Lizzy Goes Brains Over Braun

The sixth go-around for the Norwegian hard rockers and Twin Peaks devotees, Blackout delivers another solid set of neo-classic rock confections that borrow happily from stalwart radio heavies like Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, and Van Halen. More NWOBHM than hair metal, the 12-track set takes itself just seriously enough to connect, but never tries to pretend to be anything other than a love letter to the 1970s, which it manages to do with significant aplomb, despite the fact that the band has connections to a host of extreme metal outfits, including Enslaved and Gorgoroth. Iron Maiden are evoked right out of the gate on the explosive "This Is War," a nearly six-and-a-half-minute romp through guitarmony-leaden killing fields that sounds like a lost cut from the Piece of Mind sessions.

The title of the popular trumpeter and composer's latest triumph is a wistful reference to a language created in the late 19th century (by Dr. L.L. Zamenhof, who used the pseudonym "Dr. Esperanto") to facilitate communication between people of different lands and cultures. It's representative of the unique vibe of the collection, which features distinctive Euro influences drawn from the realms of trance, electronica, and acid jazz, with dramatic orchestral touches as well. Before those kick in, however, listeners are treated to an extension of the old-school brassy soul of B.W.B., the Warner Bros. ensemble of Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Norman Brown.

Lizzy Borden has spent nearly 25 years creating some of the most theatrical metal in existence and in the process has become nothing short of a metal icon. Releasing classics such as Love You to Pieces (1985) and Master of Disguise (1989) and obliterating audiences worldwide with a stage show that rivals that of Marilyn Manson and Alice Cooper. This one is a killer remaster! Hard to believe that it was recorded back in the 80's. Includes 4 bonus tracks. The guitar work sounds absolutely killer.

CHRIS BRAUN BAND are a Krautrock group based in Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany who disappeared from the scene after 2 album releases. In 1972 "Both Sides" featured Bill Bakine on drums, percussion, Jochen Bernstein on bass, Chris Braun on lead vocals, Elmar Krohn on guitars, flute, percussion, vocals, and Horst Schreiber on guitars, percussion, and vocals.