The time for reminiscing has come and gone! The dedicated staff of Icon Vs. Icon invites you to take a look ahead at the most anticipated albums of 2009!

Steve Johnson’s Pick: As 2009 approaches, there has been a buzz about many metal and hard rock artists that plan to head back to the studio and serve a heaping helping of new material to the fans. Just a few of these artists are KISS, Slash, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. While I am a huge fan of all of those previously mentioned and would love to hear new music from them, I find myself looking forward to Rob Zombie’s new material the most. I have been a huge fan of Zombie since his days in White Zombie and thought his last album Educated Horses was some of his best work yet. Zombie has stated in recent interviews that this is the first time he has recorded an album with his band since his days in White Zombie. I am interested to see how recording an album with his band affects his music and hope that he tours in support of it, as I have never seen him perform live. There is no firm release date for the album, but Zombie indicated it would be out sometime before the end of the year. I guess “War Zone” from the Punisher: War Zone soundtrack will have to hold me over until then.

Jen X’s Pick: I have three: Queens of the Stone Age, Green Day and Spinnerette. I am stoked that it’s only taken two years for QotSA to come up with more material they feel worthy of their next lp, in addition I’m even happier that this will mean we will be treated to another North American tour. Frontman Josh Homme always has his hands in many projects, one of them being the upcoming release of his wife Brody Dalle’s band Spinnerette. A five-track free download can be found at Spinnerette’s website and their feature-length debut should hit the market in February of 2009. If you haven’t heard the band, do yourself a favor and head over to their site where you can also watch a full-length video of their current single “Ghetto Love.”

It was recently released that Green Day will be putting out their eighth CD sometime in 2009 and that they are currently recording at the same studio in which they recorded American Idiot. I’ve read that their influences for this LP are, to name a few, The Beatles, Springsteen and Bob Dylan. If so it would seem that Green Day is moving on from their punk rock sound, and I find it interesting that this is the spin put out to media outlets about the new project. Still, I am looking forward in reviewing the CD and will believe that Billie Joe Armstrong has left his bad boy image behind when I see and hear it.

Jason Price’s Pick: Legendary rockers KISS have recently revealed that they are goingto release their first studio album since 1998′s Psycho Circus in the coming year. “It’s going to be very much a vintage, classic, ’70s KISS album without much regard to what’s happened since then; it’s back to the roots,” said frontman Paul Stanley in a recent interview. With the right mix of producers, songwriting and marketing, I think we could see yet another second coming of KISS and yet another round of farewell tours. Other notable 2009 releases would be new projects from Lita Ford and L.A. Guns.

As 2008 comes to a close, our staff takes a look back to present you with what they feel are the breakthrough artists of the past year!

Steve Johnson’s Pick: There were a lot of bands that emerged in 2008 who absolutely rocked and are worthy of being named breakthrough artist, but there is one that stands out in my mind as something special. Cockpit is an all female band that reigns from the same streets that gave us Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses. These women are heavily influenced by 80′s glam metal and their debut EP Mission to Rock shows it. The EP is full of energy and features fantastic riffing and solos that would make any arena rock fan long for a return to the glory days of spandex and big hair. Do yourself a favor and run out to your local record store or visit iTunes and pick up Mission to Rock, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Jason Price’s Pick: The Bronx hail from Southern California and began playing punk rock in 2002. With many years behind them, they have definitely dug in and are looking to make their mark in 2009. The band has done stints on this year’s Warped Tour and has also toured alongside Every Time I Die. The band released THE BRONX in November of 2008 on the it’s own White Drugs label, with help of New York independent label Original Signal Recordings. What do they bring to the table? Simply put, The Bronx bring powerful, blood, sweat and tears style punk for the 21st Century and infuse it into their own brand of hard rock. Their music and lyrics sound fresh and look to break up the monotony of today’s endless sea of cookie cutter radio rock. Look for The Bronx to take rock by storm in the coming year!

