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Saw on twitter that H.e.a.t was asked if there would be a DVD with this release and their response was that there wouldn't be.

That's disappointing but still really looking forward to this. I love hearing live shows, especially when you have a band like H.e.a.t and a front man like Erik Gronwall that brings so much energy to the songs in a live setting. I wasn't at this particular show but did see them on the Tearing Down The Walls tour in Chicago so this will still be a nice reminder of that show and the tour in general....And I'll still be able to visualize Erik jumping around like the Energizer bunny while listening to this

Still no word on if there will be any bonus tracks though. I'm wondering if maybe there won't be space on the disc for any bonus tracks as looking at the set, I think they've cut a song or two out of the show already.

Looking forward to this...such a good live band!

I wish it were from MRF4 in Chicago but will still be awesome

Also, I did also find out on twitter that there will be no DVD with this release in case anybody was wondering as I was...

I'm still wondering if they might slide any bonus tracks on it for the Japan release...Do bands usually put bonus tracks on live Japan releases or do they only do that for studio albums?

It is growing on me...makes a better end than Wrecking Ball Crew IMO.

Although, the intro beat in the song sorta reminds me of Lift U Up from Gotthard...

That Jap bonus track is probably better than most songs on the second half

Heard the Japanese bonus track "Bad Luck"...It's posted on You Tube...

I listened to it once...Really doesn't do anything for me. Glad I avoided the Japanese release this time around. For once, doesn't feel like I'm missing out on something.

Still loving the rest of the album though and this new album could very well wind up being my favorite CL album.

Bad luck will probably be the best Crazy Lixx song ever recorded ;-)

I agree...First half is definitely more melodic and more varied in it's approach. I think the first half is really top notch.

The second half isn't bad by any means though. I do like how the "rock" picks back up in the middle and I'm glad they put Heroes on there as that sorta gives me something to look forward to. And honestly, that's about the end of the album for me as Psycho City and Wrecking Ball Crew both aren't that interesting to me. I wish there were a better track ending the album as Wrecking Ball Crew is easily my least favorite track.

Anybody heard the Japanese release of this album? I see "Bad Luck" is a bonus track on that album and wondering how that sounds.

 

I think first half is as strong as the second, all tracks are really enjoyable with probably 'Outlaw' is a bit weaker than the rest but that's still a killer

yeah not sure why but maybe the first album isn't easy to get and getting rare so that's their idea to introduce the debut

 

Yeah, first half is a bit more melodic which I prefer.

 

I'd agree with this. He's definitely not a strong vocalist and wouldn't win a singing competition. But on the flip side, I think he does fit the style well.

I do think though it's partly why the hooks and harmonies are so important for these guys...Their singer isn't going to put these songs over the top so they need to dress them up. I think it's a big reason why I didn't care for Riot Avenue....Just wasn't dressed up enough and the singer isn't strong enough to make it work.

I have no problem with him though and he's fine as long as the songs are good...Which I think they are on this release for the most part.

Definitely a strong release for these guys. Riot Avenue had sorta taken them off my radar but they've climbed back on now

Oh, no doubt at all he's not the greatest singer ever. But that said, I'd have it no other way and for me he is the voice of Crazy Lixx. I feel like his comparatively weak vocals have been discussed before, but for me, as long as the songs stay good I think he does a good enough job and I wouldn't personally pinpoint him as being noticeably bad. Just a little weaker than some.

Really enjoying this album...Definitely reminds me more of New Religion than Riot Avenue ever did.

First half is a bit more melodic....but the second half still rocks. I do kinda wish they had slotted a ballad in toward the end for a little change of pace. I'm fine with them redoing Heroes though....I don't have their first album and haven't heard that song outside of a few views on You Tube...so it sounds good to me.

I've only listened to the album a couple times and might be too early to pass judgement, but right now I'd slot it as my second favorite album of 2014 behind H.e.a.t's TDTW.

I really think I should just move to Sweden

I thought the same. I've listened to the samples and a few complete songs I found on You Tube. It does sound okay but there wasn't anything I heard that was pulling me in and making me want to listen to it again.

