped up his or her game on this one. I hear more of the eighties influences on the guitars this time. The layers created by the musicianship of Blake Bunzel on guitar allow Chris to go back and lay down those blistering solos. Blake’s performance is very solid throughout the entire process is shows alot of growth by him on this release. Jeff Fabb is a beast on every track and gets my award for MVP. He really has stepped his game up and shown us a side that we have never heard from him. I know Maria gets alot of attention from the press and it is deserving, but Jeff really doesn’t get the credit that he deserves.

“A Star-Crossed Wasteland” is nothing short of their greatest work of art to date. Check the band out on the road and see why everyone is buzzing about this group. If you are tired of radio’s same old flavor of the week, then you should take that ten bucks that you were going to spend on that lame emo band and hear what true musicianship sounds like.

Amanda Abizaid Paints An Emotional Canvas

Have you ever discovered something that you wanted to keep a secret, yet couldn't wait to share it with someone? Like when you tried ranch dressing on your french fries or tried dipping your fries in a chocolate Wendy's frosty? Well I was fortunate enough to hear an artist live last summer in my small town that totally blew me away. Her name was Amanda Abizaid and her show in the humid Virginia summer air gave this music fan chills.

The American Lebanese singer, songwriter just released a new CD entitled "This Life" and I could not wait to hear what this prolific storyteller had to say. Most people are familiar with her song "A Place In Time" from Paramount's "The 4400" and "Dreams And Ashes" from Lifetime's Odd Girl Odd, Smallville and Charmed. Don't let this artist fool you, she is no one trick pony. Her versatility is one that will shock and amaze you on many levels.

The lead off track is entitled "Blue Star Red Sky" and it sounds unlike anything that I have ever heard before. It is one of my fave tracks on the CD. I could hear such pioneers in music as Prince or Beck doing something this original. Amanda has a very sexy, soft spoken vocal delivery on this song that fits it perfectly.

Two tracks use an instrument called the bouzouki in such a way that almost makes it sound as contemporary as the drums or keyboards. The instrument is of Greek decent and is similar to a mandolin. It produces a sharp, metallic sound when played. "Wash Me" uses the bouzouki with results that make this song popish and even radio worthy. The song also has an insane drum loop that is very infectious. The other song that utilizes the instrument is "My Friend" which is a slower song with deeply rooted lyrics speaking of friends reaching out to each another.

"How Can I Explain" takes a turn in the blues direction with more lyrics from the heart. I am not sure if Amanda is writing from her own experiences or from friends close to her, but the lyrics on this song and others on this CD and very personal and heartfelt. The title track is a very emotional piece about being out on the road when trying to keep a relationship together. The vocal delivery on this one shows a soft side to Amanda's vocal styling that really makes the listener feel the impact of her words.

Overall, I think this is an excellent CD. The only complaint that I would have is that it clocks in at just under thirty minutes. It left me wanting to hear more! There are definitely no "filler" cuts on this CD. Amanda wrote and produced all the tracks on the CD and she also plays the flute, piano and acoustic guitar on it. Now, how's that for versatility.

To find out more about Amanda, you can visit her at www.myspace.com/amandaabizaid4400 or at www.amandaabizaid.com. Her CD can be purchased at www.cdbaby.com. If you are lucky enough to see her live, do not pass up the chance. Her personality is very infectious and you will fall in love with her and her music within minutes. This CD just goes to show that the talent inside this lady is abundant and worthy of recognition.

Martha Davis of The Motels: No Sleeping Allowed

For some, the eighties was a decade of forgettable fashion, absurd trends and not the greatest melting pot of music. I would beg to differ with alot of those people, for I grew up in the eighties too. One of my fondest memories was discovering the sultry voice of Martha Davis of The Motels. "Only The Lonely", "Take The L", "Suddenly Last Summer" and more great songs were staples of the eighties. She had the most mesmerizing eyes in her videos, ones that seemed to look deep into your soul. Flash forward about twenty five years and you'll find Martha working harder than ever, but you may just be surprised.

