Black Widow 6.3

With Criteria for a Black Widow, Jeff Waters reunites most of the original Annihilator lineup - including vocalist Randy Rampage and drummer Ray Hartmann - and keeps the '80s thrash-metal torch burning with surprising effectiveness. Having resolved various personal problems, and having scored a distribution deal in the U.S. for the first time since 1993, Waters sounds rejuvenated by the presence of his old bandmates, who turn in exciting performances. The lyrics aren't quite as personal as on some of the more recent Annihilator albums, but there's a sense of over-the-top fun instead, which makes it overall a triumphant return - no matter how far out of style Waters' favorite music might be.

With Criteria for a Black Widow, Jeff Waters reunites most of the original Annihilator lineup - including vocalist Randy Rampage and drummer Ray Hartmann - and keeps the '80s thrash-metal torch burning with surprising effectiveness. Having resolved various personal problems, and having scored a distribution deal in the U.S. for the first time since 1993, Waters sounds rejuvenated by the presence of his old bandmates, who turn in exciting performances. The lyrics aren't quite as personal as on some of the more recent Annihilator albums, but there's a sense of over-the-top fun instead, which makes it overall a triumphant return - no matter how far out of style Waters' favorite music might be.

With Criteria for a Black Widow, Jeff Waters reunites most of the original Annihilator lineup - including vocalist Randy Rampage and drummer Ray Hartmann - and keeps the '80s thrash-metal torch burning with surprising effectiveness. Having resolved various personal problems, and having scored a distribution deal in the U.S. for the first time since 1993, Waters sounds rejuvenated by the presence of his old bandmates, who turn in exciting performances. The lyrics aren't quite as personal as on some of the more recent Annihilator albums, but there's a sense of over-the-top fun instead, which makes it overall a triumphant return - no matter how far out of style Waters' favorite music might be.

With Criteria for a Black Widow, Jeff Waters reunites most of the original Annihilator lineup - including vocalist Randy Rampage and drummer Ray Hartmann - and keeps the '80s thrash-metal torch burning with surprising effectiveness. Having resolved various personal problems, and having scored a distribution deal in the U.S. for the first time since 1993, Waters sounds rejuvenated by the presence of his old bandmates, who turn in exciting performances. The lyrics aren't quite as personal as on some of the more recent Annihilator albums, but there's a sense of over-the-top fun instead, which makes it overall a triumphant return - no matter how far out of style Waters' favorite music might be.

Three Monks - The Legend of the Holy Circle (2013) {Black Widow BWRCD159-2}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (image)+CUE+LOG -> 319 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 127 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 34 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2013 Black Widow Records | BWRCD159-2
Rock / Progressive Rock / Symphonic Rock

After their impressive debut in 2010 'Neo Gothic Progressive Toccatas' comes another slice of pipe organ heaven from this Italian band. Its strictly a trio format (although two different drummers are used) and all 'instrumental' over its 7 tracks and running time of 50 odd minutes. I'm not a classical music lover so this is as close to actually listening to that genre I will ever get. For those familiar with the debut this is not quite as 'raw'. I think they have tried to make the sound a bit softer and introduced synths into the mix which if I recollect correctly were not present on the debut. At times it reminds me of the Japanese trio Ars Nova especially on the more energetic sections.

In a society defined by our greatest and worst moments, out of chaos comes Letters from a Black Widow – a definitive statement of perseverance and liberation from Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill. The album’s 12 songs masterfully reveal themes she’d explored only in therapy and nightmares. Stories of resistance, hard-won clarity and redemption are delivered through an unshakable soul, funk and blues foundation that resonates with a defiant, beautiful power.

Il Cerchio d'Oro were one of the many symphonic-oriented groups to come out of the initial boom of Italian productivity. They were formed in 1974 by the Terribile brothers (Gino and Guiseppe on drums and bass/guitars, respectively) and Franco Piccolini on keys. They were active on the gigging circuit around Savona but never managed to secure a recording deal, and so the only recordings initially available were a handful of singles from the late '70s following lineup changes (they're not particularly interesting from a progressive rock standpoint, either).
25 years after the band formed, Mellow records came along and dusted off some old recordings, releasing them as the self-titled "Cerchio d'Oro"…