It does seem well put together though and I could see people liking it if it falls in their wheelhouse of tastes. Personally, it's just a tad too smooth and mellow for me.

Yes...bring on Crazy Lixx

I listened to some samples on their website and it sounded ok but not earth shattering

Ive got my eyes on Harem Scarem, Crazy Lixx, White Widdow......

Review posted:

I get exactly what you're saying and had pretty much the same feel. I thought Identity Crisis was perfect melodic rock...songs like Blame, Alone, Back To Life, Enlighten Me all had a cool, melodic vibe to me and liked the structure and feel of those songs. I don't think the new album has the same sort of vibe.

Don't get me wrong though....still like it and the album is well put together and is a classy release. Highlights for me are Charming Devil, Too Many Roads, I'm Done Loving You and Change My World.

On a side note, haven't seen it mentioned yet in this thread but saw an announcement recently that lead vocalist David Reece has left the band. So it will be interesting to see who they replace him with and what direction future material takes.

Hey John, assuming any feedback is better than no feedback at all, I'll be honest and admit this one sadly doesn't really work for me. It's still a solid 70% album but based on the last album, I was definitely expecting this one to go far into the 80's in terms of scoring.

 

It's definitely a more straight forward rock disc compared to the more "commercial" / melodic 'Identity Crisis,' so that may actually suit some people. For me personally, I was hoping for more of the same as per the last album. 'I'm done loving you' is definitely my favourite song on this disc, but even that doesn't sound as good as the original. Other than that, I think the best tunes are 'Too many roads' and 'Change my world.' The rest... well, to me it's just plain, average hard rock.

 

Anyway, keep doing what you're doing and I hope there's another album from these guys, and selfishly, I hope it's a lot more like 'Identity Crisis' than this one.

Like I need to get more excited...Have watched the Hell Raising Women video like 10 times

I've gotta put myself on lockdown so I don't wear it out before the CD even comes.

 

 

 

 

 

"ALL LOOKS, NO HOOKS" such a great song! Stuck in my head all day! The production on this release has been beefed up as well.

 

Just listened to the whole album, and wow this one is filled with hooks galore! Right up there with New Religion if not better!

And you have this how?!!!

 

 

As Alpha stated above this is the only forum where my old name is still used from eons ago. Most know me as John Madman host of The Metal Madman Radio Show. I am also a reviewer under an unknown alias due to the fact that my Radio Show can be seen by some as controversial due to how wild, and crazy it gets. http://www.themetalmadman.com

 

Nice! So you're thinking it's on even ground with New Religion?

 

 

Yeah to my ears this sounds more in the style of "New Religion" with the melodies, and hooks. I think it is actually a tad better and I love that album!

 

New Religion was my #1 2010, so if they have out done that this is gonna be killer!!!

 

I finally heard all the samples...Really liking it.

All Looks No Hooks does sound good....An agree about Outlaw...Cool vibe.

Also kinda liking I Missed the Mark on my first listen.

I definitely think I agree that the bigger, more bombastic sound is back.

Have a feeling this is going to slot somewhere into my top 5 albums of 2014.

Hey DeLaCruz,

1 min 30 sec samples are up on iTunes.. Sounds killer!

All Looks No Hooks sounds massive! And I agree with Outlaw.. Wasn't expecting that vibe but I really enjoy it.

Can't wait for this to drop

Video of Hell Raising Women posted. Liking this tune quite a bit. Has the more classic Crazy Lixx elements that I liked...A bridge that hooks, harmonies and riffs

Not groundbreaking or anything....But sounds promising to me.

I was fairly late to the Adriangale train...They were a band I always sorta had an eye on and would download the off song here and there...There were always a couple songs on their albums I really liked but just din't buy them for whatever reason. Just Let Me Love You and Without a Moments Notice both are songs my wife likes though and seem to get a lot of play

I did finally give in and buy Suckerpunch though...Songs like Suckerpunch, When I Said You'd Be The One and Could've Been Me just pulled me in with their great "Def Leppard" style harmonies and production.

