Tommy Lee - presents Tommyland: The Ride
© 2005 TL Education Services, Inc.
Reviewed by Dave Palmer
It's surprising at just how ambitious Tommy Lee is these days. He has been touring with Motley Crue with the band having great success on their latest tour. Lee has a TV show hitting the airwaves really soon as well. As if that isn't enough to keep him busy, he also has a solo album about to hit the streets as well. In my opinion, you never really know what to expect from Tommy. He obviously has done and still does his thing with the Crue which as we know is pretty straight forward hard rocking music. He did his Methods of Mayhem which was very different than Motley Crue. His last solo album also sounded a bit more modern than what he had done with the Crue as well. So what are we to expect from Tommy's latest solo album. Different sounds of course! This album is much different once again than anything I have heard him do to this point, with the exception of a track or two from his last solo effort. If I was to try to put this album somewhere in terms of sound, it would definitely have a retro feel to it. I started thinking of the sounds of the 70's to be more exact. The music in alot of ways is pretty melodic with the first two tracks, Good Times' and 'Hello, Again' grabbing an acoustic sound that at times builds a little, but never to the point of heavy. 'Tryin to be Me' is the heaviest song on the album and has that very familiar drum sound that we know and love from Lee. Everything on the album is between these two tempos. This album to me was quite a surprise just due to the melodic nature overall. In some ways, you could say that although the album has a nostalgic feel to it, it also has a feel of some of today's more melodic rock as well. It is worth mentioning that there is a lengthy list of guest musicians on the album. It is very apparent just how many friends he has by the list and just how many genres they come from. It tends to be quite impressive.
Overall
To sum this one up, it's definitely a surprise, and a pleasant one at that. The album is melodic overall and has a bit of a nostalgic feel to it. The songwriting is very well done on the album. I didn't really find any point where the music got boring. This music is a real credit to Lee and his diversity and I really commend him on a job well done. If you like your music melodic with a bit of bite once in awhile, this one is worth checking out!
Questions or Comments? Email Dave by clicking here.
Reviewed by Dave Palmer
I have been listening to Lion Music artists for quite some time now and I have to say that this is one of the more interesting signings. Alot of the Lion roster either leans instrumental or has a touch of progressive or neo-classical. Not this band. These guys are straight ahead power metal type stuff. This is one of those signings that shows how much the Lion Music label has branched out through the years. I believe this band is American which is interesting as well. The majority of the Lion roster is foreign, at least to us here in the States. As far as the band themselves, I really like them. I like all kinds of tempos in my metal, but I really love it heavy and this band obliges. Nothing really thrashy, just fairly traditional metal that has alot of bark to it. I would say that my only complaint is that the album isn't longer. You really get revved up with the music, but leave wanting more. A minor complaint, I know. The album has 6 full length tracks and 2 intro tracks. There is alot of consistency in the 6 tracks. Most, such as 'War Paint', the title track 'Lies in Black', 'The Darkness Inside Me' and 'Wasted Time' are all very straight forward rockers with the latter having building moments of intensity with melody in the other sections. The final 2 tracks 'Bridge to Nowhere' and '...til Dust Return' are builders as well with the latter being one of the albums heaviest hitters. There is a definite attitude to the album that gives you the feeling that this band is ready to become a contender. It's nice to see this band added to the variety of what Lion Music offers.
Overall
A pretty solid effort from this good metal band. I'm hoping that next time we get even more music on the bands next album. This album really wets the appetite and leaves the listener wanting more. It's all heavy and reminiscent of what was offered in the American market a few years back. I think it would be safe to say that this one comes recommended! Solid outing!
Questions or Comments? Email Dave by clicking here.
