Band: LA Guns
Album: Tales from the Strip (Mascot Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.laguns.net
Rating: 7.5/10
Once again no Tracii Guns, and the last time I heard them was on the pretty dull "Rip the Covers Off", hopefully they can persuade me this time round.
So, "Tales from the Strip", Phil Lewis, Stacey Blades, Steve Riley and Adam Hamilton offer us 14 new tracks, some great and some not so great. I'm sure fans of the band will be taken back to the glory days listening to this, but I personally found it frustrating at times. As I just said, there are some absolute quality, sleazy hard rock tracks on here, mammoth grooves and very catchy, and then once, your on a high, the next track just isn't as good. I found the more upbeat songs very entertaining, it was just the slower songs that didn't really do it for me.
"Tales from the Strip" could have been an absolute monster of an album, it gets of to a blistering start but just as your getting into full swing, there's a track that really brings you down to earth with a bump. Maybe I'm looking too much at what could have been, and not what is on offer. If thats the case, then this is still a good Hard Rock album that will appeal to fans old and new.
Band: LA Guns
Album: Rips the Covers Off (Mascot Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.laguns.net
Rating: 6.5/10
Yet another covers album released on the Mascot Records label.
No Tracii Guns of course, thought I did hear somewhere he was still a member?, but L.A. Guns continue regardless and pay homage to some of their idols etc, with songs from the likes of Queen, Saxon, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Hanoi Rocks to name but a few. From the opener "Rock and Roll Outlaw" (Rose Tattoo), through songs such as Zeppelins "Custard Pie" and Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" and finishing with Iggy Pop's "Search and Destroy". L.A. Guns are a great band, and as usual show energy throughout the album, but like I do, I always think why not just listen to the originals on the first place?
Excluding the awful "Hurdy Gurdy Man", "Rip the Covers Off" isn't a bad album, but it should only be of any real great interest to die hard fans of the band who must own everything.
Band: Labyrinth
Album: Labyrinth (Century Media)
Year: 2003 (Release Date: 30.06.03)
Website: http://www.labyrinthmusic.it
Rating: 7.75/10
Over the years, Italy has really been a hotbed for great power metal bands. I've even reviewed a couple of new and upcoming bands and they've all been great. This is Labyrinth's debut on Century Media following there move from Metal Blade. What I look for in a power metal band is powerful vocals which are able to change to suit the music, great melodies and leads and the ability to write a slower songs, not just hyper riffing and lightning double-bass drumming through the whole album. Labyrinth have these and have created an interesting album, not a masterpiece, but enjoyable non-the-less.
Forming over a decade ago, Labyrinth have been steadily releasing high-quality albums and constantly touring to promote them. The last we heard of them was 2000's "Son's of Thunder" on Metal Blade, and gained average reviews. The good news is this is considerably better than that effort. It may be a bit more heavier in parts that on previous releases and the with the odd exception, the keyboards sound great and really add that something extra to the album.
This will surely please fans of old and new. There is nothing that you won't have heard before from other bands in the genre, but if your looking for a solid, enjoyable power metal album, then look no further.
Band: Lacrimas Profundere
Album: Fall, I Will Follow (Napalm Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.lacrimas.de
Rating: 9/10
Lacrimas Profundere has once again embarked on a new journey. Recorded at Klangschmiede Studio by Markus Stock, this new releases blends the style of preceding albums with melancholic rock with gothic and melodic doom influences.
Creating a deeply emotional atmosphere, which leads to a new dimension of sadness. Partly melancholic, partly refreshingly rocky and captivating at all times.
This is an excellent example of melodic doom not that different to later day Katatonia, especially on the “Tonight Decision” album. So, if you a fan of Katatonia, Anathema etc this will surely be a great addition to your collection. People who haven’t heard of those bands could do a lot worse than grab this to introduce them to this style. A Great release for Napalm Records.
Band: Lacuna Coil
Single: Our Truth (Century Media)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.lacunacoil.it
Rating: 5/10
"Our Truth" is the first single from the highly anticipated "Karmacode" out on April 3rd.
For those that are interested, you can find this on the soundtrack to the new "Underworld: Evolution" film. I'm sure that it's going to be a commercial success and receive massive radio and TV airplay, but if I'm honest, it's not really that memorable.