So I'm really looking forward to this release...Hoping some of my favorites make it on and I'm sure there are other great tracks that I've missed over the years that I'll enjoy hearing. Should be a great package.

Will be interested to see the track listing and pre-order details.

I believe I saw on Facebook somewhere that they weren't calling it a day....

It was just getting called Final Piece because it sorta was going to signify the end of an era or sorta a move into a more modern direction....Sort of a turn the page so to speak.

So I think it's really intended to be a career retrospective and not the end of the band.

 

Calling it "Final Piece" sounds like they're calling it a day. Is that true?

 

I was thinking the same thing! I sure hope not!

 

Cool. Will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

I don't need a full return to New Religion...But I'm just hoping for at least something that's sorta between New Religion and Riot Avenue. I agree with De La Cruz about the songs themselves on New Religion and how they were put together...But hopefully getting Chris Laney involved will spice things up a little this time around and add to the production.

I did hear a bit of Ain't No Rest in Rock N Roll in the album trailer/interview with Danny Rexon that I saw posted somewhere...I thought that song still sounded pretty good. Danny did say in the interview that he thought this album would have a return of the bigger sound like New Religion had so it sounds like maybe they had that in mind...

Frankly, to me, Hell Raising Women sounds great....maybe better than just about anything on Riot Avenue to me. I can definitely hear Chris Laney influences at work in that track, as well as the other samples. It's subtle, but makes a difference to my ears. I guess I'm a sucker for stuff like that

I'll have to hop on ITunes and check out the samples later.

Yes definitely - most songs on this album by the sounds of it would fit right in on New Religion! The production sounds huge and you can tell Chris Laney has had involvement.

I am exactly the same as you. I absolutely love NR but when the follow up Riot Avenue came out I was left disappointed. The raw production wasn't for me and felt they had lost some of their 80's hair metal sound and gone for straight up rock, in which the guitars had no b*llocks to them!

This new one is a definite return to form. 'All Looks No Hooks' is a monster. Big riffs and massive gang chants in the verse. 'Outlaw' is a mid temp ballad if you like.. But still has a bite. Only song that reminds me of Riot Avenue is 'Ain't No Rest In Rock N Roll' - has a fast almost 'Airbourne' feel to it. Still a good track! The rest sound typical Lixx doing what they do best! Big verses and even bigger riffs and choruses. 'Wrecking Ball Crew' is a fast one and has a bit of double bass... Works though!

Hope this has helped mate!

Haven't heard the samples yet...Have only heard the samples uploaded earlier in the thread.

After hearing all the samples, would you say that the more "bombastic" sound that was on New Religion is indeed back?

I loved all the "Def Leppard" style backing vocals on that album that were mixed with a lot of hooks and riffs. I just found that album to be the 80's style melodic rock I like to listen to. I thought on Riot Avenue that they lost that formula and it was more straight ahead, no frills rock that just didn't do much for me. And really haven't found myself going back to that album at all. However, New Religion finds itself in my player quite often

From the 3 samples that were posted for Hell Raising Women, Sound of the Loud Minority and Call To Action, it sure sounded like the bigger sound might be back.

Hoping it follows through to the other songs.

Hey DeLaCruz,

1 min 30 sec samples are up on iTunes.. Sounds killer!

All Looks No Hooks sounds massive! And I agree with Outlaw.. Wasn't expecting that vibe but I really enjoy it.

Can't wait for this to drop

 

Haven't heard the samples yet...Have only heard the samples uploaded earlier in the thread.

After hearing all the samples, would you say that the more "bombastic" sound that was on New Religion is indeed back?

I loved all the "Def Leppard" style backing vocals on that album that were mixed with a lot of hooks and riffs. I just found that album to be the 80's style melodic rock I like to listen to. I thought on Riot Avenue that they lost that formula and it was more straight ahead, no frills rock that just didn't do much for me. And really haven't found myself going back to that album at all. However, New Religion finds itself in my player quite often

From the 3 samples that were posted for Hell Raising Women, Sound of the Loud Minority and Call To Action, it sure sounded like the bigger sound might be back.

