This is the business. Best album I’ve heard this year since Chaos and Colour by Uriah Heep. Some of the guitar soloing is of the highest order. Playing it over and over.
Cool supergroup. Was eager to give their debut album a listen as soon as they announced their formation. Quite solid release. Favorite Tracks: Do or Die, Blind Leading the Blind, Bitter Pill, Dirty Pig.
Great album Pete … I think Romero’s job here is better than his other projects … he sings with passion … the music here is what he needs to shine … the guitar playing is amazing … great album!!!!
Album of the year so far. This absolutely kills. Fantastic songwriting. Echoes of classic Dio and Judas Priest. When the last track finishes you just need to play it all again. Awesome album 🙂🎸
I think 'Horns for a Halo' is a really strong debut album from Elegant Weapons and I'd love to hear a second album from them! If things go well moving forward, hopefully Ronnie Romero will stick around. My only downside would the cover of UFO's "Light's Out." I would've preferred another original song, like Pete said.
Haven't heard it yet, but I've seen both positive and negative reviews. They are going out on tour soon, which is really cool since they're one of very few supergroups like this who do this, and this is probably the reason why Robin McAuley is touring with MSG for the rest of the year! I'll listen to the album sooner or later, but the singles haven't made me feel like this is "can't miss"-stuff. With the new lineup they are a supergroup of the 20-30 year younger guys coming into bands with members near pension age. Just on face value, I think the new lineup is an upgrade and I wish they took part in songwriting and played on the album. Uriah Heep's Chaos & Colour is the album to beat this year for me and seems like Rimmer is a quite big reason for that. Williams doesn't surpass Stefan Schwarzmann in Accept, but he does about an equally good job - very solid.
Hopefully these guys do stay together because there is definitely some chemistry happening with these guys and hopefully the other guys fit in as well. We need more good consistent straight up heavy metal albums like this to keep metal alive!
I think there are several songs on here that should be played on some of your regular radio stations like KLOS in LA. Sadly, this cd is not really being promoted that much. No tour dates coming up either
On that note, you might want to review the new Ningen Isu album from Japan. I've heard 3 songs off of it, and all 3 are strong hard rock/metal songs done very well. But with a Japanese twist that makes it fresh. This band has been around for awhile, but have really came into their own over the last few years with some great song writing and playing. Best of their career and real consistent.
The more I listen the more I like it. Dead Man Walking, Ghost of You, Dirty Pig, White Horse, Down Fall Rising are just killer. Honestly, I'm surprised they were not picked as the singles. This cd needs to be played on regular mainstream radio stations like KLOS
This sort of thing is surely going to only become more common as the younger (middle aged) people who have joined ageing legacy bands increasingly come together. Forming bands together is surely an obvious option for them, as we see here. The thing I really wonder about is that Richie Faulkner and Todd La Torre together may be a brilliant thing - they are perhaps the top 2 guys in the category of people here. Maybe if their paths ever do cross what they produce could be really great. I do like this album - maybe not quite as much as the review!
So, as I’m coming back to Virginia Beach on my delivery Job from the Outer Banks NC, I watch your review video and decide to check it out on TH-cam. To me, it has its moments. Nothing spectacular to my ears. Seems like I’ve truly heard it all before and they’re no exception. I don’t feel like it’ll be a full time band and frankly, Ronnie’s vocals are kinda irritating at times lol.
This should drop on my mat in the next day or two, loved what was on the net pre-release. BTW Pete, I know Derbyshire has an E, but it's DArby-shire, so rhymes with Barbieshire... Just saying!
I thought the same thing about their name. I was not a fan of the Elegant Weapons name. I made peace with it when I compared it to Megadeth's song Hanger 18's lyric..."The military intelligence Two words combined that can't make sense". A play on words or some wicked irony? Ultimately I feel Metal is in good hands with a bunch of strong younger bands like Elegant Weapons.
This is my album of the year so far picked it up on the day it came out and I was like I can't miss it and everything on this album is killer and to me this could be Ronnie's better of the better vocals because it is better for his style and lords of black is great with vocals but this is great for him and Ritchie man on fire on this albums and the drummers killer. Just the whole album is great
I do think Ronnie sounds the best I've heard him sing on this album but, to be honest, I am a little burned out on Ripper Romero over the last five years. The projects he's been associated with are all starting to sound like generic cut and paste metal. This is better than all of those other projects but, I am having a tough time getting into it.