I've only got this one song here, but apparently the single will be available in three formats. The regular CD will include "Our Truth" and an acoustic version of "Unspoken". There will also be a digi-pack version of the single featuring "Our Truth", "Swamped", a remix of "Our Truth" and a brand-new non-LP track, "Without a Reason". The final version will be a double-sided picture disc containing "Our Truth" and "Without a Reason". I'm Still eager to hear the new album, although I hope the new album on the whole is a little more interesting.
Band: Lacuna Coil
Single: Swamped (Century Media)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.lacunacoil.it
Rating: 9/10
This single is taken from Lacuna Coil's breakthrough new double album "Comalies", and is a great example of this band’s talent to write tuneful metal with memorable harmonies and catchy lyrics.
Cristina’s voice is soulful as always, moving the metallic guitar work of Cristiano Migliore and Marco Biazzi in a refreshingly euphonic direction. With a strong performance from Andrea Ferro, this male/female vocal tandem forms a compelling interplay of style and substance, leading to one of the most powerful commercial metal offerings of 2004. This single is backed by an acoustic version of the track that hints at the songs origination. It stands on its own as a great track in its own right, but please keep those metal riffs in LC!
A great introduction to one of the year’s most excellent albums. Review by Star (Contact)
Band: Latrodectus
Album: Altered Flesh (Adipocere Records)
Year: 2003
Website: ?
Rating: 8.25/10
Latrodectus is the scientific name of the deadly Black Widow Spider. Anyway, the musical concept of the band deals with solitude, darkness etc and play a type of melodic black metal. Consisting of Arkwolf (d), Crom (g), Count Necurat (v), Shyvv (k) and Likk (b) this is a prime example of melodic/symphonic black metal.
Besides the black metal there is also a modern feel to it especially on the slower heavier parts, the rest is good examples how the Melodic/Symphonic black metal should be done properly.
I have heard some terrible examples of this style before but I can safely say that this is going to be filed under the “To be played again” section
Band: Last Hours of Torment
Album: Downfall of Man (Burial Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/xsimon.sx
Rating: 8/10
"Downfall of Man" by North London's Last Hours of Torment is cold, scathing and lunging, which often hides behind the false veil of melodic interludes. They state they draw their influences from the likes of At the Gates, Soilwork and The Year of our Lord, but the band also maintain an almost "DIY" approach to doing things. This is their debut EP from last year and have moved away from the "metalcore" banner to a more exciting melodic black/death metal style.
The whole album incorporates lots of different styles including not only Death, Black and Doom, but also Hardcore, all this stops the album becoming boring. The dual-vocal screams/grunts and the somewhat "Old-School" death metal production adds that something extra, to a somewhat exciting album.
Although it only clock it at just over 20 minutes, there is enough stuff here to interest you. I know I will definitely check out there debut album when/if it's released. A great start for the band, it's a bout time I started hearing some descent extreme UK bands!
Band: Leaves Eyes
Album: Vinland Saga (Napalm Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.leaveseyes.de
Rating: 9/10
After appearing on Cradle Of Filth’s "Nymphetamine album", ex Theatre of Tragedy vocalist Liv Kristine is back with the second album of current outfit, Leaves’ Eyes.
Backing up Liv Kristine is the entire line-up of Atrocity, which results in some top quality Symphonic Goth Metal. Some of the highlights of the album include the added death grunts of husband and Atrocity vocalist Alexander Krull alongside the angelic vocals of Liv Kristine. Whilst the Symphonic stuff with the vocals is fine, its when the guitars and general heaviness kick in, then it gets really impressive.
There may not be anything really new or anything you wont have heard before, but "Vinland Saga" is a really enthralling and interesting listen. In a genre that is kind of over flowing now, Leaves Eyes are easily amongst the fore runners.
Band: Life of Agony
Album: River Runs Again, Live 2003 (Steamhammer/SPV)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.lifeofagony.com
Rating: 9.5/10
After a lengthy 6 year hiatus, the newly re-reformed Life of Agony have released a double live album recorded with the original line-up of Keith Caputo, Joey Z, Alan Robert and Sal Abruscato.