Martha recently released her first children's album entitled "Red Frog Presents 16 Songs for Parents and Children", although her idea goes back some thirteen years. "The idea for the children's album came some years ago from a big purple dinosaur. When my grand kids young, the airwaves were being permeated by Barney. My daughter was complaining about having to listen to the songs over and over, her further complaint was that the songs were, how you say, stupid. The songs I listened to as a kid were dark, funny, adventurous and never really talked down to kids. I then set a goal to write a kids album that would be fun, clever and palatable for adults as well. Well, that was about thirteen years ago, maybe more. I shopped it to the labels and I was told that it was too intellectual for children, so I shelved it. As of late, I had noticed pop bands getting into the children's market with some new and wonderful stuff. I ended up rewriting almost the entire album, so now we have a second album. I'm sure one day the former album will see the light of day," stated Martha.

How has the children's album been received? "It has only been out a short time (available by digital download right now on Amazon.com and Itunes) and with very little fanfare, we just plopped it on the internet. There is negotiation currently to have it released on an actual label, which would be wonderful. We'll keep you posted."

Martha's love of music and creating is apparent as she talks about all that she has been working on. Hearing her talk about her creations is like talking to a proud mama. "I have been making music of some sort since I learned my first three guitar chords at the age of eight. I couldn't possibly think of not doing it. It's part of who I am," said Martha.

Martha is currently has so many projects under development that you need a flowchart to keep track of all of them. She is putting together an album of jazz standards that she has written through the years that sound more from the 1920's through the 1950's than modern. There is also talk of new Motels music coming soon and possibly live dates. She is most definitely a multi-faceted woman.

Still, Martha is most remembered as the voice behind The Motels. What an amazing time to be in the music industry. The music was new and refreshing, it was a totally new scene. As far as road stories go, can you share you best and worst that pop into your head? "Well, as far as best goes, going to Australia in 1980 and not knowing 'Total Control' was a hit. When we first started playing, the whole audience rose with the lighters a blaze and swayed to the rhythm of the song. We had no idea, it was very cool. The worst? When a moth, a very big moth, flew into my mouth during an outdoor concert. You're basically faced with two choices....I swallowed."

Speaking of the music industry, it is a far cry from what it was like in the eighties. Care to comment? "Oh, I can comment....it's crazy!! The music industry I knew when I first signed appears to be gone. The record labels I think missed a great opportunity to be part of a new frontier. It's the wild west out there. Everyone can and does put out their own music, but there is very little filtration, which is what the record companies use to provide. I think there will be a distillation process, but it will involve intense creativity on the part of the artist to make themselves known in a crowd. The record companies? I'm sure there will be some new business models appearing."

I have been a fan of Martha's work for sometime now. I was an eighties child and I cannot tell you how many spins her "All For One" album got on my turntable. I love asking more intimate, personal questions at this point to get some goodies for the die hard fans that most sources don't. If she could record with anyone right now who might it be? Her response was David Bowie, but she would not turn down an evening with Radiohead. If she could only have one CD while trapped on a desert island, she chose Bowie's "Low" or Ravel's "Daphnis et Chloe". Last question, do you have any guilty pleasures that may surprise your fans? "I love housework, cleaning, yard work, I love work! I refer to myself as having two speeds: I am either working on something or asleep! OK, I also love to read, which is sort of a middle position. OK, I lied again! I love comedy, Jon Stewart, Simpsons, new fave The Mighty Boosh and rom coms (romantic comedies), probably not what people would expect, what can I say?"

Speaking with Martha is never a dull moment. She and her new business manager, Gaye Ann Bruno, have so many projects in the works right now that it seems like sleep is not an option. Fans of Martha's can keep up with her, if anyone can possible keep up with her pace, at www.themotels.com, www.myspace.com/themotels or www.myspace.com/marthadavis. She is a rare breed of artist who is always creating her next piece of art. I asked her what legacy did she wish to leave behind? What did she want to be remembered for? She summed it up in one simple word: songwriting.