Jen X’s Pick: Santogold (aka Santi White) released her first solo project in 2008, former singer of the punk-rock band Stiffed Santogold broke out in 2007 with singles contracted from Martin Heath of Lizard King Records. Her style is reminiscent of catchy new-wave 80′s punk with a pop flair that is refreshing from the current surge of sugary sweet pop rock that has been hitting the airwaves. The year has found Santogold touring in support of Coldplay, Jay-Z, Kanye West, The Streets and the Beastie Boys, as well as headlining her own tour. She has written a song for Ashlee Simpson, and recorded with The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas and N.E.R.D.’s Pharrell Williams, and has already announced upcoming projects with the Beastie Boys as well as David Byrne. I wouldn’t be shocked if the future not only held music notoriety for Santogold but if we end up seeing her on the big screen as well, as she exudes a certain charm and charisma that could hold up to the critics.

The Staff of Icon Versus Icon took in many shows this years working alongside their counterparts at Live-Metal.Net. The staff put their heads together to bring you their takes on the Best Live Performances of 2008. Read on to find out who they think made the grade in 2008.

The Best Live Performances of 2008

Steve Johnson’s Pick: This pick for best live show of the year may seem odd to some of you readers out there, but I can say without a doubt, the best time I had at a show this year was on July 19th at the Bang Tango/L.A. Guns/Faster Pussycat show at Jaxx in Springfield, VA. Every band on the bill rocked and we interviewed Faster Pussycat lead singer Taime Downe. Bang Tango took the stage first and played a great set, which included their hit “Love Injection.” L.A. Guns followed with new lead singer Marty Casey and did not disappoint. As usual, Tracii Guns supplied blistering guitar and the band delivered all of their hits, including: “Over the Edge,” “Sex Action,” “Rip and Tear,” and “The Ballad of Jayne.” Faster Pussycat rounded out the night and delivered a sleaze filled set that included the hits “Cathouse,” “Slip of the Tongue,” “House of Pain,” and “Bathroom Wall.” While the old songs that I grew up on were great to hear live, it was the new material that left me impressed. Faster Pussycat’s new material is far and beyond sleazier than anything they have done in the past and easily allows the band to carry on with the crown of World’s Greatest Sleaze Band. I mean come on, how can you resist songs with titles such as, “The Power & the Glory Hole” and “Shut Up & Fuck.”

Jason Price’s Pick: Without question, the best live performance that I saw in 2008 was L.A. Guns. The band had recently brought on new frontman Marty Casey and embarked on “The Summer Blackout Tour.” Casey, alongside veteran axeman Tracii Guns absolutely blew me away with unmatched energy and an ultra-tight performance. Marty Casey’s intense vocals and showmanship won over fans old and new alike as they played L.A. Guns staples, Casey’s solo work and several covers that they practically made their own. This version of L.A. Guns will surely be back on the road in 2009 in support of a new studio album and there are not to be missed when they head to a venue in your neck of the woods.

For some great photos of L.A. Guns in concert, check out this site:
www.cherylspelts.com

Jen X’s Pick: Without a doubt, even though it’s not metal and it’s not indie, the best live performance this year in my book was Journey. Filipino singer Arnel Pineda is the luckiest sob of the decade, as he “won” is spot as frontman of Journey via Neal Schon seeing him on YouTube singing Journey songs with his band at the time, The Zoo. Pineda should be hailed as the second-coming of Steve Perry, shoes that I never thought would or could be filled. His vocal talent is extraordinary and his energy during shows is incredible, if you find yourself sitting at any point during the set then there must be something wrong with you. Not only did this tour bring back “Lights” and “Open Arms”, but new mixes such as “After All These Years.” Journey toured with opening acts Cheap Trick and Heart, two groups of talented rockers that do not disappoint in the line up. I look forward in hearing more from this “new” Journey and for their tour to make it my area once again as I wouldn’t hesitate to spend the evening listening to the hits that I grew up with and the new hits to come.

The Staff of Icon Versus Icon put their heads together to bring you their takes on the Best Interviews of 2008. Read on to find out what they thought went above and beyond!

Best Interviews of 2008

Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal of Guns N' Roses

Steve Johnson’s Pick: Of all of the interviews in 2008, one stands out as the best from a personal standpoint. Our interview with Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, guitar virtuoso and current member of Guns N’ Roses is my best of 2008. Conducted at the May Chiller Theatre Convention in Parsippany, NJ, we got the inside scoop on Bumblefoot’s new album Abnormal and a few pieces of information on the then unreleased Chinese Democracy. Bumblefoot spoke of his beginnings as a guitar player and his dedication to helping find a cure for diabetes through his involvement in Rock Against Diabetes. While some serious topics were covered, the interview remained light hearted and even included a reference to Back to the Future 2. Bumblefoot proved to be a humble and extremely generous man, who gave us free autographed albums to give away on the site. If only we had noticed he was wearing that Dr. Pepper shirt during the interview.

