As mentioned early this week, this single was conspicuously released the same day as Mike Portnoy’s Adrenaline Mob made their EP available. Now I’m not here to take sides, with anything that took place, and I want to mention that as a drummer I loved the audition footage that the band made available a few months back. I also thoroughly enjoyed Black Clouds and Silver linings and so I have attentively been waited to hear what the band does next.

If you’ve seen the aforementioned audition footage, you’ll have heard part of this track. My first impression is for as much as there was made out of these auditions, and as much as Mike Mangini’s incorporation has been talked up, his playing is buried in the mix. This to me a complete shame, especially after seeing his emotions pour out in his playing during the audition footage, and in his comments after being given the spot in the band.

Aside from that the track is very generic. It isn’t a bad track, but their last leadoff single Rite Of Passage had a certain energy about it, the mix, the various transitions, it got you pumped for the album, it made you want to hear the rest of the album. On The Backs Of Angels isn’t bad, the issue is we’ve heard all of this before by the band. The track really makes you conjure up all types of questions regarding the album, and band. Some people may ask why I gave Adrenaline Mob a “pass”, but to me it offers something different, something that at least to me is entertaining. This track is just ok, again, we’ve heard most of this already from the band, and you expect something big out of the box. Guess we’ll have to wait and see how the album shapes up, hopefully the full length has been mixed differently to make Mangini’s playing feel less contained.

Rated: C+

With regards to the Dream Theater versus Mike Portnoy issue, I understand what both parties have been trying to get across. Dream Theater has a core audience that the band wants to continue to satisfy. But be careful of you wish for. Will the band’s treatment of their audience be the same? Will they provide fans with a varying setlist as they have in the past? This made things very personal between the band and their fans, this made being a fan of the band “special”. Early indications are they that they will not, as their setlist has not varied all that much from one show to another on their current tour. Will this back fire on the band?

Dream Theater and their audience might have benefitted from the band talking a few years off. You can look at all of the bands Mike Portnoy mentioned (Motley Crue, Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, etc.) but take a look at one specifically, as I feel they match up closest to DT’s audience. The band is Rush, after several years away the band is now bigger than ever, constantly doing well in a live environment, and even venturing over to Europe, something they haven’t done in ages. Saturation is not a good thing, and Dream Theater has been able to saturate the market, and their fans, with their presence. Their fans have allowed for this, due to the personal aspect I mention above, but this can all get shot to hell real fast if they are no longer going to go out of their way to give their fans what they want. Although some may see it as a detriment, not having any radio hits per say may actually benefit the band in the long haul. These are all just a bunch of hypothetical questions/points, we’ll have to see how it all plays out.

Russell Allen alluded to the fact that he might be working with Mike Portnoy when I interviewed him late last year. A few days later it was announced that he, Mr. Portnoy and Mike Orlando would be working together. Most of the negative press that has come up is that these three individuals did not put a monster prog album out that will rival what Dream Theather is currently doing, the DT-Slayer if you will. I’m sure that would have been cool, but considering Allen is in Symphony X, recently worked on a Lande/Allen album, and was part of the latest Star One project, why add another prog project to the list? He also mentioned that they had something really cool/special in mind, and he hoped that it would all work out.

That it has, for as much as people (me included) ask for things to be original, different, etc., sometimes something much simpler, and straight to the point gets the point across better. This album, is heavy, has plenty of groove, and enough individualism that it all works, and does a good job at creating enough spaces to highlight each of the players talents.

Russell Allen who has really come into his own with this and the new Symphony X album, although he’s always been a powerhouse, 2011 has brought the best out of him. Another pleasant surprise was that Richard Ward is involved in the project, possibly the most underrated guitarist of his generation; he has constantly put his stamp, his vibe, his tone on everything he’s touched, this EP being no different. Paul DiLeo could be considered the unknown commodity of the group, but he comes across like a monster and fits in perfectly. Mike Orlando provides the right amount of spice to the mix, providing some blazing fretwork, and adds a completely different style to what Mr. Ward brings to the table. And Mike Portnoy? Everyone was waiting to see what he was going to bring to the table after leaving Dream Theater. Yes, I know he was with Avenged Sevenfold for a bit, but that wasn’t “his project”. People where waiting for “his new project”. Could he have gone hog wild on this to show what he’s capable of? Could have set out to put his old bandmates to shame? Yes, and yes, but would that of benefited the music? Seriously, what was he supposed to do, become the Vinnie Vincent of drumming? His playing is spot on, it is complex where it needs to be, and simple where the song calls for things to be straight forward.

