On July 13, 1973 "Jethro Tull" released its sixth studio album, "A Passion Play". This album stands as a testament to the band's ambition and willingness to push the boundaries of progressive rock. Building upon the success of their previous epic, "Thick as a Brick", Ian Anderson and his bandmates set out to create their second full-length concept album - a bombastic musical project that would leave a lasting impact. While the album achieved commercial success becoming "Jethro Tull's" second number-one album in the United States, it received mixed reviews from critics, leading to a divided reception among listeners. The genesis of "A Passion Play" was fraught with challenges and setbacks. Seeking to evade British Crown Income Tax investigators, the band initially relocated to Switzerland and later settled in France's Chateau d'Herouville, a famed recording venue frequented by renowned artists as "Pink Floyd", Elton John and "T. Rex". Amidst technical difficulties, illnesses, and general discontentment, the recordings made in Switzerland and France were ultimately discarded, and the band decided to return to England. This tumultuous journey set the stage for a rushed creative and production process as Ian Anderson, with just 17 days before a new American tour, had to create fresh material and record the entire concept. Conceptually, "A Passion Play" deviates from the traditional religious "Passion Play" dealing with the life and death of Jesus - a religious hero, by exploring the afterlife journey of a man named Ronnie Pilgrim. The album unfolds as a continuous piece of music, divided into two sides, chronicling Ronnie's funeral, his time caught between life and death, recognizing the old conflict between good and bad, God and the Devil, and finally the return to everyday life. While the album's lyrics are extremely complicated, the story is often unclear, and much is left to the individual's interpretation, the overarching narrative struggles to find cohesion, with Anderson's rushed writing process leading to disjointed sections and fragmented motifs. Musically, "A Passion Play" presents a fusion of old English folk, classical influences, and of course progressive rock elements. The band exhibits their instrumental prowess with soft acoustic guitars, playful pianos, expressive keyboards, and Anderson's signature vocal delivery. Notably, Anderson experimented with the saxophone, providing a different tonal texture to the music, albeit at the expense of his iconic flute playing. The album showcases "Jethro Tull's" virtuosity and features some memorable melodies, displaying the band's versatility and musicianship. One notable interruption in the album comes in the form of "The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" closing the first side and opening the second side of the vinyl. This spoken-word interlude, musically related with Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, narrated with a humorous English accent by bassist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond, offers a brief respite from the overall narrative, injecting an element of whimsy into the otherwise weighty themes explored in the album. Upon its release, "A Passion Play" garnered fierce criticism from both critics and fans. The rushed production process is evident in the album's disjointed nature, lackluster transitions, and underdeveloped arrangements. Critics accused the album of being pretentious, difficult to follow, and musically unengaging. However, it's important to note that the album did achieve commercial success, reaching number one on the charts in the United States, suggesting a divided reception between critics and the general audience. In retrospect, "A Passion Play" remains a controversial entry in "Jethro Tull's" discography. Some view it as a flawed masterpiece, appreciating its ambitious scope and the band's musical prowess, while others see it as an incoherent and inaccessible work. Regardless of its flaws, the album holds a unique place in the progressive rock canon, representing a period of experimentation and artistic exploration for "Jethro Tull". For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

We vividly recall the first time we listened to this album. We bought it at the "Disc Club" store in Eilat and eagerly awaited the moment we could get in the car and play it. Those few seconds before it started felt like five years, five years of anticipating new music from the band we deeply admire. From the very first note, it sounded incredible! We even thought the car's sound system had been upgraded overnight because the audio quality was astonishing. We ended up listening to the album for four straight hours! Hayehudim's fourth studio album, "Forte," came out on July 13, 2007, during a period when CDs were the primary medium, before streaming became prevalent. Interestingly, that was also the year the first iPhone was introduced. As mentioned, the album was released 5 years after "Death Fear", which was an unconventional experience for the band, featuring a somewhat deficient sound. Following the album's release, the band experienced a major change. Yiftach Shahaf (unrelated to Orit), who had been the band's guitarist since the late 90s, right after their second album "HaYehudim" was released, and a close friend of Orit Shahaf and Tom Petrover, decided to leave to pursue his career in the US. He was replaced by two exceptional guitarists and talented musicians, Daniel Bercher and Guy Be'er. They debuted with the band in August 2003 at the Wahl Amphitheater in Tel Aviv and participated in the "Hayehudim BeYeshiva" tour, which continued for several years after the release of the Live album "Unplugged". For us, "Forte" was the band's best album until their latest release, "No More." As devoted fans, we might be biased, which is why everything new they produce seems like the best to us. And what about "Separate Reality," you ask? It's an album that deserves its own Hall of Fame, encased in a glass aquarium, due to its temporary super-uniqueness and because the leading radio stations in Israel only play its songs. Let's get back to the point... It was the best album in many ways; its sound is simply phenomenal. The guitars of Bracher and Beer (B&B) are outstanding, Yahav the drummer is stepping up, and Stroll, along with Orit and Tom, rounds it off perfectly like a quality "su-weed" cooking. We'll continue... The background to the recordings is depicted in the song "New York City". In April 2005, the band members took a collective break and traveled to the Big Apple to explore Manhattan, where they stayed for four months. Tom mentioned that they wandered around the city on foot to absorb the atmosphere, get acquainted, be inspired, and experience the surroundings. This gave them a feeling that anything is possible there, not in an economic sense but in terms of events and movement, allowing them to be themselves, which felt magical. In December 2006, they went to Sterling Sound Studios in New York for an intensive week of recording, working on their fourth album with Ted Jensen, a renowned figure who collaborated with bands like Green Day and the "Dave Matthews Band." Photo: Tal Shachar Certainly, New York had an undeniable influence on the first song that starts the album in English. This is the band's only album that begins with an English song. The track "Don’t Like" opens with a distinct, heavy, and dramatic vibe, hinting at what's to come. The song conveys the sense that Orit and Tom were eagerly waiting to erupt alongside you; those five years felt like an eternity for them as well. Power is the central theme of this album! The song features a stunning break, with the 16-bit sound accompanying Mittelman's keyboards, building with the guitars to a powerful and triumphant climax. The second song, "You Have No Place," was released as the first single from the album. Let's pause for a moment, as something exciting happened during that time. The network company "Cellcom" featured the song with Tom and Orit (if our memory serves correctly) in a TV commercial. The band has faced media neglect since their journey began, but we won't delve into that here. This marks the band's first high-budget music video since "Looking for Answer" from their debut album. The song possesses a captivatingly powerful rhythm that entrances you with Yahav's drumming, Mittelman's keyboard work reminiscent of a string ensemble, and Daniel's guitar arpeggios, which also take the solo. The chorus bursts forth with such intensity that it makes you want to scream your heart and lungs out uncontrollably—give it a try, it works! "That's how I am" unfolds playfully, creating an illusion of joy and lightness, yet Orit's lyrics are powerful and even somber. Her voice, alternating between shouting "Why me" and whispering, adds a dramatic touch to her captivating performance. Prepare for "Here It Comes", where Tom's lyrics reflect the era's atmosphere and surrounding events, accompanied by a strong rhythm and a beautiful break reminiscent of bluesy rock, highlighted by B&B's exceptional guitar work, especially Guy Beer, who shines with an incredible solo in these two tracks. Whatever comes next, we are prepared, and what arrives now, gently caresses and touches. The song "Until It Passes" was inspired by Dana Ben-Tzur, a 17-year-old fan of the band who tragically passed away. After she was injured in unfortunate circumstances, the band members stayed by her bedside, witnessing her fall into a coma. During their first visit, they even managed to get her to open her eyes and remained by her side ever since. After several months, just as it seemed positive neurological signs were emerging and she had recovered from a severe bacterial infection, Dana sadly passed away. The song was written, drawing inspiration from Tom and Orit's deep connection with Dana. The final part of the song is so moving that it's hard not to shed a tear. The initial segment of the song that comes after "Somebody Else" seems to offer hope in light of the tragedy that took place. "If you fall I will catch you I promise I will I will love you forever Help you cross all the rivers And the deserts, I swear" Unlike anything we've heard before, Orit incorporates effects that merge her voice with the guitar distortion. It's a refreshing and delightful transformation. Have we mentioned that everything the band touches turns to gold? Who mentioned grunge? This sound suits the band perfectly; what a beautiful song. In our view, this track is the standout on the album, with each of the band's albums featuring a song that captivates you from start to finish, like "Ella," "Stealing," "Falling," and others. "New York City", as we mentioned earlier, was inspired by the band's experiences in New York, where they attempted to take a break but still performed at some festivals to give their overseas audience a taste. What a cool and catchy riff, and what a gritty sound from B&B, featuring two impressive solos by Daniel on guitar. We're right in the middle; this might be the band's longest album, if not one of the longest. A gentle and tender rock ballad, "Be," guides you through the character's introspection and existential musings, enhanced by a duet that sends continuous shivers. The transition is remarkable, with a stunning keyboard section preceding the guitar's entrance, showcasing the true art of music. The piece is intense and dynamic, building into a thrilling, captivating solo. Daniel and Guy deliver extraordinary guitar work, especially at 3:40, where the solo shatters us completely. We’ve enjoyed some grunge and a rock ballad, so let's dive back into metal. Ensure your speakers, especially the subwoofer, can handle the power of the song "Even When You Don't Cry"; it's risky for systems that aren't prepared. The intense and relentless sound of this exceptional band is lethal. Take note of Yahav's wide open hi-hat, which resembles a powerful waterfall carrying the deadly guitar riffs. Beyond the robust and heavy sound, pay attention to the talk box. Keep this in mind when we move on to "What About You". Pour yourself a glass of whiskey or red wine, settle onto the couch with the speakers perfectly positioned, and listen to Tom as he declares he "Cannot do it Otherwise." There's something incredibly captivating and genuine about Tom's singing (and Orit's too, don't be mistaken). From the very first album, we've embraced his rolling R's, his roars, and even his whispers. Whatever he conveys, it reaches straight to the heart. Tom's poignant and tragic love story on the piano, the challenges, the struggles, and the hardships seep into your very being, and you find yourself empathizing with your suffering hero, even if you haven't experienced the same path. The third song in English, "Learning", is an incredible showcase that highlights the band's power and strength. It features dynamic elements, a well-crafted structure, impressive sound, captivating vocals, and Daniel's solo, all of which provide pure enjoyment. Just step up! The song "Free" narrates a beautiful story about a man who discovered a freedom he selected for himself. Regardless of how others perceive it or how it might appear distorted, to him, it represents true freedom. Now, let's move on to one of the album's masterpieces, "What About You", which we mentioned earlier. This epic track lasts 6:02 minutes and gradually builds up, step by step. Each band member delivers a performance worthy of the Pantheon—let's emphasize it again, powerful!!! It's only at 3:31 that it begins to descend, like massive, powerful rocks plummeting like meteors from the sky, crashing to the ground as their fragments scatter and Orit sings "What about you." Suddenly, a terrifying explosion occurs, akin to an atomic bomb mushroom cloud, lifting the entire ground into uncontrollable levitation!!! This is the album's second single, accompanied by a high-budget and impressive music video. We'll pause here just to breath for a minute and then proceed to the final two songs that conclude the album. "Forever by me" is Tom's vow of eternal love, signifying that he will always cherish, remember, and stand by your side. He seeks life's meaning, which he believes he may only discover with her. This remarkable ballad, true to the band's signature style, builds in intensity as it unfolds, culminating in Tom's powerful roars harmonized with Daniel's solo. Whether these emotions arise from desperation or jealousy is for you to interpret. The album concludes with the song "Dreaming", featuring Orit solo with the piano. "Queen of the Amazons" captivates us every time, regardless of what she performs. It's a beautiful ending to a remarkable album. We won't debate whether this is the band's best album, but it is undoubtedly one of their greatest. It marks a significant milestone and, in our opinion, has consistently upheld the Israeli rock legacy that the band proudly carries through the years. Alongside the band's first two albums, this is their third best-selling album. It received the "Album of the Year" award at the Channel 24 Awards on Channel 4, and in March 2008, it achieved gold status by selling over 20,000 copies. Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Super virtuoso guitarist John Petrucci is celebrating his birthday today, and we want to tell you 52 interesting facts about him: (Photo: Dreamtheater.net) 1. He was born on July 12, 1967, in Long Island New York, named John Peter Petrucci. 2. At the age of 8 he started playing the guitar after seeing that his parents allowed his sister to stay up late to practice organ. 3. He stopped playing when he saw that he could not stay late, but returned to the guitar when he was 12, by that time it already looked different. He realized how much passion he has for the instrument and started practicing for at least 6 hours every day. 4. The first musical influences on him were a combination of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Rush, Yes, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and more. 5. One of the first bands he played was a cover band of his good friend, keyboardist Kevin Moore. Moore will later establish "Dream Theater" with him. 6. Joining the band spurred him to increase the pace of learning the guitar as he took advantage of every spare moment to self-learn the instrument in an attempt to resemble his protagonists: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Randy Rhodes, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Al Di Meola, Yngwie Malmsteen, Alex Lifeson, Steve Howe, David Gilmour, Eddie Van Halen and more. 7. After high school, Petrucci attended Berkeley College of Music in Boston with his childhood friend bassist John Myung, where he also met drummer Mike Portnoy. 8. Shortly afterward, the three formed the band "Majesty" and left college to pursue a musical career. They used to play covers of bands like "Rush" and "Iron Maiden". 9. To complete the band lineup, they turned to Kevin Moore to play keyboards and recruited singer Chris Collins to the band after hearing him perform the song "Queen of the Reich" by "Queensrÿche". 10. The name "Majesty" was chosen by Portnoy under the influence of "Bastille Day" from the album "Caress Of Steel" by "Rush", whose ending sounded to Portnoy Majestic !! 11. Under the name "Majesty" they recorded in the years 1986-1985 a demo album on a 4-channel tape, that originally included six songs. The album was called "The Majesty Demos". 