The 18 blistering live tracks were recorded at the band's sold out reunion shows on the 3rd and 4th January at the Irving Plaza in New York. In addition to the live tracks, the CD contains three bonus tracks featuring the LOA members current projects; Among Thieves (Alan Robert), Supermassiv (Sal Abruscato) as well as a Keith Caputo solo track, anyway, coming back to the live tracks, they are the perfect opportunity for new comers to see what they are missing, and a great addition to your collection if your a fan of the band.
LOA sound truly great live, there is lots of crowd interaction between the songs, and on the more well-known tracks, you can hear the crowd singing along, all the way through. Also worth mentioning is, fans of the band may notice how "sloppy" some of the song sound, by that I mean they are not as tight and sometimes a bit faster than the studio versions. To sum it all up, this is not only a great live album, it is also a best of album too, there aren't any tracks that instantly come to mind that are missing. Having listened to this, next time LOA come to the Birmingham area, I will be there! River Runs Again is well worth investing in!
Band: Life Once Lost, A
Album: Hunter (Ferret Music)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.alifeoncelost.com
Rating: 9/10
Last I checked ALOL were a randy Meshuggah clone.
Not the overhyped Nothing days, but rather the bionic sounding, mega-tech Chaosphere era. A Life Once Lost perfected that vibe into a semi-metalcore approach with plenty of hardcore breakdowns and weird time signatures. Hunter is their latest where they break further away from their influences and go into their own. The result is alarmingly good, and is easily one of the best offerings this year from the whole Sounds of the Underground tour package. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Light This City
Album: Remains Of The Gods (Prosthetic Records)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.lightthiscity.com
Rating: 9/10
Citing influences as some of the Bay Area's Thrash greats, I was really expecting some clichéd, second rate thrash.
With an average age of only 19, Light This City show talent and experience the belies there age. Combining the best elements of Modern Metal, Metalcore and Melodic Death, you can hear hints of At The Gates, Testement and "Heartwork"-era Carcass with a female vocalist that would make Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy) proud.
Amongst the long list of impressive things is Ben Murray, 17 years old and he not only recorded the drum tracks but also composed and wrote all guitar riffs and played them on the album. Coming back to Arch Enemy, if you liked "Anthems of Rebellion", then without doubt you'll be impressed by this. Light The City are a remarkable band that has a very bright future ahead of them! Check them out Now!
Band: Lilitu
Album: The Delores Legion (The End Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.lilitu.ws
Rating: 8.5/10
Crazy heavy, multiple variation melodic death metal of the Swedish variety.
Like old school In Flames and Dark Tranquility mixed with Dissection’s "Somberlain". Lilitu mix up the formulas and pack unsuspecting punches. Very strong all around. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Linea 77
Album: Numb (Earache)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.linea77.com
Rating: 8.25/10
Linea 77 first started making a name for themselves outside of their native Italy in 1999 with a weird MCD entitled "Too Much Happiness...Makes Kids Paranoid". They were quickly described as just another quirky European act and gained fairy good reviews.
Linea 77 will never fit into just one category, with their dual-vocalists, modern nu-metal influences and hints of funk and hardcore thrown in for good measure and, at times, even remind me of a heavy, early Red Hot Chilli Peppers. They also seems a very high energetic band and there "grooves" are hard to ignore, definitely an MTV/Kerrang friendly band.
Not what I usually expect from an Earache release but with all the rubbish emerging over the last few years, its good to hear a modern sounding band that doesn't sound exactly like all the others. Annoying at first but the quirkiness soon grew on me. All in All, quite an enjoyable listen.
Band: Liquido
Album: Float (Nuclear Blast)
Year: 2005
Website: http://www.liquido.de
Rating: 3.5/10
From one of the biggest and most important metal labels, comes Liquido.
I've never heard of Liquido before this, but apparently they have had a massive hit a little while back with the song "Narcotic". "Float" is nothing more than a pop-rock album, that will have you thinking along the lines of Blur, Pulp and the annoying Wheatus. Plenty of dodgy electro bits and bobs with the occasional distorted vocals, which just doesn't do anything for me. There are a couple of heavier affairs, but they are still nothing but average rock songs. After a few listens, I was still wondering what was going on, and trying to recall any
With the likes of My Early Mustang, Angelzoom and now Liquido, it makes me wonder in just what direction Nuclear Blast are going to turn to next. Come on guys, sort it out!