Richie Faulkner is a kickass guitarist, but this album is tired. Nothing new here. I’d prefer to see Richie doing something a bit more contemporary. It sounds exactly like you would think it would. No surprises, nothing fresh and just meh. They are all great players, but if I want to live in the past I’d break out my old British Steel or Breaker albums. Solid music, just a bit of the same old same old. Literally.
This is the business. Best album I’ve heard this year since Chaos and Colour by Uriah Heep. Some of the guitar soloing is of the highest order. Playing it over and over.
I agree, Shaun, I've only given this one listen so far, but am really digging it, and so far, Chaos and Colour is my album of the year.
Cool supergroup. Was eager to give their debut album a listen as soon as they announced their formation. Quite solid release.
Favorite Tracks:
Do or Die, Blind Leading the Blind, Bitter Pill, Dirty Pig.
Great album Pete … I think Romero’s job here is better than his other projects … he sings with passion … the music here is what he needs to shine … the guitar playing is amazing … great album!!!!
This is definitely somewhere in my top four albums of 2023 so far along with Uriah Heep, Riverside and Jethro Tull.
Great album.
Album of the year so far. This absolutely kills. Fantastic songwriting. Echoes of classic Dio and Judas Priest. When the last track finishes you just need to play it all again. Awesome album 🙂🎸
This is a great riffy piece of classic rock, great album and I agree the back end of the album is so strong!
Absolutely love this album. I hope they keep the band going.
I think 'Horns for a Halo' is a really strong debut album from Elegant Weapons and I'd love to hear a second album from them! If things go well moving forward, hopefully Ronnie Romero will stick around. My only downside would the cover of UFO's "Light's Out." I would've preferred another original song, like Pete said.
I’ve enjoyed it. Richie seems like a cool dude worth supporting. Extremely talented also.
Decent album. 3.5/5
Fav tracks Do or Die, Dirty Pig, Blind Leading the Blind
I was legitimately shocked after listening to this. It’s true hard rocking metal that sounds new yet old, if that makes sense.
Three spins in, and Pete you nailed almost exactly what I thought about this album as well. Nailed it/ great review. Thank you 👍💯
Killer album cant stop playing it
Haven't heard it yet, but I've seen both positive and negative reviews. They are going out on tour soon, which is really cool since they're one of very few supergroups like this who do this, and this is probably the reason why Robin McAuley is touring with MSG for the rest of the year! I'll listen to the album sooner or later, but the singles haven't made me feel like this is "can't miss"-stuff. With the new lineup they are a supergroup of the 20-30 year younger guys coming into bands with members near pension age. Just on face value, I think the new lineup is an upgrade and I wish they took part in songwriting and played on the album. Uriah Heep's Chaos & Colour is the album to beat this year for me and seems like Rimmer is a quite big reason for that. Williams doesn't surpass Stefan Schwarzmann in Accept, but he does about an equally good job - very solid.
Road trip coming up soon so this goes on that playlist. First track a good start to the album Thanks for ths new product review, Pete.
Just listened to the whole album. Very impressed. Just a great album all the way through
Great album it's been on my playlist since it came out!! great riffs and singing Production is amazin!! Top 20 for the year for sure
Great album. Can't wait to see them on the road.
My album of the year so far 🤘👍
This album kicks ass. Thanks for the recommendation; can always count on you for something new 🤘
great album, i love clasic....old school hard rock and heavy metal, and this is essential of that
I listened by your rec. It was great. Thank you.
It's awesome! Thanks for another excellent recommendation Pete!
This just came on shuffle on my Spotify and immediately was like who is that and was like I bet Pete has a review. This album is so much fun!
Really good album. Not a massive fan of the Lights Out cover but absolutely love the rest🤘🏻
Ronnie Romero could leave something for the other singers, it's everywhere jajajjajaj. Greetings Pete.