Great White Infests Roanoke Bike Show

There was something in the air last month on April 10. Maybe it was all those exhaust fumes from all the motorcycles gathered for the Blue Ridge Bike Festival at the Roanoke Civic Center. Then again, maybe it was aroma of aqua net and spandex that gathered outside waiting for the doors to open. The scene outside was almost like a time warp: excessively teased hair, over applied eyeliner and very tight pants. Actually, that was just most of the guys!

That night's entertainment saw two of the best "hair bands" from the eighties on the same stage as Great White and Dokken were there to rock the crowd. Great White's career has been all over the radar throughout their thirty plus year career. The band gained national exposure in the late 1980s with several MTV friendly videos and songs that rode the "hairband" wave of popularity. Their popularity declined a bit in the 1990s but they continued to tour strongly and release new material. In 2003, they received national exposure again, but for all the wrong reasons. A club that they were playing at in West Warwick, Rhode Island caught fire due to a deadly combination of pyro that the band were using and foam soundproofing material that was behind the stage. 100 people dies in that accident including the band's guitarist Ty Longley.

Most of Great White's "classic lineup" is still intact with Jack Russell on vocals, Mark Kendall on guitar, Michael Lardie on guitar and keyboards, Audie Desbrow on drums and Scott Snyder on bass. The show was definitely a stripped down version of their eighties tours with less lights and no pyro techniques at all. This allowed the focus to be on the music: less style, more substance.

One couldn't help but notice that lead singer Jack Russell came out on stage on crutches and sat on a stool for most of the band's performance. In a meet and greet with the band after their set, Jack told me, "I just out of the hospital a few days ago from back surgery. I figured, going out on the road and performing for our fans was going to be more fun than some morphine drip!"

Jack didn't let his setback hinder his vocal performance. He may not look the part that he did in the 1980s and 1990s, but that voice of his is still just as magical. The band has been known for its bluesy style of metal and they haven't lost a step.
The band ripped through such classic cuts as "Rock Me" and "Call It Rock And Roll". A personal highlight of mine was "Save Your Love" during which Jack's vocals were insane! This man still has a set of pipes on him! The band was very tight and proved why, after 30 plus years of touring and recording, that they are still around.

The crowd was very into the band's set from the beginning through the "who would have guessed it?" encore of "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and actually were hungry for even more! It's always great to see bands like this who resist to roll over and play dead just because their style of music isn't the flavor of the week. Great White does this because they love to do it, not because it's the cool thing to do. That's why the industry today has too many "here today, gone today" artists. Great White is a rare breed that is true to its calling....true rock and roll pioneers.

Ashes Of Erin Scorches The Arizona Desert

The sun in Arizona is known to be smoldering hot and not much can grow in its desert like conditions, until now. Ashes of Erin, a group a five separately influenced individuals with a common motive: to create a sound unlike anything they had ever heard before. The band consists of Jenna Slate on lead vocals, Bryan Diehl on guitar, Josh Rafferty on guitar, Drew Alnas on bass and vocals and Andy Schroeder on drums. The band was named after a friend of theirs named Erin who was a huge supporter of their local scene early on. She died of cancer in 2007 and her husband suggested to Bryan, as they were spreading her ashes out in California, that they should name the band after her. They all agreed that it would be a great way to honor her for her support.

Ashes Of Erin began forming back in the summer of 2007. Josh and Bryan were in a band together and decided to leave to start forming their own band. Drew and Josh had been friends for a very long time and had even played together in another band. The guys saw Jenna performing with a friends band and asked her to come down and audition. She then proceeded to belt out the heaviest of all the songs that the band had and they knew then that they had found their new lead singer. They found their solid foundation in November of 2008 when Andy answered an ad that he saw on My Space.