12. These demos were later released as a bootleg with bonus clips from other recordings called "The Berkeley Demos" and included, among other things, a cover version of "Rush" instrumental "YYZ". Those who are interested in listening to demos, can do so here: 13. On November 13, 1986 Singer Chris Collins was fired from the band. After a long search, singer Charlie Dominici was selected and joined the band. 14. Following a threat from a band from Las Vegas also called "Majestic", Petrucci and his friends changed the band's name to "Dream Theater". 15. On June 23, 1988, the band signed a recording contract with an RCA subsidiary. 16. The band released their first album "When Dream and Day Unite" in March 1989 when Petrucci co-wrote the music as well as the lyrics to four of the eight tracks on the album. 17. Following the release of the album the band went for a limited number of performances during which they warmed up "Zebra". After only 4 performances, the band decided to release singer Charlie Dominici from the band. They felt he was not delivering the goods and were looking for a singer who looked and sounds more like Bruce Dickinson from "Iron Maiden" or Geoff Tate from "Queensrÿche". 18. The search for a singer took a long time and came to an end in January 1991, after the band received a demo of James LaBrie who was immediately invited to audition and was accepted into the band. 19. The band's big break came with the second album "Images and Words" released in July 1992. Also on this album Petrucci will write the lyrics for half of the songs and will co-write the music. Petrucci also began to serve as a background vocalist on this album. 20. Petrucci's dominance in background vocals will intensify after Mike Portnoy left the band. 21. Starting with the band's third album "Awake" Petrucci also started using a 7-string guitar. The addition of the low string gave Petrucci the heavy and massive sound associated with it. 22. He wrote the song "Take Away My Pain" from the band's fourth album - "Falling into Infinity" from 1997, in memory of his father. 23. The song "Another Day" from the album "Images and Words" was also written under the influence of his father's fight against cancer, the fight to live "another day" and moreover, Petrucci's desire to stay with him for another day before he leaves the world. 24. Petrucci writes lyrics for at least three of the songs from each album the band has released to date, among these songs are: "Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper", "The Great Debate", "In the Presence of Enemies" and more. 25. To date, Petrucci has released 16 studio albums and 9 live albums with "Dream Theater". 26. Since 1999 he has also served as the producer of all the band's albums. 27. In 1996, Petrucci was part of "Rush's" tribute album "Warking Man". He performed the song "Jacob's Ladder" with Billy Sheehan on bass, Mike Portnoy on drums, Matt Guillory on keyboards, and Sebastian Bach on vocals. 28. In 1997 he co-founded with his bandmate Mike Portnoy, an instrumental ensemble called "Liquid Tension Experiment". Together with this band, Petrucci released three albums, the last, named "LT3" in 2021. 29. In 1998, Petrucci was featured on the Explorers Club's Age of Impact album alongside James LaBrie and Steve Howe. 30. In 2000 he released the live album "An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess" in which he collaborated with "Dream Theater" keyboardist Jordan Rhodes. 31. In 2005 Petrucci released his first solo album "Suspended Animation". 32. Petrucci has quite a few collaborations with various artists and he has been featured on the albums of Derek Sherinian, Marty Friedman, Jordan Rhodes, and more. 33. Petrucci is associated with fast and precise playing and is considered one of the most talented guitarists in the world today. 34. He is one of the most decorated guitarists in terms of competitions, polls, and titles. The following is a small sample and does not represent them: 35. In 2007 he was chosen by the readers of "Total Guitar" magazine as the guitarist of the year. 36. In 2008 he was selected as one of the ten greatest guitarists of all time by "GuitarOne" magazine. 37. In 2009 he reached number two on Joel McIver's list of the 100 greatest guitarists in metal. (Photo: Larry DiMarzio) 38. In the years 2010-2011 he was chosen as the best metal guitarist in the survey of readers and musicians of "Guitar Player" magazine. 39. In 2011 he was also voted one of the 20 best metal musicians of all time, in "Total Guitar" magazine. 40. In 2012 it was ranked 17th on "Guitar World" magazine in the list of greatest guitarists. 41. The same magazine also put him in 2015 on the list of the 50 fastest guitarists. 42. He was also voted the best guitarist in the readership survey of the progressive section of "Classic Rock" magazine. 43. In 2019 he was voted the Virtuoso Guitarist of the Year by "Prog Magazine" readers. 44. In 1995 he released an instructional video called "Rock Discipline", which is a comprehensive guide to the modern guitar playing technique. The video was appreciated by musicians around the world. 45. He writes regular columns for "Guitar World" magazine and even released a book called "Guitar World Presents John Petrucci's Wild Stringdom," which is a collection of those columns he wrote. 46. He took part in guitarist Joe Satriani's G3 tour seven times, the most of all the other guitarists who were part of this prestigious and amazing project. 47. Ibanez was the first to release Petrucci's Signature Guitar. They did so from 1995-1999. 48. ​​Since 2001, Ernie Ball Music Man has created several signature guitar models bearing the name of Petrucci. In fact, the signature guitar of John - "Majesty by Ernie Ball Music Man", is the best-selling signature guitar of all time, according to Forbes. 49. Petrucci wrote and composed two soundtracks for "Sega Saturn" games. 50. He uses the pseudonym Johnny James from the imaginary ensemble "Nightmare Cinema" in which members of the "Dream Theater" used to change musical instruments during the encores. 51. Jordan Rhodes stated in 2008 that Petrucci is a devout Catholic. 52. Petrucci spends a significant portion of his time alone building and lifting weights. 53. Petrucci's wife was the guitarist of the female metal band "Meanstreak" which also starred the wives of Mike Portnoy and John Myung. 54. In 2020 Petrucci released his second solo album "Terminal Velocity" featuring Mike Portnoy and bassist Dave LaRue. And now we invite you to listen to a playlist we prepared for the band's last appearance in Israel: Click Here. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website Picture: Ultimate Guitar

On July 12, 1994, "Aerosmith" gave its first performance on the "Park Yarkon" stage in Israel. If you ask the handful of fans who were there, it was one of the 90s' biggest shows in Israel. If you ask the critics, it was probably one of the worst shows. why do you ask? So let's start with the fact that "Aerosmith" arrived in Israel at the peak of their success, as part of the tour designed to promote the masterpiece album "Get A Grip". It was supposed to be an amazing show, the band was in amazing shape and even if we refer only to the new fans who knew the band from the "Get A Grip" album, the setlist was supposed to contain an endless chain of hits. However, an unfortunate combination of bad public relations, unsuccessful production and an audience that did not know how to appreciate the treasure that fell into their hands, meant that less than 10,000 people came to this performance (and there were those in the audience who were willing to swear that it was barely 1,000 people). Just imagine the embarrassment of the band members who at that time were at the height of their success going on stage in front of a large park with a handful of people in the audience. Indeed, there were those in the audience who after the show said that they saw singer Steven Tyler muttering to guitarist Joe Perry something like "what a lousy crowd". But it didn't end there, those who came to the show when the gates opened had to wait in heavy heat for about three hours until the show started, why? Because the opening act that was planned to warm up the band just didn't show. And despite everything, those who were in the audience got to see the band at its peak with an amazing set that included 21 songs, in an intimate show that no one dreamed of receiving. The show opened with the sounds of "Eat the Rich" - the second single released from the masterpiece album "Get a Grip", when the band is behind a black and white striped curtain, the curtain falls and the band explodes on stage. The setlist continues with one of the surprises of the evening "Mama Kin" from the band's debut album released in 1973. Next came all the hits you could imagine: "Amazing", "Cryin", "Janie's Got a Gun", "Love in an Elevator", " Sweet