Well, everyone is asking him, it's not like he is trying to be on these albums! LOL
Hopefully these guys do stay together because there is definitely some chemistry happening with these guys and hopefully the other guys fit in as well. We need more good consistent straight up heavy metal albums like this to keep metal alive!
Damn this is another one I have buy. You are costing me a fortune. Love Ronnie Romero and Andy Sneap is the best metal producer just now.
I think there are several songs on here that should be played on some of your regular radio stations like KLOS in LA. Sadly, this cd is not really being promoted that much. No tour dates coming up either
On that note, you might want to review the new Ningen Isu album from Japan. I've heard 3 songs off of it, and all 3 are strong hard rock/metal songs done very well. But with a Japanese twist that makes it fresh. This band has been around for awhile, but have really came into their own over the last few years with some great song writing and playing. Best of their career and real consistent.
Excellent album! A band to keep the flame of the traditional metal burning! The dinosaurs won't last long...
dave rimmers brother is an amazing drummer too, shame they couldnt get him in..good barber to boot
That was a perfect assessment. You read my mind!!!
The more I listen the more I like it. Dead Man Walking, Ghost of You, Dirty Pig, White Horse, Down Fall Rising are just killer. Honestly, I'm surprised they were not picked as the singles. This cd needs to be played on regular mainstream radio stations like KLOS
This sort of thing is surely going to only become more common as the younger (middle aged) people who have joined ageing legacy bands increasingly come together. Forming bands together is surely an obvious option for them, as we see here.
The thing I really wonder about is that Richie Faulkner and Todd La Torre together may be a brilliant thing - they are perhaps the top 2 guys in the category of people here. Maybe if their paths ever do cross what they produce could be really great.
I do like this album - maybe not quite as much as the review!
I think Richie Faulkner and Todd La Torre would be a cool match!
Thanks!
So, as I’m coming back to Virginia Beach on my delivery Job from the Outer Banks NC, I watch your review video and decide to check it out on TH-cam. To me, it has its moments. Nothing spectacular to my ears. Seems like I’ve truly heard it all before and they’re no exception. I don’t feel like it’ll be a full time band and frankly, Ronnie’s vocals are kinda irritating at times lol.
Has that clean powerful sound from producer Sneap. Dig last 3 tracks.
Great band fantastic record
This should drop on my mat in the next day or two, loved what was on the net pre-release.
BTW Pete, I know Derbyshire has an E, but it's DArby-shire, so rhymes with Barbieshire... Just saying!
That Derbyshire bit made me chuckle too 😂
The first track and Ghost of You could be played on mainstream radio
I thought the same thing about their name. I was not a fan of the Elegant Weapons name. I made peace with it when I compared it to Megadeth's song Hanger 18's lyric..."The military intelligence
Two words combined that can't make sense". A play on words or some wicked irony?
Ultimately I feel Metal is in good hands with a bunch of strong younger bands like Elegant Weapons.
This is my album of the year so far picked it up on the day it came out and I was like I can't miss it and everything on this album is killer and to me this could be Ronnie's better of the better vocals because it is better for his style and lords of black is great with vocals but this is great for him and Ritchie man on fire on this albums and the drummers killer. Just the whole album is great
Rival sons darkfighter review?
Hi Pete! I was wondering if you ever had a chance to listen to my album Fighting Filthy from Pier 6 Brawl ?
listening to album now...is it me or does this lead singer sound like Coverdale...even Whitesnake style...which is great.
🤘
I do think Ronnie sounds the best I've heard him sing on this album but, to be honest, I am a little burned out on Ripper Romero over the last five years. The projects he's been associated with are all starting to sound like generic cut and paste metal. This is better than all of those other projects but, I am having a tough time getting into it.
I'll give it a listen, just not crazy about Romero's voice.
The best album 2023
Question: Does your facial expression on the cover photo give any indication of how you may like a new CD? 🤣
nope.
High expectations but 3/5 ... Blackmore over Schenker
Richie Faulkner is a kickass guitarist, but this album is tired. Nothing new here. I’d prefer to see Richie doing something a bit more contemporary. It sounds exactly like you would think it would. No surprises, nothing fresh and just meh. They are all great players, but if I want to live in the past I’d break out my old British Steel or Breaker albums. Solid music, just a bit of the same old same old. Literally.