I spoke with Jenna and Bryan to learn more about the group and how they got to where they are now. "The recording of this Cd was a nightmare....Ha ha! Seriously though, we started recording the album with some of our old members. It was almost finished by the time that Andy joined the group, but we decided that the sound had changed drastically just from him joining. So, we thought that it would be best to scrap that recording entirely and start over. we re-recorded everything at the beginning of 2009. Those sessions were a lot of fun though. Byron, who recorded the album, was a blast to work with and we worked very hard with him to achieve the sound we wanted on the album."

The five members of the band bring a very diverse mixture of styles and influences, from the Human waste Project to eighties rock to death metal, that mesh together to help form a unique twist to the common metal core style. Jenna's vocals run the gauntlet from gut wrenching growls to a very melodic vocal styling. One moment she sings to steal your heart away and the next she's screaming like she's going to rip it out of your chest! The band's music style also crosses back and forth across the "typical" metal core stylings. The band mixes aggressive, fast paced lines with slower, more melodic ones, henceforth creating a style that is very unique to this growing style.

Their CD entitled "This Somber Eve" is an assault on the ears of mind. The opening title track is an instrumental that kicks the door down at the end and explodes into the song "I". Jenna vocals run all over the board her ands sets the pace to let the listener know to expect the unexpected.Other standout cuts include "Abnormal Drifter", "One Pill Kill" and my favorite "Denounce The Air", which I think is Jenna's stellar vocal performance. "'Distorted Revelation' is probably our most "radio-friendly" song we have on the album. It is my favorite because of the meaning behind the lyrics. Most of my lyrics are fictional stories but this one was based off a traumatic event that happened to me so I think I'm more emotional when I sing it," stated Jenna.

"I think Distorted stands out a bit from the rest because of it's mainstream sound. But my personal favorite is probably Dead Fish. That one is just so brutal and fun to play," responded Bryan.

The musicianship in the band is also top notch. Bryan and Josh definitely trade off some intense guitar licks. In the meantime, the back beat propelled by the rhythm duo of Drew and Andy help to maintain that driving aggressive attitude that is expected from this band.

As my last question, I always ask the bands that I interview what CD they would want with them if they were trapped on desert island. Jenna replied with, "It would be 'E-lux' by the Human Waste Project. Seriously, one of the best Cd's that I have ever heard. I totally wish they were still around."

Bryan said, "That's a tough one! I think I'd have to take a Pink Floyd album, maybe 'The Wall', since it's a double disc."

"This Somber Eve" is a CD that will certainly appeal to lovers of the metal core style of music, but it is also diverse enough to cross over that line to appeal to fans of other stylings of new rock. It is fast, furious and in your face metal. Be prepared when you push play...it will grab you by your neck and demand your attention through it's entirety. It is most definitely a workout of epic proportions on your senses.

Kama Linden: A Testament To Positivity

Kama Linden is the embodiment of positive energy. I stumbled across her recently on MySpace and her infectious music immediately commanded my attention. Upon further investigation, I soon discovered that I was about to uncover a shining gem in this bleak music industry.

Kama began recording in 2000 for her debut release entitled "Uninhibited", which was released in the summer of 2004. Her overseas market quickly embraced her and her music, especially in Australia and the UK. A constant barrage of live performances has also helped to showcase her talents to an inviting public.

Her second CD entitled "Better Late Than never" was released in June of 2008 and the media machine got cranked up again. Touring the states and overseas again helped to showcase her talents on a live audience who could see that this young lady is extremely talented and not just a manufactured artist. I asked her how the new CD compared to her first effort? "I think it is much better and more autobiographical. This one took less time to make yet it has a story from beginning to end."

Kama, whose influences include Pink and Melissa Etheridge, describes her sound as ambitious, enthusiastic and intuitive. She can be somewhat of a camillion when it comes to pinpointing her sound. Her new CD has standout rock tracks such as my fav "If Looks Could Kill" and "Drink" to dance songs such as "Been There, Done That" and the title track. She then pulls the rug out from under your feet with a touching ballad entitled "You've Forgotten Me".