Emotion", "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)", and as an encore, we got "Crazy", "Livin' on the Edge" and of course "Walk This Way". In addition, the band performed covers for "Led Zeppelin", "Fleetwood Mac" and James Brown, while in between we got a drum solo by Joey Kramer. There is no doubt, despite the bad tone and the small audience, the band professionally gave their all and we can say that the only song that was missing from the setlist was the legendary "Dream On". The complete setlist: Eat the Rich Mama Kin Fever Draw the Line Amazing Rag Doll Cryin' Shut Up and Dance Drum Solo Stop Messin' Around (Fleetwood Mac cover) Walk On Down Janie's Got a Gun Love in an Elevator Sweet Emotion Dazed and Confused (Led Zeppelin cover) The Peter Gunn Theme (Henry Mancini cover) Dude (Looks Like a Lady) Encore: Crazy Livin' on the Edge Mother Popcorn (James Brown cover) Walk This Way "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Here are some facts about Eric Adams known as the lead singer for "Manowar". (Photo Manowar's Instagram) = He was born Louis Marullo on July 12, 1952, in Auburn, New York. = Eric showed interest in music at age nine, starting with the guitar. = He Formed a garage band, "The Kids", with classmates in 1965. = The same year he released the song "Lovin' Everyday". = In 1966 "The Kids'" album, "Class of '66". = He Sang for the group "Looks", which included childhood friend Joey DeMaio. = In 1980, he joined the newly founded band "Manowar" as lead vocalist with Joey DeMaio on bass Ross "the Boss" Friedman on guitar and Carl Canedy on drums. (Photo: Fanart.TV) = Eric Adams's stage name is a combination of the names of his sons, Eric and Adam = He was influenced by Ian Gillan of "Deep Purple". = Eric developed a personal vocal style, holding high-note screams for 30 seconds at shows. = In his prime, his voice covered more than four octaves, from bass G1 to soprano C6. = He took only one voice lesson to learn proper breathing techniques. = In 1982 he released with "Manowar" their debut album "Battle Hymns". = This album was followed by 10 great albums of the band: "Into Glory Ride" (1983), "Hail to England" (1984), "Sign Of The Hammer" (1984), "Fighting the World (1987), "Kings of Metal" (1988), "The Triumph of Steel" (1992), "Louder Than Hell" (1996), "Warriors of the World" (2002), "Gods of War" (2007), "The Lord of Steel" (2012). = The song "Nessun Dorma" from the album "Warriors of the World" (2002) was dedicated to Adams's mother who had died earlier that year. = Amongst its varied tracks "Warriors of the World" contains tributes to Wagner, Pavarotti, and Elvis Presley. = In 2007 Eric sang a duet from "The Phantom of the Opera" with Maria Breon. The song was included in "HolyHell's" "Apocalypse" EP. = The same year he sang the Bulgarian National Anthem during "Manowar's" show in Kavarna, Bulgaria. = He performed in Broadway musicals including "The Phantom of the Opera", "Les Misérables", "Miss Saigon", and "A Tale of Two Cities". = Eric is a passionate bow hunter and New York State instructor for bow hunting. = He produced and featured in the outdoor DVD "Wild Life and Wild Times "(2006) with hunting guide Chester Moore, composing the soundtrack and playing guitar and keyboard. = He was also featured in hunting radio shows and magazines. =As Adams has aged, his vocal high end has decreased, leading to lower tuning in recent "Manowar" albums. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

It's not every day that we get to see two great artists perform on one stage, especially such influential musicians as Jerry Cantrell and the "Pixies". Those who were present yesterday at Pavilion 1, Expo Tel-Aviv, had the privilege of witnessing one of the finest "alternative rock" derbys that Israel has known in recent years. Not that we think they should be introduced, but on the right part of the field, we got the veterans and more experienced of the two rivals - the "Pixies". One of the most influential indie-alternative bands of the eighties and nineties of the last century. A groundbreaking band that changed the face of alternative rock and influenced artists and bands like Billy Corgan, PJ Harvey, "Blur", "Bush", "Radiohead", "Dinosaur Jr.", "Nirvana" and even our own "Mashina". The left half of the field included Jerry Cantrell, one of the prominent figures in the grunge scene, who continues to provide quality material, either through his band "Alice In Chains" or in his solo career. Jerry took the stage reinforced by his excellent backing band which included, singer Greg Puciato, known among others as the frontman of "Killer Be Killed", "The Dillinger Escape Plan" and "The Black Queen", guitarist Tyler Bates, known from Marilyn Manson's backing band, drummer Gil Sharone, who previously played with "The Dillinger Escape Plan" and Marilyn Manson and bassist George Adrian who collaborated with guitarist Tyler Bates in writing material for the soundtrack of the cult film "Psycho Cop 2". Let's start by saying that although both bands gave exciting and immersive performances, if we are to compare the two, the "Pixies" won this alternative "derby", despite the sound problems they encountered. It's not that Jerry Cantrell didn't deliver the goods, quite the opposite! He gave an excellent performance and contrary to the claims regarding the performance he gave last night at the "Barby" club, the sound was good. The crazy energies could be felt in the audience and on the stage already from the opening song "Atone" - undoubtedly one of the greatest from his last solo album "Brighten". The sensations and pleasure grew stronger as we delved into the setlist, which gave us a balanced dose of "Alice In Chains" classics, Cantrell's solo career and his latest album. The first surprise came already in the second song with "Check My Brain" from the album "Black Gives Way to Blue" - Alice's comeback album and their first with William DuVall. The song wasn't played in the band's performance at the "Barby" club last night, which was a pleasant surprise since no song from the Duval period was played. Immediately following "Cut You In" and "My Song", two songs from his first solo album "Boggy Depot", the excitement in the crowd was immediately heightened, as the first sounds of "No Excuses" from "Jar OF Flies" were played. The next high point came with "Man in the Box" which managed to throw the audience in the air. Here is the place to mention the wonderful vocals of Greg Puciato which sounded simply excellent and in our humble opinion surpassed even William DuVall, especially in the songs "Down in a Hole" and "Rooster" where for some moments we were able to see the spirit of the legendary Layne Staley floating above the stage. This tremendous show ended to the sounds of "Would?" Who may have started everything for Jerry and "Alice" somewhere 30 years ago, with the release of the movie and soundtrack "Singles". The performance of this song perfectly summed up the overall feel of the entire show. Jerry and his backing band simply came to enjoy their last show, which closed the European tour, and along the way managed to give the enthusiastic fans one of the most beautiful gifts for the summer of 2022 - feeling 30 years younger for 75 minutes of magic. The only downside that can be mentioned in relation to this excellent performance, is related to the early announcement of the production, according to which we are going to witness a full performance by Jerry. Contrary to this announcement, we got an hour and a quarter of a performance that included only 13 songs, without an encore, compared to a set of 21 songs that was played the night before at the "Barby" club. The songs "Bleed the Freak", "We Die Young" and "Them Bones" which was regularly part of the setlists in the current tour, were missing from the show. After about 20 minutes of preparations, the "Pixies" came on stage and the victory in the alternative "Derby" could be felt already in the first seconds of their performance. The crowd flocked in and quickly ran towards the stage and the density was well felt in contrast to Jerry's performance. Already at this moment, there was no room for doubt. Pavilion 1 is the "home court" of the "Pixies". Their crowd dominated the venue and after the opening instrumental "Cecilia Ann" you could hear it too. It started with "St. Nazaire" from the album "Beneath The Eyrie" released in 2019. The audience simply roared the lyrics of the song which is not one of the band's "classics" in a way that left no room for doubt. The hall is full of a warm crowd of devout "Pixies" fans who came to sing, shout and rave The band played a perfect setlist of 33 songs that included the classics from all eras. Starting with the masterpiece albums "Surfer Rosa", "Doolittle", "Bossanova", "Trompe le Monde" from the time of their classic lineup that also included Kim Deal, to the latest excellent single "Human Crime" released about four months ago and even the interesting cover of "Winterlong" originally by Neil Young, and taken from the band's b-sides album. Almost two hours of a show where the band didn't stop for a moment, not even to say "hello" or "thank you". All the great songs were there. A huge celebration of all that is good about this influential band: "Wave of Mutilation", "Monkey Gone to Heaven", " Here Comes Your Man", "Where Is My Mind?", "Bone Machine" and more kept the audience warm and fired up throughout the entire show as he recited all the lyrics along with Black Francis and his greased gang. It was amazing to see the drummer David Lovering and the guitarist Joey Santiago who are in their 60s (well Santiago a little less) sharing the stage with the young bassist in the band Paz Lenchantin and maintaining crazy energy throughout the performance, until the tremendous "candy" that ended it - "Debaser". All this, despite the band's "posture" and insistence on not uttering a single word during the entire performance. In conclusion, nothing to add, it was simply "Gigantic". Looking forward to more of these... "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