The EP consists of five tracks, four original tracks, and the Black Sabbath cover, Mob Rules.

What’s important with this EP is that it works, it’s solid, and it’s entertaining. It could have been more complex, and it could have been boring and really sucked! But it doesn’t, and if this is any indication of the full length, well I can’t wait for it to come out.

Rated: A

On a side note, is it any coincidence that Dream Theater released their single On The Backs Of Angels the same day as the Adrenaline Mob EP? Hmmm, makes you wonder doesn’t it?

Since I also have a Spanish language podcast which can be found at FusionSonica.com, I have also included bands from Spain and a band from South America.

Raul L.R. lead guitarist of the band Marlenne. The band’s cover of Personal Jesus was video of the month not too long ago on Sol Music a 24 hour video channel that competes with the national version of MTV. The band is an interesting mix of hard rock bands of today like Nickelback, Alterbridge, Staind and Godsmack, with alternative bands from the 90s like Bush, and a hint of 80s with George Lynch influenced riffs.

Raul Galvan is lead singer and bass player of the three piece Emboque. Where to begin with this bands influences? Maiden, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Priest, Purple, Dream Theater, etc., etc. They’re known for throwing special shows where members of Spain’s rock royalty join them on stage to cover a lot of bands mentioned above. The following track is off of their latest album Voy A Por Ti, it features former Dream Theater keyboard player Derrick Sherinian.

Dani Perez is one of Spain’s premier drummers. His influences vary from Jazz to Death Metal, and it shows in his playing, which is atypical, and unique for the style of music he’s playing. He has formed part of internationally touring acts like Saratoga, Stravaganzza, Skizoo and now Khael. The latter is more than just a band with another “hot” singer. Dani and the rest of the members of the band help add their own ingredients to the mix to help separate the band from all of the other female fronted national acts.

Jorge Salan studied at Berkley, and has played with Mago De Oz (often considered the Spanish Dream Theater), is Jeff Scott Soto’s touring guitars, and has had people like Miguel Rios and Bob Daisley guest on his solo albums.

Here is a trailer for his DVD which includes some of the artists mentioned above:

Big Mario is the lead singer of Madrid’s Hell’s Fire. They’re a Spanish band whose hearts are well south of the South Of The Mason Dixon Line. The band is heavily influenced by Pantera, Black Label Society, and an assortment of southern rock and metal bands. They have added a second guitarist and are currently working on the follow up to their debut album Eleven Roads To Hell. Here is a video off of said album called The Chosen One.

They also decided to cover one of my all time favorite Anthrax tracks, Inside Out, so I’ll throw that in here too!

JL one of two guitarists in Wayne, they are a band that I have always pegged as Spain’s Gojira. The reason I mention this is I feel they could easily be one of the reference points when it comes to harder edged music from Spain. Their unique texturing and mixing of various styles and influences gives them a sonic approach that has yet to be duplicated in the Iberian Peninsula, and many parts of the world for that matter.

Here is a lo-fi video I shot of them a while back at one of their shows.

David Gonzalez is lead guitarist of Spanish Stoner band Face The Void. A band that goes out of its way to pay homage to the bands that have influenced them, you can notice this in their music, and when covering Kyuss’ Green Machine and Down’s Lifer. They do the later so perfectly that if you close your eyes you’ll think you’re watching Down live!

Go to their Facebook page to check out tracks from their EP I Have Betrayed Me.

Gonzalo Leiva Palacios is the drummer of the Chilean band Encrucijada (cross roads in English). What an interesting choice of names since they mix everything from Dream Theater, and Iron Maiden to Motley Crue. Here is a video of them playing at a Chilean festival.

Fakyea is labeled as the metal site by and for metal fans. It is one of the premier metal sites in Spain, and also helps promote shows across the country. Their founder/editor Fer Fakyea will be offering his services to the “big project”. To check out Fakyea and all they have to offer, go to Fakyea.com.

Jandro Storm is the drumming behind the Spanish alt-rock band Storms To Come. He is also an outspoken contributor to my site FusionSonica.com. He does everything from criticize band reunions; bash certain trends, and from time to time, defend Lars Ulrich! Jandro speaks his mind regardless of what’s trendy or not. Here is a video by Storms To Come

David Lozano is guitarist of Cantabrian powerhouses Propaganda. The band has infected the minds of their fans with their brand of propaganda (pardon the pun) with their lyrics. Their shows are always packed, and full of energy. Rumor has it they’re working on new material.

