TheZine Vol #01 | Page 74

Aerosmith This is Aerosmith’s first live video in nearly a decade. Filmed back in 2011 in Japan shortly after the country suffered an earthquake, tsunami and a meltdown of a nuclear plant. They were advised to not go to the Country but they insisted and put off some of what has been said were some of the finest shows of their career. ROCK FOR THE RISING SUN is an amazing glimpse of possibly the greatest Rock n’ Roll band in the world. The live concert intertwined with footage of the band in and around Japan shows the band in a light that we rarely see. From Joe Perry shopping to Steven Tyler talking with fans on the street it shows that they are just regular people like the rest of us. The interview with a Japanese Superfan is very interesting as he explains why Aerosmith are such a great band and that he has seen over 150 shows. a full, complete concert. All concert releases should feature the FULL, COMPLETE show uninterrupted. Having segments of them shopping and meeting fans mixed in should be left for the ‘Bonus Feature’ section. The quality of this is top notch. Audio is well mixed with nothing buried and video is stunningly clear. From a quality aspect everything is near perfect. No issues or complaints about either. This Blu-Ray is highly recommended for all Aerosmith fans. The only complaint I have is that you cannot watch it as The quality is good as the 245-page book includes a foreword by Jeff Waters (who toured with the band back in the 90’s) and an afterword by Brian Slagel of Metal Blade. Reinventing Metal:The True Story Of Pantera And The Tragically Short Life Of Dimebag Darrell – Neil Daniels October 2013 Released: 2013, Backbeat Boots Rating: 3.5/5 banana fritters Reviewer: JP REINVENTING METAL is a slightly oversized paperback published by Backbeat who are really making a good name for themselves in the rock book market. pioneering that melodic Metal style, because they were not as successful as the bands from that same era, the Dokken’s and Keel’s of the world. Speaking of promo shots, the picture adorning the cover was a bit of a weak choice as the band is just standing there looking decidedly un-Metal. I’m getting off my soapbox now. (I know – Ed) For further evidence look who the band was tourThere are a couple doz- ing with in the 90’s, many en full colour photos bands of questionable printed on glossy plates metal pedigree, (Prong, in the middle and they Gruntruck, Downset, Type range from the earliest O Negative, Deftones, incarnation of the band Clutch, Neurosis, Static X, to more recent promo Skrape etc) not to mention shots. Ozzfest... Pantera is often critiqued for their early ‘glam’ days when, in fact, they were very cutting edge starting in the very early 80’s and don’t get nearly enough recognition as 74