Band: Liturgy
Album: Dawn of Ash (Unmatched Brutality Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.liturgy666.com
Rating: 8.5/10
"Like being grinded into hamburger" – this is the closest I can describe Liturgy’s "Dawn of Ash" on weak minds.
This is ultra brutal low-end death metal in pure Brodequin fashion complete with vomiting vocals, pig grunts and gurgling throatkills. In fact, Liturgy is comprised of current Brodequin and Disgorge members and former members of Cinerary. The guitars are sludgy and the drums are on a kamikazi mission. The Liturgy blasts are phenomenal as is the ability all around. This is a monster I tell you, a horrid beast that skins people alive. No one walks away unharmed. Flat out one of the strongest recordings of its caliber in the death metal genre.
For fans of Brodequin, Deeds of Flesh, Mutilated and Saprogenic. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Lord Belial
Album: The Seal of Belial (Regain Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.lordbelial.com
Rating: 8/10
Lord Belial return with their fifth full-length release, and if like me you're not familiar with the band, these Swedes play a mixture of traditional black metal with some modern black influences with hints of new wave of Swedish death metal.
"The Seal of Belial" is a heavy mid-tempo black metal album that chugs along with an almost groovy like feel to it. It may not be the most original thing I've heard, but there is plenty more things on the album to make up for that fact, and keep you interested throughout. The Powerful double-bass drumming, traditional black metal style vocals and some heavy guitar work round up an dark and impressive album.
It beats me how a quality band like Lord Belial have managed to slip pass me. There are one or two moment when this start to sound familiar, but all-in-all, If you like it Black, heavy, grim and oppressive, go and snap up "The Seal of Belial".
Band: LordGore
Album: The Autophagous Orgy (Razorback Records)
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.lordgore.net
Rating: 9.25/10
They say you should never judge a CD by its cover; the only possible exception is this CD. If you see this cover, you’ll know what to expect, 7 naked anime women ripping each other apart mid-orgy.
This is mid-paced Death/Gore not heard since the likes of Autopsy. The vocals (no effects used!) are not from this world, heavy and extremely down tuned guitars and almost “hypnotic” drumming create an overall immensely sickening and somewhat “groovy” atmosphere.
It makes a change listening to bands that seem to blast their way through the album as fast as possible and, with the disturbing hate/pain/rape/suffering themed lyrics (which unsurprisingly don’t appear in the booklet) this is probably one of the best thing I’m going to hear this year.
Band: Lost in Rhone
Album: Beloved the Ones Who Sit Down (Dockyard 1)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.lostinrhone.com
Rating: 5/10
So-So Post Hardcore/Emo from these young Belgian newcomers.
I don't listen to much of this Post Hardcore/Emo stuff because, well... I like my music with a bit of balls, but from what I've heard they all sound just like this. I will give it to them though, they are definitely better than some of the drab I have come across. They have some great dual guitar leads and some interesting, heavy breakdowns, albeit in small quantities. There are a couple of standout tracks on here, and it does get of to a promising start, but it soon gets a little reparative and dull.
This is only their debut album, and I'm sure they will progress and evolve their ideas as time goes on. In my opinion, they should really focus more on the aggressive/breakdown side of things as this is where they really shine.
Band: Lost Soul
Album: Chaostream (Earache)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.lostsoul.pl
Rating: 8/10
Killer Polish death metal chock full of those meaty riffs you can just sink your teeth into.
Lost Soul are somewhere between Yattering, Demise, Centinex and Septic Flesh. Yet another mega-strong offering from Lost Soul – extreme technical precision, unstoppable brutality and prog compositions all clash perfectly as the splitting of the atom. Like most death metal albums they play it safe for the first three tracks to prove that they’re still hard and as we progress to track five and beyond Lost Soul truly move into their own and are less constricted and more creative. This is a very intelligently composed and well thought out release with good song writing elements and memorable riffs.
Lost Soul have mastered the art of death metal and "Chaostream" stands at the forefront of their highly acclaimed career. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Loving Tongue, The
Album: Distant Dreams (Locrian Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.geocities.com/thelovingtongue
Rating: 8.5/10
"Distant Dreams", the third album by aussie progsters The Loving Tongue is by far their best and most adventurous album.