This is perhaps the greatest "remake" in the history of music. A band that managed to reinvent itself. A band that changed the lineup and style in such a fundamental way, and not only remained relevant, but surpassed its old version in terms of success. So if you still do not understand what we're talking about, on July 11, 1975, "Fleetwood Mac" released the album "Fleetwood Mac", leaving the music world in utter shock. This is the band's tenth album, but it could actually be considered its debut album as well. How can this be you ask? Because in fact, it is a completely different band than the one that existed on the previous nine albums, both in terms of band members and in terms of musical style. It's probably not for nothing that the band chose to name the band's tenth album - "Fleetwood Mac", as it did 7 years earlier with its debut album from 1968. As we will see immediately, not only did "Fleetwood Mac" stand the test, but it also became one of the most famous and successful bands in the world with sales of tens of millions of albums. If you think about it, the story of this album begins and ends with the name of the band and the album. The pair of friends who formed the band in 1967 and have been its hardcore ever since. A duo that has not changed over the years, was part of all the albums, and stood as a solid rock in the face of all the band changes during its more than 50 years of activity. We're talking about drummer Mick "Fleetwood" and bassist John "McVie" whose last names created the band name "Fleetwood Mac." It can be said that these two friends are "survivors". They survived the dominance of two genius guitarists. The drug problems of Peter Green and the devotion to the religion of Jeremy Spencer, who sent them out of the band. They clung to a third guitarist Danny Kirwan who served as a "glue" that kept the band from breaking up, until the arrival of Bob Welch, but even then everything threatened to crumble with the departure of Kirwan, who sent the band into a period of uncertainty with frequent lineup changes. Then, in 1974, during a studio tour of Mick Fleetwood in California at the legendary "Sound City" studio, he met producer Keith Olsen who played demos of the duo Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks who were working on a sequel to their 1973 debut album "Buckingham Nicks", Which was produced by Olsen. Fleetwood was enthusiastic about Buckingham's guitar playing and Nicks' vocals and invited them to join the band. Bassist John McVie was not enthusiastic about this move which was most puzzling to him, because the style they brought was in the folk-rock direction, even pop, which did not correspond with the band's blues-rock style, seemingly, two different unrelated styles. However, producer Olsen convinced McVie that the change in style would lead the band to greater success that would also be reflected in his bank account, McVie was convinced and the rest is history. One of the factors that helped the band connect the two worlds of pop and blues, was Fleetwood Mac's secret weapon in the form of Christine McVie. Christine served as the band's singer, keyboardist, and writer, and in our humble opinion, she contributed greatly in her writing, singing, and playing style to mediate between the various styles. She joined the band in the early 1970s from the band "Chicken Shack" and was the wife of bassist John McVie, when on the current album she simply broke forward and turned out to be a very important factor that contributed much to the connection between the musical ends from which the band members came from. The album, which was eventually recorded in the same mythical "Sound City" studio where Mick Fleetwood discovered the Buckingham Nicks duo, introduced the music world to a completely different band from the one they had known about a decade earlier. A band with a more melodic and commercial sound, on the verge of pop, which was closer to American AOR and classical rock, than to the blues-rock roots from which the band came from. It was a huge success in the United States and the United Kingdom, with 4 successful singles released, three of which became hits. The album opens with "Monday Morning", a song Buckingham wrote about a guy who is in love with a girl but is unable to get her to commit. This song is the first of several songs originally intended for the second Buckingham-Nicks album, but eventually found their way to Fleetwood Mac's album. Already here we hear a significant change in the sound and style of the band, which stems in part from Buckingham's influence on the band. The second song "Warm Ways" was written and sung by Christine McVie. This is the first single released from the UK album. A magical, melodic, and beautiful piece that reminds us at times of Paul McCartney in his solo career. The third track "Blue Letter" is the only one on the album that was not written by any of the band members. A song written by brothers Richard and Michael Curtis who were friends of Buckingham and Nicks and offered them the song for their second album. Nicks and Buckingham brought the song with them and gave it their interpretation that corresponds very nicely with the rest of the material on the album. It is interesting to note that the Curtis brothers brought the Buckingham Nicks duo another song called "Seven League Boots" which the duo rejected. This song eventually rolled into the trio "Crosby, Stills & Nash" which made it the 1982 hit "Southern Cross". From here we come to one of the most beautiful songs on the album, maybe one of the best from "Fleetwood Mac" - "Rhiannon", which rightly entered the list of the 500 greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. A song written and sung by Stevie Nicks and was meant for the second "Buckingham-Nicks" album. The original title was "Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)" and it was inspired by the novel" Triad" by Mary Bartlet Leader, one of the protagonists of which is "Rhiannon", which is also a type of a Goddess in the medieval Welsh fairy tales). The fifth track "Over My Head" is another song written by Christine McVie and released as the first single from the album in the US. The song was written by Christine in an apartment in Malibu, California where she lived with her husband John, at the end of a tour designed to promote the band's previous album "Heroes Are Hard to Find". The song that seals the first side of the vinyl "Crystal", was written by Nicks and sang by Buckingham. A melancholy, quiet and minimalist piece that pushes the boundaries of pop towards folk and country, with the vocal harmonies of Stevie Nicks. The other side of the album opened with another single - "Say You Love Me", another song by Christine McVie who became one of the band's bestsellers and one of the reasons for the album's success. It's a light and catchy song in which Buckingham also plays the banjo and 12-string guitar. The second track from the second side of the album "Landslide" was not released as a single, but it did march in the charts in light of its popularity. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and magical songs of Fleetwood Mac. Also in this case the song was written by Stevie Nicks to be included on the second album with Lindsey Buckingham. The song was written in a friend's living room overlooking the Rocky Mountains in Aspen Colorado. Nicks said her life felt like an avalanche at the time and when she watched the mountains reflected in front of her, she decided to write a song about it. The song features Nicks and Buckingham alone and it won a beautiful and interesting cover version from "The Smashing Pumpkins". The origin of the song "World Turning" was found somewhere in 1968 on the band's first album. The song evolved from the track "The World Keeps on Turning" written by Peter Green and was included on the band's first album, and now the new band has been working on it again in honor of the current album. Those who got the credit for writing the new variation to the song are Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie and it's the only song on the album that includes a collaboration between them. "Sugar Daddy" was also written by Christine McVie. A bouncy pop-rock piece, combined with soul music, that tells about the gap between the desire for emotional satisfaction and material needs. From here we come to another amazing song that seals the album - "I'm So Afraid". A song written by Lindsey Buckingham, but it corresponds more with the old "Fleetwood Mac" era with Peter Green. An immortal piece whose live version surpasses the original, with Lindsey's devastating solo only intensifying towards the climax that awaits at the end. The album "Fleetwood Mac" was a huge success with its release, it enjoys both, positive reviews from the majority of critics and huge sales of over 8 million copies. The album entered "Rolling Stone" magazine's 500 greatest albums of all time and became one of the band's milestones, whose popularity only intensified. The band later embarked on an intense and demanding tour that would shatter McVie's marriage and break up the relationship between Buckingham and the Nicks. But out of the great darkness and despite the great sadness, the band managed to channel the pain into another formidable album, even bigger than its predecessor, and for that read our coverage of the album "Rumors". Listen to the album: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 11, 2005 Tony Iommi released his second solo album "Fused". This special project, crafted in collaboration with vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (who also received credit on the album cover) and drummer Kenny Aronoff, Marking Iommi & Hughes third partnership and exemplifies their combined musical prowess. So how it all started? Tony Iommi and Glenn Hughes first collaboration was on the 1986 "Black Sabbath" album "Seventh Star". In 1996, they recorded new material, which was shelved when Iommi reunited with "Black Sabbath". This material was officially released in 2004 as "The 1996 DEP Sessions". Following this resurgence, Iommi and Hughes decided to create a new, riff-oriented album, resulting in "Fused" a year later. Joined by session drummer Kenny Aronoff, they aimed for a heavier sound compared to the more melody-based "DEP Sessions". Co-producer Bob Marlette, who co-wrote all the songs with Iommi and Hughes, also contributed by playing keyboards and bass. From the opening track "Dopamine" "Fused" immediately draws listeners into a heavy, dense, although atmospheric soundscape. Tony Iommi's unmistakable heavy riffing style is front and center, with thick, sludgy guitar tones driving the music. The production, modern and crisp, maintains the raw energy that defines Iommi's work, creating a perfect blend of old-school heaviness and contemporary polish. The trio achieved their goal of creating a heavier, more riff-driven album, evident in tracks like "Face Your Fear", "The Spell", "What You're Living For" with its driving rhythm and infectious hooks, showcasing the trio's tight chemistry. Interestingly, the best tracks are those where melody shines through, such as "Grace" a standout, featuring a haunting melody that transitions into a powerful, heavy chorus and "Deep Inside His Shell" - Another track where melody slips in, providing a contrast to the heavier riffs. The song explores themes of isolation and vulnerability. The album concludes on an epic note with the near-ten-minute blues "I Go Insane", featuring soulful vocals, heavy riffs, and powerful drumming. This track encapsulates the essence of "Fused", ending the album on a high note. Glenn Hughes, renowned for his work with "Deep Purple" and "Trapeze", brings dynamic vocal performance to the album. His voice, a mix of soulful melodies and gritty power, complements Iommi's dark, brooding guitar work. His wide range vocals are evident already in the second track of the album "Wasted Again". The lyrics throughout "Fused" delve into themes of personal struggle, introspection, and resilience, adding emotional depth to the heavy riffs and thunderous rhythms. "Fused" also includes several bonus tracks that offer additional depth to the album. "Let It Down Easy" is available as a Japan bonus track, "The Innocence" as an "iTunes" bonus track, and "Slip Away" as a "Real.com" bonus track. These tracks provide further insight into the trio's creative process and add extra layers to the album's already rich soundscape. In conclusion, Just like its name "Fused" blend the powerful riffs, with the melodic emotive vocals, and that makes it an essential listening for fans of Tony Iommi's heavy riffs and Glenn Hughes powerful vocals. For Listening: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

He was a member of "Bon Jovi" for 30 years, during which time he co-wrote most of its songs, he can make his guitar speak and he sings not bad at all, his name is Richie Sambora and he is celebrating a birthday today, so let's tell you some 40 interesting facts about him: (Photo: amazon.com) 1. He was born on July 11, 1959, in New Jersey as Richard Stephen Sambora. 2. His parents of Polish descent gave him a Catholic education as a child. 3. Sambora is blind to the colors red green and brown. 4. The first instrument which he began to play at the age of 6 was the accordion. 5. At the age of 12 following the death of Jimi Hendrix, Sambora began playing the guitar. 6. Sambora plays additional instruments. Bass, piano, saxophone, drums, and more. 7. Sambora was influenced in his youth by blues and rock and roll. The artists who most influenced him at the time included: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, and Jimmy Page. 8. Later he was also influenced by Janis Joplin and Stevie Ray Vaughan and became interested in Spanish and classical music. 9. The first band with which he released an album in 1982 called "Lessons," was "Message". (Photo: discogs.com) 10. Later he was part of the bands "Mercy", "Duke Williams & the Extremes" and "Richie Sambora & Friends", when in the early eighties they even warmed up Joe Cocker. 11. Already at the age of 19 his good business sense was discovered when he became the owner of a club in New Jersey and the owner of a small record company. 12. In 1983 Sambora failed the audition for "Kiss" as Ace Frehley's replacement. 13. That same year he replaced guitarist Dave Sabo in "Bon Jovi". Sabo will later form the band "Skid Row". 14. On January 14, 1984, Bon Jovi released their first album - "Bon Jovi". Already on this album, Sambora was revealed as the lead writer along with singer Jon Bon Jovi, with whom he wrote about half of the album's songs. 15. The collaboration with Jon Bon Jovi in ​​writing will become more sophisticated, reaching a first high point already on the band's third album "Slippery When Wet" released in 1986. 16. The album would soon become the best-selling album of 1987, pushing Guns's "Appetite For Destruction", U2's "Joshua Tree" and Michael Jackson's "Bad" from the top. 17. It is also the band's best-selling album to date, among others, thanks to Richie Sambora who persuaded Jon Bon Jovi to include the song "Livin 'on a Prayer" on the album. Jon Bon Jovi felt it was not good enough but Richie Sambora believed it would be a huge hit and he was right. 18. Just 4 weeks after the end of the tour of the album "Slippery When Wet", the band went on to record their fourth album "New Jersey", which was released in 1988. Richie and John could not wait, they were determined to record a new album that would prove they can produce another uncompromising hit. 19. They experienced an incredible burst of creativity when they wrote no less than 34 songs for the album. The two eventually created 17 demos out of them, with 12 selected for the album. 20. This album has already turned Bon Jovi into a stadium-size band with an inconceivable hits sequence. It's the only hard rock album in the world to put 5 singles in the top ten on the Billboard 100 chart. 21. It is also the first album of an American band released in the USSR, by a local record company called Melodiya. 22. The third single "I'll Be There For You" and the fifth "Livin In Sin" are two ballads in which Richie instilled his early love for blues music. 