Jason Price’s Pick: We have done many great interviews over the years but Live-Metal.Net’s staff definitely raised the bar once again this year. Two interviews that stand out in my mind are Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal of Guns N’ Roses and Marty Casey of L.A. Guns. We met up with both as there were just about to mark career milestones. Ron Thal shed some light on who he was and what a great experience he had in becoming part of the phenomenon that is Gun N’ Roses. Marty Casey talked to us right as he parted ways with his original band Lovehammers and took over as frontman of L.A. Guns. Both of these guys were great, told us a lot and definitely have bright careers ahead of them.

Jen X’s Pick: Out of all of the interviews we have done this year there is one that stands out in my mind: the write up about Metal Mike Chlasciak. Simply put- I had no clue who Metal Mike even was, but after reading such a intelligent, funny and honest interview I wanted to know more about the man and his music. That is what a stellar interview should do for the reader and that is why it gets my vote as Best Interview of the Year.

Bumblefoot - Normal

By STEVE JOHNSON

A quick google search of Bumblefoot could lead you to a description of a severe foot infection in rodents and birds or could lead you towards discovering the exceptional guitarist Ron Thal. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal has led a storied career in the music industry as a solo artist, writer, producer, and engineer. Most recently he has become a member of one of the world’s greatest rock bands, Guns N’ Roses.

In his 2005 album Normal, Thal tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a musician that is on the verge of insanity who decides that he must go on medication to become normal again. Of course, taking the medication has it’s side effects and the musician finds it difficult to creatively express himself. Inevitably, the musician must decide if he should live this normal life or stop taking the drugs and renew his creative spirit.

Normal is noticeably punk inspired and each of its 13 tracks features amazing guitar work by Thal. If you are not familiar with his work, get ready for an assault on your expectations of what a guitar player is capable of. Thal’s ability to shred on the guitar is at the forefront of every track and he easily proves that he nothing less than phenomenal. Thal handles all of the music/lyrics on the album and delivers a great vocal performance. The lone aspect of Normal that is untouched by Thal is the drumming, which is carried out by Dennis Leeflang.

Normal is a good album that showcases Thal’s quirkiness and amazing musical ability. Thal is without a doubt one of the best guitarists that this reviewer has ever heard and it will be interesting to see what kind of journey he leads us through on his next album entitled Abnormal. Fans of Bumblefoot that don’t have this album should be ashamed of themselves. If you are new to his music and have a love for blazing guitars and punk rock music, this is the album for you. While all of the tracks are noteworthy, highlights on the album include “Normal,” “Rockstar For a Day,” “Life Inside Your Ass,” and “Shadow.”

THE VERDICT:
4/5 Stars

TRACKLISTING:
Normal
Real
Turn Around
Rockstar For a Day
Overloaded
Pretty Ugly
The Color of Justice
Breaking
More
Awake
Life Inside Your Ass
Shadow
Thank You

Metallica - Death Magnetic

By STEVE JOHNSON

Metallica has been labeled many things, from America’s great heavy metal band, to whiny rock stars who fought against illegal downloading of their music through Napster. No matter how you feel about Metallica, there is no denying that the band remains an influential and relevant force in modern metal and hard rock.  

After a five year hiatus, Metallica is back with their ninth studio album and their best work since 1988′s …And Justice For All. Death Magnetic, a heavily promoted album since May on Mission: Metallica, is the product of a band in dire need of reconnecting to a fan base that has felt let down by many of the band’s past efforts. Fans are rabid for the glory days and their heroes’ thrash metal roots. Death Magnetic is the album these fans have been waiting for and represents an end to Metallica’s attempt to reinvent itself.  

Bob Rock, who produced Metallica’s last five albums, is gone and has been replaced by Rick Rubin. Rubin’s presence and his history with producing thrash metal records is a much needed change for Metallica. He pushes the band away from their recent foray into hard rock and back to their thrash metal roots. Another example of progression that we see with the band is that for the first time in their history, every member has had input into each song. Even new bassist Robert Trujillo has input into the album, which is a huge step for a band that has been seemingly anti-bassist for the past 20 years.

