Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-D-A-D, Eclipse, Riley's L.A. Guns, Radioactive, & Fans Of The Dark

Index

Even though D-A-D has kept relatively busy, I had somehow lost track of them for a pretty long time. We did eventually catch up with the 2019 release 'Prayer For The Loud'. Having been into their music back in the late 80's and early 90's, that is always my comparison or benchmark. Bands do evolve as they mature and this band is no exception. With that being said, I always felt the band had a bit of a unique feel and the new album is no exception. The music on 'Speed Of Darkness' is quite good and has that D-A-D flare to it that I remember from the earlier days. The cool vibe is still intact and songs once again come across pretty catchy. I am glad once again that AFM has brought the band to availability in the States. It's cool to see bands from the 80's era still release quality material and D-A-D seems to have quite a bit to offer still. Another great listen!

Release Date: October 4, 2024

If you thought Eclipse was going to put the brakes on and slow down, think again. They have just offered up a part 2 to their 2023 'Megalomanium' release. This new album is Eclipse at their core. The previous album in places leaned a bit modern and in ways or at least to my ears, this one sounds like a continuation, but also a bit more of a return to their usual sound. Overall, whatever opinions come out on it, it is a very good batch of songs. That's what it's all about anyway, right? Looking at the songs more closely, it's obvious there is a good crunchy sound to this batch. Add that familiar melody and the songs are a big win again. There are some that lean a little more to the melodic side like 'Still My Hero' and 'Dive Into You'. Looking at the heavier side, don't miss 'Divide & Conquer'. A definite banger and overall just a great heavy Eclipse album overall!

Release Date: September 20, 2024

Well, this one took awhile. It was out on digital formats quite a long time before the physical media counterparts. I've been wanting to check this one out and talk about it and finally, now is the time. Fans will more than likely be aware that this album was completed just prior to Steve Riley's untimely passing. The album did come out as Steve would have wanted to get this music to the fans. I'm still not sure what availability there is as mine was shipped in from the UK. The music on the album is pretty smooth. In ways it reminds me of earlier L.A. Guns, and in other ways it sounds a bit unique. It is definitely a consistent record. If you sample a bit and like what you hear, you'll probably like the entirety. Being a long time fan of Riley as a musician, he will be missed. I will always treasure the music he was a part of and this one is no exception!

Release Date: August 16, 2024

Tommy Denander is an amazing asset to the melodic and hard rock genres. Somehow I missed out on some of the Radioactive material prior to the previous album 'X.X.X.' That album hit me perfectly, so when their was an announcement made about the follow up, I was all in. The album doesn't disappoint either. These albums have their own personalities. You usually have great guest vocal appearances, and this time is no exception. Take for instance Jeff Paris, Joey Vana, and Robin McAuley. McAuley sings on the title track and that one is definitely a favorite of mine. Also Jim Jidhed from Alien and a newcomer in Harris 'Dio' Zandini. Another interesting note is the contributions from Mutt Lange who definitely needs no introduction if you are even remotely familiar with mega 80's stars. What can I add? Another exceptional album with plenty of help talent-wise!

Release Date: October 11, 2024

Fans Of The Dark to me is a fairly unique band. They offer things up in a fairly nostalgic way and this album is no exception both musically and with the song subject material. Video stores and the such, I lived those days and really can appreciate the angle the band took with this album. There is good polish and the performances by each member are superb once again. Take a listen to the opening track 'Meet Me On The Corner' and you'll get that feel of nostalgia I'm talking about. As you make your way through the album you probably enjoy the presence of so many different things that take you back to a great time in the genre. If you are not familiar with this band for whatever reason, do give them a shot. They have a lot of great things going on and the mashup of retro sounds and material relating to videos and video stores will be a breath of fresh air! Excellent!

Release Date: October 11, 2024