23. In 1991 Richie was able to develop this love for blues with his first solo album "Stranger In This Town". The album will feature Eric Clapton, among others. 24. In 1992, Sambora and Bon Jovi released their fifth successful album "Keep the Faith". The album included a change in the look and style of the band, which was expressed among other things in piano ballads with epic and long Sambora solos. 25. In 1995, the band released the excellent album "These Days". Sambora and John wrote a huge number of 40 songs for the album, of which only 12 were selected. 26. The album's opening song - "Hey God" was influenced by a case where Sambora watched from his limo window a homeless man living inside a cardboard box. He felt guilty and told Jon Bon Jovi about the case and the two wrote the song about it. 27. In 1998 Sambora released his second solo album "Undiscovered Soul". 28. In 2000 he released together with "Bon Jovi" their seventh successful album "Crush". 29. 3 singles were released from the album, the most successful of them, how not? Is "It's My Life". This corresponds with the band's hit from 1986 - "Livin 'On A Prayer", which also features Tommy and Gina. In both songs, Richie Sambora uses the guitar talkbox effect that produces the sound of a "talking guitar". 30. The following years were not good for Richie. Although he continued to create and release good albums with Bon "Jovi", he personally deteriorated. 31. In June 2007 he announced that he was entering a well-known rehab facility in Los Angeles to treat alcoholism. 32. In March 2008 he was arrested for drunk driving in California. 33. In April 2011 he decided to re-enter a rehab facility, and as a result, was forced to miss "Bon Jovi's" thirteen shows. 34. In 2009 Sambora entered together with Jon Bon Jovi into the Writer's Hall of Fame. 35. In September 2012, almost 14 years after his previous solo album, Richie Sambora announced the release of his third album "Aftermath of The Lowdown". The album was produced by Bon Jovi's album producer of "Crush" and "Bounce". (Photo: Joseph Llanes) 36. In April 2013, Sambora announced that he was leaving "Bon Jovi" due to unspecified personal circumstances. Rumor has it that Sambora was fired from the band but Richie and Jon denied it. 37. Immediately after his departure, in 2013, Sambora released the single "Come Back As Me". 38. In 2015 he began a musical collaboration with whoever was his girlfriend - the guitarist Orianthi. The two called the project RSO and in 2017, after going on a joint tour, they released an EP called "Rise". Later that year they released another EP called "Making History". 39. Richie Sambora's list of ex-partners is long, among them you can find Claudia Schiffer, Lita Ford, Cher, Heather Locklear, Denise Richards, and more and more ... 40. In 2018 Sambora entered together with “Bon Jovi” into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sambora performed during the ceremony along with members of his former band. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 10, 2007, "The Smashing Pumpkins" made a "Mini-Comeback" 7 years after its dissolution, with the album "Zeitgeist" - its seventh studio album. Does it really deserve to be called a "comeback"? Stay with us and you will discover... It all started on December 2, 2000, when "The Pumpkins" took the stage of "The Metro" in Chicago, to perform their last show. It was a wonderfully planned event. The location was carefully chosen as this is exactly where it all started 12 years earlier. On this stage, the band made their first-ever appearance. The lucky ones in the audience got to watch a four-and-a-half (!!) hour show, during which 35 songs from the band's short but bright career were played. The audience even received 2 more gifts. A recording of the band's first performance on the same stage - "Live at Cabaret Metro 10-5-88" and a copy of the band's last single recorded and released, especially in honor of the event and called "Untitled", which also won a clip with videos and photos from all periods of the band. It was a happy-sad evening where the band celebrate its tremendous repertoire in a final and memorable show. This "breakup" did not last long. In 2001, the band released the excellent compilation album "Rotten Apples", while Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin formed the supergroup "Zwan", which in 2003 released their only album "Mary Star of the Sea". Even after the dissolution of "Zwan", Corgan and Chamberlain continued to collaborate, with Billy Corgan being featured on the 2005 album "Life Begins Again", of the Chamberlain side project "Jimmy Chamberlin Complex", while Chamberlain had a guest appearance on Corgan's first solo album "TheFutureEmbrace" released that year. On the day the solo album "TheFutureEmbrace" was released in 2005, Corgan released a press statement saying he was "reviving" "The Smashing Pumpkins'. Why are we telling you all this? Because in our opinion it is not really a union. First, the reunion did not include guitarist James Iha and bassist D'arcy Wretzky. Second, Corgan and Chamberlain who worked alone on this album did not really separate in the four years past since the farewell show. Still, any album that includes the collaboration of the two is a musical celebration, even if this album is considered "weak" in the band's repertoire. All the songs on the album were written by Billy Corgan. In the absence of the other members, Corgan and Chamberlain decided to play all the instruments themselves, exclusively and without any outside assistance, which was not really far from the way the band's albums were recorded in the past when the perfectionist Corgan often performed the other band members musical roles. On the occasion of the event, Corgan and Chamberlain decided to record the album "Live" analogously, directly to a recording reel, without editing, without clicks and uploads. This created a difficult problem for them to find a producer who would agree to work in this old-fashioned way, until they met the great producer Roy Thomas Baker, who, among others, was responsible for the production of "Queen" masterpieces albums from the 1970s and worked with so many artists and bands like "Free" "Nazareth", "Journey", "Foreigner", "Mötley Crüe", Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper and more and more... To complete the nostalgic "retro" vibe, the band chose to record the album in the home studio of Kerry Brown - the ex-husband of D'arcy Wretzky, on the same 24-channel tape on which the album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" was recorded. And if that wasn't enough, then producer Baker testified that the mixing process for the album was also really different. He noted that he did not interfere with the volume buttons of the channels. It was either "On" or "Off", either the channel was in or out. In terms of content, this is one of the band's heavier albums. Corgan noted that he wanted to write an album with a lot of energy something that resembled the debut album "Gish" in terms of attitude. Chamberlain referred to his aggressive drumming on this album and said he thinks the world is ready for an album with "balls". The aggressive drumming and heavy riffs are well reflected already in the opening track "Doomsday Clock" which also accompanied the soundtrack of the movie "Transformers" released that year. A powerful and sweeping song that in our opinion did not get the place it deserved in the band's huge repertoire. We can not explain why, but the riffs in this song and the song "Tarantula" sent us to the "Stoner Rock" districts of "Black Sabbath" and the likes from the seventies. It is interesting to note that "Tarantula" - the first single released from the album is a kind of homage to the band "Scorpions", with whom Corgan collaborated on the song "The Cross" from the album "Humanity: Hour I", released in 2007. During the band's performance in Berlin on June 5, 2007, Corgan noted that "Tarantula" (venomous spider) was named so in honor of the band "Scorpions" and that the song's intro and outro were inspired by "Scorpions'" "Dark Lady" song, while he wrote the solo thinking about how maybe guitarist Uli Jon Roth could Have played it. Corgan and Chamberlain believe that the song embodies the music they have listened to all their lives, especially "Scorpions" and "UFO". Corgan noted that the second single "That's the Way (My Love Is)" initially sounded like an outtake from the album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" but he slowed it down and got a different drum beat that kept the song away from the days of "Melancholy". Despite the heavy and relatively aggressiveness of the album as declared by Korgan and Chamberlain, you can also find here softer and more quiet tracks like "Neverlost" and "Pomp And Circumstances", songs full of synthesizers from the days of "Adore" like "For God and Country", Melodic songs like "7 Shades of Black" and "Starz" whose singing during the verses reminded us of "Metallica's" "The Thing That Should Not Be" and of course a bit of progressive -psychedelia with "United States" kissing the 10 minutes. The reviews for the album were mixed. Some killed it, like "Allmusic" which gave it 2 out of 5 stars, and in contrast, there were those who praised it like "The Rolling Stone" magazine which gave the album 4 out of 5 stars. Our tendency is closer to that of "The Rolling Stone', we think this is a good album that did not deserve the cold reviews it was given. Since the album is not on the streaming platforms, we have prepared a "Youtube" playlist, especially for you: Click Here. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Here are some interesting facts about Canadian rock musician Kim Mitchell: (Photo: Kim Mitchell Facebook page) = He was born on July 10, 1952 in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. His full name is Joseph Kim Mitchell. = One of Mitchell's earliest music memories is sitting on his dad's lap watching Elvis Presley's first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. = Mitchell's high school band got a gig in Michigan opening for the legendary punk rockers "The MC5". = In 1969, At age 17, Mitchell moved to Toronto, where he played in bar bands and studied guitar under the renowned Tony Bradan. = Mitchell went to the Greek isle of Rhodes to play guitar in a Greek show band backing up a singer who called himself "the Greek Tom Jones". = After a stint in Greece, he returned to Toronto and in 1972 he formed "Max Webster" with keyboardist Terry Watkinson, bassist Mike Tilka, and drummer Paul Kersey. Poet Pye Dubois joined as the band's chief lyricist, crafting the surreal, unique lyrics. (If his name sounds familliar, then he wrote the lyrics to the song "Tom Sawyer" by the band "Rush" together with drummer Neil Peart). = In 1976 "Max Webster" released their self-titled debut album, introducing their distinctive sound and earning critical acclaim. = In the years 1977-1978 "Max Webster" released "High Class in Borrowed Shoes" (1977) and "Mutiny Up My Sleeve" (1978), both certified gold in Canada for sales of over 50,000 copies. = Known for their magnetic live performances and Mitchell's flamboyant stage presence, they opened for "Rush" on their 1977 tour. = In 1979 "Max Webster's" album "A Million Vacations" went platinum in Canada, and their single "Paradise Skies" reached No. 43 on the UK singles chart. They also released the live album "Live Magnetic Air". = In 1980 "Max Webster" released their fifth album "Universal Juveniles". One of the songs on the album - "Battle Scar" featured fellow Canadian band "Rush". = Due to internal pressures and lineup changes, Mitchell dissolved "Max Webster" in 1981 and pursued a solo career. = In 1982 Mitchell released his first solo EP, "Kim Mitchell," which earned him a Juno Award for Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year in 1983. = In 1984 Mitchell released his first full-length solo album, "Akimbo Alogo," which included the hit single "Go for Soda." This was the only song that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard rock chart. = In 1984 Mitchell wrote and recorded the theme song for the sitcom "Hangin’ In". = In 1986 Mitchell released "Shakin' Like a Human Being," which included popular singles such as “Patio Lanterns.” The album sold over 300,000 copies and received the Juno Award for Album of the Year in 1987. = In 1989 he released "Rockland," which earned him the Juno Award for Male Vocalist of the Year in 1990. The album went double platinum in Canada. = In 1990 The live album "I Am a Wild Party (Live)" captured the raucous energy of Mitchell’s popular live shows and sold over 100,000 copies. = In the years 1992-1994 Mitchell released "Aural Fixations" (1992) and "Itch" (1994), with the latter peaking at No. 55 on the Canadian charts. = In 1995 his "Greatest Hits" compilation went platinum, and he began touring with a reformed "Max Webster". (Photo: The Observer) = In 1999 Mitchell released the album "Kimosabe," which did not chart. = In 2001 Mitchell retired from recording and focused on writing commercial jingles. = In the years 2004-2015 Mitchell was a popular radio DJ on Toronto's Q107, where he hosted the afternoon drive-time show and recorded instructional guitar clips. = In 2007 He came out of retirement to record "Ain't Life Amazing" and opened for "Def Leppard" at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto. = In 2016 Mitchell suffered a heart attack but continued to perform regularly. He was awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in recognition of his significant contributions to Canadian music. = In 2019 Mitchell released "The Big Fantasize," his first album in over a decade. = In 2020 Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. = In 2023 "Max Webster" was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. = Mitchell has collaborated with renowned artists, including Rush’s Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee. = Mitchell also appeard on TV shows like: "Twitch City", "Puppets Who Kill", "Trailer Park Boys", "The Kids in the Haland" and "Miami Vice". "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Talented guitarist, singer, teacher, and writer Rik Emmett is celebrating his birthday today !! (Photo: Rik Emmett - IMDb) Some of you may not know him so we have prepared a playlist of songs & instrumentals that illustrate his tremendous talent, both in singing and playing the guitar, so feel free to skip to the end of the review and already click on the link. As a guitarist, there is hardly a genre that Rik Emmett has not touched. Hard rock, heavy metal, progressive, classical, Spanish, flamenco, jazz, blues, bluegrass, world music, and more. Although he comes from a hard rock background and is known mainly for his membership in the Canadian power trio "Triumph", he has an extensive and varied solo career, in which he collaborated with artists from all shades of the musical spectrum and during which released 13 studio albums. As a singer, he has a unique voice with a very wide range that reaches very high octaves and sometimes caused a comparison to singer Geddy Lee from the band "Rush", in particular, that the two singers played in a Canadian trio originating in Toronto. He was born in Toronto Canada on July 10, 1953, as Richard Gordon Emmett. In his youth, he listened to bands like "Yes", "King Crimson", "Gentle Giant", and also to artists like James Taylor and Paul Simon. One of his first bands was "ACT III" with which he played in clubs in Toronto in the early 1970s. He joined "Triumph" in 1975. His first paid performance with the band was held in September 1975 at "Simcoe" High School. He changed his first name from Rick to Rick following a record company mistake on Triumph's first album. Rik just did not want to return all the albums to fix the error and on the other hand, also did not want the fans to be confused, so he changed his name accordingly to the mistake. Emmett brought to "Triumph" classical influences and progressive fire greatly diversified the materials that the band played in its early days. The band's first album, initially called "Triumph" and later renamed "In the Beginning", was released in 1976. The band's recognition and appreciation came as early as their second album "Rock & Roll Machine", released in 1977. Rik Emmett has since released 7 more studio albums with "Triumph" by 1987. Along with Triumph, Emmett has won four Canadian Juno Awards (the Grammy equivalent) for Band of the Year. In 1988 he embarked on his solo career, which he touched on as noted in almost every musical style. In 2005 he won the Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year. In 2007 he entered the Canadian Rock Hall of Fame with "Triumph". Beyond being a guitarist, singer, and a writer, Rik Emmett is also a music teacher at "Humber College" in Toronto. In addition, he has written articles for "Guitar Player" magazine and illustrated cartoons on music for Hit Parader magazine. In 2016 he released an album together with his band "RESolution9". The album called "RES9" produces a mini-union with two members of his band "Triumph", and also hosts Alex Lifeson from "Rush" and James LaBrie from "Dream Theater". In 2019, Rick teamed up with members of his band "Triumph" for one show held in front of the band's close associates and fans. This show and the story of the band are the subjects of the documentary movie "Rock & Roll Machine" released in 2021. Listen to a playlist we have compiled for you, that partially represents Rik Emmett's amazing abilities: Here. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website