Kama is also a skilled yoga instructor. "Sometimes what starts out as your survival job becomes your other life. My idea is that people have been taught by yoga instructors how they need to look and they end up getting hurt. 90 degree feet, head through arms to look at the belly button, take your foot in pigeon and yank it sideways so you can tear your meniscus. I teach people how to use neutral spine, their own turn out and flexibility," stated Kama.

After doing a little research on Kama, I noticed that the term "angrychik" seemed to pop up alot. Is there a story behind this term? "Yes....women with an opinion are considered bitches. How dare you say what you feel, not just wait for your Mrs. degree, get ahead in business and in life. Think Alanis...with a plan."

One last question for you Kama. I am curious to hear your answer to this one. If you were stranded on a desert island with only one store bought CD, what would you want to have there with you? "It would be a tossup between Pink's 'Funhouse' and Evanescence 'The Open Door."

If you like your music upbeat and positive, then I suggest checking Kama out. Her CD is diverse and the styles switch up quicker than you can keep up with. She will always keep you guessing. One constant throughout all of her styles is a message of positivity and hope. Give her a chance and check her out at www.myspace.com/kamalinden or at www.kamalinden.com. With all of the bad news that we seem to see and hear from our various media outlets each day, Kama and her music are a welcome relief.

Bruce Kulick No Longer Walks Alone

KISS are an iconic band known for their trademark makeup and over the top stage shows. Their non-makeup years, from 1983-1996, tend to be overshadowed by their kabuki inspired legacy. During these years, the band toured and released many platinum and gold albums exposing a whole new generation to the band. One very important member of that era was lead guitarist Bruce Kulick.

Bruce joined the band in 1984 and toured and recorded with the band. He slowly began to find his niche in the band while winning over support from the fans. His guitar playing on their 1992 release “Revenge” is considered by most as Bruce’s best work with KISS and their best non-makeup album produced.

Bruce kept busy after KISS releasing two solo CD and numerous side projects including Union with ex-Motley Crue vocalist John Corabi and the Eric Singer Project with KISS drummer Eric Singer and Corabi also. Bruce just released his third solo CD entitled “BK3” which started generating a buzz months ago on the internet and in the KISS community.

I spoke with Bruce at the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, SC for his CD release party on February 6, 2010. I asked him how he felt about the initial response from the fans and critics on his new release. “Wow, the reaction has been wonderful. It took almost seven years to complete this one. With my other two releases, I didn’t use a talented team around me and I was very single minded. I didn’t look at my other records as trying to put out my own Revenge, which is the benchmark that my producer Jeremy and I committed to. Also, some of the time element was scheduling. I mean, if Gene Simmons commits to working with you but you have to wait a year on him, then you’re gonna wait,” responded Bruce.

The initial buzz on the net centered around Gene’s inclusion as vocalist on one track and also his son Nick on another. So, how did this come about? “Well, Gene offered Nick, but trust me, I was already going to ask him. After watching the show, I knew Nick had musical aspirations, but to be quite honest, I didn’t know that Nick was so good. I also didn’t know how important the song would end up being on my record. It was a major score to get him and he picked a great track. It’s a very sonic sounding song on the record and putting his giant voice on it just made it complete.”

I asked Bruce how the whole KISS Coffeehouse release party concept come together? “It was the record company’s idea. They wanted to do a KISS related thing and since there were no expos scheduled at the time of the release, why not do something here. I had never been here as a featured member of the KISS family and it was just the right thing to do, even though I had to fly over 3000 miles to get here. I mean, let’s face it, the core of my audience is KISS related.”

How different was it to release the CD with everything that is going on in the industry as opposed to your last release? “We definitely went more old school this time. I mean, part of the time factor was that we go it a label and got is distributed nationally. I never had anything like that with my other releases. It’s my first CD available at retail, everywhere from Best Buy to I-tunes are offering it. KISS fans tend to love the whole package, the physical CD to hold, so I spared no expense with a trifold digipak complete with a sixteen-page color booklet. I think it looks great.”