Here is a video of them at Salcedo Rock ’09, you can actually see me for less than half a second at the beginning of the clip.

Angel Rubin is the ex lead singer of Adgar, and has just recently joined La Hermandad. He is a powerhouse, and is known for having some of the best pipes in all of Spain. La Hermandad is working on new material with Angel, which should be out shortly. In the meantime, here is a bootleg video from a recent show:

Dan not being one to mix words has some interesting comments regarding the Big 4, and alludes to the fact that Hades was playing a certain Joe Jackson cover well in advance of another New York Tri-state area band.

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Items touched upon include:

Guns N Roses, D.J. Ashba, Robin Finck, Izzy Stradlin, Chinese Democracy, The Adventures Of Bumblefoot, Shrapnel, MS Research, Rock Band, Guitars Suck, Normal, Abnormal, Guitars Still Suck, UFC, Exodus, Anthrax, Dream Theater, Zakk Wylde, In This Moment, Talking Meal On Fuse, John Ostronomy, Mark Strigl, Judas Priest, Evan Seinfeld and the Spyderz, Paul McCartney, Mike Patton, Axl Rose, L&B Spumoni Gardens, Blair’s Hot Sauce, Tommy Stinson, Frank Ferrer, Thin Lizzy, Gary Cherone, Van Halen, Eddie Trunk, Kiss, Beatles, Led Zepplin, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dizzy Reed.

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Kiss – Unholy
Iron Maiden – Fear Of The Dark
Lynch Mob – Tangled In Your Web
Vince Neil – Look In Her Eyes*
Motley Crue – Uncle Jack*
Ratt – Nobody Rides For Free*
Exodus – Bitch*
Pantera – Fucking Hostile
Tool – Part Of Me
Bad Religion – Generator
Alice In Chains – Got Me Wrong
Testament – Electric Crown
W.A.S.P. – Chainsaw Charlie
Black Sabbath – Computer God
Ministry – Just One Fix
Beastie Boys – Time For Living
King’s X – Black Flag
Manic Street Preachers – Slash & Burn
Faith No More – Be Aggressive
Def Leppard – Tear It Down
Biohazard – Punishment
Body Count – Bowels Of The Devil
Rage Against The Machine – Know Your Enemy
AC/DC – That’s The Way I Wanna Rock N Roll
The Offspring – Kick Him When He’s Down
Manowar – Metal Warriors
Warrant – Inside Out
Ugly Kid Joe – Goddamn Devil
Nine Inch Nails – Gave Up
Suicidal Tendencies, Monopoly On Sorrow
Kyuss – Green Machine
Megadeth – Foreclosure Of A Dream
Dream Theater – Take The Time
Motorhead – Ain’t No Nice Guy
Fear Factory – Martyr
Extreme – Warheads
White Zombie – Black Sunshine

Kiss, Iron Maiden, Lynch Mob, Vince Neil, Motley Crue, Ratt, Exodus, Pantera, Tool, Bad Religion, Alice In Chains, Testament, W.A.S.P., Black Sabbath, Ministry, Beastie Boys, King’s X, Manic Street Preachers, Faith No More, Def Leppard, Biohazard, Body Count, Rage Against The Machine, AC/DC, The Offspring, Manowar, Warrant, Ugly Kid Joe, Nine Inch Nails, Suicidal Tendencies, Kyuss, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Motorhead, Fear Factory, Extreme and White Zombie.

Episode debuts tonight 8PM EST / 5PM PST exclusively on MarkStriglRadio.com

During the podcast you’ll hear the following Wildstarr songs (in this order): Arrival, Rose In The Dark, Rise

Items touched upon during the episode:

Vicious Rumors, Laaz Rocket, Jeff Thorpe, Warball, London Wilde, David T. Chastain, Kate France, Larry Howe, Wildestarr, Rob Halford, Queensryche, Jim Hawthorne, Kiss, UFO, Thin Lizzy, Blue Oyster Cult, Pain Killer, Halford, Resurrection, Judas Priest, Vinnie Moore, Brad Gillis, Mark McGhee, James Rivera, Dream Theater, Ronnie James Dio, Geoff Tate, Carl Albert, Michael Fischer, KNAC, Juan Arteaga, In An Outrage, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen, DiAddario, Sans Amp Tech 21 GT2, EMG, Gibson Guitars, Les Paul Custom, Greco Guitars, Ibanez Guitars, Chipster P.R., Chip Ruggieri, Talking Metal Wire, Metal Army America

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