This will no doubt appeal to fans of 70's prog and indeed any fans of trad. rock/metal. Overall there is 16 tracks spread over two CD's, the first disc titled "When Angels Sing" is the more "mellower" of the two with song titles like "Why Did You Cry Tonight", "Universal Love" and "Crying For My Woman" all loosely based on a medieval concept and the second, is the more "darker" "Warriors Cry". Songs like "Kings of the Darkest Night", "Warriors of Enchantment" and the classic 8 minute "Death" with it's Latin passages, heavy riffs and pounding drums make this my favorite disc.
Overall, "Distant Dreams" was an enjoyable journey, I particularly like the use of two discs, each with distinct themes, and the smaller themes within each disc. I'm not sure how readily available this album is outside Australia, but it's well worth checking out.
Band: Lowemotor Corporation
Album: Saturnalia (Spinefarm Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.lowemotor.com
Rating: 5.5/10
Lowemotor Corporation are a pretty hit and miss band, there's some good heavy rock on here, but a few of the songs are just stupid.
Opener "The Flyin' G" is about, well a G-String that flies in the night?!?!? musically, it's a decent melodic, heavy guitar-driven rock album and the tracks "Tonight", "Soul of a Pagan" and "Child of Lies" showcases some damn fine riffs. The vocals however are a different story, ex-stripper Claudia’s style of singing and pronunciation might get on some people’s nerves, I know it did with me. It's very monotonous with no feeling or variety to it, in fact the topics and subjects of the songs are also a little dull.
There were one or two songs that I could listen to all the way through, but I found myself skipping after about a minute into each song. Unless your into bands such as My Ruin, there's not much on here I'm afraid for me to recommend you spending your hard earned cash on.
Band: Lucifugum
Album: On Hooks to Pieces (Oaken Shield)
Year: 2003
Website: ?
Rating: 8.5/10
Ukraine's Lucifugum were formed in 1995, and ever since have been regularly threatened by religious and political authorities because of their musical activities. Even some of their gigs have been cancelled due to the intervention of those authorities.
Whilst their take on black metal is very raw, the keyboards, on occasions can be a double-edged sword. The keyboards do the job of creating a very eerie atmosphere very well but sometimes seem too merry. Another thing is that the songs have a sort of "catchy" feeling to them, which is quite unusual in black metal. The vocals, mid-slow paced, almost spoken screeching are all done in their native language, even the lyrics in the insert are in Ukrainian.
Lucifugum are a very interesting band, and the songs have a different feeling to them than usual, I can't really place my finger on it. Find out for yourselves, this is definitely one worth checking out!
Band: Lucky Striker 201
Album: Night Room
Year: 2002
Website: http://www.ls201.fr.st
Rating:8.5/10
This band will never fit into any one category.
| Influences range from Rammstein and NIN to Depeche Mode and to me “Host” era Paradise Lost. With Electro rhythms, Industrial/Metal riffs, and gothic keyboards this is a very Atmospheric, Catchy release which is impossible not to bang your head to, which has left me very pleased to hear as I have never heard anything quite like this style before. |  |
Band: Ludicra
Album: Another Great Love Song (Alternative Tentacles)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.ludicra.org
Rating: 8/10
Jello Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles label has unequivocally been recognized as a source of weirdo punk and off the wall antics for many a year. Therefore it will surprise many of you that AT has gone ahead and jumped into black metal.
Ludicra is the first disc of the genre ever to surface from the label, one that mixes a militant blackened war metal sound with superbly advanced musicianship tying together various genres such as doom, crust, thrash, and hints of all metal from the European persuasion. Hailing from Oakland, California, Ludicra has a passion on this disc far exceeding many of their American peers. The compositions are epic and multi-layered as Cradle of Filth all the while avoiding the cheese that UK stink bomb trails like a stream of half digested cottage cheese. There is an Opeth influence at play as well as Nephenzy Chaos Order and Wurdulak, plus a hundred or so other influences effortlessly streaming through their material.
