to create an intriguing amalgamation of sounds . Opener “ Cut The Noose ” makes good use of the band ’ s musical diversity by transitioning through djent / modern extreme metal with proggy elements , propelling double kick patterns , and various ranges of vocalizations , while melodic-yetedgy tracks “ Megalomaniac ” and “ Goodbye to Sovereignty ” contain easily accessible radio-friendly elements . Although all 12 tracks are outstanding in their own right and offer numerous catchy earworms , tracks such as “ The Narc ,” first single “ Behind These Eyes ” and “ To an End ” are huge highlights within the band ’ s exciting repertoire . Chains Over Razors is an album that fans of rock and metal can wholeheartedly invest in .
9
– Kelley Simms
MISFIRE Sympathy For The Ignorant
( MNRK Heavy )
Local trio Misfire delivers old-school thrash metal with a modern flavor on its devastating debut full-length album Sympathy For The Ignorant . The album ’ s 10 mosh-worthy tracks take their musical cues from the mid- ’ 80s thrash era of bands such as Testament , Megadeth , Metallica , and Slayer , combined with ’ 90s groove metal elements , most specifically , Machine Head and Pantera . Made up of former Diamond Plate members guitarist / vocalist Jay Johnson and drummer James Nicademus , as well as bassist / vocalist Sean Coogan , the trio make good use of their longtime musical chemistry , influences , and musicianship throughout the album ’ s 39-minute runtime . Decorated with slamming bass lines , strong riffs , menacing vocals , a solid rhythm section , and fiery guitar leads , Misfire has honed in on a familiar sound while giving these tunes their own identity . Every track is well structured and doesn ’ t overstay their welcome , with four of the 10 tracks previously appearing on its 2019 self-titled EP . Opener “ Fractured ” begins with a classic thrash metal buildup that steadily gains steam before exploding into a mid-paced rhythmic attack . From the catchy chorus of “ Red Flag ” to the memorable vocal lines of “ War of Mine ,” to the raging chorus of “ L . Y . S . ( Lose Your Shit ),” Misfire delivers furious thrash metal with power and aggression . The Metallica-esque “ Death Trap ” and the abrasive “ No Offense ” explode with furious abandonment . Misfire isn ’ t trying to reinvent the wheel here , but they manage to create a genuine display for the genre while keeping it fresh and explosive . Although mostly unknown now , Misfire proves to be one of the most lethal bands in metal today and I wouldn ’ t be surprised to see Sympathy For The Ignorant near the top of the list for best thrash metal album of 2022 .
- Kelley Simms
8
RAY CHARLES HIS ORCHESTRA AND THE RAELETTES Live in Stockholm 1972
( Tangerine )
This 50-year-old live set of Ray Charles at peak power was previously available as part of last year ’ s sprawling True Genius retrospective and was the main attraction for many fans . The concert was then released as a strictly limited colored vinyl LP for Record Store Day ’ s Black Friday event . After a sixmonth pause , Live in Stockholm 1972 is now widely available as a black vinyl LP . Fans of the Genius may wish for deeper cuts or signature songs like “ One Mint Julep ” or “ Hit the Road Jack ,” but this brief eight-song set is a treasure capturing a glimpse of Charles in his prime as a global superstar entertainer . The show begins with “ Alexander ’ s Ragtime Band ,” backed by a joyful walking bass line and the trumpets , trombones , and saxophones of his big band . The Raelettes add warmth and harmony , although they ’ re pretty low in the mix . Charles then segues into “ What ’ d I Say ,” digging into the familiar piano line . By this point , the Raelettes are better seated in the mix , but the piano is low until Charles transitions to the soulful and bluesy “ I ’ ve Had My Fun .” It ’ s clear that we ’ re hearing the mix as it evolved in realtime in the room . “ That ’ s the blues !,” exclaims Charles after finishing “ I ’ ve Had My Fun .” He then calls for a reprise just so he can hear his favorite horn passage again . The four Raelettes get a special introduction before being individually featured . Charles fuses country and soul on “ Don ’ t Change on Me ,” a relatively recent song from 1970 ’ s Love Country Style , followed by its megahit counterpart “ I Can ’ t Stop Loving You .” The band follows Charles through every playful twist and dynamic shift . In the end , the audience goes wild .
– Jeff Elbel
8
RUSH Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Deluxe LP set
( Universal )
Canadian musical ambassadors Rush has a contingent of diehard followers sufficiently large to ensure that each of the iconic progressive rock trio ’ s 19 studio albums is some fan ’ s favorite . Even less-heralded efforts like Caress of Steeland and Test for Echo have their evangelists , and fair enough . Rush never made a safe album , and each entry offers the curious listener something worthy of exploration . Any devotee ’ s top pick probably has a lot to do with the period when he or she encountered the band during its 40-year career with late drummer Neil Peart , beginning with 1975 ’ s Fly By Night . 1981 album Moving Pictures is special , though . The general hard rock fan acknowledges this album as great , be they a Rush zealot or not . If you ’ re a Who or Led Zeppelin fan who only has one Rush album , it ’ s probably 2112 or Moving Pictures . And if you ’ re an ‘ 80s kid whose collection is otherwise loaded with fare like Zenyatta Mondatta or 90125 , your prize from the Rush vault is
june 2022 illinoisentertainer . com 17