What can we expect in the near future from you? Any touring? “We did a small show in LA at the Cat Club to release the CD and we did a n eight song set. It went off very well. I had Fitz from Union on drums and some other talented guys, but I’m not in a position to say look for my tour starting whenever. It is good to know that I have a great bunch of guys that I can count on if that situation presents itself. Right now, I want to keep this initial buzz going and initial sales could generate more interesting things. I am hoping to do more in-store appearances and interviews. I have the Cleveland Expo coming up in March and I know that I’m just an email or phone call away from something exciting happening at any given moment.”

I played a little word association with Bruce next to see what his reaction would be.
I asked him to say the first thing that came to mind.

Gene Simmons- “Very bright business man who is also a very talented musician, but doesn’t say it.”
Paul Stanley- “Total rock star.”
Tommy Thayer- “A guy who knows how to do whatever job KISS asks him to do and a really great guy.”
Eric Singer- “Amazing drummer who never shuts up.”
Eric Carr- “Very missed, very talented, lost too soon.”
John Corabi- “Bluesy singer.”
Bruce Kulick- “An intolerable perfectionist who is very proud of his new record and hopes that everyone will come out and support it.”

My last question is one that I ask of all my interviews. If you were trapped on a desert island and could have only one CD with you, it cannot be a burnt CD, it has to be an official release, what would you want? “I think I would have to go with ‘Are You Experienced’ by Hendrix.”

The CD itself is an amazing step forward for Bruce. He seems to be more comfortable both vocally and with his playing. It is a bigger, bolder sound from Bruce. It kicks off with “Fate”, a great fast paced song with a unique, almost spoken, vocal type from Bruce until the chorus. There are plenty of KISS references in this song too. Hot lead off track, definitely sets the mood for what’s in store.

Gene’s track, “Ain’t Gonna Die” is next. This song blows away Gene’s contributions to KISS’ “Sonic Boom”. You get a little non-makeup era vibe on this one and Gene’s vocals are great, not to mention Bruce’s solo too. The addition of the string section on this song also adds another layer to this great arrangement.

My favorite track on the CD is next, the mini Union reunion with John Corabi on vocals and Brent Fitz on drums. “No Friend of Mine” is the song and it is stellar. John’s bluesy vocals really standout on this track and just begs for another CD from these guys. Bruce and John have such great chemistry between them that it needs to be tapped into more. A big two thumbs up on this rocker.

Gene’s not so little boy is up next with “Hand Of The King” and I guarantee you that if you have a preconceived notion as to what this is going to sound like, then most likely you are going to be blown away. The song is dark and Nick’s vocal debut proves that he has the chops to pursue this if he chooses to. That, plus a blistering solo by Mr. Kulick makes this a stellar lead off track for this release.

“I’ll Survive” is a great slower number that reflects back on Bruce’s shooting a few years back where he was just an innocent bystander and was the recipient of a shooters bullet; very introspective lyrics. “Dirty Girl” features vocals by Doug Fieger who was the lead vocalist of the Knack. Come on now, we all remember muh-muh-muh my Sharona....right? This is a very rock/popish catchy song with a great hook and chorus. Irony of this song is that with all the attention the song was garnering for Fieger, he tragically passed away shortly after the release of the CD after a long battle with cancer.

“I’m The Animal” features German rocker Tobias Sammet on vocals and ESP/KISS drummer Eric Singer on drums. An instrumental track entitled “Between the Lines” features the talent of Steve Lukather, best known for his work with Toto.

Bruce really does shine on this CD and he should be very proud of the art that he has created. Personally, I think the inclusion of Jeremy Rubolino as producer gave Bruce the push he needed to go that extra mile and strive forward as a musician. Jeremy also co-wrote all tracks with Bruce and plays bass and keyboards too.

I truly hope that Bruce gets the recognition that he deserves with this CD. He is the most underrated member of the KISS family and his contributions have never truly been acknowledged. I hope that Bruce gets to take his creation out on the road and share it with his fans. BK3 is a stellar CD for both KISS fans and fans of great guitar driven rock. Best of luck to you Bruce!