Socially conscious, superbly mixed, expertly recorded, "Another Great Love Song" is one of the better American black metal albums to come out in the past few years. Elitists be damned, get this ASAP. Review by Ryan Bartek
Band: Lunaris
Album: Cyclic (Elitist Records)
Year: 2004 (Release Date: 22.03.04)
Website: http://www.lunarisweb.com
Rating: 9/10
I knew nothing about Lunaris before I received this other than they played a style of Black Metal. Just looking at them I knew it wasn't going to be the old school, raw, Darkthrone style.
On first listen, Lunaris were you typical modern/melodic black metal band. To be honest it was a hard listen at first, I did however decide to play it a few more times and give it a chance. There are many things I missed on the first few listens and it took a good few more to realize the technicality and how complex the album really is. One thing I would say if you were to go out and buy this album is, give it a chance, you will have to use some imagination to understand just how expansive and intriguing this album is. Progressive Black Metal is probably the best way to describe "Cyclic" with it's intricate guitar work, melodies and keyboard atmospheres.
If that's not enough, the album includes a horde of special guests such as Steve DiGiorgio (Testament/Sadus/Death), Eric Peterson (Testament & Dragonlord), Asgeir Mickelson (Borknagar, Spiral Architect, ex-Testament etc) and Steinar Sverd Johnsen (Arcturus, ex-Covenant). Melodic and creative yet aggressive and cold but above all, "Cyclic" is a very interesting album.
Band: Lynch, George
Album: Furious George (Mascot Records)
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.georgelynch.com
Rating: 8/10
If 2003's "REvolution" wasn't enough to convince you, this surely will.
George Lynch is one of THE best guitarists around, and has been for a while and "Furious George" see's him paying homage to some of his influences over the years. You get 12 great cover tracks, which were all hits when they were originally released, from the likes of Montrose, Jimi Hendrix, Mountain, Jeff Beck and Deep Purple to name but a few. Helping Lynch out on the album is by ex-MSG/Baton Rogue vocalist Kelly Keeling, ex-Racer X drummer Jeff Martin, bassist Gunter Nezhoda and guitarist Kevin Curry and, whilst they stick pretty much to the original versions, they also add their own touches here and there.
Cover albums are usually a hit or miss affair, but "Furious George" is definitely one of the hits. Another thing just worth mentioning is the incredible Kelly Keeling on vocals, you will probably want to have a look at some of his other work because this guy knows how to sing.
Band: Lynch Mob
Album: REvolution (Mascot Records)
Year: 2003
Website: http://www.georgelynch.com
Rating: 9/10
I'm sure that some people will disagree but, I think REvolution, a collection of reworked Dokken and older LM tracks is a great idea.
As I said, REvolution is a collection of 13 totally revamped Dokken and older Lynch Mob tracks including "Tooth & Nail", "Breaking the Chains" and "Tangled in a Web" and also see's the return of previous vocalist Robert Mason as well as Anthony Esposito on bass. Although the originals will always be classics, these new, sludgier, grittier versions are truly fantastic.
Whilst most of the tracks standout a mile, the greatest highlight by far, for me is the excellent "Kiss of Death" taken from Dokken's 1987 release, "Back For The Attack", I'd also say that this is the best release since the band's 1992's self-titled album. This album should prove that George Lynch is, and has been one of the best guitarists over the last 20 years! I also want to point out the amaizing vocal work of Robert Mason, I've never heard of the guy before but he has to be one of the best rock/metal singers that I've heard for a while now, comparisons would be Chris Logan from MSG/Outlaw Circus/World's Within. A great slab of metal/rock from a guy who show's today's modern guitarists just who's boss!
Band: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Album: Gimme Back My Bullets CD/DVD (Universal Music)
Year: 2006
Website: http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com
Rating: 9/10
To celebrate the bands induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Universal have decided to re-release this classic album from 1976.
Not only do you get the album in its entirety, you also get 6 bonus tracks, superb linear notes and a bonus DVD. The bonus tracks are unreleased live recordings and an alternate version of the track Double Trouble. If this is not enough of a reason to go out and buy it, you also get a DVD thrown in of when the band performed live on The Old Grey Whistle Test way back in 1975.
This is probably one, if not the finest album that the legendary southern rockers released which welds rock onto blues and country to create a totally unique, yet instantly recognizable sound. To put it simply, Skynyrd are an essential band that all fans of rock should be familiar with. Nothing more to say really, a fantastic package for fans, collectors and new comers alike.
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