Hoping it follows through to the other songs.

Hey DeLaCruz,

1 min 30 sec samples are up on iTunes.. Sounds killer!

All Looks No Hooks sounds massive! And I agree with Outlaw.. Wasn't expecting that vibe but I really enjoy it.

Can't wait for this to drop

Not a bad album but also don't like it as much as Suckerpunch.

I've seen they have announced a "Best of CD" to be released November 25th. Supposed to be a double-CD with the second disc having a couple new songs, some b-sides, unreleased songs, etc.

Looking forward to that release.

I pre-ordered this album...Really looking forward to it and really does sound to me from all the samples I've heard that they've gone back to their "Pre-Riot Avenue" sound. Riot Avenue wasn't horrible by any means, but I did think it was quite a departure from New Religion. I thought New Religion had way more hooks and harmonies/backing vocals so preferred it to Riot Avenue.

I'm sure having Chris Laney involved again will help out the production.

Agree also.

This just isn't quite heavy enough for me...I wish they'd go a bit heavier to be closer to somebody like H.e.a.t or W.e.t. I like the way those bands seem to be able to blend AOR elements with melodic rock.

But, I can respect the album for being solid AOR. It does sound very good and I would say that it's definitely something that fans of bands like Journey/Toto/Survivor type "lighter" AOR should check out. It seems well put together and well produced.

It's just not in my personal wheelhouse. I like a little more "punch" than this.

Next album I'm looking forward to is the new Crazy Lixx

 

Nope.... still don't like this at all.

 

Too each his own.

Agree! I will give a few more listens on youtube, but not doing anything for me.

 

Lol...Agree...Kinda glad to see that it isn't on there myself.

These samples aren't sounding too bad to me. I think I like Hell Raising Women better than anything on Riot Avenue.

 

Wonder what happened to that new track called Sympathy that the band recently put out there? I thought that was going to be on the album.

 

Maybe it didn't get a good response or something. Seems like I remember it being sorta "Riot Avenue" sounding....Maybe it doesn't fit well on this album.

Sympathy was released as a single only and never meant to be on the new album. Which is a good thing, cause the track STINKS :-)

 

Wonder what happened to that new track called Sympathy that the band recently put out there? I thought that was going to be on the album.

Maybe it didn't get a good response or something. Seems like I remember it being sorta "Riot Avenue" sounding....Maybe it doesn't fit well on this album.

Loved New Religion...and disliked Riot Avenue about to the same degree as I loved New Religion.

I'll at least be giving this new album a chance.

IMO, Charming Devil is full of more straight ahead, classic rock songs than Identity Crisis.

I personally don't like it as much as Identity Crisis. Songs I really enjoyed from IC were Back To Life, Enlighten Me, Alone, Blame & Corners of My Mind. Those songs struck me as melodic bliss.

Something feels a little different on Charming Devil. It's not a huge difference, but it just seems like the songs are more straight ahead, no frills rock. Kinda hard to put my finger on it. There just doesn't seem to be as many hooks or something. The songs just don't seem to pull me in as much. They do sound great though...Just aren't really as memorable for me as some of the Identity Crisis tracks.

The title track, Charming Devil, is probably my favorite song and has the most classic melodic rock feel to me.

Don't get me wrong though...It sounds great, is well put together and is a quality release. I think anybody that wishes Identity Crisis "rocked" a little more will really enjoy this album. It still has great vocal work by David Reece and is still probably better than most of what is coming out today, especially here in the US.

I've taken a liking to these guys.

I was very late to the party having just gotten Identity Crisis about a month ago. Decided to give it a shot after seeing that Tango Down would be performing at Melodic Rock Fest 4 on the day I'm going in October.

Was originally going to basically see H.e.a.t....But now have another band I'm excited about seeing

Looking forward to the new album to see if they can top Identity Crisis.