Album Review: In This Moment - "Blood"

I was so stoked for this album to come out after hearing their first single, "Blood." They did more than make an impression. It's hot, sexy, angry, aggressive, and hard; everything you'd want to hear from the band and front-woman, Maria Brink. It gave me the same feel as Evanescence's "Fallen" album, but this is way more powerful. Some very haunting interludes are thrown in throughout the album which are way cool (in the creepiest ways). Good to hear another female kill it like this! You have to pick this one up for sure. My favorite song was "Adrenalize." 5 out of 5 stars!

Album Review: The Darkness - "Hot Cakes"

The more I listen to them, the more I compare them to Queen. Absolutely love the The Darkness' style of music. This album made me a fan for sure! They've created something different for this generation and it's wonderful! It's very nostalgic, feel-good music. Justin Hawkins has amazing pipes as it is and just a fun vocalist to listen to. This is a great change up to what rock albums have been coming out lately. When you hit those ruts in your music selection and get tired of listening to the same stuff, pick this one up! My ears are happy with this for sure. 5 out of 5 stars.

Album Review: Saving Abel - "Bringing Down the Giant"

Since when did they start playing country? It sounds like they've gotten some sort of country/bluegrass influence. Seriously, a lot of the more current country out sounds like this. There's a lot of banjos, fiddles and acoustics (which I usually dig) incorporated into this album. Thank goodness Jared Weeks still has a voice for rock or else I would have turned it off. To be brutally honest, 95% of it annoyed me. The title track "Bringing Down the Giant" was the only song I could halfway get in to. I'm disappointed!

Album Review: 10 Years - "Minus the Machine"

These dudes know how to write an album. Their songs always seem to have a haunting edge to them. I'm not one for rock ballads, but their track "Writing on the Walls" is phenomenal! "Backlash" is also a killer one. I think I like this band so much because Jesse has such a distinctive voice. SO worth buying! 4 out of 5 stars.

Album Review: Toadies - "Play.Rock.Music."

Sticking with the 90's feel. I likey. A lot of songs sound the same. A lot of the tracks have really slow grooves; good for baby making music. I hear a big mix of blues and southern rock in it too. Which is a good change of pace! I really dig "Beside You." Worth picking up if you're a Toadies fan. I'd buy it on iTunes to pick and choose what tracks you want. I didn't like EVERYTHING, but it's solid! 3 out of 5 stars.