Death Magnetic is pure Metallica. Musically, this album takes on the personality of a caged beast released for the first time, tearing and ripping at anything that moves. Quite simply, the album rocks. All of the old aggression remains and the band is tight. Songs such as “All Nightmare Long” and “My Apocalypse” exhibit the band’s ability to still hammer out good thrash metal, while “The Unforgiven III” and “Cyanide” give us the feel of ’90s-era Metallica. Though we are given a few tracks that sound more like Load/Reload-era Metallica, the majority of the album is fast and reminiscent of their earlier work.  

One marked improvement over St. Anger is the sound of the drums. Ulrich’s drums sound more like the booming drums of Metallica and not St. Anger’s annoying “tin can” sound. On Death Magnetic, it is also clear Kirk Hammett fought hard for the return of guitar solos and broke through the brick wall that is Ulrich and James Hetfield. Hammett tears through the album at a frantic pace, delivering searing riffs and solos. Trujillo appears on his first album with the band but unfortunately falls victim to Metallica’s tradition of downplaying the bass track. While the music is the strength of this album, Hetfield remains a great frontman who growls and howls his way through each track.  All of the tracks featured on the album are over five minutes long and epic in scope. Death Magnetic even features an instrumental track, which has been missing from a Metallica album since …And Justice For All.  “The Unforgiven III” is the only song that doesn’t fit in with the feel of the album and could have been left out.     

Metallica may never give us another album on par with Master of Puppets, but Death Magnetic is a step in the right direction for an iconic band that has long been marred by mediocrity. It is easily one of the best metal albums of the year, so run out and pick it up or legally download it. Highlights are “That Was Just Your Life,” “Broken, Beat, and Scarred,” “All Nightmare Long” and “My Apocalypse.”

THE VERDICT: 5/5

Alice Cooper - Along Came A Spider

By STEVE JOHNSON

Alice Cooper is a living legend of rock who’s career has spanned an amazing five decades. His career has managed to shape modern heavy metal and introduce shock rock into the mainstream. Most modern metal bands owe a huge thanks to Alice for helping usher in metal’s relevance in the music industry. Alice has released 25 studio albums as part of a band and as a solo artist, with Billion Dollar Babies being the pinnacle of those recordings. While Alice has not been able to top the success of Billion Dollar Babies, he has continued to turn out albums that have been both entertaining and diverse in style.

Alice’s long-delayed Along Came a Spider is an album that weaves an intricate story throughout each of its tracks. It revolves around a serial killer named Spider and his lust for hunting down victims. Alice takes on the persona of the killer and delivers a haunting and at times sinister portrait of a man driven by a lust for taking lives. The darker tone of the album is a welcome return to Alice’s roots and is reminiscent of his earlier works, such as Welcome to My Nightmare.

Along Came a Spider features a great lineup of musicians, most of which will be touring in support of the album with Alice. Keri Kelly, Jason Hook and producer Danny Saber supply the guitars and do a fantastic job. Chuck Garric returns as bassist on his third album with Alice, while drums are handled by Eric Singer of KISS fame. Alice’s vocals and storytelling take center stage, but there is no denying the talent of these musicians and what they have brought to the album.  

Along Came a Spider also features two guests who need no introduction and stand as icons in the world of metal and hard rock.  “Vengeance Is Mine,” one of the best tracks, features Slash, who delivers a blistering performance on lead guitar. Ozzy Osbourne also appears as co-writer of “Wake the Dead” and as the harmonica player on the track. “Wake the Dead” is not the strongest song on the album, but it is interesting to hear the result of two powerhouses of rock getting together creatively.

Although tracks such as “Vengeance Is Mine,” “(In Touch wth) Your Feminine Side” and “Catch Me If You Can” are rockers, it is the ballad “Killed by Love” that is the album’s finest moment.  Not your typical ballad, “Killed by Love” is a beautifully haunting and dark love song that only Alice Cooper can deliver. His vocals are exceptional and represent some of his best work in years.

Along Came a Spider is a good album that delivers a great story and is highly recommended for any hardcore Alice Cooper fan out there.  New listeners of Alice’s work may want to check out a few of his earlier albums before giving this one a listen.

THE VERDICT: 4.5/5